Milan is known as the shopping capital of Italy due to it being host to many of the most infamous design houses in the fashion world.
Fashion is not all Milan has going for it. Spending time in Milan means that you can get lost in the streets taking in the great mix of historical architecture and the modern high-rise skyscrapers entwined with the local Italian life of fine dining.
The great thing about visiting Milan is that once you have done enough shopping and enjoyed the local sights, you can head to the many other locations that are close to Milan for a more slow-paced experience of Italy.
In this guide you will learn more about the following destinations:
Under 1 hour away from Milan -
Under 2 hours away from Milan -
Under 3 hours away from Milan -
Best Places to Visit Near Milan
Getting out of the City of Milan means you can enjoy the amazing landscape that makes Italy such a wonderful destination to visit. There are so many wonderful locations in Italy that are a must-see.
We have created a list of the best places to visit that are near to Milan so no matter if you are only in Italy for a short while you can experience what Milan has to offer as well as the greater Italy. The places listed below are listed according to distance from Milan with the closest destination being first on the list.
1. Bergamo (50 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Sophie Nadeau of Solo Sophie -Set at an elevation of over 200 meters above sea level and located around 45km away from Milan (just over an hour by car or fifty minutes for those traveling by train), visitors to Lombardy should be sure not to sleep on the hidden gem that is Bergamo.
Best visited over the course of a day so as to be able to enjoy the city's main highlights, Bergamo is best-known for its medieval old town, architectural points of interest, and a smattering of museums.
What visitors should note before visiting is that Bergamo is actually split into two districts on account of its position perched on the site of a hill. The height difference between the two areas of town is a staggering 85 meters.
There is the Città Alta, the upper town which is surrounded by 16th-century walls, and the Città Bassa, which is the lower town, the city's financial hub, and is the area all visitors arrive into. The good news is that there is a handy funicular connecting the two sections of the town.
The true charm of Bergamo lies in its upper town, which is where visitors can enjoy a coffee in the Piazza Vecchia, visit the Bishop's Old Palace, and climb to the top of Torre Civica for an even greater view of the medieval town spread out below.
How to Get To Bergamo:
The quickest and cheapest way to get to Bergamo is by train however, the car trip won't take you much longer. Bergamo is in the center of Lombardy, more or less 45 km from Milan.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- The Petronilla is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Bergamo's lower city. To book a room click here.
- Hotel Resort & Spa Miramonti offers a spa and gym and great value for money. To book a room click here.
- The Bramantesco Apartments are modern studio accommodations in a historical building built in 1480. To book click here.
2. Parma (50 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Gabriel Glasierof Chef Travel Guide -The city of Parma is located in the Northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna which is widely thought to be the culinary capital of Italy. Parma and its sister cities are well known for their stunning stuffed pasta that is handmade on a daily basis.
Parma is also where several of the most prized ingredients in Italy are produced. Proscuitto di Parma, Culatello di Zibello, and the legendary Parmigiano Reggiano cheese are all made in Parma. A visit to this delicious city is worth the trip, just to eat all of its amazing dishes and ingredients.
The city has enough sites to visit to keep you busy for a few days ranging from the Romanesque Cattedrale di Parma to the beautiful Teatro Regio where classical music and Operatic performances have been performed since 1829.
Parma's city center is also a draw for its stone-lined streets that are full of small boutique shops and restaurants. If you get tired of walking, stop at one of the city's many wine bars and sip on a glass of the locally made sparkling red wine called Lambrusco.
This is also the perfect opportunity to snack on some thin slices of the region's special hams that are stuffed inside of a fried bread called torta fritta.
How to Get To Parma:
The trip from Milan to Parma is an easy 50 minutes by train and an hour and 45 minutes by car. This makes a trip to Parma a perfect adventure away from Milan for anyone who loves food and wants to try out some of the best pasta in Italy.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
3. Lake Como (1 Hour Away from Milan by Train)
Just a short train ride from Milan is the beautiful Lake Como which is one of the best places to visit in Italy.
It is the third largest lake in Italy however that does not take away from it being a spectacular place to visit. Lake Como is a gorgeous natural wonder that is surrounded by quaint old towns and villages that offer fairytale scenery, gorgeous lakefront promenades, and exceptional views that make it a must-see.
Although there are many villages to explore around Lake Como, the most popular destinations are definitely Bellagio, Varenna, and the city that gives its name to the lake, Como.
Bellagio is considered the pearl of Lake Como. It is centrally located where the two branches of the Y meet and think it is the perfect base to explore the neighboring towns.
