LOMBARDY
This region is the engine of Italy, blending international fashion and finance in Milan with the sublime natural beauty of the Italian Lakes and the majestic Alps. Discover world-class art, unique cuisine, and a rich history shaped by powerful families and ancient empires.
Why Visit Lombardy?
World-Famous Lakes: Explore the stunning shores of Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore, dotted with elegant villas and charming towns.
Milan: Global Capital: Immerse yourself in the fashion, design, and financial heart of Italy, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Duomo.
Rich Culinary Heritage: Indulge in a unique northern Italian cuisine centered on risotto, polenta, butter, and world-renowned cheeses like Gorgonzola.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit, offering warm, pleasant weather perfect for the lakes and cities. You’ll find fewer crowds and blooming gardens.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value and a peaceful atmosphere in the cities. It is the perfect season for skiing in the Alps (Valtellina) or enjoying Milan’s museums and opera.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and humid, especially in Milan. The lakes are very popular, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Milan
Milan is the vibrant capital, a global hub for fashion, design, and finance. Key sights include the majestic Duomo, the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the masterpiece The Last Supper. It’s a dynamic city with world-class museums and a lively aperitivo culture.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the summer heat and enjoy Milan’s main attractions without the largest crowds, visit in the spring or early autumn.
The Italian Lakes (Como, Garda, Maggiore, Iseo)
This stunning area is defined by deep, glacial lakes set against the backdrop of the Alps. Lake Como is famous for its luxury villas and picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Lake Garda, shared with Veneto, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor sports.
Your Smart Tip: The best way to appreciate the lakes is by ferry, which connects the charming towns and offers incredible views of the villas and mountains.
Bergamo & Brescia
These two nearby cities were jointly named the Italian Capital of Culture 2023. Bergamo has a beautiful Venetian-walled upper city (Città Alta), while Brescia boasts a rich Roman and Lombard heritage. They offer a deep dive into northern Italian history and culture.
Your Smart Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try polenta in Bergamo, often served as a sweet cake (polenta e osèi), or the local wines from the nearby Franciacorta region.
Valtellina & The Alps
This northern Alpine valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its ski resorts (Bormio, Livigno), thermal spas, and unique cuisine. The steep, terraced vineyards here produce excellent Nebbiolo-based red wines.
Your Smart Tip: Try the local specialty Pizzoccheri, a hearty buckwheat pasta dish served with potatoes, cabbage, and ample local cheese and butter—perfect after a day of mountain activity.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is varied. The southern plains and Milan have hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. The Italian Lakes benefit from a milder microclimate. The Alps have an alpine climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool summers.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Aperitivo: This is a Milanese tradition. Order a drink (often around $10–$15) in the evening and get free access to a generous buffet of snacks, which can often replace dinner.
Dining: Food is a serious affair. Dinner is typically late (after 8 pm). Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra euros for good service is appreciated.
Fashion: Milanese people dress with an eye for style, even when casual. You don’t need to be a fashionista, but looking neat will help you feel more at home.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($35–$60), mid-range hotels ($100–$180), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher in Milan during Fashion Weeks.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($35/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: Museum entrance ($15–$25), Lake Como boat tour ($30+), ski pass ($50–$70).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$120 (hostels, market food/pizza, public transport).
- Mid-range: $140–$220 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Train: An excellent, extensive rail network connects all major cities (Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Como, Mantua) with fast and reliable services.
By Car: A car is ideal for exploring the rural areas, like Valtellina, and the hills of Franciacorta. Driving and parking in the cities are often challenging and expensive.
By Ferry: On the lakes, particularly Como and Garda, ferries are the best way to travel between the towns and a main highlight of the trip.
Must-Try Food
Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy saffron-infused rice, often served with ossobuco.
Cotoletta alla Milanese: A bone-in veal cutlet, breaded and pan-fried in butter.
Ossobuco: Braised veal shanks, often served with a gremolata topping and risotto.
Pizzoccheri: Buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cabbage, and a rich blend of cheese and butter (from Valtellina).
Polenta Taragna: A hearty polenta mixed with local cheeses like Bitto or Taleggio.
Gorgonzola: The famous blue-veined cheese, available in sweet (dolce) or spicy (piccante) varieties.
Bresaola: Air-dried, salted beef, typically sliced very thinly (from Valtellina).
Tortelli di Zucca: Pasta pockets filled with pumpkin, often seasoned with amaretti biscuits and mostarda (from Mantua).
Panettone: The iconic, dome-shaped sweet Christmas bread, famous worldwide, originally from Milan.
Torta Sbrisolona: A crumbly almond cake, meant to be broken by hand rather than sliced (from Mantua).
Must-Try Drinks
Franciacorta DOCG: A high-quality sparkling wine produced with the traditional method, often compared to Champagne.
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG: A powerful, dry red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes that have been partially dried (appassimento).
Bonarda dell’Oltrepò Pavese: A red, often slightly fizzy, wine from the south of Lombardy.
Negroni Sbagliato: Meaning “mistaken Negroni,” this cocktail swaps gin for sparkling wine (Prosecco or Spumante) and originated in Milan.
Campari/Aperol Spritz: The classic pre-dinner aperitivo cocktail, perfect for a Milanese happy hour.
Barbera Wine: A versatile red wine, common in the western part of the region (Oltrepò Pavese).
Lugana DOC: A crisp, dry white wine primarily produced on the southern shores of Lake Garda.
Espresso: Italy’s essential coffee, typically consumed standing at the bar.
Chinotto: A dark, carbonated soft drink made from the juice of the chinotto citrus fruit, with a bittersweet taste.
Acqua Minerale: Local bottled mineral water, always served either still (naturale) or sparkling (frizzante).