Things to do & places to visit in Lombardy, Italy

Milan is the prime draw in Italy's most prosperous province. The Cathedral, La Scala opera house and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home of da Vinci's "Last Supper," are just some of the sights. Equally fascinating is the belle Epoque splendor of 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. When not on one of its frequent strikes, Milan's Metro is an excellent way to explore. Renting a car opens up the region, with its towns full of Romanesque architecture and the peninsula of Sirmione and "Gardesana" coast.

Lombardy #4 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.48 based on 411.1k traveler reviews, of 511 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 16:03.

Top things to do (32)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 La Città Alta (8.184 reviews)
- Beautiful bergamo!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

Amazing! Hilltop medieval town. Gorgeous narrow winding alleyways lined with restaurants, bars and lovely shops and coffee shops. We were there as the Christmas decorations were all put up and the effort that was made by all of the shop owners was wonderful. It felt like being in a Dickens fairy tail. We were lucky enough to have the most beautiful sunny weather for our time there. We found prices to be similar to Britain, little bit more expensive than Southern Italy but not really expensive. Everything was at hand and easy to get to. Buses. Run every 15 minutes or so down to the new town, Cita bassa, to the train station or to the airport. See more..
5.0 Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (4.543 reviews)
- THE CHURCH WHICH IS WORTH A VISIT
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Wow effect is guaranteed despite the front façade is anonymous made of Ornavasso stone. Inside it's treasure, 4000 square meters of frescoes made by Lombardy painters ️in the XVI century like Bernardino Luini and sons, Simone Peterzano (teacher of Caravaggio), and Vincenzo Foppa to name a few. The area is divided in two parts, the Church (hall of faithfull) and the hall of nuns, the monastery was, during the XVI century the largest. You can't miss this church and its masterpieces during your visit in Milan. Church is open for visit from Tue to Sun 10:00-17:00, (Groups +9 people need to book the visit in advance) thanks to volunteers of Touring Club Italiano. Access is free but a volunteer and free tips are more than welcome. A guest book is also available to witness your experience at San Maurizio. Visit my Instagram page @milandiamo #milandiamo See more..
5.0 Villa del Balbianello (3.463 reviews)
- If you can visit only one villa on Lake Como, this is it!
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings

This magnificent villa is known for its beautiful architecture, picturesque gardens, mesmerizing views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, and for being the filming location of blockbusters like 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' and 'Casino Royale'. You can take a guided tour of the villa's lavish interiors, where you’ll also be able to view artworks and artifacts collected by explorer and former owner Guido Monzino. The villa is only open to the public from March through to November, so it can get pretty busy—book your tickets early to secure your slot and get there in the morning for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor See more..
5.0 Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (2.583 reviews)
- An Afternoon in Città Alta - Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Monday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church is a very unique design but assembled inside is a surprisingly splendid collection of artwork, huge tapestries, and amazing woodwork. Admission is €3 but it is well worth it. The choir area is being restored and you can watch the workers as they restore the wood carvings and inlaid panels. See more..
5.0 Stelvio Pass (1.968 reviews)
- Cycling adventure not to be missed!
Scenic Drives

What a fabulous place to go. Named as the 7th or 8th toughest mountain climb on a road bike in Europe it’s worthy of its special position. We did it in snow and it made for an amazing adventure. Probably not very clever though on the way down. Watch out it gets incredibly cold on your hands and arms going down hill at speed. And yes we had every kind of top and under garment on! It’s just a killer! Watch out for black ice and be careful with the mountain tunnels! The views are fab but we missed it all due to snow and mist. But we enjoyed it still the same. An amazing adventure you’ll never forget. Enjoy!! See more..
5.0 Dialogo nel Buio (1.608 reviews)
- Eye opening experience
Monday: 10:15 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a very interesting and fun activity for the family. A blind Italian person guides you through various room that are completely in the dark. You use your other senses to 'see'. The whole experience is fantastic whether you can speak Italian or not! See more..
4.5 Duomo di Milano (58.2k reviews) from $16.06
- Milan's number one tourist attraction could be more tourist-friendly
Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The centerpiece of Milan, the Duomo is one of Europe’s greatest architectural and cultural landmarks. As Italy’s largest church and one of the largest in the world, it took over 600 years to build. Today, the Duomo has a capacity of 40,000 people and is home to the world’s second-largest organ. Admire the wide selection of religious art on display inside, or marvel at the 3000 statues that line its Gothic exterior. Be sure to join one of the available Duomo tours, which include art tours and even rooftop tours, where you might be able to see as far as the Italian Alps. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (30.0k reviews)
- Amazing and stunning!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

For sheer belle époque splendor, this extravagant 19th-century glass-topped, barrel-vaulted tunnel serves as a lively, noisy and colorful shopping mall, teeming with life and inviting you to people-watching from the tables that spill from the Galleria's many bars and restaurants. See more..
4.5 Piazza del Duomo (13.8k reviews)
- Brilliant cathedral photo
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

