Northern Italy Travel Guide: Cities, Lakes & Honest Tips

On By saar.decosterIn Europe, Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Italy, this Northern Italy travel guide brings together my personal experiences traveling through the region, including cities, lakes, coastal towns, accommodation, transport tips, and places I genuinely loved (and some I didn’t).

Northern Italy is such a mix. You have iconic cities, peaceful lakes, coastal escapes, historic towns, beautiful architecture, and a little bit of chaos in between.

Over the years, I’ve explored Northern Italy multiple times: first as a teenager traveling with my dad and a friend, later solo, and more recently with friends. Because of that, every trip gave me a completely different perspective, from rushed city stops to slow days by the lakes.

This guide combines my personal experiences, honest impressions, practical Northern Italy travel tips, and places I genuinely loved. Instead of creating a perfect checklist of things you have to see, I want this Northern Italy travel guide to show you what traveling through the region actually feels like.

From Milan and Lake Como to Turin, Genoa, Florence, Verona and Venice, here’s everything I’ve learned along the way.

Practical Info for Traveling Northern Italy

How to Travel Around Northern Italy

This Northern Italy travel guide focuses mainly on train and budget travel between cities. Luckily, many of the major destinations are well connected, which makes it relatively easy to travel around Northern Italy without a car.

If you’re planning to travel around Italy beyond Northern Italy, I’ve also put together a guide on how to travel around Italy, including trains, buses and other transport options.

Important → last-minute train bookings aren’t always possible, so don’t assume you can always just buy a ticket a few minutes before departure

FlixBus → usually the cheapest option, often under €15, and very reliable

Trains → more comfortable, but usually more expensive. I recommend booking through the Trenitalia app

Northern Italy Suggested Route

If you want to visit several of these destinations on one Northern Italy trip, a route I personally did was:

Milan → Lake Como → Lake Maggiore → Turin → Genoa → Florence → Verona → Venice → home

Obviously, you can shorten or change this depending on how much time you have. I wouldn’t try to squeeze everything into a few days.

If you’re not sure how long you need for a Northern Italy trip, check out my guide on how many days you need in Northern Italy, with 5, 7, 10 and 14-day itinerary ideas.

Extra Budget Travel Tip

Too Good To Go is an app where you can buy leftover food from restaurants and bakeries for a lower price.

Because of that, it’s perfect in expensive cities like Florence or Venice. It’s also a good option if you want to travel more sustainably while saving money.

Best Places to Visit in Northern Italy

Northern Italy has a huge variety of destinations. Some cities are perfect for architecture and history, while others are better for lakes, beaches, food, or simply slowing down.

Here are the places I visited and what I personally thought of each one.

Milan

Milan is a good starting point for a Northern Italy trip, especially because it’s well connected by train and plane, although it’s not my personal favourite Italian city.

If you’re spending time in Milan, I’ve also put together a guide to the 10 Best Things to Do in Milan.

How Long to Stay in Milan

1–2 nights max

Where to Stay in Milan

Ostello Bello Milano Centrale

  • Right next to the central station, which makes it convenient if you arrive late or travel a lot by train
  • However, the neighborhood itself isn’t the nicest
  • When I stayed there in September, it also didn’t feel very social
  • Still, it was clean and had a nice bar area

QUA Milano

  • Nice hostel with a good bar and common spaces
  • Clean rooms and good kitchen area
  • Mostly male guests when I stayed there, although that may have been coincidence
  • Area felt a bit quiet and less lively

New Generation Hostel Navigli

  • I haven’t stayed here myself
  • My brother stayed multiple times and liked it a lot
  • Very cheap and located near nightlife areas

Best Things to Do in Milan

Duomo di Milano

  • Definitely go up to the rooftop because the views are incredible
  • Iconic cathedral in the city center

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

  • Beautiful shopping arcade with glass ceilings
  • One of the most aesthetic spots in Milan

Castello Sforzesco

  • Nice for a slower afternoon walk
  • Historic castle surrounded by gardens

Museo del Novecento

  • Modern art museum near the Duomo
  • Great city views as well

Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia

  • Hidden Baroque church
  • Quiet and much less touristy

Navigli Area

  • Perfect for aperitivo at sunset
  • Canal area full of bars and restaurants

Where to Eat in Milan

Ditta Artigianale

Great brunch and coffee, especially the avocado toast.

