The Best Day Trips from Milan

If you’re in Milan and itching to see more of northern Italy without packing your bags, you’re in for a treat. The city is perfectly placed for unforgettable day trips from Milan, from postcard-perfect lakes to medieval towns and a serious dose of Italian cuisine. Trains, ferries, and scenic drives put you within easy reach of everything from the elegance of Lake Como to the romance of Verona, and yes, even the pastel villages of Cinque Terre. Some escapes are all about history and charm, others are pure indulgence. Think Lombardy wine tours winding through vineyard-covered hills, with a glass of local bubbly in hand and the Alps peeking over the horizon. This guide is your shortcut to the best quick adventures from Milan, mixing beauty, culture, and flavors so good you might just miss your train back.

Uncover the 12 best day trips from Milan

1- Start your trip with a tasting in town

The best day trips from Milan aren’t just about lakes and pretty towns sometimes, they’re about wine right in the city. Cantina Urbana is Milan’s own urban winery, where you can skip the countryside and still enjoy top-notch tastings. Sip fresh pours straight from the barrel, learn about the winemaking process, and pair your glass with local bites before heading back out to explore. Start your next adventure in the best way!

2- Unwind in the spa town of Pavia

A quick trip south puts you in Pavia, the kind of day trip from Milan escape that feels like a breath of fresh air. Hop on a train from Milan and you’ll be wandering its historic streets in less than an hour. In Pavia, you’ll find Romanesque churches, quiet riverside cafés where a cappuccino tastes even better, and the graceful Certosa di Pavia monastery waiting just outside town. Don’t skip the local wine and cheese scene, it’s a flavor-packed bonus to the charm.

Take the short ride and visit Pavia Italy to discover Lombardy’s hidden medieval jewel.

3- Roam the medieval charm of Bergamo

Step off the train in just under an hour, Milan to Bergamo is about 27 miles by rail, and you’re stepping into a town that feels deliberately paused in time. Wander up to the Città Alta, the atmospheric upper city perched behind ancient Venetian walls, where cobblestones twist through medieval streets lined with coffee shops and rustic trattorias. Stroll through Piazza Vecchia, admire Renaissance highlights, or get lost in the quiet charm of narrow alleyways. Don’t miss grabbing wine in the foothills, Bergamo wineries and Valcalepio wine tastings just outside town offer rich sips and sweeping views.

Grab your ticket and visit Bergamo Italy, it’s a charming day trip from Milan where history, hilltop views, and great wine come together.

4- Explore the magic of Lake Como

A Lake Como day adventure is a no-brainer if you’re looking to escape Milan for a breath of alpine air. From Milano Centrale, the train whisks you to Como in just 37–51 minutes, this hides about 30 miles of winding road and scenic beauty between you and the lakeside. Once you step off the train, the theater of Lake Como unfolds, sparkling water, dramatic mountains, and ferry boats gliding between postcard-perfect villages. Hop on a boat to Bellagio, stroll through its cobbled lanes, and don’t miss a wine tasting Lake Como, those lakeside vineyards pour glasses with a view you’ll want to savor slowly.

5- Cross the border to Lugano

1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Milano Centrale, Lugano is where Italian charm meets Swiss lakeside style. The old town is small enough to wander in an afternoon, with colorful piazzas, boutique shops, and plenty of cafés to linger in. Down by the waterfront, you can take a slow stroll, hop on a boat cruise, or relax with a glass of Ticino Merlot.

For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best things to do in Lugano Switzerland, from panoramic views atop Monte Brè to lazy afternoons by the lake.

6- Stroll through romantic Verona

Step off the train from Milan 1 hour 25 minutes) and you’re instantly in Verona’s timeless embrace. This isn’t just the city of Romeo and Juliet, it’s a place where Roman arenas, sunlit piazzas, and wine-filled afternoons collide. Start at the Arena di Verona, still hosting concerts after 2,000 years, then meander through streets that smell of espresso and fresh pastries. Hungry? Try risotto all’Amarone before heading to the rolling hills of Valpolicella for a tasting, or book Verona wine tours to spice up your trip.

And if you want to pack your day with local gems, our guide to the best things to do in Verona will point you toward all the magic spots worth your time.

7- Visit Turin

If you’re up for a quick change of scenery, hop on a train from Milan and in just about an hour you’ll be in Turin. Think Turin wine tours paired with rich chocolate, earthy truffles, and elegant streets that seem made for wandering. Spend the afternoon sipping Barolo, nibbling on local cheeses, and maybe lingering over a vineyard lunch.

If you want to keep the inspiration flowing, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Turin and our best tips!

8- Stroll the historical alleys of Bologna

A couple of hours from Milan by direct train, Bologna is the kind of day trip that leaves you plotting your return before you’ve even left. Think wine tasting Bologna, endless porticos, and a food scene that could win over even the pickiest eater. Tuck into a plate of Tagliatelle al Ragù, sip bold Emilia-Romagna wines, and wander streets that seem to hum with history.

Planning a full stop here? Don’t miss my guide to the things to do in Bologna.

9- Spend a delightful day trip to Lake Garda

If you’re craving a laid-back lakeside escape, visit Lake Garda Italy and see why it gives Lake Como a real run for its money. From Milan, you can be in Sirmione in just a couple of hours, ready to soak in thermal baths, wander through an ancient castle, and sip crisp white wine by the water. Add some fresh local seafood to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect slow-travel day that feels miles away from city life.

10- Marvel at the views in St. Moritz

Hop on the Bernina Express and turn your day trip into a full-blown Alpine adventure. Sure, it’s a bit longer than your average regional train from Milan, but the payoff? Unreal. You’ll glide past mirror-like lakes, cross dizzying viaducts, and wind through snow-dusted peaks before rolling into glamorous St. Moritz. It’s the kind of trip that makes you forget about the clock and just live in the moment.

11- Take in the glamour of Venice

If your Milan adventure calls for a splash of romance, hop on a high-speed train and be in Venice in about 3 hours. Start with a wine tasting in Venice, then wander its winding canals, cross the iconic Rialto Bridge, and watch gondoliers glide past as you sip an espresso by the water. For the full lowdown, our things to do in Venice guide will point you toward the city’s most unforgettable spots.

12- Wander the colorful villages of Cinque Terre

Can you really do Cinque Terre from Milan in a day? Absolutely. It’s a full-day commitment, but the payoff is huge. Take the train from Milan to La Spezia, then hop between the colorful villages of Manarola, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore. Between the sea views, cliffside trails, and plates of fresh pesto pasta, you can even squeeze in one of the Liguria wine tours for a taste of the region’s crisp whites.

Want the full coastal scoop? Check out our things to do in Cinque Terre guide for the ultimate village-to-village adventure.

Good to know before visiting day trips from Milan