milan travel guide 2023

Milan for 2 days: An Expert’s Incredible Guide for 2023 and Beyond

March 18, 2024

Paula Martinelli

If you are planning a dream vacation in Italy and wondering what are the top things to do in Milan for 2 days, this is the perfect itinerary for you! This extensive travel guide covers how to maximize 2 days in Milan, Italy, including the top things to do, the best places to stay, the best way to explore the city, and more.

I have visited Milan a couple of times, and it never gets old – Just like Florence , Venice , and Rome , Milan should be included in any Italy Itinerary. Milan offers such a unique mix of a big city with the charm of the quaint neighborhoods to be explored.

And you can trust my expert advice since every time I have been to this incredible city, I have always explored it on my own. So, I really do know how to plan the perfect Milan 2-day itinerary.

Another great thing about any Milan Itinerary is that you can include a Lake Como itinerary as you can get very easily and cheaply from Milan to Lake Como by train .

With this 2 Days in Milan itinerary, you will explore some of the most beautiful places, magnificent tours, and ancient architecture. Here you can find the best ways to get around Milan, a very handy neighborhood guide , with the best areas to stay in Milan , a very helpful FAQ at the end, and all you need to know to plan a perfect weekend in Milan. So, let’s dive into how you can spend 2 days in Milan and Buona Giornata!

You may also love these articles ❤️

• How to travel from Milan to Lake Como
• Lake Como Itinerary for first-time visitors

11. Optional: Porta Garibaldi

🏨 stay in navigli for active nightlife, what is the best month to visit milan.

Read More: Florence for 3 days itinerary

Things to do in Milan in 2 Days | Quick Guide

To make your Milan 2-day trip as hassle-free and budget-friendly as possible, here are some pro tips for you. You can thank me later 😉

I suggest you buy the Milan Pass . The advantage is that it includes many top attractions in the city, and you can easily select the timeslot and days in one reservation process. It helps to create efficiency in your trip plans, it is a Digital Pass, so you get everything by email.

WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN

Bulgari Hotel Milano    (⭐️ 9.4) Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum    (⭐️ 9.1) Residenza Fiori Oscuri    (⭐️ 9.2) The Unique    (⭐️ 9.2)

BEST MILAN GUIDED TOURS

🌟   Milan Pass: 48 or 72 hours with one card (⭐️ 5/5) 📸 Best Tour: Milan Cathedral and Terraces (⭐️ 4.7/5) 🏆 Top Guided Tour: Da Vinci’s Last Supper  (⭐️ 5/5) ✈️ Transfer: private transfer (⭐️ 5/5)

Milan for 2 Days Overview

If you are wondering: what are the top things to do in Milan, and can I visit see it all in only a 2-day itinerary?

My answer is YES! 2 days in   Milan is enough time to visit all the main attractions  and get a good feel for the city as you explore top Italy landmarks too. Two days in Milan give you enough time to explore the top sights in Milan, including the Duomo di Milano, see the Last Supper, and spend some time exploring the Navigli district.

Milan is packed with world-famous art masterpieces and full of history and culture, and there is so much to see and do here.

Just because Milan is a large city, and there is so much to see and to do, I highly recommend coming to Milan with a well-defined itinerary , in order to maximize your time. The city has a great public transportation system, so take advantage of it, and see my section about how to get around Milan.

Also, make sure you choose accommodation in a good area , where you can walk to the main attractions. Making your reservations in advance is also part of a well-planned visit to Milan. I have a list of the best areas to stay in for every budget.

Lastly, Milan is a big and busy city throughout the year, so I highly recommend booking tickets to attractions in advance.

How to Get to Milan

To get the best experience during your 2 days in Milan, you should be able to easily get around without any confusion. If you arrive in Rome and want to visit Milan, here are the best options for you:

🚗  BY RENTAL CAR:   If you’re a confident driver and wouldn’t mind being your own chauffeur in Italy, you won’t be disappointed because you can rent a car and drive yourself around the beautiful town of Milan. If you are driving from Rome to Milan, you will take the A1 Autostrada highway and it takes around 5.5 hours. When choosing a car rental online, my number one pick is always Discover Cars . I personally use them and love them since they meticulously search through local and international companies to get you the best deal every time.

📸  BY PRIVATE TOUR:  This is the easier way to visit Milan, while a guided tour saves you the stress of planning an itinerary and making arrangements for transportation. You can  check here  for my recommendations for the best tours in Milan.

🚌  BY BUS:  If you’re making spur-of-the-moment plans to go to Milan, train and flight prices may have skyrocketed, especially if you’re traveling on a weekend or holiday. The bus takes much longer—usually between eight and 10 hours. The most popular coach company is  Flixbus , and be aware that the pick-up and drop-off points are not centrally located in either city

🚊 BY TRAIN: Frequent trains run between Rome’s Termini and Milan’s Milano Centrale train stations. A few fast trains also leave from the Roma   Tiburtina station. Trenitalia’s high-speed  Frecciarossa  trains make the trip from Rome to Milan in as little as 3 hours, and 10 minutes, although some take longer. You can check current Rome to Milan schedules and ticket prices on the  Trenitalia  website.

✈️ BY PLANE: Milan has three airports: the larger Milan Malpensa (MXP) with many international flights, the smaller Milan Linate (LIN) with flights mainly from other parts of Italy and Europe, and Bergamo Airport (BGY) which is outside of Milan and the farthest away.

Things to do in Milan in 2 Days Itinerary

Day 1 in milan: discover the best of milan.

The first day of your 2-day itinerary in Milan is the perfect day to discover the top things to do in Milan, some of which include; the Piazza del Duomo, the towering Cathedral, the Last Supper, incredible ancient piazzas, and lots more.

1. Visit the Duomo di Milano

Right in the heart of the city is the magnificent Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral). Dating back to the 14th century, this glorious Gothic cathedral is the largest church in the whole of Italy and the second largest in Europe, making it one of the top landmarks in Italy .

The best way to experience the Piazza di Duomo and the Duomo is to climb to the rooftop and get a bird’s eye view of Milan. Access to the rooftop is either by an elevator or stairs, but you’ll need to purc h ase a ticket for this. Taking the stairs is cheaper and faster. 

⭐  INSIDER TIP: If you are visiting the interior of the duomo, you will need to wear appropriate clothes and cover your legs and arms. I recommend always carrying a pashmina with you.

2. Experience the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

After oohing and aahing at the Cathedral, a 2-minute walk from there will take you to the impressive Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, considered one of the top Italian Landmarks and one of the must things to do in Milan. This is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and one of the most spectacular in the world. It dates back to 1865 and is still very terrific.

The building is amazing, so take your time to admire the mosaics and wonderful construction, although you may be unable to purchase anything, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.

3. Enjoy a Panzerotto at Luini

Want to try some authentic, Milanese cuisine? If so then while you are in the center of the city grab a meal to go at Luini.

See, this iconic eatery was first started in 1888 and serves up some of the best panzerotto that the city has to offer. However, if you’re not exactly sure what a panzerotto is, it’s like a small calzone that makes a great snack while walking around during your 48 hours in Milan.

But, unlike a calzone, the panzerotto is fried, not baked, and filled with mozzarella and tomato, among other things. Just try and get here a bit before lunchtime since this place is popular and there is always a long wait.

3. Stop at Piazza Della Scala and tour Teatro Alla Scala

Leaving the magnificent shopping gallery behind, a 3-minute walk will take you to the Piazza Della Scala and the iconic opera house, Teatro Alla Scala. At the center of the Piazza Della Scala is a beautiful white marble statue of Leonardo da Vinci. Take a quick tour of the square and the opera house.

4. Piazza dei Mercanti

A 6-minute stroll from Piazza Della Scala takes you to Piazza dei Mercanti (Merchant Square). Once upon a time in Medieval Italy, the Piazza Dei Mercanti was the heart of the city and much bigger than it is today. It’s still a historical landmark, and retains some ancient buildings from medieval times, making it a remarkable place to visit during your 2 days in Milan.

5. Lunch at Peck

Peck is an excellent place to stop for lunch, and it’s only a few minutes from Piazza del Mercanti. The restaurant is amazing with top-quality food, they have a classic Milanese menu, a café, a deli counter, and their own bakery. You should certainly stop by for really delicious pasta and steak, and other yummy Italian cuisines. The food is top-notch, the service is incredible and the price is expensive, but it’s definitely worth it.

Read More: The most beautiful towns in Tuscany

6. Visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the Last Supper

This is one of the top things to do in Milan. Visiting the Santa Maria Della Grazie houses the famous Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” This 15th-century artwork adorns the wall of the church’s refectory, it’s one of the most viewed artworks in Milan.

⭐  INSIDER TIP: To see the Last Supper, you will need to get your ticket several months in advance because the tickets sell out pretty fast. Check prices in availability here for the ticket.

7. Wander around Leonardo’s Vineyard

While Leonardo da Vinci was working on the Last Supper, he was gifted the vineyard by the Duke of Milan. The vineyard (aka La Vigna di Leonardo) is just a stone’s throw from the church. It’s a beautiful and fascinating place to visit and it’s open to the public.

8. Spend your evening in the Navigli district

After a refreshing time at the vineyard, head over to Navigli to join in the Milanese tradition of aperitivo . Enjoy a relaxing pre-dinner cocktail, wine, or spritz at the waterside bars. Stroll through the canal banks, catch the sunset at Navigli Grande, and don’t forget to take some amazing photos. After your walking tour, pop into a restaurant to refuel your stomach, I have some recommendations below:

⭐  INSIDER TIP: A great option to experience the beautiful canal, explore the architectural jewel of Milan, and experience the culture and history of Milan is to go on a 1-hour Navigli Canal Cruise with a local guide.

🍕 RECOMMENDATIONS OF PLACES TO EAT DURING YOUR 48-HOURS IN MILAN:

• Al Bacio Navigli: This place has 5 star reviews everywhere you check, for a reason! From the music to the service and food, this place is amazing. It’s very welcoming with a super-friendly and warm atmosphere. They serve delectable Italian cuisines, there are options for meat lovers, gluten-free, and vegans. Generous food portion, tasty and super fresh gourmet food. 
• Pizzium: This is another great restaurant with high reviews too, a great option for a quick and delicious dinner, it’s been described as the restaurant with the best Neapolitan pizza in, Navigli, and with good reasons. They serve a variety of cuisines; Italian, Mediterranean, Neapolitan, and Campania. The dishes are reasonably priced and yummy, desserts and cocktails are all great.

Day 2 in Milan: Explore more exciting attractions

The second day of your 2 days in Milan itinerary promises to be just as exciting as the first, you will visit some of the oldest attractions in Milan and get a feel of ancient Rome. Get ready to step back in time. It’s okay if your jaw drops to the floor, you can pick up after. Ready? Let’s go…

1. Visit the Basilica San Lorenzo

Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is the oldest church in Milan and the whole of Italy. It dates back to 370 AD, and the interior is decorated with mosaics and marble from the 4th century. This church is interesting historical architecture and an incredible structure to behold.

2. Stop at Colonne di San Lorenzo

Opposite the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is the Colonne di San Lorenzo (Columns of San Lorenzo) which is a group of ancient Roman ruins comprising sixteen columns dating back to the 3rd century. This is the perfect place to appreciate the magnificence of historical Roman architecture. A walk through the Basilica San Lorenzo and Colonne di San Lorenzo is like taking a walk back in time.

3. Marvel at the Cimitero Monumentale

The Monumental Cemetery is one of the most intriguing cemeteries I ever visited, and it is really an extraordinary open-air museum, with extravagantly decorated tombs and mausoleums. The designs are so impressive, and you will find sculptures and artworks of different sizes, dating back to the 19th century down to these present times

⭐  INSIDER TIP: A great way to visit is to join a tour to the Monumental Cemetery of Milan with a local guide and hear the history of this fascinating place, where you will be able to find out the most interesting graves as well the personalities buried here.

4. Walk through Parco Sempione

Your visit to Milan isn’t complete without experiencing Milan’s largest urban park; Parco Sempione. This is an expansive parkland with beautiful green scenery covering about 95 acres. At the center of the park is an artificial lake that attracts a variety of bird species, and turtles basking in the sun.

This is an excellent place to relax and appreciate nature. While at the park, you will also notice the Arco Della Pace (“Arch of Peace”), a landmark triumphal arch originally built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories.

5. Explore the Castello Sforza

Just by the edge of the Parco Sempione is the iconic red-brick castle; Castello Sforza. Dating back to the 14th century, this castle was originally constructed as a fortress.

In the 15th century, it was converted into a grand castle by the Sforza family that once ruled Milan. Today, the Sforza Castle houses many museums with incredible art collections including artworks by Leonardi da Vinci, Michelangelo, etc.

