Milan is a fascinating city. To be completely transparent, we didn`t fully appreciate this until our second trip to the northern Italian jewel, sorry Venice.
It`s quite clear that Milan has a more modern feel than cities like Rome or Florence, with wealth from the fashion industry in Milan leading to some truly fascinating people watching. However, it`s certainly not as naturally beautiful and charming as those places – it seems more akin to Berlin than Rome, at least from my perspective.
Until joining a walking tour led by a journalist on my second trip to Milan, I didn’t quite grasp the historical and cultural dynamics at play in Milan.
Milan is the second biggest city in Italy after Rome, but the contrast between the two cities is stark and is something you’re sure to notice almost immediately.
The contrast begins with the modern versus ancient aesthetic and ambiance, with deeper distinctions including factors like a more international population and greatly strengthened economy.
That contrast highlights a greater image – a north versus south dynamic – that is somewhat of a nuanced subject to discuss with many Italians and has origins dating back centuries to when Milan was, essentially, a border city conquered by the Romans, who were constantly defending the northern border of the empire from the Gauls and Germanic tribes.
The noteworthy part for me – and this was a point that was brought up by my walking tour guide, Ruth, who grew up in Milan – is that those influences still persist today.
From Germanic undertones of both local Lombardic dialects and the version of Italian spoken in Milan, to an acclaimed dish that looks and tastes suspiciously akin to schnitzel (“we improved it by adding veal” said Ruth), Milan is yet another example of the cultural diversity that is one of the reasons I appreciate Italy.
It’s a relatively young country, and each region (even city) within it is shaped by thousands of years of city-state life that give them all unique characteristics. Like Cotoletta alla Milanese (which is essentially veal schnitzel) paired with saffron risotto. Which, incidentally, is absolutely delicious.
Anyway, if you’re still reading, thank you for accepting my introduction. Let’s continue on to the itinerary, shall we?
In this guide, planning an incredible two day Milan itinerary will be detailed. Logistics will be covered first – where to fly to, navigating options, and lodging etc – followed by a thorough overview of seeing the best of Milan within two days.
By completion, it is our intention that you’ll have all the information needed to plan an incredible trip.
If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
Is 2 Days in Milan Enough (or, How Many Days Should You Spend in Milan)?
When drafting our routes, we always start with a section devoted to recommended time in each place featured.
To be candid, the response is generally equivalent: no, the allotted number of days isn`t truly sufficient, but if it`s your limitation we`ll assist you in making the most of it.
Milan encounters the same issue. Two days only allows glimpses of what Milan offers culturally (or neighboring treasure spots like Lake Como and Turin easily accessed from the city).
However, we think allocating two days is a good balance because it allows splitting up the major attractions – The Last Supper and the Duomo di Milano Cathedral – visiting each on separate days.
While doing them in a single day is possible(and we have a thorough guide about spending one day in Milan to assist with this),typically we find ourselves quite tired after just one major attraction based on our experience, with two being too many.
To provide background, I (Matt here, the primary writer on this site!) have now visited Milan twice. Once just over 24 hours, and once for nearly a week.
While the initial trip provided an overview, more time there on a return allowed exploring places that were relatively unknown and under publicized, which I found most enjoyable.
So, in short, Milan is a big, modern city, and you won’t be able to see everything within two days.
However, we feel that allocating two days allows enough time to experience the primary attractions – the Duomo, The Last Supper, and Parco Sempione – while still leaving room to explore some lesser known places of interest and neighborhoods with unique vibrancy.
If adding a day trip from Milan to places like Lake Como, Turin, or Verona, then we’d be sure to allot an extra day to your Milan itinerary for each rather than trying to fit it into just two days.
Where to Stay in Milan
With two days, we’re uncertain on which area to suggest for your trip. So we’ll provide you three, with a brief overview of their pros/cons and some cool places to stay that we’ve come across.
If you want the longer version, we have an entire guide to the best places to stay in Milan, which is a deep dive into choosing the right place to stay.
“. The passage references a more thorough guide on their site for selecting the ideal lodging accommodations when visiting Milan, Italy
That destination is where to check for all the details behind the summaries in this section.
To provide some context, we stayed at the iQ Hotel (near Milano Centrale, Milan’s main train station), Ostello Bello Grande (also near the train station), and Casa Mia (near Porta Venezia) and highly recommend all three, which offer different facilities at different costs (for example, Casa Mia has a kitchen, which was useful during my solo trip).
At a high level, we believe there are three regions that would make a good base for your time in Milan, and it largely depends on your specific preferences.
If experiencing the major attractions is a priority, we’d suggest lodging in the nearby area of Brera instead of right by the Duomo, as it is within walking distance of Milan`s three main points of interest yet removed from the swarms of sightseers congregating at Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
You’ll pay for the location, and it’s a fairly upscale neighborhood, but the location is worth the price we believe given Milan’s spread out nature.
.
