Discover Milan: A Guide to Its Top 16 Attractions - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Milan

Discover Milan: A Guide to Its Top 16 Attractions

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Milan
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
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Are you considering planning a trip to Milan, but not sure where to begin? You are in the right place. Within this travel guide, we will explore all the wonderful things you can do in the city where art, fashion, and history intertwine.

From visiting the iconic Duomo di Milano to seeing the actual Last Supper with your own eyes, here are all the best things to do in Milan for solo travelers!

2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary2 Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary

Milan Itinerary Map

Milan Itinerary Map

Tips: Get the Milan City Card to save money on tourist attractions. The card includes access to the Duomo and a bunch of museums you might be interested in.

16 Best Things to Do in Milan

1. Walk the Roof of Duomo di Milano

Sunset at Duomo di Milano in Milan

Duomo di Milano is probably one of the most well-recognized landmarks of Milan. This stunning Gothic cathedral that took over 600 years to complete, located in the heart of the city is considered to be the largest cathedral in Italy and the scale of the place will truly blow you away.

The exterior of Duomo di Milano in Milan

Right from the outside, you will see just how much work went into constructing this piece of architecture from its 135 adorned spires to thousands of statues, intricately sculpted to perfection on the roof, making it a truly breathtaking sight to behold.

The interior of Duomo di Milano in Milan

The cathedral is home to several important works of art, including a sculpture of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. The interior is also adorned with dark and gritty Gothic decors and the moment you walk in, you will be enveloped by the structure in a way that really shows the true scale of the cathedral.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Babila Hostel & Bistrot (Budget)
  2. J24 Hotel Milano (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. Hotel Principe Di Savoia - Dorchester Collection (High-End)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. Milan: Da Vinci's Last Supper Guided Tour (1 hour)
  2. From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise (11 hours)
  3. Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket (3 days) 🏅 Top Pick
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

The view from the roof of Duomo di Milano in Milan

The best part about visiting Duomo di Milano is the fact that you can also climb up to the top of the cathedral's roof and you will find a terrace with sweeping panoramic views of Milan's stunning cityscape. You will also be able to see all those statues up close on the roof. The views are especially beautiful at sunset when the city is bathed in a golden light.

The spires on top of Duomo di Milano in Milan

Climbing up to the top of the Duomo is extremely popular in Milan and due to its daily capacity limit, I highly recommend you get the online ticket and book a time slot prior to your arrival. It can be booked out for days so be sure to plan ahead.

The roof area of Duomo di Milano in Milan

You can either buy a regular ticket and climb up the stairs yourself or you can buy the elevator ticket which is a little more expensive but you will be able to take the elevator up to the top.

A close up of a statue on top of Duomo di Milano in Milan

For me, I think the stairs were fine. It was not particularly steep or long so you should have no trouble climbing it. Plus, the queue for the elevator can be quite long whereas the queue to climb the stairs flows faster.

Duomo di Milano in Milan at night

Definitely one of the best things to do in Milan. The ticket ranges from 16 - 23 EUR depending on which option you pick and it includes access to the cathedral as well as the rooftop. I highly recommend you go up to the rooftop first and since the stairs to go down are inside the church, you can then continue and visit the church when you get down. The cathedral is open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day.

2. Be Amazed at the Scale of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

A person standing in the middle of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is probably one of the most extravagant open-air malls you will ever see in your life. The mall is housed in this stunning glass-vaulted arcade as high as a skyscraper and is home to a wide variety of high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes that will definitely test the depth of your wallet.

The interior of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

The shopping arcade was constructed in the 19th Century in this stunning Renaissance Revival architectural style, lavishly decorated with decors and ornaments that fits all the high-end brands the mall is housing, worthy of the city's reputation as being the world capital of fashion.

The halls inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

You will see brands like Dior, Prada, and Gucci, dotting both sides of the arcade. Most of the stuff is definitely out of my budget (by a long mile 😂), but it is still a very cool place to stroll around and be amazed by its over-the-top extravagance.

The shops inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

If you are looking to shop til you drop, this is clearly the place to be but even if you are not, you will still have a great time here. The place is so beautiful, it is impossible to walk through it without taking any photos. There are so many photo opportunities here, it was incredible.