The best way to discover Lake Como is by water. You have the choice of regular passenger ferries, boat taxis, or tours. You can even hire a boat for the day and explore the lake on your own, traveling from one village to the next!
Once back on solid ground, you can enjoy the many beaches around Lake Como as they are the perfect place to relax during the hot Italian summer days. There are beaches nearly in every corner of Lake Como however I would recommend heading towards the central and northern parts of the lake for the best beaches with pure, clean water.
How to Get To Lake Como:
The quickest and cheapest way to get to Lake Como is by train. We did, however, rent a car and absolutely loved driving along the lake. The roads can get a bit scary though as there as many blind spots and the locals drive pretty fast!
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Varenna-Esino. It takes an average of 1 hour to Varenna, over a distance of around 38 miles (61 km). There are normally 18 trains per day traveling from Milan to Varenna-Esino so you can choose a time that works for you. From Varenna, you can catch a ferry to get to other towns close by. Purchase your train ticket here.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive from Milan. We stayed in Bellagio, and the time to get from Milan to Bellagio is approximately 1 hour 25 mins. Click here to rent a car for your trip.
Best Towns to Check Out at Lake Como:
These are the 5 best towns at Lake Como that are definitely worth checking out.
- Bellagio (A Must-Visit)
- Verenna (A Must-Visit)
- Menaggio (Good to Visit)
- Lenno (Nice to See but Could Skip if Time Limited)
- Tremezzo (Nice to See but Could Skip if Time Limited)
You can find loads more information on these towns here in our guide to the best towns on Lake Como. We stayed at Bellagio, so have created a really handy Bellagio travel guide for those who wish to base themselves in this adorable town.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
4. Turin (1 Hour Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Lori Sorrentino of Travlinmad -
One of the best places to visit from Milan is the historic and scenic city of Turin, possibly one of the most under-visited cities in northern Italy. It is just 1.5 hours from Milan by car or an hour on the train. Turin offers just about anything a visitor to Italy could want.
Turin is the capital of the landlocked Piedmont region and its stunning location is surrounded on three sides by the Italian Alps. Visitors have their choice of attractions to enjoy, especially the famous Shroud of Turin. (While it's not possible to see the actual Shroud because of its fragile state, you can visit the Duomo where it is housed or tour the Most Holy Shroud Museum- their tour is interesting and there are plenty of replicas and displays that fill in well.)
There are endless open-air piazzas, art galleries, and architecture to admire in Turin, and foodies will fall hard for Turin's culinary scene which includes lots of chocolate. Turin is Italy's most famous chocolate city and taking a chocolate tour is one of the best ways to explore that part of the city.
The weather in Turin makes it an ideal year-round location, even in winter. in fact, the Christmas holidays are an excellent time to visit the beautiful Italian Christmas market in Borgo Dora.
Afterward, enjoy a local Bicerin drink at the Caffe Bicerin before grabbing dinner at Tre Galline.
How to Get To Turin:
Direct trains run throughout the day between Milan and Turin and it is the best way to travel there. Driving is also an easy option and is easily accessible via the A4 Autostrada.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
5. Lake Maggiore (1 Hour Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Anda Bartos of Travel for a While -One of the best places to visit near Milan is Lake Maggiore. It's an easy drive from Milan, less than one hour and a half to Stresa village. There are also trains from Milano Centrale Railway Station to Stresa every hour or so. The train ride takes about one hour.
From Stresa, which is a beautiful lakeside village worth visiting, you can use the local ferries to do some island hopping. The most popular places on Lake Maggiore are three of the Borromean islands.
On Isola Bella, you can visit the Borromean Palace, along with its Italian-style gardens and the unique Teatro Massimo. Isola Madre is home to another palace, but also to some amazing botanical gardens. On the other hand, Isola dei Pescatori is a must on your Isole Boromee itinerary. The island has a few dozens of permanent residents, and it's a great place to explore and have some lunch in one of the few family restaurants.
You can visit all three islets on a single-day trip, but if you want a more relaxed pace, you can book a lake view room at Il Poggiolo B&B in Stresa and enjoy the village as well. If you're driving, extend your trip further north, up to Cannobio. Choose one of the waterfront cafes in Cannobio and spend some time there taking in the lake and Alps view.
How to Get To Lake Maggiore:
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
6. Modena (1 Hour 15 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Dhara of It's Not About the Miles -If you are looking for places to visit near Milan, consider Modena! Located in the Emilia-Romagna region in northeastern Italy, Modena is a great destination whether you love art and architecture, you are a history buff or a foodie!
