The Best Day Trips From Milan: 7 Must-See Spots in Northern Italy

Don't miss these gorgeous destinations the next time you visit Milan! I've spent the past two years living in Milan and have compiled a list of must-see places throughout Italy.

As a central hub, Milan is a great starting point for exploring northern Italy. Below are some of my favorite day trips from Milan. You can reach all of these destinations by car, train, or bus in under two hours.

Photo by Juliana Marino

1.) Bergamo

For €5 you can take the train and end up in the beautiful city of Bergamo. Plus, it’s only a 50 minute ride away!

This charming and historically rich city was named the Italian Capital of Culture in 2023.

Head to Città Alta, the historical part of town, and walk along the Venetian Walls. The original fortress walls are a UNESCO site! From here, you’ll have panoramic views of the city below and the mountains in the distance.

Fun fact: stracciatella gelato was created in Bergamo! So if this sunset picture doesn’t inspire you to visit, maybe some delicious gelato will.

Photo by Juliana Marino

2.) Lake Como

With its crystal blue water and stunning mountain vistas, Lake Como is one of the most enchanting regions of Northern Italy.

While you can easily spend a few days wandering through the cobblestone streets and boating to the beautiful villas around the lake, you can also book a day trip from Milan to Lake Como if you’re short on time.

A train ticket from Milano Centrale to Como is only €5, and the ride is about 40 minutes.

When you arrive in the city of Como, you can take the ferry to Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio. These are some of the most popular and picturesque towns in Lake Como, known for their stunning gardens, charming shops, and Italian villas.

If you’re looking for a less-crowded town to explore on the lake, head to Torno. This village is smaller compared to the other towns, but it has a gorgeous café and restaurant right on the water!

Photo by Juliana Marino

3.) Verona

Ah, the home of Romeo and Juliet! Verona is one of my favorite cities in all of Italy.

Perhaps it's the air of romance that lingers among the city's history, but there is something about Verona that I just love.

You can take a bus from Milano Lampugnano to Verona for €1! I've done this a few times, and the bus seats are very comfortable and the ride is just under 2 hours. Depending on the time of year, fares vary but the highest price I've seen is €5.

Verona is beautiful year-round, but my favorite time to visit is during the Christmas season. The city organizes one of the best Christmas markets in all of northern Italy.

Some must-see sites while you're in Verona are the Verona Arena, Juliet's House, Piazza delle Erbe, Ponte Pietra, and Basilica di Santa Anastasia.

Photo by Juliana Marino

4.) Lugano

Did you know that Milan is only an hour away from Switzerland by train? The ride from Milano Centrale to this Swiss alpine lake is only an hour and fifteen minutes.

Located in the southern, Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, Lugano is the Swiss version of Lake Como.

Surrounded by lush green hills, Lugano is another great day trip if you're looking to exchange the bustling streets of Milan for some fresh air and sunshine.

After you wander through the quaint shops, consider taking a private boat ride along the lake.

Photo by Juliana Marino

5.) Torino

The Italian capital of cinema is just under two hours from Milan! Torino is the epitome of architectural charm with its expansive piazzas, cobblestone streets, and of course, the iconic Mole Antonelliana.

While visiting Turin, be sure to try bicerin, the city's traditional drink that blends hot chocolate, espresso, and milk.

For panoramic views of the Alps and famous Mole, head to Superga Basilica. This eighteenth-century church is located on the top of a hill and has the best views of the city. Watching the sunset here is a beautiful way to end your visit of Torino.

Local's note: you're suppose to bring you're lover up here for good luck!

Photo by Juliana Marino

6.) Lake Garda

Another beautiful day trip from Milan is Lake Garda. I recommend visiting the medieval town of Sirmione. Simply take the train from Milan to Desenzano del Garda, and from there you can take the bus to Sirmione.

Situated along the end of a narrow peninsula, Sirmione is known for Scaligero Castle, the entrance into the old town. You can explore the inside of the castle, or take a boat ride through the fortress' moat.

As you explore the historical center of Sirmione, be sure to stop at the Flower House, a café that is covered in vibrant purple bougainvillea. Also visit the Roman ruins and Grotte de Cattulo.

Fun fact: Simrione is also home to many thermal baths! Consider soaking in the thermal waters and enjoying a relaxing spa day during your visit to Lake Garda.

Photo by Juliana Marino

7.) Cinque Terre

Out of all the day trips, Cinque Terre is the farthest from Milan, but still manageable to visit in one day.

The rainbow houses along the turquoise sea make this region of Italy feel like the setting of a fairytale, so making the trek to Cinque Terre is absolutely worth it!

Nestled in the cliffs along the Ligurian sea, the region of Cinque Terre includes five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Each town is beautiful, but if you only have a day, I recommend visiting Vernazza and Manarola.

Check out my article on the best viewpoints in Cinque Terre for Instagram-worthy spots in these towns.

Pro tip: Cinque Terre is located in the region of Liguria, an area of Italy known for its focaccia and pesto. Order Trofie al pesto with a glass of local white wine to experience the region's cuisine.