The ceiling of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Just be extremely careful of the crowds here as with most crowded places in touristy cities, there will be a few bad apples here and there that you have to watch for.

A line of shops at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Be sure to keep all your belongings with you at all times and watch out for people who are trying to get too close to you. Keep your bags closed and carry them in front if you must but make it as hard as possible for pickpockets to steal your stuff. They will often go with the easiest target. Trust me, I have a few experiences with this 🥲.

The exterior of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

The place is open 24/7 but I think the best time to visit is around sunset when the sky is still blue/purple outside but the shop lights are all turned on, creating the perfect lighting condition for photos.

3. Learn More About Milan at Palazzo Reale di Milano

The exterior of Palazzo Reale di Milano in Milan

Not too far from the Duomo di Milano, you will also find Palazzo Reale di Milano or the Royal Palace of Milan, a historic palace where Visconti, the Sforza, and the Austro-Hungarian dynasties and later the government seat of the Lombardy region in Italy resided.

The palace has a long and rich history, dating back to the 14th century, and has been expanded and modified continuously throughout the centuries to reflect the changing tastes and styles of whoever was living in the palace at the time.

The entrance of Palazzo Reale di Milano in Milan

The palace features an impressive facade with a grand entrance, a central courtyard, and a grand stairway leading to the palace's grand halls and galleries. Inside, you will find several museums with a ton of paintings, sculptures, and artworks from the Renaissance and Baroque periods as well as the palace's sumptuously decorated state apartments, which feature frescoes, sculptures, and intricate stucco work that you can explore.

The museum is open every day except Monday from 10 AM to 7:30 PM. The entrance ticket is 17 EUR per person with an audio guide included. You can book the ticket online from its official site to avoid long queues.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

Looking to save some costs on your travel? Why not join a shared group tour from Milan? Here are some activities you might be interested in:

View More Tours

4. Check Out Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro

The entrance of Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan

While you are at Milan's city center, you might as well drop by and see Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, which is an elegant 15th Century church constructed in the 15th century during the Renaissance, located not too far from Duomo di Milano.

The street where Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro is in Milan

The structure is a notable example of late-Gothic architecture and is known for its intricate architectural details and beautiful sculptures. The church is best known for its illusionistic architecture of the apse, which was designed by Donato Bramante to create the impression of a much larger space than the church itself by means of architectural trompe l'oeil.

The exterior of Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan

Due to the lack of space inside this small church with only around 92 cm between the altar and the wall, Donato decided to create an optical illusion to make it 10 times longer than it actually is. The moment you enter the church, you will see how effective the illusion is. Pretty cool.

The ceiling design of a church in Milan

Unfortunately, the church does have very weird opening hours and you might miss it if you do not plan your visit carefully. On weekdays, the church is open from 7:30 AM to 12 PM in the morning and again from 3 PM to 6:30 PM. On Saturdays, the church is open from 3:30 PM to 7 PM whereas on Sundays, it is open from 9:30 AM to 12 PM and again from 3:30 PM to 7 PM. The entrance is free!

5. Stroll Around Sforzesco Castle

The entrance of Sforzesco Castle in Milan

As you explore the city center, head up north and you will find the incredible Sforzesco Castle, a massive 15th Century castle complex built by the powerful Sforza family, who ruled Milan during the Renaissance. They also used to live at the Royal Palace which is located not too far from here, at the time.

The walls of Sforzesco Castle in Milan

The castle complex is home to several courtyards, towers, and bastions, as well as a number of museums and art galleries you can explore, or you can just stroll around its beautiful courtyard and admire the beauty of the castle for free.

The wall tower of Sforzesco Castle in Milan

One of the highlights of visiting Sforzesco Castle is to hang out in its vast courtyard and gardens located inside and behind the castle respectively which are open to the public for free. Many people often come here for a picnic, hang out with friends, and simply take a stroll through the greeneries to escape from the bustling life of Milan.

The museum inside Sforzesco Castle in Milan

If you are interested in touring around the castle's interior and diving deep into its past, you can get the online ticket with an audio guide from here for around 13 EUR. Inside, you will find a wide range of art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts, as well as an ancient art museum, which has works from the 15th to the 18th century, including pieces by Michelangelo, Bellini, and Botticelli.

