5 Amazing Day Trips from Milan you Can’t Miss

After exploring Milan and its surroundings quite a few times, I’ve started falling in love with the beautiful region of Lombardia. Milan is not only Italy’s fashion and design capital, it’s also the perfect base for exploring some of northern Italy’s most charming destinations. Within just a few hours, you can go from sipping espresso in a stylish café to strolling through medieval towns, lounging by the lake or breathing in the salty air of the Ligurian Coast. Whether you’re looking for lakeside serenity, seaside charm, or a taste of history and culture, here are 5 unforgettable (day) trips from Milan you should absolutely add to your itinerary!

1. Boccadasse: A Taste of the Ligurian Coast

Travel time from Milan: ~1.5 hours by direct train to Genoa + short bus/taxi ride (n°31 from Brignole Station)
Best for: Colorful seaside charm & fresh seafood

Boccadasse is one of my all-time favorite places in Northern Italy. I visited back in 2018 for the first time and kept going back. It feels like a hidden gem along the Ligurian coast, just minutes from bustling Genoa, yet worlds apart. This former fishing village has a timeless feel, with pastel houses nestled around a tiny bay, one of the country’s best gelato, and people living la dolce vita in the sun.

Spend the afternoon wandering its narrow streets, enjoying focaccia with a view, or dipping your toes in the Mediterranean sea. It’s perfect for those craving the Riviera vibe without heading all the way to the Cinque Terre.

Where to eat:
– Cremeria Ciarapica: the best gelateria in the city!
– Trattoria Osvaldo: a local favorite for authentic and delicious Ligurian dishes (don’t miss the pasta with walnuts sauce, yum!)

Tip: Combine it with a short stroll in Genoa’s old town for a perfect coastal escape.
It also makes a great start for a trip through the Ligurian coast to the Cinque Terre!

2. Lago di Como: Classic Romance & Alpine Views

Travel time: 1 hour by direct train to Varenna or Como
Best for: Picturesque villages & dramatic scenery

Lake Como needs no introduction. You’re maybe even wondering if it’s overrated, well, it’s not! With its majestic mountains, sparkling waters, and glamorous villas, it’s one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Personally, I’d recommend to skip the crowds in Como city and head to Varenna, a quieter village with cobbled lanes and gorgeous lake views. From there, hop on a ferry to Bellagio or Menaggio for the full lake experience.

Where to eat in Bellagio:
– La Lanterna: by far our favorite restaurant in all of Lake Como (so good we went twice!)
– Dai Viga Pasta Fresca: one of the best fresh pastas I’ve ever had, perfect to takeaway and eat on the lakeshores!
– Antichi Sapori: really nice pizza and really friendly staff.
– Gelateria del Borgo: probably the best gelateria in town (and also the most central).

Fun fact: Many scenes from Star Wars and James Bond were filmed here!
Tip: One day will give you a glimpse of the lake’s outstanding beauty, but if you can, I’d recommend at least 3 days to fully enjoy Lake Como.

3. Lago di Garda: Sunshine, Sports & Scaliger Castles

Travel time: ~1.5 hours by direct train to Desenzano or Peschiera del Garda
Best for: Adventure, beaches & medieval history

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, and it’s full of variety. While I’ve been quite a few times already, I still have a lot left to explore! On the southern shore, you’ll find vibrant towns like Sirmione, home to a fairy-tale castle and Roman ruins or Peschiera del Garda, one of the three Venetian Fortresses. The northern shore, which I still have left to explore, is more about wild landscapes and outdoor energy.

Must do: A boat tour to Isola di Garda, where you’ll find the most stunning Villa Borghese Cavazza. If you’re lucky, you can even explore its stunning gardens and some parts of the villa itself (we did it with Garda Tours and I can only recommned!).
Tip: One day is perfect to explore one of those lake towns but if you can, I highly recommend to spend a couple of days to discover all the beauty that this part of Garda Lake has to offer

4. Bergamo: A Medieval Escape above the City

Travel time: 40 minutes by direct train
Best for: Medieval architecture, breathtaking interiors & scenic viewpoints

Bergamo is one of those places that will take your breath away. I visited for the first time this year and it blew my mind how underrated this city is. The modern city sits below but the real magic happens in the Città Alta, the old town perched on the hill. You reach it by funicular and suddenly everything change: cobblestone streets, quiet piazzas and breathtaking architecture. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2023 with Brescia and is part of the Venetian Fortresses UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017.

It’s peaceful, authentic, and gives all the Florence vibes without the crowd, a photographer’s paradise.

Where to eat in Bergamo:
– Bugan Coffee Lab: one of the best specialty coffee spots in town, perfect in-between the different churches visits.
– La Marianna: the birthplace of stracciatella ice cream (a must!)
– Nonna Alda: for an unforgettable Casoncelli experience (the vegetarian version is a must-try!)
– Ol Giopì e la Margì: a local institution serving traditional Bergamasque cuisine, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing!

Don’t miss: Cappella Colleoni, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Venetian’s walls. I recommend two days to fully discover and enjoy the city and you can read my full Bergamo guide here.

5. Brescia: Underrated Gem with Roman Roots

Travel time: ~1 hour by direct train
Best for: History lovers & hidden cultural treasures

Often overlooked in favor of its neighbor Bergamo, Brescia is one of Italy’s most surprising and underrated cities. Its UNESCO-listed Roman forum, medieval castles, and Renaissance squares make it a must for culture lovers. You’ll find fewer tourists here, meaning you can explore its rich past and enjoy a delicious aperitivo at your own pace.

Don’t miss: The Santa Giulia Museum, housed in a former monastery, a true journey through 3000 years of history.

---

Milan is more than a destination, it’s a gateway to the best of northern Italy. From glittering lakes to colorful seaside villages and culture-packed cities, there’s a perfect day trip just a train ride away. All five of these destinations are doable in a single day, but honestly, you will probably want to stay a little longer.

I hope this travel guide around Milan will be useful for you and if you need, feel free to reach out with any questions! And don’t forget to tag me in your stories and posts on Instagram if this article inspires you !

With love,
Marina

If you liked this post, pin it for later!