Day trips from Milan

Komo(Como)

An Alpine-foothill lake ringed with elegant villas and views no photo can do justice to. The most popular day trip out of Milan — 40 minutes from Milano Centrale.

What to see

• •Stroll through the historic centre (Piazza Cavour, Duomo di Como)
• •Funicular up to Brunate — a view of the whole lake from above
• •Ferry across to Bellagio (1h crossing) — the jewel of the lake
• •Villa del Balbianello (you've seen it in Star Wars) or Villa Carlotta
• •Aperitivo by the water in the lakefront cafes

Tips

• 💡Set off early (by 9am) — mass tours pile in by afternoon, and the charm turns into a queue.
• 💡Buy ferry tickets on the spot — more flexible than booking online.
• 💡Bellagio has almost zero parking; train + ferry is the way to do it.

Bergamo

A medieval walled town on a hill — Città Alta. Less touristy than Como and more authentic. 50 minutes by train; ideal for history lovers who want walkable streets without the crowds.

What to see

• •Funicular up to Città Alta — five minutes and you're in the 16th century
• •Piazza Vecchia (Le Corbusier called it 'the most beautiful square in Europe')
• •Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (Gothic architecture, Tiepolo frescoes)
• •Walk along the Venetian walls — a UNESCO site
• •*Polenta e osei* and other local specialities at Trattoria Sant'Ambroeus

Tips

• 💡Combine it with a flight back from BGY airport if you're flying Ryanair — Bergamo is on the line.
• 💡The funicular runs until 00:30 on weekends — you can stay for dinner.
• 💡Città Bassa (the lower town) is less attractive — focus on the upper.