Best day trips from Milan

Revealed: 25 Spectacular Day Trips From Milan That Will Amaze You

Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by spritzience

One of the biggest perks of living in Milan is how ridiculously easy it is to reach incredible places without ever needing a car. Trains get you everywhere — from lakeside villages and medieval hilltowns to UNESCO-listed cities and foodie destinations where the meals alone justify the ticket. I rely entirely on trains (and the occasional bus ride) for all my day trips from Milan. They’ve taken me to some incredible spots where the reward is always the same: great meals, great views, and that jolt of excitement you get from stepping into a new place after too many hours at a desk.

After living in Milan for ten years, I’ve learned that the real luxury here isn’t only the design, fashion, or museums — it’s how effortlessly you can get elsewhere in Italy. Some of the best day trips from Milan are the ones where you can spend the morning wandering medieval streets, grab a lunch you’ll still be thinking about later, or sit by the water with a spritz and a view that resets your whole mood.

Between high-speed trains and regional lines (plus a few seamless connections), reaching these 25 destinations is straightforward, affordable, and genuinely fun. And it’s even easier when you check out my guide to navigating Central Station Milan. So grab a window seat — here are my favorite day trips from Milan.

This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These links help me cover the real expenses behind Spritzience, from visiting locations and retouching photos to the hours spent researching and writing guides that make your trip easier.

The entrance to the Villa Reale in Monza
The entrance to the Villa Reale in Monza

1. Monza & Villa Reale


Why Go: Monza might be best known for its Formula 1 Grand Prix, but there’s so much more beyond the roar of the engines. This city, just minutes from Milan, boasts a charming historic center, beautiful parks, and the magnificent Villa Reale.

Built in the late 18th century for Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, the palace is an architectural gem set within one of Europe’s largest enclosed urban parks. With more than 700 rooms, you’d think that the palace would be the main draw. As there are only a few furnished rooms, I found the rose garden, with more than 4,000 varieties, to be the best part of the palace. It’s one of the perfect day trips from Milan for a regal yet relaxed escape.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Enjoy an elegant lunch or aperitivo at Derby Grill, a refined spot (in one of the leading hotels of the world) with a view of the palace gardens.

Train Travel: Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Monza (approx. 10 minutes).

The Osteria Ponte Pietra has a view of the Castel San Pietro
The Osteria Ponte Pietra has a view of the Castel San Pietro

2. Verona


Why Go: Verona is a city that lives and breathes romance. With its winding cobblestone streets, ancient Roman arena, and Gothic churches, it’s no surprise that Shakespeare chose it as the setting for Romeo and Juliet. Beyond the balcony, the city offers vibrant piazzas, historic bridges, and top-tier wine bars perfect for an affordable luxury itinerary. It’s a place where you just want to explore the streets to see what tucked away wine bar or shop you might find. Plus Verona restaurants serve up magically good food, making it an unforgettable day trip from Milan.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Perched by Verona’s iconic Roman bridge, Osteria Ponte Pietra offers front-row seats to the city’s river views and sunset magic of Castel San Pietro in its outdoor sitting area. Inside, it’s all elegance: wooden ceilings, white linens, art deco lights, lots of muted mirrors, and soft jazz.

Train Travel: Take a Trenitalia Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train from Milano Centrale to Verona Porta Nuova (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).

Fishing boats bob in Bardolino
Fishing boats bob in Bardolino

3. Bardolino


Why Go: Sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, Bardolino is a colorful fishing village turned wine lover’s paradise. Known for its light and fruity red wine, Bardolino offers not just tastings but entire experiences dedicated to viticulture, including wine museums and vineyard tours.

Add in a breezy promenade, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of lakefront cafes, and cute shops lining a cobeled pedestrian only old town and you’ve got yourself a dreamy lakeside escape. Making Bardolino the perfect spot for aperitivo.

