I was visiting a friend over in Milan who was studying abroad and while there are plenty of things to do in Milan, it can easily be doable in couple of days. Therefore I started looking at easy day trips from Milan. Here is what my friend suggested as well as my experience in getting to some of these locations. I was surprised at the variety of Milan day trips available.
You can visit serene lakes, alpine towns, historic cities and venture into Switzerland and back all within a day. The most important bit about all of this is you don’t need a car for the majority of these as Milan is a major transport hub that can take you to these destinations and back in just 1-3 hours.
Below you will find the top day trips (no more than ~3 hours one-way), each easily reachable by public transport. I’ve included approximate travel times and costs for trains or buses, so you can plan an epic day out without breaking the bank. All train timetables can be found from TrenItalia and can be bought there or through Omio. Let’s dive into the 15 amazing day trips from Milan.
Day Trips from Milan to the Lakes
Let’s start off with my favorite. If there is a day trip from a city to some beautiful scenery and some nice lakes then you can bet your house that I will be there. It is too soothing an experience and combine that with a nice long hike, I’m in travel heaven. So here’s the three lakes which are easily accessible from Milan.
1) Lake Como – Lakeside Charm & Alpine Scenery
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most famous and glamorous lakes and everyone and their mum has heard about this one. It is most famous for a reason and why usually the more hype there is around a place the more I get put off by it, I had to go and see what all the fuss is about.
There are loads of villages along the lake and I wanted to combine a few by ferry but because I was traveling in off season and combine that with the fact there was a train strike going on I was stuck with only Como. I was not disappointed however as I took the time to go up the village of Brunate and explore the small city of Como and its viewpoint.
You can extend your stay here or do multiple day trips to the other quaint villages like Varenna (with its romantic promenades and botanical gardens) or take a ferry to Bellagio (the “pearl of the lake” known for its steep cobbled lanes and luxurious villas) I was not disappointed with Lake Como and while it somewhat lives up to the hype, in my opinion there are more beautiful lakes in Europe such as Lake Bled in Slovenia or Lake Halstatt in Austria
Travel Time & Cost: Direct trains from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino take about 1 hour (tickets ~€7 each way). From Varenna, ferries connect to Bellagio and other mid-lake towns (ferry day-pass ~€15). Alternatively, a train to Como city takes 40–60 minutes from Milano Centrale or Cadorna station (around €5 one-way). In the evening, you can return by train from Como Lago station back to Milan. Overall, it’s an easy and affordable day trip and you can combine ferries and come and go from different train stations across the lake.
2) Lake Garda – Castles, Thermal Baths & Lakeside Leisure
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake. Its southern end is easily reached from Milan and is home to Sirmione, a fairytale-like peninsula town famed for its medieval Scaliger Castle surrounded by water. Walk the drawbridge into the old town, climb the castle towers for panoramic views, and relax at the lakeside Jamaica Beach or visit the ancient Roman ruins of a villa (Grotte di Catullo).
There are also nearby towns like Desenzano del Garda and Peschiera del Garda have charming promenades and cafes. Lake Garda is also lively year-round: in warm months you can swim, boat, or even visit family attractions like Gardaland theme park, while cooler seasons are perfect for strolls and thermal spa visits. It is however recommended to spend more than a day around Lake Garda with people spending around 4 days in the surroundings of Lake Garda alone.
Travel Time & Cost: High-speed trains from Milan reach Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione in as little as 50 minutes (from €19 if booked early), or regional trains take about 1.5 hours (around €8–€10). From Desenzano, Sirmione is a 10 km bus ride (15–20 minutes, ~€2). Alternatively, train to Peschiera del Garda (1h – 1h30 depending on train) and connect by bus or ferry to other lake towns. Plan on spending ~€20–€30 total on transport for a full round trip.
3) Lake Maggiore – Stresa & the Borromean Islands
Finally there is also Lake Maggiore which is another gorgeous lake at Milan’s doorstep, known for its island palaces and gardens. The town of Stresa on the western shore is a classic 19th-century resort town. From Stresa, you can hop on ferry boats to the Borromean Islands, a trio of small islands each with its own charm. Isola Bella boasts an extravagant Baroque palace and tiered Italian gardens, Isola dei Pescatori is a quaint fishing village with seafood trattorias, and Isola Madre features botanical gardens with rare plants.
