3 Days in Milan & Lake Como: Fashion, Duomo & Alpine Waters

Day 1 explores Milan's Gothic Duomo, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Leonardo's The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the historic Sforza Castle, ending with dinner in the bohemian Brera district.

Days 2-3 take you to Lake Como — explore the charming town of Como, ride the funicular to Brunate, visit the elegant Villa Olmo, then ferry to Bellagio and Varenna for lakeside villas, gardens, and alpine vistas.

Italy's largest and most ornate Gothic cathedral, which took nearly 600 years to complete. Climb the stairs or take the elevator to the rooftop terraces for a close-up of the intricate spires and a panoramic view of Milan. Book rooftop tickets online to skip queues.

Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, a stunning 19th-century iron-and-glass arcade. Spin your heel on the mosaic bull under the central dome for good luck. Browse high-end boutiques or grab an espresso at the historic Camparino café.

Milan's legendary panzerotti shop since 1888. These deep-fried stuffed pastries come in classic tomato-mozzarella or spinach-ricotta. Expect a queue but it moves fast. Grab a few to go and eat in the nearby Piazza dei Mercanti.

A massive 15th-century fortress that once ruled Renaissance Milan. Today it houses several museums — the Art Gallery with Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, and the Museum of Musical Instruments. The large grassy courtyard is perfect for a rest.

Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous mural 'The Last Supper' is housed in the Dominican convent's refectory. Tickets are strictly timed and sell out weeks in advance — book at least 2 months ahead. Only 25 people are allowed every 15 minutes for a 15-minute viewing.

Milan's most charming neighborhood, the Brera district is filled with art galleries, cobblestone streets, and traditional trattorias. Try Trattoria del Nuovo Macello or Osteria di Brera for classic Milanese dishes like risotto alla milanese and ossobuco. The lively streets are perfect for an evening stroll.

Take a regional train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni. Trains run roughly hourly; the journey takes about 40 minutes through the Lombardy countryside. Buy tickets at the station or via the Trenitalia app. Validate your ticket before boarding.

A beautiful Gothic-Renaissance cathedral that took nearly 400 years to build. Its striking white marble façade and intricate rose window dominate the main square. Inside, admire the 16th-century tapestries and the carved wooden choir stalls. Free entry.

Take the historic funicular railway up to the village of Brunate (600m above sea level). The 7-minute ride offers expanding views of the lake and the Alps. At the top, walk to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse for a 360° panorama. The funicular runs every 30 minutes.

Enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants along the Como waterfront promenade. Try La Vita è Bella or Il Gatto Nero for fresh lake fish like lavarello (whitefish) or missoltini (sun-dried shad). Pair with a glass of local Lombard white wine like Lugana.

A magnificent neoclassical villa built in 1797, set in sprawling English-style gardens directly on the lake. The gardens are free and open to the public. Stroll past centuries-old plane trees, statues, and fountains with the lake as your backdrop. The villa interior opens for exhibitions.

The narrow streets of Como's old town hide excellent trattorias. Try Osteria del Gallo for traditional Lombard cuisine or Locanda dell'Isola Comacina for lake fish specialities. End the evening with a gelato from Gelateria Lariana while strolling along the illuminated lakefront.

Take the scenic passenger ferry from Como to Bellagio, the 'Pearl of the Lake'. The 1-hour ride crosses the lake past the Larian Triangle's lush hills and elegant waterfront villas, including Villa Balbianello. Ferries run multiple times daily — check the schedule the night before.

Bellagio's cobbled lanes wind up the hill from the piazza, lined with artisan shops selling silk scarves, handmade ceramics, and limoncello. Climb the stone stairways past ancient churches and flower-filled balconies. The views from the top of the promontory are spectacular.

An elegant neoclassical villa surrounded by stunning English-style gardens sloping down to the lake. The gardens feature azaleas, rhododendrons, a Japanese pond, and an Egyptian-themed pavilion. Spring is the best time for the floral display. Entry is €6.

Have a relaxed lunch with lake views. Try Ristorante Silvio on the waterfront for fresh lake fish pasta or Bilacus for pizza and salads in a garden setting. The terrace at La Pergola offers wonderful views over the harbour. Reservations recommended in summer.

Varenna is a quiet, romantic fishing village with colourful houses cascading down to the lake. Villa Monastero, a former monastery turned botanical garden, features a 2km lakeside terrace with cypresses, agaves, and panoramic benches. Also visit the ancient Castello di Vezio for a hilltop fortress view.

Catch the regional train from Varenna-Esino station back to Milan. The journey takes about 1.5 hours with a change at Tirano or Lecco depending on the service. Trains run until late evening. Check the Trenitalia app for the best connection.

End the trip near Milano Centrale at a classic Milanese restaurant. Try Ristorante Savini or I Chiostri di Via Torino for a final taste of risotto alla milanese or cotoletta alla milanese. Toast your lake getaway with a glass of Franciacorta sparkling wine.