Things To Do
in Gallarate
Gallarate is a mid-sized Lombardy town north of Milan, known for its easy access to Malpensa Airport and lakes of the Varese area. It blends industrial and artisan history with a revitalized cultural scene anchored by the contemporary MAGA museum. The town is a convenient base for day trips to Lake Maggiore, Sacro Monte di Varese and the Ticino river parks.
Expect a comfortable Italian small-city atmosphere with markets, cafés and straightforward transport links to Milan and nearby attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Gallarate’s historic center, absorbing the atmosphere of this quaint town. Visit the stunning Basilica di San Giovanni Battista, an architectural gem that showcases intricate frescoes and carvings. Afterward, grab a cappuccino and a cornetto at a local café as you watch the world go by.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Museo Civico, where you can explore exhibits showcasing Gallarate’s rich history and art. Take a walk through the picturesque Parco della Magana, enjoying the beautiful greenery and perhaps a small picnic. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy trattoria for lunch, savoring traditional Italian dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.
As evening descends, explore the vibrant piazzas where locals gather for aperitivo, enjoying drinks and small bites. Consider visiting a local wine bar to taste some regional wines, accompanied by a selection of cheeses and cured meats. End your day with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated streets, soaking in the serene ambiance of Gallarate.
Begin your day at the nearby Museo d'Arte Moderna in Gallarate, where modern Italian art works captivate and inspire. Spend time appreciating various exhibits that reflect Italy’s artistic evolution, with pieces from renowned artists. After immersing yourself in art, enjoy a light brunch at a local café, relishing fresh pastries and espresso.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby town of Varese to visit the beautiful Villa Panza, known for its remarkable collection of contemporary art housed in a historic setting. After the museum, take a walk through the villa’s stunning gardens, featuring a mix of Italian and English landscape designs. Enjoy a late lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional specialties while overlooking the tranquil surroundings.
Return to Gallarate in the evening and visit a local theater or cultural venue for a performance or concert, experiencing the vibrant local arts scene. If you’re in the mood for a culinary adventure, dine at a restaurant that specializes in innovative Italian cuisine. Conclude your night with a leisurely walk, taking in the night sky and the town's beautiful architecture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Cappuccino at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) at a bar | $4-6 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $5-10 |
| 🚆Regional train to Milan (one way) | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to Malpensa Airport and regional transport links
- Close to lakes, hills and nature reserves for outdoor activities
- Good mix of cultural offerings (MAGA museum) and traditional Lombard cuisine
- Less touristy than major cities, offering an authentic small-city feel
- Limited nightlife compared with Milan or other big cities
- Can be foggy and damp in winter (Po Valley climate)
- Some services aimed at commuters rather than long-stay tourists
- Public transport while good to regional hubs may be less frequent late at night
- "Buongiorno / Buonasera" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Per favore / Grazie" - Please / Thank you
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Dove è la stazione?" - Where is the station?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Senza glutine / Sono vegetariano(a)" - Gluten-free / I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Gallarate
Visit one of these nice places.
Striking contemporary building and colorful exhibitions provide both interior and exterior photo opportunities; the sculpture garden and façades photograph well.
Classic Italian square scenes with cafes, historic buildings and evening light — good for street photography and portraits.
Short drive or bus from Gallarate; panoramic vistas over Varese and the lakes offer sweeping landscape shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Lakeshores, promenades and boats make for scenic compositions; reeds and reflections are excellent at golden hour.
Rolling fields, old farmhouses and vineyards in the nearby countryside provide rustic and atmospheric photography options.
Aviation displays, vintage planes and airport runways are great for dramatic shots; consider including distant Alps on clear days.
Food in Gallarate
Gallarate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Saffron-flavored risotto — a regional classic you’ll find in many Gallarate trattorie; order it with ossobuco for a complete Milanese experience.
Must-Try!
Breaded veal cutlet pan-fried in butter, often served with a lemon wedge — widely available in local restaurants.
Comforting local specialty in cooler months; try it at family-style osterie or agriturismi in the surrounding countryside.
Gorgonzola, Taleggio and other Lombardy cheeses plus cured meats make great aperitivo platters found in bars and delis.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, clothing and household goods — a good place to sample local ingredients and snacks.
Look for panini counters, pizza al taglio (by the slice) and bakery windows serving focacce and sweet pastries; cafés are great for quick bites and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet shopkeepers and servers with a friendly 'Buongiorno' / 'Buonasera'. Use formal titles when in doubt (Signore/Signora).
Dress modestly when entering churches (shoulders and knees covered). Many locals dress smart-casual for dining out.
Lunch typically around 12:30–14:00 and dinner from 19:30 onward. Aperitivo (drinks with small snacks) before dinner is a social custom.
Be mindful of noise in residential areas, especially late at night; Italians are social but respect for neighbors is expected.
Safety
Tipping in Gallarate
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest in Italy: leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common in cafés; 5–10% for good restaurant service is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis, round up or add a euro or two. For exceptional service (tour guides, private drivers) consider 5–10%.
Euro is used; cash is still common for small purchases, markets and cafés. Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but always carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make it an excellent time for hiking, cycling and exploring lakes; occasionally rainy, so pack a light rain jacket.
Warm to hot and sometimes humid — perfect for lake activities, but expect more tourists on weekends and higher temperatures midday; bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Cooler weather and colorful foliage around the lakes and hills; harvest season means seasonal food festivals and great mushroom/cheese dishes.
Chilly, with foggy mornings and occasional snow; great for hearty local food and nearby skiing in the pre-Alps on day trips, but dress warmly.
Gallarate at Night
Hiking in Gallarate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
UNESCO site with a network of paths and chapels leading to panoramic viewpoints above Varese; easy to moderately challenging walks with cultural interest.
Offers forested trails, ridgelines and panoramic overlooks; popular for day hikes and nature photography, about a short drive from Gallarate.
Riverside trails and wetlands along the Ticino River ideal for longer walks, cycling and birdwatching; flat terrain suitable for families.
Smaller climbs and local trails in the pre-Alpine foothills provide varied routes for hiking and trail running with scenic views.
A network of valley trails with waterfalls, woodland and rustic villages — pleasant for spring and autumn hikes.
Airports
How to reach Gallarate by plane.
The closest major international airport (about 10–20 minutes by car, 15–25 minutes by train depending on connection). Frequent shuttle and train links make Gallarate very convenient for arrivals and departures.
Closer to central Milan and mainly domestic/European flights; about 40–60 minutes by road from Gallarate depending on traffic, accessible by taxi or shuttle services.
Low-cost carrier airport serving many European destinations, around 45–60 minutes by car; reachable by regional transport and shuttle services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in nearby industrial zones or commute to Milan; family-oriented neighborhoods and local businesses.
People who live in Gallarate for good transport links to Milan and Malpensa, contributing to a dynamic daytime population.
Diverse communities from Eastern Europe, North Africa and South Asia contribute to multicultural eateries, shops and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region with local amateur clubs and youth teams; match-going culture is strong in towns and cities nearby.
Road cycling and mountain biking are very popular thanks to varied terrain from flat lake paths to hilly pre-Alpine climbs.
Indoor sports such as volleyball, basketball and futsal are common in community sports centres and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gallarate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian risottos, pasta with seasonal vegetables and antipasti plates; always ask the server for daily vegetable preparations and cheese-based dishes.
Vegan options are increasing but more limited than in big cities; look for vegetable soups, salads, polenta-based dishes and specialty cafés that label vegan items.
Gluten-free pasta and breads are commonly available in restaurants; ask for 'senza glutine' and verify cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.