Milan is quite a controversial city for me. To be completely honest, when I visited it for the first time, it didn’t catch my attention much except the cathedral, which is pretty majestic. After returning to Milan after a few years, I must say the city is worth exploring.
I recommend checking it out if you’re around or it’s on the way to your destination. In this article, I’ll tell you what you can visit and how many days are enough for Milan. Let’s explore it together!
How Many Days In Milan Is Enough? Answered!
One day in Milan is technically enough, although 2-3 days would be ideal for taking in all the sites with enough breaks. My one day in Milan consisted of a ton of walking, and my feet were so tired. I definitely wanted another day to continue exploring, even after all I saw, but I took in the major sites in one day.
You can even choose to stay beyond 1-3 days to have a base for day trips to places like Lake Como, Trezzo SullβAdda (where I stayed), and more off-the-beaten-path spots!
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11 Amazing Things To Do In Milan
There are more things than you may think to do in Milan, but the major attractions are the ones to be sure to include in any itinerary. If youβre on a budget, you donβt have to pay for all of these – some of them you can wander around for free without going into all the museums.
Here are the major sites and meals to include in a day (or more) in this beautiful city!
1. Admire Duomo Di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is an iconic photo spot in Milan, but it’s way more than that – it’s the biggest Cathedral in Italy with a long and intriguing history.
You can spend hours in this area, from snapping photos in the Piazza del Duomo, climbing the steps to the top and its terraces for amazing views and more photos, to exploring the neighboring Duomo museum, which houses a lot of artifacts from the Cathedral.
β‘ Get the entrance ticket to enter Duomo & its terraces here & save time.
2. Hang Around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest active shopping area in Italy, plus another iconic Milan structure. It’s a four-story shopping arcade with gorgeous architecture, glass roof domes, mosaics, and floor tiles with the coat of arms of the capitals of the kingdoms of Italy.
You can grab coffee and shop at major luxury stores in this arcade, as well as enjoying the atmosphere and taking pictures.
Some of the oldest restaurants in the city are still in operation here as well, so it’s a great place to stop for a meal!
3. Visit Teatro Alla Scala & Piazza Della Scala
Not far from the Duomo and Galleria is the iconic Teatro Alla Scala, the historical grand opera house, and the outdoor Piazza della Scala.
With history going back to 1778, the opera house is a cornerstone of Italian opera history, and the neoclassical architecture and interior are worth seeing. You can also choose to buy tickets to a performance if you have time.
β‘ Check out current performances at the official website here.
4. Explore Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
Sforza Castle is a huge and historic fortress with multiple museums and more amazing history! It was built in the 15th century and today stands like new. It is fun to explore the courtyards and towers even if you don’t pay for tickets to the museums.
The museums feature Michelangelo’s final sculpture, “Rondanini PietΓ ,” ancient Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance art, and more.
β‘ Buy a ticket to the Sforza Castle with an audio guide here.
5. See βThe Last Supperβ Painting
Santa Maria Delle Grazie is best known for housing Leonardo da Vinciβs βThe Last Supperβ artwork, which draws tourists and travelers to come see it.
You need to make reservations in advance, so make sure to do that if you definitely want to see it! Beyond the painting, the rest of the church is worth visiting as well for its frescoes, Renaissance-style architecture and interior, and history that includes surviving and rebuilding after wars and the survival of the Last Supper painting.
β‘ Book this guided tour of Leonardo’s Last Supper.
6. Visit Pinacoteca Di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera, housed in the Palazzo Brera, is a famous art gallery with masterpieces from the time of the Italian Renaissance to the modern day, including works by Italian icons like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian, plus European artists including Rembrandt and Rubens.
The building is worth visiting as well – it was built in the late Baroque period and has housed the Academy of Fine Arts since the 18th century. You need to make a reservation to visit the museum, but even without a reservation, you can explore parts of the building, like the courtyard and hallways, which have statues and more, plus the atmosphere is worth a stop!
There are also benches in the courtyard to give your feet a break from all the walking.
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7. Stop For Pizza In The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
After all that walking, you definitely deserve some carbs – in the form of amazing Italian pizza, of course! I highly recommend this because itβs what I did after walking all those steps to the top of the Duomo and exploring the museum (itβs a lot, but well worth it)!
I ate pizza at one of the many restaurants at the top of the Galleria with a view of the Duomo, which was amazing right after being there myself.
π I suggest Ristorante Galleria, Spontini, or a local bakery for some delicious Italian pastries and pies ‘Panzerotti Luini‘.
8. Enjoy Coffee At The Starbucks Reserve
There are only 7 Starbucks Reserve locations in the world, so this one is worth a stop (especially because it includes all-important coffee)!
Iβm recommending this in particular because I stopped here myself and loved the coffee cocktail-style drinks and touring the facility. Itβs also not far from the Duomo, which is the best thing to see first in Milan.
