Lifestyle

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

FEB 18, 2025 | By Sumiran Goel
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If you’re making the trip to Salone del Mobile 2025, do yourself a favour — don’t go home right after. The best design inspiration isn’t just inside the fair — it’s all across Italy (and beyond), just a train ride away. From lakeside villas to medieval towns that look straight out of a movie, here are the 10 best cities to visit in Europe once Milan Design Week wraps up. 

Stay a week (or maybe ten) — you’ll thank us later!

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. 

Village on Lake Como, Lombardia, Italy

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. 

Photography by esrageziyor

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.  

Photography by sergeyskleznev

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

4. Zurich, Switzerland (279 kms from Milan)

Picturesque walks, old-town charm, vibrant cafe culture and authentic food, Zurich has it all! 

Photography by ChiemSeherin

10 trains daily from Milan to Zurich

  1. Milan Centrale → Zurich HB (3hr 17min)

This city won’t let you leave till you’ve had a bite of chocolate and an overdose of shopping and history. Here’s what you must do

Kunsthaus Zürich: The biggest art museum of Switzerland, it houses one of the most important art collections in the country. 

Lindt Home of Chocolate: Because how can anyone say no to chocolate!

Bahnhofstrasse: One of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping avenues. 

Zurich West: Talk about everything, everywhere, all at once! Zurich West is where industrial past meets creative present, with former factories now home to art, design, food and bars, making it the city’s trendiest district.

How do you like your mornings? Because we like them with a view of The Alps from our beds! Check in here

  1. Mandarin Oriental Savoy 
  2. The Dolder Grand
  3. Widder Hotel 
  4. La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
  5. Baur au Lac 
  6. Central Plaza Hotel
  7. Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich
  8. KINDLI Hotel – Zürich
  9. B2 Hotel Zurich 
  10. Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich, Autograph Collection
  11. Martgasse Hotel

5. Florence, Italy (314 kms from Milan)

From Michelangelo’s “David” to Botticelli’s “The birth of Venus” and local Tuscan cuisine this quaint town will leave you feeling like you’re in paradise. However you choose to define it! 

Photography by valevenezia

50 trains daily from Milan to Florence

  1. Milan Centrale → Florence Santa Maria Novella (1hr 45mins to 4hrs)
  2. Milan Centrale → Florence Rifredi (3hr 39 mins to 4 hrs)

Don’t forget to visit

Climb to the top of the Duomo: Experience breathtaking views from Brunelleschi’s iconic dome.

Accademia Gallery: Marvel at Michelangelo’s mastery in David, one of the world’s most famous sculptures, showcasing his artistic brilliance and intricate depiction of the human form.

Uffizi Gallery: Home to masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

Walk across the Ponte Vecchio: The city’s art isn’t restricted to just its museums! Walk across this historic bridge lined with charming jewellery shops.

Historic buildings and notable architects, these hotels let you experience more than just panoramic views of the city. Stay at

  1. The St Regis Florence
  2. Grand Hotel Minerva
  3. Il Salviatino
  4. Casa G Firenze 
  5. Four Seasons Florence
  6. Hotel Torre Guelfa
  7. Ottantotto Firenze
  8. Portrait Firenze

6. Lyon, France (316 kms from Milan)

A UNESCO-listed old town with great cuisine and lively riverside culture, Lyon is a city you can’t skip.

Photography by loictijsseling

20 trains daily (fewer direct routes) from Milan to Lyon

  1. Milan → Lyon Part Dieu, France (6hr 15 mins to 8 hours 5 mins)

The gastronomic capital of France? Sign us up! Here’s places you must visit:

Croix-Rousse: Amidst the rich renaissance architecture you’ll find olives and cheeses being sold at the daily market while gourmet patisseries, wine bars, and art galleries surround you. 

Mur des Canuts: A massive trompe-l’œil mural that beautifully tells the story of Lyon’s silk-weaving past.

Presqu’île: The heart of Lyon’s shopping, dining, and cultural life.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Take in panoramic views of the city from this breathtaking hilltop church.

Lyonnaise cuisine at a traditional bouchon: Try local specialties like quenelles, coq au vin, and praline tarts.

Boutique hotels with classic French elegance and Rennaissance courtyards are just the beginning of the beauty these hotels have to offer. Stay at

  1. Villa Maïa  
  2. Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel 
  3. Hotel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery Collection 
  4. InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG hotel

7. Basel, Switzerland (341 kms from Milan)

Home to nearly 40 museums, it is one of the most museum-rich cities in the world.

Photography by Roland

38 trains daily from Milan to Basel

  1. Milan Centrale → Basel SBB (Approximately 4hr 22min)

Whether you want to explore the avant-garde or step back into history, the city lets you time travel through art. Here are the places you must go:

Kunstmuseum Basel: From Old Masters to contemporary art, here, there’s a place for everything that we call art! 

Fondation Beyeler: A walk through a modern art museum comes with a walk through its serene park too. 

Cross the Three Countries Bridge: If we could be in Switzerland, France, and Germany at the same time, we would be! – This bridge spans the Rhine River, connecting the three nations, and offers a unique spot to stand in all three countries simultaneously.

