The Top Day Trip Destinations From Milan

One of Italy's greatest and most beloved cities, Milan offers everything from fashion and food to culture and history. Another feature of its long list of attributes is its location, which makes it an ideal base for exploring other corners of the country. We also have Italy's efficient public transport system to thank for Milan's links to nearby cities and towns!

If you have just a few days to uncover the wonders of the Lombardian capital, you may not have much time to spare to venture beyond the center. However, those of you with a little more time on your hands should most definitely take advantage of the city's day trip opportunities.

In this article, we've included all of the best day trip destinations to choose from during your visit to Milan.

Venice

Venice might just be the most captivating spot in the country, which is quite a statement considering how beautiful Italy is! Its gondola-filled canals, lively cicchetti bars, and labyrinthine streets make it a city like no other.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 270 km

How to Get There: Venice is around a three-hour drive from central Milan. As exciting as a road trip may be, the train is generally a quicker and cheaper option, taking as little as two hours and 15 minutes to reach Venice from Milan Centrale.

Things to See and Do: Rialto Bridge, St. Mark's Square and Basilica, Doge's Palace, Gran Canal, Bridge of Sighs

Verona

Ancient Roman ruins, striking Renaissance art, and medieval architecture meet in Verona. Not only is it the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but Verona is a hub for history, culture, and gastronomy.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 160 km

How to Get There: It takes a little over two hours to get from Milan to Verona by car, and the train journey almost halves this travel time. The bus is often the cheapest option but is sometimes the longest of the three.

Things to See and Do: Arena di Verona, Casa di Giulietta, Castel Vecchio Bridge, Verona Cathedral, Piazza delle Erbe

Bologna

Said to be the culinary capital of Italy, Bologna, known affectionately as La Grassa, is a paradise for meat and pasta-loving foodies. Beyond its splendid lineup of restaurants, Bologna is renowned for its warm, laidback charm and picture-perfect historic center.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 215 km

How to Get There: The two-and-a-half-hour drive to Bologna from Milan is a scenic one, but by train, it can take just over an hour to travel between the two cities.

Things to See and Do: Piazza Maggiore, Basilica di San Petronio, Neptune's Fountain, Two Towers, Santuario Madonna di San Luca

Genoa

Long seen as a gateway to the Italian Riviera, Genoa is often overshadowed by the nearby Cinque Terre. This hidden gem is adorned with colorful waterfront buildings and has a bustling port and a fantastic art scene. 

Distance From Milan: Approximately 150 km

How to Get There: You can take your pick between a two-hour drive, a similarly-timed bus ride, or the train, which will get you there slightly faster than the other options.

Things to See and Do: Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa Cathedral, Royal Palace Museum, Galata Museo del Mare, Parchi di Nervi

Pavia

Pavia is perhaps the least known spot on this list, and a visit here will give you a deeper insight into local life in Italy. Its mix of historical sites, medieval streets, and delicious wines would entice anyone to visit.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 40 km

How to Get There: Pavia's proximity to Milan means it's less than an hour away by car or bus or around a 30-minute trip on the train.

Things to See and Do: Pavia Cathedral, Ponte Coperto, Basilica di San Michele Maggiore, Visconti Castle, San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro

Lake Como

See how the other half live in the upmarket Lake Como. Its serene beauty, from its impeccable blue waters to its magnificent mountain backdrops, is reason enough to visit, not to mention its collection of enchanting towns.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 80 km

How to Get There: Lake Como is home to a number of charming towns. Como is less than an hour away by car, bus, or train, and Varenna is a little more than an hour from Milan. From either of these towns, you can catch a boat to the likes of Bellagio and Menaggio.

Things to See and Do: Explore the quaint towns and villages on foot and by boat, visit waterfront spots like Villa Monastero and I Giardini di Villa Melzi, Como–Brunate funicular 

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is another picturesque vacation spot not far from Milan. Roman ruins, pristine beaches, grand villas, and scenic hiking trails; you name it, it's here!

Distance From Milan: Approximately 140 km

How to Get There: By train, you'll arrive in the town of Desenzano del Garda in less than an hour. Driving takes an hour and a half, while the bus takes about two hours.

Things to See and Do: Castello Scaligero di Sirmione, Archaeological site of Grotte di Catullo, Vittoriale degli Italiani, Gardaland Resort, Jamaica Beach

Lugano

This city effortlessly combines Swiss and Italian culture. Nestled just over the Italian border, this Swiss town offers dreamy mountainous landscapes for the outdoorsy types and stunning churches and squares for avid historians.

Distance From Milan: Approximately 80 km

How to Get There: It takes roughly an hour and a half to get to Lugano by bus, train, or car, though taking the train is often the best way to minimize any delays at the border.

Things to See and Do: Parco Ciani, Swissminiatur, Monte Brè, Parco San Grato, Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli

Discover the Best of Northern Italy With These Day Trips From Milan

Milan might be the most recognizable city in northern Italy, but it's just one of the many spots in the region that's worth exploring. If you're eager to maximize your time while you're here, these are the areas you won't want to miss!