Milan is an urban oasis of food and fashion making it one of Italy’s most visited cities. Once you’ve had enough of the cosmopolitan life, Milan’s location in Western Lombardy puts it within reach of many unbelievable day-trip destinations. Since it is considered the rail or train hub of northern Italy, getting around the region couldn’t be easier. Expand your footprint and discover what lies beyond Italy’s fashion capital with these easy and gorgeous day trip destinations.
Bergamo
Only 50 minutes from Milan by train, Bergamo is located in eastern Lombardy and is often overlooked by visitors traveling throughout the region. This Italian city offers plenty of medieval Renaissance architecture, breathtaking views, and fine dining. The city’s defining feature is that it’s split in two. The ancient hilltop Upper Town or “Città Alto” is tangled with medieval streets surrounded by Venetian Walls. It overlooks the more modern Lower Town or “Città Bassa”. The beauty of Bergamo’s unique double identity allows you to explore what feels like two very different places in one day.
Cremona
Just over an hour's train ride from Milan, you can find yourself in Cremona - the city of violins and violas. If you are a music lover this is a must-visit stop on your itinerary. The modern instrument was invented in Cremona and Antonio Stradivari’s world-famous violins made this city a musical center. If music isn’t your thing, see one of northern Italy’s most beautiful squares, Piazza del Comune, and stay for the vibrant food scene and amazing architecture.
Lake Garda
Milan is the perfect jumping-off point to enjoy northern Italy’s stunning lake region. Just over an hour from Milan by train, Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and it’s known for its crystal clear water. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find brightly colored towns to explore such as Sirmione, Malcesine, and Limone Sul Garda. It is possible to drive around the whole lake, or you can tour it by boat.
Turin
Slightly over an hour's train ride from Milan, you will land in the capital of Piemonte. Turin is the fourth largest city in Italy and tends to fly under the radar. Discover the city’s royal past in the historic center - it was a seat of the House of Savoy and the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy. If you enjoy soccer, don’t miss the opportunity to see Juventus play at Allianz Stadium. Stay in Turin to enjoy its distinguished Piemontese culinary scene, famed for flavorful food and bold wines.
Bologna
After taking a one-hour fast train south of Milan, you will arrive in Bologna - one of Italy’s most underrated and dynamic cities located in Emilia-Romagna. Bologna is a cultural hotspot that is well-known throughout Italy for being a food capital. Bologna has three nicknames that reflect what it is best known for: La Dotta, La Grassa, and La Rossa. “The Learned” is an ode to Bologna being home to Europe’s oldest university, “The Fat” refers to the region’s rich and decadent cuisine, and “The Red” signifies Bologna’s terracotta-tiled rooftops.
Varese
Less than an hour north of Milan, Varese has been deemed the “Garden City” because of the many well-manicured parks and gardens scattered throughout the town. Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi once described Varese as Milan’s “little Versailles” referring to the magnificent Palazzo Estense - the current seat of city hall. Come for the lively squares and charming cafés within Varese’s porticoed streets.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.