Back on shore, you can stroll Stresa’s promenade with gelato in hand, all while admiring views of the lake against the mountain backdrop. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to visit here but it is definitely on my list and it will be the first place I go the next time I am in Milan as it was heavily recommended.
Travel Time & Cost: Trains from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi to Stresa run roughly every hour and take about 1 hour (expect around €8–€12 each way on a regional train). Once in Stresa, ferries to the islands are frequent (tickets for the hop-on-hop-off ferry circuit cost around €15–€20 for the day). It’s perfectly feasible to see two or even all three islands in one day before returning to Milan in the evening.
Day Trips from Milan to Lombardy’s Historic Towns
The nearby region of Lombardy where Milan resides have loads of small historic towns, which may be too much to visit all in one trip but if you want some variety to have a mix of everything then consider visiting one of the following.
4) Bergamo – Medieval Hilltown Atmosphere
Bergamo is very close to Milan, so much so there is also an airport which many budget airlines serve – Milan Bergamo. This is a two-tiered historic city consisting of Città Alta, a walled medieval and Renaissance gem perched on a hill, and the lower city.
In Bergamo’s Città Alta, you’ll wander narrow stone lanes opening onto beautiful squares like Piazza Vecchia, visit the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Colleoni Chapel (with frescoes and golden details galore), and enjoy sweeping views over the plains from the Venetian-era fortress walls. A funicular tram carries you up from the lower city to the old town, adding to the charm. Bergamo’s mix of medieval architecture, cafes, and vistas makes it an ideal relaxed day trip.
Travel Time & Cost: Bergamo is very close – just a 50–60 minute direct train ride from Milano Centrale (or Porta Garibaldi) station. One-way tickets cost around €5–€6 (regional train). Once you arrive, you can either walk (~20–30 minutes uphill) or take the local bus/funicular (a few euros) up to Città Alta. Transportation is cheap enough that your biggest expense might be an extra cappuccino or pastry in one of Bergamo’s lovely piazzas!
5) Brescia – Roman Ruins & Renaissance Squares
Brescia is often overlooked but this city is a historic city with ancient roots. It was a Roman stronghold, and you can still visit the impressive ruins of the Roman Capitolium Temple and theater right in the city center. Nearby there is the monastic complex of San Salvatore–Santa Giulia, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a museum showcasing Lombardy’s history from Roman to medieval times.
Beyond its museums, Brescia offers elegant piazzas (Piazza della Loggia is particularly beautiful with its Venetian-style palace and clock tower) and a medieval castle on a hill overlooking the city. The city has a lively local vibe and far fewer tourists than hotspots like Verona, so you can enjoy an authentic Italian city atmosphere.
Travel Time & Cost: High-speed trains make it to Brescia in as little as 36 minutes from Milan Centrale (typically €15–€25 one-way), but even the frequent regional trains are quick, about 1 hour 15 minutes (costing only €8 each way). With at least four trains per hour, it’s an easy journey. Once in Brescia, most sights are walkable from the station or a short metro ride (yes, Brescia has its own small metro system). You could comfortably do Brescia in a half-day, or combine it with nearby Lake Iseo if you’re ambitious (Iseo is another offbeat lake about 20 minutes further by train)
6) Mantua (Mantova) – Renaissance Art & Quiet Cannoli
Mantua is a Renaissance jewel surrounded by lakes (yes more lakes). These lakes however are artificially made for defence years ago. Art lovers will be in heaven here. There is the sprawling Ducal Palace which has over 500 rooms, including fresco masterpieces like Andrea Mantegna’s Bridal Chamber, and the outside courtyards are full of medieval charm. Despite its grandeur, Mantua feels peaceful and uncrowded. Be sure to taste the local specialty sbrisolona almond cake or a creamy cannolo filled with ricotta while you’re there!
Travel Time & Cost: Mantua is about 2 hours from Milan by direct regional train (departing roughly every 2 hours from Milano Centrale or Lambrate station). A one-way ticket costs around €12. It’s a bit on the longer side for a day trip, but still doable. I don’t really fancy it but if you are a frequent visitor in Milan and want something different then go for it. (Insider tip: if you have a Lombardia regional day pass or similar, it can cover the journey since Mantua lies just over the Lombardy border in Veneto.) Once in Mantua, everything is within walking distance, and the train station is only a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Day Trips from Milan to Switzerland
Yes, the allusive country of Switzerland! The country where everyone is afraid to see the bill. Well some good news, is that you can travel to parts of Switzerland from Milan especially right on the border. The bad news? It is not exactly cheap. There are some workarounds though so let’s get into them!
