Headed to Salone del Mobile? 10 cities to visit the week after Milan Design Week

1. Como, Italy (49 kms from Milan)

History, lakes, mountains and its gardens 

While Lake Como has flooded our feeds for all the famous Bollywood weddings that have taken place, the charm of the city truly lies in its serene lakeshores and parks.

34 to 89 trains daily from Milan to Como

1. Milan Centrale → Como San Giovanni (39 mins to 1hr 39 mins)
2. Milan Centrale → Como Lago (54 mins)
3. Milan Centrale → Como Borghi (48 mins)
4. Milan Centrale → Como Camerlata (43 mins to 1 hr 3 mins)

Must do: 

Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como): One of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in northern Italy, the cathedral boasts intricate facades, breathtaking frescoes and a mix of Renaissance and Baroque influences.

Funicular to Brunate: Take the historic Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, Brunate- The “Balcony of the Alps” offers charming streets, scenic trails, and breathtaking vistas.

Museo Didattico della Seta: Como is known as Italy’s silk capital, and this fascinating museum traces the city’s rich history of silk production; from antique looms to intricate fabric designs.

Stay at:

1. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como
2. Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
3. Passalacqua, Lake Como
4. Il Sereno, Lake Como
5. MUSA Lago Di Como

2. Verona, Italy (168 kms from Milan)

Famed as the setting of Romeo and Juliet, Verona speaks to romance and history, with its medieval old town nestled along the winding Adige River.

40 trains daily from Milan to Verona

1. Milan Centrale → Verona Porta Nuova (1hr 52 mins)
2. Milan Centrale → Verona Porta Vescovo (1hr 30 mins to 2hr)

Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from antiquity, the medieval and Renaissance periods. Here’s what you must do: 

Arena di Verona: A remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater, dating back to the 1st century AD, still hosting renowned opera performances and concerts.

Piazza delle Erbe: Experience local life at this vibrant square that was once a Roman forum and is surrounded by historic buildings and a lively market.

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta): Visit the 14th-century residence with its famous balcony, believed to have inspired Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers.

Castelvecchio Museum: This museum, housed in a 14th-century castle, showcases an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, along with stunning views of the Adige River.

Torre dei Lamberti: Observe a panoramic view of Verona’s skyline at this 84-meter tall medieval tower.

14th century mansions and old palaces, these hotels are a vacation in itself:  

1. VISTA Palazzo Verona
2. Due Torri Hotel

3. Venice, Italy (278 kms from Milan)

Long celebrated in paintings, “The floating city” feels almost surreal as canals replace streets and bridges become architectural marvels.

50 trains daily from Milan to Venice

1. Milan Centrale → Venice Santa Lucia (3hr 25min)
2. Milan Centrale → Venice Mestre (2hr 15min to 2hr 40 mins)

Here’s what you must do: 

Gondola ride along the Grand Canal: Experience Venice from the water as you glide past historic palaces, iconic bridges, and hidden side canals.

Basilica of San Marco: The cathedral is famous for its stunning Byzantine and Venetian architecture, and dazzles with golden mosaics and intricate domes.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection: A must-visit for art lovers, this museum houses an impressive collection of modern masterpieces acquired by Peggy Guggenheim displayed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, her former home.

Stay at: 

1. The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
2. Aman Venice
3. Hotel Violino d’Oro