If the combo of – historic towns and cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and lake & mountain views – sounds tempting to you, you’re going to love this northern Italian region and this bucket list.
Each Italian region is a world in itself, and trying to sum up its essence in a few sentences is impossible, but hopefully, this post will give you an enticing glimpse into what awaits you in Lombardy.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more info, read my disclosure and disclaimer. This post may show pop-ups.
What Is Lombardy Known For? Why Is It Worth Visiting?
Northern Italy in its entirety is a traveler’s paradise, and Lombardy, its central region, is no exception.
Anyone can appreciate its big cities steeped in history and packed with landmarks, quintessential towns, beautiful villages waiting to be discovered, and sprawling landscapes of mountains, lakes, rolling hills, and valleys.
Culturally and gastronomically, it’s a heaven for art and architecture fanatics, wine lovers, and foodies who love their comfort food. It’s also an industrial hub and one of the richest regions in Italy.
Trust me, there are so many things to do in Lombardy that you will never be bored.
Some of the Best Places to Visit in Lombardy, Italy
Lago D’Iseo (Lake Iseo)
By Lynne from Wander Your Way
Lago d’Iseo is often considered the “romantic” lake in northern Italy because it’s much smaller than its neighbors, Lago di Como and Lago di Garda.
It’s roughly a 2-hour drive from Milan so you can visit this lake on a day trip from the capital city of Lombardy, but you’ll want to stay for a few nights as there are lots of things to do, and it is simply a wonderful spot to slow down.
There are small towns dotting the shores such as Iseo, Sulzano, Clusane, Sarnico, Lovere, and Pisogne. In the middle of the lake is the beautiful little island, Monte Isola, to which you’ll definitely want to take a ferry.
Cars are banned on this island, so it’s a fabulous place to get into nature and enjoy some peace and quiet. There are a few small villages in Monte Isola, trails to walk or bike on, and a few spots to actually stay the night.
The hike up to Sanctuaria della Madonna di Ceriola is also a must for those who are able to do so. The sanctuary is gorgeous, and the views are stunning.
Whatever you choose to do, Lago d’Iseo is a must for your time in Lombardy.
Mantua
By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles
Mantua (called Mantova in Italian and Mantua in Lombard) is a must-visit destination in Lombardy! Still locked into medieval times, Mantua offers a rich blend of history, great sights, and good food and drinks.
Touring the gorgeous Palazzo Ducale should be at the top of your itinerary for Mantua. Built in medieval times by the powerful ruling Gonzaga family as their residence, the complex features beautiful frescoes and decorated ceilings (especially famous is the Camera degli Sposi room).
Another must-visit palace in Mantua is Palazzo Te, where the frescoes in the Sala dei Giganti will take your breath away. Also do not miss the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in Northern Italy.
Mantua is known for its fabulous food, from tortelli di zucca (pumpkin pasta with nutmeg – yum!) to torta sbrisolona, a crumbly cake with almonds.
While Mantua makes for a wonderfully relaxed multi-day stay (it’s nowhere near as crowded as many other places in Italy!), it is also perfect for a one-day visit. In fact, it is one of the best day trips from Bologna you can do, or from Milan, by train.
Sirmione, Lake Garda
Known as ‘The Pearl of Lake Garda’, Sirmione is a gorgeous town situated on the southern shore of Italy’s biggest lake.
Offering an intriguing mix of historical landmarks, picturesque alleys, thermal baths, and even a couple of beaches, it’s a unique resort town you cannot miss in Lombardy.
Start by exploring Sirmione’s most famous sights, including the Roman ruins of the Archaeological Site of Grotte di Catullo, the medieval Church of San Pietro in Mavino, and the 13th-century Scaligera Castle (don’t skip out on climbing its highest tower to enjoy the most magnificent panoramic views).
Next, wander through the town’s enchanting streets, marveling at the bougainvillea-covered stone houses and devouring some delicious gelato.
You can also unwind in a thermal bath, soak up the sun on Jamaica Beach, and take a boat tour around the peninsula.
Visit Sirmione in late spring, early summer, or early fall to avoid the crowds and have the best weather.
Salò, Lake Garda
By Lisa from Following the Rivera
Located on the western side of Lake Garda is the town of Salò. In a town not as well-known as Sirmione and Bardolino, there’s plenty to fill a 1-day itinerary.
Given its location, it’ll come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Salò is to walk the lungolago (promenade). Walk the entire length, taking in the scenery of the lake on one side and colorful buildings on the other.
Along the lungolago are several main points of interest. One notable landmark is the Palazzo della Magnifica Patria.
As its name suggests, it was once a former palace building, but today is home to Salò’s town hall. Recognizable by its grand portico, beneath it you’ll find a historic coat of arms and commemorative plaques.
Other sights to see include the town’s cathedral, the 15th-century Duomo di Salò, and the 13th-century clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio).
The plain exterior of the church gives nothing away to the mesmerizing scene that awaits inside. Located on the western side of the town, the clock tower was used to reinforce the walls from unwanted intruders.
A charming town on Lake Garda’s western coast, Salò is one that’s definitely worth seeing.
