Milan: Your Gateway to Italy & Beyond
Most travelers land in Milan with visions of the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and high-fashion shopping. But Milan is more than a stylish city - it's also one of the best bases in Italy for day trips.
With high-speed trains, scenic routes, and easy access to nearby regions (and even Switzerland), it’s the ideal starting point for travelers who want to explore beyond the city without unpacking multiple times.
This simple guide explores how Milan works as a hub for Rome, Venice, Lake Como and Bellagio, and Lugano - plus what to do in Milan when the sun sets and the day-trip adventures are over.
Why Use Milan as Your Travel Base?
Location, convenience, connectivity.
Milan is one of Italy’s most well-connected cities. Thanks to its major train stations - Milano Centrale, Garibaldi, and Cadorna - travelers can hop on high-speed trains to almost any major city in the country.
Benefits of using Milan as your home base
Multiple high-speed train options (Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord)
Direct connections to Rome, Venice, Florence, Turin, Lake Como, and Lugano
Flexible day-trip planning with departures from early morning to late night
Easier accommodation search (apartments, boutique hotels, and canalside stays)
Vibrant nightlife - perfect for unwinding after long day trips
A Whirlwind Multi-City Adventure With Milan as Home
On my first visit to Milan, the itinerary wasn’t the typical “stay in Milan and explore Milan” setup. Instead, Milan became the basecamp for a series of exciting day trips across Italy and even into Switzerland.
Here’s how the journey unfolded:
First Glimpse of the City
But staying in an apartment right within the city centre offered a different side of Milan. Seeing the city at night came with its own charm, including:
Calmer, more peaceful streets
Soft golden lighting around the Duomo
A quieter, more romantic version of Milan
Plenty of late-night restaurants and gelato shops still open
After a brief look around and settling in, Milan’s energy already hinted at a mix of nightlife and elegance.
Day 1: Day Trip to Rome
Yes - Rome in a day is possible from Milan. High-speed trains turn long distances into easy, fun day adventures.
Why Rome is doable from Milan:
About 3 hours each way on a fast train
Roma Termini station brings you straight into the city center
Major landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are easily covered in one day
This is a long day, but absolutely doable for travelers wanting a taste of the Eternal City without switching hotels. To see the full breakdown of what you can realistically cover in a single day, check out our 1-day itinerary in Rome.
Day 2: Day Trip to Venice
Taking a day trip to Venice from Milan is another popular choice.
Travel Highlights
Around 2–2.5 hours by train
Step out of Venezia Santa Lucia station straight into postcard views
A full day to explore gondolas, canals, and Venetian alleyways
Venice is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Milan - and you can see exactly how we did it in our Venice day trip itinerary.
Day 3: Bellagio & Lake Como
Lake Como trips from Milan are classic for a reason.
Why Lake Como Works Well as a Day Trip
1 hour by train to Varenna
Scenic ferry ride to Bellagio
Beautiful lakeside promenades, villas, gardens, and cafés
This is perfect for travelers wanting a mix of nature, views, and Italian charm. Want to see exactly how we spent the day? Here’s our Lake Como & Bellagio day trip itinerary.
Day 4: Lugano, Switzerland
One of the perks of being in northern Italy? You’re very close to Switzerland.
Lugano Day Trip Highlights
Less than 1.5 hours from Milan
Swiss chocolate, lakeside views, and mountain backdrops
A nice change of pace with cleaner, quieter streets and a different cultural feel
Cross-country day trips don’t get easier than this - and if you’re curious, you can read more about our 1-day Lugano adventure.
So… What About Milan Itself?
Well, I’ll admit - on my first visit, Milan wasn’t explored in-depth during daytime hours, but the city revealed its charms at night. That actually shows another side of Milan: a city that truly comes alive after dark.
Navigli District: The Nightlife Hub
Staying near the Navigli Canals (just 3–5 minutes on foot) brings you close to:
Trendy bars and wine spots
Late-night restaurants
Gelato shops
Vintage boutiques
Souvenir stores
Independent bookshops
Navigli is effortlessly lively and atmospheric—perfect for evening strolls and people-watching.
Quick Glimpses of Milan’s Must-Sees
Even with limited daytime hours, Milan still revealed plenty of architectural gems. The city is filled with beautiful façades, historic buildings, and elegant details that pop up unexpectedly while wandering around - especially at night when everything feels a little more magical.
- Duomo di Milano
No trip to Milan is complete without seeing its Gothic masterpiece.
The Duomo di Milano is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, adorned with over 3,400 statues and topped by the iconic golden Madonnina. Construction began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete. Inside, admire the stained glass windows and ornate altars, or head to the rooftop for stunning city views.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Often called the world’s most beautiful shopping arcade, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II sits right beside the Duomo. Opened in 1867, it features a stunning glass dome, intricate mosaics, and elegant ironwork that make it a must-see for architecture lovers.
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- Stunning And Interesting Buildings Along the Streets
Milan’s charm often hides in plain sight. While walking around, you’ll find:
Classic Italian palazzi with ornate balconies
Elegant stone buildings lit beautifully at night
Grand doorways and arched windows perfect for photography
Unexpected courtyards and quiet lanes with centuries-old architecture
These little discoveries make evening strolls in Milan incredibly atmospheric and rewarding.
- Preloved, Vintage, and Branded Shops
Milan has a thriving secondhand and vintage scene, alongside plenty of branded shops. Exploring preloved boutiques and some popular brand shops on the final morning is a great way to find unique pieces, sustainable fashion finds, or even luxury items at a bargain.
Why Milan Is a Great Home Base (Even if you don't explore it fully)
If travelers want to see multiple Italian cities without constantly checking in and out of hotels, Milan is ideal.
Reasons Milan Works:
Efficient transportation system
Walkable neighborhoods
Modern apartments and boutique hotels
Plenty of food options late into the night
Easy access to nearby regions and countries
This makes Milan perfect for travelers who want:
Fast-paced itineraries
Strategic day trips
Flexibility
A balance between nightlife and convenience
Tips for travelers using Milan as a base
- Navigli, Brera, Centrale, and Porta Romana are excellent areas with quick access to trains.
- High-speed trains (especially to Rome and Venice) get more expensive closer to the date.
- Most day trips will have you returning after sunset—luckily, Milan thrives at night.
- Late-night gelato, canal walks, cafés, bookshops, and wine bars make evenings surprisingly fulfilling.
- Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and stunning photos.
Final Thoughts: Milan Makes Multi-City Trips Easier
Milan is more than a fashion capital - it’s a travel powerhouse. For travelers with ambitious itineraries, Milan is the perfect base for exploring Rome, Venice, Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano, and beyond.
Whether you explore the city in-depth or simply enjoy it after dark, Milan gives you both convenience and charm. And sometimes, that’s the best kind of trip—unexpected, flexible, and full of surprises.