Pasta Pomodoro with Cheese and Lemon Shavings At Gesti Ristorante makes Bardolino one of the best day trips from Milan

Affordable Luxury Tip: Make a reservation at Gesti Ristorante and Pizzeria. Opened by a Michelin-starred chef in 2024, it’s laid-back while serving some of the best pasta pomodoro and Neapolitan-style pizza in town. I literally dream of when I will get to try the pasta pomodoro again, as with cheese and lemon shavings it packs a deliciously unique punch. Pair the pasta with some Bardolino wine Italy like Classico or go for a chilled Chiaretto.

Train Travel: Take a high-speed train to Peschiera del Garda (1 hour), then a local bus (24 minutes) or taxi to Bardolino.

Fishing boats in the Desenzano del Gardo old harbor
Fishing boats in the Desenzano del Gardo old harbor

4. Desenzano del Garda


Why Go: Desenzano is the stylish gateway to Lake Garda, mixing laid-back vibes with upscale elegance. The town is home to Roman ruins, lively weekly markets, and a shimmering waterfront where you can sip prosecco as sailboats bob nearby. With fashionable boutiques, beachfront cafes, and vibrant nightlife, Desenzano is perfect for those who want a slice of la dolce vita without the tourist crowds.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Head to Alla Stella for lunch. Tucked up a cozy alleyway heading toward the castle, this restaurant serves up fresh lake fish, handmade pastas, and seasonal specialties with a refined rustic flair. This is Spritzience’s go-to spot every time we visit Desenzano.

And if you’re into chic antiques, one of our favorite stores in all of Italy is here. Babilla has amazing French bookcases, vintage globes and all sorts of wondrous vintage finds – it’s a true decorating heaven. You’ll enjoy just looking at how they display and stage the antique wares in their store.

Train Travel: Take a Trenitalia Frecciarossa from Milano Centrale to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione (50 minutes). This is the easiest town to get to on Lake Garda via train, helping make it one of the best day trips from Milan. From the train station, it’s a gentle 10-minute walk downhill to the town. Other towns on the lake generally require adding a bus ride (with the exception of Peschiera del Garda).

There's no grander way to arrive in Sirmione than walking across the former drawbridge
There’s no grander way to arrive in Sirmione than walking across the former drawbridge

5. Sirmione


Why Go: If you’re craving a fairytale setting, look no further than Sirmione Lake Garda. This narrow peninsula juts into Lake Garda and offers a magical mix of a medieval castle, an ancient Roman villa, and thermal baths. It’s no wonder that poets and aristocrats have flocked here for centuries.

Sirmione is actually an island, where you need to either arrive by ferry, private boat, or walk across a former drawbridge through a castle wall to enter the town. I think walking the drawbridge makes for the grandest entrance, and it’s not just the castle that makes this one of the best day trips from Milan. The island has a magical feel with car free streets, winding stone alleys and restaurants that literally float over the water.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Relax in thermal bliss at Aquaria Thermal Spa with lake views.

Train Travel: Take a train to Desenzano del Garda (50 minutes), then a short taxi, ferry or bus (25 minutes) to Sirmione.

A cocktail in the rooftop alcove of Vista Palazzo
A cocktail in the rooftop alcove of Vista Palazzo

6. Lake Como (Como Town)

Why Go: The town of Como is the perfect introduction to the lake that made George Clooney fall in love with Italy. With its historic cathedral, buzzing piazzas, and elegant waterfront, Como strikes a balance between old-world charm and cosmopolitan flair. Take the funicular up to Brunate for panoramic views, or hop on a boat to discover the lake’s hidden gems. It’s a classic and one of the best day trips from Milan for a reason.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Sip a spritz on the terrace at Vista Palazzo, Como’s most exclusive 5 star boutique hotel.

Train Travel: Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes). For the ultimate arrival leave from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago Nord, where it feels like the train stops just short of running into the lake (directly across from the ferry and bus stops). (approx. 1 hour).