“(426)”” “
Obviously, for someone with Celiac Disease like myself, finding suitable places to dine and consume refreshments in Bologna can present some complications. Therefore, for more helpful recommendations on eateries and beverage venues, I point you to Coral at Curious Appetite (who also conduct food guided tours in Bologna!).
If proximity to transportation and convenience are priorities, consider lodging nearMilano Centrale (which is likely your point of arrival in Milan). It’s not the most attractive neighborhood – you’ll want to look elsewhere for cuisine and drinks – but it’s the transportation focal point of the city with good metro and tram connections.
For what it`s worth, we stayed in this vicinity. Twice. And appreciated it generally.
On our initial travel we stayed at Ostello Bello Grande, a very pleasant hostel a block away from the train station with a lovely rooftop patio and both bunks and non-public rooms (we chose the latter).
On my latest trip, I stayed at Hotel IQ with my mom and brother, and it was also great – comfortable beds, friendly staff, and good value.
If you want to stay in what is considered Milan’s coolest neighborhood, look south towards Navigli, Milan’s miniature version of Amsterdam.
This area of the city is very appealing to us, and the small canals add an unexpected element of interest while the neighborhood is lively and full of excellent places to dine and socialize.
It’s the least convenient of the three, though, since it’s on the opposite end of the city from Milano Centrale, which may or may not be a deal breaker for your relatively short trip.
Remain near Old Faithful (there are three park lodges) or in the town of West Yellowstone, which is outside the western entrance and offers the best hotel variety and amenities around Yellowstone’s border.
2 Days in Milan: An Itinerary for First Timers
And now, onwards and upwards to the itinerary!
This guide covers the main attractions and activities that should not be missed on a 48 hour trip. You’ll also find helpful information, for example how to visit each place and the best way to book tickets.
For this itinerary, we’re assuming that you have two full days in Milan, which likely means arriving the night before and leaving either on the second evening, or the next morning. If you have less than two full days, you’ll have to do some slight adjustments.
Here is a high-level overview of what this 2 day trip to Milan may include:
- Day 1: Coffee, Walking Tour, Duomo Complex, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro alla Scala, Castello Sforzesco, and Parco Sempione.
- Day 2: The Last Supper, The Ambrosian Library, Lunch at a Local Deli, Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, and Dinner and Drinks in the Navigli District.
Day 1 : A Walking Tour, the Duomo, and Parco Sempione
On your first day in Milan, spend the morning getting familiar with a walking tour of the city led by a local guide.
Then use the rest of your day to explore the highlights of the extensive Duomo Complex, as well as some of Milan’s top historical sights, including the Teatro alla Scala and Castello Sforzesco.
But First, Coffee
Begin your first day in Milan the authentic Italian way… with excellent coffee! You’re going to need it before a busy day exploring the city.
Now, there are countless cafes in Milan serving quality coffee, especially those providing a traditional espresso experience at the counter.
However, if you’re like Matt and searching for excellent craft coffee, Milan also has you covered. Here are three places we’d strongly recommend.
- Orsonero: A specialty coffee retailer in a relatively residential area near Porta Venezia in the northeast corner of the city center (somewhat close to Milano Centrale). They usually carry coffee from legendary Italian roaster Gardelli along with a rotating selection of other coffee personalities. It’s a lovely place on a tranquil corner across from a park.
- Loste: A contemporary take on the traditional Italian cafe and bar, with superb specialty coffee and tasty homemade pastries made freshly each morning. It’s a little out of the way (east of the city center), but is worthwhile the journey (particularly for the pastries, which are NOT gluten free, but look incredible).
Yarismeth, the friendly owner with the big friendly smile, talked us through the coffee options. We ended up with a lovely naturally processed Oaxacan coffee as an espresso and a honey processed coffee (she taught me how to say “enmielado”) prepared using a V60, both from Café con Jiribilla (which is the only coffee they serve and sell).
Get Oriented with a Walking Tour
We always endeavor to start exploring a new city with a guided tour. Such an outing helps you to get your bearings. Plus, you can connect with a local and inquire about recommendations like “what should we dine on” and “what interesting spot tends to be overlooked that we really must experience?”
We participated in this experience with an scholar turned historian and enjoyed it greatly. On the two-hour tour (9:00-11:00am), we learned about Milan’s history and architecture and heard stories of the city from a local resident`s perspective.
The tour provides comprehensive coverage, taking in the park, the cathedral exterior, and historic center, offering a helpful overview of the city.
We also truly enjoy Partnering with locals, which we’ve used to organize private walking tours with passionate local guides in multiple cities (but not Milan…yet). It represents better value if you have a group of three or four (or more).
The Duomo di Milano (Terraces + Interior)
If you didn’t already know, the mighty Milan Cathedral is the biggest place of worship in Italy and one of the largest in the world! It’s the city’s most prominent landmark, and a visit is a must for anyone visiting Milan.
It was here I first learned that Napoleon was crowned king of Italy at some point in the Duomo, which led me down a rabbit hole of devouring podcasts and audiobooks about the former emperor-turned-outcast.
The development of Milan’s Duomo started in the 14th Century and took over six centuries to complete.
