This is one of the most important towns in Italy and Europe. It is known as the “City of Fashion” and the “Financial Capital of Italy.” Milan is visited by more than 10 million people every year, for business or pleasure.

Besides the historic center, Milan is mostly a business city. However, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery with typical Italian villages, lake districts, and medieval towns that are all easy to get to from Milan.

A day trip to one of Italy’s charming towns is always a good idea, whether you’re on a business trip and need a break over the weekend or on a vacation and have a free day.

In this piece, we talk about the 16 best places from Milan that you can see in one day. The places are ranked from 1 to 16 by how long it takes to get there from Milan and how comfortable it is to stay that way.

Now let’s look at the best day trips from Milan, Italy!

1. Day trip from Milan to Bellagio and Varenna (Villages on Lake Como)

Lake Como is our top pick for the best day trip from Milan because it is so close.

One of the most beautiful and high-class places in Italy is Lake Como. Since Roman times, rich people from all over the world have loved going to Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the second biggest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda. It would take about a week to properly explore the lake and the villages around it. The most beautiful towns on Lake Como, though, are Bellagio and Varenna, which are easy to get to from Milan in one day. A day spent in these two towns would be an unforgettable experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

In Bellagio:

Bellagio is the most famous and beautiful place to visit on Lake Como. The town is set around a beautiful lake and has brightly colored shops and homes, charming alleyways, fancy villas, and stunning views from every angle. A walk through the town would give you a sense of how people live in Italy. If you need a day off from your busy week or want to spend real time with your loved ones, Bellagio is the place to go.

Värnäs:

Another beautiful part of Lake Como is Varenna, which is close to the town of Bellagio. The pretty fishing town has lots of pretty views and lots of colorful little shops, restaurants, villas, and alleys. One of the best things about the village is the beautiful path that leads from the ferry dock to the village. The famous villa Monastero’s grounds have the best views of the lake. This is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Lake Como. also read : Safe Travel Wishes and Quotes

Day trips with a guide from Milan to Bellagio and Varenna:

There is a guided day tour from Milan to Bellagio and Varenna that you should take if this is your first time there. A bus with air conditioning will take people from Milan to the lake, where they will take a private boat tour. You will learn about the past of Lake Como from Roman times to the present day on guided trips, in addition to visiting these two villages. So, why not?

By Trains:

From Milan, you can take a train straight to Varenna. From Milan‘s main train stop, trains to Como and Varenna leave about once an hour. For an easy day trip to Bellagio and Varenna from Milan, we suggest the following itinerary: –

• Trains leave Milan at 8:20 a.m.

• You will get to Varenna at 9:26 AM.

• The ferry boat from Varenna to Bellagio leaves around 10 a.m. Most of the time, the boat schedule changes every year. Every half hour, or 40 minutes, there is a boat going from Varenna to Bellagio and back again.

• Get to the Bellagio at 10:20 AM.

• Take a walk through the towns, look around in the narrow streets, take some good pictures, and eat lunch.

• To get from Bellagio to Varenna, take the ferry at around 2:30 PM.

• Make it to Varenna by 3 p.m.

• First go to Villa Monastero, and then check out Varenna Village.

• When you’re ready, take the train from Varenna to Milan and back again. 

2. Day trip from Milan to Stresa (Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands)

Another beautiful lake village is Stresa, which is on the shores of Lake Maggiore, which is next to Lake Como. Like Lake Como, a day trip from Milan to Stresa and the Borromean Islands is peaceful and worth it. 

Lake Maggiore is the third largest lake in Italy. It also has a part that goes into Switzerland. In the past, Stresa was just a simple fishing village. From the 19th century on, as facilities improved, it became a popular vacation spot, in large part because of its beautiful setting. 

You can start your trip to the Borromean Islands of Lake Maggiore from Stresa. They got their name from the rich Borromean family, who have owned the islands since the 1600s and gave them that name. There are three islands in the Borromean group. They are called Isola Bella, which means “beautiful island,” Isola Madre, which means “island of the mother,” and Isola dei Pescatori, which means “island of the fishermen.” The islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre were turned into fancy homes by the Borromean family. It was decided that Isola dei Pescatori should be left to its original inhabitants, who were mostly traditional fishermen. 