⭐  INSIDER TIP: While you can freely walk the grounds of the castle, you will need a ticket to view the art collections. Check here for prices and availability.

6. Lunch at Boeucc

Boeucc is a beautiful, elegant restaurant with impeccable service right in the center of the city, and it’s the perfect place for lunch. As one of the oldest restaurants in Milan, it has a long-standing Italian tradition and the food is simply delectable. The pasta is great, the octopus is amazing, Prosecco is good, and they serve very fresh bread too. Great restaurant with surprisingly good pricing, no need to break the bank.

7. Shop at Quadrilatero Della Moda

Now, you will agree with me that a visit to the fashion capital of Europe cannot be complete without some shopping, right? Yeah. Even if you are not on a budget for shopping, it is fun to just wander around the cobblestone streets and go for some window shopping.

Wander through the Quadrilatero Della Moda and peek into world-class designer boutiques and luxurious brands. Get yourself something expensive from a famous international brand, or just do some window shopping.

8. Tour the Brera District

Brera is such a nice part of Milan, it has a very lively and authentic feel with lots of great restaurants, boutiques, small alleys, shops, bars, and trendy clubs. This is a great place to experience Milan like a local, it’s perfect for an evening stroll through the narrow streets, and the restaurants are mostly reasonably priced.

There are also some attractions to feast your eyes on. The Palazzo di Brera is a place you wouldn’t want to miss, it’s the main attraction in Brera and holds so much history.

9. Explore the Palazzo di Brera

Palazzo di Brera is one of the top things to do in Milan. It was once a Jesuit college built in the 14th century, it remained so for nearly 2 centuries before it was made to house several cultural institutes. It is home to one of the largest art galleries in Italy.

What to see in Palazzo di Brera:

• Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera): Pinacoteca di Brera is a national art gallery for both ancient and modern art. It’s one of Italy’s largest art galleries and preserves great masterpieces and famous collections from the 15th century to the 18th century. Expect to see works of art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• Braidense National Library (Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense): Don’t miss this national library, one of the largest in Italy. It’s a beautiful grand library, with large halls. The library dates back to the 18th century and has an impressive collection of books with historical value, it’s only partially accessible to the public.
• Brera Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera): Finally, stroll through the botanical gardens behind the Palazzo di Brera. This amazing green yard spans over 5000 m 2 and has a vast collection of flora species and medicinal plants across Italy. It’s the perfect place to unwind and experience the tranquility of nature. The garden is free for everyone.

⭐  INSIDER TIP: Palazzo di Brera is certainly worth exploring and a ticket to tour the building costs €10, however, admission is free every first Sunday of each month. You can also book the 2-hour guided walking tour through Milan’s premier art gallery.

10. Dine at Osteria di Brera

After a thrilling tour of the Brera district, now it’s time for a delicious dinner. Osteria di Brera is known for its mouth-watering seafood menu. It’s actually a gourmet fish restaurant, but they have a bit of everything on the menu.

It’s a cozy place to dine and enjoy a delicious dinner of risotto, grilled fish or seafood pasta, and a generous pour of very palatable wine. With impressive service and very reasonably priced food, this restaurant is only a minute’s walk from Palazzo di Brera.

If you have more time during your Milan two days itinerary and are not quite ready for dinner, walk along Corso Buenos Aires and make your way to the gardens at Porta Venezia.

Once here, visit the Indro Montanelli Garden and stand in awe of the incredible fountain and buildings that surround it. You can also walk by the Ernesto Teodoro Moneta and check out the Milan Natural History Museum – if it’s still open.

Afterward, explore the vibrant Porta Garibaldi area and see how modern Milan intertwines with historic Milan during your 2 day Milan itinerary. It’s just a great place to go for a stroll since there are tons of bars, restaurants, and shops, like the iconic Eataly.

If You Have 3 Days in Milan

If you’re staying for more than two days in Milan, I suggest you take a trip to Lake Como and experience a different and equally amazing part of Italy. Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy, and this glamorous resort for the rich and famous has picturesque places to visit. Taking a boat tour of Lake Como will introduce you to some villages and stunning views around the Lake.

A trip from Milan to Lake Como by train is only 30 minutes, and it is very easy and affordable. Read my full article about how to Travel from Milan to Lake Como .

If you have 1-3 days to spend in Lake Como, I have prepared a Lake Como itinerary with all the details you need to know. Also, if you are planning to visit Lake Como, you should check this article for the best areas to stay in Lake Como , plus here you will find recommendations for the top accommodations.

Read More: Breathtaking Italy Coastal Towns To Visit

Best Areas to Stay in Milan for 2 days

The area to stay in Milan during your vacation can really contribute to your overall experience, my recommendation is that you stay in an interesting neighborhood that’s close to the major attractions and places you’d love to visit. With that in mind, here are the best areas to stay for 2 days in Milan:

🏨 Stay in Brera for art and culture

The Brera area has some of the best art galleries, specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s also close to the most fascinating attractions in Milan. Brera district is less than 10 minute walk from the Sforza Castle, Park Sempione, the Duomo, and Galleria. You will find both luxurious hotels and budget accommodation options in Brera.

GREAT VALUE HOTEL l | The Unique (⭐️ 8.8) is located in Milan’s Brera district, 1,650 feet from Sforzesco Castle and within a 10-minute walk of La Scala Theater, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and Milan Cathedral

EXPERIENCE AN APARTMENT | Residenza Fiori Oscuri (⭐️ 8.0) is located right in the center of Milan and features accommodations with city views, just 150 feet from Brera Art Gallery and 1,950 feet from La Scala

LUXURY HOTEL | Bulgari Hotel Milano (⭐️ 8.9) is probably the most refined and exclusive establishment in Milan, a boutique property adjacent to the most important shopping street

🏨 Stay in Porta Nouva to Experience Modern Milan:

If you want a feel of modern Milan, Porta Nuova is the perfect area. It’s a short walk from the Garibaldi station, a major subway station in Milan. Porta Nuova is the business district of Milan with contemporary and modern architecture, it has one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe. Here you will also find affordable accommodation options.

GOOD VALUE HOTEL | Castello Guest House (⭐️ 9.4) overlooks the Piazza Castello square

BOUTIQUE HOTEL | Matilde Boutique Hotel (⭐️ 8.9) offers accommodations with a restaurant, a bar, and a shared lounge

LUXURY HOTEL | Heart Hotel Milano (⭐️ 8.5) is located in a historic area of central Milan, 1,650 feet from Brera and 650 feet from Repubblica Metro station that offers fast links to Expo 2015 Exhibition Center

Home to Milan’s most energetic nightlife, Navigli is a bustling neighborhood with very vibrant locals. There are tons of shops and restaurants along the Navigli Grande Canal, popular for the aperitivo time by 5 pm. There are a variety of affordable hotel options, including bed & breakfasts and Airbnb-type accommodations.

GOOD VALUE | Darsena Flexyrent (⭐️ 8.5) features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views.

ENTIRE APARTMENT | Sant’Agostino Apartment (⭐️7.0) is located 1,000 feet from S.Agostino Metro Station in Milan and offers modern accommodations with free, high-speed WiFi. Milan Cathedral is 1.2 mi away.

LUXURY HOTEL| Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum (⭐️ 9.0) is a luxury 5-star hotel offering ultra-modern suites with free Wi-Fi. The wellness center features a gym with Technogym equipment and a Turkish bath

How to Get Around Milan for 2 Days

The best way to get around Milan in 2-days is by using the public transportation service . Milan has a well-connected metro system and a very robust transport service operated by a company called the ATM, they manage buses, metro, and trams. You can also download the app for ATM .

Read More: How to get from Milan to Lake Como by train

What to Pack for 2 Days in Milan

I have visited Milan in different stations, and it can be cold in winter and very hot during summertime. Doesn’t matter when you visit, you will always find plenty of fun things to do in Milan!

If you are visiting in winter or cold months, be aware that it can be cold. The coldest months in Milan are from December to February, with average lows of 30.4°F (-1°C). So bring some layers. I recommend a warm jacket , comfortable boots , and a nice coat to wear in the evenings.

If you are also visiting during the hot months, think about light clothes and comfortable shoes to walk and explore during the day.

Leave your pair of high heels at home, as you won’t need them. Don’t forget your sunblock, and sunglasses and consider a hat too.

For the evening, especially if you are planning to have dinner at one of the nice restaurants, you can think about a comfortable summer dress and sandals . Or if you are not into dresses, a pair of jeans and a nice top and a nice pair of sandals.

The climate can be mild in Milan, because of its location close to the Alps, so consider bringing a pashmina for the evening.

Milan for 2 Days FAQs

Are 2 days enough in milan.

Yes, 2 days in Milan is enough time to see most of the city’s major highlights and get a feel for the overall vibe of this place. It’s really the perfect amount of time for a Milan itinerary since you can see top Milan landmarks without rushing around.

That being said, people have lived in the city for decades and still haven’t seen all of the amazing museums this place has to offer – not to mention the incredible restaurants and stunning churches that make up some of the best-hidden gems in Milan.

Just be sure to take a deep breath and relax for a moment so that you can enjoy an aperitivo like a real Milanese local.

How many days is good for Milan?

In an ideal world, I’d recommend you spend 2 days and 3 nights in Milan. Because the last thing you want to do is rush around during your 2 days in Milan, just ticking off Milan bucket list item after Milan bucket list

Instead, with a weekend in Milan, you can relax, have an aperitivo, soak up the atmosphere of the city, and truly enjoy all of the top attractions Milan has to offer.

Is Milan a cheap city?

On the whole, no, Milan is not a cheap city. In fact, it’s a bit more expensive than a lot of other major European cities. However, Milan has a great, inexpensive public transportation system that budget travelers can use, as well as a whole host of Milan landmarks that aren’t too expensive to visit as part of 48 hours in Milan. Additionally, there are a wide variety of accommodation options available to suit travelers of every budget.

The best month to visit Milan is either April, May, September, or October. After all, this is shoulder season in the city. So, visitors can steer clear of the crowds, and high prices, associated with planning a Milan 2-day itinerary during peak season.

The weather at this time of year is also relatively mild, enabling you to avoid the intense heat of the summer.

Things to do in Milan for 2 Days Conclusion

There are plenty of things to do in Milan, and besides being a big and busy city, the good news is that it is perfectly fine to spend 2 days in Milan and explore the best spots in the city.

The most important thing when you plan a visit to Milan for 2 days is to come with a pretty clear itinerary, book your hotel and tours in advance, and plan your transportation around the city.

You will be surprised how much you will be able to see and experience in such a short period of time.

I f you are planning to visit Italy, you may also enjoy reading the following:

• Best-Rated Tuscany Wine Tours in 2023: Expert Review
• Best-Rated Agriturismo in Tuscany, Italy
• Top-rated Pompeii Tours
• Top-Rated Florence to Cinque Terre Tours
• Top-Rated Vespa Tours in Tuscany
• The Best Places To Stay In Tuscany
• Where To Stay In Florence, Italy
• The Best Hikes in Italy + Insider Tips

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4 thoughts on “milan for 2 days: an expert’s incredible guide for 2023 and beyond”.

Milan is such a cool city! I had only one day there, unfortunately. I guess I need to go back again to visit all the other places you suggested here 🙂

You managed to fit a lot into only 2 days in Milan. We spent 4 days here and still felt like we missed some key places. Glad you had a good trip!

The architecture in Milan is so stunning! I wouldn’t be able to stop staring at it. I love your point about adding on Lake Como if you have an extra day – that’s a destination I’m dying to see and I tend to forget how close they are! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration 🙂

I love Italy and have been four times, each time to a different area. On my next trip to Italy, I want to explore Lake Como including Milan.

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Milan Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Milan is recognized worldwide as one of the four design and fashion capitals of the world. It’s also a business hub, as the location of Italy’s stock exchange and third wealthiest EU city (after Paris and Madrid ).

As the second-largest city in Italy (and home to the second-largest airport in the country), it’s a popular destination for travelers as it’s easy to get to.

But Milan has a lot for travelers to see and do beyond fashion. The city used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire and was an influential city during the Italian Renaissance. There’s the beautiful Milan Cathedral and Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture. Then there’s Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church. In short, Milan has no shortage of history and culture to bask in.

While it’s no Rome or Florence , Milan is still worth a few nights (maybe longer if you’re looking to enjoy the glitzy, fashionista side of the city).

This travel guide Milan travel guide to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this fashion-forward metropolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Milan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Milan

1. Visit the Duomo

With over 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors, Milan’s cathedral is the largest church in Italy and the third-largest in the world. It’s not surprising that it took over 500 years to complete, with construction starting in 1386 and finishing in 1965. Be sure to admire the view from the top; it’s one of the best (and my favorite) in the city. Access to the cathedral and museum is 8 EUR while adding access to the archaeological site and rooftop costs 14 EUR if you take the stairs and 16 EUR via elevator. Skip the line tickets with access to the terrace start at 30 EUR.