Construction of the cathedral was interrupted various times mainly due to shifts in ruling powers or occupying forces of the city. It was Napoleon who aided completing efforts and the cathedral was finally finished in the 19th century.
Due to the prolonged completion time and involvement of numerous architects over the centuries, the cathedral’s architectural style is incredibly diverse and scattered throughout different periods of time.
The structuring of the unique building is difficult to classify into one specific time period, with a variety of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Neoclassical decorative aspects.
Centered on Piazza del Duomo, the immense Duomo complex features multiple sections that you can explore.
These include the cathedral itself, the terraces, an archaeological site, a museum, and the Church of St. Gottardo in Corte.
There`s a great deal to see and do in the Duomo complex that you could easily invest the better part of a day exploring everything. But with only 2 days in Milan, we`d recommend limiting your visit to a couple hours and using your saved time to explore other places.
The two portions of the Duomo complex we’d advise focusing on are the terraces and interior.
The Duomo Terraces
The Terraces are truly the standout feature of the entire Duomo complex for us. They are the most exceptional aspect of the Cathedral and ought to be your primary focus during your visit.
You can access the Duomo Terraces either by climbing a lengthy, narrow flight of stairs (it`s truly not too bad) or by paying a small additional fee to take the elevator up.
Visiting the Terraces provides an up-close view of the unusual gargoyles, ornate sculptures, and amazing architectural details of the unique Cathedral that are difficult to observe from Piazza del Duomo below.
For instance, were you aware that sculptures stand atop each of the cathedral`s spires? And not all of the figures are fully dressed, which is an odd choice for a cathedral, but we`ll accept it nonetheless.
This location also offers one of the absolute BEST views in all of Milan.
The rooftop areas provide breathtaking panoramic perspectives over Milan’s skyline, allowing admiration of the historic contrast between the cathedral and surrounding modern architectural works.
The Duomo Interior
We should first note here that we are not “visit all the churches” people. We’d rather spend our time elsewhere when exploring a city. Which is why you won’t find many churches in this Milan itinerary.
But if visiting a church in Milan, this one deserves attention.
The expansive interior of the Duomo cathedral is certainly worth exploring due to its tremendous scale, as well as the vast frescoes, intricately designed stained glass windows, and remarkably lifelike statues. Beyond these aspects, however, it resembles most other prominent churches situated within large Italian cities.
You’ll only need 10-15 minutes within to admire the interior of the Cathedral. Allot most of your time to exploring the Terraces.
Getting Tickets for the Duomo
There are a few different ways of getting tickets for the Duomo.
Now, if before attending Fuyu Fest organized by Sunflower Sake in Portland, you had little familiarity with sake.
For stairway access to the terraces and interior spaces (as recommended), select the ticket variety labeled “DUOMO TERRACES MUSEUM- STAIRS”.
Or you can make a reservation through Get Your Guide for a smoother process. This Cathedral and Rooftop ticket allows access to all areas of the Milan Duomo, along with the use of an audio guide.
The final choice is to join a guided scenic route of the Duomo. This Duomo tour takes you on a two hour go to explore the Cathedral and Terraces, like quick-track entrance and an informed local guide.
Tips for Visiting the Duomo
A few things to be aware of before visiting Milan’s Duomo.
- Cover Up – Recollect, the Duomo continues to act as a house of worship, consequently you’ll require covering up. Entry will be denied if your shoulders and knees are not concealed. Dress suitably or bring extra layers with you if the weather is warm.
- Book Fast Track – Consider reserving a fast-track ticket if visiting during busy periods to avoid long queues. The Cathedral can become extremely crowded in summer and peak seasons.
- Stairway or Mechanical lift? – To achieve the terraces, it will be necessary to climb a steep narrow staircase with roughly 200 steps. We did climb it, and really it wasn`t too difficult. But if you struggle with staircases, consider taking the elevator instead.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Before leaving Piazza del Duomo, take a brief walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The luxurious shopping center in Milan displays impressive architecture, detailed frescoes, and numerous high-end boutiques such as Gucci and Prada lining its pathways.
Stand in the center and make sure to look up to admire the four frescoes just under the roof.
The shopping center does get rather crowded, and many of the stores are a little beyond most regular people`s budgets, so you’ll only need 10 minutes or so to look around. Wander through and find the exit leading outside onto Piazza della Scala.
Teatro alla Scala
Situated across Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from the Duomo Complex, Teatro alla Scala is Milan’s iconic 18th century theatre.
The historic theater is renowned for its lavish design and for hosting Italian opera and ballets. It’s often hailed as one of the most beautiful theaters worldwide.
While you won’t be taking in an opera in the middle of the day, it’s still certainly worth stopping by the lavish theater building.
From outside, one can admire the statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and the theater’s impressive exterior. But to see the famous interior, booked tickets or guided tours must be pre-arranged (unless attending a performance).
A standard entry ticket can be obtained through the theater’s official website. The cost for an adult is €12.96 per individual and grants access to the theater museum housing costumes and musical instruments from the venue’s history.
