Lombardy is a popular destination for fashionistas, celebrities, and nature lovers. This industrial heart of Italy captivates with its versatility, from the fashion capital Milan to the tranquil shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. The region is renowned for its luxurious villas and its Renaissance art, including da Vinci's The Last Supper. Mantua, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adds to the allure, making Lombardy a cultural highlight of Italy.
Top 10 Highlights of Lombardy
Travel Information
Best time to visit
Spring (March to May)
In spring, Lombardy bursts into life. With average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, it’s perfect for city tours and hikes in the Prealps. The landscape blooms beautifully, and numerous festivals, like the famous Tulip Festival in Parco Giardino Sigurtà, draw visitors.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Lombardy is warm to hot, with average temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. It’s an excellent time for outdoor activities, such as boating on the lakes, swimming, or hiking in the Alpine region. While cities can be hot and crowded, the mountains offer a refreshing escape.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is a delightful time to visit Lombardy. Temperatures are comfortable, ranging between 10°C and 20°C. The harvest season brings many wine and harvest festivals, especially in the Franciacorta region. The landscape transforms with autumn colors, and the mild climate adds to the charm.
Winter (December to February)
Winter turns Lombardy into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Temperatures vary widely, from 0°C to 8°C in the cities to below freezing in the Alps. Places like Livigno and Bormio offer excellent skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, cities are festively decorated, and the Christmas market in Milan is a must-visit highlight.
Getting There
By Plane
Lombardy is well connected to international airports, especially through Milan. The main airport is Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 50 km northwest of Milan. Another major airport, Milano Linate Airport (LIN), is closer to the city and serves mostly intra-European flights. Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) is popular with low-cost airlines.
By Train
Milan's main train station, Milano Centrale, is a major hub for both national and international trains. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa and Italo connect Milan with other major Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Turin. There are also numerous routes to Switzerland and France.
By Car
Lombardy is well connected to the rest of Europe via an extensive motorway network. The 9, Autostrada dei Laghi, links Milan with Como and extends to the Swiss border, where the A2 leads to Lugano and Zurich. The A4 motorway connects Milan with Venice and continues over the Brenner Pass into Austria, making it ideal for trips to Innsbruck and Munich. Additionally, the A4 allows access to Lombardy from France through Turin and the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Traveling in Lombardy
By Train
Lombardy boasts an efficient rail network that provides fast and convenient connections between major cities. Key cities such as Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and Como are all served by regional and interregional trains. Trenitalia and Italo are the main train service providers.
By Car
Renting a car is useful for visiting remote areas and smaller villages and can save time on a road trip. The main motorways (Autostrade) in the region include the A1 (Milan–Rome), the A4 (Turin–Trieste), and the A7 (Milan–Genoa).
However, note that many city centers have ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato, ZTL) which restrict access to certain vehicles. Before driving in Italy, it's best to read up on these zones.
By Bus
Buses are a budget-friendly option, especially for short distances. Autoguidovie is the main provider for regional bus services. From the main bus stations in cities like Milan, Bergamo, and Brescia, there are many routes to surrounding areas.
By Ferry
Ferries offer a scenic way to travel on Lombardy's large lakes, such as Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore. The main operators are Navigazione Lago di Como and Navigazione Lago Maggiore. If you’re staying near one of these lakes, be sure to take a ferry or boat trip to enjoy the picturesque landscapes from the water.
Fancy a roadtrip?
Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.