Pasta Patate at Carlo e Camillo is served on high end China dishes
Pasta Patate at Carlo e Camillo is served on high end China dishes

7. Turin


Why Go: Turin is northern Italy’s under-the-radar beauty. With its baroque palaces, grand boulevards, and an air of quiet sophistication, the city feels like a cross between Paris and Florence. It’s also a haven for foodies and chocolate lovers, boasting world-famous cafes, rich gianduja, and the irresistible bicerin. History, style, and chocolate, Turin has it all. Thus it always surprises me that more people don’t think about this city as one of the best day trips from Milan.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Indulge in a tour and chocolate tasting at Guido Gobino chocolate factory (must be pre-booked), followed by lunch at Carlo and Camilla Bistrot. While the restaurant sits within The Grand Sitea, a 5-star hotel, and the chef is Michelin-starred, they have chosen to keep the dining experience more casual as a bistro.

Prices are a little higher than surrounding restaurants, but we consider it affordable luxury given the high quality of the ingredients and exceptional knowledge to turn out the delicious dishes coming out of the kitchen. Every time I eat here, I wonder at how they made a sauce taste just so, or how they achieved the velvety texture with a cheese sauce unlike others I’ve tasted before.

Train Travel: Take a high-speed Frecciarossa or Italo train from Milano Centrale to Torino Porta Nuova (approx. 1 hour).

A view of Piazza Maggiore in Bologna
A view of Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, one of the best days trips from Milan

8.Bologna


Why Go: Bologna is a feast for the senses. Nicknamed “La Grassa” (The Fat One) for its culinary delights, the city invites you to wander through endless porticoes, admire medieval towers, and eat your body weight in handmade pasta. It’s also home to the oldest university in the Western world, giving the city a lively, intellectual buzz. In short: come hungry.

Bologna is also my go-to spot to stock up on delicious foods, where my favorite stores have 10 types of freshly made filled pastas, at least 4 different ages of parmesan cheese, and a wide selection of balsamic vinegars. The prices are significantly lower than what you find in Milan, and the variety is much better. It’s become one of my favorite day trips from Milan, especially at Christmas time when I’m stocking up on gifts for the foodie friends and family members.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Reserve a table at Ristorante Taverna Del Postiglione. Their pasta a brodo, and classic Bolognese dishes never disappoint, and it’s a cute spot in a former stagecoach stop

Train Travel: Take a Frecciarossa or Italo high-speed train from Milano Centrale to Bologna Centrale (approx. 1 hour).

The stair case entices you to enter Villa Del Balbianello
The staircase entices you to enter Villa Del Balbianello

9.Lenno & Villa del Balbianello


Why Go: Tucked away on Lake Como’s western shore, Lenno is home to one of Italy’s most cinematic villas: Villa del Balbianello. With terraced gardens and jaw-dropping lake views, it has played starring roles in Star Wars and James Bond films. Arriving by boat adds to the drama, and the villa’s manicured beauty makes it one of the most photogenic spots in all of Italy. For all of the above reasons, this villa makes for one of the best day trips from Milan.

For more detail on my favorite Lake Como villa itineraries, including what villas to stay in, read my post.

Sumptous decor in this former bachelor pad - Villa Del Balbianello
Sumptuous decor in this former bachelor pad – Villa Del Balbianello

Affordable Luxury Tip: Take a private water taxi (from Lenno or elsewhere on the lake) to the villa for that 007 entrance.

Train Travel: Take a train to Como, then a bus or ferry to Lenno (approx. 2 hours total).

Cocktails at Il Sereno anyone?
Cocktails at Il Sereno anyone?

10.Torno & Lunch at Il Sereno


Why Go: For a truly elevated escape, head to the quiet village of Torno and dine at the exquisite Il Sereno hotel. This is Lake Como at its most luxurious: sleek design from Patricia Urquiola, Michelin-starred meals, and unrivaled lake views. Torno itself offers serene walks and an authentic local feel, far from the tourist throngs. It’s a hidden gem that whispers elegance.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Lunch at Il Sereno’s Berton al Lago is an unforgettable treat.

