Looking to explore beyond Milan? You’re in luck! The fashion capital of Italy serves as the perfect base for discovering some of Northern Italy’s most stunning destinations.
From charming medieval towns and pristine lakes to vibrant cities and coastal gems, we’ve handpicked 17 incredible places you can easily reach by train, car, or organized tour.
Let’s explore the best cities and places near Milan, all conveniently organized by travel time to help you plan your perfect Italian adventure.
Best Cities & Places To Visit Near Milan By Train, Car, Or Tour
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.
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
If you are specifically looking for beautiful cities near Milan that you could visit on a day trip, then Bergamo should be at the top of your list.
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.
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 the area all visitors arrive into.
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 From Milan:
Bergamo is the closest city to Milan by train.
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.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Bergamo. Trains depart almost every hour and take approximately 40 – 50 minutes. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive from Milan. The time to get from Milan to Bergamo is approximately 1 hour 15 mins. Check prices for car rental here.
- Organized Tour: Want an easy way to visit the city? See both Bergamo and Brescia on this day tour from Milan.
2. Parma (50 Minutes Away From Milan By Train)
Recommendation by Gabriel Glasier of Chef Travel Guide
Our second destination on our list of places close to Milan is Parma.
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.
This means that you can’t go to Parm and not join this popular Parmigiano cheese and Parma ham tour where you will not only taste all sorts of yummy cheeses and hams, but you will also learn how they are made.
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.
How To Get To Parma From Milan:
The trip from Milan to Parma is an easy 50 minutes by train and an hour and 45 minutes by car.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Parma. Trains depart almost every hour and take approximately 50 minutes. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive from Milan through some small villages and towns of Italy. It will take about 1 hour and 15 mins to drive from Milan to Parma. Check prices for a rental car.
- Private Tour: For a super easy way to see Parma on a day trip, why not book this private tour to Parma from Milan.
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.
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.
The best way to discover Lake Como is by water. You have the choice of regular passenger ferries, boat taxis, or boat tours (see our favorite boat tours in Lake Como here).
Lake Como is my pick as one of the most beautiful places to see near Milan.
How To Get To Lake Como from Milan:
The quickest and cheapest way to get to Lake Como is by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Varenna-Esino. It takes an average of 1 hour to Varenna. Purchase your train and ferry ticket here.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive from Milan. Click here to check prices for a car rental.
- Organized Tour: For a stress-free day, we suggest you simply book an organized tour to Lake Como from Milan. Easy and scenic day out. See prices and check availability for this day tour here.
4. Lake Garda (1 Hour Away From Milan By Train)
Situated in Northern Italy, Lake Garda is the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.
A great place to start your explorations is in Sirmione. Whilst exploring Sirmione, don’t miss out on the 25-minute cruise with views of the harbor, Grotte di Catullo, Scaligero Castle, and more.
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.
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.
How To Get To Lake Garda From Milan:
To get to Lake Garda from Milan is on average 1 hour and 25 minutes by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Desenzano del Garda station. The fast train takes only 1 hour.Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car. It will take about 2 hours to drive from Milan to Lake Garda. Check prices for a rental car.
- Day Tour: Visit both Verona and Lake Garda on a day trip. Book your tour to Verona and Lake Garda here.
5. 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.
Visitors have their choice of attractions to enjoy, especially the famous Shroud of Turin.
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.
There is also an Egyptian Museum Tour, a Black Magic and Dark Arts Tour and of course, a very easy way to explore the whole city is on this hop-on-hop-off bus.
How To Get To Turin From Milan:
Direct trains run throughout the day between Milan and Turin and it is the best way to travel there.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Turin station. Trains depart almost every 30 minutes and are only an hour’s journey. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and hop on the A4 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 2 hours to drive from Milan to Turin. Check prices for a car rental here.
- Day Tour: For an easy day, we recommend you join this day trip from Milan to Turin. The tour includes accompanying you to Turin and back again, as well as a 2-hour tour around Turin. Check prices for the tour here.
6. Lake Maggiore (1 Hour 45 Minutes 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.
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.
How To Get To Lake Maggiore From Milan:
- By Train: You can travel from Milan to Lake Maggiore by train which will take about an hour and 45min. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and drive. If you have a car and plan to drive yourself it will take just over an hour and a half on the A8. Check prices for a rental car.
- Day Tour: Make it easy and see Lake Maggiore on an organized day tour. Includes the trip there and a boat ride. Runs on Sundays and Mondays. Book your tour to Lake Maggiore here.
