The Best Places to Visit Near Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s most vibrant and exciting cities, and for those looking for a unique getaway, it’s the perfect destination. Located in the heart of Lombardy, Milan is Italy’s second most populous city and has been a major cultural, political and economic centre since the Middle Ages. From its rich history and stunning architecture to its renowned fashion, food and culture, Milan has something to offer everyone.

The city is home to some of Italy’s most iconic sights, including the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest Gothic cathedrals; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping mall in Italy; and the Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century castle. For those looking to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. And of course no visit to Milan would be complete without a visit to one of its many fashion houses, such as Prada, Gucci and Versace.

But Milan isn’t just about its city centre. The region surrounding Milan is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy, with rolling hills, mountains, lakes and rivers. There are countless small towns, villages and attractions to explore, all just a short journey away from the bustling city centre. So if you’re looking for a unique Italian experience, here are some of the best places to visit near Milan.

The Lakes Region

The Lakes Region is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Milan. This beautiful area is dotted with picturesque lakes, including Lake Como, Italy’s deepest lake, Lake Maggiore, Italy’s longest lake, and Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. The Lakes Region is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Italy, with lush forests, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains.

The region is known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking and water sports. But it also has plenty of cultural attractions, such as the medieval village of Bellagio on Lake Como and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vittoriale degli Italiani on Lake Garda. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

Bergamo

Located just 45 minutes from Milan, Bergamo is a popular destination for those looking for a day trip from the city. The town is divided in two parts: Città alta (Upper Town) and Città bassa (Lower Town). Città alta is built on a hill and is home to some of the most stunning architecture in Italy. Here you’ll find Piazza Vecchia, one of the oldest squares in Europe; the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore; and the Palazzo della Ragione, one of the oldest civic buildings in Italy.

Città bassa is home to some of the city’s best shopping and dining experiences. Here you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants and boutiques offering locally made goods. Bergamo is also home to some of the best art galleries in Italy, such as the Accademia Carrara and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

Brescia

Brescia is an ancient city located just an hour away from Milan. The city dates back to prehistoric times and has been inhabited by many different cultures over the centuries. Today, Brescia is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and medieval architecture. But it also has plenty of modern attractions to explore, such as the National Museum of Castello Broletto and the Brescia Castle.

Brescia is known for its delicious cuisine and some of its most famous dishes include casoncelli (ravioli filled with pork), polenta taragna (polenta with cheese and butter) and salamina (meatballs). And for those looking for some entertainment, there are plenty of bars, pubs and nightclubs where you can enjoy live music and traditional folk dancing.

Varese

Varese is a small city located just an hour away from Milan. It’s known for its beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Parco Botanico del Sacro Monte di Varese; Parco Regionale Campo dei Fiori; and Parco Naturale Campo dei Fiori. Varese is also home to some of Italy’s best museums, such as Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci; Museo di Archeologia e Storia Naturali; Museo del Territorio; and Museo Didattico Naturalistico del Sacro Monte di Varese.

Popular Tours Near Milan

For those looking to explore the best of what Milan has to offer, there are plenty of tours available that will take you on an unforgettable journey through history and culture. Here are two popular tours you can book near Milan:

A Wine Tour from Milan

A Wine Tour from Milan will take you on a journey through some of Italy’s best wineries. You’ll get to sample delicious local wines as you visit three wineries in the Lombardy region. At each winery you’ll learn about the history and process behind making these world-renowned wines. You’ll also get to enjoy a traditional Italian lunch at one of the wineries and take part in an olive oil tasting experience. You’ll also get to take home a selection of wines as souvenirs. Book a Wine Tour from Milan here.

A Bike Tour from Milan

A Bike Tour from Milan will take you on a journey through some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes around Lake Como and Lake Garda. You’ll get to explore small villages, vineyards and gardens as you cycle through the countryside on comfortable electric bikes. The tour includes a stop at one of Lake Como’s best beaches for lunch before heading back to Milan. You’ll also get to visit some of the region’s most iconic sights, such as Castello di Vezio on Lake Como and La Rocca di Manerba on Lake Garda. Book a Bike Tour from Milan here.

Conclusion

Milan is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a vibrant city break or a relaxing getaway in nature. It’s surrounded by some of Italy’s best attractions and activities that are just a short journey away from the city centre. So if you’re looking for a unique Italian experience, consider visiting some of these amazing places near Milan for an unforgettable holiday.