Lake Como

Lake Como honestly feels like Pinterest in real life.

This stop became one of my highlights during this Northern Italy trip because it felt calm, beautiful, and much slower than the bigger cities.

If you’re deciding whether to add it to your itinerary, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Lake Como is worth visiting.

Where to Stay in Bellagio

Personally, I would stay in Bellagio if you’re planning to explore Lake Como for a few days.

Yes, the village itself is small, but that’s actually not the main reason I’m recommending it. Bellagio is right in the middle of the lake, which makes it a really convenient base for exploring the other towns around Lake Como.

From Bellagio, you can easily use the ferries to get to places like Varenna, Tremezzo and Menaggio, so you don’t have to keep travelling all the way from Como every day.

And honestly, taking the ferry around Lake Como is part of the experience anyway.

Agriturismo La Derta (Bellagio)

→ Very beautiful and aesthetic stay
→ Very calm and peaceful
→ More for relaxing than socialising

Where to Stay in Como

You can also stay in Como, and this can actually be a really convenient option if you’re arriving or leaving by train.

Ostello Bello Como

→ Actually in Como city centre
→ Very convenient if you’re arriving by train
→ Good option if you want to combine Lake Como with other parts of Northern Italy

However, I personally wouldn’t choose Como as my base if your main goal is exploring the central part of Lake Como.

If you stay in Como, you have to travel further every time you want to visit places like Bellagio or Varenna. You can take the bus or ferry, but the journey can involve a lot more time and, if you’re taking the road, a LOT of winding roads.

For me, it was much easier to stay in Bellagio and use the ferries from there.

Lake Como Accommodation Tips

When choosing where to stay, think about what you actually want from your trip.

Stay in Bellagio if you want:

  • A central base for exploring the lake
  • Easy access to ferry connections
  • To spend more time around the lake rather than in a city
  • A small, picturesque village atmosphere

Stay in Como if you want:

  • Easy access to the train station
  • More of a city atmosphere
  • To continue your journey by train afterwards
  • A bigger choice of restaurants and accommodation

Also, don’t just trust accommodation websites when they say something is in the “city centre.” Around Lake Como, that can mean very different things depending on where exactly you are staying.

And if you’re using Hostelworld, make sure you check the actual location on the map before booking.

For me, if you’re spending several days exploring Lake Como, Bellagio is the better base. You’re already in the middle of everything, the ferries make getting around much easier, and honestly, waking up in Bellagio is a pretty good way to start the day.

My Ideal Lake Como Plan

If you’re staying in Bellagio, I would do something like this:

  • Day 1 → Varenna + Bellagio: Arrive in Varenna, explore the village and then take the ferry to Bellagio. Spend the rest of the day exploring Bellagio.
  • Day 2 → Tremezzo + Menaggio: Take the ferry from Bellagio and explore the western side of the lake.
  • Day 3 → Bellano + Nesso: Explore Bellano and then make your way towards Nesso for swimming and the famous Nesso Bridge.
  • Day 4 → Nesso + Como: If you didn’t have enough time in Nesso the day before, finish your visit there and then continue towards Como for some sightseeing before travelling onwards.

You can obviously switch these days around depending on the ferry and train timetables, but I like this route because you’re not constantly crossing the entire lake.

Best Things to Do in Como

Tempio Voltiano
→ small museum dedicated to scientist Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como

Museo Didattico della Seta di Como
→ museum about Como’s silk history, one of the city’s most famous industries

Mercato Coperto di Como
→ indoor market with local food, snacks and everyday Italian products

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Como)
→ main cathedral in the city center with really detailed Gothic architecture

Funicolare Como–Brunate
→ cable car that takes you up the hill for panoramic views over the lake

Best Things to Do in Varenna

Bar Il Molo (or similar lakeside spots)
→ beautiful views right on the water
→ go early or reserve because it fills up quickly

Viewpoint near Hotel Royal Victoria
→ really nice for pictures and views

Villa Monastero
→ very beautiful gardens
→ you do have to pay an entrance fee, but worth it

Best Things to Do in Bellagio

Giardini di Villa Melzi
→ suuuper beautiful gardens
→ lots of engagement and wedding photos are taken here (very Pinterest vibes), like from the famous TikTokker Millane

The village itself
→ very cute, but busy
→ definitely reserve restaurants in the evening because everything gets fully booked very quickly

General Lake Como Tip

You can stay longer if you have time and just relax by the water, which is honestly the best part.

