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Why visit Milan?

Milan is a dynamic city and the hub for fashion, design, and finance while boasting a rich tapestry of history and culture. Historically, Milan has been a significant economic and cultural center for centuries, thriving since its founding.

The city’s highlight is the Duomo di Milano, a stunning Gothic cathedral with intricate detailing that took 6 centuries to complete. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping arcade, combining history with luxury shopping and dining. Don’t miss the iconic Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Milan buzzes with style and design, reflected in its modern fashion district and vibrant cultural scene. Stroll through the Navigli district to enjoy its lively atmosphere, canal-side cafes, and unique local shops. Milan is renowned for its fashion scene, epitomized in the Quadrilatero della Moda and Milan’s Fashion Week.

How many days in Milan?

Three days in Milan is the perfect amount of time to experience Milan at a comfortable pace. With more days in Milan you can really take in this wonderful city and enjoy it at a slower pace, indulge in leisurely meals and aperitivos, plus explore the wider area on day trips

Two days in Milan is a good amount of time and allows you to explore the main attractions, but be prepared for a couple of busy days filled with sightseeing and activities. But even if you’re short on time, don’t worry! You can get a good taste of its highlights in just one day in Milan.

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Suggested Milan Itineraries

Whether you have just a day or several, we have the perfect itinerary for you.

1 Day in Milan

Milan in one day itinerary

8:00 AM: Piazza Duomo & Duomo di Milano
10:00 AM: Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
11:00 AM: Piazza Mercanti
11:45 PM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
12:30 PM: Lunch with a view
2:00 PM: Leonardo da Vinci Museum
3:00 PM: The Last Supper
5:00 PM: Sforzesco Castle
6:00 PM: Sempione Park & Branca Tower
7:00 PM: Arco della Pace
8:00 PM: Apericena in Navigli

2 Days in Milan

Day 1: Historic Milan

8:00 AM: Piazza Duomo & Duomo di Milano
10:00 AM: Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
11:00 AM: Piazza Mercanti
11:45 PM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
12:30 PM: Lunch with a view
2:00 PM: Leonardo da Vinci Museum
3:00 PM: The Last Supper
5:00 PM: Sforzesco Castle
6:00 PM: Sempione Park & Branca Tower
7:00 PM: Arco della Pace
8:00 PM: Apericena in Navigli

Day 2 – Artistic & Modern Milan

8:00 AM: Pinnacoteca Brera
9:30 AM: Coffee in Brera
10:30 PM: Teatro alla Scala
12:00 PM: Monumental Cemetery
1:00 PM: Corso Como and lunch
2:30 PM: Piazza Gae Aulenti & Bosco Verticale
4:00 PM – Choose Your Own Adventure
6:30 PM – Final Aperitif in Milan
7:30 PM – Risotto alla Milanese for dinner

3 Days in Milan

Day 1: Historic Milan

8:00 AM: Piazza Duomo & Duomo di Milano
10:00 AM: Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
11:00 AM: Piazza Mercanti
11:45 PM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
12:30 PM: RoofTop della Rinascente for lunch
2:00 PM: Leonardo da Vinci Museum
3:00 PM: Santa Maria delle Grazie & Last Supper
5:00 PM: Sforzesco Castle
6:00 PM: Sempione Park & Branca Tower
7:00 PM: Arco della Pace
8:PM Dinner in Chinatown

Day 2 – Choice day

Option A: Art and Culture in Milan
Option B: Day trip from Milan
Evening: Apericena in Navigli

Day 3 – Artistic & Modern Milan

8:00 AM: Pinnacoteca Brera
9:30 AM: Coffee in Brera
10:30 PM: Teatro alla Scala
12:00 PM: Monumental Cemetery
1:00 PM: Stroll down Corso Como and grab lunch
2:30 PM: Piazza Gae Aulenti & Bosco Verticale
4:00 PM – Shopping or Spa
6:30 PM – Aperitif at Aperol Terrace
7:30 PM – Risotto alla Milanese for dinner

5 Days in Milan

Day 1: Historic Milan

Day 1: Historic Milan
8:00 AM: Piazza Duomo & Duomo di Milano
10:00 AM: Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
11:00 AM: Piazza Mercanti
11:45 PM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
12:30 PM: RoofTop della Rinascente for lunch
2:00 PM: Leonardo da Vinci Museum
3:00 PM: Santa Maria delle Grazie & Last Supper
5:00 PM: Sforzesco Castle
6:00 PM: Sempione Park & Branca Tower
7:00 PM: Arco della Pace
7:30 PM: Apericena in Navigli

Day 2 – Art, fashion and food

9:30 AM – Armani/Silos or Prada Foundation
12:00 PM – Food Tour or Cooking Class
3:00 PM – Shopping or Spa
6:00 PM – Quirky Cocktails at Nottingham Forest
7:30 PM – Dinner at PLIN Pastificio

Day 3 – Lake Como Day Trip

Take a day trip to the gorgeous Lake Como. Explore villages, villas and enjoy a lake cruise.

Day 4 – Bernina Express and St.Moritz Day Trip

Take the scenic train route to St. Moritz and enjoy alpine vistas, glacial lakes and a swiss towns.