The tower inside Sforzesco Castle in Milan

The courtyard and park area are open 24/7 but for the museums and the interior of the castle, you will have to be there during its opening hours between 7 AM to 7:30 PM every day.

6. Visit Arco della Pace

Arco della Pace in Milan from the side

As you explore Sforzesco Castle, do not forget to make your way to Arco della Pace through the beautiful green space of Sempione Park. Arco della Pace or Arch of Peace is basically like the Arc de Triomphe of Paris but for Milan.

Arco della Pace in Milan

It is an iconic landmark built in the early 19th century to commemorate the victories of the Napoleonic armies and the peace established after the Congress of Vienna in 1815 in this elegant and harmonious combination of different architectural elements of classical and neo-classical style.

A lake inside Sempione Park near Arco della Pace in Milan

The Arch of Peace is made of white marble and stands at an impressive height of over 30 meters. The arch is decorated with a number of sculptures and reliefs that depict scenes from the Napoleonic Wars, as well as allegorical figures representing Peace and Victory.

People picnicing in Sempione Park near Arco della Pace in Milan

A lot of people often come and hang out here in the evening from kids with skateboards to parents hanging out, taking a stroll through the beautiful Sempione Park to sit and relax, and the vast spacious area by the arc.

Sempione Park near Arco della Pace in Milan

Both the arc and Sempione Park can be visited at all hours as they are open 24/7 and there are no entrance fees for both place. Highly recommended for those looking to escape the city and be surrounded by trees and lakes without leaving Milan.

7. Drop By Santa Maria del Carmine Church

The facade of Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan

Another church that should be on your radar while you are exploring Milan is Santa Maria del Carmine Church, also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria del Carmine, a 14th-century church with the beautiful Lombard Gothic architectural style unique to this part of Italy.

The exterior of Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan

Its iconic red brick structure in combination with notable features of the church like the Bramantino frescoes, which are considered some of the finest examples of Renaissance art in Milan, make this church a must-visit for those who are interested in the history of Milan.

The interior of Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan

The church is open from 7:15 AM to 7:15 PM every day and it is free for the public. Since this church is located not too far from the city center and Sforzesco Castle, you can drop by here on your way to another great attraction that we will discuss next, Pinacoteca di Brera Museum.

8. Check out the Art at Pinacoteca di Brera

The courtyard of Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

Pinacoteca di Brera is probably one of the most important art museums in Milan. The gallery was founded in 1809 by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, who wanted to create a collection of art that would rival the best in Europe. The gallery is housed in the Palazzo Brera, a beautiful 18th-century palace that was once a Jesuit college.

People pointing at paintings inside Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

The Pinacoteca di Brera has an extensive collection of Italian masterpieces, including works by famous artists such as Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and Titian.

The murals of Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

The gallery also has a number of works by Northern European artists, including works by Botticelli, and Bellini among others, which is what makes this art gallery so unique. One of the most famous works in the collection is the Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio, and the Dead Christ by Mantegna.

The library of Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

Right out of the bat, as you enter the museum, you will be in a courtyard with the statue of Napoleon right at the center while being surrounded by the cloisters of the building. The moment you enter, you will find an amazingly well-preserved library with wooden shelves, that looks like it came straight out of the pages of Harry Potter's books.

The main hallway of Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

Inside the museum, you will find a vast collection of religious artworks that were created during the Renaissance as well as a selection of statues including another massive statue of Napoleon as Mars, the Peacemaker. No one is more proud of these Napoleon statues than Napoleon himself, I'd imagine, haha 😂.

Paintings being recoverd inside Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

While you are inside, you will also see several rooms behind glass walls where you will be able to see the ongoing work of preserving and restoring old artworks. You can really see just how much work went into bringing these historic artworks back to life for us to see. It's incredibly humbling.

A room full of paintings inside Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan

Pinacoteca di Brera is open from 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM every day except for Monday and the ticket price is around 15 EUR per person. To get inside, you are going to have to book a time slot which can be done from the official website or you can just show up and buy the ticket in front of the museum and choose the time slot via one of the many ticket machines at the entrance.

