Extra time in Milan? Here’s how I’d spend it

Milan is easy to underestimate. Three days is enough for the major highlights (I’ve covered those in my 72 hour itinerary), but if you find yourself with extra time in Milan, the city starts to reveal what isn’t obvious from the outside. It’s about much more than fashion and the Duomo. You could take a day trip to one of the lakes or nearby cities, but you could just as easily stay put and explore another neighbourhood, visit a museum or simply slow down.

I spent three days in Milan and deliberately didn’t add a day trip. I wanted time to experience the city itself rather than rush through it. If I return with more time, these are the day trips and experiences I’d consider.

Extra time in Milan? Consider these day trips

Lake Como

Lake Como is probably the most obvious day trip from Milan. Its deep-blue waters, mountain scenery and lakeside villages have made it one of northern Italy’s most popular destinations.

Getting there is relatively straightforward. Trains from Milano Centrale reach Como San Giovanni in about 40 minutes, while Varenna-Esino takes around an hour on a direct train. Check current timetables before you travel, as schedules can change.

Which part of Lake Como should you visit?

• Como – the closest and simplest option from Milan, with a historic centre and lakefront.
• Varenna – around an hour from Milan, with a pretty waterfront, narrow streets and Villa Monastero.
• Bellagio – reached by ferry from Varenna and one of the lake’s best-known villages. It can be extremely busy in peak season.

I didn’t go, and here’s why. With only three days in Milan, a day trip would have meant giving up a significant part of my time in the city. Once you factor in the train, ferries and time spent getting around the lake, it isn’t a quick side trip.

With more time, though, I’d be tempted. Just decide whether Lake Como is somewhere you genuinely want to spend a day, rather than feeling that you have to visit because it’s the obvious Milan day trip.

Bergamo

If you’re more interested in history and old-world atmosphere than lake scenery, Bergamo could be the better choice.

It’s around an hour from Milan by train, and the main draw is Città Alta, the upper town surrounded by Venetian walls. The centre revolves around Piazza Vecchia, with medieval streets, churches and viewpoints over the surrounding countryside.

It’s also a good option if you want a day trip that feels distinctly different from Milan without spending most of the day travelling.

Best for: history, architecture and wandering.

Lake Maggiore

For another lake option, consider Lake Maggiore. Stresa is just over an hour from Milano Centrale and makes a relatively straightforward day trip.

The big attraction is the Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella, which you can reach by ferry from Stresa. You can spend the day exploring the lakeside town, visiting the islands and gardens, or simply enjoying the views across the lake.

If Lake Como feels like the obvious choice, Lake Maggiore could be worth considering if you want something a little less predictable.

Best for: lake scenery, gardens and a slower day.

Extra time in Milan? Experience more of the city

Relax at a spa.

De Montel Terme near San Siro is Milan’s first urban thermal baths, with thermal water drawn from 396 metres underground or QC Termemilano near Porta Romana is set in a former tram depot with a biosauna inside a vintage tram.

Explore another neighbourhood

Porta Romana – neighbourhood atmosphere, restaurants and green spaces
Isola – street art, independent businesses and a more local feel
Porta Venezia – architecture, shopping, restaurants and nightlife
CityLife – contemporary architecture and skyscrapers and a completely different side of Milan

Slow down and linger

Milan is a great city for wandering without a strict agenda. Stop for a standing espresso at a local café, take a long lunch just because you can, browse a neighbourhood you haven’t explored or revisit somewhere you enjoyed earlier in your trip.

You don’t have to fill every extra day with another attraction. You might want to visit another museum, do some shopping or tick off another famous sight, but you might also discover that some of your favourite moments come from having nowhere particular to be.

How to decide how to spend your extra time in Milan

For the history buff
The Città Alta in Bergamo, or within Milan, explore Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (but book tickets well in advance), San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Piazza dei Mercanti and San Bernardino alle Ossa.

For the design lover
Explore the various design-forward museums such as ADI Design museum, Triennale Milano and Fondazione Prada.

For the fashion lover
Milan is certainly the place for designer goods and luxury shopping, but you can also indulge your appetite for a bargain at Serravalle Designer Outlet, about an hour away from the city. Don’t forget to also check out the Armani/Silos.

For the foodie
Take a long lunch and try all the food. There are plenty of local specialities such as Risotto alla milanese, Cotoletta, Osso Bucco, Panzerotti, Cornetti, Gelato and make time for an aperitivo.

For someone who wants to unwind
QC Termemilano or De Montel. You can have a spa day without leaving the city.

For the slow traveller
Skip the day trip. Wander a new neighbourhood, stop for a standing espresso, and revisit the places you already love.

How many days do you need in Milan?

Three days is enough to see many of Milan’s major highlights, but I’d happily spend five to seven days there.

I spent three days in Milan and felt that I had only scratched the surface. I could have squeezed in more museums and attractions, but that’s not how I like to travel anymore. I prefer a slower pace: perhaps one museum in a day, time to explore a neighbourhood and enough space to stop somewhere interesting without worrying about what’s next.

With four days in Milan, you could add another museum or spend more time exploring neighbourhoods.

With five days, you could add a day trip such as Bergamo or Lake Como, or simply slow down and experience more of Milan.

With five to seven days, you have enough time to dig deeper, revisit places you enjoyed and add a day trip without turning your trip into a checklist.

My take on Milan

Three days gave me a good introduction to Milan, but I’d happily return with more time. Not necessarily to see more, but to experience more. Another neighbourhood, another long lunch, another afternoon with nowhere particular to be.

And if I wanted to escape the city for a day, there are plenty of options nearby. So if you only have a short visit, don’t feel you have to rush through everything. Milan is worth experiencing at your own pace.

Planning your next trip?
Before adding more destinations, day trips and things to your itinerary, take a moment to work out what you actually want from your trip.

I’ve created a free 6-question trip-planning checklist to help you make those decisions before you start filling your itinerary.

Get the free checklist here.