I know not everyone is into Starbucks (I prefer exploring local shops in any destination), so here are some of my favorite coffee shops in Milan for you:
β Giornali Con Caffe
β CaffΓ¨ Napoli Giardino
β The Bar Milano
β Flagship Store Lavazza – Milano
9. Try Focaccia At All’Antico Vinaio
When I discovered the sandwich shop ‘All’Antico Vinaio‘ for the first time in Florence, I wanted to return to the city just to eat their delicious focaccia again. When I realized they also have a shop in Milan, it immediately became one of my favorite cities.
This focaccia is so delicious – you’ll get it fresh out of the oven with drops of olive oil, and then it’s up to you which toppings you choose. Fresh mozarella, mortadela, prosciutto, rucola, straciatella, pesto basilico, and more meat – there is everything your stomach desire.
Be prepared to stand in a line for a while, but promise me you’ll wait – it’s worth it!
10. Relax At Parco Sempione
I definitely needed to rest my feet after all the sightseeing, and Parco Sempione is right next door from Sforza Castle, filled with more walking but also benches with shade, plus food trucks you can find for ice cream, water, and more.
The 95-acre park was designed in 1888 to resemble an English Garden (I definitely got Hyde Park vibes here) and is also filled with monuments, public art, an amphitheater, and more to explore!
11. Go Shopping
If you still have time, or if youβd rather shop than some of the other sites, Milan is definitely the place for luxury shopping! Places to shop include:
π Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
π Via Manzoni
π Via Della Spiga
π Corso Venezia
π Via Montenapoleone.
π READ ALSO: 21 Italy Souvenirs To Bring Home: What To Buy In Italy
3-Day Itinerary For Milan
To help you organize and plan your stay in Milan, I’ve also put together a quick itinerary and divided the sights to see in the city into each day.
Check out the schedule below and follow it so you can skip planning and head to the city to explore.
β 1. Day In Milan
I recommend taking the first day to explore the Duomo (after breakfast, of course) and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, before lunch.
After taking your time at lunch to rest and eat, I recommend heading to the nearby Teatro Alla Scala. If you have extra time, the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci is right on the other side of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from the Duomo, so if you have kids especially, this is another great stop.
After this, take time to explore the historic streets and architecture before stopping for dinner to end your day!
β 2. Day In Milan
The next day, after breakfast, head to Castello Sforzesco to explore the grounds and museums, which will take some time. After this, you can get lunch at either a food truck in Parco Sempione or elsewhere, plus take some time to explore the park and see the monuments and public art.
After this, stop by Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the church and the paintings before heading to the Pinacoteca di Brera to see the gallery and explore.
The neighborhood around this is a great place to do some shopping and find restaurants, so you can stay around here afterward and end the day.
β 3. Day In Milan
Your third day in Milan is perfect for taking a day trip to a nearby place. There are a lot of beautiful lakes and more attractions close to Milan, and you can rent a car or take the train and buses.
π Trezzo SullβAdda
I stayed in Trezzo SullβAdda, and took the bus and trains into Milan and back. This little town has multiple attractions, including Visconti Castle, Centrale idroelettrica Alessandro Taccani, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Crespi d’Adda.
π Lake Como
Lake Como is a short train ride from Milan and offers outdoor activities, views and elaborate villas to see. You can also explore the photo-worthy villages of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, as well as taking a lake cruise to see the mountain views.
π Verona
Verona, known for βRomeo and Julietβ, is also called βLittle Romeβ for its Colosseum-like arena. Itβs also most known for the famous Julietβs House with the iconic balcony. In addition, there are museums, like the Castelvecchio Museum, a well-known garden, and restaurants with amazing food!
π Bergamo
Bergamo is a medieval-era town that is divided into the upper and lower towns to explore. You can see the Venetian walls of the CittΓ Alta, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, panoramic views from the Rocca di Bergamo and more.
π Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands
Lake Maggiore is another lake destination that you can visit on a day trip, and you can visit the Borromean Islands with Isola Bella and Borromeo Palace. You can also visit Isola dei Pescatori, a fishing village.
π READ ALSO:
Milan To Amalfi Coast: Ultimate Travel Guide
5 Best Day Trips From Milan To Switzerland & Tips
BONUS: 10-Day Northern Italy Itinerary
Milan is the perfect gateway to explore Northern Italy, one of my favorite parts of the country.
Even if you don’t have 10 days, check out my 10-day Northern Italy itinerary to get ideas for some day trips from Milan and explore more of the area. Whether it’s more cities like Verona, Venice, or Trento, the stunning Dolomites and its hiking trails, or charming lakes, I’ve got you covered.
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Practical Tips For Visiting Milan
I also have a few tips for you when visiting this city. It’ll help you plan and prepare even more so you can have the best possible time. Check out how to get to the city, how to get around, and where to stay to explore it all:
How To Get To Milan
Milan is easy to reach by air, train, bus, car, and ferry from most places. Here’s more info on each:
β By Plane
Milan has two international airports, Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN). Malpensa Airport is the largest of them and serves as a major hub for international flights, while Linate Airport is primarily used for domestic and European flights.
β‘ Get great flight deals to Milan via Skyscanner here.