Train Travel: Train to Como, then bus, ferry or taxi to Torno (approx. 1.5 hours).

Passeggiata degli Innamorati in Varenna is a marvelous path overhanging the water
Passeggiata degli Innamorati in Varenna is a marvelous path overhanging the water, connecting the ferry to the village

11.Varenna


Why Go: Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Varenna is a charming village with pastel-colored houses, narrow cobbled lanes, and a stunning lakeside promenade. It’s a quieter alternative to Como and Bellagio but no less enchanting, boasting highlights like the Villa Monastero with its botanical gardens and the medieval Castello di Vezio perched above the village.

Varenna offers that perfect mix of a laid-back lake town and history, ideal for soaking up the beauty of Northern Italy’s lake region. With all that it has on offer, Varenna is one of the best day trips from Milan.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Enjoy a lakeside spritz at the stylish Hotel Royal Victoria’s terrace, where the views and cocktails are equally unforgettable. Don’t miss our post showing their iconic views, with more tips on where to find the best spritz on Lake Como.


Train Travel: Take a Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (approx. 1 hour).

The main square in Bergamo Alta
The main square in Bergamo Alta

12.Bergamo


Why Go: Bergamo is a tale of two cities: the modern lower town and the medieval upper town (Città Alta), perched on a hill and surrounded by Venetian walls. Wander through cobblestone streets, visit Piazza Vecchia — one of Italy’s most beautiful squares — and savor rich Lombard cuisine. It’s a perfect day trip for culture, history, and delicious food, plus it feels like stepping back in time without leaving Northern Italy.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Treat yourself to lunch at Da Mimmo in Città Alta, where traditional dishes are served with impeccable style. Their brick-lined dining room with a wood-beamed ceiling is found in a historic palace dating back to the 1350s.


Train Travel: Trenord regional trains run frequently from Milano Centrale to Bergamo (approx. 50 minutes), plus an additional 30 minutes to transit to the historical center of Bergamo Alta, via bus and walking.

Ruins from the Roman town of Brixia are a few minute walk from the center of Brescia
Ruins from the Roman town of Brixia are a few minute walk from the center of Brescia

13.Brescia: One of the best day trips from Milan


Why Go: Often overlooked, Brescia is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, Renaissance art, and a lively food scene. The city boasts a stunning UNESCO-listed Roman Capitolium, plus a medieval Brescia Castle, and the charming Piazza della Loggia.

While exploring the Brescia Capitolium, I found myself utterly transfixed by the Winged Victory statue—an ancient bronze goddess mid-stride, her wings sweeping upward as if she were moments from flight. She’s not just stunning; she’s storied.

Dating back to the 1st century AD, this Roman masterpiece once stood as a symbol of triumph, possibly holding a palm in one hand and a laurel crown in the other. But here’s the twist: she was lost to time—literally buried under rubble—until 1826, when workers accidentally unearthed her beneath the ruins of the Capitolium temple during excavation works. And even then, she emerged in pieces, cloaked in mystery and corrosion.

Standing before her, perfectly poised in the museum’s dim glow, I couldn’t help but marvel—not just at her elegance, and the incredible detail of her wings and dress. But at the idea that she waited quietly underground for nearly two millennia, only to dazzle us once more.

Winged Victory statue in Brescia


Affordable Luxury Tip: Enjoy a sophisticated aperitivo at Enoteca Le Rive, which offers top-notch wines and small plates.


Train Travel: Take a high-speed Freccia train from Milano Centrale to Brescia (approx. 35 minutes).

14. Pavia


Why Go: Pavia is a classic university town with an unpretentious charm and plenty of cultural riches. Visit the Certosa di Pavia, a stunning UNESCO-listed monastery complex with intricate Renaissance architecture and priceless frescoes. The city also features lovely riverside walks and historic piazzas that invite leisurely afternoons. Pavia offers a perfect blend of art, history, and the laid-back vibe of a smaller Italian city. We at Spritzience love anything UNESCO, especially if we can see it easily on one of the day trips from Milan.

