Places to Visit near Milan
The area around the city of Milan is rich in tourist attractions, ideal for day trips. Some of these sights are located within the same region (Lombardy), while others are in neighboring regions. North of Milan, you'll find some of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, nestled among hills and mountains. Or you can visit well-known art cities in the surrounding area. And if you take the scenic Bernina Express train, you can enjoy a wonderful trip to Switzerland, all the way to St. Moritz.
Many places near Milan are easily accessible by public transportation. However, if you want to visit multiple destinations as part of a tour, we recommend renting a car. Make your vehicle reservation so that you pick up the car only after you've finished exploring Milan's main attractions - right when you plan to leave the city. This way, you'll avoid dealing with parking issues and the restricted traffic zones (ZTL). For getting around the city itself, public transport is the best option.
We've grouped the places to visit near Milan into lakes, cities, and amusement parks so that everyone can find ideas that suit their preferences. A special section is dedicated to the red Bernina Express train, which offers an unforgettable trip to Switzerland.
Lakes near Milan
1. Lake Como
Probably the most well-known destination to visit near Milan is Lake Como. Its shores are dotted with picturesque villages (the most famous being Bellagio, Como, Varenna, and Cernobbio), featuring palaces, villas, and historic gardens. Ferries provide fast connections between the towns along the lake. For adventure lovers and hiking enthusiasts, there are many options close at hand.
The distance between Milan and the town of Como, located at the southern tip of one of the lake's two branches, is only 50 km. It's also possible to book an excursion from Milan to Como.
2. Lake Maggiore
Another lake you can visit in the surroundings of Milan is Lake Maggiore, whose surface is shared between the regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, and Switzerland. Among its attractions are islands, villas, palaces, and gardens, all offering stunning scenery.
The distance between Milan and the closest town on the shores of Lake Maggiore is about 60 km.
3. Lake Iseo
About 80 km from Milan to the northeast, lies Lake Iseo. It is smaller, stretching just 9 kilometers around, which makes it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. At the center of the lake stand a 600-meter-high mountain called Monte Isola ("Mountain Island").
Surrounding the lake is the Franciacorta wine region, famous worldwide for its sparkling wines. So, if you choose to take a trip to Lake Iseo, don't miss the chance to visit one of the 100+ wineries and enjoy a glass (or more) of bollicine.
4. Lake Garda
Located about 130 km away (1.5 hours by car), Lake Garda is the farthest of the lakes in the surroundings of Milan. It is the largest lake in Italy and is shared between the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. The destination itself would deserve several overnight stays, not just a day trip from Milan. The most well-known attractions in the area are the town of Sirmione, with its castle and beautiful historic center, as well as the famous amusement park Gardaland.
Towns near Milan
1. Monza
Very close to Milan, just about 15 kilometers away, lies Monza, with a beautiful historic center. Car enthusiasts will likely want to visit the racetrack where the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix takes place. Quite famous is also the Villa Reale (or Regia), a luxurious summer residence of the royal family. It was built in 1777, and its architect, Giovanni Piermarini, is the same who designed Milan's La Scala Theatre and the Royal Palace Reggia di Caserta near Naples.
2. Bergamo
About 50 kilometers away lies Bergamo, a city often overlooked. Many tourists arriving to visit Milan land at Orio al Serio Airport and head straight to their destination by shuttle bus. We suggest that, on your way back - if time allows - you spend a few hours in Bergamo or even book an overnight stay. Bergamo has two parts: Città Alta (the Upper Town, with a strong medieval character) and Città Bassa (the Lower Town), which are connected by a funicular. Start by exploring Bergamo Alta. From there, another funicular takes you to the top of San Vigilio hill, one of the best panoramic viewpoints.
3. Pavia
In the surroundings of Milan, 50 km to the south, lies Pavia, an important political center during the Middle Ages. Once the capital of the Lombard Kingdom, it later became the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Since 1361, it has been home to the oldest university in Lombardy and one of the oldest in the world. Just a few kilometers away is the Certosa di Pavia, one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. This monastery also houses the beautifully sculpted funerary statues of Duke Ludovico il Moro and his wife, Beatrice d'Este, who is buried in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
4. Novara
At roughly the same distance (about 50 kilometers from Milan) is Novara, which is administratively part of the Piedmont region. It is a city that can easily be visited in a day. The most important landmarks in Novara are the Duomo, the Baptistery, and the Cupola of San Gaudenzio.