7) Lugano (Switzerland) – A Taste of Switzerland’s Lake District
I am sorry but we are back to lakes. This time in another country though. The Swiss city of Lugano lies on the shore of Lake Lugano which is surrounded by mountains. It is a blend of Mediterranean atmosphere and yet the marvel of Swiss nature shines through. I was immediately captivated by it and while everything is expensive I started to try and enjoy everything there is for free.
Luckily the Swiss dont charge you for a stroll the lovely waterfront promenade and parks and explore the chic pedestrian shopping streets (with the obvious purchase of Swiss chocolate shops abound). For great views, take the funicular up to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore, two panoramic peaks overlooking the lake. I actually decided to hike up to Monte Bre as the funicular had problems and it was only a 30 minute walk. The views from there are absolutely stunning.
Travel Time & Cost: Fast regional trains and cross-border intercity trains run hourly from Milano Centrale to Lugano, usually taking just 1 hour to 1h20. Ticket prices can vary: the Swiss EuroCity trains cost around €25 one-way, but there are also Italian regional trains that cost roughly €12–€15 one-way (note that if you take a regional train, you might need to switch at Chiasso, but many routes are direct). Some trains do have passport control at the border, so do remember you’re leaving the Eurozone – Swiss francs are used in Lugano (though many places accept euros). It’s definitely possible to have breakfast in Milan, snack in Switzerland, and be back in Milan by dinner!
8) Bernina Express to St. Moritz – Alpine Wonderland by Train
The Bernina Express is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and snakes its way from Italy up into the Swiss Alps, ending in the chic resort of St. Moritz. Along the way, you’ll witness engineering marvels like the Brusio spiral viaduct (where the train loops over itself to gain elevation) and jaw-dropping landscapes like Lago Bianco.
The journey itself is the main attraction – it’s one of the only train routes declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty. Once in St. Moritz, you can breathe in the crisp air, peek at the swanky shops and lakefront, and perhaps have a pastry or hot chocolate before your return. It’s a long day but absolutely unforgettable, especially for photographers and nature lovers.
Travel Time & Cost: Doing this in a day requires an early start. First, you’ll travel from Milan to the town of Tirano (about 2.5 hours by regional train, around €11 one-way). Tirano is where the Bernina line begins.
Option 1: Hop on the official Bernina Express panoramic train which requires a reservation (the ride to St. Moritz takes ~2 hours 20 minutes; seat reservation ~€14 + ticket ~€30–€40).
Option 2: Take the standard regional train on the same Bernina route (identical scenery, slightly older cars, but cheaper tickets around €20 and no reservation needed). Either way, you’ll cross the Swiss border and climb up to St. Moritz. After some time in St. Moritz, you can return via the same route (note the last trains back to Tirano in late afternoon).
Many travelers opt for a guided day tour from Milan that handles all the logistics (often ~€130–€150, including a bus from Milan to Tirano, the Bernina train ride one-way, and bus back from Switzerland). While not a cheap excursion, the sheer beauty of the Alps on this trip is hard to top!
Day Trips from Milan to Other Cities
Back to cities and Italy has plenty to choose from. Some of these are on the longer side but make sure to read through for how to make each of these doable as day trips from Milan.
9) Genoa – Historic Port City & Coastal Gateway
Genoa is a fascinating port city with a rich maritime history. It was one of the great medieval maritime republics, and its heritage lives on in the atmospheric old town – a labyrinth of narrow alleys (caruggi) that suddenly open to ornate squares. Genoa’s contrasts are striking: gritty alleyways, grand palaces from its golden age (the Palazzi dei Rolli, UNESCO-listed, line Via Garibaldi), and a bustling modern port with the famous Aquarium of Genoa (one of Europe’s largest). As Italy’s largest sea port, Genoa feels a bit off the typical tourist trail, yet it’s full of treasures for those who explore its nooks and crannies.
