Milan may not be the most popular destination in our beloved Italy. Yet, it is one of the best transportation hubs in the country and reaches almost anywhere by train. There are many unique day trips from Milan Italy making it a great place to travel from…if only for a day or two.

If you are looking for some fun day trips from Milan…like perhaps Milan to Lake Como, then look no further. We have put together 6 great day trips from Milan that will take you to charming little towns, serene nature or even to the historic streets of Bergamo, Verona, Parma and Turin.

Best Day Trips from Milan

1. Milan to Lake Como

Why Visit: Lake Como is known for its picturesque landscapes and serene environment. The combination of mountains and water creates a tranquil setting, making it a great retreat. But beyond the lake itself the town is super cute with tons of history and charming little streets filled with shops, restaurants and cafes.

And if you have time, then visiting some of the Villas along the lake is a must! They are just a short ferry ride away and make day trips from Milan to Lake Como even more worthwhile!

How to Get There: Trains from Milan Centrale station to Como San Giovanni station run frequently, with a journey time of about 40 minutes. Alternatively, driving via the A9 motorway takes approximately an hour.

Top Things to See and Do:

Explore Como Town: Wander through the town’s historic center, visiting the Como Cathedral and the Broletto.

Ferry Ride: Take a ferry to Bellagio, Tremezzo or Varenna to experience the lake from a different perspective and see the fantastic villas along the lake.

Villa Carlotta: Visit this 18th-century villa in Tremezzo, known for its art collections and gardens.

Villa Monastero: Visit this 12th century villa in Varenna which includes a botanical garden, museum, beautiful works of art and a park that leads out to paths overlooking Lake Como.

Villa Melzi Gardens: Although Villa Melzi, located in Bellagio, is a private residence and cannot be visited, it’s gardens are some of the most beautiful in the region.

Where to Eat:

• Quatar Pass: Located in Como, this small restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes with good seafood and wine.
• Passion Como: Located in Como, this bistro serves simple and inexpensive sandwiches and coffees.
• Ostaria II Governo 1801: Is located in Menaggio, known for its local cuisine and their quail signature dish.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Greenway del Lago di Como: An 11.2 km (7 mile) walking path that runs along the western shore of Lake Como and offers a glimpse into local life and lesser-known areas around the lake. It runs from Colonno in the south to Griante in the north. Just to do this trail in itself can be one of the best day trips from Milan to Lake Como.

PRO Tip: If you’re planning to take multiple ferry rides on Lake Como in one day, it’s worth getting a “mid-lake free circulation” ticket (basically a day pass). This ticket covers regular passenger ferries, and you can even use it on the faster boats if you pay a small extra fee. However, the slower ferries are generally more scenic and enjoyable. These passes make sense if you’ll be on the ferry three times or more throughout the day.

Now, if you have come on one of the day trips from Milan to Lake Como looking for George Clooney’s house, you will not find it by walking/driving around. George has been very careful about his home location and placed it with only an entrance from the lake.

2. Bergamo

Why Visit: Bergamo is a charming town and is perfect for day trips from Milan. It is about 40 km (25 mi) northeast of the big city. What is most interesting is that Bergamo has two levels: the medieval Upper Town (Città Alta) and the modern Lower Town (Città Bassa).

The well preserved medieval hilltop town has impressive Venetian 16th-century walls around it, historic structures and cute cobblestone streets. These Walls have now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer incredible panoramic views – especially at sunset.

How to Get There: Trains from Milan Centrale to Bergamo station take about an hour. Driving via the A4 motorway also takes around an hour making this one of the best day trips from Milan.

Top Things to See and Do:

Getting to the Upper Town (Città Alta) is a real treat in itself. The charming mix of shops, delis, and old-fashioned cafes, trattorias and the like that are scattered along the way to the top make the journey amazing. However, keep in mind that the climb is considerable. Especially since most likely you will get deviated (just like we did) with all the amazing distractions along the way!

If you are not into the walk, you can take the funicular which climbs right through the impressive Venetian Walls. It is just steps from the train station. Or you can grab the bus, by taking the line 1 towards “Largo Colle Aperto”.

Whether you wander up using the various staircases dotted around the city, the bus, or take the funicular which climbs right through the impressive 16th-century walls – the journey itself is a pleasure.

Piazza Vecchia: The central square in the Upper Town, was built in the 1100’s and is surrounded by interesting buildings, cafes, restaurants and shops.