Läckerli: A traditional Swiss spiced biscuit that’s a must for food lovers.

Old Town: Wander medieval streets, visit the Rathaus, and soak in the historic charm.

Basel Minster: This iconic red sandstone cathedral, destroyed by the 1356 Basel earthquake, was rebuilt by Johannes Gmünd

Museums that are hotels? Or hotels that are museums? Stay at

  1. Grand hotel les trois rois
  2. Hotel Märthof 
  3. Volkshaus Basel 
  4. Art House Basel
  5. Krafft Basel
  6. Teufelhof Basel
  7. Boutique Hotel Waldhaus beider Basel

8. Bern, Switzerland (341 kms from Milan)

Would you rather be dancing in a chiffon sari in Switzerland, pretending to be in a Yash Raj Films movie? Us too!

Photography by SeanPavone

3 direct trains daily from Milan to Bern

  1. Milan Centrale→ Bern Hauptbahnhof (3hr 15 mins)

Being the city of Switzerald, Bern gives you a chance to live like a local (with a hint of luxury). Here’s what you must do:  

Old town: A UNESCO World Heritage site with medieval architecture, charming streets, and the iconic Zytglogge clock tower.

Bear park: Visit Bern’s beloved bears, the city’s iconic symbol, in a spacious natural habitat right in the city. 

Swim in the Aare River: Join the locals for a refreshing float down the crystal-clear waters of the Aare. 

Bundeshaus (Federal Palace): Serving as the seat of the Swiss Parliament, it is a central symbol of Swiss democracy. 

Einstein Museum: Step inside the museum and see how his genius took shape!

Try Swiss Fondue: When in Bern, we say cheese, cheese and more cheese!

Luxury, history and some Bollywood masala speak volumes at these hotels: 

  1. Bellevue Palace
  2. Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – A short drive from Bern, Interlaken is also home to the Yash Chopra statue. How could they not have a “Yash Chopra” Suite at the hotel after all!

9. Rome, Italy (573 kms from Milan)

If your dream vacation involves cobblestone streets, Renaissance art, and endless gelato, Rome should be next on your list.

Photography by borsattomarcos

90 trains daily Milan to Rome

  1. Milan Centrale → Rome Termini (Approximately 3 to 4 hrs)
  2. Milan Centrale → Rome Tiburtina (Approximately 3 hrs)

Rome was not built in a day, they say. And well, you can’t see the entirety of the “Eternal City” in a day either. Here’s what you can’t miss

The famous Colosseum: Not only is it one of the seven wonders of the world it also is a historical and archaeological treasure which still is a constant reminder of the greatness of the Roman Empire

The Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain: Everyone needs a little good luck—so toss a coin and let Rome work its magic!

Roman Forum: For centuries, the forum has been part of the day-to-day life of Roman civilisation. Take a tour of the ancient ruins of government buildings and much more. 

Spanish Steps: Built in the 18th century to connect Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, the 135-step staircase has been featured in films, literature, and fashion campaigns.

Pantheon: Once the largest dome in the world, it still holds the record for being the largest unsupported concrete dome. 

With  former residences of Queens and unparalleled art collections these hotels will only want to make you explore more of Rome. Stay at

  1. Baglioni Hotel Regina
  2. Bvlgari Hotel Rome
  3. Anantara Rome
  4. Villa Agrippina a Gran Melià Hotel
  5. Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 
  6. Hotel Eden Rome
  7. J K Place Rome

10. Amalfi, Italy (823 kms from Milan)

Think of dramatic coastal views, the fresh scent of lemons in the air, and endless plates of seafood. Welcome to Amalfi. 

Photography by francescosgura

15 to 60 trains daily from Milan to Amalfi

  1. Milan Centrale → Salerno (Approximately 6hr 17 mins)
  2. Milan Centrale → Pompei, Piazza Falcone e Borsellino (6hr 17 mins)
  3. Milan Centrale → Sorrento Corso Italia (7 hr 20 mins)
  4. Milan Centrale → Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi (5 hr 25 mins to 12 hr 5 mins)

The Amalfi Coast is one long scenic stretch where every turn surprises you with a new gem to explore. Here’s what you can’t miss

Drive the road of a Thousand Bends: Experience one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, with breathtaking views at every turn.

Positano: The colourful cliffside village and its pebbled beaches make it imperative to take a souvenir back home.

Capri: Once a popular vacation spot for Roman emperors, this town lets you enjoy the best of Italy. Whether it’s ancient ruins, beach side reading or the famous Blue Grotto.

Path of the Gods: A stunning hike with panoramic views of the coastline, legends say this was where the gods walked this path to rescue Ulysses from the sirens 

Limoncello: When life gives you lemons, the people of Amalfi teach you how to make their signature lemon liqueur

These hotels speak of old history and prime luxury. Stay at

  1. Palazzo Avino, Ravello
  2. Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
  3. Il San Pietro Positano 
  4. Le Sirenuse 
  5. Villa TreVille
  6. Santa Caterina
  7. Belmond Caruso Ravello

Read more: 8 must-visit culinary and nightlife spots in Milan for your post-Salone del Mobile indulgence