Rich in lakes, Lombardy owes its name to the Lombards, the Germanic people who conquered it, named for their long beards. The list of exceptional places to discover in the region is equally long. Located in the south of Switzerland, Piedmont' s neighbor offers mountain scenery, waterside walks and an abundance of culture to its many visitors. From a trendy getaway in Milan to a hiking tour around the great lakes, there's no shortage of opportunities to enjoy its incredible gastronomic heritage. To find out what to see and do in Lombardy, discover our 13 must-sees of the region.
1- Visit Milan
As the capital of Lombardy, but also of fashion and design, Milan attracts fashion and culture lovers alike. For the best of both worlds, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. An 1867 shopping mall where elegance takes its place in the architecture of the place and in the luxury boutiques that make it up. Between two shopping sessions, visit Milano's famous Duomo and take a stroll to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire Leonardo da Vinci's famous Last Supper.
Discover our article dedicated to Milan's must-sees to plan your visit to the city.
2- Discover Lake Como
The sight of Lago di Como will not disappoint travelers in search of wonder.Italy 's third-largest lake enjoys a privileged climate, leading to the construction of sumptuous villas on the coast as early as the 17th century. In Como, take time to stroll along the shore to admire them. After a tour of the town and a detour to the Duomo, take a boat trip on the crystal-clear waters of the lake. You'll see the famous Villa del Balbianello, which you can visit from the town of Lenno. Don't miss a stopover in Varenna,one of the most beautiful villages in the country.
To discover the treasures of Lake Como, we recommend booking this boat trip.
3- Getting to Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake. A must-see destination in neighboring Veneto, Lago di Garda offers part of its coastline to Lombardy. Here you'll find beautiful Sirmione, a historic town that was inhabited as far back as the days of ancient Rome. Come and see its medieval castle and visit the Grotte di Cattullo. Make no mistake, there's no grotto on the horizon, but the archaeological site of an ancient Roman villa with a splendid view over the lake. Walkers will find numerous footpaths around the lake, offering panoramic views of the landscape as a bonus.
4- Lake Maggiore
The little brother of Lake Garda, Lago Maggiore is renowned for its mild climate and small archipelago. Its romantic atmosphere attracts many visitors, making it one of the country's must-sees. The surrounding villages offer breathtaking views of the Borromean Islands, from architectural jewels to sumptuous villas. Boat trips to the islands leave from Stresa in Piedmont. The Lombardy part of Lake Maggiore, however, offers a wide range of hikes to reach the heights for a breathtaking view of the lake.
5- Visit Bergamo
Italy's Capital of Culture in 2023, along with the city of Brescia, Bergamo has many surprises in store for visitors. Of particular note is Città Alta, a medieval city with completely preserved ramparts. In its center, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is said to have been built in 1137 as a promise to Our Lady of Bergamo to protect the city from the plague. Parallel to the upper town, Bergamo's lower town is a modern extension rich in art and history. Lovers of contemporary art will appreciate the Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea and its exhibitions housed in a fully restored monastery.
6- Go to Mantova
Mantova' s timeless atmosphere has no trouble charming visitors. Visit the Palazzo Ducale, a magnificent princely residence with frescoes by the artist Mantegna. Continue exploring with a visit to the Cathedral of San Pietro, a Baroque architectural masterpiece with a sumptuous interior. Whether you're strolling through the city streets or along the Mincio River, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet of this UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008. The neighboring town of Sabbioneta, also listed, represents, along with Mantua, the different aspects of Renaissance town planning.
7- What to see in Lombardy Bellagio
Nicknamed "the pearl of the lake", Bellagio lies at the confluence of the two branches of Lake Como. This position offers visitors a spectacular view of the landscape. Take the time to lose yourself in the winding, colorful streets of the old town. You'll discover trendy bars, boutiques and restaurants. Stop off at Villa Serbelloni, one of the sumptuous villas that have dominated the promontory since the 18th century. For more details, see our article on must-sees in Bellagio.
8- Discover Cremona
Situated on the banks of the River Po, Cremona owes its reputation to music. The town was the birthplace of Monteverdi, the inventor of melodrama, and of Antonio Stradivari, the great master violin maker. The latter made the world's most precious and renowned violins. Not surprisingly, the city is home to the Museo del Violino, a unique museum dedicated to the making of the instrument. Less music-loving visitors can still enjoy the culture and gastronomy. Visit the Duomo di Cremona, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, and taste the mostarda di Cremona, a spicy jam and specialty of the city.
