15 Best Day Trips from Milan Italy
Milan is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy. Moreover, Milan is surrounded with beautiful destinations that are perfect for a day trip! There are plenty of lakes, mountains and stunning towns and cities to visit, so if you’re planning to discover the North of Italy, you should definitely start with a trip to Milan. Then, you can plan Lake Como day trips from Milan, day trips from Milan to Bellagio trips from Milan to Cinque Terre, or day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda. We will be going through some great tips for 1 day trips from Milan, as well as ideas for different parts of the year, like day trips from Milan in December, summertime, and more! Let’s see the 15 best day trips from Milan Italy!
15 Best Day Trips from Milan Italy
15 day trips from Milan… As I have mentioned, there are many amazing locations for 1 day trips from Milan. Imagine if you’d want to do them all, you’d need at least 15 days, and these are just the important highlights! Let’s discover together the Lake Como day trip from Milan, the best day trips from Milan in November, or day trips from Milan in January.
We’ll also share details for the day trip to Portofino from Milan, as well as for the day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Lugano among many others! We know many of you ask whether or not can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan? So within this post, we’ll also discuss the day trip from Milan to Venice by train. Also, if you’re planning to stay a few nights in Milan, make sure you check out our affordable hotel list, and the luxury hotels too!
1. Day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Bellagio
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful day trip from Milan! If you’re planning to see some stunning lakeside towns, but you don’t want to travel too much, then Lake Como is the closest you can pick! You can easily plan Lake Como day trip from Milan by train as well!
From Milano Centrale to Como the train ride takes about an hour, and it’s really cheap as well. So if you want to do a one day trip to Lake Como from Milan, or a day trip from Milan to Bellagio you’ll still have enough time to explore or to relax at the lake. If you’d prefer to stay a few days, make sure to check out our list of beautiful hotels at Lake Como!
2. Lago Maggiore
Lake Maggiore, or Lago Maggiore is not as famous as Lake Como or Lake Garda, though it is right near them. It’s one of the biggest lakes in Italy, and indeed Lake Maggiore has amazing landscapes to get lost in and fall in love with. You can plan a boat day, or some hiking in the area if you want to do 1 day trips from Milan.
Instead of a Lake Como day trip from Milan if you choose Lake Maggiore, make sure to visit the stunning Isola Bella and the breathtaking villa and gardens there. It’s one of a kind experience, and we really do suggest not missing it!
3. Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo isn’t that popular among visitors from abroad still, but for those who seek a quiet place, a stunning lake with amazing scenery over the surrounding mountains, it’s still the greatest option! If you’re looking for a one-day trip to Lake Como from Milan, but you’d actually prefer something more peaceful, Lake Iseo is the greatest alternative!
For those seeking ideas for day trips from Milan, I must say, the experience, the view, the peace, and the whole area are really worth visiting. Lake Iseo is one of the best-hidden gems, and one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy!
4. Lake Garda
One of my favorite day trips from Milan is definitely Lake Garda! I’ve done so far 4 times day trips or two-day trips to Lake Garda. Two times I went to one of the most magical towns at Lake Garda, to Sirmione. The two other times were at Peschiera del Garda and Riva del Garda.
Sirmione is a great place to visit in the summer. You’ve got the lake, the beaches, the boats, the stunning town, along with the castle. However, Sirmione is also one of the best day trips from Milan in November, or a day trip from Milan in December, since there is a spa that’s perfect for cold getaways! If you’re planning day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, make sure to calculate one day at the lake and one day in Verona, since that city can’t be visited in a few hours.
For a day trip from Milan to Lake Garda, I really suggest that to add to your list Desenzano, Sirmione, and Peschiera. Or at least one of them! The area of the lake is just stunning, just like the lake itself!
5. Portofino
Portofino is like mini heaven. Is one of the most stunning coastal towns in Italy, and it is indeed the most beautiful spot in Liguria! The lands where Portofino was built offer indescribable sceneries on the sea, with these beautiful and colorful towns just above.
The clear water and amazing views are already a great reason to visit Portofino, but the whole town is just magical. However, you must know that it’s not the cheapest 1 day trips from Milan, and everything has skyscraper prices. But a day trip to Portofino from Milan is definitely an amazing option and it’s a perfect choice for summertime!
6. Trentino
Hands up who loves skiing! Trentino is the heaven of ski resorts in Italy! Stunning mountain scenarios, and beautiful mountain villages and towns. If you’re visiting the Trentino region, but you’re not doing it for sports, we’ve got you covered! If you’re planning 1 day trips from Milan, and more important day trips from Milan in December, or day trips from Milan in January, and you’re up for skiing, Trentino is the place for you!
However, if you’re looking for day trips from Milan during the warm month, you should still consider Trentino. You can visit the fabulous town of Bolzano or the one that we love, even more, Trento. In Trento, you can plan a quick visit to the stunning Buonconsiglio Castle as well, and eat as much as you can while enjoying the view over the giant hills right outside the town.
7. Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda makes you feel like you’re on the seaside. The town near Lake Garda does really have this warm, coastal town vibe, and that’s why we love it. It’s a beautiful place to explore, eat, and cycle near the lake.
If you’re thinking of alternatives for the Lake Como day trip from Milan, definitely consider Limone sul Garda! You can do boating, water sports, relax on the beach, or do hiking. It’s a great spot for nights out as well, so for those traveling with friends might be a great option!
