Milan is often treated as a stopover, but the city rewards two or three days: a Gothic cathedral you can walk across the roof of, Leonardo’s Last Supper, world class museums, the opera at La Scala and the best aperitivo culture in Italy. These itineraries for two and three days cover the highlights, with tips on tickets and a day trip to the lakes.
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The short answer
- 2 days: the Duomo, the Galleria, La Scala, the Last Supper, the Castello Sforzesco, Brera and the Navigli
- 3 days: add modern Milan or a day trip to Lake Como or Franciacorta
- Getting around: on foot and by metro
- Book ahead: the Last Supper, the Duomo rooftop and La Scala
- Best months: April to June, September and October
Milan Itinerary: 2 Days
Day 1 morning, the Duomo: Start at the cathedral early, then take the lift or the stairs up to the rooftop terraces, where you walk among the marble spires with views over the city. See our guide to the Duomo rooftop, La Scala, the Castello Sforzesco and the Navigli.
Day 1 afternoon and evening, the Galleria and La Scala: Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Piazza della Scala and visit the opera house museum, then spend the afternoon in the Quadrilatero della Moda. In the evening, enjoy an aperitivo and, if you can, a performance at La Scala. See our Milan design and fashion guide.
Day 2 morning, the Last Supper and the Castello: See Leonardo’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie on a booked slot, then walk to the Castello Sforzesco, home to Michelangelo’s last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, and stroll through the Parco Sempione. See our guide to Last Supper tickets.
Day 2 afternoon and evening, Brera and the Navigli: Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera for Mantegna, Raphael and Caravaggio, wander the lanes of Brera, then head to the Navigli canals for an aperitivo and dinner by the water. See our guide to the best museums in Milan.
Milan Itinerary: 3 Days
Days 1 and 2: As above.
Day 3, modern Milan or a day trip: Explore modern Milan, from the Fondazione Prada to the towers of Porta Nuova and the Bosco Verticale, or take a day trip. Lake Como is about an hour away by train, and the Franciacorta wine region is a short drive east. See our guides to a Lake Como day trip from Milan and Franciacorta wine tours from Milan.
Charlotte’s tip: book the Last Supper first
Tickets for the Last Supper are released in batches and sell out very quickly, as visitors enter in small groups for a short time. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, or join a guided tour that includes entry.
Where to Stay
Stay near the Duomo, in the fashion district or in Brera so you can walk everywhere. Our guide to where to stay in Milan compares all the areas.
Park Hyatt Milano
Steps from the Galleria and the Duomo, in a 19th century building with a glass domed lobby.
Best for: staying right in the centre
Check rates at Park Hyatt Milano
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
A former convent with cloisters and a garden in the heart of the fashion district.
Best for: shopping and calm
Check rates at Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Bulgari Hotel Milano
A hotel with a large private garden between Brera and the fashion district.
Best for: a quiet base near Brera
Check rates at Bulgari Hotel Milano
Compare hotels in Milan
Hotels in the centre fill up quickly during the trade fairs. Check current rates for your dates.
Where to Eat and Drink
Milan is the home of risotto alla milanese with saffron, cotoletta alla milanese and ossobuco, and of panettone at Christmas. The aperitivo is a ritual here: from about 6 pm, bars serve a Negroni sbagliato or a spritz with small bites. Milan also has a large number of Michelin starred restaurants, so book ahead.
With Children or in Bad Weather
On rainy days, the museums and the Galleria are the place to be. Children enjoy the Duomo rooftop, the armour and the courtyards of the Castello Sforzesco, the science and technology museum and a ride on one of the historic trams.
Practical Tips
- Book the Last Supper, the Duomo rooftop and La Scala well ahead.
- Dress modestly for the Duomo, with shoulders and knees covered.
- Check the dates of Design Week and the fashion weeks before booking a hotel.
- Many museums are closed on Mondays, so check before you plan your days.
For airports, the metro and trains, see our guide to getting around Milan. For the weather and events by month, see the best time to visit Milan.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Milan?
Two days for the highlights, three to add modern Milan or a day trip to Lake Como.
Can you see Milan in one day?
Yes, you can see the Duomo, the Galleria, La Scala and the Castello in a day, and the Last Supper if you have a booked ticket.
What should I book in advance in Milan?
The Last Supper above all, then the Duomo rooftop and tickets for La Scala.
Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes. Beyond fashion and business, it has some of the greatest art in Italy, superb food and easy day trips to the lakes.