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: This main church in Bergamo was constructed in 1133 to protect it from the plague. It is known for its Romanesque Greek interior design and frescoes.

Rocca di Bergamo: This fortress was founded in 1331 and has been protecting Bergamo since then. The views of the city and well beyond it are fantastic from here.

Where to Eat:

• Ristorante Pasta & Basta: Offers local pasta dishes on a modest terrace. The food is fresh and delicious. The restaurant is about a 15 min walk from the train station.
• Il Fornaio: Known for its baked goods and pizzas. This bakery is located in the Upper Town of Bergamo.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Monastero d’Astino: Just a 20 minute drive from Bergamo proper, is this 12th century monastery. It is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon wandering around the church and it’s cloisters. There is a restaurant on the grounds that is highly recommended and considered inexpensive.

3. Verona

Why Visit: Verona is known for its Roman history and as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” However, it is so much more than that! The city’s Roman amphitheater and historic center are also great places to visit.

How to Get There: High-speed trains from Milan Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova station take about 1.5 hours. Driving via the A4 motorway takes approximately the same time.

Top Things to See and Do:

Verona Arena: A 1st century well preserved Roman amphitheater that is still in use today for popular concerts and for opera in the summer time.

Piazza delle Erbe: A lively square with market stalls and historic buildings. You’ll see the impressive Palazzo Maffei with its Baroque facade and statues of Roman gods, and the Torre dei Lamberti, a tall medieval tower you can climb for great city views.

Castelvecchio Museum: This 14th-century castle now serves as a museum showcasing medieval and Renaissance art, with a particular emphasis on Veronese paintings and sculptures. You’ll find works by Renaissance painters like Pisanello, Mantegna, and Giovanni Bellini.

Where to Eat:

• Osteria Il Bertoldo: Known for its local dishes, amazing pastas and wines.
• Trattoria al Pompiere: Offers traditional Veronese cuisine and large selection of cured meats and cheeses.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Giardino Giusti: A 16th century garden with nicely tiered terraces, sculptures and fountains. A great getaway from the touristy stuff in town.

PRO Tip: The Verona Card is a great way to save some money when visiting the top things to do in Verona Italy. Available in 24-hour (€27) and 48-hour (€32) versions, the Verona Card offers free entry to 15 attractions and reduced entry to numerous museums. In addition, you can ride the city buses for free.

4. Turin

Why Visit: Turin is a great city to visit because it’s got a unique vibe. Think royal history and fancy palaces from when it was Italy’s first capital, beautiful architecture, and amazing food like chocolate (dating back to 1560) and great wine.

Plus, it’s got a cool artsy side, and is less packed than the really touristy spots, so you can have a more chill, real Italian experience.

How to Get There: High-speed trains from Milan Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova station take about an hour making it a close enough place for day trips from Milan. Driving via the A4 and A21 motorways takes around 1.5 hours.

Top Things to See and Do:

Mole Antonelliana: The Mole Antonelliana is Turin’s famous, super tall tower, built starting in 1863. Originally planned as a synagogue, it became a city project due to disagreements between the city and the architect. The architecture is unique, kind of a mix but very ambitious and tall, using styles from the time. Today, this iconic building is home to the National Museum of Cinema.

Piazza Castello: Piazza Castello is Turin’s main square and has been the city’s heart for centuries. It was the center of power for the Savoy royals. On the square, you can see the grand Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama (a castle-like building), elegant walkways with shops, cafes, and the Prefecture building.

Museo Egizio: A museum with a collection of Egyptian artifacts.

Where to Eat:

• La Taverna Dei Mercanti: Homey atmosphere with exposed beams in the restaurant serving local Piedmontese dishes. Try the eggplant pasta or whatever they recommend – it is that good!
• Moi Moi Gastronomia Salentina: local more affordable eatery serving everything from coffee and croissants to good Orecchiette di Cime Rapa.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Borgo Medievale: A reconstruction of a medieval village in Parco del Valentino. A lovely place to walk around and learn about medieval life.

5. Parma

Why Visit: Parma is one of the most interesting day trips from Milan, especially if you love food and music! It’s world-famous for its amazing food, particularly it’s Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) and Parma ham (Prosciutto di Parma) – you can taste the real deal there.

