If you’re spending a few days in Milan, don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to leave the city immediately for somewhere more “beautiful.”
I lived in Milan while completing my MBA, and although I absolutely loved the city itself, one of the biggest perks was how easy it was to escape for a day. Within an hour or two by train, you can be wandering along a lake, hiking beneath the Alps, or even crossing into Switzerland for lunch.
These are the three day trips I personally took from Milan multiple times – and the ones I’d happily recommend to anyone visiting!
Still deciding where to stay? Before you start planning your itinerary, check out my Where to Stay in Milan guide, where I break down the best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors, nightlife, cafes and longer stays.
1. Lake Como (Como Town)
Travel time from Milan: Around 40–60 minutes by train
If you’re looking for the classic Italian lakes experience, Lake Como is the obvious choice – and for good reason.
The train from Milan arrives in Como, the beautiful lakeside town that’s easy to explore on foot. Spend the morning wandering the historic streets before making your way down to the waterfront.
One of my favourite things to do here was take the funicular up to Brunate. The views over Lake Como are incredible and it’s one of the easiest ways to appreciate just how dramatic the surrounding mountains are.
If you have a full day, I’d really recommend getting out on the water. While the public ferries are great for hopping between towns, a boat tour gives you a completely different perspective of the lake and lets you admire many of the famous villas from the water. It’s one of those experiences that’s absolutely worth splurging on.
Perfect for: First-time visitors to Northern Italy, couples, photographers and anyone wanting that iconic Italian lake scenery.
2. Lecco
Travel time from Milan: Around 40 minutes by train
If I had to choose my favourite day trip from Milan, it would probably be Lecco.
While most visitors head straight for Lake Como, Lecco is noticeably quieter and more local. The scenery is just as impressive, with steep mountains rising straight from the edge of the lake, but without quite the same crowds.
I love just walking along the waterfront, stopping for coffee, swimming in the lake and enjoying the slower pace. It felt like somewhere people actually lived rather than somewhere built around tourism.
If you’re visiting Milan during spring or summer and want a more relaxed alternative to Como, I’d choose Lecco every time.
Perfect for: Travellers looking to escape the crowds, slow travel lovers and anyone wanting a peaceful lakeside afternoon.
3. Lugano, Switzerland
Travel time from Milan: Around 1 hour 20 minutes by train
One of the coolest things about living in Milan was how easy it was to pop over to another country for the day. (Such a novelty particularly as an Australian)
Lugano sits in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, so although you’ll notice the Swiss prices almost immediately, it still has a very familiar atmosphere.
Spend your day wandering the elegant old town, walking along the lakeside promenade and stopping for lunch with beautiful mountain views. If you have extra time, you can also take the funicular up Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore for panoramic views over the lake.
Don’t forget to bring your passport, as you’ll be crossing an international border!
Perfect for: Travellers wanting to tick another country off their list or experience a different side of Switzerland without travelling far.
Which Day Trip Should You Choose?
If you’re only planning one day trip from Milan, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Choose Lake Como if it’s your first visit to Northern Italy and you want the classic bucket-list lake experience.
- Choose Lecco if you prefer somewhere quieter with fewer crowds and a more local feel.
- Choose Lugano if the idea of visiting Switzerland for the day sounds too good to pass up.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. One of my favourite things about living in Milan was knowing that a completely different landscape – or even another country – was never more than a train ride away.
Final Thoughts
Milan is often treated as somewhere to rush through on the way to other destinations, but I think that’s one of the city’s biggest misconceptions.
Spend a few days enjoying Milan itself, then add one (or two) of these day trips to your itinerary. Whether you’re wandering the shores of Lake Como, relaxing beside Lecco or enjoying lunch in Switzerland, they’re all easy additions that show just how much Northern Italy has to offer.
Planning Your Day Trip
🚆 Compare train tickets – I usually use Trainline to compare routes and prices across Italy.
🚤 Book a Lake Como boat tour – If you’re visiting Como, this was one of the experiences I’d splurge on.
🚌 Browse more day trips from Milan – Prefer not to organise transport yourself? There are plenty of guided tours available.
Continue Planning Your Milan Trip
📍 48 Hours in Milan – Exactly how I’d spend two days in the city I called home during my MBA.
📍 Where to Stay in Milan – My guide to the best neighbourhoods, including Brera, Navigli, Duomo and Porta Romana.
Alexx
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours, hotels and services that I’ve personally used or genuinely believe will add value to your trip.
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