Each of these three islands is different, but they are all beautiful. The islands of Isola Bella and Isola Madre were famous for their Villas and world-class, luxury gardens. The island of Pescatori, on the other hand, is known for keeping its simple, old-fashioned look. 

Day trips from Milan to Stresa with a guide:

If this is your first time in Italy, you should book an organized day trip from Milan to Stresa and the Borromean Islands. The private bus transfer from Milan and the tour of the Borromean islands by ferry boats are both part of the guided tour. 

Plan your day trip to the islands of Stresa and Borromeo with a guide.

By Train:

Direct trains run between Milan and Stresa. It takes an hour to an hour and a half to get from Milan to Stresa by train. You can get to the islands from Stresa on Hop-on Hop-off boats that go between the islands all the time. It is best to book boats ahead of time to avoid having to wait in long lines.

Get passes that let you get on and off boats at the Borromean Islands.

Trainline or Trenitalia’s main website are both places where you can buy train tickets.

Plan your trip to Stresa by train.

Find out more about a trip from Milan to Lake Maggiore for the day. 

3. Day trip from Milan to Sirmione and Desenzano

Another beautiful town is Sirmione, which is on the peninsula in the middle of Lake Garda and is easy to get to from Milan. It is a must-see place in Italy because of its unique setting and beautiful views of the lake. People also like to go on love trips to Sirmione in northern Italy.  

Sirmione is a village that dates back to the Roman era. Because of where it was, it was an important military center in the Middle Ages. One of the most interesting things about the town is the Scaligero Castle, which was built in the Middle Ages and stands at the entrance. The shops and homes in the town still have a medieval look that makes you feel like you’re in a different time.  

Desenzano is another beautiful village on Lake Garda that can be reached straight by train from Milan. People also like to go to the pretty Fishermen’s Village to swim. The bus stop in Desenzano is where trips to Sirmione begin. 

Day trips from Milan to Sirmione with a guide:

Day trips with a guide from Milan to Sirmione are easier and more worthwhile. There are a number of travel companies that offer day trips from Milan to Sirmione. These trips include boat rides around the village of Sirmione and transportation from Milan to Sirmione via Desenzano.  

Plan your day trip to Sirmione and Desenzano with a guide.

By Train:

From Milan, you can take a train straight to Desenzano. From Milan’s main train stop, trains leave every 30 minutes. It takes between an hour and thirty minutes to get by train from Milan to Desenzano. A bus goes from Desenzano to Sirmione. Every hour, the bus goes from Desenzano to Sirmione. 

If you can’t go on an organized tour, you might want to book a romantic boat trip around the Sirmione Peninsula. 

Plan your trip on the boat in Sirmione.

Trainline or Trenitalia’s main website are both places where you can buy train tickets. 

Plan your trip to Desenzano by train.

4. Day trip from Milan to Lugano

The beautiful City of Lugano, which is on the shores of Lake Lugano, is another gem that you can easily see from Milan in one day. There is a beautiful lake and many mountains all around the city. To be exact, Lugano is in Switzerland, but Italian is the main language in the city. Since Lugano is right on the border with Italy, the culture there is a lot like that of Lombardy in northern Italy. Another thing is that Lugano is Switzerland’s third most important business hub. Its old city center is pedestrian-only and has a Mediterranean feel to it. From anywhere on the coast of Lugano, you can see the Lake and the mountains in a stunning way.

From the mountains around Lake Lugano, you can see the Alps in all their glory. The famous Monte san Salvatore and Mount Bre are easy to get to by funicular, and you can walk to more beautiful spots.

Day trips with guides from Milan to Lugano:

A organized day trip from Milan to Lugano is always a good idea if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation and parking. On the organized day trip from Milan, you will also stop at Bellagio and other places on Lake Como.

Plan your day trip to Lugano with a guide.

By train:

Every half hour, a direct train goes from Milan Central Station to Lugano. It takes about an hour and a half to get there.

Plan your trip to Lugano by train.

Discover how to have a great day trip from Milan to Lugano.

5. A trip from Milan to Florence in one day 

Florence doesn’t need an introduction. The world knows Florence for its long past and beautiful buildings. Even though it’s far away, the city can be reached in one hour and fifty minutes by super-fast trains in Italy. Even though one day in Florence wouldn’t be enough to see everything the city has to offer, it would be enough to see the main draw and feel the city’s unique vibe.

