Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, offers a captivating mix of historic landmarks, world-renowned art, and a thriving culinary scene. This 3 to 5-day itinerary will guide you through Milan’s highlights, from its grand cathedral and museums to hidden gems and delicious local cuisine.

Day 1: Milan’s Historic Center

Morning:

• Begin your trip at Piazza del Duomo, the central square of Milan. Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city and its intricate architecture.

• Stroll to the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade. Enjoy a coffee at Caffè Biffi or Camparino, both famous spots inside the Galleria.

Afternoon:

• Visit Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Explore the La Scala Museum to learn about its history.

• Take a short walk to Piazza Mercanti, a medieval square with historic landmarks like the Loggia degli Osii and Palazzo della Ragione.

• For lunch, try Luini, a popular spot known for its panzerotti (fried dough stuffed with mozzarella and tomato).

Evening:

• Dine at Antica Trattoria della Pesa, known for traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese and cotoletta alla Milanese.

• After dinner, take a relaxing stroll through Brera, a charming neighborhood filled with art galleries, trendy cafés, and narrow cobblestone streets.

  
  

Day 2: Art and Fashion

Morning:

• Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s premier art gallery, which houses masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.

• Explore the Brera District, known for its artistic atmosphere and stylish boutiques. Enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafés.

Afternoon:

• Walk to Castello Sforzesco, a historic fortress that houses several museums. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini in the Museo d’Arte Antica. Then, stroll through Sempione Park behind the castle.

• Head to Via Montenapoleone in the Quadrilatero d'Oro, Milan’s famous fashion district. Browse high-end stores or simply enjoy window shopping.

• For lunch, visit Marchesi 1824, a historic pastry shop offering exquisite pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Carlo e Camilla in Segheria, a trendy restaurant set in a former sawmill, offering modern Italian cuisine.

• After dinner, head to the Navigli District for cocktails along the canals. Try Mag Cafè or Ugo Cocktail Bar for a fun night out.

  
  

Day 3: Leonardo da Vinci and Modern Milan

Morning:

• Visit Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance.

• Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard, a hidden gem across from the church, gifted to the artist by the Duke of Milan.

Afternoon:

• Explore Piazza Gae Aulenti in the Porta Nuova district, surrounded by striking contemporary architecture. Admire the nearby Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) and the skyscrapers around the square.

• For lunch, dine at Ristorante Berton, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its creative Italian cuisine.

• If you love modern art, visit Fondazione Prada, an art complex showcasing contemporary exhibitions.

Evening:

• Enjoy a classic Milanese dinner at Trattoria Milanese before heading to the Blue Note Milano, a jazz club in the Isola district, for a live concert.

  
  

Day 4: Day Trip to Lake Como or Bergamo

Option 1: Lake Como

• Morning: Take a day trip to Lake Como, just an hour by train. Visit Como Cathedral and walk along the lakefront.

• Afternoon: Take a ferry to Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake.” Explore its quaint streets, visit Villa Melzi Gardens, and have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.

• Evening: Return to Milan for dinner at Ratanà, a modern restaurant with a rustic charm in Porta Nuova.

Option 2: Bergamo

• Morning: Take a train to Bergamo, a medieval town with stunning views. Explore the Città Alta (Upper Town), visiting the Piazza Vecchia, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, and Colleoni Chapel.

• Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at Da Mimmo or Ristorante Lalimentari, then walk along the Venetian walls for panoramic views.

• Evening: Return to Milan for a casual dinner at Piz, a popular pizzeria in the city center.

  
  

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Milanese Culture

Morning:

• Visit La Triennale di Milano, a museum of design, architecture, and contemporary art, located in Parco Sempione.

• Explore the Museo del Novecento, dedicated to 20th-century Italian art, located near the Duomo.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at Obicà Mozzarella Bar, specializing in fresh mozzarella and Italian dishes. Afterward, explore Corso Como, a fashionable street known for its high-end shops and galleries.

• Visit San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, a hidden gem known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its breathtaking Renaissance frescoes.

Evening:

• For your final dinner, indulge at Nobu Milano, known for its fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine. Alternatively, experience fine dining at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

  
  

Tips:

• Public Transport: Milan has a well-connected public transport system with metros, trams, and buses. Consider getting a MilanoCard for unlimited travel.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

• Reservations: Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants and attractions like The Last Supper.