7. 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 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 to visit the Duomo. 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.
Car enthusiasts will want to visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum (grab your skip-the-line ticket online here), located just outside the city center, and food lovers will want to schedule a tour of a balsamic vinegar, ham and cheese producer.
How To Get To Modena From Milan:
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.
- By Train: You can travel from Milan to Modena by train. A fast train can get you there in one hour and 14 minutes. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and drive. If you have a car and plan to drive yourself it will take about 2 hours on the A1. Check prices for a rental car.
8. 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.
Some of the other things to do in Bologna include exploring the historic center, visiting the Basilica di San Petronio, and visiting museums such as the Archiginnasio of Bologna and the Museo di Palazzo Poggi.
The best way to experience the best of the city is by joining this popular 2-hour city center walking tour.
How To Get To Bologna From Milan:
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 a 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. Check prices for a rental car.
- Via a Tour: Visit Bologna on a day trip. It includes train tickets, food, and wine sampling, and a walking tour. Book your tour from Milan to Bologna.
9. Verona (1 Hour 15 Minutes Away From Milan By Train)
Recommendation by Dymphe of Dymabroad
One of the best cities close to Milan by train is Verona.
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.
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.
A great way to save money in Verona is to grab the Verona Card. It gives free entrance to city monuments and the ATV bus network, plus skip-the-line tickets to the arena. Grab your Verona card here.
How To Get To Verona From Milan:
From Milan, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to get to Verona by car.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Verona station. Trains depart every hour. Take the fast train which takes only 1 hour and 15 min. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and drive to Verona. It will take just under 2 hours to drive from Milan to Verona. Check prices for a rental car.
- Day Tour: Visit both Verona and Lake Garda on a day trip. Book your tour to Verona and Lake Garda here.
10. Lugano (1 Hour 18 Minutes Away From Milan By Train)
Recommendation by Joanna of The World in My Pocket
Lugano is one of the prettiest places in Switzerland and you could easily visit Lugano on a day trip from Milano.
You can take a boat trip around the lake or rent pedalo boats to explore at your own pace.
Another great thing to do in Lugano is to head 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 From Milan:
Getting to Lugano is very easy.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station or Lugano station. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and drive. It will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Milan. Check prices for a rental car.
- Via a Tour: For a super fun day, you can join this very popular tour to see Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano all in one day. Book your day trip from Milan to Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano.
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. The historic center of the city is a maze of tiny, narrow alleys that are all pedestrianized.
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.
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 From Milan:
To get to Genoa from Milan is just 1 hour 40 minutes by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Genoa station. Trains depart almost every 20 minutes and take about 1 hour and 40 min. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and hop on the A7 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 90 minutes to 2 hours to drive from Milan to Genoa. Check prices for a rental car.
- Via a Tour: To get the most from your day, you can hop on this day tour to visit both Genoa and Portofino. Book Click here to book your tour to Genoa and Portofino from Milan.
12. Lake Iseo (1 Hour 30 Minutes From Milan By Car)
Located in Lombardy, Lake Iseo is surrounded by lush green hills and rugged mountains, making it a perfect destination for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
The lake itself is also a great spot to take a boat ride or enjoy a picnic on its shoreline.
There are several medieval castles on the lake’s islands, including Monte Isola which is the largest lake island in Europe and home to many charming villages.
Other attractions include numerous churches, ancient Roman ruins, and stunning archaeological sites such as the Palazzolo di Sirmione located on the lake’s southern shore.
How To Get To Lake Iseo From Milan:
The best way to get to Lake Iseo is either via a car or a tour.
- By Car: You can easily rent a car and hop on the A4/E64 motorway. It will take about 90 minutes to drive from Milan to the lake. Check prices for a rental car.
- Via a Tour: Join this scenic tour departing from Milan to Lake Iseo. It includes a cruise on Lake Iseo and a walking tour of Bergamo.
13. Florence (2 Hours and 10 Minutes Away From Milan By Train)
Florence is one of the best cities near Milan to visit. From iconic museums and galleries to charming cafes and nightlife, Florence is full of activities to keep you entertained.
Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the breathtaking views of the river Arno.
There are numerous iconic attractions that should not be missed when visiting Florence – the Duomo di Firenze, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Ponte Vecchio are just a few of the famous landmarks you can visit.
Art lovers must not miss out on a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia where Michelangelo’s world-famous statue of David resides (grab our skip-the-line tickets online here).
History buffs will appreciate the San Lorenzo Markets or the Basilica di Santa Croce.
