3 days in Northern Italy: City Chic in Milan & Lake Como Magic
There is nothing quite like a weekend escape to Italy. From the fast-paced fashion streets of Milan to the serene, sun-drenched waters of Lake Como, my recent trip was a whirlwind of stunning views, incredible food (mostly!), and unforgettable memories.
If you’re planning a quick Italian getaway, here is exactly how we spent our weekend—along with a few lessons we learned along the way.
Day 1: Exploring Milan on Foot
Our trip started with a bit of a late-night scramble. We arrived in Milan after 11:00 PM. We already knew ahead of time that airport trains had already stopped running. Luckily, there were five of us to split the flat-rate €114 taxi fee—but consider this your warning if you're traveling solo or as a duo!
The next morning, we set out to explore. Our Airbnb was perfectly located, allowing us to ditch public transport and travel the best way possible: on foot.
From Pastries to the Piazza
We started our morning like true Italians, stopping for a quick espresso and a flaky croissant before wandering toward the majestic Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace). From there, we took a leisurely stroll through the lush Sempione Park right to the historic Sforza Castle.
Following the bustling crowds, we eventually found ourselves staring up at the breathtaking Duomo di Milano.
The Instagram Trap vs. The Hidden Gem
We were told we had to try the mega-sandwiches at the famous All'Antico Vinaio. However, Instagram had clearly gotten to it first—we arrived to a staggering 1.5-hour queue.
Pro tip: Don’t waste your precious vacation time standing on a sidewalk. We walked literally 20 feet around the corner and found a fantastic little spot called AmorTadella. With only a 5-minute wait, we got incredible, authentic Italian sandwiches without the hype-induced headache. Highly recommend!
Cocktails, Culture, and a Critique
After lunch, we found a shady spot near the center for a refreshing cocktail. Being so close to the Duomo, the prices were definitely on the higher side, but coming from London, it still felt like a bargain! We then did a lap through the spectacular Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and grabbed some obligatory Italian ice cream.
To wrap up our Milan day, we got all dressed up for dinner at Al Baretto San Marco. While the restaurant had a gorgeous vibe and the atmosphere was lively, I have to be honest: the food was overpriced for the quality. That being said, you can never go wrong with a night of getting glammed up in Italy's fashion capital!
Day 2: Trading the City for Lake Como Elegance
The next morning, we caught a taxi back to the airport to pick up our rental car (with five of us, the taxi worked out to the exact same price as the train). From there, it was an easy 45-minute drive to the paradise that is Lake Como.
Lakeside Luxury
We started with a wander through Como town for a bite to eat, which was absolutely charming. Next, we drove up to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. The €17.50 entry fee is worth every cent—the villa and its botanical gardens are breathtakingly beautiful.
Afterward, we walked down to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo for a lakeside cocktail. It was definitely a splurge, but the world-class views and the complimentary snacks made it worth every euro.
We ended the evening at our Airbnb, located about 15 minutes south of the lake, where we kept things casual and ordered delicious local pizza near our stay.
Day 3: Boats, Views, and Bellagio
On our final day, we woke up early for what turned out to be my absolute favourite part of the entire trip: a 9:00 AM private boat hire.
We rented the boat for two hours, which was the absolute perfect amount of time. We brought pastries on board and had breakfast on the water, cruising past opulent villas with the morning sun sparkling on the lake. Doing this early meant we entirely beat the midday heat and the crowds. We used a company called Lumiere Boat Hire. They were great, just need to have the remaining balance in cash.
A Lunch to Remember
Back on dry land, we drove up to Hotel Villa Aurora for lunch. If you go to Como, you must eat here. The food was absolutely delicious, and the panoramic views of the lake were nothing short of stunning.
After a quick post-lunch espresso, we made our way to the famous town of Bellagio. It was incredibly busy, but it’s easy to see why. The steep, cobbled streets and boutique shops are picture-perfect.
The Final Stop
Our final meal of the trip was at IL Pacchero 2.0. It was a lovely, sweet restaurant with great food, though we wished we could have sat outside to soak up the last bit of Italian air!
Overall, it was another wonderful Italian adventure, and I’m already daydreaming about the next one.
My Top Tips for the Perfect Trip
Watch the Clock: Try to arrive in Milan before the last train at 11:00 PM. If there are fewer than four of you, those late-night taxi flat rates will sting.
Keep Milan Short: One day in Milan is plenty. It’s fantastic for fashion and architecture, but in my opinion, it doesn’t quite match the romantic charm of Rome, Venice, or Florence.
Think Small (Cars): If you're driving around Lake Como, hire a small car. The roads are incredibly tight and windy. If there are only two of you, a Fiat 500 is the ultimate vehicle for these roads.
Beat the Crowds in Bellagio: Visit Bellagio as early in the day as possible to enjoy the streets before the tour groups arrive.
Book the Early Boat: Trust me on this one—rent a private boat for a 9:00 AM slot. It’s cooler, quieter, and an unforgettable experience.
Looking Forward: Where to Next?
If this trip taught me anything, it’s that Italy always leaves you wanting more. If you're inspired to plan your own northern getaway, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace the slow travel trend. It’s so tempting to try and squeeze three or four cities into one weekend, but focusing on just Milan and the lake allowed us to actually breathe, enjoy our morning pastries, and experience the culture rather than just rushing through it. As for me? I’m already eyeing up my next Italian adventure. I've been hearing incredible things about the sun-bleached coastal towns of Puglia down south, and the dramatic summer mountain views in the Dolomites, so one of those might just be the star of my next travel diary!
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