Things to do in Lombardy

All about Lombardy

When to visit

Lombardy is lovely year-round, with balmy summers perfect for lake swimming and rarely too-cold winters. If you are heading to a quieter, off-the-beaten-track destination, avoid August when many locals take vacations to the sea or mountains, leaving restaurants and shops closed. However, if you’re in a tourist place like Milan, Como, or Sirmione, August is busy with lively celebrations for Ferragosto, Italy’s mid-summer festival. Make restaurant reservations well in advance for this public holiday, held on August 15, and enjoy fireworks lighting up the lakes.

Getting around

International visitors can fly to Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Bergamo Airport, or Linate Airport in Lombardy, although Verona Villafranca Airport and Venice Marco Polo Airport are closer to Lake Garda. From these airports, you can access all cities or main lake towns easily enough by train, although if you plan to explore, you’ll need a car. Milan aside, ride-hailing apps and taxis are uncommon, and public transport options may baffle non-Italian speakers. Car rentals are available from the airports.

Traveler tips

If you’re on vacation in Italy’s lake region and want respite from the tourist hot spots, check out some smaller lakes nearby. Lake Iseo is between Lakes Garda and Como, while Lake Idro is a tranquil option closer to the west banks of Lake Garda. Both are easy to access by car, and offer a mix of public beaches and private beach clubs (lidos). Skip the busier weekend days, and head there mid-week for some beach lazing with mostly locals around.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Lombardy region of Italy known for?

Lombardy is best known as the home of Milan, Italy’s commercial capital. The wider area is also a hub for industry, and, as such, it’s believed to be Italy’s wealthiest region. Commercial credentials aside, Lombardy is also known for its beautiful lakes and mountains as well as its hearty cuisine.

Is Lombardy worth visiting?

With famous spots like Lake Como, Milan, and the Monte Rosa, Lombardy is definitely worth visiting. Home to Milan Malpensa (one of Italy’s largest international airports), the region is easy to access from anywhere in the world. Good train links also make exploring the region relatively hassle-free.

Why should you visit Lombardy?

Visit Lombardy to shop in the fashion capital of Milan, go for a summer swim in the lakes, or enjoy winter sports in the mountains. Other reasons to visit include exploring history-rich towns like Cremona and Bergamo and checking out UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sacro Monte di Varese.

What food is Lombardy famous for?

The region is known for its hearty cuisine; the saffron-heavy risotto alla Milanese served with osso buco (braised veal shank) is Lombardy’s best-known dish. Polenta and risotto are also popular on restaurant menus, and delights like gorgonzola cheese and the holiday favorite panettone are made here.

Which part of Italy is Lombardy in?

The region of Lombardy is in northern Italy. It borders the wine-producing region of Piedmont, to the west; the foodie-favorite region of Emilia-Romagna, to the south; and the mountainous Alto-Adige and Veneto regions, to the east. Lombardy also borders Switzerland, which sits to the north, across the Alps.

What is there to see and do in three of the cities in Lombardia?

In Monza, pay homage to Italy’s supercar heritage at the Formula 1 track; gearheads can even book Ferrari track-driving sessions. In Cremona, learn about the city’s violin-making history at the Museo del Violino. In Varese, hike the Sacro Monte; the route takes you past 14 historical chapels along the way.

---