How To Get To Florence From Milan:
The quickest way to get to Florence from Milan is by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Florence. Trains depart every 30 minutes and take just over 2 hours. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: Rent a car and hop on the A1 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 3 hours and 40 minutes without stopping and of course a little longer if you enjoy the small villages along the way. Check prices for a rental car.
- Via a Tour: If you prefer to have someone accompany you to Florence, this tour from Milan to Florence by train is great value.
14. Venice (2 Hours and 15 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 (grab your skip-the-line ticket online here)!
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.
For the best value, grab this tour that combines a visit to Basilica San Marco, Doges Palace & a Gondola ride (for a fantastic price). Check out this tour here.
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 From Milan:
The quickest way to get to Venice from Milan is by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Venice station. Trains depart every hour and will take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: Rent a car and hop on the A4 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 3 hours without stopping. Check prices for a rental car.
- Day Tour: For an easy option, this tour from Milan to Venice includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour, and a boat ride on the lagoon.
15. Camogli (3 Hours Away from Milan By Train)
Camogli is a small fishing town with rustic charm set in 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 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 the perfect destination for a lazy day on the beach, or if you prefer to be more active, there are diving spots, boating opportunities, and gorgeous hiking trails.
How To Get To Camogli From Milan:
The quickest way to get from Milan to Camogli is by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Camogli-San Fruttuoso station. Trains depart every hour and take just under 3 hours. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: Rent a car and hop on the A7 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). It will take about 3 hours without stopping. Check prices for a rental car.
16. Cinque Terre (3 Hours Away From Milan By Train)
If you are looking for colorful destinations 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 Cinque Terre 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 From Milan:
The quickest way to get from Milan to Cinque Terre, specifically Monterosso is by train.
- By Train: Catch the train from Milan Central Station to Monterosso station. Trains depart every 30 minutes and the fastest train takes around 3 hours. Click here to book a train ticket.
- By Car: Rent a car and hop on the A7 Autostrada (Italian motorway and toll roads). The drive will take around 3 hours and 20 minutes. Check prices for a rental car.
- Take a Tour: Don’t feel like doing it yourself? This popular tour from Milan to Cinque Terre includes transportation, a guided tour, and a boat ride.
17. St Moritz (3 Hours Away From Milan By Car)
St Moritz is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Milan. This gorgeous town is easily accessible from Milan by car, with the journey taking around three hours.
Located in the Swiss Alps, this picturesque Swiss village offers unparalleled views of the majestic alpine vistas.
It is also renowned for its skiing and other winter sports opportunities, making it an ideal spot year-round to experience some of the most stunning outdoor activities the region has to offer.
Even in the summer, St Moritz is a great spot for hiking and biking, as well as simply enjoying the stunning scenery.
From taking a cable car up to the stunning Diavolezza mountain peak, to strolling through the charming cobbled streets of St Moritz, there is something for everyone here.
Whether you’re looking for an active getaway or just want to soak up some of Europe’s most breathtaking views, St Moritz should definitely be on your list of places to visit around Milan!
How To Get To St Moritz From Milan:
The quickest way to get from Milan to St. Moritz in Switzerland is by car.
- By Car: Rent a car and hop on the SS 36 del Lago di Como e dello Spluga. The drive will take around 3 hours. Check prices for a rental car.
- Car Pooling: Another great option here is to use car pooling. You can buy a ticket to drive up to St Moritz with other people. It works out so cheap! Click here to grab your car pooling ticket.
- Take a Tour: Spend a full-day traveling to St. Moritz on this exciting rail journey. The Bernina red train is one of Switzerland’s most scenic railways. Grab a spot on this day trip to St Moritz from Milan here.
Final Thoughts On Beautiful Places Near Milan That Are Easy to Visit
After reading this guide on what to see around Milan, you can now understand how Milan is the perfect base from which to explore some of the most beautiful and amazing locations in Italy.
Only got 3 days in Milan – be sure to have a look at this great 3 day Milan itinerary!
Tip: In case you are staying in Milan for longer, you might want to try out some local flavors by joining one of our recommended Milan food tours.
Whether it’s experiencing history and culture in Bergamo, taking a relaxing lake cruise in Lake Como, or admiring the exquisite architecture in Parma – there’s something for everyone near Milan.
With all of these places within an hour or three of Milan, it makes visiting them much easier and more cost-effective as well.
So if you are ready to start planning your dream vacation to Italy and have an unforgettable time, make sure you add these destinations to your list.
The experiences you will have visiting these unique places will stay with you forever!
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.
Bon voyage travelers!
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