9. See the The Last Supper with Your Own Eyes

The Last Supper in Milan

One of the highlights of visiting Milan is seeing one of the greatest artworks of the Renaissance, the Last Supper, a mural painting of the last supper of Jesus with the twelve apostles before one of them betrays him, created by the famous Italian High Renaissance artist, the great Leonardo da Vinci himself.

A room full of people looking at the Last Supper in Milan

Leonardo da Vinci spent many of his best years creating some of the greatest works the world had ever seen here in Milan. The painting was created between 1495 and 1498 as part of a commission by the Duke of Milan.

A close up of Jesus from the Last Supper paintings in Milan

It was originally painted on the walls of the refectory using a technique known as fresco, which is a method of painting on wet plaster. Unfortunately, over time, the painting has undergone significant deterioration and requires a ton of restoration work as well as protection from the elements, which is why the painting is only open to visitors who book their visits in advance.

Other paintings inside the Last Supper in Milan

When I say in advance, I really mean in advance. When I was there in August, all the time slots were booked for 7 days straight and there was only 1 slot left on the 8th day, so if you want to see the Last Supper, I highly recommend you book the time slot prior to your visit to Milan.

The portraits of the Last Supper in a museum in Milan

To see the Last Supper in Milan, you will have to book a date and a time slot from the official website. The ticket is 15 EUR per person and with the ticket, you will have around 15 minutes to gaze upon the masterpiece before you are asked to exit. You can take photos as much as you like but without the flash.

The church where the Last Supper is in Milan

If you are already in Milan and are unable to find a time slot for your visit, do not sweat. You can often join a guided tour to get access to the Last Supper without having to reserve way in advance. You can check the availability of the organized tour from here.

A person looking at murals inside Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

The whole process was surprisingly orderly and reliably punctual so no need to worry that you will have to be there way earlier or you will have to wait in more lines to get in. Just make sure to be there 15 minutes earlier and find the entrance and wait for the door guy to usher your time slot group in.

The courtyard inside Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

Bags and water bottles are not allowed in so be sure to go to the ticket office and leave your bags in the lockers there before you get in. While you wait for your time slot, you can also drop by Santa Maria delle Grazie, a beautiful Terracotta Renaissance church with an elaborate Gothic interior and a nice courtyard you can relax in.

The interior of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

Seeing the painting in person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the opportunity to view this iconic artwork in the very place where it was created adds a special significance to the visit and I think it was definitely one of the best things to do in Milan and worth the hassle to see.

10. Visit Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

The courtyard of Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is some of the oldest structures you can see in Milan with the current structure being built way back in the 4th Century during the Roman time although it has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout the centuries.

A person praying inside Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan

On the outside, the basilica is constructed similarly to other old churches built during the same period that you will find elsewhere in Milan with its iconic red brick exterior, towers with wide foundations, and a beautiful courtyard surrounded by cloisters.

The frescoes on the ceiling of Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan

It is a great example of the Lombard architecture style and while the exterior is impressive, the basilica is more known for its intricate mosaics in the apse, stunning frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that are adorned throughout the place. Once you are inside the church, do not forget to look up at all the beautiful frescoes and murals on the ceilings.

The golden sarcophagus of Saint Ambrose inside Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan

The basilica is also known for housing the golden sarcophagus of Saint Ambrose, which is made of marble and gold, the reliquary of Saint Ambrose, and the wooden choir stalls dating back to the 15th century. It is located in the crypt and you can still see the remains on display inside. It's pretty incredible and also a bit eerie.

The main hallway inside Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan

The basilica is open from 10 AM to 12 PM and again from 2:30 PM to 6 PM every day except Sundays when it is open from 3 PM to 5 PM. There is no entrance fee for the basilica which makes for another great reason to drop by and check out Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio while in Milan.

11. Be Wildered at all the Strange Inventions of Leonardo da Vinci at the National Museum of Science and Technology

The telescope room inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

The Leonardo da Vinci's Museum of Science and Technology is probably the most interesting museum I visited in Milan. The museum is dedicated to all the works and inventions, both the awesome and the weird, of the famous artist, scientist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci.

