6 best day trips from Milan

Milan's day trips include Lake Como, the Cinque Terre, and Verona — all 1-3 hours by train.

How: 1h train to Varenna + ferry Travel time: 1h 30m When to go: Apr-Oct; magical in spring

The most beautiful lake in Italy — Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio

How: 1h 15m Frecciarossa Travel time: 1h 15m When to go: Year-round; opera Jun-Aug

Romeo & Juliet's balcony + Roman arena (opera in summer)

How: 3h via train Travel time: 3h When to go: Apr-Oct

Long day but doable — pick 2-3 of the 5 villages

How: 1h train + boat Travel time: 1h When to go: Apr-Oct

Stresa lakeside + island palaces — quieter alternative to Como

How: 45 min train + funicular Travel time: 45 min When to go: Year-round

Walled hilltop old town + Venetian-era architecture

How: 2h 30m Frecciarossa Travel time: 2h 30m When to go: Year-round; avoid acqua alta Nov-Jan

Doable in a long day — skip the Doge's Palace queue with a timed ticket

Best day trips from Milan