Desenzano Del Garda, Lake Garda
Within a 20-minute bus ride from Sirmione or a 25-minute train ride from Verona, you’ll get to the beautiful Desenzano del Garda, the largest town on Lake Garda and a popular holiday destination since Roman times.
Known for its nightlife, beaches, landmarks, and views, Desenzano del Garda offers more than enough things to do and see.
Explore its Roman remains at the Villa Romana, admire its 11th-century castle, visit the Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena, and wander around Piazza Malvezzi, the old port, and the Venetian bridge.
You can also walk along the lungolago (promenade), roam the streets of the historic center, and visit the Archeological Museum.
Limone Sul Garda, Lake Garda
Located in the northwestern part of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a picture-perfect lakeside town surrounded by incredible natural landscapes.
An ideal stop on an Italian lakes road trip, here you can have a leisurely stay, engage in outdoor activities, or get to know the town’s historical and cultural sides.
After roaming around Limone’s charming streets, visit the Fishermen’s Museum, Museum of Tourism, or the lovely Limonaia del Castèl, an 18th-century citrus garden with unique Lemon Houses and a small museum dedicated to citrus growing in the area.
To enjoy the views, walk or cycle along the shoreline, relax at Cola Beach, or take a hike in the surrounding area.
Como
By Krisztina from She Wanders Abroad
If you’re looking for the most beautiful places in Lombardy, you can’t miss Como! Located at one of the southern branches of Lake Como, close to the Swiss border, Como is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
It’s actually one of the best places to stay in Lake Como, especially if you’re visiting for a shorter time, as Como is the easiest part of the lake to reach from Milan. You can hop on a train, and within 1 hour you’ll be in this beautiful lakeside town!
There are plenty of things to do in Como, including visiting the Como Cathedral, taking a cable car ride up to Brunate for panoramic views, strolling around the lakefront, and indulging in some delicious gelato.
You also can’t miss the Life Electric Monument, which is a really cool, unique piece of public art.
If you’re looking for even more things to do, you can take a short boat ride to one of the other lovely lakeside towns like Bellagio or Varenna.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a day trip to the Swiss city of Lugano, which is just a short train ride away. No matter what you decide to do, Como is sure to impress.
Varenna, Lake Como
Founded by fishermen in the 8th century, Varenna is, without a doubt, one of the best towns in Lombardy to visit at least once. Its colorful buildings, medieval alleys, and mountainous backdrop are all you need to have a joyful moment.
Lake Como is famous for its villas, many of which belonged to noble European families in the previous centuries and now function as hotels, museums, or event venues.
An unmissable one located in Varenna is the 18th-century Villa Monastero, which offers a visit to its house museum and majestic botanical garden.
If you’re up for something a bit more active, you can also walk up the hill to the historic Vezio Castle, and don’t forget to climb its tower to enjoy amazing panoramic views over the lake.
Bellagio, Lake Como
Considered ‘The pearl of Lake Como’, Bellagio is a picture-perfect town situated right at the junction of the lake’s three legs.
Its charm is best discovered on foot when you roam through its enchanting center and walk along the promenade. The narrow cobbled alleys house more than enough restaurants, gelato shops, cafes, and souvenir shops, which are a delight to explore.
Bellagio is also home to the imposing 19th-century Villa Melzi D’Eril and the 15th-century Villa Serbelloni, both of which offer a visit to their extravagant gardens. The latter requires an online reservation – note that you must book a guided tour.
In addition, Bellagio is a great base to explore the rest of Lake Como, with ferries getting to more than 20 lakeside towns.
Cremona
Music, culture, and history buffs – this one is for you. Cremona might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to northern Italy. Yet, it’s impossible to ignore the birthplace and home of the legendary violin maker Antonio Stradivari.
Cremona kept the tradition of violin craftsmanship alive for centuries, so it’s no wonder it was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
You can find many violin shops across the city, as well as pay a visit to the Violin Museum, perfect for learning about its history and marveling at Stradivarius instruments.
Located in the Po Valley near Lombardy’s border with Emilia-Romagna, this city has a lot more to offer.
From its impressive cathedral and charming historic center to the Archeological Museum and Ala Ponzone Civic Museum, Cremona proves that underrated cities are a force to be reckoned with.
Bergamo
By Megan from Megan & Aram
Bergamo is easily one of the most underrated destinations in Italy (and certainly in Lombardy). The Italian city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a quiet escape from the busy streets of Milan (and is one of the best day trips).
Located at the foothills of the Alps, Bergamo’s most famous district is the Citta Alta (or Old City), perched up on a hill overlooking the newer part of the town.
In the Old City, you will see medieval towers and Venetian Walls, and people flock from all over the world to check them out (and watch their famous football team, Atalanta).
Inside the Citta Alta, you will find famous Lombardy tourist attractions such as the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, the Cappella Colleoni, and the Temple of S. Croce.
While there are plenty of sights to see, one of the best things to do in Bergamo is eating! The city is famous for casoncelli, a local pasta dish with pancetta, sage, and butter sauce. And, it is also renowned for its stracciatella (it is the home of it!) and polenta.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Bergamo, and it is one of the easiest cities to visit in Lombardy – with domestic and international flights arriving at its airport and train access from all major cities (often via Milan).
