Milan 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Milan Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Center

Places to Go:

  1. Duomo di Milano: A must-visit Gothic cathedral with an intricate façade and a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the city.
  2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A historic shopping arcade housing high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes.
  3. Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): A 15th-century fortress now hosting museums and art collections.
  4. La Scala Opera Museum: For those interested in opera, this museum offers a glimpse into the world of one of Italy’s most famous opera houses.

Where to Eat:

  1. Antica Trattoria della Pescheria: A traditional seafood restaurant near the Navigli area.
  2. Luini Panzerotti: Try the popular Milanese snack, panzerotto, at this iconic place.
  3. Ristorante Cracco*: A Michelin-starred restaurant for a special dinner.

Where to Stay:

Hotel de la Ville Milano - MGallery by Sofitel: Centrally located and offers a luxurious stay with a historic charm.

Day 2: Art and Culture

Places to Go:

  1. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano): Book in advance for this world-famous mural located inside the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
  2. Pinacoteca di Brera: Milan’s most important art gallery, housing masterpieces from artists like Raphael and Caravaggio.
  3. Navigli District: A charming area with canals, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

Where to Eat:

  1. Ristorante Acetta: Traditional Lombardy cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  2. Pizzeria Spontini: Famous for its pizza al taglio (by the slice).
  3. Aperitivo at Bar Basso: Enjoy Milan’s famous aperitivo culture with creative cocktails and snacks.

Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Como

Places to Go:

  1. Bellagio: A picturesque town on Lake Como known for its stunning views, charming streets, and beautiful villas.
  2. Villa del Balbianello: A magnificent waterfront villa with stunning gardens and a unique history.
  3. Como City Center: Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the Duomo di Como, and explore the lakefront promenade.

Where to Eat:

  1. La Bergerie: A charming restaurant in Bellagio with delicious Lombardy cuisine.
  2. Il Ristorante La Punta: Enjoy a meal with a view at this lakefront restaurant in Tremezzo.

Day 4: Modern Milan

Places to Go:

  1. Fondazione Prada: A contemporary art museum and cultural center designed by Rem Koolhaas.
  2. Piazza Gae Aulenti: Home to the Milan City of Science Museum, a modern shopping mall, and the iconic Unicredit Tower.
  3. Parco Sempione: A large city park with a beautiful lake, monuments, and the Milan Aquarium.

Where to Eat:

  1. Ristorante Rossonero: Modern Italian cuisine in a chic setting.
  2. Pizzeria Spontini Milano Centrale: Another location of the famous pizza al taglio place.

Day 5: Fashion and Design

Places to Go:

  1. La Rinascente: A department store offering a wide range of Italian and international fashion brands.
  2. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II: Milan’s main shopping street with high-end boutiques, cafes, and people watching.
  3. Fashion Museum (Museo del Costume e della Moda): Learn about the history of Italian fashion at this museum located in Palazzo Giureconsulti.

Where to Eat:

  1. Ristorante Al Portello: A chic restaurant near La Scala offering traditional Milanese cuisine.
  2. Paninoteca Uliana: Delicious sandwiches and pastries for a quick lunch.

Things to Know:

  1. Milan is known as the “Fashion Capital” of Italy, so dressing smartly is expected in many places.
  2. The city operates on Central European Time (CET).
  3. Taxis are relatively expensive, so it’s recommended to use public transportation (Metro, Trams, and Buses) or ride-sharing apps like Taxi Borgogno or MyTaxi.
  4. Italian is the official language, but many people in Milan speak English as well.
  5. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and wet, so pack accordingly.

Tips:

  1. Book tickets for major attractions (like the Duomo and Last Supper) in advance to avoid long lines.
  2. Try the local specialties such as risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and cassoeula.
  3. Enjoy an afternoon coffee break at a traditional Milanese bar called a “bar racemi.”
  4. Don’t forget to explore the Navigli district during the evening when it comes alive with lights and music.