2. Relax in Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is Milan’s most famous city park, a vast oasis of green space spanning over 40 hectares (99 acres). Designed in the 19th century emulating English romantic gardens, the park is home to a number of interesting sites. The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most popular places to visit. The Civic Aquarium is housed inside the last remaining pavilion from International Exposition of 1906. You can take the elevator at the Torre Branca (Branca Tower) to see the city from 108.6 meters (354 feet) high. The Arena Civica dates back to 1807 and is still used for musical, sporting, and other events. You’ll also find Triennale di Milano (a design and art museum), Branca Tower, and a handful of bars and cafes scattered around the park. This is a tranquil place to wander for hours or to sit and have a picnic in the grass. The entire park also has free Wi-Fi if you need to get connected.

3. Explore Sforzesco Castle

Built in the 15th century, this castle was one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th-17th centuries. It houses 12 museums and a vast archive of artifacts. Two noteworthy museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, with its armory and tapestry collection, and the Museum Pietà Rondanini, which includes Michelangelo’s last completed sculpture (Rondanini Pietà, completed in 1564). The castle entrance is free, but admission to all of the museums costs 5 EUR. If you’d like an audio guide, it’s an additional 5 EUR. A three-day museum pass for all the museums is 12 EUR.

4. Admire the Last Supper

This 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece resides in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is often just referred to as The Last Supper Museum. The Last Supper , completed around 1498, is remarkably well preserved and historians still haven’t solved all its mysteries. You must book a reserved 15-minute time slot, with tickets going on sale 2-3 months in advance. As one of the most famous paintings in the world, tickets sell out almost as soon as they go on sale, so this is definitely one to plan ahead for. Tickets cost 15 EUR while guided tours with Get Your Guide start at 45 EUR.

5. Watch some football

If you’re a football (soccer) fan, book yourself tickets to a match at San Siro stadium. Milan is home to two of the world’s best football teams: AC Milan and Inter Milan. Games are super lively and a great way to connect with locals. With a capacity of 80,000 spectators, this is the largest stadium in Italy and where the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will take place. Tickets start at 20-30 EUR. When matches aren’t taking place, you can take a guided tour of the stadium and visit the museum for 30 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Milan

1. take a walking tour.

One of the best ways to get to know Milan is to walk around it with a local. You’ll get your bearings, a history lesson, and see the main highlights as you explore. For free walking tours, check out Citywalkers. Theirs are the best, in my opinion. Their tours cover the main sights and are perfect for budget travelers. Tours last a few hours. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.

If you’re looking for more in-depth tour of the Last Supper and Duomo, check out Take Walks . They run the best paid tours in the city.

2. See Leonardo’s Horse

Located in the Piazella Dello Sporto, Leonardo’s Horse is one of the world’s largest bronze equine statues. Created by Nina Akamu in the 1990s, the design is based entirely on Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches from when he was commissioned by the Duke of Milan Ludovico il Moro in 1482. da Vinci was meant to create the world’s largest bronze horse statue dedicated to the Duke’s father, Francesco, but it was never completed. The horse stands over 24-feet tall and weighs 15 tons.

3. Roam the flea markets

While Milan is renowned for its high-end fashion and designer labels, it is also home to its fair share of flea markets. Fiera di Senigallia, the city’s most popular and retro flea market, sells disco gear and comic books, among many other treasures while Papiniano (near Fiera di Senigallia) is known for shoes and houseware. If you time your visit for the end of the month, Antiquariato sul Naviglio is a good place to go antique hunting (it happens on the last Sunday of the month).

4. Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Opened in 1809 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the main art galleries in Milan. It contains works from Raphael, Mantegna, Rembrandt, and other masters from the 13th-20th centuries. Its most famous artwork is Mantegna’s Lamentation of Christ (painted 1305), a dramatic painting that shows Jesus lying in rigor mortis on a mortuary slab. Admission is 15 EUR, which gives you unlimited access to the museum for three months.

5. Wander Idroscalo Park

Idroscalo Park is centered on Idroscalo Lake, a man-made lake that was originally created in the 1920s as a seaplane airport. Today, the lake and surrounding park offer a green escape from Milan’s concrete jungle. It was my favorite spot for relaxing with a book and people watching. There are plenty of places for kayaking, rowing, sailing, cycling, hiking, and having a picnic. During the summer, there are evening performances in the park featuring everything from modern dance to live orchestras. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and lounge away the afternoon.

6. Walk along Corso Magenta

In the northwestern part of Milan, this street is home to elegant cafes, shops, and Baroque palaces. It’s a beautiful street to wander and gives you an awesome sense of “being in Italy.” The Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent, which houses The Last Supper , are here.

7. Tour the canals

Surprised to hear that there are canals in Milan? Well, there are — two to be exact. Based in the Navigli district, these canals offer a unique perspective of the city and are best enjoyed during the summer months when you can take a lazy boat trip (or even a Venetian gondola). Be sure to check out Boffalora sopra Ticino village or the stately villas of the Robecco sul Naviglio area. The Navigli district is a quiet neighborhood and makes for a restful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Wander the Giardini della Guastalla

Known as the Gardens of the Guastalla, these are some of the oldest gardens in Milan. The gardens date back to the 16th century and have been open to the public since the early 1900s. Amongst the tall stemmed plants and blooming flowers, you’ll find a fish bath filled with carp and redfish, marble statues, and an area to play bocce. There are various sculptures throughout the gardens and I loved all the different kinds of trees. There are beeches that have been around for hundreds of years, along with walnut and maple trees. It looks like something out of a painting! Giardini della Guastalla is located near the Duomo. Admission is free.

9. Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

If you are looking to do some serious shopping or even just window shop, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Named after the first king of Italy, it was built in the 19th century and is the oldest shopping center in the city. The gallery connects the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala and has a four-story arcade and iron-and-glass roof that took 12 years to construct. It’s home to fashion giants such as Prada and Gucci, as well as some of the oldest cafes and restaurants in Milan. Buy yourself a 12 EUR coffee and watch as the Milanese high society passes through.

10. See a performance at Teatro alla Scala

Opened in the late 18th century, this is one of the most influential opera and ballet theaters in the entire world. Many famous operas have debuted here, including Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Tickets to a performance range from 18-260 EUR (though be forewarned that you can’t see much from the cheapest seats). You can also take a one-hour guided tour of the gorgeous historic building for 30 EUR while a visit to the museum is 12 EUR.

11. Learn something new at Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

This interactive museum is the largest science museum in Italy and you could easily spend hours here. I literally did. There’s so much to do! It’s located in an old convent and has everything from exhibits on Da Vinci’s inventions to space exploration. The Leonardo da Vinci Galleries take you through his education, work, and multiple inventions using multimedia displays and 170 models. In the Fragility and Beauty area, you’ll get to see some of the most remote places on earth through a variety of satellite imagery, linking earth and space. There are whole exhibitions dedicated to different types of transportation, including rail, tunnels, and ships, and air. And that’s only the beginning of what you can explore. It’s especially fun for anyone traveling with kids. Admission is 10 EUR.

12. See contemporary art at Pirelli HangarBicocca

This industrial plant on the outskirts of Milan has been turned into an impressive contemporary art space. Covering over 15,000 square meters (161,458 sq ft), there are a couple of permanent exhibitions, but most are temporary exhibitions by upcoming and leading contemporary artists. There’s also a cool bistro on site, serving dishes made with seasonal produce and fantastic cocktails. Admission to the art space is free, though booking a time slot online in advance is recommended. Guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays for 8 EUR.

Milan Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels in Milan are not cheap. A bed in a dorm ranges from 36-60 EUR per night, regardless of number of beds. Private rooms start at 142-160 EUR. Prices don’t fluctuate much with the seasons. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels include breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – There aren’t many two-star budget hotels in Milan. For a three-star budget hotel inside Zone 1 (the city center), prices start around 120 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, AC, and a coffee/tea maker. Some also include free breakfast. If you’re not sure which neighborhood would be best for your stay, use this article to help you decide.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms starting at50 EUR per night if you book early (double that price if you don’t). Entire homes (usually studio apartments) start around 70-80 EUR per night.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy has its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Milan, risotto alla Milanese , veal cutlets, meat ravioli, and cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew) are all popular dishes.

Main dishes at a typical restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine start at 15-18 EUR, while pizza at in the same type of restaurant costs 9-12 EUR. Dinner costs anywhere from 35-40 EUR for a three-course meal with drinks. If you want to splash out, expect to pay around 80 EUR for dinner and drinks.

You can usually find a light breakfast at a coffee shop or café for around 10 EUR, if your accommodation doesn’t include it. Quick eats like street pizza, paninis, and light snacks cost 3-8 EUR. Luini (close to the Duomo and the Galleria) is great for panzerotti (small calzones). Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 10 EUR for a combo meal.

Chinese takeout is 6-10 EUR for a dish while main dishes at an Indian restaurant are 10-15 EUR.

Beer is around 5-6 EUR while a latte or cappuccino is under 2 EUR. Bottled water is around 1.50 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Milan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 75 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like enjoying the parks and visiting the castle. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 155 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a paid walking tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Milan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy so it’s not the easiest place to save money. However, it’s not impossible either. Here are some ways to save money in Milan so you don’t break the bank when you visit:

• Don’t eat in Station Square – The restaurants around here are tourist traps and are vastly overpriced. Head a few blocks outside of this area for authentic and less expensive food.
• Redeem hotel points – Get a hotel credit card and use the points when you travel. Most cards come with 1-2 nights free for signing up, and there’s nothing better than free accommodation. This article will help you get the basics so you can start earning points right away and have plenty for your trip.
• Avoid the taxis – Taxis are expensive here (the base fare is 7 EUR and then it’s around 3 EUR for each additional kilometer). Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget.
• Take the Radiobus – Radiobus is an on-request (via app or the atm.it website) minibus network that runs from 10pm-2am to provide safe and reliable night transportation. Tickets start at 2.20 EUR for three zones, making this an affordable way to get around at night instead of taxis.
• Do some cheap shopping – If you don’t want to miss out on the fashion experience, head to the Brera District for some less expensive but trendy boutique stores. It’s the best place to shop on a limited budget.
• Get a city pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, the Milan City Pass can give you discounts/free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. A one-day pass costs 14 EUR, a two-day pass costs 21 EUR, and a three-day pass is 23 EUR.
• Skip the bread – Some restaurants charge you extra for the bread or breadsticks on the table but won’t tell you about it until the bill comes. If you’re on a tight budget, decline the bread.
• Buy a transit pass Since taxis are so expensive in the city, a transit pass can save you a ton. All the buses and metros are on the ATM network that you can access with one pass. A one-day pass will cost you 7.60 EUR and a 3-day pass is 15.50 EUR. You can even buy a group of 10 rides for 19.50 EUR.
• Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is my favorite way to get familiar with a new city while learning lots of interesting history in the process. Citywalkers is a great, budget-friendly option. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Make a local friend and get a free place to stay by using Couchsurfing ! This is the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips. Just remember to send your requests early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Milan

Milan has lots of great hostels and hotels. You can use this article to help you figure out the best neighborhood to stay in for your trip. Some of my recommended places to stay in Milan are:

• Ostello Bello Grande
• Madama Hostel and Bistrot
• Babila Hostel
• B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio
• Brera Prestige B&B
• L’Isola di Romy

How to Get Around Milan

Public transportation – Milan’s public transportation is run by the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) and uses the same ticketing system across all modes of transportation (bus, tram, subway). The network works on a fare zone system, with zones 1-3 covering virtually all the places that travelers will want to go. A 90-minute ticket for zones 1-3 costs 2.20 EUR, on which you can use any method of transportation.

For zones 1-3, the 24-hour pass is 7.60 EUR while a 72-hour pass is 15.50 EUR. You can also purchase a 10-ride pass for 19.50 EUR.

Radiobus tickets (a night bus service) starts at 2.20 EUR and runs from Milan to neighboring towns.

You can use the ATM app to purchase tickets or buy them at the metro station.

Milan’s subway system is the fastest and easiest way to get around town. There are four lines, and they cover most of the main attractions.

If you’re going to or from the airport to the city center, the Malpensa Express train is a great way to zip in and out of town to catch your flight. A one-way ticket costs 13 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive, with a base fare of 7 EUR and cost another 2 EUR per kilometer. Skip the taxis here as they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available here, but it isn’t cheap. Stick to the bus and subway if you can.

Bike rental – Milan is the most bike-friendly city in Italy, home to over 220 kilometers (137 miles) of bike lanes. Bikemi is the bike sharing system in the city. You can use a bike for as little as 4.50 EUR for a day with unlimited two-hour rides.

