Milan is not only the fashion capital of the world. This Italian city is full of incredible attractions. Medieval architecture, luxurious shops, narrow winding streets, delicious ice cream… And from the roof of the famous cathedral you can see the panorama of the whole city! All this attracts thousands of tourists. But after seeing the city enough and walking through the famous shops, most tourists start to look for the best day trips from Milan.
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If you have thoroughly explored the city and its sights, and you still have some days left, you can make one-day trips around the outskirts of Milan.
The best day trips from Milan: Lake Como
Lake Como is one of the main natural attractions of Italy. This stunningly beautiful picturesque reservoir is protected from cold winds by the surrounding mountains. Cozy villages and small towns are located on the shores of the lake. Here it is pleasant to take long walks along mountain paths, admire nature, visit numerous museums, photograph ancient architectural masterpieces and play sports. It is no coincidence that Lake Como is a favorite vacation spot for celebrities.
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St. Moritz, Switzerland
Switzerland is very close to Milan. It is worth getting to Tirano to start your day trip from Milan. You can either go by your own or rented car, or take a train. The second option is very popular among tourists. By train, in just two and a half hours and less than 15 euros, you will find yourself at the border of Italy and Switzerland. In Tirano, take the famous Bernina Express and in two and a half hours you will be in another country. But even the train ride will not leave you indifferent. This is the steepest railway in the world. From 429 meters above sea level, it rises into the mountains to over 1800 meters! From the train window you can admire the stunning alpine landscapes. The train will take you to one of the most famous mountain resorts in Switzerland – the city of St. Moritz.
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The best day trips from Milan: Bergamo
There is a lot to see in Bergamo. The historical walls surrounding the old city and the medieval architecture located in it, stretch for five kilometers. You can also get to the upper part of the city by funicular. Here you will find the famous Cathedral of St. Mary Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel. The surroundings of the city are also noteworthy, the hills of which stretch right up to the distant Lake Como.
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Franciacorta
A day trip from Milan to the Franciacorta wine region sounds like a perfect idea. Here you can taste award-winning wines and even meet wine producers and they will talk about the process of making this drink. And in the boutique of the winery you can always buy something special.
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The best day trips from Milan: Venice
Venice was built in the lagoon of the same name on 122 islands (according to other sources – 118), connected by 400 bridges. This is a real monument city, founded approximately in the 5th century BC, where absolutely any building can claim the title of historical. Therefore, it is not surprising that the entire old part of Venice and its lagoon are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is the perfect place for a day trip from Milan. Five villages with bright colorful houses are located on the slopes of the hills. These lands, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, are one of the most picturesque sights in Italy.
The best day trips from Milan: Bellagio and Lugano
Bellagio is one of the most beautiful tourist locations, not only on Lake Como, but all over the world. Since the sixteenth century, the beauty of the town has been praised by Italian and foreign visitors. The charm of Bellagio, first of all, lies in the beautiful panorama, since from here you can admire most of Lake Como. Add here beautiful villas with an abundant luxuriance of flowers and trees, picturesque staircases, and you will understand why Bellagio deserves the title of the “Pearl of Lake Como”.
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Lugano is a small Swiss town in the canton of Ticino. It is located in the south of the country, surrounded by the Alps and a mountain lake. It is a cozy place with small colored houses, luxurious parks, ancient churches and incredible restaurants, which are marked by the red Michelin guide. Here you can relax from the bustle of metropolitan areas, enjoy the views of snow-capped peaks and perfectly calm water surface.
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Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands
Lake Maggiore is definitely a perfect day trip from Milan. Take a boat and spend the day moving from one island to another. Visit Isole Bella, Isole Madre and Isole dei Pescatori. No doubt, you will have the impressions of your lifetime!
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The best day trips from Milan: Lake Garda
Garda is the largest and most famous lake in Italy. You can get here by train, which passes through the beautiful countryside of Lombardy. Don’t forget to take a cruise on the lake, and visit the coastal towns of Sirmione and Desenzano.
Sirmione is considered the pearl of the lake. Tourists will be interested to see the fortress, the Roman villa and the Catullo caves. And in the port of Desenzano you’ll find an impressive medieval castle.
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Verona
This ancient corner of Veneto region is known as one of the most romantic places in the world thanks to the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare. Verona means two thousand years of history, frozen in charming old streets: an ancient Roman amphitheater, medieval churches, as well as numerous sights and monuments. It is a city saturated with an atmosphere of romance and a centuries-old past, with a magnificent historical center, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The best day trips from Milan: Genova and Portofino
Genoa, the largest port in Italy, attracts tourists with its monuments and the old town, partly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walking along the coastline, you can reach the colorful villages of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure. Here you will see fishing boats swinging on the water.
Interlaken and Swiss Alps
Can you imagine that the glorious Alpine landscapes of Interlaken are only witnin a few hours drive from Milan? Just take a train, and after some time you will find yourself in another world, surrounded by high peaks, mountain lakes and magnificent green countryside.
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Maranello Ferrari Tour
Ferrari is one of the most famous and beloved car brands in Italy. If you enjoy high speed cars racing around the racetracks, then Maranello is a perfect day trip from Milan for you. Here you can visit the track where new cars are tested, and learn more about the brand and its history at the Ferrari Museum, as well as see old models. And in the house-museum of Enzo Ferrari you will learn about the 40-year history of Formula 1.
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The best day trips from Milan: Florence
Beautiful Florence is definitely a must visit place for a day trip from Milan. There are many attractions here. The medieval architecture of the city is known all over the world. The ancient cathedral offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city. The famous Uffizi Art Gallery is also interesting. Besides, many tourists are attracted by the mysterious Vasari corridor.
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Turin
Just an hour and a half by train from Milan, and you will spend the day in Turin. The Dukes of Savoy designed this magnificent city as the Paris of the South. Walking through this elegant city with wide avenues and squares surrounded by arcades is already a pleasure! Add to this a visit to the luxurious Royal Palace, and a breathtaking glass elevator ride to the roof of Molle Antonelliana, which is the tallest brick building in Europe. The latter provides an unforgettable view of the snow-capped Savoy Alps, and you will understand that you have made the right choice!
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The best day trips from Milan: Stupinigi Hunting Lodge
If big cities are not for you, then visit the hunting lodge of Stupinigi, which is located very close to Turin. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the complex was a favorite place of the Savoy dynasty for spectacular partiess and ceremonial events. Extravagant and magnificent at the same time, the building impresses with its size and luxury of the interiors. There is nothing small in the Stupinigi residence!
