Escape the Milanese Hustle: Day Trips Worth the Train Ride
Milan's a stunner, but sometimes you just need to swap the fashionista frenzy for lakeside serenity or mountain air. Here are the day trips worth ditching the city for, from charming lakeside towns to historic cities just a quick train ride away.
Lake Como: Where Grandeur Meets Serenity
Forget postcards; Lake Como is even more ridiculously beautiful in person. The moment you step off the train in Como town, you're hit with crisp, clean air and the sparkling expanse of water. This isn't just a pretty lake; it's an entire vibe. It's where old-money elegance meets dramatic Alpine backdrops, and everyone, from George Clooney to your average Italian nonna, seems to have found their happy place.
My advice? Don't just stick to Como town. Hop on a ferry – it’s the best way to properly grasp the scale and beauty of the lake, letting you soak in the impossibly charming villages clinging to the hillsides. Bellagio, often called the "pearl of Lake Como," is a must. Wander the steep, narrow cobbled streets, peek into boutique shops, and grab an Aperol Spritz with views that will make you question going back to city life. If you’re feeling fancy, take a water taxi past some of the grand villas, like Villa del Balbianello, which has graced the silver screen more times than you can count. A day here feels like a proper detox from the Milanese rush, leaving you refreshed and dreaming of lakeside living.
Bergamo: A Tale of Two Cities
Just 45 minutes by train, Bergamo might just be Italy’s most underrated city. It’s essentially two cities in one: Bergamo Bassa (the lower, modern town) and Bergamo Alta (the stunning medieval upper town, perched majestically on a hill). Skip the Bassa for now and make a beeline for the Funicolare, the charming old cable car that whisks you up to Bergamo Alta. The ride itself is a treat, offering panoramic views that hint at the magic awaiting you.
Once in Bergamo Alta, prepare to be charmed. This place is a living museum, enclosed within Venetian walls that are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Piazza Vecchia is the heart of it all, a grand square surrounded by historic buildings. Don't miss the Cappella Colleoni, an exquisitely ornate chapel, and the Duomo. But my favorite thing to do here is simply wander. Get lost in the narrow alleyways, discover hidden courtyards, and find a cozy trattoria for some casoncelli (local stuffed pasta) and a glass of Franciacorta wine. Bergamo offers a slower pace, a rich history, and views that stretch for miles. It’s well worth adding to your list of Things to do in Milan, even if it