Milan is a quintessential Italian city where fashion, design and business meet. Popular with business travelers, it remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists as well, who flock to Lombardy’s capital to admire its many wonders.
Milan is a quintessential Italian city where fashion, design and business meet. Popular with workers traveling for business, it remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists as well, who flock to the Milanese capital to admire its artistic wonders, from the Duomo to Leonardo’s Last Supper and street art.
Milan welcomes its visitors with the wide, bright spaces typical of cosmopolitan, forward-looking cities, while holding firmly to the historical and cultural heritage that forms its backbone.
Five places to see around Milan
A stay in Milan, however, is also a great excuse to discover new corners of Italy, including breathtaking lakes and cities of art. Let’s discover together some of the places you can easily reach from Milan, the most beautiful sites.
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Lake Como
Lake Como, also known as Lake Lario, is located 80 km from Milan. Its lush green shores are dotted with enchanting villages and marvelous period villas, often settings for films such as Star Wars, Hitchcock’s Garden of Pleasure,
and the James Bond movies. If you are an art lover, you should definitely visit the Villa d’Este in Cernobbio and the Villa Manzoni in Lecco. Of course, Lake Como is the perfect location for watersports enthusiasts: they are spoiled for choice when it comes to sailing, windsurfing, rowing, kitesurfing, and water skiing.
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Monza
Located less than 30 km from Milan, Monza is among the largest and most art-rich cities in Lombardy, yet its fame is often overshadowed by its proximity to the metropolis. Unmissable attractions include the Cathedral and Todolin Chapel, the Argentario Palace, and the Villa Reale in Monza, beautifully detailed in neoclassical style.
A treat for thrill seekers? Drive speed laps with a professional driver at the Monza National Racetrack.
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Lake Maggiore and Borromean Islands
The shores of Lake Maggiore are shared by Lombardy, Piedmont and Ticino. Located an hour and a half from Milan, Italy’s second-largest lake offers a wide variety of villas, islands, and artistic treasures, all waiting to be discovered. In particular, we recommend visiting Isola Bella and Isola Madre, which belong to the Borromean Islands archipelago, green spots that dot the blue waters of Lake Maggiore. Here you can visit the beautiful Italian gardens and Villas of the Borromeo family, losing yourself in a daydream.
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Bergamo
Located about an hour from Milan, Bergamo is a city rich in history and charm. The most interesting area to visit is the one that represents the ancient heart of the city center-Bergamo Alta, which can be reached via the 20th-century funicular railway and offers enchanting views. The medieval city is surrounded by the Venetian Walls, which can be walked in their 5-kilometer perimeter and along which the view of Milan can be observed through special telescopes placed along the route. Among the other sites you must see: the Accademia Carrara and the birthplace of the composer Donizetti. Discover ItaloTreno train schedules and offers for Bergamo: from Bologna, Brescia, Florence and Naples you can reach the central station directly, without going through Milan!
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Pavia
Pavia is about 45 km from Milan and is the perfect city for a walking tour visit. Crossing the Covered Bridge over the Ticino River and let yourself be captivated by the architectural wonders that dot the city center. The Certosa, with its details that blend late-Gothic style with early Renaissance influences, is undoubtedly Pavia’s main attraction. However, as you explore the nooks and crannies of Pavia, you will be able to admire (and visit, if you have sufficient time on your hands) the Visconti Castle with the Civic Museums, Vernarola Park, the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro, and the Medieval Towers.
Start with Italo
The easiest and fastest way to get around Italy? High-speed Rail! Get on board, get comfortable, and we’ll take care of the rest. Discover Italo’s trains to Milan operated, we offer 79 daily connections throughout the entire country, with low-cost fares and excellent flexibility.Also discover the car rental service offered by Italo in partnership with Hertz.
