The Best Day Trips from Milan

Due to its favourable and prime location in the northern Lombardy region of Italy, Milan is a fantastic location to base yourself in order to explore further in the area and beyond.

In this travel guide I will be sharing a number of destinations all within the region which can be visited and explored on a day trip from the city. If you’re planning on spending a period of time in Milan, I’ve also written an accompanying travel guide regarding visiting the city as a whole, which I will link here.

Getting Around

Partly in thanks to the extensive rail network Italy has in use, the country is easy and achievable to get around. Therefore this enables you to access and travel to various alternative locations with no problem, just remember your passport. Once you arrive at your destination, you will have a selection of transport options to choose from if you desire. Bus, Metro, Tram, Taxi, all of the above, Italy is a joy to travel.

Simply put, if you have a “get up and go” attitude, and complete the required research and planning beforehand, the more you will get out of your trip, and therefore you will be able to visit a higher amount of destinations within your visit to Italy.

Lake Como

Starting close to Milan, located just a stones throw away from the city is the ever popular and beautiful destination of Lake Como. Set against dramatic mountain landscapes and surrounded by postcard worthy towns, the lake can be reached by as little as just 40 minutes by train to the city of Como based at the foot of the lake.

There are various journeys or routes that you can choose from, however in order to maximise your visit to the lake, I suggest starting by making the slightly longer journey from Milan to Varenna.

Varenna is a beautiful town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, known for its scenic lakefront views, spectacular colourful houses and historic centre. With a peaceful atmosphere and a localised way of life, Varenna in years gone by has been a popular picturesque fishing village loved by many.

From Varenna it is then possible to visit the stunning village of Bellagio by boat. In fact, I suggest once you reach Varenna to head to the promenade to buy boat tickets ASAP as especially in season it can be incredibly busy and therefore time consuming to reach.

Once you reach Bellagio, you’ll find alpine views, elegant architecture and some of the finest wine tasting and fine dining experiences around. Wherever you are around Lake Como, make sure to take the time to wander the charming streets of each village and town you visit, they are full of beauty and are incredibly enjoyable to explore.

If you decide to visit Bellagio, once you’re finished catch the return boat back to Varenna to continue exploring, or alternatively catch the train back to Milan.

Bologna

If you consider Milan to be too futuristic and new, look no further than Bologna to capture your Italian renaissance imagination. Just an hour away from Milan by train, Bologna has that incredible authentic feel and look about the city, one that is full of culture and a vibrant local atmosphere, a location you would typically stereotype as a historic centrepiece of Italy.

Known as the foodie capital of Italy, Bologna is a literal heaven when it comes to choice of cultural delights and treats. As the name suggests, Bologna is the birthplace of Bolognese, and it sure does live up to its reputation. Here you will find unlimited options of authentic and local delicacies, all readily available to indulge and enjoy. If you think you know Pasta, prepare to be blown away by the selection and varieties around the city, as each offering will have their own taste and twist on certain specifics.

Full of adventurous backstreets and winding explorations, the best way to start your day in Bologna is by visiting the main square of Piazza Maggiore and working your way out from there. One of the main aspects of the city is that it is surrounded by and built on the foundations of medieval architecture, providing Bologna with a unique and flavoursome perspective.

In order to experience and gather insight into what the city really has to offer, make sure to explore each and every corner of the city, as each alley and path shows why Bologna is a location like no other, you just never know what you’re going to find.

Venice

Visiting by high-speed Train, a 2 and a half hour journey from Milan can take you to the world renowned location that is Venice.

Simply put, Venice as a city is one of a kind. Built on wooden posts in the middle of a Lagoon, this means there are no roads, and therefore everything and everyone is transported by Boat. By everything, I literally mean everything. From the freshest local goods being delivered, to the bin men collecting the rubbish, Venice truly is a whole different way of life and an amazing spectacle to see.

The main island of Venice itself is easily walkable, and you can explore every inch of the area on foot with ease, not to mention Venice is also an absolute photography paradise. With a calm and enjoyable atmosphere, and beautiful weather (season dependent), you have the perfect combination at your disposal to have a fantastic time.

I have previously written a dedicated travel guide for Venice, which can be viewed here.

Genoa

For something slightly more left-field, Genoa is definitely worth a visit as a day trip from Milan. With the journey by train taking roughly 1 and a half hours, it is a perfect option if you wanted to experience life in Italy by the sea.

Once more, the city of Genoa showcases the historic side of Italy, largely owing to its decorative medieval architecture throughout the city and expansive old town areas. From the station, start off by making your way exploring through the winding narrow lanes en route to the central location of Piazza De Ferrari.

Highlighted by the cities iconic fountain, the area is relatively known as the heartbeat of the city, which is host to a maze of renaissance palaces and stunning construction and design of the cosmopolitan structures which host the many shops and restaurants in the area.

From here, I suggest slowly working your way down towards the sea. The city of Genoa has a rich history as a major maritime port, often highlighted by the fact that the famous explorer Christopher Columbus was born here. As well as housing one the largest Aquariums in Europe, the Old Port area has that authentic and historic feel you’d come to expect from visiting Italy.

From the Old Port, I then recommend working your way east along the coastline either by Train or preferably on a sunny day by foot to the beautiful village of Boccadasse. The walk takes roughly an hour, however once you arrive you’ll be met with the stunning view of the pastel coloured houses located against the jagged shoreline.

The village is home to a small pebble beach, perfect to be able to take the time to relax. However I also highly suggest taking the time to wander through the streets and alleyways of this unique and special location. Here you will find a complete aura of authenticity and a slower pace of life where the locals truly appreciate and love where they live.

With each corner, step, and turn you take throughout exploring the village, every sight is a joy to see. From the locals hanging their washing across the houses, to meeting the neighbourhood Cats, Boccadasse is stunning in every way.

Once you’ve finished wandering the meandering cobbled paths of the village, head back down to the beach to enjoy a bite to eat and a beverage or two at one of the local beach bars in the area.

As far as exploration and adventure goes, the list doesn’t end there. Cities such as Turin, Verona, and even Lucerne across the border into Switzerland are all well within reach and achievable as a day trip from Milan. With all being said Italy is stunning, and with so much to explore, Milan is a wonderful location which is also perfect to use as a base to discover more of this incredible country.