Milan is deservedly a destination worth ample of your travel time. As Italy’s most glamorous city you’ll be well catered to on all fronts of fashion, architecture and cuisine. What’s better, being a central hub in Italy Milan is incredibly easy and cheap to fly to, but it has to be said, the city is not the only gem in its region. There are also numerous attractions only a short day trip away from the city centre.
If you book a trip to Milan, add in a few extra days to your itinerary and take advantage of being able to reach one (or all) of these top five day trips from Milan during your visit.
Verona
“Ponte Pietra” (CC BY 2.0) by kBandara
Why: Verona is home to the balcony that inspired perhaps the most romantic scene in history in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. But beyond this you can also catch internationally acclaimed opera at the historical Arena di Verona, visit the bustling Piazza delle Erbe market square and enjoy a tasting of the local Amarone wine.
How to get there: It’s best to reach Verona by bus or train from Milan. Travel takes 2 hours by bus or an easy 1 hour 15 minutes by train.
Turin
“November in Turin” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Federico Feroldi Foto
Why: For something a little different visit Turin’s Egyptian Museum and for chocolate lovers a stop at artisan chocolatier Guido Gobino to try the Gianduia is a must. If you visit in November you’ll also be privy to the Turin Film Festival, one of the best in Italy.
How to get there: It’s best to reach Verona by bus or train from Milan. Travel takes 2 hours by bus or an easy 45 minutes by train.
Mantua
“Waiting for the first travellers of the” (CC BY 2.0) by Pedro Nuno Caetano
Why: In 2015 Mantua was named Italy’s capital of culture. Naturally it is abundant in unmissable artworks from the likes of Andrea Mantegna and traditional Italian monuments such as Palazzo Te, Palazzo dei Gonzaga and Piazza delle Erbe with its grand clocktower.
How to get there: It’s best to travel to Mantua by train from Milan. Travel takes 1 hour 50 minutes by train.
Bologna
“Bologna” (CC BY 2.0) by Rob Oo
Why: Being the birthplace of Italy’s beloved lasagna a day trip to Bologna is almost mandatory. The best place to eat it while there is Nonna Cesira Via Saragozza, a takeaway joint that invites you to enjoy your lasagna in the sunny neighbouring park. A walk to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca and a visit to MamBo (Museum of Modern Art) and Archiginnasio of Bologna should also be on your agenda.
How to get there: It’s best to reach Verona by bus or train from Milan. Travel takes 3 hours 20 minutes by bus or an easy 1 hour by train.
Lake Iseo
“Lake Iseo” (CC BY 2.0) by tia katty
Why: Take a trip to nature for some time out from city life in Milan. Lake Iseo offers pristine vistas, boat tours and historical encounters at the National Park of Rock Engravings in Capo di Ponte. Fresh Clusane (lake fish) can also be devoured by the lakeside, a few restaurant recommendations include Trattoria del Muliner, Il Gabbiano Di Marchetti Giorgio and Antica trattoria del gallo.
How to get there: It’s best to reach Lake Iseo by bus or train from Milan. Travel takes 3 hours 30 minutes by bus or 3 hours by train.
Planning your Trip
For travel to Italy and within Italy, we recommend the GoEuro app and website: You can find cheap flights to Milan with the help of their booking tips, and search and book bus and train journeys within Italy all in one place. Should you decide to extend your day trips into weekend trips, Airbnb is always a great option for last-minute accommodation bookings. When in Milan it is recommended to try out The Milan Travel Guide App for the best spots to visit and the DUOLINGO App to help you out whenever you want to order your cappuccino, read our Best App For Foreigners In Milan for more app gems.