9- Enjoy San Pellegrino Terme terms
To relax at the end of your Lombardy tour, take a break in San Pellegrino Terme. As well as being famous for its sparkling water, the town is home to the San Pellegrino Thermal Spa, famous for its thermal waters. Go there for a massage and enjoy the baths. Don't miss a visit to the Grand Hotel de San Pellegrino, an Art Nouveau architectural gem. Whether you're a gambler or a lover of fine buildings, take a trip to the Casino Municipale, a testament to the city's past elegance.
10- Getting to Brescia
Rich in history and culture, Brescia lies to the east of Milan and makes a perfect stopover for travelers on their way to Lake Garda. Start your visit at the Castello di Brescia, a medieval fortress with panoramic views over the city. Then head for Piazza della Loggia, a magnificent square surrounded by historic buildings. Its astronomical dial clock is one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Plan your escape to Brescia with our 15 must-sees.
11- Lecco
On the shores of Lake Como, Lecco is a small town of charm and culture. Its reputation is due above all to the fact that it is home to the Manzonis, the family of the famous author of "Promessi Sposi" (The Betrothed). It was in this village that Alessandro Manzoni found the inspiration for his historical novel. Climbing to higher ground, the Ponte Azzone Visconti offers a breathtaking view of the lake. For a cultural break, the Palazzo delle Paure houses a museum of contemporary art and natural history.
12- Hiking in the Stelvio Natural Park
A hiking paradise in Lombardy, the Stelvio Nature Park is located close to Switzerland, in the north-east of the region. Well-marked trails lead from alpine lakes to spectacular waterfalls, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several mountain refuges where you can take a break. You'll find the Passo dello Stelvio trail, one of the most famous passes in the Alps. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and protected species. If you're lucky, you may even come across the Alpine ibex, a species that almost became extinct last century.
13- Stop off in Chiavenna
A charming Alpine town, Chiavenna is perfect for a natural stopover away from the crowds. Be sure to explore the Palazzo Vertemarte Franchi, a magnificent Renaissance palace surrounded by lush gardens. Stroll through the picturesque lanes of the town center, admiring the Alpine scenery and stopping to taste Bresaola, a typical local dried meat. Every year in September, locals celebrate the crotti, natural alpine cavities found in the area, at the Sagra dei Crotti festival. On this occasion, the caves are transformed into living spaces to promote the local heritage and gather around large tables.
What to do in 4 days in Lombardy?
- On the first day, visit Milan. Visit the Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Explore the Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione, then end the day in the Navigli district.
- Next, head to Lake Como. Take a boat to Bellagio and visit Villa Serbelloni, then dine by the lake.
- On the third day, visit Bergamo and the Città Alta. Discover the Franciacorta region and don't forget to taste the local wine.
- Finally, head for Mantua. Visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di Sant'Andrea. Explore the Palazzo Te and San Pietro Cathedral, then stroll through the historic center and taste torta sbrisolona.
What are Lombardy's most beautiful lakes?
- Lake Como, Italy's most famous lake. Explore the picturesque towns of Bellagio, Como and Tremezzo and visit the sumptuous Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello.
- Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake, is famous for its archipelago. Discover the Borromean Islands, famous for their lush gardens and historic palaces.
- Lake Garda is the largest in Italy. Explore the towns of Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda and Riva del Garda. Don't miss the Grotte di Catullo and Castello Scaliger.
- Lake Iseo is less well known but just as charming. Visit Monte Isola, Europe's largest lake island, and explore the picturesque villages of Peschiera Maraglio and Siviano.
How do I get to Lombardy?
- By train, you can reach Milan Centrale and Milan Porta Garibaldi stations from France. Train companies offer direct connections from several French cities.
- By car, take the A4 or A26 freeway from France. The road and motorway network is well-developed and towns are easily accessible.
- By bus, many companies offer routes to Lombardy. You can find direct connections to Milan from many European cities.
- By boat from the Mediterranean, you can take a ferry to Genoa or Savona, then reach Milan by train or car.
- By plane, you land at one of Milan's three main airports: Milan-Malpensa (MXP), Milan-Linate (LIN) and Milan-Bergamo (BGY). Once at the airport, you can reach the city center by train, cab or shuttle.