Travel Time & Cost: Trains run frequently (at least hourly) from Milan to Genoa. The fastest intercity trains take about 1 hour 30 minutes from Milano Centrale to Genova Piazza Principe station (around €13–€20 one-way depending on train type), while slower regional trains can take up to 2 hours. Once there, most attractions are walking distance or a short bus ride – the city is built on hills, so be ready for some uphill strolling.
If you’re keen to see the Liguria coast beyond Genoa: the chic seaside village of Portofino is another 45 minutes to 1 hour away (train from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure ~30 min, then a 15-min bus or ferry to Portofino). Portofino’s tiny harbor with its pastel houses is gorgeous, but it’s also quite exclusive. It can be visited in the same day with an early start, or you might choose one or the other. (Organized tours from Milan often combine Genoa & Portofino in a long day.)
10) Turin (Torino) – Italy’s First Capital
Turin, the capital of the Piedmont region, is an elegant city known for its royal past and rich culture. It was Italy’s first capital in 1861, and it shows: tree-lined boulevards, grand squares like Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo, and Baroque palaces at every turn. History buffs will enjoy the Royal Palace of Turin and the adjacent Armoury and Royal Library (which even houses some sketches by Leonardo da Vinci). Another must-see is the Mole Antonelliana, Turin’s iconic spire-topped building – inside is the fantastic National Cinema Museum, and you can take an elevator up for panoramic views. Turin is also famed for its Egyptian Museum, which holds one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities outside Egypt.
Travel Time & Cost: High-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) zip from Milano Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova in just about 1 hour (with advance fares starting around €19; last-minute around €30). Slower regional trains take about 1h 50m (cost ~€13 one-way). With trains running at least every hour (often more), Turin is one of the easiest big-city trips from Milan.
11) Verona – Romance, Roman Arenas & Riversides
Verona is famously the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and while you can visit “Juliet’s House” with its balcony (a fun photo op despite the fictional nature), Verona offers much more than literary legend. The city’s star attraction is the Verona Arena, a huge Roman amphitheater in remarkable condition when it’s actually older than the Colosseum and still hosts open-air opera performances in summer.
Surrounding the Arena is Piazza Bra, a lively square lined with cafes. Stroll to the picturesque Piazza delle Erbe, once a Roman forum and now a bustling marketplace, adorned with frescoed buildings and a Venetian lion statue. History is everywhere: the Castelvecchio, a red-brick medieval castle on the Adige River, now houses an art museum and provides great views from its ramparts.
Wander across the Ponte Pietra, a Roman stone bridge, to get panoramic views of Verona’s skyline. And yes, if you’re feeling romantic, you can join the crowd beneath Juliet’s Balcony on Via Cappello or rub the bronze statue of Juliet for luck in love (just be ready for crowds there!). Verona’s mix of ancient Roman, medieval, and Renaissance sites packed into a walkable center makes it one of the most charming cities in northern Italy.
Travel Time & Cost: It’s quite quick: high-speed trains from Milan to Verona Porta Nuova station take about 1h 15m (usually €18–€25 each way, but promotions can be less). Slower regional trains are cheaper (~€13) but take about 2 hours. There are multiple departures every hour. Once in Verona, you can walk from the station to the historic center in about 20 minutes, or take a local bus for a few stops. Plan on a full day to enjoy Verona’s sights at a leisurely pace.
12) Venice – Canals & Iconic Sights (Longer Day)
Venice hardly needs an introduction as it’s one of the world’s most unique and magical cities. In one day, focus on the highlights: Start at Piazza San Marco, where you can admire the gold mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica (entrance is free, but lines can be long), the lofty Campanile bell tower, and the Doge’s Palace with its pink marble Gothic arches. Stroll along the Grand Canal or take the Vaporetto (water bus) down this main “street” to see sights like the Rialto Bridge. Yes, Venice can be crowded and you won’t see it all in a day, but even a taste of its atmosphere is unforgettable.
Travel Time & Cost: This is the longest trip on our list but still feasible as a day trip if you start early. The fastest trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Milano Centrale reach Venezia Santa Lucia station in about 2 hours 15 minutes (typically €25–€40 one-way, though advance deals can be less). There are direct trains roughly hourly. It’s wise to catch an early morning train to maximize your time in Venice (e.g., a 7am departure gets you there around 9:30am). Returning, the last high-speed trains back to Milan leave Venice around 7-8pm, with a few slower options later.