From the museum, glimpses of the theater itself can be seen from the boxes.
Alternatively, to gain some added depth to your experience, book a guided tour of the theater.
Guided visits of the theater can be reserved through their website. The official tours are less costly than most private tours, however they only run once daily in each language, so fitting it into your schedule may be more difficult.
You can also book a guided tour through a private touring company. There are plenty of organizations offering small group tours through sites such as Get Your Guide, meaning more adaptable timings.
Most guided visits typically last around an hour while exploring the building and exhibitions, illuminating aspects of its design and long history.
If opera aligns with your interests, you could elect to set aside the tour and return on one of your evenings to experience a performance. Shows take place most nights of the week – locate the full schedule here.
Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco
Your first day`s final stop will provide a glimpse into Milan`s Medieval history.
Castello Sforzesco is a extensive Medieval-Renaissance stronghold. It was initially constructed in the 14th Century by the Duke of Milan, before being transformed into a private residence by the Visconti Lords.
The Lords invested heavily in decorating the castle with the finest artistic works imaginable – including many frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci.
Today, the castle is home to various exhibitions, including the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Archaeological Museum of Milan, and the Rondanini Pietà Museum (highlighting Michelangelo’s last work).
Entrance to all of the museums is included in a single €5 ticket. If you have a couple of hours to spare and enjoy exploring museums, it’s pretty good value that allows access to multiple cultural sites. Once inside, you can also walk the castle ramparts for some nice scenic views of the city.
Personally, we don`t think visiting the museums is essential in Milan. If you, like us, have already seen plenty of museums across Europe, we`d suggest skipping them and enjoying the castle grounds from outside instead. The castle courtyard and surrounding areas are freely open to the public.
After finishing at Castello Sforzesco, take a stroll through the surrounding Parco Sempione, the biggest green area in Milan. It brings to mind Golden Gate Park in our former home of San Francisco, or Central Park in New York.
An 15-minute heated pool located in a stunning spa, next to a unique “aquatic circuit” with water jets, jacuzzis, and resistance currents providing a refreshing workout. 
Walk through the huge park from the castle to the Arco della Pace.
Be sure to come by Ponte delle Sirenette, which is a bridge with mermaid statues on either end. Find it here on Google Maps.
Day 2: The Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Milan’s Canals
On your second day in Milan, start with seeing the famous The Last Supper painting at the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, before heading to The Ambrosian Library to view some of Leonard Da Vinci’s original sketches.
After lunch, check out the ancient mosaics of Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Roman columns of Colonne di San Lorenzo. Then end your day in the Navigli District for dinner and drinks by the canals.
Seeing the Last Supper
Located inside a small church in central Milan, The Last Supper is one of the most famous artworks in the world.
Painted in the late 15th Century by Leonardo Da Vinci, the piece depicts Jesus sharing a last meal with his disciples.
The depicted scene is noteworthy because Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him. And – FORESHADOWING – sure enough, Judas does.
The Last Supper is undoubtedly worth seeing! However, unfortunately it`s not the easiest Milan attraction to access.
The famous painting is situated inside Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, with strictly limited crowds to safeguard the artwork. Visits are provided in 15-minute time slots, with only 25 guests per interval.
This is not a great number of people when you consider how many thousands of tourists come to Milan each day, most of whom want to see the famous painting.
Getting tickets becomes even more difficult when you consider tour companies get first dibs on them, leaving very few for independent travelers.
On our last trip to Milan, I was with my mom and brother and seeing the Last Supper in person was on my mom’s wish list.
Regrettably, the window had closed for us to independently purchase tickets and visit, but the organized tour we attended (it was this guided Walks of Italy excursion) was excellent and included a walking orientation to the Duomo where a few spots were highlighted we likely would have missed on our own.
We offer a few potential solutions ranging from being thoroughly prepared and ready to schedule well in advance, to realizing belatedly with little time remaining to arrange accommodations in Milan – assistance is needed!
Below we`ll summarize our tips for obtaining tickets to see The Last Supper. Fundamentally, you have two choices: acquiring tickets independently or joining a guided tour.
Getting Last Supper Tickets Independently
Purchasing tickets individually provides the most reliability, though it can be quite difficult and confusing to organise.
Tickets are available here on the official website.
Access to tickets is released sporadically up to 3 months in advance. During the peak summer season, tickets sell out almost immediately. Even in the off-season, weekend tickets still tend to sell out rapidly.
As soon as you know which dates you’ll be visiting Milan, you’re going to need to keep checking the ticket website and try to book as far in advance as possible!
Hotels near Airport with Free Shuttle: All of the below hotels offer complimentary shuttle bus service to and from SeaTac International Airport
When purchasing tickets through the official site, you`ll need to develop a MY-VIVATICKET account.
Even after booking online, you’ll still need to show up at the ticket office at the church at least 15 minutes before your time slot to redeem the tickets. There can be long queues to pick up tickets, so make sure to allot for this!