When to Go to Milan

The summer months (June to August) are sunny and hot, with daily averages hovering around 29°C (84°F). This is the most popular time to visit, so the city is lively but it’s also busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Milan, from April-May and then September-October. You’ll avoid peak tourism season and the weather is still warm. The average temperature in May is 22°C (71°F) while in October it’s 18°C (62°F). There are interesting events in the city around this time too. The Giro d’Italia bike race happens during May and the MITO Milano Turino Music Festival is in September. If you’re into auto racing, the Millemiglia happens in May and the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Italy in September.

Temperatures cool off considerably from November to March, with lots of fog. There are a lot fewer tourists in Milan during these months, but there are many events happening. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F). The Sanremo Music Festival (a traditional music festival) and Carnival celebrations all happen in February. There are a lot of festivities around the holidays with Christmas Markets and New Year’s concerts and celebrations.

If your biggest reason for visiting Milan is for its shopping and fashion, Fashion Week takes place twice a year (autumn/winter and spring/summer) and is a big deal. I have never been, as it’s not really my thing, but the celebrations are legendary. You need to book accommodations far in advance as the city fills up during this time and everything becomes a lot more expensive.

How to Stay Safe in Milan

Milan is a safe place to visit as violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime you’ll face, so you should be vigilant around Central Station and the area around the Piazza Duca D’Aosta. Definitely don’t leave valuables in the open and watch your bags, purses, and phones. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe (especially on public transportation).

Avoid Parco Sempione at night, especially if you’re alone. The same goes for the Arc of Peace.

Scams here are rare but they do happen and you can read about some common travel scams to avoid by clicking here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the safety standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more specific safety tips, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you advice that I can’t.

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Milan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Milan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bologna

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

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This City Is Italy’s Capital of Fashion and Finance — What to See, Eat, and Do

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Milan.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

• Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Best shopping.

• Best Nightlife

Best Restaurants

Best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Rome, Florence, Venice: They’re the classic trifecta of an Italian whistle-stop tour, right? Somehow, Milan manages to fall off the itinerary, especially for a lot of first-time visitors to Italy. But if you’ve been keeping this most cosmopolitan European city in the “maybe next time, if we have a few more days” category, it’s time to redraw your travel map.

Italy’s capital of fashion and finance, Milan is rightly associated with wealth and style — its sharply dressed residents may make you want to accessorize just a wee bit more thoughtfully. But there’s nothing superficial about this city, which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and has been a touchpoint of some of the most important events in European history. “Milan is an invigorating, bustling metropolis that resembles Berlin, Paris, and New York in its international elements,” says Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International . “It’s very different from other cities in Italy, yet doesn’t compromise on any of its Italian style and authenticity.”

With one foot proudly fixed in an illustrious past that includes ancient ruins, majestic cathedrals, and art-filled museums, Milan is also the best place to experience anything and everything that’s modern in Italy, from innovative art and fashion to exciting new hotel openings and 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some of our experts’ favorite places and experiences in the city — proof that if you miss Milan, you’re truly missing out.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Walk the roof of the Duomo. The rooftop terraces tour of the Duomo of Milan offers an up-close look at this architectural marvel and a bird’s-eye view of the city below. 
• Shop (or just gawk) along Via Monte Napoleone. Even if you can’t afford to make a purchase on one of Europe’s priciest streets, it’s fun to window-shop at Gucci, Fendi, Versace, and a host of others. 
• Eat classic Milanese cuisine. Breaded veal cutlets fried in butter, ossobuco, and risotto with saffron are some Milanese mainstays, and they taste best at a traditional eatery like Trattoria Trippa.
• Bar-hop along the Navigli. Milan’s much-loved nightlife corridor is popular for a reason. It’s still one of the best areas — in Milan or anywhere — for bar-crawling and people-watching. 
• Sleep in a stylish new hotel. A crop of new hotels, each sleeker than the next, opened in 2023 or are on tap for 2024, including one of our favorites, Casa Baglioni. They only add to Milan's collection of top-rated luxury accommodations ,

Related: 29 Most Beautiful Places in Italy 

Courtesy of Portrait Milano

Best Hotels 

Portrait milano.

Gary Portuesi , a T+L A-list travel advisor with Authentic Explorations , says this Lungarno Collection property is “one of the best new hotels we have seen open up in Italy (in 2023).” Effortlessly contemporary and design-forward, the fashion district hotel is located in the historic Piazza del Quadrilatero, and, per Portuesi, is quickly becoming “the place to be.”

Hotel Principe di Savoia

The grandest dame in a city full of them, the Principe di Savoia evokes Belle Epoque glamor. London-based luxury travel writer Nicole Trilivas calls the hotel’s Presidential Suite, with its private indoor pool, “outrageous. It’s like the ancestral penthouse of a duke with a taste for the theatrical, with working fireplaces, swirling frescoes, and mahogany and marble galore. Even the most jaded jet-setter will be impressed.”

Casa Baglioni

Portuesi says this newest Baglioni hotel “captures the highly stylized Milan of the 1960s.” With just 30 rooms and suites, many with views over the inviting Brera district, the hotel retains a homey, albeit very stylish feel. “We also love the spectacular 360 view over the city from its rooftop bar,” says Portuesi. 

Related: 22 Amazing Family-run Hotels in Italy — From Mountain Inns to Seafront Palaces

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Architecture Tour

The modern Milan skyline towers over other Italian cities, and an architect-led tour is the best way to appreciate its daring and innovative skyscrapers and urban projects. Try Guiding Architects for a private tour, which can be customized to your interests. 

Terraces of the Duomo 

Whether you get there by stairs or elevator (the latter costs a few euros more), walking among the rooftop spires of the largest church in Italy is a singular experience and a humbling lesson in engineering and ingenuity. Book an early time slot to beat the crowds, and don’t miss the Gothic, stained-glass illuminated cathedral interiors. You can buy tickets on the Duomo website . 

Teatro alla Scala 

La Scala is synonymous with performing arts in Milan, and even if you can’t take in a ballet, opera, or orchestral performance here, it’s still a thrill to see the theater interiors on a tour. Bono says a guided tour of the theatre and museum is “a must for music lovers.”

QC Termemilano

Take a spa break in a remarkable setting  — a bubbling thermal pool built amid the ruins of 6th-century brick walls. In the busy urban setting of Porta Romana, the QC day spa is a tranquil haven of water, heat, and steam. In the most Milan of manners, there’s even a sauna built into a vintage old tram car.

Related : How to Plan a Trip to Italy on a Budget, According to a Local

Via Monte Napoleone

It’s a shame to visit Milan and not pay your respects at its temples of high fashion, most of which can be worshiped on Via Monte Napoleone. If you don’t scratch your fashion itch on this very expensive stretch of retail real estate, try Corso Buenos Aires, Via Torino, or Via Dante.

“Every time I go to Milan,” says Trilivas, “I visit the flagship Fornasetti atelier, which showcases art and home goods based on the artwork of post-war Milanese artist Piero Fornasetti. It’s a whimsical dream.” A suite at the Mandarin Oriental Milan is dedicated to the artist. 

A pair of handmade Italian leather shoes is the best souvenir you can bring home from Italy, and this is a hill I’ll die on. Find them, along with exquisite accessories, at this gorgeous bottega for women’s items. There are also Velasca menswear locations in the city. 

Best Nightlife 

Sip your negroni sbagliato at this old-school bar where it was invented. Bar Basso may be resting on its historic laurels a bit and service can be indifferent, but it’s still a classic Milan watering hole for a heady cocktail or two. 

Located within the Fondazione Prada cultural complex, this cheerful bar and cafe was designed by director Wes Anderson and evokes his delightful brand of quirkiness. “It’s a must-stop after visiting the museum,” says Portuesi, “and the panini are really good!” Be sure to play a round of pinball on a vintage machine.

The two remaining canals among a former network of important commercial waterways, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are today lined with bars and restaurants and offer Milan’s best aperitivo scene. Grande is jumping on both banks and is the more colorful of the two, while Pavese is a quieter scene.

Trattoria Trippa

Bono heads to this Porta Romana stalwart for its warm, vintage vibe and to be welcomed like a local. “The menu is filled with all the classic dishes you can enjoy in this city, such as ossobuco, risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta alla Milanese, and more,” she says. 

It may be set in Milan’s busy Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe, but Ronin is all about Japanese cuisine and subculture, with an izakaya bar, a Japanese grill, and private karaoke rooms. Portuesi and his team are fans of Ronin’s “Italian spin on sushi.”

Osteria Brunello

According to Portuesi, this casual, modern osteria in the buzzy Porta Garibaldi area is a wee bit upscale but worth seeking out for its “excellent wine list and amazing cotoletta Milanese and mondeghili,” a Milanese specialty of meatballs fried in butter. 

Because there are so many trade fairs and conferences in Milan, you may have to plan your trip based on hotel availability, which will be scarce when there’s a big event in town. Portuesi recommends his clients visit in May and October when the weather is pleasant, and that they avoid the Milan Fashion Weeks in February and September, as well as the Salone del Mobile (furniture fair) in April. 

Despite its northern location, Milan's summers can be sweltering, especially in July and August, when the city is also very crowded. If you can abide by cold, often rainy, foggy weather, the months of December to March (apart from Christmas and Fashion Week) will see the thinnest crowds and lowest hotel prices.

Related: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Italy

Bono’s clients often begin or end their trips to Italy at Milan Malpensa Airport, the largest international hub in northern Italy. Flights from within Europe or the U.K. may also use Linate Airport, which is closer to the city center, or Orio al Serio International Airport near Bergamo. 

From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express train connects to points in the city center and costs €13. Taxis from Malpensa to the center will cost about €110 for up to four people. 

Milano Centrale is the city’s largest railway station, with trains heading to and from the rest of Italy, as well as France and Switzerland. 

querbeet/Getty Images

From Milano Centrale station, you can access the comprehensive public transportation network of trams, buses, and subway lines that serve the city. Milan is flat and well-suited to walking or biking, but it’s big, and distances from one point of interest to another can be several miles. Taxis within the center, for example from Milano Centrale to the Duomo, run about €8-€10. As in other Italian cities, taxis in Milan cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands, or ranks, which are generally located near tourist areas. 

We strongly recommend against driving a rental car in Milan’s congested center, where you’ll be either sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, looking for scarce parking spaces, or dodging pedestrians, bicyclists, and rumbling trams. If you pick up a car in Milan for a longer tour in Italy, plan to head out of the city in the morning, when everyone else is headed in. 

Related: 8 Best Places to Retire in Italy, According to Local Experts

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January 6, 2023 By Lyndsay

3 Days in Milan: A Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

• 1.1 Day 1 in Milan
• 1.2 Day 2 in Milan
• 1.3 Day 3 in Milan
• 2 How to Get to Milan
• 3 How to Get Around Milan
• 4 What to Pack for a Trip to Milan
• 5 Tips for Visiting Milan, Italy
• 6.1 What is the best time to visit Milan?
• 6.2 Are 3 days enough for Milan?
• 6.3 What should I not miss in Milan?
• 6.4 Is Milan cheaper than Rome?
• 7 Where to Go After Milan
• 8 How to Spend 3 Days in Milan: Wrap-Up

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

Want to know the best way to spend three days in Milan, Italy? This guide is for you!

Milan, Italy, is a city that begs to be explored. Full of incredible food, stunning city views, and high-end fashion houses; Milan has so much to offer its visitors.

However, with so much to see and do, it can be tough to know where to visit, especially if you are only there for a short amount of time.

This is one of those great Italian cities perfect for a quick getaway all year round.

Thankfully, to help plan out this Italian itinerary, I asked Lowri from Many Other Roads for her ideas, too!

From sightseeing and cultural attractions to shopping and food, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your 3 days in Milan.

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The Ultimate 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

A long weekend is the perfect amount of time for visitors wanting to see the very best of Milan.

To help you make the most of your trip to the fashion capital of the world, this 3 days in Milan Itinerary makes sure you see the very best places around the city.

Day 1 in Milan

Head up to the top of il duomo di milano.

Few places in the world can rival the sheer beauty of Piazza del Duomo in Milan.

This stunning square is home to some of the most iconic architecture in Italy, including the magnificent cathedral.

Start your 3 days in Milan by visiting one of Italy’s most iconic religious sites, the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano.

The Gothic cathedral is considered one of the largest churches in Italy.

Marvel at its intricate detailing, spires, and stained-glass windows before strolling around Piazza del Duomo and soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere.

Fun Fact : It took almost 600 years to complete the church! Construction began in 1386 and only finished in 1965. Also, the beautiful cathedral has more than 3,400 statues all around its outside.