One of the best things to do in Modena is a visit to the duomo. The cathedral has a majestic entrance, with statues of two lions flanking the doors, and inside you will find artwork to admire. Climb the bell tower of the cathedral, the Torre della Ghirlandina, for outstanding 360-degree views.
Browse the Mercato Albinelli, the food market, for fresh fruit, cheeses, meats, and, of course, the region's prime products: balsamic vinegar and parmigiano reggiano. The market is a great place to pick up items to bring back to your accommodation.
Car enthusiasts will want to visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum, located just outside the city center, and food lovers will want to schedule a tour of a balsamic vinegar producer or a cheese producer.
Modena is home to many great restaurants, so book in advance and enjoy a fine meal when you visit!
How to Get To Modena:
Modena is 178 km from Milan. The quickest way is by traveling on the fast train however you can also drive to Modena on the A1.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- Best Western Plus Hotel Modena Resort has an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, and a Turkish bath. To book click here.
- B&B Hotel Modena is located just outside the historic center of Modena. To book click here.
- Hotel Astor offers great accommodation if you are more budget conscious and are not looking for a hotel to have many amenities. To book click here.
7. Bologna (1 hour 15 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Izzy of The Gap Decaders -Bologna is famous for its food and cuisine, some of the best in Italy. When you visit Bologna, you will be surrounded by food like meaty Prosciutto Crudo, tangy Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, delicious homemade pasta Bolognese and rich, syrupy Balsamic vinegar.
It's possible to wander your way around Bologna's cafes, restaurants, and markets, tasting and buying all these delicious goodies, along with amazing Italian wine and the very best fresh fruit and vegetables.
But there's more to Bologna than food. The red city is one of Italy's most beautiful historic medieval cities, with grand piazzas, leaning towers and UNESCO-listed porticoes. Amongst all this history, are cool galleries, hipster boutiques, hole-in-the-wall bars, and a very laid-back student vibe.
It's no surprise to find out that Bologna is known fondly by Italians as 'the red, the fat and the learned'. The red for the beautiful color of its ancient stonework, the fat for its wonderful food and the learned for Bologna University, the oldest continuously operating university in the western world.
How to Get To Bologna:
To get to Bologna from Milan is pretty simple you can travel by train (which is the quickest) or travel by car via the A1 Autostrada.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Bologna Centrale station. Trains depart almost every 20 minutes and are only 1 hour 15 minutes journey. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and hop on the A1 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Milan to Bologna. Click here to rent a car for your trip.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- Stay at the beautiful Al Cappello Rosso. Located on the doorstep of Piazza Maggiore in the city center, the hotel has the perfect location for a Bologna food tour, shopping, and nightlife. Click here to book.
- Hotel Astor is in the city center and within walking distance of the train station. Click here to book.
- Casa Isolani Piazza Maggiore 1.0 is great in a great location at an affordable price. Click here to book.
8. Verona (1 Hour 15 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Dymphe of Dymabroad -One of the best places to visit near Milan is the city of Verona. Verona is a beautiful city with lots of sights and things to do. Also, Verona is a very old city, so you can find a lot of historic architecture in the city that is lovely to see.
Another reason why Verona is worth visiting is the authentic restaurants that you can find there. For example, you can find great ones at Piazza delle Erbe.
One of the best things to do in Verona is to visit the Verona Arena. This is a Roman amphitheater that is about 2000 years old, and it is still in use. Nowadays, you can attend amazing opera performances in the arena.
Another interesting sight to see is Castlevecchio, which is a historic castle that contains a museum about the castle.
Besides that, Verona is famous because Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is set in the city. When you are in Verona, you can see Juliet's House, which is a lot of fun.
Also, you can go to Saint Peter's Hill for a wonderful view of the city.
How to Get To Verona:
From Milan, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to get to Verona by car. Besides that, you can reach the city by train in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is a direct train, which is very convenient.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- Due Torri Hotel is in the heart of Verona and a 5-minute walk from Juliet's balcony. To book click here.
- Hotel Giulietta e Romeo is in a great location where the staff will attend to your every need. To book click here.
- The Boutique Hotel Scalzi is for adults only so is great if you are looking for a romantic setting or traveling without children. To book click here.
9. Lake Garda (1 Hour 25 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
Situated in northern Italy, Lake Garda is the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Not only is Lake Garda breathtaking with its crystal clear water but there are many towns to explore and activities to enjoy whilst there.
