Milan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Milan

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pasticceria Marchesi, a historic pastry shop located near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
    • Visit the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and people-watching. Don’t forget to do the traditional “biscotti” ritual on the Bull Mosaic!
    • Head to the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest cathedrals, and marvel at its intricate architecture. You can also climb the rooftop for a stunning city view (book your ticket online to avoid queues).

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Trattoria Masu, offering traditional Lombardy dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Visit the Sforza Castle and its accompanying museums, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to famous artworks like Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy an Aperitivo at Bar Basso, a classic Milanese bar known for its cocktails and social atmosphere.
    • Dine at Ristorante Cracco, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary Italian cuisine.

Day 2: Art and Culture in Milan

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, but remember to book your tickets online in advance.
    • Stroll around the Parco Sempione, a beautiful urban park, and explore the Arco della Pace (Peace Arch) and the Milan Triennale.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at Luini’s Panzerotti, famous for its delicious panzerotti.
    • Explore the trendy district of Navigli, with its canals and charming houses, and enjoy some gelato at Gelateria Sanson.
    • Visit the Fondazione Prada for contemporary art exhibitions and architectural marvels.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Osteria Bon Senso in the Navigli district, known for its innovative Lombardy cuisine.
    • End your day with a cocktail at The Pond Milano, a speakeasy-style bar hidden inside a flower shop.

Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Como

  • Morning:

    • Take the train from Milan’s Centrale Station to reach the charming town of Como (approx. 45 minutes). Explore the town and visit the beautiful Duomo di Como.
    • Embark on a ferry tour to explore Lake Como, stopping at picturesque villages like Bellagio or Varenna.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at one of the lakefront restaurants in your chosen village, enjoying fresh fish dishes and stunning views.
    • Continue exploring the lake or relax on its shores before returning to Milan in the late afternoon.

Things to Know:

  • Milan’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. Use ATM tichetts for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metros within a specific time frame.
  • Milan has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs open until late. Check out the districts of Brera, Navigli, or Porta Genova for some fun evenings out.
  • Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few phrases can enhance your experience.
  • Milan has a rich culinary tradition, so don’t miss trying dishes like risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and cotoletta di vitello.