A round-trip in one day will be a bit pricey and around 5 hours of travel total, but if Venice is on your must-see list, it can be done. Once in Venice, everything is on foot or by boat – the station opens right onto the Grand Canal. Note: Venice can be very crowded around San Marco and Rialto; try visiting those sights at off-peak times (early morning or late afternoon) and enjoy quieter neighborhoods (Dorsoduro, Cannaregio) during midday.
13) Florence – Renaissance Art & Architecture
If you haven’t been to Florence (Firenze) yet, a day trip from Milan is enough to get a wonderful glimpse of the Cradle of the Renaissance. This city is an open-air museum of art, architecture, and history. While not as iconic as the Duomo in Milan, the Florence duomo holds its own and you can climb up inside the dome or Giotto’s adjacent bell tower for stunning city views. Cross the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge lined with jewelry shops, and explore the artisan district of Oltrarno on the other side of the Arno river.
There is also the famous Florence museum Uffizi, but keep in mind that it will require several hours so on a day trip you might be tight for time. Otherwise, soak up the ambiance by wandering the streets, enjoying Tuscan cuisine, and doing some people-watching in this lively, historic city.
Travel Time & Cost: High-speed trains make Florence surprisingly close – just 1 hour 40 minutes from Milano Centrale to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station (with very frequent departures, at least two per hour). Prices range from around €20 up to €45 each way depending on timing and how early you book. It’s strongly recommended to reserve in advance for decent fares.
Once in Florence, the historic center is walking-only – all major sights are within a 20-minute walk from the station. Because Florence is smaller than Rome or Milan, you can experience a lot in one day, but expect a bit of crowd especially in peak season.
14) Bologna – Foodie Heaven & Medieval Towers
For food lovers, Bologna is a must. This vibrant university city is considered Italy’s gastronomic capital – the home of Bolognese sauce (here called ragù), handmade tortellini, mortadella cold cuts, and so much more. But beyond the incredible cuisine (plan to have a long lunch or at least sample lots of street food!), Bologna offers unique sights. The city is famous for its porticoes – covered arcades that line almost every street, making it a pleasure to walk in any weather. You’ll see the Two Towers (Le Due Torri), iconic medieval skyscrapers; you can climb the taller, Asinelli Tower, for a panoramic view over the red roofs.
Go to the old University quarter to see the historic anatomy theater at the Archiginnasio, or pop into the food markets of the Quadrilatero area to ogle (and taste!) cheeses, cured meats, and fresh pasta. Compared to tourist hotspots, Bologna feels lively and authentic, thanks in part to its large student population. It’s a city that will satisfy both your cultural curiosity and your stomach.
Travel Time & Cost: Bologna lies on the high-speed train corridor and is only 1 hour from Milan by the fastest trains (non-stop Frecciarossa from Milano Centrale). Tickets typically cost €20–€30 each way (cheaper if booked early). There are also slower trains and even intercity buses, but the fast train is worth it to maximize time. Trains arrive at Bologna Centrale, just north of the historic center – from there it’s a 15-minute walk or a quick bus to Piazza Maggiore.
My Day Trips From Milan Recommendations
While there are 14 day trips listed it is highly unlikely you will be able to do them all in one trip to Milan so you would ultimately have to choose. I would pick one or two from each section for the best variety on your trip and you will have something to look forward to each day. It is in fact what I did the first time I went to Milan and chose to go to Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Turin.
You must visit Lake Como as it is the easiest to visit from Milan, there will be no other ideal destinations with a gateway to the famous Lake Como so that is one of your day trips pretty much done. Even if you already went you can pick and choose another town, there’s plenty!
Then, I went to Lake Lugano because I had never been to Switzerland yet so I wanted to tick off another country. The Bernina Express was something I wanted to do but sadly my trip was last minute and it was all sold out. Although expensive it is definitely worth doing at least once.
Finally I went to Turin, but that is to watch a football game more than anything else, it is pleasant enough but I would choose another city before Turin. The longer day trips like Venice and Florence, I would just skip and dedicate another trip altogether for those but of course it comes down to preference. Hope that your trip to Milan is now sorted and consider checking out our other posts about Italy like the one about Trieste – the coastal town bordering Slovenia