The Madonna Della Corona, built in 1625 is a must-see! Situated along a mountainside, not only is the church's location a view not to be missed, but the church itself is also really beautiful, with ornate dedications and a lovely steeple.
Another way to explore Lake Garda is to hire a boat from Limone. After a quick lesson on how to drive the boat, you will be on your way. Head out to see one of the many stunning waterfalls around Lake Garda or visit the world-famous James Bond tunnel.
When you want to head into nature, hike up Monte Baldo (there are kid-friendly routes or take the cable car) and admire the wild nature and stunning views.
If you are visiting for a few days, hire a car and travel around the lake exploring all the beautiful towns. The drive by itself is pretty impressive too.
If you want more information on places to visit at Lake Garda read our guide on visiting Limone Sul Garda travel guide for the many places and things to do.
How to Get To Lake Garda:
To get to Lake Garda from Milan is on average 1 hour and 25 minutes by train however you can get a fast train which will get you there in approximately 50 minutes. If you fancy driving you will be pleased to know that it's just over an hour and a half.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
Lake Garda has many wonderfully quaint villages with accommodation options to suit everyone, from romantic, to luxurious to family-friendly! Our favorite town to stay in was Limone Sul Garda.
10. Lugano (1 Hour 30 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Joanna of The World in My Pocket -Lugano makes a wonderful day trip from Milano, especially if you want to explore a little bit of the Swiss mountains.
There are plenty of things to do on a day trip to Lugano. The city is sat on the shores of Lake Lugano and has quite a Mediterranean atmosphere. You can take a boat trip around the lake or rent pedalo boats to explore at your own pace. The pedalo boats are very cute, in the shape of old red racing cars.
Another great thing to do in Lugano is going up either Monte Bre or Monte San Salvatore. The old funiculars go to the top of these mountains, from where you will have an outstanding panorama. From either of the mountains, you will be able to see Italy on one side and Switzerland on the other. There are a couple of restaurants on top as well, where you can have lunch with a view.
If you visit Lugano, you must try some of the local Swiss chocolate as well. There are a few chocolatiers in town from where you can buy carefully crafted Swiss pralines and truffles.
How to Get To Lugano:
Getting to Lugano is very easy. There are direct trains from Milan that connect the two cities in around one and a half hours. If you decide to drive, the time to reach Lugano is about the same, depending on the traffic.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- Luganodante is in the old town area and offers modern luxury accommodation. To book click here.
- The Bigatt Hotel & Restaurant has been lovingly restored giving you gorgeous views from the terrace. To book click here.
- San Carlo Garni is the the heart of the historical center of Lugano and within walking distance of all that you need. To book click here.
11. Genoa (1 Hour 40 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
- Recommendation by Sarah Carter of A Social Nomad -Genoa is an excellent place to visit from Milan. It is a historical coastal city on the Mediterranean sea easily reached by train, bus, or car.
The historic center of the city is a maze of tiny, narrow alleys that are all pedestrianized, perfect for afternoon wanderings and explorations.
A large part of the old town is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site, the "Rolli" Palaces were built by rich Genovan nobles in the Golden Era and were unofficial palaces that were made available for state visits. Some are open to the public, others are banks and public buildings and all are stunning.
The city is located around a large natural harbor - and is a popular stop for Mediterranean cruisers, who often pop into Genoa for the day. The city is the capital of the Italian Liguria region, which is famous for some key Italian food favorites including focaccia bread, basil, and pesto sauces.
First-timers to the city should orient themselves with a walking tour of the old town - those narrow alleys can be very confusing, making sure not to miss the Cathedral and Ferrari fountains.
How to Get To Genoa:
To get to Genoa from Milan is just 1 hour 40 minutes by train or 2 hours by bus. If you fancy driving you will be pleased to know that it's a little more than 90 minutes between the two cities.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
12. Florence (2 Hours 10 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
This spectacular city is unique with its' Renaissance beauty, beaming culture, and marvelous history! What is not to love about this great city. A colorful and playful atmosphere attracts not only the experienced travelers but also the little ones too.
Florence has it all! Whether you are traveling by yourself, as a couple, or even with kids, you will find plenty of options of attractions, sights, and activities to add to your list when searching for things to do in Florence.
If you want to make sure that you tick off the best activities to do when in Florence with kids make sure to read our Florence guide that has all the best places and sights to see.
How to Get To Florence:
The quickest way to get to Florence from Milan is by train as it takes just over 2 hours to get there. If you do fancy driving so you can enjoy the Italian countryside and villages between the two cities, it will take you about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
- Set in a 15th-century building, Hotel Bernini Palace is perfectly located and only a 5-minute walk from Florence Cathedral and Ponte Vecchio. To book click here.