It was one of the most important towns in Italy and all of Europe. In the 1800s, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy for six years. It has a long history of kings. There was a time when Florence was one of the wealthiest towns in Europe. It was built by the Romans. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, which is one of the biggest churches in the world, is one of the main reasons why millions of people visit the city every year. The world’s biggest dome is on Santa Maria Cathedral.

There are lots of things to do in Florence. On the day trip, you can go at your own pace and see as much as you want. At the very least, though, you should see at least these places in Florence on a day trip from Milan. To avoid waiting in line, make sure you buy your tickets ahead of time.

• The Santa Maria Cathedral

The beautiful Santa Maria cathedral, which was built in the 1400s, is the main draw in Florence. To get into the church, there is always a line, so it is important to buy your ticket ahead of time. 

The Uffizi: 

The art gallery is famous for its world-class collections of sculptures and paintings, the Uffizi is one of the top attractions of Florence and a must-visit place.

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• Michelangelo Gallery (The Accademia Gallery): 

The main reason to visit Michelangelo’s gallery is to admire the original masterpiece sculpture of Michelangelo’s David.

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• Piazzale Michelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo is a square offering a Panoramic view of the city. It’s a great place to experience the romantic Sunset over the city. 

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio is the bridge from medieval times famous for its shops built along the bridge. It is a notable symbol of the city of Florence. 

• Guided Day trips from Milan to Florence:

There are guided day trips from Milan to Florence operated by travel agencies. Due to the long distance, the transport during the guided trips is offered by fast trains. 

By Train:

Florence is directly connected by train from Milan. It is necessary to book fast trains instead of slower ones to save time during travel. Fast trains run every hour from Milan to Florence and vice-versa. 

6. Day trip from Milan to Verona: 

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Verona

Verona, the romantic city, was Home to William Shakespeare’s Masterpiece setting “The Romeo and Juliet”. Formed during the Romans Era, Verona is also a part of UNESCO world heritage sites. The city settled across the Adige River has a rich history of Poetry, art, and music. The famous Amphitheatre from the Roman era is one of the main attractions of the city which hosts numerous events, music concerts, Opera, etc. throughout the year.

The city is said to be a favorite of William Shakespeare. In addition to Romeo and Juliet, Verona also featured in William Shakespeare’s play “Two Gentlemen of Verona” which made the city more popular among tourists around the world.

Verona has many things to do during the day trip, the top attractions of the city are the Roman Amphitheatre, Castelvecchio, the House of Juliet, Piazza Ebre, Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Duomo di Santa Maria, San Fermo Maggiore, etc. 

• Guided day trips from Milan to Verona:

If you are visiting for the first time, then it is good to try a Guided day trip from Milan to Verona.  

By Train:

Many direct trains are running from Milan to Verona including fast trains and regional trains. Fast trains take around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Verona and the regional train takes around 1 hour and 50 Mins. 

7. Day trip from Milan to Bologna

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Bologna from Tower

The city famous for its food, Bologna is also called the Gastronomical capital of Italy and would be a great idea for a day trip from Milan. If you are a food lover, then you must visit Bologna to try fresh kinds of pasta with rich Italian flavours. 

Bologna is one of the oldest cities in Italy and has a very interesting history dating back to BCE.  The well-preserved historic city center of Bologna gives a feel of being in another time. Most of the tourist attractions of the city are walkable from the city center. The leaning towers built during the Middle Ages are recognized as a main symbol of the city and one of the top attractions to visit in Bologna. The towers offer mesmerizing panoramic views of Bologna city. The other attractions to visit during a day trip to Bologna are Piazza Maggiore, Basilica of St. Petronius, Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, Basilica of Saint Stefan, etc. 

Bologna also hosts the Longest-running university in the world. It is recommended to visit the University if you have spare time during the day trip from Milan.

Guided Day trips from Milan to Bologna:

The guided group day trips from Milan to Bologna managed by tour operators are the comfortable option to explore Bologna in a day from Milan. It is recommended to book a guided trip to Bologna if you are visiting in a group. 