The main hallway inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

The museum was founded in 1953 and has since grown to become one of the most important and popular museums in Milan, with a massive collection of over 15,000 items, including models and reproductions of Leonardo's inventions and scientific studies, as well as original artifacts and documents, such as drawings and notes, relating to his work.

A turtle tank inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

From inventions like the bizarre triangular parachute to the medieval turtle-shaped tank that was designed to be the ultimate killing machine of war, you are sure to be both intrigued and bewildered by his creations.

The time room inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

Many of the exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to get hands-on experience with Leonardo's ideas, and understand the concepts behind many of his inventions. The Museum also has an extensive collection of models and reproductions of Leonardo's drawings and machines where you can interact and learn how they function.

A moon rock inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

The museum is an excellent place to understand the breadth and depth of Leonardo's contributions to science and technology and appreciate his curiosity and creativity as a whole as well as celebrate other technological advancements we have seen since his time like a collection of old telephones, space suits, satellites, and all things technology.

A locomotive inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

They even have a warehouse filled with locomotives, wooden ships, and even a Prada-branded airplane. I don't think Prada actually made the plane but it was still interesting to see a brand known for its luxurious handbags on an airplane inside the national museum of science and technology.

A wooden boat inside Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan

The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day except Monday and the entrance ticket is around 7.50 EUR which you can book online from its official website or get the free-cancellation ticket or just visit the museum and get it from the ticket booth at the entrance.

12. Check Out the Roman Columns of San Lorenzo

The Roman Columns of San Lorenzo in Milan

Some of the oldest structures you will find in Milan is The Roman Columns of San Lorenzo, a group of ancient Roman columns located near the city center of Milan, believed to be from the 2nd century AD as part of a larger public building or temple.

People hanging out at Roman Columns of San Lorenzo in Milan

The columns were only discovered during excavations in the 20th century and were reassembled to form the architectural ensemble we see today. They are made of marble and are decorated with Corinthian-style capitals, which are extremely well-preserved.

Up close shots of the Roman Columns of San Lorenzo in Milan

At the columns, you will also find fragments of other architectural elements, such as cornices and bases, that help to give a sense of the scale and grandeur of the original building.

The entrance of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan

The Columns are located in a small square, right in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the oldest churches in Milan that dated all the way back to the 4th Century, although the structure you will see here is from the 15th - 16th Century when it was expanded, and it is worth a visit in and of itself.

The square in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Milan

One of the highlights of the Basilica is the so-called "Crypt of the Martyrs" which was discovered in the late 19th century beneath the church's high altar. The crypt contains the remains of early Christian martyrs and is thought to be part of a 4th-century cemetery that was located outside the city walls.

People chilling at the Roman Columns of San Lorenzo in Milan

There are also a number of frescoes and murals that might pique your interest as well so be sure to check the basilica out while you are visiting the Roman Columns.

13. Hang out at Naviglio Grande

The canal at Naviglio Grande in Milan

Next up, if you are looking for a nice place to chill, try out some local cuisine, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee in a laid-back neighborhood, you are going to love Naviglio Grande.

The buildings at Naviglio Grande in Milan

Naviglio Grande is a little neighborhood that reassembles more Amsterdam than Milan itself with buildings, hip restaurants, and cafes, all lined up along both sides of the canal.

A cafe at Naviglio Grande in Milan

The area is known for its picturesque views, lively atmosphere, and charming architecture. You can take a walk or ride along the canal with a bike, stop for a drink or a meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants that line its banks, and enjoy the colorful street art and graffiti along the way.

A restaurant at Naviglio Grande in Milan

The area is also a great place to spend the evening in when the sun is about to set. People, both locals and tourists alike, often come out in droves and hang out here. It definitely feels more alive here and less crowded and touristy than all the other places you will visit in Milan. Definitely a great change of pace for your visit.

A table outside a restaurant at Naviglio Grande in Milan

Be sure to spend a few hours here and try out some of the Italian cuisine Milan is known for. There are also a number of nightlife spots here so you can check out Naviglio Grande as well if you are looking for a great place to go at night.