- Corte Calzaiuoli Elegant Suites is situated in the heart of Florence with a breakfast room that overlooks the Orsanmichele and Via Calzaiuoli. Great location just 200 yards from Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio. Click to book here.
- HotelEmma is a small luxury hotel at an affordable rate just outside the center of Florence. Click to book here.
13. Venice (2 Hours 30 Minutes Away from Milan by Train)
Although you are not wrong as Venice is a city full of gorgeous rustic canals and picture-perfect walkway bridges, it also has so much more to see and do.
There are wonderful little cafes scattered along stunning lanes that you can stop at when exploring the small streets of Venice.
Explore Doge's Palace and marvel at the decadent splendor and rich details of this magnificent place, it is almost overwhelming!
Visit one of Italy's more important landmarks, La Fenice Theatre. The theatre is decked out in gold and the whole place is so beautiful that you will be moved to tears.
Be sure to visit St. Mark's Basilica, one of the world's most magnificent churches, at night! The mosaics are even more incredible at night. With light shining through them, illuminating the faintly lit church, you'll lose your breath.
These are just a few of the activities to do when visiting Venice but for a full list of all the best romantic things to do in Venice be sure to read our guide.
How to Get To Venice:
The quickest way to get to Venice from Milan is by train as it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there. If you do fancy driving so you can enjoy the Italian countryside and villages between the two cities, it will take you about 3 hours.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
14. Camogli (3 Hours Away from Milan by Train)
Camogli is a small fishing town with rustic charm set in the scenic splendor on the Ligurian coast.
Camogli is such a great place to visit in Italy as it offers all the color and charm of the more touristy Italian Riviera towns but with fewer hordes of tourists.
As it is a small fishing town you will notice that the harbor is filled with more fishing boats than yachts! If you are a lover of seafood then you will know that this is a great sign as the seafood is bound to be fresh and in high abundance.
It is rare to have a bad food experience when in Italy, however the local Italian cuisine in Camogli is just mouth-watering and the focaccia is like you've never tasted before! Simply a must-have when visiting.
Eating the local cuisine is not all that you can enjoy when visiting Camogli as you will find plenty of outdoor activities, both on land and in the sea to do. There are diving spots, boating opportunities, and gorgeous hiking trails - an activity for everyone to enjoy!
How to Get To Camogli:
The quickest way to get from Milan to Camogli is by train. The train journey will take you about 3 hours. The journey down the A7 by car will also take you about 3 hours, so it really all depends on which means of transport you prefer.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
15. Cinque Terre (3 Hours Away from Milan by Train)
Also known as the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Italy!
If you are looking for a picture-perfect destination in Italy, then be sure to head to Cinque Terre, also known as the Italian Riviera.
The area is made up of five charming little towns positioned along a dramatic coastline. Vineyards, olive groves, and steep hills separate these stunning villages!
The five towns are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Each of the five towns of Cinque Terre has a unique personality and appeal.
Riomaggiore is a small town making it a well-balanced place for those wanting a peaceful but still fun escape. Monterosso is the largest and most popular town. It is also best known for being the beach town with a long, sandy beach offering visitors a dream seaside holiday destination!
Vernazza is the most popular town due to its picture-perfect representation of the Italian Riviera. Explore the alleyways that wind between cafes, friendly B&Bs, and of course the essential gelato shops!
Manarola is the oldest Cinque Terre town and possibly the most romantic. The little old harbor in Manarola is a popular place for swimmers, with some exciting rock jumping available!
Corniglia is 100m above sea level and not built directly on the sea. Understandably, due to its position, reaching Corniglia requires a fair amount of stairs however once you reach the top the views of the ocean are just breathtaking.
Read our guide to know which towns are the best Italian Riviera towns to see.
How to Get To Cinque Terre:
The quickest way to get from Milan to Cinque Terre, specifically Monterosso is by train. The train journey will take you about 3 hours maybe slightly longer if you catch one of the slower trains. The journey down the A7 by car will take you about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Best Accommodation to Stay At:
FINAL THOUGHTS
That is the full list of the 15 Best Places to Visit near Milan.
I hope that we have helped to narrow down some easy options of where you can visit for either a day trip or even a short stay away from Milan.
If you want to visit the many other great places in Italy, be sure to check out our Italy Travel Blog posts for a lot more inspiration and ideas of places to visit.