Book your guided day trip to Bologna 

By Train:

Bologna is directly connected by train from Milan. Since Bologna is far from Milan, it is recommended to book fast trains to save more time for sightseeing in Bologna. Fast trains depart from Milan Around every 30 minutes. Fast trains usually take 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Bologna from Milan. 

Book Your train tickets to Bologna 

8. Day trip from Milan to Bergamo (Citta Alta)

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Bergamo Citta Alta

The city of Bergamo, awarded as a Cultural Capital of Italy for the year 2023, is easily reachable by trains from Milan. The Citta Alta (which means upper City) is the old city of Bergamo from Medieval times situated on the hill and isolated from modern Bergamo. The old city is circled by massive defensive walls built in the 15th century which are part of UNESCO world heritage sites. The Bergamo Citta Alta is accessible by Funicular or by walk. Simply strolling in Medieval Bergamo Citta Alta gives vibes of being in Medieval times. 

The main attraction to visit during the day trip from Milan to Bergamo is the old town itself which includes Piazza Vecchia, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a cathedral of saint Alessandro Colleoni chapel, the city gates, walls of the old city, etc.

There are no guided day trips from Milan to Bergamo. However, you can easily reach Bergamo by train from Milan. Trains run from Milan to Bergamo every 30 Mins. Some trains depart from Milan Central Station, and some depart from Milano Porta Garibaldi.

Book Your train tickets to Bergamo  

9. Day trip from Milan to Venezia (Venice):

Best Day trips from Milan. Saint Mark Square Venice

Venice is not meant to be visited in a day. It needs time, that’s the reason we have kept it at number 9 in a ranking of best day trips from Milan. Venice is unique in all of the places mentioned in this article, However, the day trip would not do justice to the city’s potential. If you are really in a hurry, then a day trip to Venice from Milan would be a great idea. During the day trip from Milan to Venice, it is still possible to see most of Venice.

The city of Venice needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous places in the world. Dating back to the Medieval era, the city was and still is the important trade center of Italy and Europe. The city is entirely located in the water and has no roads. Therefore, the boats are the only means of transport in the city. The city itself is an open museum to explore on foot and admire its unique atmosphere. Saint Mark Square is the main attraction of this old trade center which is home to famous the Saint Mark’s Basilica and its bell tower. Don’t forget to experience the Romantic Gondola ride in the Grand Canal of Venice.

To experience the unforgettable day trip from Milan to Venice, try to leave as early as possible from Milan and try exploring the city by walking instead of by boat to admire its unique atmosphere. Strolling through the picturesque canals of Venice through the old bridges would leave you with wonderful lifetime memories. 

Guided day trips from Milan to Venice would be another great option to see most of Venice in one day. The guided trips also provide precious knowledge of the city’s rich history, art, and culture.  

By Train:-

Venice is reachable by train from Milan. It is recommended to book a fast train to reduce transit time. The journey from Milan to Venice takes around 2 hours and 30 Mins. Fast Trains usually run from Milan’s central station to Venice’s central station every hour in the morning. Remember to catch the train to Venezia Santa Lucia train station which is the main train station located in the old city of Venice. Don’t book a train running to Venezia Mestre since you need to catch another train to reach Venezia Santa Lucia from Venezia Mestre. 

Also, remember that the Old City of Venice has no roads, if you are driving to Venice, then you need to park your cars at Piazza Roma which is located near the entrance of the old city. From there, the city can be explored on a walk or by boat.

Book your train tickets to Venice from Milan

10. Day trip from Milan to Portofino

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Portofino 

Portofino is a great idea for a romantic day trip from Milan. Portofino is a charming, romantic, and picturesque coastal town situated on the coast of Liguria in Italy. This beautiful Italian town is rich in culture and famous among the locals for a weekend getaway. The town is surrounded by Ligurian Hills on the one side and clear blue sea on the other. The pastel colored houses arranged in a curve along the coast, the parked fishermen’s boats dancing in the sea, the scent of delicious Italian recipe, is all Portofino has to offer. 

The picturesque abbey of San Fruttuoso is just a 20-minute ferry ride away from Portofino. San Fruttuoso is an isolated place and can only be reached by ferry. Due to its clear blue water, the San Fruttuoso is also famous among Scuba divers. It also has the submerged statue of Jesus Christ which can be seen by scuba diving. 

A guided trip from Milan would be a great option to visit Portofino which also includes the tour of the City of Genoa.

