Top 10 Places to Visit in Lombardy
|
Latest page update: 14 April 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
|
This top ten list highlights the lakes, cities and cultural landmarks that make Lombardy one of Italy’s most varied regions. From the elegance of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore to the art and fashion of Milan, it blends scenery with urban sophistication. Towns like Mantua, Pavia and Cremona add Renaissance charm and historic depth.
Alongside that, you’ll find spa towns like San Pellegrino Terme and quieter corners such as Lake Iseo and Lake Lugano. Lombardy brings together nature, architecture and regional tradition across its diverse landscapes. |
Certosa di Pavia, Lombardy
|
Related links
Lake Como
|
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most scenic destinations, famous for its deep blue waters and surrounding mountains. Elegant villas and colourful towns line the shores, with ferries linking each stop.
Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio are among the most visited, offering gardens, lakeside promenades, and panoramic hikes. Como town has shops, funiculars, and good transport links. The lake can be reached by train from Milan, making it an easy day trip or longer stay. Boat tours are a popular way to explore. |
|
Milan
|
Milan is Italy’s fashion and financial capital, known for its blend of style, history and modern design. The Duomo’s marble spires and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele are architectural icons.
Cultural highlights include Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, La Scala opera house, and a number of cutting-edge art and design museums. Shopping, food and nightlife are major draws. Milan has three airports, fast train links, and a metro system. It’s an ideal base for exploring northern Italy and beyond. |
|
Lake Garda
|
The western and southern shores of Lake Garda lie within Lombardy, home to popular towns like Desenzano, Sirmione and Limone. The lake is known for beaches, castles, and mountain views.
Sirmione’s Scaliger Castle and Roman ruins attract visitors year-round. Limone offers hiking trails and lemon groves, while Desenzano is the transport hub with trains and ferries. Lake Garda is a top destination for outdoor activities, family holidays, and scenic drives. It’s well connected to Milan, Verona and Brescia. |
|
Mantua
|
Mantua (Mantova) is a Renaissance city surrounded by artificial lakes. Once ruled by the Gonzaga family, it boasts grand palaces, medieval towers and cobbled squares with little traffic.
The Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Te are major attractions, filled with frescoes, gardens and Renaissance art. The historic centre is compact and pleasant to explore on foot. Mantua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s located between Milan and Verona, and is easy to reach by train or car. |
|
Lake Maggiore
|
The western side of Lake Maggiore belongs to Lombardy, with towns like Luino and Laveno-Mombello offering peaceful views and lakeside promenades. Ferries connect to the islands and Piedmont shore.
Laveno has a cable car to panoramic viewpoints, while Luino hosts one of Italy’s largest weekly markets. This part of the lake is quieter than the busier resorts across the water. Lake Maggiore can be reached by train from Milan. It’s a relaxing destination with easy access to nature, towns, and gardens. |
Castelveccana, Lake Maggiore
|
Cremona
|
Cremona is a city known for its violin-making tradition and elegant atmosphere. It was the home of Stradivari, and still has a strong reputation for fine string instruments.
The main square is framed by a Romanesque cathedral, medieval tower and arcaded streets. The Violin Museum showcases historic instruments and offers regular performances. Cremona is an easy day trip from Milan or Brescia by train. It’s ideal for visitors interested in music, architecture, and artisan crafts |
|
Lake Iseo
|
Lake Iseo is a quieter alternative to Como or Garda, with forested hills, small villages and Monte Isola — Europe’s largest lake island. Ferries link the lakeside towns throughout the day.
The town of Iseo has a lively promenade and summer events, while Lovere and Sarnico offer attractive old centres and mountain views. Monte Isola is car-free and full of walking paths. Lake Iseo lies between Brescia and Bergamo, and is accessible by train. It’s perfect for relaxed travel and short breaks. |
|
Lake Lugano
|
Part of Lake Lugano stretches into Lombardy near the Swiss border. The Italian town of Porlezza is the main destination, with lake access, hiking paths and a small harbour.
The area is less developed than the Swiss side but still offers beautiful views and water-based activities. Mountain roads link to nearby Lake Como and the Valsolda valley. It’s best reached by car from Como or Lugano. Lake Lugano is a peaceful side trip or base near the border. |
|
Pavia
|
Pavia is a university city south of Milan with Romanesque churches, cobbled streets and a relaxed pace. The Certosa di Pavia, just outside town, is one of Italy’s most impressive monasteries.
The old town has arcaded streets, Roman ruins and a covered bridge over the River Ticino. Its university was founded in the 14th century and still shapes the town’s energy. Pavia is a short train ride from Milan and rarely crowded. It’s ideal for half-day trips or overnight stays with history and charm. |
|
San Pellegrino Terme
|
San Pellegrino Terme is a spa town in the Brembana Valley, known for its Art Nouveau architecture and mineral springs. It’s also the birthplace of the famous sparkling water brand.
The grand casino building and thermal baths are the town’s main landmarks. The QC Terme complex has modern spa facilities in a historic setting, with views of the surrounding mountains. The town is about 30 minutes from Bergamo by road. It’s a good stop for wellness, day trips, and alpine scenery. |
|