Monza
By Phil from JOURNICATION Travel Blog
One of the best cities in Lombardy you should not miss out on is Monza.
There are many things you can do here, like checking out some of its fascinating attractions. These could be Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Parco di Monza, Cappella di Teodolinda, and more.
And what about visiting the best museums in Monza? These include Museo e Tesoro del Duomo di Monza, Musei Civici Monza Casadegli Umiliati, Galleria Civica, Mulino Colombo, and others.
Checking out Monza Cathedral is another thing you must do. Every year, countless tourists visit this structure to get a firsthand view of its magnificent architecture. Although there are numerous religious buildings in Monza, this one seems to stand out.
Finally, there are some beautiful gardens in Monza that are worth exploring, like Roseto Niso Fumagalli and Giardini Della Villa Reale. Please ensure to find out their visiting time since they vary.
If you are looking for more hidden gems in Northern Italy, make sure you expand your route to South Tyrol to explore the best things to do in Bolzano (known as one of the best Italian winter destinations).
Milan
By Mariana from Road Trip Euro Guide
Don’t be completely swept away by the northern lakes, because the vibrant city of Milan is one of the best destinations to visit in the Lombardy region of Italy – and here’s why!
From world-renowned museums and art galleries to fashionable shopping districts and delicious restaurants, Milan is literally the “IT City”.
History buffs will love exploring the city’s ancient ruins and grand churches, while fashionistas will enjoy browsing the chic boutiques and flagship stores – think runway fashion, trendsetters, and Dolce Gabanna.
Not only that, but Milan is home to some of the most iconic sights in the country, including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala opera house, Castello Sforzesco, and the UNESCO-listed church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper mural).
Foodies will be in heaven sampling the north Italian cuisine but also keep in mind that this is an international city at heart, with quite a few top-rated restaurants hidden away, so get on that reservation game and eat your way through Milan.
So while it’s not a hidden Gem in Italy, it is one of the best places to visit while in the Lombardy area.
Read more:
- 4 days in Milan
- Milan off the beaten path
- What to do in Milan on a rainy day
- Things to do in Milan in December
- Road trips from Milan
- Day trips from Milan in winter
- Milan or Turin
Varese
Situated near Lake Varese and Lake Maggiore, Varese is known as Garden City. That’s due to the abundance of luxurious villas it houses, each boasting its own marvelous park or garden. Of course, you have to visit at least a few of them.
Some of the most prominent ones are Villa Mirabello, Villa Mylius, Villa Panza, and Palazzo Estense, an 18th-century Baroque-style palace built for the Duke of Modena and Reggio -Francesco III d’Este.
Another great reason to visit Varese is to go up to the UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Varese, nestled in the Regional Park of Campo dei Fiori.
It is a 17th-century religious complex with a path dotted with 14 chapels called the Holy Road, a small village named Santa Maria del Monte, a sanctuary, and a couple of museums.
Apart from its religious and historical importance, its imposing location offers remarkable views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Brescia
Steeped in history, the city of Brescia is an intriguing landmark-packed destination founded thousands of years ago.
It’s also a great base to explore this area in northern Italy as it is conveniently connected by public transport to Verona, Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, Milan, and Cremona (though sometimes, there’s nothing like a good old Italian road trip).
The first thing you need to see in Brescia is the monumental area and the monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia (aka the Santa Giulia Museum).
Along with six other groups of historic buildings in Italy, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Longobards in Italy: Places of Power.
While the monumental area includes the Capitolium (a Roman temple) and the Roman Theatre, the San Salvatore-Santa Giulia complex houses an impressive 8th-century monastery from the Lombard era, which is Brescia’s top sight.
Other must-see places in the city are Palazzo Martinengo, Piazza della Loggia, Old Cathedral, and the Castle of Brescia, though that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Pavia
Sitting on the Ticino River, the city of Pavia is an easy day trip from Milan by bus or train.
Throughout the years, it was a Roman military site, the capital city of the Lombard Kingdom, and the seat of the noble Visconti family when it ruled the Duchy of Milan, so it’s a perfect destination for history buffs.
Don’t miss the Cathedral of Pavia, Ponte Coperto (“Covered Bridge”), the Botanical Garden of the University of Pavia, and the 14th-century Visconti Castle, which nowadays also houses the civic museum.
Commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first Duke of Milan, the Certosa di Pavia (Pavia’s Carthusian monastery) is another must-visit landmark in the area, situated a short train ride away from the city center and dating back to the Middle Ages.
Known for its Gothic and Renaissance architecture and abundance of artistic details, every corner of the monastery is photogenic, from the fully-embellished front facade to the cloisters to the colorful frescoes.
*Still not sure what to do in Lombardy, Italy? Nature lovers might also like to visit Val Camonica or Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, which spreads across both Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige.
Best Places in Lombardy, Italy – Map
Renting a car is definitely one of the best ways to explore Lombardy, though it’s very much possible to plan an itinerary that only requires the use of public transportation.
Access the MyMaps interactive map of Lombardy here.
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