Milan is rich in history, arts, and fashion.  It’s a beautiful city with many historical sights, art galleries, and museums.  It’s also home to delicious Milanese cuisine. Discover the best 10 Things To Do in Milan!

Quick Facts about Milan

• Milan is a city in northern Italy.  It’s the capital of the Lombardy region.
• Milan is the second most populated city in Italy, after Rome.
• Milan is famous for being one of the fashion capitals of the world, along with Paris, New York City, and London.
• Milan is home to some of the most important museums and art collections, including the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.
• The city is a major tourist destination with about millions of tourists visiting Milan every year.

History highlights

• Milan used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 to 402.
• Napoleone della Torre (an Italian nobleman) had ruled Milan from 1265 until 1277 when he was ousted by the Visconti.
• The House of Visconti (an Italian noble dynasty in the Middle Ages) had ruled Milan from 1277 to 1447.
• The House of Sforza acquired the Duchy of Milan from the Visconti family in the middle of the 15th century.  The House of Sforza was a ruling family of Renaissance Italy.
• Francesco I Sforza had founded the Sforza dynasty in Milan, Italy, and had ruled Milan as the Duke of Milan from 1450 to 1466.

10 Things To Do in Milan

Duomo

Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy.  This Roman Catholic church is built in Italian Gothic style. Duomo is the fourth largest church in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, The Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in Brazil, and Seville Cathedral in Spain.

The construction of the cathedral began in the 14th century.

Piazza del Duomo is the main square and the center of Milan.  The piazza is surrounded by several historic buildings.  The important buildings around the Piazza include the Duomo, the arcade of The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Royal Palace.

In the center of the piazza is The Monument to King Victor Emmanuel II.  This equestrian statue is impressive in its size.

Sforza Castle

Francesco I Sforza had founded the Sforza dynasty in Milan, Italy, and had ruled Milan as the Duke of Milan from 1450 to 1466.  Francesco I Sforza built the Sforza castle in the 15th century.    Currently, the castle is home to several museums and art collections.

The central tower of the castle is known as Torre del Filarete of Castello Sforzesco.  The tower was designed by Filaret, a Florentine Renaissance architect.

Royal Palace of Milan

The Royal Palace of Milan is located near the Duomo Cathedral opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.   In the middle centuries, the Royal Palace used to be the seat of the government.   Currently, the palace is home to cultural exhibitions.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a busy shopping mall in Milan, Italy set in a historical building.  It was built between 1865 and 1867.   The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a four-story arcade located in the middle of the city, close to Duomo Cathedral and across from the Royal Palace of Milan.

The Galleria is a popular place in Milan.  It houses many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Teatro Alla Scala

Teatro Alla Scala also known as La Scala is an opera house in Milan, Italy.   It’s considered one of the most important opera houses in the world.  Many famous opera singers and artists from Italy and around the world have performed at La Scala.

Piazza della Scala is located next to the opera house.   The monument of Leonardo Da Vinci is located in the center of Piazza della Scala.

Museo Teatrale alla Scala

La Scala Theatre Museum is part of the opera house.  The museum has a collection of paintings, costumes, statues, and other exhibits related to La Scala and the history of opera in Italy.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Roman Catholic church in Milan.   The church dates back to the 15th century.  The nave (the central part of a church) was built in a Gothic style.  The apse and the dome of the church are completed in the Renaissance architectural style.

This church is famous for housing the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is a Roman Catholic church built in Romanesque architectural style in Milan.  The church was originally built in the 4th century.  It’s one of the most ancient churches in Milan.

It was rebuilt in the 12th century in Romanesque style.

Cimitero Monumentale

The Monumental Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Milan and is notable for many impressive tombs and monuments.  The monuments include classic Italian sculptures, obelisks, Greek temples, modern monuments.

Milan’s Central Station Area

Milan’s Central Station if the city’s main railway station.  The station is housed in an impressive structure opened in 1931.

The nearby area around the Milano Centrale is packed with hotels and restaurants.  In front of the station is Piazza Duca d’Aosta.  Nearby streets are also busy with restaurants, bars, and shops.

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Lugano is a spectacular lakefront city in Southern Switzerland located on the border with Italy. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon, strolling along the lake and enjoying magnificent views.

Lake Lugano is located on the border of Italy and Switzerland. If you stay in Milan, you can take a day trip to Lake Lugano or Lake Como. Both are close to Milan.

It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from Milan to the city of Lugano. The city of Lugano is located right on the lake in southern Switzerland.  It’s a great area for spending a relaxing afternoon.