BONUS: If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to stand inside a 16th-century battlefield, the Battle of Pavia anniversary exhibit inside Visconti Castle gets surprisingly close. One minute you’re admiring the castle’s ornate ceilings, and the next you’re slipping on a VR headset, watching cavalry prepare to charge, and studying the enormous Battle of Pavia tapestries that map every phase of the clash. It was the unexpected highlight of my latest day trip from Milan — and the exhibit runs only until January 11th, 2026.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Dine at Lino Restaurante for traditional Pavia dishes served with a modern twist in a chic atmosphere.


Train Travel: Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Pavia (approx. 30 minutes). From there, plan for another 15 minutes via bus & a short walk to reach the Certosa di Pavia. As it’s a few km outside of the city.

A historical tower in old town Varese
A historical tower in old town Varese

15.Varese


Why Go: Known as the “Garden City,” Varese is famous for its beautiful parks and villas, such as Villa Panza and Villa Menafoglio. It’s a green oasis close to Milan, perfect for hiking, art, and architecture lovers alike. The Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers both spiritual significance and panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Make your visit to Varese even more memorable with an overnight stay at the Palace Grand Hotel Varese Italy — a Belle Époque landmark surrounded by gardens and lake views. The newly restored pool and Liberty-style colonnades make it one of Lombardy’s most underrated retreats for those who love vintage design and space to unwind.

Order a Campari spritz at the pool bar, linger over dinner under the stars, and wake up to breakfast framed by picture-window views of the “Garden City.” It’s affordable luxury with a touch of cinematic glamour — just an hour from Milan.


Train Travel: Take a Trenord regional train from Milano Centrale to Varese (approx. 1 hour). Plan for another 30 minutes (bus + short walk) to get to the path leading up to Sacro Monte di Varese. On weekends there’s a lovely funicular running if you want to avoid the uphill walk.

One of the Unesco listed castles in Bellinzona
One of the Unesco listed castles in Bellinzona

16.Bellinzona (Switzerland)

Why Go: Just across the border, Bellinzona is a medieval marvel renowned for its three UNESCO-listed castles — Castelgrande, Montebello, and Sasso Corbaro. The fortified walls and ramparts transport visitors straight to the Middle Ages, while the town’s lively market and Swiss hospitality add a modern flair. It’s a fascinating cross-border day trip that combines history, culture, and Swiss precision.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Enjoy Swiss fine dining at Ristorante Castelgrande, offering breathtaking views and local delicacies.


Train Travel: Take an Intercity train from Milano Centrale to Bellinzona (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).

Hotel Splendide in Lugano
Hotel Splendide in Lugano

17.Lugano (Switzerland)

Why Go: Lugano blends Swiss efficiency with Mediterranean charm. The city boasts a stunning lakeside promenade, stylish shopping streets, and luscious parks like Parco Ciani. With Italian-speaking locals and a warm climate, Lugano feels like a little slice of Italy in Switzerland. Complete with Swiss chocolates and an elegant urban vibe.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Savor a lakeside spritz at the iconic Grand Hotel Splendide’s terrace bar.


Train Travel: Direct regional trains run from Milano Centrale to Lugano (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes).

Giuletta on Lake Maggiore has an amazing pier for lounging, just above the water
Giuletta on Lake Maggiore has an amazing pier for lounging, just above the water

18.Arona

Why Go: Arona is a quaint lakeside town on Lake Maggiore with a lively piazza and a beautiful lakefront promenade. Plus there’s a towering statue of San Carlo Borromeo overlooking the lake. Unfortunately, he’s actually a bit outside of town, most easily accessed by car.

Arona offers an authentic Italian experience with fewer tourists and lots of charming shops. It’s a refreshing spot for strolling and lakeside dining. Given its proximity to Milan, this is one of the best day trips from Milan.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Enjoy a spritz with a view at Giuletta while lounging lakeside. Or if you’re lucky enough to be there on Friday night, stop over to Beauty Bar for amazing handcrafted cocktails. They usually have a jazz band playing outside from 7 pm to 8:30 pm and from 10 pm to 11 pm.