This is one of the most popular places to explore when visiting Milan. Planning a morning tour is a good idea to avoid crowds, especially in the summer.

As this is a religious building, ensure you wear appropriate clothing (your shoulders and knees are covered), or they will not let you in, even if you’ve booked in advance.

If you’re interested in learning more about the church’s storied history, you can also visit the nearby Museum of the Duomo.

It houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork related to the cathedral’s history.

Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of this building.

Do some luxury window shopping at the Galleria

After exploring Il Duomo, you must head to the Galleria next door.

Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built between 1865 and 1877 to celebrate the Unification of Italy.

When it opened, its 48-meter-high glass dome was the largest shopping arcade in Europe.

Today, the glass and iron structure symbolizes Italy’s modern architecture.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has become such an integral part of local life that it’s been nicknamed “il salotto” (the salon).

It is easy to see why – with its exquisite design, luxurious shops, and inviting cafés, it is truly an experience like no other.

Insider Tip : In the center of the Galleria are four mosaic emblems on the floor, representing Milan, Florence, Rome, and Turin. For good luck, you’ll need to spin with heels together over a very particular spot on the symbol of Turin–you’ll know when you see it. Although you’ll see people trying various ways to complete this, the correct way, as it was explained to me by a native Milanese, is you need to complete one full rotation without pushing yourself with the other leg.

Stop for lunch at Panzerotti Luini

Once you’ve finished exploring these famous landmarks in the middle of Milan, grab a quick lunch at Panzerotti Luini before jumping on the metro.

This bakery is famous for its sweet and savory panzerotti turnovers.

Opened in 1888, the shop is still family-run, and the secrets to its panzerotti are closely guarded.

Choose from the classic fried panzerotti, baked or sweet, all with a variety of fillings, or choose from their selection of other delicious baked goods.

Once you’ve enjoyed this Milanese meal, head to a museum of choice!

Take your pick of Milano museums

What better way to spend an afternoon than visiting some of Milan’s iconic galleries and museums?

From the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to an impressive collection of Italian art, to the Museo del Novecento, which houses works from the 20th century, you can find centuries’ worth of art and artifacts here from around the world.

Depending on your interests, these are some of the top museums in the city you should consider adding to your itinerary:

• Pinacoteca di Brera
• Museo del Novecento
• Leonardo3 Museum
• Galleria d’Arte Moderna
• Fondazione Prada / Prada Museum
• Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano

Stop for a coffee break at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

I know what you’re thinking–did Lyndsay actually just suggest I visit a Starbucks in Italy?!

Yes. Hear me out!

I’ve now visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in New York City and Milan, and it’s a very cool experience–especially if you love all things coffee.

This is different from your typical American Starbucks.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan is the first of its kind in Italy, and it’s a unique way for Starbucks to bring its coffee to a country with a strong coffee culture.

Opened in 2018 in the city’s former post office and stock exchange, the Roastery is a multi-sensory experience that celebrates coffee with artisanal craftsmanship, immersive experiences, and exclusive small-batch Reserve coffees.

You can taste different brewing methods, watch baristas handcraft drinks, and even purchase exclusive merchandise.

It won’t in any way replace the country’s incredible coffee culture; instead, it feels more like the Roastery is an albeit trendy homage to Italian coffee.

Visit the Navigli canals

To end the first of your 3 days in Milan, visit the Navigli.

You will find only a few landlocked major European historic cities, like Milan. In the late 12th century, the town started digging its own river.

These man-made canals reached Lake Maggiore, which connected with the backbone of Europe’s commerce at the time, the Rhine River.

This network of waterways introduced Milan to the rest of Europe and allowed it to thrive as a major city.

However, the canals were filled in and paved over to accommodate the city’s growth over the years. All that’s left of this massive network are the Navigli.

Today, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially at night.

As you stroll along the canal, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or glass of wine.

Day 2 in Milan

See leonardo da vinci’s the last supper painting.

To start your second day off, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to witness The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most iconic paintings in history and one of the best things to do in Milan.

This 15th-century mural depicts Jesus among his twelve disciples, depicting the Biblical scene from Matthew 26:17-30.

Make sure to book tickets in advance as it is a popular tourist attraction and can be sold out months in advance. Plan on spending at least an hour here, seeing one of the famous Renaissance painter’s most well-known works.

Walk through La Vigna di Leonardo

Just around the corner from the Last Supper, you can find Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard, La Vigna di Leonardo, at Casa degli Atellani.

While he was painting the famous Milanese artwork, the Duke of Milan gave him the vineyard as a gift.

Observe Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

If you can’t get tickets to see The Last Supper , you can visit the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio instead.

As one of the city’s oldest churches and founded by Milan’s patron saint, it was initially known as the Basilica Martryum. It was built at a location where numerous martyrs were buried.

When you visit today, you’ll see a stunning Romanesque-style church from the 12th century, admire the pulpit with a late Romanesque carving, and the 4th-century sarcophagus below.

Explore Milan’s history at Castello Sforzesco

Initially built in 1368 and then rebuilt in 1450, Castello Sforzesco was home to the ruling family of Milan. The Visconti family was in power and residence from 1277 to 1447, while the Sforza family took over later, from 1450 to 1535.

As you enter, you’ll pass under the 70-meter Torre de Filarete, a reproduction from the early 20th century of the original gate tower.

Today, the castle-fortress houses the Musei del Castello Sforzesco, a series of museums that feature sculptures like Michelangelo’s last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini, artworks by masters like Bellini, Tintoretto, and Lotto, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, musical history, and medieval armor.

You can purchase entry to the castle with an audio guide and explore the grounds at your own pace. Or, if you don’t have time for a full tour, you can still see inside the castle’s courtyard for free.

This courtyard is a passage between Piazza Cairoli and Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest park.

Take a break from the city in Parco Sempione

Behind Castello Sforzesco is Parco Sempione. Designed in the English style in 1888, walk or bike around the park’s 95 acres to escape the city for a moment of nature.

The park is full of winding pathways perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the scenery.

Parco Sempione’s entrance, on the opposite side of the park from the castle, stands the Arco della Pace (Peace Arch), devised by architect Gio Ponte in 1933.

This impressive structure towers high above the park. It provides spectacular views of Milan and even the Alps on a clear day.

Observe tombs and sculptures at Cimitero Monumentale

If you explore the rest of The Purposely Lost, you will rarely find me encouraging you to visit a cemetery. However, the Cimitero Monumentale is genuinely incredible.

This peaceful resting place is also an open-air museum with extravagantly decorated tombs and mausoleums that date back to the 19th century.

Many of the tomb sculptures were designed by famous artists; you can easily spend hours here observing the art.

Walk around the modern BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano

The Bosco Verticale, located in the new Porta Nuova District of Milan, is a sight to behold.

This pair of residential towers are adorned with over 900 trees, making it one of the most iconic sights in the city.

The Biblioteca degli Alberi, or “Library of Trees” public park at the foot of the Bosco Verticale, features over 135,000 plants.

Explore this new development area on foot, popping into the shops you see and stopping to admire the fountain display.

Catch a performance at Teatro alla Scala

No 3-day visit to Milan is complete without visiting Italy’s most famous opera house – Teatro alla Scala.

If you happen to be visiting during one of the theatre’s world-renowned productions, you’ll be in for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From Rossini to Verdi, this 18th-century theatre premiered operas from some of the most famous composers of the time.

Today, it offers a range of performances, from operas and ballets to concerts, as it has for centuries.

You can find their performance schedule and purchase tickets on their website.

However, a visit to Teatro alla Scala is a must, even if you’re not an opera fan. The theatre’s incredible architecture and rich history are sure to impress.

You can book a tour of the theatre to see inside the impressive landmark any time.

Day 3 in Milan

Take a guided walking tour in the morning.

As a tour guide, I always recommend you take a walking tour of any new city to learn more about its history and get a local’s perspective.

This free guided walking tour of Milan will introduce you to the city’s most historical landmarks, from Piazza del Duomo, Piazza degli Affari, Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo, and Piazza Mercanti.

Remember, since this is a free walking tour, you must tip your tour guide for a well-done job!

Window shop in the Quadrilatero d’Oro

Shopping in Milan is an experience like none other. As the fashion capital of Europe, it’s no surprise that the city offers a wide variety of stores and boutiques to explore.

If you want to indulge in some serious shopping, head to the Quadrilatero della Moda.

This high-end shopping and fashion district boasts some of the most famous Italian and international designers, with their luxe shops lining the four main streets–Via Montenapoleone, Corso Venezia, Via Manzoni, and Via della Spiga.

Here, you’ll find all the top Italian designer brands like Gucci, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and many more.

Exploring the world-renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro is a must for anyone visiting Milan.

Remember, casual browsing inside the shops is not welcome when visiting this designer shopping street–unless you’re also dressed to impress and prepared to drop a pretty penny.

Otherwise, you can admire the eye-catching window displays as dramatic as the fashions themselves.

Fun Fact : Every autumn, Milan designers showcase their latest collections at Milano Moda Donna–Milan Women’s Fashion Week–just like NYC’s Fashion Week, one of its best fall festivals.

​​Visit the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

Yes, it’s time to head to another church!

Tucked away on a quiet street directly next to the much larger Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, inside Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa, you’ll find one of the eeriest sites in Milan–the Ossuary Chapel.

The inside is decorated with thousands of human skulls and bones dating from as far back as the 12th century.

Although a hospital and cemetery were initially built next to the Basilica, they were soon overflowing, and an ossuary was established to continue collecting the remains of the deceased.

Human bones are artfully arranged to cover the walls entirely.

Skulls are placed to form crosses with other bones providing additional details and decorations, all leading up to the “Triumph of Souls and Flying Angels” fresco by Sebastiano Ricci from 1695 that decorates the ceiling.

It’s a genuinely chilling example of art and history.

End your last night in Milan with dinner at Diana Garden – Bar & Restaurant

For your last dinner in Milan, head over to visit Diana Garden – Bar & Restaurant.

This hidden gem in the middle of Milan is the ultimate spot to relax over a cocktail in the city.

This secret garden bar boasts an impressive selection of Italian cuisine and cocktails and is the perfect spot for your last evening in this historic city.

Be sure to take some time afterward to wander through the lush gardens before heading back to your hotel for the night.

How to Get to Milan

Milan has two international airports, Milan Linate Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport.

Linate is easy to access from the city center by taking the newly opened M4 metro line directly to the airport, or you can take a taxi.

Malpensa is Milan’s largest airport and is further out of the city center; you’ll need to take a train to the airport or book a private transfer.

You can find direct trains to and from Malpensa to the Milano Centrale train station. 

If you’re flying with a budget airline, you’ll probably be using Bergamo’s Orio al Serio International Airport. 

Your best bet is to take one of two bus options to Milan.

The Autostradale Terravision Bus or the Orio Shuttle will make the one-hour drive directly from Bergamo airport to the center of Milan. 

Otherwise, you can take the train. You’ll first need to take a public bus or taxi from the airport to the Bergamo train station and then the train from Bergamo to Milano Centrale.

If you’re traveling to Milan from somewhere in Italy, you can take the train.

Trenitalia/Trenord and Italo trains both service the major Milan central train stations.

Milano Centrale is a huge train station, most famous for its stunning architecture, or you can use Milano Porta Garibaldi.

How to Get Around Milan

Getting around the bustling city of Milan is easy and convenient, even without a car , thanks to its extensive public transportation network.

The city is entirely walkable, and the public transit system makes it easy to get around.

The Milan Metropolitana covers the city’s most important points, with five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) that can take you to many of the major destinations in the city center and to the suburbs outside the city.

However, the trams and buses will give you access to many more neighborhoods in Milan’s city center than can be reached by metro. 

To use the metro system, you can purchase tickets at ticket machines in the metro stations or use the ATM Milano app. 

My favorite app to navigate Milan’s entire public transport network is called Citymapper. 

What to Pack for a Trip to Milan

Knowing what to pack for your stay is essential when planning a three-day trip to Milan.

The city can be pretty cold during the winter months from December to February– you might even encounter snow .

A warm jacket, comfortable boots, and a nice coat for evenings out will ensure that you stay warm and cozy throughout your stay.

If you plan on spending time outdoors during these months, also bring a hat and gloves for extra protection against the cold.

The weather is much more pleasant during the spring, summer, and fall.

A light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable during the day, while a pair of sandals or flats are perfect for exploring the city.

No matter what time of year you visit Milan, make sure to bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Tips for Visiting Milan, Italy

Check to see if a restaurant closes after lunch – In Italy, many restaurants (and even some tiny stores) close in the afternoon due to riposo, Italy’s siesta .

Restaurants often shut around 2:30 or 3 p.m. and reopen for dinner at 7 p.m.