Lake Maggiore (Stresa)

Lake Maggiore is optional, although it’s perfect if you want a calmer stop during your Northern Italy trip.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding to your route, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on whether Lake Maggiore is worth visiting.

How Long to Stay in Stresa

1 night is enough.

Where to Stay in Stresa

Residence La Luna Nel Porto

  • Incredible lake views
  • One of my favorite stays from the trip
  • Affordable rooms with kitchens and private terraces

Best Things to Do in Stresa

Dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia — cheap wine 😌


Drinks by the water — La Verbanella, Willy’s Cocktail Bar


Walk along Corso Umberto I

Turin

Turin was probably my biggest surprise during this Northern Italy trip.

It gave me Milan vibes, although much less touristy, cheaper, and more relaxed overall.

If you’re curious about what there is to do in the city, check out my 10 Best Things to Do in Turin.

How Long to Stay in Turin

1–2 nights

Where to Stay in Turin

Combo Torino

  • Area felt slightly sketchy at night
  • Beautiful common areas
  • Clean and modern

Best Things to Do in Turin

Palazzo Reale
→ former royal palace of the Savoy family
→ beautiful historic rooms and gardens right in the city center
→ former royal palace of the Savoy family
→ beautiful historic rooms and gardens right in the city center

Waves of Wanting
→ modern art installation / cultural space
→ interesting stop if you like contemporary and creative exhibitions

Duomo di Torino (Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista)
→ main cathedral of Turin
→ known for housing the Shroud of Turin and its simple but elegant interior


Galleria Subalpina
→ elegant 19th-century covered gallery
→ super aesthetic passage with cafés, shops and old-world architecture right in the city center

Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento
→ museum about Italy’s unification history
→ really interesting if you like history and politics

Palazzo Carignano
→ historic palace and one of Turin’s most important Baroque buildings
→ also linked to Italy’s first parliament

Galleria San Federico
→ beautiful covered shopping gallery
→ elegant architecture with cafés and a very aesthetic vibe


Palazzo Madama
→ historic palace with layers of Roman, medieval and Baroque architecture
→ also a museum with art and beautiful interiors

Porta Palatina
→ ancient Roman city gate
→ one of the best-preserved Roman remains in Turin and a quick historic stop


Porta Palazzo market
→ go during the day, later it can feel a bit sketchy

Area between Via Porta Palatina & Via IV Marzo
→ lots of cute restaurants and bars
→ perfect for an aperol in the sun

Genoa

Genoa is the perfect mix between city and beach.

Meanwhile, it also works really well as a base for day trips along the Ligurian coast.

If you’re planning a shorter visit, I’ve also put together a 1-Day Genoa Itinerary with ideas for what to see and do.

How Long to Stay in Genoa

Around 3–4 nights, since it’s a bigger city and there’s a lot to explore nearby.

Best Things to Do in Genoa

Spiaggia di Boccadasse
→ such a cute small beach
→ aperol in hand, bikini on, just enjoy

Porto Antico
→ old port area redesigned by Renzo Piano
→ lively waterfront with boats, restaurants, museums and aquarium, perfect for a walk by the sea


Piazza delle Erbe in the evening
→ cozy square with lots of bars
→ very local vibe

Nervi area
→ went here for a day
→ lots of small rocky beaches to discover
→ perfect for exploring

Tours from Genoa

  • A lot of boat tours, perfect if you are staying a longer time
  • I booked a GetYourGuide tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino because it was cheap
  • BUT I didn’t read the small print
  • For €21 you only go to Camogli, and you have to pay extra to continue
  • So always read the details carefully
  • Still very fun!
  • Book the tour here: Boat Tour Camogli, San Fruttuoso, and Portofino

Day Trip from Genoa: Portofino

Very easy to reach by train.

From the station, you can either:

  • take the bus
  • or walk for about an hour

I personally loved the walk because there are so many beaches and viewpoints along the way.

Portofino waterfront in Liguria, Italy

Tip: Bring lunch.

→ Very limited options in Portofino and EXTREMELY expensive
→ It’s known for being a luxury destination

Day Trip from Genoa: Cinque Terre

  • Super easy to visit from Genoa
  • You can also choose to stay there instead of Genoa if you prefer smaller, more scenic villages
  • I personally haven’t been yet (still regretting it), but it’s high on my list and looks unreal

Florence

Florence is extremely touristy. However, it’s still 100% worth visiting.