You don’t need to do much planning. Strolling along the lakefront portion of the city of Lugano is a great way to relax!  You can spend a whole day there just enjoying the views, having a snack, taking a boat trip on the lake, or exploring some historical buildings.  It’s a perfect day trip from Milan.

Impressive views

You will be immediately impressed with the beauty of the city of Lugano. It’s a cute Swiss town that sits alongside the lake. The views around the lake are spectacular. It’s a high-end area with beautiful buildings and expensive shopping.   This immaculate and beautiful city is worth seeing!

Take a Boat Trip

There are multiple tourist boat services at the lake. You can take a tourist boat or water taxis on Lake Lugano to enjoy spectacular views from the water.

Food

Lugano is a great place to just relax and enjoy food and drinks at one of the restaurants with the beautiful views of the lake.

City of Lugano

Lugano is a city situated on Lake Lugano in southern Switzerland bordering Italy.

The city is famous for beautiful views and impressive architecture. You can also spend your day visiting several historical buildings and museums.  There are stunning hotels and cute cafes around Lake Lugano.

Villa Ciani

Villa Ciani is a stunning mansion dating back to mid-1800’s. Villa Ciani is a popular location for different types of events, such as weddings, receptions, banquets, and conferences.

Parco Civico

Parco Civico is a beautiful lakefront park with stunning views in the city of Lugano. It’s a great place to relax and take slow walks or hang out by the water or on the bench.

Lake Lugano Promenade

Take a morning stroll along lake promenade with the manicured parks and lawns on one side and the lake on the other. The views are stunning everywhere you look!

Watch the swans

One of the most fun activities on Lake Lugano is just enjoying the beauty and nature. During our day-trip to Lake Lugano and walking along the promenade on the lakefront, I encountered a beautiful swan who was just strolling in the park just like the rest of us.

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Lake Como is a spectacular location in the north of Italy.  Discover the 10 Best Things To Do Around Lake Como!  The list includes visiting picturesque villas, exploring stunning local villages, and enjoying the scenic views.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como is a large lake in the Lombardy region in the north of Italy.   Lake Como has a glacial origin and is one of Italy’s deepest lakes.   It’s the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.

Lake Como has a unique shape that looks like an inverted letter “Y”.   The popular town of Bellagio is located at the intersection of the three arms of the lake.  The lake and its surroundings are stunning!

Not surprisingly, the lake has been very popular with the wealthy and famous people who have often made Lake Como their home.   It is also a very popular tourist destination with lots of things to do.  You could spend days exploring Lake Como.

The lake is famous for picturesque villas, lakeshore restaurants, and spectacular views.

How to get to Lake Como

• Rent a car and drive from Milan.  Lake Como is a perfect day trip from Milan.   Stay in Milan and take a leisurely drive to Lake Como for a day or two.
• Take a train from Milan to Lake Como.   The trip by train will take only about 1 hour.

How to get around Lake Como

Lake Como has a very well-developed public transportation system.  Many small towns around the lake are linked by ferries and water taxis.

You can also drive the car around the Lake Como and make stops whenever you like, visiting cute little towns on the way.

Popular villages on Lake Como

• Bellagio
• Menaggio
• Varenna
• Tremezzo
• Como
• Lecco
• Lenno
• Cernobbio

Top 10 Things To Do in Lake Como

Bellagio

Bellagio is one of the most popular spots on Lake Como.   Bellagio is situated at the intersection of the three arms of the Lake Como.  It’s a busy little town packed with tourists during the peak season, however, it’s totally worth it and it has a lot to offer.

It’s situated in a spectacular location facing the water, with the Alps behind it.  The town has lots of great restaurants and shopping.  You can also explore nearby little villages.

 

 

 

i Giardini di Villa Melzi  (Bellagio)

i Giardini di Villa Melzi is a stunning botanical garden in Bellagio with marble statues, nice views of the lake, and the villa.

Gorgeous gardens of the Villa Melzi are definitely worth the visit.   Take a relaxing walk in the beautifully maintained gardens.

Enjoy spectacular marble statues, lakeside paths, beautiful greenery, huge trees, and a nice view of the lake.  The gardens have a relaxing atmosphere.   It’s a great place to escape the crowds at Bellagio.

Varenna

Varenna is a small picturesque town in Lake Como.  It was founded as a fishermen’s village, but now it’s a beautiful resort town and a popular tourist destination.  It’s located across the lake from Bellagio.  There is a beautiful trail right along the water that you can walk in Varenna.

Villa Monastero

Villa Monastero is located in Varenna.  There are a botanical garden and a museum on the property.  Great views of the lake.  The villa dates back to the 12th century.  The site of the villa was originally a Cistercian Monastery.

Castello di Vezio

Castello di Vezio is a castle located near Varenna on Lake Como.   The castle dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and has an impressive main tower.

Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta is located in the small town of Tremezzo, on the western shore of the Lake Como.    The villa is named after Carlotta, the daughter of Princess Marianne of Nassau who purchased the villa in 1843.  The villa has a beautiful Italian garden.

Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is located in Lenno, on the western shore of the lake.  It’s famous for terraced gardens and its spectacular villa.  The villa is located close to Isola Comacina.

Isola Comacina

This small island on Lake Como is lush with greenery.  There is a restaurant on the island, and it’s a great spot for lunch!   It’s a great place for leisurely walking around and enjoying the beauty of Lake Como.

Como Cathedral

Visit this impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral in the city of Como, Italy. The city of Como is located at the southern tip of one of the arms of Lake Como.

Boat ride on the lake

You can cross the lake at various points using the ferries or water taxis, especially around the mid-lake villages, such as Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna.   You can also take private boat tours around Lake Como to learn more about the lake and enjoy the scenery.

Scenic car drive along the lake

Explore smaller, less known villages by driving a car around the Lake Como.  It’s a great way to see small, quiet towns and visit beautiful local churches along the way.  Have a snack at cute cafes and enjoy spectacular views, without the tourist crowds.

Walking and hiking

Lake Como has quite a few walks, trails, and hiking paths all around the lake.   You could spend hours just walking and enjoying all the beauty around you.    It’s also a great way to escape crowds and enjoy some relative solitude and nature.

There are many trails around the lake.  Some are easy walking paths for families, others are more difficult hiking trails for experienced hikers.   Many easy walks will take you from one village to another and you get to explore Como from a different angle than most tourists.

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Visit Burano, Italy and explore its colorful streets, lace shops, and beautiful views.  Burano is one of the most vibrantly colored towns in the world!  Discover things to do in Burano during a day trip from Venice – everything you need to know about the town’s main sights!

Burano, Italy is an island known for its brightly colored houses and traditional lacework.  Burano is situated in the Venetian Lagoon, close to Venice.  It takes only about 45 minutes by water bus (Vaporetto) to travel from Venice to Burano.

If you are in Venice for several days, it’s worth the trip to take Vaporetto to visit Burano.  Burano is a small island, and it’s easy to explore it in one day on foot.

Quick Facts about Burano

• Burano is located 7 km away from Venice.
• Burano is known for traditional lace making and colorful buildings.
• Historically, Burano had been a fishermen’s village and it still is.

Why visit Burano

Burano is a cute little town that is extremely visually appealing.  Everything in this town seems so perfect!  Burano’s canals are filled with boats, and the brightly colored houses line the sides of the canals.

The town is a perfect place to take amazing photos.  Everywhere you turn is a perfect picture opportunity.  Colorful houses, small bridges, even a leaning tower.

Burano is not as busy as Venice.  It’s a nice place to break away from the crowds.  Burano is only 45 minutes away from Venice by water bus.

Why are Burano’s houses brightly colored?  The story goes that the houses were painted vibrant colors so that 1) fishermen could distinguish their houses one from another, and 2) fishermen could see their houses in the dense fog filling the lagoon.

Lacemaking

Burano is known for lacemaking that started here in the 16th century.  The women continued to make lace in this town for centuries, and it was a well-known product.

Handmade lacemaking is a time-intensive activity, and these days only a few lacemakers make lace in a traditional way.

Lace Museum

The Lace Museum is located in Galuppi Square at the palace of Podestà of Torcello in Burano.  In the past (from 1872 to 1970), the palace was the location of the Burano Lace School.

The exhibits include beautiful samples of famous Burano’s lace.  At the museum, you can learn about the tradition and history of lacemaking and the techniques used by lacemakers.

Burano’s Leaning Tower

The leaning bell tower is located next to San Martino Church in Burano. This Roman Catholic Church dates back to the 16th century.  The height of the tower is 53 meters.  The tower is visible from the distance from many points in town.

Via Galuppi

Via Galuppi is the main street in Burano.  It’s lined with restaurants, bars, and pastry shops.

Where to Eat in Burano

Burano is a small town, yet there are quite a few restaurants on the main street.  It’s a great experience to eat lunch outside while enjoying beautiful views.

Galuppi Restaurant

We had an absolutely lovely lunch at Galuppi Restaurant.  The food was delicious!

The highlights of our lunch were seafood pasta and lobster pasta.

How to get to Burano

• Take a vaporetto from Venice to Burano.  Vaporetto is a water bus.  The trip takes about 45 minutes.
• You can also take a water taxi, however, water taxi trip will cost about 100 euros.  It’s a much better deal to take a water bus.

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