8. Verona
I already mentioned at Lake Garda, that if you’re planning day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, plan one day at each. Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, and I can’t get enough of it, no matter how many times I return. The stunning medieval town of Verona is definitely one of the best day trips from Milan!
In the summer, Verona can be really hot and humid, which for many isn’t really comfortable. In the winter, though it’s not warm outside, Verona still remains stunning. So if you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November, December, or day trips from Milan in January, or February, Verona can still be a good option!
9. Cinque Terre
When it comes to 1 day trips from Milan, Cinque Terre is always a star! You can do easy day trips from Milan to Cinque Terre. It’s a long train ride getting from Milan to Cinque Terre, but if you wake up early enough, or better yet, if you do two days in Cinque Terre, you can see it all!
When you’re planning trips from Milan to Cinque Terre you must know that the towns of Cinque Terre are really close to each other. You can get around in Cinque Terre by train, where the travel time between the towns is an average of 5 minutes.
Knowing this, you can plan trips from Milan to Cinque Terre either for one day and rush through as much as you can, then return in the evening. However, I do suggest thinking about at least 2 day trips from Milan to Cinque Terre to make sure you’re able to see it all without the rush.
10. day trip from Milan to Venice by train
Can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan? Yes, you can! Direct trains from Milano Centrale do about 3 and a half hours to Venice. So the same as I’ve said for the trips from Milan to Cinque Terre, I must say the same for Venice. If you’re planning a day trip from Milan to Venice by train, you must either wake up really early, either plan 2 days in Venice!
Venice is big, and there are so many things to explore! If you want really to do just a 1 day trip from Milan to Venice by train, you must plan ahead what you want to see, and how to get there. Otherwise, you’ll waste the day and you won’t get anywhere. To see the most important landmarks in Venice, you can easily do a day trip from Milan to Venice and return at the night.
11. Genoa – day trips from Milan
Genoa is probably the most famous coastal cities in northern Italy. If you plan 1 day trips from Milan, and you’d like to see the seaside and a lovely city, then Genoa is definitely a great option!
Especially during the summertime, Genoa is a great destination in Liguria, also if you’re up for some amazing nightlife. Not to mention the great food, and beautiful landmarks and museums.
12. Turin
Chocolate, famous Italian brands, and a fast-developing city at the feet of the mountains? That’s all Torino (Turin). Explore the beautiful city center, great landmarks, and stunning buildings of Turin, while visiting the Egyptian museum as well. If you want to do city day trips from Milan, especially if you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in December, Turin can work well.
You can explore the city easily even if you’re looking for day trips from Milan in January. It might be a bit cold, but some chocolate and wine will keep you warm enough while you explore all the amazing things Turin has to offer. Don’t forget though, if you’ve got more days, you could visit the nearby mountains too!
13. Piacenza
Piacenza is located in the region of Emilia Romagna, about 55 minutes by train from Milano Centrale train station. If you’re looking for the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in December, Piacenza might not be the best fit. However, in the spring and summertime, it’s definitely a great option for 1 day trips from Milan.
The historic center of Piacenza is just stunning, with many beautiful buildings, churches, and stunning streets. If you’re visiting this lovely town in Emilia Romagna, make sure to try some local specialties like the cold cuts like salumi, pancetta, and the coppa from Piacenza. Imagine this place to be really isolated, peaceful, and still beautiful where you can eat well!
14. Parma
Since we’ve mentioned the cold cuts from Emilia Romagna, and the great food of the region, we must highlight another idea for day trips from Milan. Parma is right the second city in Emilia Romagna after Piacenza. This city is really famous for the Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan cheese) and the Prosciutto di Parma, which is the most famous type of ham in Italy.
Parma can be one of the best day trips from Milan in November or day trips from Milan in January, but just if you’re looking for a foodie tour. Outside being cold, you can’t really enjoy the outdoor tables, sunshine, and life in the city. However, Parma has many beautiful landmarks to see, and a factory visit at Parmigiano Reggiano or the ham factory is definitely an amazing option for a day trip from Milan!
15. Bergamo
Bergamo is right outside Milan, and you can reach it either by train or bus. One of Milan’s airports, the Bergamo airport is near the town too, so if you’re planning 1 day trips to Milan and you’re flying out from Bergamo, you can plan to spend your last day in Bergamo.
The historic center of Bergamo is on top of a hill, and the town itself is just fascinating. The main square, old houses, and charming streets will make you fall in love with Bergamo! Also, if you’re thinking about the best day trips from Milan in November, or over the winter months, Bergamo could work well, though consider that the temperature is pretty low.
Wrapping up the 10 Best 1 day trips from Milan Italy
As you can see, there are dozens and more possibilities for a day trip from Milan. We’ve discussed some of the most popular options, like the Lake Como day trip from Milan, or day trip from Milan to Bellagio. Also, you’ve seen how you can do a day trip to Portofino from Milan, and a day trip from Milan to Venice by train.
We’ve also checked the temperature, and seen some of the best summer destinations as well as day trips from Milan in December, and day trips from Milan in January. You’ve got some ideas now for day trips from Milan to Verona and Lake Garda, and a day trip from Milan to Lake Como and Lugano.
We’ve also answered the question on can you do a day trip to Venice from Milan, and shared a few tips to know. Milan is gorgeous, and the whole of northern Italy deserves to be seen! So how about discovering the best medieval cities in Italy next?
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