This busy and vibrant city square features the gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe. See more..
4.5 Il Cenacolo (13.7k reviews)
- Worth it to view one of the most famous paintings in the world.
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

We purchased our tickets about 2 months in advance, as they sell out and are not available at short notice. We had an English speaking tour guide. Be sure to check when you book, as some tours are in Italian and some in English. There were about 25 people in our group. They were very efficient in moving us through the different parts of the tour, as there is a limited time to spend in the actual hall with the painting. We were able to spend about 15 minutes viewing the painting. It was worthwhile seeing such a famous painting in person, and we learned a lot from our tour guide about the initial painting process, damage during the war, and the restoration projects that have taken place over the years. See more..
4.5 Castello Sforzesco (13.5k reviews)
- Don't Be Dazzled By Duomo And Miss Sforzesco
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

This is anything but a run-of-the-mill museum. I walked around the entire castle the day before my visit, eyeing its construction and seeing if there were any good external photo opportunities. There were. The entire day of my visit was spent wandering the internal courtyards, going in and out of different museum collections, and taking time out for a break and lunch onsite. The castle's history is as interesting as the stories of the numerous items it houses today. Castello Sforzesco easily rivals Duomo di Milano as a destination on any tourist's Milano itinerary. It has such a wide variety of exhibits that almost anyone will find something of interest, unlike is often the case with a museum dedicated to a specific topic. See more..
4.5 Leolandia (8.829 reviews)
- Kids' best day + must take with you list
Amusement & Theme Parks

Leolandia Amusement Park - more then 40 rides, shows, aquarium & farm in Bergamo, just 20 minutes from Milan. See more..
4.5 Teatro Alla Scala (7.730 reviews)
- Once in a lifetime!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

This world-renowned opera house was built in 1778, where many composers wrote and conducted works including such greats as Rossini, Puccini, Verdi and Toscanini. See more..
4.5 Duomo Rooftops (7.089 reviews)
- A must do experience
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

A stroll among the Cathedral spires is a unique experience to be enjoyed at least once in your life. Tourists come to Milan from all over the world to enjoy one of the most spectacular parts of the Cathedral, that offers an amazing view over the city, strong emotions and an open dialogue with history. From the heights of the Cathedral Terraces you will be able to look out over the whole city and take some unforgettable pictures! See more..
4.5 I Navigli (6.264 reviews)
- Romantic and vibrant
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

Locals and travelers flock to this quaint neighborhood for its inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and great drinks. The Navigli area is centered on the two remaining canals that once encircled Milan. During the day, you can stroll along the waterfront to spot beautiful street art and visit historic landmarks like Vicolo dei Lavandai. Grab a spot by the Darsena pond at sunset to people-watch and relax before heading to a cozy bistro for dinner. Complete your visit with some gelato and drinks at the local pubs for a night out. The traditional Fiera di Sinigaglia flea market takes place here once a week too. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) (6.018 reviews) from $180.93
- ANOTHER AWESOME EXPERIENCE
Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

This was my third visit to this old iconic stadium and it still delivers that special stadium feeling. There's rumours now that it will be demolished at some point to make way for a brand new stadium which will be sad. From the outside it's a wonderful sight and looks absolutely awesome and colossal - which it actually is. The time to enter the stadium can be vastly improved as there's to many checks to gain entry and the strange entrance a long way from the actual turnstiles is hard to find. Once in there's that horrible long walk up it's spiralling concourse which is hard on the legs - however, there's a lift you can use if you have mobility problems. Once you find your seat there's no issues having a grand view of the pitch especially if you're high up in the stands. The atmosphere at the game was electric with the Milan fans making a lot of noise and having a great mural show at kick off. Watching the game is not the cheapest around, the away ticket price was 68£ but I knew some people who's tickets were 99£ and 124£ who went to the game and were situated at the Milan end of the stadium. Overall it was a fabulous evening apart from the result for my team. That's three visits here now and three defeats, so maybe the new stadium when it comes along will change my luck? See more..
4.5 Pinacoteca di Brera (5.580 reviews) from $23.55
- A positive but slightly disappointing experience
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

See some of the world’s most stunning, centuries-old paintings from Italian masters including Caravaggio and Raphael. The gallery’s collection is housed in a 19th century former monastery. See more..
4.5 Castello Scaligero (4.682 reviews)
- Stunning Views from the Keep
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

From the outside the castle is the centre piece of Sirmione. It is lovely to walk around and so we decided to go in. We went along quite early in the morning and there wasn't any queue when we went in. There is not much of note inside the castle and the information boards are mainly about the structure of the castle and the rebuild and not really much about the history. What is worth it though is the stunning views from the top. Not only do you have fantastic views over Lake Garda but also you really see the peninsula. We went to the castle after we had boated around Lake Garda so we could also point out different places we had been. wow just wow for the views. The climb is not for anyone that cannot climb and decent a mountain of stairs though. See more..
4.5 Grotte di Catullo (4.060 reviews)
- History and Culture
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins

We saw the ruins from the outside from the beach area and to be fair doesn't look that much but we were staying close by so decided to go in. We chose early morning which was a result as no queue and there aren't too many places to shelter from the sun once you are in so it was cooler when we went along. It is so different from inside than outside and there is so much of interest to see, it was well worth going to and we spent about 2 hours taking in all the detail of these ruins. The views over the lake are beautiful and you get a sense of life lived long ago. See more..
4.5 Palazzo Te (4.031 reviews)
- Unmissable
Monday: 1:00 PM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Art Museums

Palazzo Te è un edificio monumentale situato a Mantova. E' stato costruito tra il 1524 e il 1534 su commissione di Federico II Gonzaga, secondo un progetto di Giulio Romano, allievo prediletto di Raffaello. Oltre al complesso architettonico il maestro manierista è l'autore anche di tutto l'impianto decorativo del Palazzo. Oggi Museo civico della città, è anche sede della Fondazione di Palazzo Te, già Centro internazionale d'arte e di cultura di Palazzo Te dal 1990, istituzione che organizza mostre d'arte antica e moderna ed eventi culturali. See more..
4.5 Il Vittoriale degli Italiani (3.851 reviews)
- Wacky
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters • History Museums

We went here on recommendation by a colleague and a mistake it was not. The owner was obviously a famous poet and military man with an unhealthy attitude towards fascism. He was also weird which manifests itself in the amazing interior of the house (we did have the English language tour) which is overflowing with weird and wonderful items. It also manifests itself by amazing gardens with as highlight a warship! An extremely interesting visit. See more..
4.5 Monumental Cemetery (3.844 reviews)
- VERY WORTH THE EFFORT
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

Why visit a cemetery when you’re on vacation, you ask? The tombs at this Milan burial ground offer a great glimpse of Italian artistic styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. See more..
4.5 Piazza Gae Aulenti (3.429 reviews)
- The most modern looking attraction in Milan
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

If you are fed up with all the historical and religious buildings in milan then visit this area of modernness. Located right opposite the porta garibaldi station this is home to the unicredit building the tallest building in milan. There are also some car showrooms and a large water feature in the centre of the piazza. See more..
4.5 Santa Maria delle Grazie (3.380 reviews) from $6.42
- View the Last Supper Painting Here
Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:15 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

One of the world's most famous paintings, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (1495-97), is displayed here. See more..
4.5 Villa Carlotta (3.336 reviews)
- A great surprise
Spent 2-3 hours Architectural Buildings • Gardens • Art Museums

Villa Carlotta welcomes you with its magnificent botanic garden and art masterpieces in over 70.000 square metres of gardens and museum. The beautiful villa was built at the end of XVII century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in a natural basin between lake and mountains, facing the dolomite Grignas and the peninsula of Bellagio. See more..
4.5 Cathedral of Como (Duomo) (3.207 reviews)
- Worth Your Time to See!
Monday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Diocesi's chief Church, Bishop Cathedral, was erected since 1396 and works ended in 1740. Many famous artist, during 300 years operated in it harmonizing their own typical age's styles. See more..
4.5 Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (2.930 reviews)
- A very historic Basilica
Monday: 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

The Basilica is one of the most ancient churches in Milan. The Romanesque architecture is characterised by the apex facade with two loggias and an entrance portico with arches supported by semi-columns and pilasters. Inside one will find many chapels, decorative mosaics and frescoes together with a beautiful altar and relics of saints. Worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Sempione Park (2.841 reviews)
- Great park for kids to run around!
Monday: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Parks

This romantic, easily accessible park offers recreational fun (including jogging and bike paths) for adults and kids alike. Flora and fauna abound at Parco Sempione, which stands near some of Milan’s other popular civic institutions and arenas. See more..
4.5 Palazzo Ducale di Mantova (2.478 reviews)
- Very good visit
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Art Museums

The Ducal Palace of Mantua is a grandiose architectural complex built between the early fourteenth century and the mid-seventeenth century, residence of the Gonzaga family from 1328 to 1707. The whole consists of about 950 rooms and covers an area of about 35,000 square meters . The greatest artists of all time have contributed to the realization of this monumental complex, which the Gonzagas were able to call at their service to increase the magnificence of their palace. It includes the Castle of San Giorgio with the Camera degli Sposi and the National Archaeological Museum. See more..
4.5 I Giardini di Villa Melzi (2.415 reviews)
- Must see in Bellagio, a lovely villa and museum.
Architectural Buildings • Gardens

National Monument and Private Gardens This magnificent villa, built in 1808 for the Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, assistant to General Napoleon, is one of the most emblematic examples of neo-classicism in Lombardy.....The Gardens Are visitable March to October every day 9.30 am to' 6.30 pm See more..