Milan is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history and cultural heritage. But the city is also surrounded by a stunning landscape, with beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best day trips from Milan. From the picturesque shores of Lake Como to the charming streets of Parma, these day trips offer a unique and exciting way to explore the surrounding region. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an adventure-filled day, these day trips have something for everyone. Join us as we explore the beauty of the Milan region.
Lake Como:
Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips from Milan, and for good reason. Located just an hour’s drive from the city, Lake Como offers a stunning natural setting with crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountains. The lake is known for its charming towns, including Bellagio, which is considered the “Pearl of the Lake.”
A day trip to Lake Como can include a boat tour of the lake, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the town of Bellagio, which is known for its historic center, with winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful gardens. The town is also home to several important landmarks, including the Basilica of San Giacomo and the Villa Melzi. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including fresh fish, local cheese, and the town’s famous gelato.
The Italian Lakes are a wonderful place to visit from Milan, if you’re interested in finding out more about what you can visit while there, then check out our 7 Day Tour of The Italian Lakes!
Parma:
Parma is a beautiful city located just an hour and a half by train from Milan. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a long history dating back to the Roman Empire. Parma is also home to some of Italy’s most famous food and drink, including Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, and Lambrusco wine.
A day trip to Parma can include a visit to the city’s historic center, which is home to several important landmarks, including the Cathedral of Parma, the Baptistery of Parma, and the Palazzo della Pilotta. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the National Gallery of Parma, which showcases a collection of paintings by artists such as Correggio and Parmigianino. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including Parma ham, Parmesan cheese, and Lambrusco wine.
Mantua:
Mantua is a beautiful city located just an hour by train from Milan. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and its association with the Gonzaga family, who ruled the city for many centuries. Mantua is also home to several important landmarks, including the Palazzo Ducale, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, and the Rotonda di San Lorenzo.
A day trip to Mantua can include a visit to the city’s historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic center is home to several important landmarks, including the Palazzo Ducale, which was once the residence of the Gonzaga family. The palace is known for its beautiful frescoes and its impressive art collection, which includes works by artists such as Andrea Mantegna and Peter Paul Rubens. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including pumpkin tortelli, luccio fish, and the city’s famous sbrisolona cake.
Brescia:
Brescia is a beautiful city located just an hour and a half by train from Milan. The city is known for its rich history, with a long tradition of art and culture. Brescia is also home to several important landmarks, including the Castello di Brescia, the Duomo di Brescia, and the Santa Giulia Museum.
A day trip to Brescia can include a visit to the city’s historic center, which is home to several important landmarks and museums. The Castello di Brescia, for example, is a stunning medieval castle that offers beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The Santa Giulia Museum, on the other hand, showcases a collection of artifacts and artwork from the Roman and medieval periods. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including polenta, risotto alla pilota, and the city’s famous spiedo bresciano.
Cremona:
Cremona is a beautiful city located just an hour by train from Milan. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and its association with music and the arts. Cremona is the birthplace of the violin, and the city is home to a number of museums and galleries that showcase its musical heritage.
A day trip to Cremona can include a visit to the Museum of the Violin, which showcases a collection of violins and other musical instruments. The museum also offers guided tours and workshops, where you can learn more about the history and craftsmanship of the violin. You can also visit the Cathedral of Cremona, which is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with its stunning façade and ornate interior. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including Cremonese sausage, mostarda di Cremona, and the city’s famous nougat. Overall, a day trip to Cremona is a great way to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.
Pavia:
Pavia is a beautiful city located just a short train ride from Milan. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with a long history dating back to the Roman Empire. Pavia is also home to several important landmarks, including the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, the Certosa di Pavia, and the Ticinensis Roman Bridge.
A day trip to Pavia can include a visit to the city’s historic center, which is home to several charming squares and beautiful buildings. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Civic Museum, which showcases a collection of medieval art and artifacts. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including fresh pasta, locally-produced cheese, and the city’s famous risotto alla certosina. Overall, a day trip to Pavia is a great way to explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Monza:
Monza is a city located just a short train ride from Milan. The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the famous Monza Park, which is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. The park is home to the Royal Villa of Monza, a stunning neoclassical palace that was once the summer residence of the Italian royal family.
A day trip to Monza can include a visit to the Monza Park and the Royal Villa. The park offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, with winding paths, fountains, and sculptures. The Royal Villa is also worth a visit, with its beautiful gardens and grand interior. The villa is home to a collection of art and antiques, including paintings by Titian and Tiepolo. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including risotto alla Monzese and panettone, a traditional sweet bread. Overall, a day trip to Monza is a great way to experience the city’s beautiful parks and gardens.
Varese:
Varese is a beautiful city located just an hour by train from Milan. The city is known for its stunning location, surrounded by rolling hills and forests. Varese is also home to several important landmarks, including the Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a series of chapels and a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
A day trip to Varese can include a visit to the Sacro Monte, where you can explore the chapels and enjoy the beautiful views. The city is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Villa Panza, which showcases a collection of modern and contemporary art. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding hills. Overall, a day trip to Varese is a great way to experience the beauty of the Milan region and enjoy the great outdoors.
Stresa:
Stresa is a beautiful town located on the shores of Lake Maggiore, just an hour and a half by train from Milan. The town is known for its stunning location, with beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Stresa is also home to a well-preserved historic center, with charming streets, picturesque squares, and beautiful gardens.
A day trip to Stresa can include a boat tour of the lake, which offers stunning views of the Borromean Islands, a group of three islands that are a popular destination for visitors to the region. The town of Stresa is known for its historic center, with narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings, and is also home to several important landmarks, including the Church of St. Ambrogio and the Palazzo Borromeo. In addition to sightseeing, you can also enjoy a variety of local specialties, including fresh fish, local cheese, and the town’s famous gelato.
Want to include Stresa in a longer, multi-day tour of Italy? Check out our 7 Day Tour of The Italian Lakes or Best of Northern Italy in 12 Days itineraries!
Get Your Own Day Trip From Milan
Milan and its surrounding region offer a wealth of exciting and beautiful destinations for day trips. From the stunning shores of Lake Como to the charming streets of Parma, these day trips offer a unique and exciting way to explore the region. If you’re planning a trip to Milan and want to experience the best of what the region has to offer, consider contacting our travel planning experts to request a custom itinerary. Our experienced team can help you plan the perfect day trip, whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or an adventure-filled day. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beauty of Milan and its surrounding region. Get in touch today to request your custom itinerary.