Train Travel: Trenord trains run from Milano Centrale to Arona (approx. 1 hour).

Isola Bella is one of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore, one of the best day trips from Milan

19.Stresa

Why Go: Known as the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore,” Stresa is famed for its elegant villas, lush gardens, and the stunning Borromean Islands just offshore. The town is perfect for a sophisticated day of boating, exploring historic sites, and savoring lakeside luxury. The funicular to Mottarone offers sweeping views of the lake and Alps, adding adventure to your trip.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Book a private boat tour to the Borromean Islands with a picnic of local delicacies and prosecco.


Train Travel: Take a Trenord train from Milano Centrale to Stresa (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes).

Villa Rotonda was used as inspiration for the White House

20.Vicenza

Why Go: Wandering through Vicenza feels like stepping into a living sketchbook of Andrea Palladio. He’s the Renaissance architect whose vision shaped the very bones of this UNESCO-listed city. Around nearly every corner, you’ll stumble upon one of his masterpieces, from the stately Basilica Palladiana, with its distinctive loggia of white marble arches, to the elegant Palazzo Chiericati, now home to Vicenza’s civic art gallery.

Don’t miss the Teatro Olimpico, his final project and Europe’s oldest indoor theater. There, the illusionistic stage sets still trick your eye into believing you’re staring down ancient Roman streets. Even just strolling Corso Palladio, the city’s main drag, turns into a mini architectural pilgrimage. With one graceful façade after another whispering Palladio’s genius. It’s an open-air museum of symmetry, proportion, and old-school Italian flair. Trust me, even if you don’t know your Doric from your Corinthian, you’ll be completely smitten. Check out our 1-day Vicenza itinerary for a more detailed guide and great photo inspiration.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Have lunch at Osteria da Cesari. It’s a gem known for its traditional Veneto cuisine with a modern touch.

Train Travel: Take a Frecciarossa high-speed train from Milano Centrale to Vicenza (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).

Visit Christopher Columbus's birth home in Genoa
One of the best day trips from Milan is visiting Christopher Columbus’s birth home in Genoa

21: Genoa


Why Go: Genoa is a vibrant port city with a rich maritime history, winding alleys (caruggi), and the largest historic center in Europe. The UNESCO-listed Palazzi dei Rolli, a series of opulent Renaissance and Baroque palaces, are scattered like hidden gems through the historic center. Each one was once part of an exclusive guest list for visiting dignitaries (we’re talking popes, emperors, and maybe the occasional overwhelmed ambassador).

These grand homes weren’t private playthings. They were part of an official “roll” or register, and owners were obligated to host Genoa’s VIP visitors. Today, many are museums, banks, or quietly majestic façades found on Via Garibaldi, Via Balbi, and Via Lomellini.

Step inside Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco, or Palazzo Tursi. You’ll be treated to sweeping marble staircases, frescoed ceilings, and enough gilded splendor to make your inner noble swoon. It’s like time-traveling through Genovese grandeur—and yes, you’re absolutely on the guest list.

To finish off your day of time traveling, check out one of the historical churches and Christopher Columbus’s birthplace.


Affordable Luxury Tip: Dine at Ristorante Zeffirino for exquisite seafood paired with fine Ligurian wines.


Train Travel: Take a Frecciabianca or Intercity train from Milano Centrale to Genova Piazza Principe (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).

Visiting a cloister in Genoa
Visiting a cloister in Genoa
The restaurant at Hotel Riva Lago in Sulzano
One of the best day trips from Milan is enjoying lunch at Hotel Riva Lago in Sulzano

22. Sulzano & Monte Isola

Why Go: Sulzano sits on Lake Iseo, a lake that gets far fewer tourists than Como or Garda — which means it feels much more Italian and authentic. From there, you can catch the ferry to Monte Isola, the largest inhabited island in a European lake, where olive groves, fishing villages, and quiet walking paths are the real attractions.