If you’re planning a visit, check out my 10 Best Things to Do in Florence for more ideas.

How Long to Stay in Florence

2 nights / 3 days is perfect.

Best Things to Do in Florence

Free walking tour via freetours.com
→ super easy and fun way to learn about the city
→ also gives good food recommendations
→ best to do on your first day
→ tip-based

Duomo di Firenze
→ iconic cathedral with its huge red dome by Brunelleschi
→ climb the dome for amazing views over the city

Galleria degli Uffizi
→ world-famous art museum with Renaissance masterpieces
→ free entry on the first Sunday of the month (very busy so go early)

Ponte Vecchio
→ historic bridge full of jewellery shops
→ one of the most iconic and photogenic spots in Florence


Palazzo Pitti & Boboli Gardens
→ former royal palace with several museums inside
→ behind it are the Boboli Gardens: huge historic gardens with statues, fountains and great views over Florence


Galleria dell’Accademia (David statue)
→ museum home to Michelangelo’s famous David
→ small but very iconic, usually busy so book in advance

Santa Croce
→ beautiful church with impressive frescoes and famous tombs
→ includes graves of Michelangelo, Galileo and other important Italians

Piazzale Michelangelo
→ panoramic viewpoint over Florence
→ best spot for sunset and skyline views of the Duomo

Mercato Nuovo
→ small historic market in the city center
→ known for the bronze “Porcellino” pig statue where people touch the nose for luck

Where to Eat in Florence

Trattoria del Pennello

→ Good pasta, affordable, big terrace

Florence Nightlife

Red Garter

Steakhouse that turns into karaoke and nightlife later in the evening.

Verona

Verona is nice as a short stop, although it’s not my personal favourite.

If you’re wondering whether Verona is worth adding to your Northern Italy itinerary, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on visiting Verona.

How Long to Stay in Verona

1 night

Where to Stay in Verona

I’d recommend staying as close to the city center as possible. I personally had a pretty bad experience in the area where I stayed and found it one of the sketchier areas I’ve experienced while travelling in Italy. So while I did stay here, I wouldn’t personally recommend this hostel because of its location:

The Hostello

→ The hostel itself is modern, clean and nice
→ BUT I found the surrounding neighborhood quite sketchy, especially at night
→ I had a really uncomfortable experience there, so personally I wouldn’t recommend staying in this area
→ If you do book accommodation in Verona, I’d check the exact location carefully and stay closer to the city center

Best Things to Do in Verona

Ponte Pietra + hill for sunset
→ Roman stone bridge over the Adige River
→ walk up the nearby hill for the best sunset view over Verona

Arena di Verona
→ ancient Roman amphitheatre still used for concerts and opera
→ one of the best-preserved arenas in the world

Piazza delle Erbe
→ lively historic square with markets, cafés and old frescoed buildings
→ perfect for a drink and people-watching

Casa di Giulietta
→ famous “Juliet’s house” linked to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet
→ iconic balcony and courtyard (very touristy but fun)


Giardini Vittorio Emanuele II
→ small green park near the historic center
→ nice for a short break, a walk, or a quiet moment away from the busy squares

Venice

Venice is very unique, but honestly, I found it overwhelming.

If you’re still deciding whether Venice is worth adding to your itinerary, I’ve also shared my honest opinion on visiting Venice.

How Long to Stay in Venice

1 day is enough for me

Venice is definitely worth seeing, but I personally wouldn’t spend several days there. When I visited, it felt extremely crowded and expensive, although the city has since introduced measures to manage the number of visitors. On particularly busy days, access can be limited and you may need to buy a ticket in advance.

Venice Travel Tips

→ Consider staying outside the historic center, on the mainland or at a campsite, and taking public transport into Venice
→ It can still get extremely crowded, especially during peak days and seasons
→ Prices are generally higher than in many other parts of Italy
→ Check the current visitor-entry rules before you go, as some days require an access ticket
→ Despite the crowds, Venice is unique and absolutely worth seeing at least once

Food & Drinks in Northern Italy

Food is obviously one of the best parts of traveling around Italy.

Aperol Spritz

You’ll find Aperol Spritz basically everywhere.