This also means that there are no early meals in Milan.

Although a few eateries are open for business in this window, you’ll have to wander for a bit to find them. They’re usually only available to cater to tourists.

However, since Milan is the most cosmopolitan of the country’s cities, you’ll find more restaurant options between lunch and dinner in the afternoon.

To be on the safe side, check the hours of any restaurants you definitely want to eat at, and even make a reservation if you can.

Purchase a Milan sightseeing pass to save money – Especially if you love visiting museums and landmarks while you’re on a trip, I recommend you purchase the Milan Pass .

This pass includes discounts to dozens of the city’s biggest museums, restaurants, and other attractions around the city and free entrance into several landmarks I’ll mention in this Milan itinerary.

You can read more about the Milan Pass here .

Keep these apps on your phone to help you get around – Citymapper is my go-to software for learning how to navigate a new city’s transit system.

The free app will show you the stations and lines and when, where, and how to go from one location to another.

It also works in several of my other favorite places worldwide, including New York City , Venice , and Rome .

Google Maps is also essential to have on your phone.

When you’re connected to wifi, you can download your map of Milan offline to keep it with you even when you don’t have service, and it’s great for saving recommendations–like everything in this guide!

3 Days in Milan: FAQs

What is the best time to visit milan.

The best times to visit Milan are in the shoulder seasons of summer–spring, and autumn.

These months offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to explore the city without having to battle through hordes of tourists.

You’ll also find that prices are more reasonable during these periods, giving you more bang for your buck when it comes to accommodation and attractions.

Another great time to visit Milan is in the winter. The days are short, and you’ll need to be bundled up due to the chilly temperatures.

However, if you’re looking for the best travel deals on hotels and airfare to Milan and can handle the cold, this is the best time to visit Milan for you. 

Although it’s a beautiful time to be in the city, the summer months of July and August are the busiest time for tourism in Milan, with long lines for attractions and high prices for accommodation.

This can be a real hassle if you’re not prepared for it, so it’s best to avoid these months if possible.

Are 3 days enough for Milan?

Absolutely! Milan is a city that can easily be explored in three days. This is a perfect amount of time to explore the city as you don’t have to rush to see all the attractions.

You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

If you want to explore beyond the city limits, 3 days allows enough time for a day trip.

Popular destinations from Milan include the picturesque Lake Como, the stunning Dolomite Mountains, and Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.

If you’d rather stay in Milan, 3 days is also enough to make the most of its food and bar scenes.

Spend your time exploring different neighborhoods, tasting delicious Italian dishes in trattorias and gelato shops, and having aperitivo in the evening.

Once you’ve had enough of walking around the city, take a boat cruise on the Navigli canals to see Milan from another perspective.

But no matter how long you decide to visit Milan , you are guaranteed the best city break in Italy!

What should I not miss in Milan?

Like many Cities across Italy and Europe, there is plenty of city highlights you can’t miss on your trip.

To make your 3-day visit to Milan unforgettable, here are the top activities you should consider doing:

👉 Visit the Duomo di Milano – this impressive cathedral is the symbol of Milan and one of the largest churches in the world! Climb the top for a stunning view of the city, or take a tour inside to discover its incredible art and architecture.

👉 Wander through Piazza del Duomo – this stunning square sits in the historic center of Milan. It features several impressive attractions, including the Duomo Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery, and fascinating statues. It’s also a great place to people-watch!

👉 Take a tour of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper – this world-famous painting can be seen with a guided tour. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance!

👉 Shop ’till you drop at the Quadrilatero d’Oro – Known as Milan’s Golden Triangle, this area is home to some of the most luxurious shops in the world. Whether you’re looking for designer goods or just window shopping, this is a great place to explore!

👉 Enjoy an opera at Teatro alla Scala – Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house hosts both traditional and contemporary performances throughout the year.

Even if you don’t have tickets for a show, you can visit the museum, take a guided tour of the building, and Piazza della Scala.

👉 Spend an afternoon in Parco Sempione – Milan’s beautiful park near the Sforzesco Castle offers a peaceful reprieve from the city.

Is Milan cheaper than Rome?

Generally speaking, Rome is a more expensive destination than Milan, mainly due to its high popularity among tourists – flight and hotel prices tend to be higher here than elsewhere.

Throughout the year, European budget airlines like Ryanair offer incredibly low fares to Milan compared to Rome, which often makes it a more budget-friendly option to book.

Visiting Milan is a great alternative for those looking for something more budget-friendly!

While it may not offer the same number of attractions as Rome, Milan still has plenty to see and do – from art galleries and cultural sights to shopping and delicious Italian cuisine.

Plus, you’ll be able to find more affordable accommodation options here than in Rome.

All in all, Milan can provide a cheaper getaway and a fantastic alternative to Rome.

Where to Go After Milan

After you finish your Milan 3-day itinerary, you can explore many other incredible Italian destinations!

After you finish visiting Milan, consider taking a trip to Venice .

This romantic city is known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture.

Take a boat tour along the Grand Canal and admire the beautiful palaces that line its banks.

Visit St. Mark’s Square, explore the Doge’s Palace, or ride a gondola through the canals.

I have a complete guide on taking a day trip from Milan to Venice , as well as several other articles all about exploring the best things to do in Venice , if you want to learn more!

Of all of Italy’s beautiful lakes, Lake Como is just a short train ride away from Milan.

This stunning lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush greenery, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The lake is dotted with picturesque villages where you can explore local culture, sample delicious Italian cuisine, and enjoy some of the best views in Italy–and Switzerland!

Verona is another must-visit destination after Milan.

Once you pass Lake Garda on the train coming from Milan, you’ll find yourself in the romantic city.

It’s home to stunning landmarks like Arena di Verona and Juliet’s Balcony from Shakespeare’s  Romeo & Juliet . 

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning stretch of coastline on the northern Italian Riviera that’s home to five colorful villages.

This area is known for its breathtaking views and hiking between the towns.

Spend time wandering the charming streets, taking a boat ride along the coast, and sampling some delicious seafood.

Turin offers a unique blend of culture and history.

This city is home to the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic structure that houses the National Cinema Museum and one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt.

Turin also has many art galleries, churches, and other museums to explore. 

How to Spend 3 Days in Milan: Wrap-Up

Milan is a modern, metropolitan Italian gem that offers its visitors so much value for money.

No matter what time of year you visit or what type of trip you want, Milan has something for everyone!

With this guide, you’ll have no problem filling your three days in Milan with exploration and adventure.

From the Duomo to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, there’s much to see and do in this incredible city.

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3 Days in Milan: Itinerary Ideas and Top Sights

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Milan is an exciting, grand and modern Italian city that has a long and colorful past. It’s a city with a rich culture, from the majestic buildings that dominate the landscape to its reputation as one of the world’s fashion capitals. There is plenty to do in this glorious part of the world, so making a 3-day itinerary for Milan isn’t easy but it’s definitely possible.

Let’s discover the best things to do in Milan in 3 days, from exploring Castello Sforzesco to a lovely day trip to Lake Como. We’ve also included logistics, like travel costs and where to stay and eat.

Article contents

Top Sights for Your 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

Where to begin? Let’s take a look at the city’s top sights so you can decide what are the highlights of Milan must sees to add to your itinerary. 

Duomo di Milano

This impressive cathedral is the second largest in Italy after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and has a towering facade of relief sculptures, a vast interior of large marble columns and high ceilings. Aside from the intricate sculptures and stained glass windows that make up this magnificent building, it’s also the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and is an enduring icon of the city.

Piazza Del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

No trip to Milan is complete without a visit to Piazza del Duomo. It’s easy to see why this iconic cobblestoned square with cafes and historic buildings surrounding it is seen as the heart of the city. And the four-story Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a vibrant shopping center with fashion stores galore. It’s the oldest active shopping area in the city and something you can’t miss.

Santa Maria Delle Grazie

Many people know of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper , but not many know it’s housed in Santa Maria Delle Grazie . This is a beautiful little church and UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Milan. 

Here you’ll also come across a pristine garden and magnificent architecture. So it’s well worth the visit, not just to see the Last Supper .

Castello Sforzesco

For a deep dive into Milan’s past, visit the ancient fortification of Castello Sforzesco . It now houses famous art treasures such as Michelangelo’s unfinished work Rondanini Pietà . When you’re done exploring this famous building, you can stroll through the breathtaking Parco Sempione.

Pinacoteca di Brera

For all things art, head to the Pinacoteca di Brera . This is the main art gallery in Milan and houses iconic works such as The Kiss by Francesco Hayes and The Marriage of The Virgin by Raphael. With a particular focus on painting, there are over 400 artworks for you to admire within these walls.

Bonus: San Siro for AC Milan and Inter Milan Fans

It’s not often you find a football stadium used by two rival teams, but the San Siro is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. This is an excellent visit for any football fan, and who knows, you may be able to catch a game while in Milan.

Day 1: Explore Milan’s City Center and Navigli District

You simply have to start your Milan itinerary by exploring Centro Storico, the buzzing heart of the city’s history and culture. From the cobblestoned streets of Piazza Duomo to the majestic Milan Cathedral that towers over the city, there are plenty of exciting activities and sights in store. 

Morning and Afternoon – Explore the Sights of Old Town

To get the perfect Milan itinerary kickstarted, you’ll begin the day at Duomo Square. This is smack dab in the city center and provides easy access to many of the historical buildings in the area. For fantastic views of the Duomo Cathedral and tasty pastries, grab breakfast at Giacomo Caffè .

TOP TIP: Get your tickets for the Duomo and the Archaeological site here .

From there, spend the morning exploring the sites in and around Old Town. You can feed your shopping cravings at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and discover exactly why this is one of the world’s fashion capitals. Walk across the square, and you’ll find the Duomo Museum and Palazzo Reale di Milano where you can explore the works of Michelangelo and Max Ernst.

If you’ve still got time before lunch, walk to the Piazza della Scala, five minutes from Duomo Square. At Piazza della Scala, you’ll come across Teatro alla Scala . This 18th-century theater is the epitome of Italian style, with a breathtaking facade and lavish interior. Although most showings are at night, the museum and music library at this theater is fantastic to explore during the day.

DISCOVER: What goes on behind the music at Teatro alla Scala with a guided experience .

After lunch — which we’ll cover in just a bit — take a 15-minute walk to Castello Sforzesco to see what lies within the walls of this ancient fortification. A walk through Parco Sempione is an amazing way to enjoy the afternoon. There’s plenty to see, from the Bridge of The Little Mermaids to the iconic Arco Della Pace.

Lunch and Gelato Stop Suggestions in Centro Storico

• Langosteria Cafe Milano – Dine in style at this Milan restaurant. It has a moody atmosphere that sets the tone for a fantastic meal. This spot is one of the pricier options in the area, but nothing beats fresh seafood and authentic Italian pasta.
• Spazio Niko Romito – For a more affordable but equally eclectic experience, visit this airy and inviting restaurant. Light streams in from the wall-to-ceiling windows, and the classic linguini or pan-seared salmon make for a delicious meal you won’t forget.
• Gelato Stop: Artico Gelateria Tradizionale – Some of the top ice cream makers come from the esteemed school of Gruppo Artico, and this is one of their fantastic gelato spots. Here, you can sample the classic flavors and some new and unusual ones. Artico Gelateria also has a vibey spot to sit and people-watch while you enjoy your frozen cup of deliciousness.

If you’ve got some time at the end of the day, visiting the San Siro Stadium is a great idea. It’s an 8-minute bus ride from Parco Sempione to the stadium, with prices varying between €1 and €2. You may be able to watch AC Milan or Inter Milan play, or you can join a guided tour of San Siro . Either way, it’s a great detour that all football fans will appreciate.

Evening – Dinner or a Food Tour in Navigli

End your one day in Milan with a delightful dinner in Navigli. Enjoy a 30-minute walk through the streets of Milan from Centro Storico to the Navigli District. Alternatively, you can catch a 6-minute taxi ride between €9 and €12 per trip.

The Navigli District is a glorious destination to enjoy the nightlife of Milan. If you like pizza head to SCIUÉ Navigli which is also popular for desserts like pannacotta and tiramisu.

The charming Navigli area surrounds the city’s main canal and is known for its restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect place for an aperitivo tour where you can sample the city’s favorite drinks and snacks. You’ll dive into everything from local cheeses to delicious wine, classy cocktails, and delicious salami. While you indulge in Navigli delights, don’t forget to admire the glorious sunset over the canal. It’s a magical sight, and the trendy bars make it a vibrant space.