Book your guided day trip to Portofino

By Trains:

Portofino can be reached by train from Milan. The nearest train station in Portofino is Santa Margarita Liguria. From Santa Margherita Liguria, Portofino can be reached by a 15-minute Bus ride. There are direct trains that run from Milan to Santa Margarita Liguria, but the frequency is not so great for a direct train. If you cannot match the timing of direct trains, you can always book trains with 1 change at Genoa.

Book your train tickets to Portofino

11. Day Trip from Milan to St. Moritz by Bernina Express

Best Day trips from Milan. Views from Bernina Express

Bernina Express is the most famous panoramic train that crosses through most scenic routes in the alpine landscapes of Switzerland. The Scenic route of Bernina Express is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The train passes through dramatic landscapes, snow-covered mountains, numerous bridges, and tunnels. 

Although the day trip from Milan to St. Moritz will be a very long day, at the end of the day, you will be amazed and equally satisfied by the scenic train journey and the beauty of Saint Moritz. 

St. Moritz is a Swiss town located around 1800 Meters from the sea level. Being located at a higher elevation, the town is famous for its ski resorts and winter activities. Saint Moritz has also hosted 2 Winter Olympics so far and is well-recognized in the world. Visiting Saint Moritz in winter is a magical experience.  St. Moritz Via Bernina Express can be visited from Milan either by Guided trips or self-guided trip by trains.

Guided Trips to St. Moritz via Bernina Express:-

A guided day trip to St. Moritz via Bernina Express is the easiest way to due to the long distance of the journey and travel time. With the Guided trip, the travel time will be reduced due to one-way transport by a private coach. 

Book your Guided day trip to Saint Moritz

By Train:

To reach St. Moritz by Train from Milan, 1st you need to catch the train to Tirano from Milan. The train runs every hour from Milan to Tirano. The journey from Milan to Tirano takes around 2 hours and 30 Mins. From Tirano, you need to catch the Bernina Express to St. Moritz. Bernina Express runs from Tirano to St. Moritz 5 times per day and vice versa. The Scenic train journey between Tirano and St. Moritz takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. 

The total journey time for the day trip from Milan is around 13 hours. Therefore, try to leave as early as possible from Milan to catch the 1st train running from Tirano to St. Moritz. 

12. Day trip to Cinque Terre from Milan:-

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Manarola village in Cinque terre

Cinque is an Italian word translated in English as “Five” and Terre as “Lands”. “Five Lands” is a group of 5 unique Italian villages known as Cinque Terre. Being a visit to five villages, the day trip from Milan to Cinque Terre would be a very busy day. Cinque Terre would need at least 2 to 3 days to explore completely, however, the best of Cinque Terre can be visited in just one day.

The five villages of Cinque Terre are Riomaggiore, Monarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Monterosso. All these five old fishing villages are unique and are equally beautiful. The villages with picturesque pastel-coloured houses facing towards the blue sea have a unique atmosphere and give a glimpse of the Italian way of living.  

If you don’t have enough time to visit all five villages during a day trip, then at least visit the top 3 villages Riomaggiore, Monarola, and Vernazza. All these five villages are connected by trains that run in every 20 mins. To explore the Cinque Terre villages, you can get a Cinque Terre train MS pass which is valid for one day for unlimited travel within the Cinque Terre. 

Cinque Terre can be visited from Milan by trains, cars, or by Guided trips. The guided trips from Milan to Cinque Terre are recommended due to the long distance and travel time. Also, for the Guided trips, transport between the villages is offered by cruise instead of train.

By Trains: –

Cinque Terre is Far from Milan, however, direct fast trains run from Milan to Levanto which is the starting point for trains running between Cinque Terre villages. Direct train from Milan to Levanto takes around 3 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to catch the earliest possible train to have more time during the day trips. 

From Levanto, you can either purchase a single journey ticket to Cinque Terre villages or you can buy a day pass for unlimited train travel within Cinque Terre villages. If you want to explore villages by boat instead of train, you can purchase boat tickets for one day within Cinque Terre villages. Consider that the Village of Corniglia is not located on the coast, therefore, you cannot reach Corniglia by Ferry boat. 