→ Prices can range from around €4 to €15+

Italian Food

Italian food is usually simple and good.

→ Pasta
→ Pizza
→ Fresh ingredients

My Final Thoughts on Traveling Northern Italy

Overall, this Northern Italy travel guide showed me how different every city and region can feel.

Some places felt chaotic and overwhelming, while others became calm little breaks between train rides and busy streets.

The biggest lesson? Don’t rush everything.

Take your time. Sit by the water. Have the extra aperol.

Because honestly, those slower moments are usually the ones you remember most afterwards.

Want my honest ratings of all these destinations? Read my Italy Travel Ratings: My Honest Experience.

Planning Your Trip to Italy?

Planning a trip to Italy can be surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re choosing between huge historic cities, beautiful coastlines, charming smaller towns, mountains, lakes and islands.

That’s why I’ve created my Italy Travel Guide, where I share destination guides, things to do, local tips and my personal experiences from travelling around Italy.

→ START HERE: Italy Travel Guides

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START BY AREA

→ Northern Italy Travel guide
→ Rome Travel guide
→ Sicily Travel guide

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FAQ – Northern Italy Travel Guide

How many days do you need in Northern Italy?

I’d recommend at least 7–10 days if you want to see a few different places without constantly rushing. With around two weeks, you can comfortably combine cities like Milan, Turin, Genoa and Florence with places like Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Venice.

What are the best places to visit in Northern Italy?

Some of the best places to visit in Northern Italy include Milan, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Turin, Genoa, Florence, Verona and Venice. Which ones you choose really depends on what you’re looking for, as the region has a mix of cities, lakes, beaches and historic towns.

What is the best way to travel around Northern Italy?

For most of the route, I’d recommend trains and buses. Trains are comfortable and connect many of the major cities, while FlixBus can be a much cheaper option. For smaller destinations or mountain areas, having a car can give you more flexibility.

Is Northern Italy expensive?

Northern Italy can be quite expensive, especially in touristy places like Venice, Florence and Lake Como. However, you can travel on a smaller budget by staying in hostels, taking FlixBus, booking trains in advance and using apps like Too Good To Go.

What is the best city to visit in Northern Italy?

That really depends on your travel style. Turin was one of my biggest surprises, while I loved the combination of city and beach in Genoa. Milan is convenient as a starting point, Florence is incredible for history and culture, and Venice is completely unique.

Is Lake Como worth visiting?

Yes! Lake Como is one of my favourite places in Northern Italy and feels a bit like Pinterest in real life. I’d recommend spending around three nights so you can explore Como, Bellagio and Varenna without rushing.

How many days do you need at Lake Como?

I’d recommend around three nights. You could spend two nights in Como and one night around Bellagio, with time to visit Varenna as well. Staying in Como also gives you more flexibility to explore the lake by ferry.

Is Venice worth visiting?

Absolutely. Venice can be crowded and expensive, but it’s still one of the most unique cities in Italy and I think it’s worth seeing at least once. For me, one day is enough to experience the city without needing to stay for several nights.

Can you travel Northern Italy by train?

Yes, especially if you’re travelling between the larger cities. Milan, Turin, Genoa, Florence, Verona and Venice are all well connected by train. For lakes, smaller villages and mountain areas, you may need buses, ferries or a car as well.

Is Northern Italy good for backpacking?

Definitely. Northern Italy is easy to explore by public transport and has plenty of hostels, especially in larger cities. It can be more expensive than other backpacking destinations in Europe, but travelling by train or FlixBus and staying in hostels can keep costs manageable.

What is the best itinerary for Northern Italy?

A route I personally like is:

Milan → Lake Como → Lake Maggiore → Turin → Genoa → Florence → Verona → Venice

You obviously don’t have to visit every stop. If you have less time, I’d rather choose a few destinations and actually enjoy them than try to tick off the entire region.

What should you not miss in Northern Italy?

If it’s your first trip, I’d prioritise Lake Como, Milan, Turin, Genoa, Florence and Venice. If you have more time, add Lake Maggiore, Verona or the Dolomites depending on whether you want more nature, beaches or mountains.

When is the best time to visit Northern Italy?

Spring and early autumn are great times to visit because you can often avoid the busiest summer crowds while still having good weather. Summer can be beautiful too, but popular destinations such as Lake Como, Florence and Venice can get extremely busy.

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