5. Vigevano
Located between Novara and Pavia, about 60 km from Milan, Vigevano is a town that is little known outside of Italy. However, it has a stunning Renaissance-style square that is well worth visiting. Piazza Ducale was built at the end of the 15th century at the request of Ludovico il Moro. Among the architects who designed it were Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante, the famous architect from Urbino.
6. Piacenza
Although it is located close to Milan, about 70 km away, Piacenza belongs to the Emilia-Romagna region. The city is associated with the wealthy Farnese family, who, starting in the 16th century, turned Piacenza into one of the most powerful centers in the region. Begin your tour at the beautiful Piazza dei Cavalli and explore the city's palaces, museums, and churches on foot.
7. Brescia
Brescia is located about 90 km from Milan. It is a beautiful city, with squares full of monuments from different historical periods, two cathedrals, and an impressive castle perched on a hilltop. Brescia also takes pride in its gastronomy, and the local aperitif is called Pirlo - a mix of white wine, Campari, and sparkling water.
8. Cremona
Near Piacenza and about 100 km from Milan, you'll find Cremona, a city renowned for violin making. With its 112 meters and over 500 steps leading to the top, its bell tower - called the Torrazzo - is one of the tallest in the world and a symbol of the city. It was in Cremona, for the marriage between Bianca Visconti and Francesco Sforza in 1642, that the dessert known as torrone (a type of nougat found throughout Italy) was first created.
The panoramic train Bernina Express
A trip on the red Bernina Express train (or Trenino Rosso del Bernina, as the Italians call it) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The train departs from Tirano (about 2.5 hours by car from Milan) and crosses the Alps, reaching Switzerland, with stops at St. Moritz and Chur. During the journey, it passes through dreamlike alpine landscapes, with villages, valleys, forests, lakes, and rivers, reaching an altitude of over 2000m. Some carriages have panoramic windows, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience.
Amusements Parks near Milan
1. Gardaland
Gardaland is not exactly near Milan. You will need to travel around 2 hours by car or bus, or 1.5 hours by train (see also the article How to get from Milan to Gardaland) to reach the park from Castelnuovo del Garda, on the lake's shore, in the Veneto region. However, we've chosen to include it here because it is the most famous amusement park in Italy, and there are plenty of people who want to visit it, even when coming from Milan. Keep in mind that during peak season and on weekends, Gardaland can get very crowded.
Use the CIAO5 code before completing the reservation on Tiqets and you will have a 5% discount.
2. Leolandia
Leolandia is the most famous and the oldest amusement park in the Lombardy region. It is located between Milan and Bergamo and is an ideal park for younger children (you can find other suggestions and ideas for families in the article about what to do with kids in Milan).
3. Acquaworld
Among the water parks near Milan, we recommend Acquaworld, located in Concorezzo, about 30 minutes by car. Acquaworld is one of the largest water parks in Italy, so it can be a good way to spend time if you're in Milan during the winter or when it's raining.
Use the CIAO5 code before completing the reservation on Tiqets and you will have a 5% discount.
4. Safari Park Pombia
About an hour's drive from Milan, in the town of Pombia in the Piemonte region, there is a safari-type zoo. You can see wild animals in the open by visiting the park by car or by train.
Use the CIAO5 code before completing the reservation on Tiqets and you will have a 5% discount.
5. Le Cornelle Zoo Park
About the same distance from Milan, but towards Bergamo, there is another zoo with wild animals living freely: Le Cornelle Zoo Park. You can visit it on foot, along the specially designated paths.
6. Other Parks
In addition to the ones mentioned above, you can also try the following amusement parks near Milan:
- Parks for children: Cowboy Land (western theme), Parco della Preistoria (with dinosaur replicas), Parco Ittico Paradiso (with aquatic flora and fauna)
- Adventure parks: Tree Experience, Jungle Raider Park Civenna, Jungle Raider Park Margno, Jungle Raider Park Albavilla, Jungle Raider Park Xtreme Caglio
- Water parks: Acquatica Park (in Milan, farther west from San Siro Stadium), Aquaneva Water and Adventure Park, Onda Splash, Lodi Splash
Use the CIAO5 code before completing the reservation on Tiqets and you will have a 5% discount.