Join a Guided Tour
If you’ve made your travel plans at the last minute and independent tickets for your dates are no longer available, there`s no need to lose hope entirely.
Situated in the historic Makriyanni neighborhood, 170 meters east of the Acropolis Museum, and roughly 1km from Monastiraki and Syntagma squares.
There are two possibilities for taking a guided tour of The Last Supper. These are joining an outing that solely covers the Last Supper (like this one), or joining a more extensive Milan walking tour that takes you around to several sites (like this one).
Colchuck Lake remains among our preferred hikes, and we recently ventured there again to celebrate my mother`s birthday and it disappointed not.
We’ve done many tours with Walks of Italy at this point (you can read about our incredible experience on their Colosseum Tour in Rome), and they’ve been nothing but excellent.
In general, we strongly recommend guided excursions of museums because the context and stories you get from an expert guide truly enhance and enrich the experience, at least for us, and help us determine what to focus on and care about in a sea of gorgeous pieces of art.
However, the situation is a bit different here, as there is precisely one painting to view.
Our guide provided additional context about the image, and we learned extensively about the measures taken to protect the Last Supper painting during World War 2 bombing.
Our point is that you’re not just getting scammed out of extra money on a tour – the tour guide will elevate the experience (usually, anyway) and help you gain a deeper comprehension of what you’re seeing.
Tips for Visiting the Last Supper
There are a few things you need to be aware of before visiting The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
- Cover Up – The painting is located inside a church, so make sure your shoulders and knees are sufficiently covered.
- No Bags – You cannot bring bags inside the church, so leave extra time to check them first.
The Ambrosian Library (Leonardo Da Vinci’s Sketches!)
This was one of those items that arose when we asked our tour leader what’s something that most people overlook in Milan.
The Ambrosian Library was one of Europe’s first public libraries, dating back to 1607. Today, it’s home to an extensive book and art collection, with works from a wide variety of well-known artists, including original sketches by Leonard Da Vinci.
That’s essentially the sole reason I opted to visit, and I truly enjoyed it. It’s a more compacted museum than most, so it’s not going to take up an entire day.
You can purchase tickets to visit the library’s public gallery (Pinacoteca Ambrosiana) through the official website. An adult ticket to the gallery costs €15. A visit will take you around 60-70 minutes generally, depending on your level of interest.
Quick Pit Stop at Peck (a Famous Deli) and Gelato
Once you’ve finished at Ambrosian Library, head just around the corner to find the Milanese institution that is Peck.
Nicknamed “the temple of Italian gastronomy,” Peck is a large specialty supermarket and deli with meat, cold cuts, cheese, pasta production, baking, wine selling, and other gourmet food stations.
With its variety of colorful sights and amazing aromas, a stroll around Peck is an absolute must for food lovers!
Visitors can either choose to have some snacks from the market stalls or enjoy a sit-down meal at the on-site restaurant or gourmet cafe.
The restaurant receives an extremely high volume of diners and it may prove difficult to obtain a table without a reservation during peak periods. If dining at the restaurant is a priority, it may be best to schedule in advance.
A couple doors down from Peck, you’ll also discover one of our favorite gelato shops in Milan, Ciacco Gelato. The contemporary gelato store has a wide selection of traditional and unique flavors, including several vegan choices. The pistachio is a must-try!
The line for Ciacco can become fairly long. But it moves swiftly and is entirely worth the wait.
An additional suitable lunch selection is All’Antico Vinaio, a well-known sandwich establishment in Florence currently with numerous sites in Milan, like one only a 4-minute walk from the Ambrosian Library.
Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore
Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is an stately Roman Catholic church situated between downtown Milan and the Navigli District.
Originally constructed during the Roman era, it’s one of the oldest churches in the city. More than 1500 years after its completion, the place of worship remains a symbol of the legacy of the Roman Empire in Milan.
While the church is free to visit, making a quick stop there on the way to the Navigli District is certainly worthwhile.
The church`s interior is full of amazing fourth-century mosaics, while the courtyard houses a replica of a bronze statue of Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity.
The Capella di Sant’Aquilino is one of the most striking areas of the church, with its ancient Byzantine mosaics. However you do need to pay €2 to enter this chapel.
Be sure to also quickly walk around the piazza in front of the church too.
The square houses the ancient Colonne di San Lorenzo, sixteen marble columns dating back to Roman Mediolanum in the third Century.
Conclude day 2 of this Milan itinerary with an evening meal and beverages in one of our favorite areas of the city, the Navigli District.
The Navigli District plays host to the Navigli (as they’re named in Milan), a system of charming canals and channel-side walkways in the south of Milan. Yes, Milan also has canals – it’s not simply Venice and Amsterdam!
Originally utilized for irrigation, the waterways soon became a primary shipping route within the city for transporting goods.
Not until the mid-twentieth century did the canals lose much practical importance as most filled in, leaving remnants that became pleasant spots alongside the water for refreshment.
Begin by taking a stroll around the canals to soak in the atmosphere. We enjoy starting at the prominent Arco di Porta Ticinese, heading west around the Darseno di Milano (a small reservoir), crossing over the connecting structure and down one side of the Naviglio Grande, then returning along the other side.