13. Day Trip from Milan to Turin

Best Day trips from Milan. Panoramic view of Turin

Turin, the capital city of the Piedmont region of Italy, is another great option for a day trip from Milan. Turin was previously the capital of Italy for some time in the 18th century, and now it is an important financial hub of Italy. Being ruled by many empires including Romans in the past, Turin has played an important role in the History of Italy. 

Turin has so many things to offer its Visitors. The most famous attraction of the city is its Egyptian Museum which is an Archaeological Museum with a collection of a wide range of vital Egyptian Artifacts. Some collections of the Museum are said to be 4000 years old. 

Book a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum 

The next best thing to do in Turin is to explore its royal palace located in the city center. The palace is full of royal interiors and rich decorations. The palace also hosts the world’s largest collection of weapons of old times. Due to its Uniqueness, the Palace is also listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. 

Book a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Turin

With a Few minute’s walk from the city center, you will find the symbol of the City of Turin called Mole Antonelliana. Mole Antonelliana was built in 1889 and was the tallest building in Europe at that time. The mole Antonelliana offers the best panoramic views of the city.

If you have an interest in the evolution of the Automobile, then visit the Automobile Museum in Turin which has a collection of numerous vintage cars that demonstrates the History of Automobile evolution.  

Turin is directly connected by Trains from Milan. Direct trains run from different train stations in Milan every 30 minutes. The train journey from Milan to Turin takes around 1 hour by fast trains and around 2 hours by slow trains. 

14. Day Trip from Milan to Genoa and the largest Aquarium in Europe

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Genoa City

Genoa, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, also called the port city of Italy, is the sixth largest city in Italy and great option to explore as a day trip from Milan. Genoa is also home to one of the largest ports in Italy and Europe, which was once a very important maritime trade center for Europe.

The main attraction of the city of Genoa is its Aquarium which is the largest Aquarium in Europe. Home to over 12000 specimens, 600 animal species, and 200 vegetal species, the Hi-tech Aquarium of Genoa is a must-visit place in Genoa, especially if you are travelling with kids. The Aquarium is also home to the species like sharks, Dolphins, and Penguins. The aquarium usually takes 2 to 3 hours to explore fully. For visiting Genoa Aquarium, you need to buy your entry tickets in advance and reserve your timeslot for entrance.

Buy your entry tickets to Genoa Aquarium

After the visit to the Aquarium, the next best thing to do in Genoa is to visit its old port. The old port is a very important symbol of the city of Genoa and is popular among the locals. The area is also filled with restaurants and bars and it is a great place to try some delicious Genoese Seafood.  

The main city center of Genoa called Piazza de Ferrari is also worth a visit. It is recommended to visit a Palazzi dei Rolli which is a royal palace that was home to Genoese nobilities. 

Genoa is directly connected by Trains from Milan. Trains are running for Genoa every 30 minutes from various stations in Milan.  The journey from Milan to Genoa takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

15. Day Trip from Milan to Pavia

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Pavia City

Pavia, the little city located in the south of Milan is an Ideal place to have a comfortable day trip from Milan. Pavia was once the capital of the Lombardy region of Italy. Later the capital was changed to Milan. Pavia is mainly famous for Its 14th-century Monastery called “Certosa di Pavia”. The monastery is one of the largest in Italy and it is dedicated to Carthusian monks. Now the Monastery is also open for tourists free of cost. 

Pavia is a Medieval city. Therefore, the city has well-preserved Medieval architecture like the Duomo di Pavia, Medieval towers, the Basilica di San Michele, Castello Visconteo, etc. Pavia also hosts 2nd oldest University in Italy called the University of Pavia which was 1st built in the 9th century as a school and later in the 14th century was transformed into a university. 

Ticino River passes from the middle of Pavia city, therefore, you will always find a pleasant atmosphere in Pavia, especially at the bridge Ponte Coperto, which is the 13th-century bridge built on the Ticino River. Ponte Coperto is also one of the top attractions in Pavia.  

Strolling through the cobbled lanes of Pavia, exploring its city Centre and discovering medieval architecture is always a great idea for a day trip from Milan.  

Pavia is directly connected by Trains and buses from Milan. The preferable option is the train. Trains run from Milan to Pavia every 30 minutes from various underground stations including Milano Porta Garibaldi train station. The train journey from Milan to Pavia takes around 50 Minutes. 