But beyond food, Parma is also a really beautiful and historic city with stunning Romanesque architecture in its Piazza Duomo, including a gorgeous cathedral and baptistery. Plus, it’s the birthplace and spiritual home of the legendary opera composer Giuseppe Verdi! You can visit places connected to his life and soak in the musical heritage of the region, especially at the Teatro Regio, Parma’s opera house.

How to Get There: Trains from Milan Centrale to Parma station take about 1.5 hours, but there is a fast train that is only 51 minutes direct – close enough for good day trips from Milan. Driving via the A1 motorway takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Top Things to See and Do:

Parma Cathedral: a beautiful Romanesque church was built between 1059 and 1106. While its exterior is fairly simple, the inside is a stunning mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

The highlight is definitely Correggio’s incredible “Assumption of the Virgin” fresco in the dome – it’s a masterpiece of Renaissance art. You’ll also find other impressive works inside, like frescoes by Lattanzio Gambara and a bas-relief by Benedetto Antelami.

Teatro Regio: is a famous opera house that opened in 1829. It’s a beautiful building with a neoclassical design, and it’s known for having amazing acoustics—so good, in fact, that it’s sometimes called “the loggia of the Scala.” Many famous singers and conductors have performed there, and it’s still a really important part of Parma’s culture.

The Palazzo della Pilotta: is a large complex of buildings showing off different architectural styles. Built by the Farnese family, it’s more like a collection of buildings than one single palace, and it houses several cultural spots. Inside, you’ll find the National Gallery, the Palatine Library, the Archaeological Museum, and the unique wooden Teatro Farnese.

Where to Eat:

• Trattoria Corrieri: A well-regarded spot serving traditional dishes, including homemade pasta and cured meats.
• Rigoletto: Stylish restaurant run by a husband (front of the house) and wife (chef) team who create famous Parma dishes. Some favorites are the Homemade Pasta with Lemon and the Pasta with Sausage and Peppers.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Caseifici Tours: Visit a local dairy farm to see how Parmigiano-Reggiano is made and taste fresh cheese.

6. Bologna

Why Visit: One of the best day trips from Milan is Bologna! Bologna is a charming city with beautiful streets, medieval towers, and lively squares, offering a nice break from busy Milan. It’s famous for its amazing food, especially the delicious Tagliatelle al Ragù.

Because Bologna’s city center is fairly compact, you can easily see a lot in one day, like the famous Two Towers and Piazza Maggiore. It’s a chance to see a different, more traditional side of Italy, packed with history, culture, and fantastic food, and it’s one of the easiest day trips from Milan.

How to Get There: High-speed trains from Milan Centrale to Bologna Centrale take about 1 hour. Driving via the A1 motorway takes around 2 hours.

Top Things to See and Do:

Piazza Maggiore: The city’s main square is the heart of Bologna. It’s a large, open square surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings, making it a central gathering point for locals and visitors alike.

Some of the most important landmarks of Bologna face the piazza, including the Basilica di San Petronio, the Palazzo d’Accursio (city hall), and the Fountain of Neptune. It’s a busy space, often used for events and festivals.

Le Due Torri (Two Towers): Built in the early 12th century, the two towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are leaning medieval towers that stand tall in the city’s center. The taller of the two, the Asinelli Tower, can be climbed for panoramic views of Bologna (though it’s a steep climb!). The shorter Garisenda Tower also leans, though it’s not open to the public.

Where to Eat:

• Da Cesari: A famous spot for pastas, especially tagliatelle al ragù (authentic Bolognese sauce) set in a wood-paneled setting with a great wine list.
• Ristorante L’Arcimboldo: Known for it’s homemade tortellini in brodo and other pasta twists. Don’t miss their art exhibit in the cellar.

Non-Touristy Activity:

Portico di San Luca: A challenging 3.8 km (2 mile) covered trek leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. At the top are amazing panoramic city views! However, keep in mind that a third of this journey is a steep up hill. Make sure to bring plenty of water as there are no shops to purchase it along the way.

Wrap Up: Day Trips from Milan Italy

There are so many fabulous day trips from Milan Italy! The Milan to Lake Como day trip is probably our favorite, but there are oodles of other options, including: Bologna, Parma, Turin, Verona and Bergamo!

After spending 5 days in busy Milan, we were ready to head out and experience some of the other nearby quieter towns! And they all have so much character and charm it was really difficult to just limit our list to these 6.

What are your favorite day trips from Milan Italy? We would love to hear from you in the comments and add to our growing list of day trips from Milan.