π By Train
Milan is a major rail hub with excellent connections to other cities in Italy and Europe. Milano Centrale is the city’s main train station, and it has high-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) to regional and international destinations. You can get to Milan by train from other major cities in Italy, including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Turin, as well as from neighboring countries such as Switzerland and France.
β‘ Check out train connections to Milan via Trainline here.
π By Bus
There are several bus companies with long-distance routes to Milan from various European cities. FlixBus, Eurolines, and Baltour are just some of the popular operators that offer affordable bus connections to Milan from locations across Italy and Europe.
β‘ Check out bus connections to Milan via Busbud here.
π By Car
You can easily rent a car to drive to Milan from other cities in Italy, as it’s connected by the Italian highway network. The A1 and A4 highways are the main routes leading to Milan from the south and west. Driving in Milan’s city center can be challenging due to traffic congestion and limited parking, so using public transportation once you arrive is easiest.
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How To Get Around Milan
Since Milan is a major city, itβs easy to navigate in multiple ways.
METRO: Milanβs extensive metro network has four lines, the M1, M2, M3, and M5, that connect the center and surrounding areas. You can buy tickets at the metro stations.
TRAM: Milan also has a tram system, which covers many areas the metro doesnβt in the city. The tram is also a great photo-op, and itβs fun to explore because itβs historic. You can buy tickets at tram stops.
BUS: The bus network in Milan is also extensive and covers more routes throughout the city and suburbs (I took the bus from Trezzo SullβAdda into Milan, then got on the train from there). You can buy bus tickets at kiosks, newsstands or onboard the bus.
BIKE SHARING & WALKING: In addition to these, bike sharing is available in Milan with a program called BikeMi, and there are designated bike lanes. You can also walk, as the city is very pedestrian-friendly and the major sites are within walking distance from one another.
TAXIS & RIDE-SHARING SERVICES: Lastly, Milan has taxis as well as services like Uber and Bolt available.
Best Time To Visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan are typically the shoulder seasons, which are Spring (March-May) and Fall (Sept-Nov). These times typically have the mildest weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds.
There are some parts of these times with more crowds, like during Milan Design Week in April and Milan Fashion Week in September.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Milan as it is the peak tourist season. Itβs also hotter and more humid, and in August, locals tend to leave for vacation, and some shops are closed.
Winter is cold and damp, but the holidays can be a magical time in Milan with all the decorations and festivities.
Where To Stay In Milan
The best and safest areas to stay in Milan include the City Center (Centro Storico). It’s within walking distance of the major attractions, so itβs convenient and safe as itβs well-patrolled.
Brera, near the Pinacoteca di Brera, has one of the most charming neighborhoods in Milan. Itβs close to attractions but quieter and also safe.
Additional areas to consider are Navigli, famous for its picturesque canals lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, and San Babila, near the fashion district, and Duomo, which is well-connected by public transit and has shops and restaurants with places to stay for every budget.
Below are the hotels I recommend booking in Milan for your stay:
π Best Hotels In the City Center (Centro Storico):
β‘ Ostello Bello Grande – budget-friendly hotel – book here
β‘ Hotel Spadari Al Duomo – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Park Hyatt Milano – luxury hotel – book here
π Best Hotels In Brera:
β‘ B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio – budget-friendly hotel – book here
β‘ Hotel Milano Scala – mid-range hotel – book here
β‘ Bulgari Hotel Milano – luxury hotel – book here
FAQs
Last but not least, I’d like to answer some of your common questions if you plan a visit to Milan. You can also write me an email (info(at)voicesoftravel.com) if you have more questions.
Is 2 Days Enough To Visit Milan?
Yes, two days is enough to see the main attractions in Milan. I think it’s the perfect time to explore all the highlights it offers.
Is 4 Days Too Much For Milan?
Four days might be too much for just Milan unless you want more time to shop and relax, but four days can be great if you take the time to go on day trips some of the days to nearby places like Lake Como, Verona, and more!
How Many Days In Lake Como & Milan Is Enough?
2 days in Milan and 2 days in Lake Como is ideal, but technically, you can do 1 to 2 days in each and see the most important sites.
Is Milan Worth Visiting?
Yes, Milan is definitely worth visiting for its rich history, cultural attractions, fashion scene, and delicious cuisine.
Is Milan Too Expensive?
Milan can be relatively expensive compared to other cities in Italy, especially for accommodation and dining in the more touristy areas. However, with careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy the city on a budget!
WRAP UP: How Many Days In Milan Is Enough?
This is your ideal time in Milan and my suggestions for visiting the city. As I said, it wasn’t love on the first side of this city for me, but if you pick particular things to do and make some day trips in the area, you’ll love it.
If you need help planning your trip to Milan, Italy, or other European countries, I also plan customized travel itineraries for my clients. Write me an email at info(at)voicesoftravel.com, and we can discuss the details.
Have a great trip!
More Tips For Italy Travel
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How To Make A Day Trip From Rome To Amalfi Coast: Full Itinerary
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About the author: Nicoletta is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.
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