Between wandering the island, great lake views, and plenty of spots to eat local dishes, it’s one of those day trips from Milan that always delivers.

Affordable Luxury Tip: For a special lunch right on the water, Hotel Riva Lago in Sulzano is worth the ticket. The food is elevated without being stuffy, and the lake views right off the terrace make it a perfect midday stop.

Train Travel: Most train options require a change at Brescia. Using regional trains, it’s a 2-hour 15-minute trip, or if you take the faster Freccia train + regional train, you can get there in about 1 hour and a half. From Sulzano’s lakeside pier, you can easily hop on the ferry to Monte Isola.

The piazza Duomo in Crema
The piazza Duomo in Crema

23. Crema

Why Go: Crema is one of Lombardy’s most inviting small towns, the kind of place that feels instantly walkable and full of personality. You enter through a historic archway and land right in a piazza framed by beautiful porticoes, small museums, and cafés perfect for a mid-day pause.

Fans of Call Me by Your Name will recognize a few filming locations around town, but the real surprise is the food: tortelli cremaschi, a sweet and savory pasta filled with chocolates and spices that tastes like nothing else in Italy. It’s one of the most interesting day trips from Milan if you love architecture and regional food traditions.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Grab a table near Piazza Duomo and order tortelli cremaschi — it’s the one dish you absolutely want to try here, especially if you enjoy unique regional specialties.

Train Travel: Take a regional train from Milano Centrale to Crema (about 1 hour), The historic center is an easy walk from the station.

Flag bearers during the Cremona  Torone Festival
One of the best day trips from Milan is watching the parade during the Cremona Torone Festival

24. Cremona

Why Go: Cremona blends medieval charm with a strong artisan identity — this is the home of violin makers tied to masters like Antonio Stradivari. The town is compact, atmospheric, and perfect for wandering its narrow streets and lively piazzas.

My favorite time to visit is during the Torone Festival: the city fills with parades, performances, endless nougat stalls, and even DJs spinning in the piazza. It’s one of those day trips from Milan where food, craft, and history all show up.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Choose a spot in one of the main piazzas for an aperitivo — during festival season the energy is great, and it’s an easy way to take in the architecture and people-watching.

Train Travel: Regional trains from Milano Centrale or Porta Garibaldi reach Cremona in about 55minutes. The historic center (Duomo, Torrazzo, main piazza) is a short walk from the station.


The Teatro Farnese in Parma
The Teatro Farnese in Parma

25. Parma

Why Go: Parma is the place I hop a train to when I want an exceptional meal — no overthinking, just great food. It’s famed for Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Parma ham, making it one of the best day trips from Milan when you want to pick up freshly filled pastas and cheese to take home.

Beyond the food, the cultural side is strong: the museums inside Palazzo della Pilotta are excellent, and the wooden Teatro Farnese is one of the most impressive historic theaters in Italy. Parma also hosts an incredible major antiques fair twice a year — I’ve found some great pieces for my apartment there — which makes it a fun mix of culture, food, and treasure-hunting.

Affordable Luxury Tip: Reserve a table at Angiol d’Or, just steps from the Duomo. It’s one of the best places for a meal built around classic Parmesan ingredients without feeling formal.

Train Travel: Direct EC trains from Milano Centrale take about 1 hour 20 minutes. The walk from Parma’s station into the historic center is straightforward and makes the city ideal for a full-day food-focused trip.

Planning Time in Milan Italy?

If you want to keep exploring Milan after your day trips from Milan, my neighborhood guides make it easy to dive back into the city. In my Piazza del Duomo guide, I map out a walking route around Piazza del Duomo that passes my favorite historic corners and a couple of cocktail stops worth timing your day around.

For food planning, my best restaurants in Milan guide is a curated list of the spots I return to for consistently great meals — no filler, just the places that deliver. And if your morning needs a proper start, my breakfast in Milan guide rounds up 20 of the best cafés and bakeries in the city.
























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