Milan Italy 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City Center

  • Arrival: Milan’s main airport is Malpensa. You can reach the city center by train (Malpensa Express or Malpensa Shuttle) or by taxi.

  • Accommodation: Stay in the city center for convenience. Consider places like Nhow Milano, Bulgari Hotel Milano, or Airbnb apartments near Duomo.

  • Breakfast: Grab a croissant and cappuccino at Pasticceria Marchesi near Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano and explore its rooftop for stunning city views. Don’t forget to check out the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

  • Lunch: Try traditional Italian food at Trattoria Masu or Ristorante Cracco.

  • Afternoon: Stroll around Sforza Castle and its beautiful park, Sempione Park. Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera to see some classic art.

  • Dinner: Dine at Antica Trattoria della Pesa or Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia for authentic Lombard cuisine.

  • Evening: Enjoy a drink at Bar Basso, one of Milan’s most iconic bars.

Day 2: Fashion District & Navigli District

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Pasticceria Cova or Bistrot di Manzo.

  • Morning: Explore the Fashion District, visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and check out iconic fashion houses like Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton.

  • Lunch: Lunch at 10 Corso Como Caffè or Mandarin Restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Navigli District. Visit Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, have a boat tour (optional), and explore the vibrant bars and restaurants.

  • Dinner: Dine at Ristorante Bice or Il Sole for delicious Italian food with a view over the canals.

Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Como

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your accommodation.

  • Full Day: Take a day trip to beautiful Lake Como. You can reach Como by train in just 40 minutes from Milan. Explore the charming towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. Consider taking a boat tour or hiring a private boat.

  • Dinner: Return to Milan and enjoy dinner at Ristorante Luini for famous cotoletta alla milanese (fried veal cutlet).

Day 4: Museums & Hidden Gems

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Bistrot Boriani.

  • Morning: Visit Museo del Novecento or the Fondazione Prada for contemporary art. Explore lesser-known areas like Brera Design District and Fiveways (Cinque Vie).

  • Lunch: Lunch at Ristorante Il Mangiatoio or Ristorante Giacomo Arengario.

  • Afternoon: Visit Sforza Castle’s museums: Museo Poldi Pezzoli and Pinacoteca di Brera. Explore the hidden gem of Porta Ticinese area.

  • Dinner: Dine at Ristorante Al Pozzo or Osteria del Borsalino for some local flavors.

Day 5: Last Day & Departure

  • Breakfast: Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation or explore more of the city center’s cafes.

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Milan shopping for souvenirs, relaxing at a café, or visiting any remaining sights you missed.

  • Lunch: Lunch at Ristorante Il Museo or Trattoria della Pescheria.

  • Departure: Depending on your flight time, head to the airport (Malpensa, Linate, or Orio al Serio) by train or taxi. Safe travels!