Here is a map.
Then it’s time to enjoy dinner and drinks. There are plenty of spots to dine and imbibe around the canals.
Instagram: @shaughnessycafe
The charming wine bar isn’t actually situated along the canals themselves, but is just a few blocks away and has a lovely outdoor garden offering views of the Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio. It serves natural wines by the glass along with a rotating selection of ciders. There is also a menu of small plates well-matched to your drink choices.
For freshly baked Italian pizza, check out popular Berberè Navigli, while Osteria del Gnocco Fritto on Naviglio Grande specializes in delicious deep fried dumplings, served with cold meat, cheese, or homemade jam.
For drinks, there`s a row of bars along the north side of the reservoir that offer nice views over the water. There are also many places along both sides of Naviglio Grande itself with eager hosts ready to offer you a table.
What to Do with More Time in Milan
If you have more than 2 days in Milan, here are some additional suggestions for how to extend your trip.
Catch a Game at San Siro Stadium
San Siro is one of soccer`s most famous stadiums worldwide. Both of Milan`s highly successful clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan (known locally as “Milan” and “Inter”), play here at this massive stadium.
If the timing of your trip aligns suitably, you may have the chance to watch a match at the arena. My brother and myself went to an evening contest there and the atmosphere was incredible! You can check for upcoming fixtures and purchase tickets through the official AC Milan and Inter Milan websites.
If you’re not visiting on a match day, you can still take a guided tour of San Siro Stadium. Stadium tours include a visit to the stands, locker rooms, mix zone, players’ tunnel, and the field itself.
All tours also include the San Siro Museum, which possesses an enormous collection of jerseys worn by some of the most famous players to ever don the shirt.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s primary public art gallery, known for its extensive collection which features many Italian and foreign artists from the 13th to the 20th Century, like Piero della Francesca, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Open-air market sheltered under an architecturally striking cutting-edge roof. Come prepared to stock up on charcuterie, olive oil, and fresh groceries; a few decent cafes can also be found within.
Access to the museum prices €15 per grownup (€10 lowered) and you’ll need to pre-e book a ticket on-line upfront.
When booking, you’ll be asked to select the date and time slot you want to visit. Tickets don’t tend to completely sell out in advance, so you can likely wait until relatively close to your visit to book.
A standard ticket also allows you to return to the gallery free of charge for the next three months.
We prefer joining organized tours of museums and galleries rather than wandering aimlessly on our own. A guided tour provides more depth and allows you to better comprehend and appreciate what you are viewing.
Pinacoteca di Brera offers occasional 90-minute English-speaking visits of the gallery, which you can book here for an extra €8 on top of the entrance ticket. But these don’t happen too regularly.
Totte for All: A recommendation from someone living in Mexico City working at the US Embassy, this one-person production (which is my favorite type of show) just east of Bosque de Chapultepec. They roast their own coffee and serve it in this tiny, charming cafe.
Day Trip to Lake Como or Verona
Milan also serves as a good base for taking day trips to other popular destinations in northern Italy, like Lake Como and Verona.
Lake Como
Lake Como is located just north of Milan. The beautifully scenic lake is renowned for its stunning landscapes and luxurious villas, in addition to being the setting of Naboo in the Star Wars prequels. It`s also a popular vacation home destination for wealthy and famous individuals.
To take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan, you can board the train at Milan Centrale for Como San Giovanni in as little as 40 minutes.
From the town of Como on the southwestern tip of the lake, you can then get a fast ferry to explore other prettier towns like Varenna and Bellagio.
Verona
Situated between Milan and Venice, Verona is a semi hidden gem in northern Italy (at least compared to Milan or Venice) and another great day trip spot.
The historic city is renowned for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater and for serving as the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
Check out our single day itinerary for Verona for extra inspiration.
High-speed trains provide a connection between Milan Centrale and Verona Porta Nuova in only one hour and fifteen minutes on a regular basis throughout the day.
What to Do with Less Time in Milan
If you do end up with less than 2 days in Milan, it is still possible to see some of the city’s highlights.
To condense this one-day Milan itinerary, we suggest focusing on four principal components; exploring the Duomo Terraces, viewing The Last Supper, visiting Castello Sforzesco and wandering Parco Sempione, as well as strolling along Naviglio Grande. It will be busy but achievable!
Check out our one day Milan plan for a more detailed breakdown of how to fit all of these into 24 hours.
What to Eat & Drink in Milan
Like everywhere in Italy, Milan has many fantastic restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and gelaterias to keep you well-fueled throughout your visit.
However, one thing to note about Milan is that while quality Italian cuisine options exist, the diversity of internationally-inspired dining in Milan significantly surpasses that available in Rome, Florence (or even Venice).
Including a diverse selection of Japanese restaurants, oddly.
Below are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Milan.