16. Day trip from Milan to Varese

Best Day trips from Milan. View of Varese Lake

Varese is a beautiful Italian town located in the north of Milan. The town famous for its Gardens and villas, Varese is also called a “Garden City”. 

The main attraction of the city is Monte Sacro, translated in English as Sacred Mountain, which has 14 chapels situated on the slopes of a mountain. The Monte Sacro is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Another main attraction of the city is Palazzo Estene, which was once a summer residence of the Habsburg family.

Varese is also known for its tranquil lake called Lake Varese. The soothing and picturesque lake is a great location for spending some quiet time with nature. 

Also, walking through the cobbled lanes of the city center will give a glimpse of the city’s history. 

Varese is directly connected to Milan by train. The direct trains run every 30 Minutes from Milano Porta Garibaldi train station. The train Journey from Milan to Varese Takes around 1 hour and 15 Minutes. 

To explore the countryside of Milan, it is important to choose a right location of your stay in Milan to have good connections of public transports to the Train station. Check out some of our recommendations for best places to stay in Milan. 

Where to stay in Milan?

Choosing the right place to stay in Milan can be tricky especially if you don’t have a car. Here are some of our top picks for the best hotels to stay in Milan that are located at very convenient locations to explore Milan city and nearby villages as a day trip from Milan. 

Milan Retreats

Top rated and undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Milan that is located in close proximity to the train station and metro stations. The staff, interiors and cleanliness of the hotel is remarkable. 

Starhotels Echo

One of the best hotels located very close to the train station and in close proximity to the metro stations. It is usually available at an affordable price. 

HD8 Hotel Milano

Competing with the star hotels, HD8 is also located close to the central station and underground metro lines. 

Hotel Milano Castello

The top-rated hotel located at the prime location of city very close to the Castle and walking distance away from Duomo di Milano. Hotel is usually available in affordable price considering its location. 

The Glamore Milano Duomo

It is probably the expensive choice but worth every penny since the hotel is located in city center just few steps away in Duomo di Milano.  

Apartments San Sepolcro Duomo

The best pick for the families to stay in the heart of the city. You can use entire apartment with all necessary amenities. It is just few steps away from Duomo di Milano. 

We hope that this blog will help you to plan the best and most comfortable day trip from Milan. If you need any professional advice or support for planning a trip to Italy, then reach out to Guidemyvoyage experts based in Italy.  Also, check out our other blogs on different travel tips for travelling in Europe. 

Faqs on “Day Trips from Milan

What are some popular day trip destinations from Milan?

Explore popular day trip destinations like Lake Como, Verona, Cinque Terre, and Bergamo, known for their scenic beauty, historical significance, and cultural attractions.

How far are these day trip destinations from Milan?

Day trip destinations from Milan are typically within a 1 to 2-hour train ride, making them easily accessible for travelers looking to explore nearby gems.

What activities can I enjoy during a day trip from Milan?

Depending on the destination, activities may include exploring historic sites, enjoying local cuisine, shopping in charming towns, hiking in picturesque landscapes, or relaxing by the water.

Are guided tours available for day trips from Milan?

Yes, guided tours are available for many day trip destinations from Milan, providing informative insights and a hassle-free travel experience.

What are some hidden gems near Milan that are worth visiting on a day trip?

Discover lesser-known destinations like Lake Orta, Pavia, Varese, or Mantua, offering unique experiences away from the crowds.

How can I plan a day trip from Milan on a budget?

Tips for budget travelers include taking regional trains, packing a picnic lunch, opting for free or low-cost attractions, and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.

Is it possible to visit multiple day trip destinations in a single day from Milan?

While it’s possible to visit nearby destinations in a single day, it’s recommended to prioritize one location to fully immerse yourself in its culture and attractions.

What should I pack for a day trip from Milan?

Essentials to pack include comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, a water bottle, snacks, and a map or guidebook of the destination.

Are day trips from Milan family-friendly?

Many day trip destinations from Milan are family-friendly, offering activities and attractions suitable for travelers of all ages.

How can I make the most of my day trip from Milan?

To make the most of your day trip, plan your itinerary in advance, arrive early to beat the crowds, immerse yourself in the local culture, and savor the unique experiences each destination has to offer.