Expert Tips for Your First Day in Milan

• Don’t rush – Take your time and enjoy a few landmarks rather than rushing. The sights in the city center are steeped in history and intrigue, so rather spend some time at each one.
• Tour or no tour? – You can explore Milan without joining a tour. But if you want to skip the hassle of booking individual entrance tickets and travel costs, consider joining this private guided walking tour .
• Pre-book tickets to the Milan Cathedral – If you choose to explore the city on your terms, make sure you pre-book a ticket to the Milan Cathedral. This will help save time by skipping the ticket line. Certain tickets even grant access to the cathedral roof, where you can admire the Milan skyline. > Book your ticket here

Day 2: Discover the Brera District and Leonardo Da Vinci Works

As renowned as Milan is for its fashion, the city is also teeming with art. So it makes complete sense to dedicate the second day of your perfect Milan itinerary to exploring the neighborhood of Brera’s abundance of art and culture.

Morning and Afternoon – Explore Brera District’s Art Galleries

Start the morning with a tasty confectionery and a strong shot of espresso at Princi Bakery Brera . Once you’re all fueled up for the day, take a short 7-minute walk to the glorious Pinacoteca di Brera . It’s a museum dedicated to paintings and sculptures created between the 13th and 20th centuries, focusing on Italian artists. There are various rooms for you to explore, all housing masterpieces by the likes of Carravagio, Raphael, and more.  Just keep in mind that there’s a standard entry fee of €15. The ticket comes with an access card that allows you to visit the museum as many times as you like for the next three months.

Once you’ve had lunch, it’s time to visit Milan’s greatest attraction at the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie . This church houses the Leonardo da Vinci classic, The Last Supper . Although this massive, 180 x 350-inch artwork is the main event at Santa Maria Delle Grazie, it’s not all there is to see.

LEARN: The history on a tour of The Last Supper and more on how to buy tickets .

The Gothic architecture of Santa Maria Delle Grazie is stunning, with beautifully crafted granite decorated in Corinthian leaves. Other outstanding works you can gaze at include The Crowning of Thorns by Tiziano Vecellio and Crucifixion by Gaudenzio Ferrari. If you still have spare time, visit some other galleries in the area, like Miart Gallery and Galleria d’Arte Moderna .

Lunch and Gelato Stop Suggestions

• Ristorante Nabucco – For a delicious lunch in the heart of Brera, look no further than Nabucco. It’s a pricey option, but you’re guaranteed the best, from divine saffron risotto to innovative and delicious pasta dishes.
• Il Cestino – Eat at this classy yet affordable restaurant when you’re done gazing at the fine arts galleries. The walls of wine cabinets create a homely environment, and the divine selection of authentic Italian food is the cherry on top.
• Gelato Stop: Rivareno – This is one of the few Gelato joints that rivals Artico, and it’s easy to see why. With welcoming and modern seating, you can refresh your palette in a stylish part of town.

When you’re not admiring famous paintings on this Italian adventure, consider walking through the Brera Botanical Garden. It’s just behind the Palazzo Brera and provides a great chance to escape the buzz of the city and stroll through nature for a bit.

Evening – Enjoy Fine Dining at Cracco & a Night Tour

There are 16 Michelin Star restaurants in Milan, but that doesn’t mean all of them are super expensive. If you’re seeking a fine dining experience but want to save some bucks, go to the one Michelin Star Ristorante Cracco . With only the finest locally sourced ingredients and a romantic setting in the heart of Centro Storico, you’re guaranteed a memorable dinner. Remember you’ll need to reserve a table in advance, similar to other Michelin Star restaurants.

End the day by joining this night walking tour as street lights create a dazzling display. You’ll be able to snap some gorgeous nighttime photos during the tour and see sites like the Colonne di San Lorenzo and the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio.

Expert Milan Travel Tips for Day 2

• Pre-book Santa Maria tickets – Tickets for the Last Supper are in high demand, and are sometimes sold out for up to six months. So be sure to book your ticket well in advance or join this Milan skip-the-line tour .
• Join a tour at Brera Art Gallery – It’s a fairly big place to explore, so you can easily lose track of time or miss some classic Italian paintings. Prevent this from happening by joining this Pinacoteca guided experience .
• Wear comfortable shoes – It may be an obvious thing to say, but footwear is key when exploring Milan in 3 days. You’ll do a lot of walking, and Brera has cobblestoned streets, so it’s essential you have comfortable shoes with good grip. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Como

Now you’ve admired the magnificent art and architectural wonders of Milan, why not explore the area around the city and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Como . You can catch a train and explore on your own or join a guided tour of the lake from central Milan . 

If you choose to take the train, departing from Milan you can choose to arrive in Como town at the lakeside train station Como Lago or travel to Varenna, a picturesque town in the center of the lake. It’s an hour’s travel time through the rolling scenery of northern Italy, and train tickets start at €5.

TOP TIP: You’ll see more on a guided tour of Lake Como than on a self-guided day trip.

Morning and Afternoon – Explore the Towns of Como, Bellagio, & Varenna

Begin the day by exploring the town of Como, with its pastel-colored buildings. The town is on the southwestern fork of this upside-down Y-shaped lake with picturesque pine forests. After exploring Como, jump on a boat and head to Bellagio. This is a 40-minute boat trip along the majestic waters of Lake Como, with the average ferry cost starting at €7. Once in Bellagio, you can wander the narrow cobblestone streets and visit the quaint thrift shops dotted around town. Don’t forget to wander along the lakeside and visit the Basilica of San Giacomo in the town center before grabbing lunch.

After lunch, catch another ferry to Varenna. This is just a 15-minute ride, and tickets start at €3. Spend the afternoon walking through the botanical gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. These are fantastic spots to capture the sunset amongst picture-perfect gardens. You can return back to Milan from either Como Lago or Varenna train stations.

READ: Our guide on How to get from Milan to Lake Como . 

Lunch and Gelato Suggestions in Bellagio

• Antico Pozzo – For delicious pizza and all things Italian in a quiet and picturesque courtyard, eat at Antico Pozzo.
• Bilacus Ristorante – For a fine dining experience amongst the narrow streets of Bellagio, visit Bilacus. You’ll find Instagram-worthy plates of delicious local food here.
• Gelato Stop: Smooth Operators – Look no further than this cute little store along the waterfront for the finest gelato in Bellagio.

READ: Our guide of Things to do on a trip to Lake Como .

Alternate Day Trip

Visiting Verona is an excellent option if you want to experience the countryside east of Milan. There’s plenty of history and food to enjoy here, and you can read about it in this guide on taking a day trip to Verona from Milan .

Evening – Have an Early Dinner in Varenna

Before leaving Lake Como , enjoy an early dinner in Varenna. Just keep in mind that the last train leaves at 21:35 with an hour and 30 minutes travel time and will cost around €8.

DISCOVER: Everything you need to know about Traveling by train in Italy .

For dinner along the beachfront of Varenna with majestic views of Lake Como, wine and dine at La Cambusa . You can sit inside, but the outdoor seating provides unrivaled views of the lake, where the sunset will light the sky in shades of orange and purple. You can dig into everything from filling paninis to heart-warming pizzas. While you’re here, try out some of their Italian craft beverages, like a Nazionele yellow beer or Isaac pale yellow Blanche beer.

Expert Tips for Your 3 Days in Milan

• Join a tour – Join this Lake Como day tour to save time and money. It will cover everything necessary for day three, so you don’t have to worry about travel costs or purchasing additional tickets.
• Pack light – This is an enjoyable day trip from Milan, but the last thing you want is to have a heavy bag you need to lug around. Instead, pack light and only bring the essentials, like a good camera and your wallet.
• Try to explore Milan when you get back – Although this is a full-day trip, this is also your last night in Milan. So, if you’re not too tired, try and explore in and around the area you choose to stay. This will most likely be a late-night adventure, depending on when you get back from Lake Como.

READ: Our full guide to the Best day trips from Milan .

Arriving in Milan

When planning your trip to a tee, include what happens once you get to Milan. The city has three airports, but you’ll most likely fly into Malpensa Airport, from which you can take the Malpensa Express to the Milan Central Station. Ticket prices start from €13.You can then catch a taxi to your accommodation or book a transfer directly from the airport with Welcome Pickups or Sun Transfers .

Where to Stay in Milan for Three Days

Seeing as you’ll be visiting the city for three days, the best place to stay in Milan is the Centro Storico district. This is the city’s beating heart and the ideal area to stay for easy access to the top sites. Book your stay at Room Mate Giulia for a reliable and affordable accommodation option.  Or, if you want something more personalized, the Danza di Luce apartment is a great option. 

TIP: Get 5% off your Plum Guide booking with our code ‘Untold5’.

Recommended Milan Tour Companies

You can easily explore the city’s sites alone when you visit Milan. That said, having a guide show you the hidden parts of the city can be beneficial. It’s an added bonus that the travel plans will also be sorted. 

So here are some fantastic tour companies you should consider using when visiting Milan:

• WithLocals is another fantastic tour company that offers unforgettable experiences at an affordable price. Take your pick from the set itineraries, or make your own with the help of a local guide. Their food tours are particularly fantastic > browse tours here
• Liv Tours is a family-run tour company that considers your every need. Although based in Rome, they run tours across the country with groups no larger than six people. You can also get a 5% off your tour with the code ‘UntoldItaly’ > browse tours here
• Take Walks is an ever-reliable tour company that provides well-designed tours for small groups. They offer 24-hour cancellation, and with a maximum of 20 people per group, you’re guaranteed to have an informative and personal experience > browse tours here  

Ready for Your 3 Days in Milan Trip?

Exploring Milan in 3 days is definitely doable. All the city’s main sites are in and around Centro Storico, so walking is the best way to get around. And besides, who doesn’t want to walk the streets of this stylish city?  So with this handy Milano 3-day itinerary, you can enjoy all the pleasures this lovely city offers and more. Now that you know what to do in Milan for 3 days, have a look at this 3 days in Rome itinerary to plan your next Italian vacation.

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Top 19 travel tips for visiting Milan

From when to drink coffee to when never to visit, you'll be a seasoned expert in no time with these top travel tips

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22746515@N02/6933056736" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bert Kaufmann</a>

Sure, it’s got a bit of a reputation, but don’t be intimidated by Milan. Anyone who loves great restaurants , Instagram-worthy buildings and at least a bit of shopping will have an absolute blast in Milan, but to save you the stress, there are a few things you should know before you go.

Our Milan experts have rounded up all the best tips and tricks to make you an expert in all things Milan living, from what time to drink coffee and the best negroni you can order to how to make sure you get to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the flesh. Here are our top travel tips for visiting Milan. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan 🍕 Where to eat the best pizza in Milan 🚆 How to navigate public transport in Milan 📍 The best things to do in Milan 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Milan

Liz Humphreys is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Travel tips for first-time Milan visitors

1.  no need to leave extra.

This one might be a shock if you’re visiting Milan from a country with a big tipping culture, but here in Milan, it’s not a thing. Tips aren’t expected, as the city has a pretty good hourly wage (we know, unheard of, right?), so keep your coins for another negroni later on. 

2.  Consider avoiding August

August might seem like a good month to live out your Italian dreams, but if you’re considering it, be warned – Milan gets seriously, swelteringly hot in August. But that’s not the only reason to make a plan for another month, as a fair few shops and restaurants shut down this month while the Milanese go on their holidays. Best not risk it, we say. 

3.  Plan ahead to see Leonardo

If getting a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s  The Last Supper  is on your list, but you haven’t made reservations months in advance, all hope is not lost. Even if online reservations show no tickets are available, try calling the ticket hotline, as some are kept aside for phone callers. Another option is to book a guided Milan tour that also includes a visit to the painting, as these are sometimes more likely to have spots left.

4.  Travel by tram

Though many trams have been modernised, for a unique experience, the  ATMosfera  lets you ride a 1930s tram on a sightseeing trip through the city while enjoying a multicourse dinner with wine. It is a very romantic way to catch a glimpse of Milan’s past inside while peering at the present right outside the windows.

5.  Never order a cappuccino after lunch

Italians are convinced that drinking anything with milk after the morning will hamper digestion. So, to blend in, order that cappuccino (or other coffee drinks with milk, see below for more on that) only before 11am, or risk looking like a foreign fool.

6.  We take latte literally

If you want a coffee with milk, make sure you order a cappuccino (more foam) or caffé latte (less foam), a caffé macchiato (espresso with a little milk), or a latte macchiato (hot milk with a little coffee) instead of just a “latte” – or you’ll only get a glass of milk. If you just want an espresso, order “un caffé” to avoid strange looks.

7.  Enjoy an aperitivo

No visit to Milan is complete without partaking in the pre-dinner (or instead-of-dinner) tradition of  aperitivo. B asically, cocktails are served with all manner of free nibbles, often a buffet with enough food to constitute a meal. Though the Navigli neighbourhood is home to many bars offering  aperitivo , you’ll find it served throughout the city – so go ahead, sample a few different kinds.