- Nowhere Coffee (coffee) – Perhaps my top coffee recommendation in Milan (it’s near with Orsonero), this spot is VERY visually pleasing on Instagram with bursts of bright color everywhere. But what about the coffee? Excellent. I brought some home to the US with me – that’s how impressed I was with the shot of espresso I delighted in here. They roast their own beans lightly, distinguishing them from most Italian coffee roasters.
- Orsonero (coffee) – In contrast to Nowhere, Orsonero does not roast their own beans, but rather sources beans from some of Europe’s most prestigious roasters, counting legendary Italian roaster Gardelli among them. It’s situated across the street from a park, and the interior of the cafe is small (and likely crowded), but the space spills outdoors onto an adjoining patio. The staff are very friendly, and I was able to order about 75% of my items in Italian before encountering difficulty – I wanted to purchase some beans but couldn’t recall how to say “bag.” Thankfully, the barista was Canadian, and not only assisted me in buying coffee, but also taught me the phrase for “bag of coffee,” even with other patrons awaiting service behind me.
- Loste Café (coffee) – A cafe and bar with a modern take on traditional Italian style, serving high-quality specialty coffee, homemade pastries, and a great local wine selection in the evenings. The atmosphere feels like you could be in Copenhagen or Amsterdam (and they generally use April Coffee, which comes from Copenhagen). Fun variety of pastries too!
- Il Manarino(butcher shop and restaurant) – A distinctive fusion of a meat market and dining, featuring meat-centric meals. They have multiple locations in Milan as well as other northern Italian cities.
- In Milan, a treasured wine bar is E/n Enoteca Naturale, possessing a diverse varietal selection focused on natural wines and a pleasant outdoor area ideal for relaxing. We`ve visited this establishment repeatedly throughout multiple trips to the city, greatly appreciating the atmosphere and offerings.
- La Dogana del Buongusto(Italian) – A charming local dining establishment serving reinvented Milanese classics in a rustic below-ground dining room. If you want to sample the local specialties in Milan, like risotto alla Milanese and veal cutlets, this is the place to go.
- Bentoteca (Japanese-Italian) – Japanese dishes made using Italian ingredients paired with natural wines from everywhere in the world. It’s located between San Lorenzo and the Naviglio Grande in the southwestern area of Milan’s city center.
- Gastronomia Yamamoto (Japanese) – A relaxed and welcoming restaurant serving homemade Japanese dishes.
- Berberè Navigli (pizza) – A popular pizza place close to the canals, known for serving sourdough pizzas. They have a wide selection of locations all across Italy, including five in Milan.
- Out-of-the-Box (gelato) – A wide selection of non-dairy and dairy-containing gelato options, featuring seasonal flavors produced with fresh ingredients. It’s also entirely gluten free!
- Ciacco (gelato) – A contemporary gelato store with a wide selection of conventional and singular tastes and an enduring line outside the entrance.
- Peck (gourmet groceries) – An upscale market providing a superb selection of bread, cheese, meats, and other tasty snacks, plus an on-site dining room and cafe.
Getting to Milan
As Italy’s second biggest city and as the financial and fashion center of Italy, it`s not really surprising that Milan has relatively strong connections across Italy and to the rest of Europe.
Flying to Milan
The two main airports we recommend arriving at in Milan are MXP and LIN.
Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) is the larger of the two and handles primarily international flights.
Milan Linate (LIN) is closer to downtown but mainly serves domestic and European flights.
There’s also Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), another sizable international airport to the northeast of Milan which low-cost airlines utilize.
We’d suggest seeking an alternative option if possible. The airport is remotely located in a different city with relatively limited transportation into central Milan compared to other airport options.
Getting from MXP to Milan
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) sits 50 km (31 miles) outside of Milan.
One of the simplest approaches to reach the city center is by taking the Malpensa Express Train. The train costs €13 one-way and operates every 15-30 minutes throughout the day.
And, truthfully, there is no real reason to NOT take the train unless arrival is scheduled during the brief window when train service is unavailable in the early morning.
The Malpensa Express runs two routes from the airport; one to Milano Centrale and one to Milano Cadorna. Travelers must determine which station is closer to their accommodation before boarding either train.
The journey to Cadorna takes roughly 37 minutes, while the journey to Centrale takes approximately 50 minutes (depending on the time of day and route).
Additional Options for Traveling Between MXP and Milan:
- Regional Trains – Regional trains also run from Malpensa Airport station into Milan (like the R28 operated by Trenord). These tend to be cheaper than the Malpensa Express but involve more stops so take more time.
- Bus – The regularly scheduled Autostradale 143 bus runs between the airport and city, taking approximately one hour. The bus is the most inexpensive option, with tickets costing €10 for a one-way trip or €16 for a round trip (the round trip ticket must be purchased upon arrival and used when departing).
- Taxi – If you arrive at Malpensa between 1:00am and 5:00am, a taxi may be your only option. The journey takes about 50 minutes and you can expect to pay around €100.
Getting from LIN to Milan
Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is located just 7 km (4.3 miles) from Milan city center.