Day 5 – Artistic & Modern Milan

8:00 AM: Pinnacoteca Brera
10:00 AM: Coffee in Brera
11:30 PM: Teatro alla Scala
1:00 PM: Via Paolo Sarpi for lunch
2:30 PM: Monumental Cemetery
4:00 PM: Piazza Gae Aulenti & Bosco Verticale
5:00 PM – Indro Montanelli Gardens and Gallery or Museum
6:30 PM – Aperitif at Aperol Terrace
7:30 PM – Risotto alla Milanese for dinner

Where to stay in Milan

For the most convenient and enjoyable stay in Milan, base yourself in the historic city center (Centro Storico) or the trendy Brera neighborhood. Both offer central locations with easy access to numerous attractions, as well as a diverse array of restaurants and bars.

If you’re traveling by train or hauling lots of luggage, it might be wise to stay near the central train station. And if you’re after nightlife or modern architecture consider Navigli, Isola or Ticinese.

5 Best things to do in Milan

1. Visit the Duomo di Milano: This Gothic masterpiece is not only a symbol of Milan but also a marvel of architecture. Climb to the rooftop terraces for stunning panoramic views of the city.
2. See The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci: Marvel at this world-renowned fresco, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Its artistic significance and historical impact make it an absolute must-see.
3. Discover Milan on a walking tour: Embark on a walking tour of Milan’s cultural landmarks. Experience the impressive Duomo, The Last Supper, and the city’s rich architectural and artistic heritage guided by an experienced and knowledgeable local guide.
4. Have aperitivo at the Navigli: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along these picturesque canals, lined with restaurants and shops. It’s a perfect spot for an evening aperitivo and offers a glimpse into Milan’s historic past while also offering an opportunity for a lively night out.
5. Try the Risotto alla Milanese: Savor this classic Milanese dish made with saffron, giving it a distinctive yellow hue and rich flavor. It’s a must-try when in Milan and you can upgrade it with Ossobuco.

Best time to visit Milan

Milan will steal your heart no matter when you visit. For the best weather, spring and autumn are ideal, although be prepared for a bit of a crowd. Winter, while less popular, transforms the city into a magical wonderland. Summer, especially August, is surprisingly quiet but can get scorching hot.

Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan your visit:

• January and February: During winter, Milan takes on a magical atmosphere. January is the coldest and quietest month, ideal for exploring museums and cafes without many tourists. February is when you can experience the Ambrosian Carnival. This is also when the winter sales are on. However, be prepared for cold weather, so dress warmly. Temperature range: 2-8°C (36-46°F)
• March to May: Spring is a delightful time to visit Milan. In March, the city begins to bloom, and the weather gradually warms. By April and May, the temperatures are mild, making it pleasant to explore the city’s parks and outdoor attractions. These months are popular, so expect some crowds, especially during events like Milan Design Week. Temperature range: 8-20°C (46-68°F)
• June to August: Summer in Milan can be quite hot, especially in July and August. June remains relatively comfortable, with long sunny days perfect for sightseeing. In August, many locals go on vacation, so the city becomes surprisingly quiet, offering a more relaxed experience. However, bigger attractions remain open, and cultural festivals offer entertainment. Temperature range: 18-31°C (64-88°F)
• September to November: Autumn is another fantastic time to visit. September still holds onto warm days but with cooler evenings. The city is lively with events like Milan Fashion Week. October brings beautiful autumn colors and mild temperatures, ideal for strolling through districts like Brera. By November, the weather cools, and days become shorter, signaling the approach of the holiday season. Temperature range: 11-24°C (52-75°F)
• December: The city transforms into a festive wonderland in December. The streets are adorned with holiday lights, and Christmas markets fill with handcrafted goods and delicious treats. Although it’s colder, the holiday spirit and events make it a magical time to visit Milan. Temperature range: 1-8°C (34-46°F)

Getting to Milano

Milan is a major hub with excellent connections by air, train, and road.

By Air: Fly into Malpensa Airport, Milan’s main international gateway. From there, book this private transfer or hop on the Malpensa Express train for a quick ride into the city center. Alternatively, Linate Airport is a convenient choice for many travelers.

By Train: Arrive at Milano Centrale, the city’s main train station with direct access to various parts of Italy and Europe. It’s a striking architectural marvel and, more importantly, a key transit hub. Be sure not to confuse it with Milano Porta Garibaldi, another important station serving various regional routes.

By Bus: Milan’s bus services connect various regions, with many terminating at Milan’s central areas like Piazza Duca d’Aosta, near Milano Centrale.

By Car: You can easily reach Milan by rental car via A1 or A4. Though Milan is car-friendly, parking can be a challenge in the heart of the city. Park at one of the designated public parking lots on the outskirts, such as those in Famagosta or Lampugnano, and take public transport into the city center.

Getting around Milan

The historic city center of Milan is best explored by foot but navigating wider Milan is a breeze with its superb public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, the metro, and trains. This hop-on hop-off bus is fantastic for getting from one attraction to the other. It has three different routes connecting all the major landmarks in the city and you can choose between tickets valid for 24, 48 or 72h. Throw in a plethora of taxis and Uber drivers, and you’re all set.

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