14. Visit the Modern Side of Milan at Piazza Gae Aulenti

Modern buildings at Piazza Gae Aulenti in Milan

If you have a day to spare in Milan and you are tired of all the old and ancient architecture you have been seeing here, you should definitely check out Piazza Gae Aulenti, a public square located in the more modern part of Milan, surrounded by modern skyscrapers, green parks, and modern business and residential buildings.

A building full of plants at Piazza Gae Aulenti in Milan

It is like stepping into Dubai or Singapore but right in the heart of Milan which I think was pretty cool. Milan is not all about churches and ruins like most people believe and there are sides of the city that cater more towards the modern lifestyle that emphasizes a clean, open, and airy feel you don't get in the crowded city center.

Piazza Gae Aulenti in Milan

If you are a digital nomad and you are looking for a nice place to spend some time and work in Milan or if you just want a little change of pace and to see the more modern side of Milan, be sure to drop by Piazza Gae Aulenti.

3 Days In Milan: An Itinerary For First Timers3 Days In Milan: An Itinerary For First Timers

15. A Day Trip to Bergamo

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo

If you are looking for a day trip to make from Milan, Bergamo is an awesome choice for you as the city is only an hour's train ride away and there are some awesome sights and attractions to be seen here from its picturesque location to its rich history.

Bergamo Upper Town seen from Lower Town

Bergamo is home to many historical and cultural sites all spread out across the Upper and Lower Towns. The entire Upper Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located inside a fortress on top of a hill overlooking Bergamo city and is home to many medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni.

The streets of Bergamo

The Lower Town is also full of interesting architecture and historical sites as well, like the Basilica of St. Alexander in Column and Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano.

The view of Bergamo from the Upper Town in Bergamo

You take one of the many trains from Milan Centrale to Bergamo Train Station which should take about 50 minutes and from the train station, it is another 30 minutes leisurely stroll through the Lower Town to get to the Upper Town.

The entrance gate in Bergamo

I highly recommend you start exploring the Upper Town first as it is the prettiest part of the city and there are a ton more things to do there. Plus, the view is incredible from the Upper Town.

The view of Bergamo old town from the bell tower in Bergamo

While you are in the Upper Town, make sure you check out Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Cappella Colleoni, Campanone, and Palazzo della Ragione.

The view of Bergamo old town from San Vigilio in Bergamo

You can also go even further uphill and take a funicular up to San Vigilio for an even more incredible view of Bergamo and its surrounding. This part of Bergamo doesn't get as many tourists as the square in the Upper Town which makes for a nice relaxing stroll for those looking to escape the crowds.

The interior of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in the Upper Town of Bergamo

All in all, you can spend an entire day exploring all Bergamo has to offer before taking one of the many daily trains back to Milan. You can also visit Bergamo by shuttle bus using a transfer service or on an organized tour if you do not want to deal with the logistics.

11 Best Things to Do in Bergamo11 Best Things to Do in Bergamo

16. A Day Trip to Lake Como

A person sitting on a fence at Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como

Last but not least, one of the most popular day trips people often make from Milan is to visit Lake Como, a stunning lake known for its picturesque little villages that dotted its bank, set against the breathtaking view of the Italian Alps, offering a variety of cool things to do.

Varenna's lakeside promenade in Lake Como

From the crisscrossing cobblestone streets for Bellagio and Menaggio to the beautiful swimming areas and lakeside promenades decorated with flowers in Varenna to the lavish villas of Villa Carlotta and Villa Del Balbianello, where they shot Star Wars, Lake Como is like a travel destination straight out of a fairy tale.

A tourist under the umbrella tree at Villa del Balbianello in Lake Como

You can visit Lake Como as a day trip from Milan with my comprehensive Lake Como one-day itinerary, or you can visit it via an organized day trip which will allow you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip without having to worry about the logistics.

The picturesque street of Bellagio, Lake Como

Or better, spend a few days at Lake Como over a weekend and enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the lake in its entirety following my 3-day Lake Como itinerary. All in all, no matter which way you wish to visit Lake Como, you are going to love the place.

One-Day Lake Como Itinerary from MilanOne-Day Lake Como Itinerary from Milan

Further Reading for Northern Italy

I hope you found this Italian travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Categories DestinationsItalySouthern EuropeEuropeNorthern Italy

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