The quickest way to reach the city center from LIN airport is by boarding metro line M4. The M4 provides direct service to San Babila Station in downtown Milan in just 12 minutes. From there, you can transfer to another line or bus to arrive at your lodging.
There are also many public buses connecting LIN to numerous areas of Milan, as well as an Airport Bus Express running to Milan Central Station in 25 minutes.
Taking the Train to and from Milan
If you’re arriving in Milan by train, Milano Centrale is the train station you want to aim for.
As mentioned in our other guides about Italy, the train network is very efficient for traveling within the country, especially using the high-speed rail lines.
High-speed trains interface Milan to numerous other significant Italian urban areas, including Venice, Florence, Rome, and Napoli. There are additionally direct trains from Milan Centrale to a few other European urban areas, including Paris, Zurich, and more.
Located in the northeastern section of the city center, the train station is well connected to the remainder of Milan through the subway and tram system.
Getting Around Milan
We often log many steps each day, around 25,000, when exploring new cities on foot while traveling.
Exploring on foot is a great way to see this Italian city. However, since Milan is such a sizable modern metropolis, utilizing public transportation too will likely allow seeing the best Milan has to offer within 2 days.
Milan offers three primary forms of public transit – trams, metro, and buses. Each covers different sections of the city and runs frequently throughout the day.
- Trams: Trams are a popular means of getting around Milan, particularly in the city center. They are convenient for brief distances and offer a scenic perspective of the city along the way.
- Metro: The Milan underground transport framework interfaces various neighborhoods. It’s the quickest approach to travel more drawn out distances.
- Buses: Buses complemented the tram and metro network, reaching areas not accessible by other public transports. Over two days, you probably won’t actually take a bus because the center of Milan was well covered by trams and the metro.
All three forms of transportation in Milan city center use the same ticket system, with a single ticket costing €2.20 (valid for 90 minutes after initial validation).
However – and this is probably the biggest suggestion we have in this entire block of logistics sections – if you’re going to use public transportation, it is almost certainly worthwhile buying a transportation pass.
After struggling to experience everything just walking on our first visit (and facing difficulties due to its expansiveness), I rushed to the ticket machines to purchase an unlimited transit pass upon landing in Milan for my next trip.
A 24-hour Milan transportation pass costs €7.60, while a 3-day pass costs €13. So it’s still cheaper to buy a 3-day pass rather than two 24-hour day passes for a 48-hour trip.
Utilizing public transit four times each day would maximize the value of the ticket. For context, during my last trip with my mother and brother we used transportation 12 times over 24 hours, demonstrating the convenience of the pass.
Pro Tip: Download the ATM Milano Official App to plan your route and view schedules (though we found Google Maps to be quite reliable as well).
Heading to Italy?
We have visited Italy on multiple occasions – evidently we are quite fond of it – incorporating over a month exploring during our most recent trip there!
If you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful, you definitely won’t want to miss our thorough guide to planning an amazing 10 Day Italy itinerary, which covers Rome, Florence, and Venice and is perfect for a first trip.
We also provide a guide to investing two weeks in Italy, combining those three main cities with a couple lesser known cities (Bologna and Verona), or a guide to spending one week in Italy, featuring six different approaches to seven days.
Here are some of our additional Italy guides to help plan an incredible Italian experience.
Rome:
- 4 Days in Rome: A Perfect Rome Itinerary for First Timers
- Where to Reside in Rome: A finished Guide to Rome’s Best Areas to Reside
- The Most Popular Things to Experience in Rome (More Than a Simple Listing of Attractions!)
Florence:
- Three Days in the Fascinating Tuscan City of Florence: Suggested Activities for a Short Visit
- How to See the Best Florence Has to Offer in 24 Hours
- Where to Reside in Florence: A finished Neighborhood Guide
- What are the best activities in Florence: A detailed guide
- Nine spectacular one-day excursions from Florence to incorporate into your travel itinerary
- Precisely where to find the finest coffee in Florence
Venice & Milan:
- Planning the Perfect 48 Hours Exploring Venice on a 2 Day Trip
- One Day in Milan: How to See the Best of Milan in a Day (Duomo + Last Supper)
- 2 Days in Milan: How to Craft an Extraordinary Milan Itinerary
- A Perfect Day in Verona, Italy’s Most Charming City
Cinque Terre:
- The Best Activities to Experience in Cinque Terre: A Thorough Guide
- Guidance to Effectively Plan an Amazing 2 Day Agenda in Cinque Terre
- Places to Remain in Cinque Terre: The 4 Best Choices to Remain (with Pros and Cons for Each)
Sicily:
- How to Strategy an Amazing Sicily Road Trip Itinerary
- The Best Things to Do in Catania, Sicily, for One Day
Need to Eat Gluten Free in Italy?
If travelers needing to eat gluten free, like author Matt who has Celiac Disease prompting starting this site, then checking our guide to gluten free Italy is advised.
Then review our city guides for Rome,Florence, and Milan to assist you in finding the finest gluten free pastries, pizzas, and more so that you can dine like royalty even with Celiac Disease.