8.  Try a Negroni sbagliato

While a classic Negroni – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth – is always a good idea, when in Milan, don’t miss the chance to sample a Negroni  sbagliato , literally a Negroni “mistake.” It was born at Bar Basso in the ‘70s when a bartender added sparkling wine to a Negroni instead of gin, and you can still try it there (amongst other places).

9.  Head away from the Duomo at night

Though several of the major sights you’ll want to see will be around the Duomo area, for a cooler nightlife experience, venture out to some of the more local haunts in such neighbourhoods as Isola, Porta Venezia or Navigli. You’ll get away from the tourists, save money and likely have more fun.

10.  …and even during the day

After exploring the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala, take a bus or tram out to some of the farther reaches of Milan for truly unique museums that never feel as crowded as the centre city attractions. Fondazione Prada, Pirelli HangarBicocca and MUDEC are all housed in interesting buildings and feature permanent and rotating exhibitions worth your time.

11.  Watch out for Salone

Though arriving during the Milan Furniture Fair, called Salone del Mobile – which runs for six days in mid-April – can be super fun as there are loads of parties and events happening, the city becomes super crowded and expensive. Hotels jack up their prices to stratospheric levels and get booked up months in advance. Ditto during Milan Fashion Week. Unless you’re a diehard furniture design fan, it may be a better idea to visit at a time when the city’s a bit more relaxed.

12.  Visit museums for free

On the first Sunday of each month, all of Milan’s civic museums – including Museo del Novecento, Sforza Castle museums, Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano and MUDEC, among others – offer free admission. Though they tend to be more crowded then, it’s still a good chance to squeeze in some more culture without spending a cent.

13.  Head up high

Milan boasts loads of vantage points where you can enjoy prime views of the city skyline. The rooftop of the Duomo, Torre Branca inside Parco Sempione and the terrace on the seventh floor of the Rinascente department store are fabulous places to get an eyeful. Prefer a drink with your vistas? Try the Radio Rooftop Bar or Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant.

14.  Wear your snazziest shoes

The Milanese take their footwear very seriously. Women may want to bring a pair or two of high heels to wear out at night – or even during the day if they dare. (You’ll see plenty of locals traipsing effortlessly along the cobblestones wearing stilettos.) Men can often get away with cool sneakers. If you catch the locals checking out your shoes, you’ve probably done well.

15.  Go to La Scala on the cheap

Even if you’re not an opera-lover, catching a performance at Teatro alla Scala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The problem is, not only are tickets super-pricey, but they sell out months and months in advance. However, if you visit the box office an hour before a show starts, any leftover or returned tickets are sold at a 25% discount – perhaps not cheap, but definitely worth the splurge.

16.  Embrace discount fashion

Yes, many of the clothes, shoes and accessories on sale in Milan are through-the-roof expensive – after all, this is the home of Prada and Versace. But if you just can’t bear to visit this fashion town without a purchase, head over to DMAG outlet. You’ll find three locations showcasing discounted Italian and international luxury brands, so perhaps you can head home with those Miu Miu boots you’ve been eyeing after all.

17.  Shop outside the fashion district

You’ll want to window shop and stroll in Milan’s premier fashion area, Quadrilatero della Moda. But for fun and unique purchases, head north of the Duomo to the pretty Brera district. You’ll find appealing boutiques, galleries and design stores where shopping doesn’t feel like it will bankrupt you.

18.  Plan around the sales

If you’re a serious fashion fiend, consider timing your Milan visit to coincide with one (or both!) of the two yearly sales ( saldi ) periods. The winter sales generally run from early January through early March, and the summer sales from early July through early September – though check online for the exact dates, which vary slightly each year and are announced about one month before. Sale prices can be up to 70 percent off the original, making it well worth a trip.

19.  Get out of town

If you need an escape from Milan’s urban hustle, there are some fabulous destinations just a train ride away. Bergamo, less than an hour by train, boasts a lovely medieval hilltop old town, while the Italian Lakes – Como, Garda and Maggiore – are also close by (half an hour, an hour-and-a-half and an hour by train, respectively) and offer some of the most romantic settings in all of Italy.

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Home » Europe » Italy » Milan

EPIC MILAN Itinerary! (2024)

This Milan itinerary will help you plan a memorable visit to Italy. This ancient, charming city will capture your heart as well as your imagination.

Milan is the European capital of fashion, and it is known for its imposing architecture, rich history, and religious attractions. However, there are many other aspects of this northern Italian city that draw in visitors from around the world each year!

From its mouth-watering cuisine to its picturesque street corners and its vintage boutiques, there are many unique facets to this city. Whether you’re trying to decide what to do in Milan for three days or staying a month, this itinerary will make sure you hit all of the city’s highlights. Explore the best of Milan’s celebrated art, history, and fashion with this Milan itinerary!

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Best Time To Visit Milan

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Milan has a humid subtropical climate. It has four distinct seasons with a large range in temperature fluctuation due to its location inland from the coast. If you’re planning a trip to Milan, here’s a quick look at the different seasons!

The summer months (June – August) produce the warmest temperatures. If you’re looking for higher temperatures and sunshine, this is the best time to travel to Milan.

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Heading into Fall (September – November) the summer heat retreats and the city is much more enjoyable in terms of temperature and humidity. This is Milan’s wettest season of the year.

Milan can get quite cold and foggy during the winter months (December – February). Sunshine levels drop to two hours per day, but with it, rainfall also lessens!

Springtime (March – May) in Milan produces mild temperatures. Rainfall is common, especially in April. The daytime temperatures start to climb up, but at night the air cools down again and can still get pretty chilly. If you’re trying to decide when to visit Milan, this is a great time!

With a Milan City Pass , you can experience the best of Milan at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Whether you’re spending one day in expensive Milan or staying far beyond a day trip, you’re going to want to stay in a location that will make your visit as convenient as possible. This sprawling city is full of culturally rich neighborhoods, and there are plenty of great areas to stay in Milan!

The Centro Storico Neighborhood of Milan contains the city’s historic center. This is where you’ll find Milan’s main attractions, including the Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and the city’s main Piazza.

This lively neighborhood is the best place to stay in Milan for first-time visitors, or people seeing Milan in a day or two. It is close to many of the city’s highlights and a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and museums.

Porta Romana is located just outside Milan’s city center. If you’re looking to escape the more touristy areas of the city, this is a great location to stay. This classy residential quarter is full of restaurants, chic boutiques, and cafes.

This area of the city is also less expensive, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great option! It also happens to have one of Milan’s only thermal baths; the perfect attraction on a warm sunny day!

Best Hostel in Milan – Ostello Bello

Ostello Bello has all the components to make your stay in Milan as enjoyable as possible. From a free welcoming drink upon arrival to complimentary breakfast and dinner every day, this hostel has a lot of perks!

Ideally located in the city center, you’re just a short walk from all the city’s main historical attractions! 

If you prefer to stay in hostels, there are plenty of options in our guide to hostels in Milan.

Best Airbnb in Milan – Entire Flat – Duomo Square

Modern and minimalist, this one-bedroom flat is located in the heart of Milan. Less than a one-minute walk to the Piazza and Duomo di Milano, you won’t find a better Airbnb in Milan. Enjoy a well-equipped kitchen and space for four people in this charming, safe and comfortable Italian flat.

Is this amazing Milan Airbnb booked for your dates? We’ve got your back with our Best Airbnbs in Milan  guide!

Best Budget Hotel in Milan – Hotel Aurelia

Hotel Aurelia is a great option for budget travelers. All rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

This hotel is conveniently located within walking distance to the metro station, which will take you anywhere you want to go in the city!

Best Luxury Hotel in Milan – Château Monfort – Relais & Châteaux

Located in Milan’s historic center, Château Monfort- Relais & Châteaux is one of the most lavish hotels in Milan. Guests will enjoy a spacious room, LCD TV, a high-tech fitness center, and more!

The rooms are themed after different fairy tales and nursery rhymes. This hotel will make your trip to Milan as luxurious as possible!

Whether you’re spending two days in Milan or more, you’re going to need to figure out how to get around. Luckily, this city has a few transportation options to choose from, and they’re all easy to use, affordable, and convenient!

Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) services Milan’s public transport system. It is made up of the metro, tram, and bus systems. Tickets can be purchased from several locations including ATM points, ticket machines inside the metro stations, and at tobacconists.

The metro is the fastest way to get around. This underground system consists of four lines, easily identified by different numbers and colors. The metro runs every day from 6:00 am until 12:30 am. Milan’s tram and bus systems run above the city and are also easy to use and navigate.

Another option for transportation is to rent a bike and travel around the city on wheels! Milan is mostly flat, making bike sharing an enjoyable and practical option for transportation. Bike pickups are available across Milan and can be rented via the BikeMI app.

Milan is a very walkable city. The historical center of Milan is entirely walkable on foot, as most of the main attractions are in close proximity to one another.

The Duomo Cathedral | Piazza Mercanti | The Royal Palace of Milan | Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Teatro Alla Scala | Pinacoteca di Brera | Monumental Cemetery

Spend day one of your Milan trip itinerary checking out some of the city’s most iconic and historic locations!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Duomo Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: The Duomo Catholic is the second largest cathedral in the world. It took nearly six centuries to complete and is characterized by a dazzling white facade and statues of saints and gargoyles.
• Cost: Free!
• Food recommendations: Risoelatte is a small, quiet and authentic Italian restaurant. Head here for delicious home-made Italian food and a truly local feel.

Discover the iconic Duomo Cathedral; the perfect way to start your itinerary for Milan! Learn the fascinating history and take in the beauty of this impressive gothic-style cathedral.

The Duomo is one of the world’s largest churches. This impressive Cathedral is represented by stunning gothic-style architecture and fascinating history. The construction of the church started in 1386 and finished in 1965.

Admire countless paintings, intricate statues, and beautifully stained glass windows! See the Saint Bartholomew Statue, carved with marble in 1562; this is one of the most well-known statues inside the Cathedral.

Explore the Duomo’s roof-top terrace for spectacular views of the city! Admire the city of Milan from above as you take in the breathtaking skyline!

The roof consists of a system of terraces, connected by walkways and stairs. Although general admission into the Duomo Cathedral is free, a small admission fee is required to visit the roof. It is quite a steep walk up the stairs, so know your limits before heading to the top.

No Milan itinerary would be complete without a stop at the Duomo cathedral, the magnificent symbol of Milan!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Piazza Mercanti

• Why it’s awesome: Piazza Mercanti is a charming public square in Milan located very close to the Duomo Cathedral
• Food recommendations: Peck is a great market featuring fine Italian goods such as cheeses, meats, wines, and produce. There are also prepared items such as pasta and desserts.

The Piazza Mercanti is one of the most historic and picturesque squares in Milan. This piazza houses four main medieval buildings of Milan. It has a very historic and beautiful architecture with a number of statues and monuments!

During the Middle Ages, the plaza served as the commercial and governmental center. Today, it is a charming historic area of the city and one of the most unique Milan points of interest ! It still possesses a medieval atmosphere and several of the buildings are open for guests to visit. There are also quaint Italian shops and restaurants and is considerably less busy than the nearby Duomo square.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – The Royal Palace of Milan

• Why it’s awesome: This imposing palace showcases a wide variety of changing art and exhibits.
• Cost: USD $16.00
• Food recommendations : Head to Signorvino for Italian wine and tasty finger-foods. They have prices to suit all budgets and wine to suit all palettes.

The Royal Palace of Milan was the seat of Milan’s government for centuries. Today it is a cultural center and is used to house changing expositions and exhibitions! With its large open interior, wide staircase, and sophisticated furnishings, the Royal Palace is a grandiose and iconic Milan attraction.

More than 1,500 modern and historic pieces of art and collections are on display annually. The Palace suffered heavy damage during WWII bombings, but restoration projects have renewed it to its former splendor. It is a symbol of Milan and an amazing piece of history!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

• Why it’s awesome: This stylish shopping center personifies glitz and glam. It houses high-end boutiques and restaurants.
• Food recommendations: For a lovely fine-dining experience head to the Galleria Restaurant, located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The staff are very accommodating and the food is excellent, as is the wine!

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and an iconic Milan landmark. This four-story double arcade is located in the center of town. It was built between 1865 and 1867 and is famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan!

This large complex specializes in high-end retail. You can shop from a selection of luxury retail stores selling jewelry, books, paints, and haute couture. You’ll also find restaurants, cafes, bars, and a hotel.

Every corner reflects luxury. From the large iron-glass roof to the stunning architecture that makes up the building! Visitors can pay a small fee to explore the rooftop of the Galleria, a unique experience that provides stunning views of Milan in every direction. 

Even if only for window shopping, a trip to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II will make for a memorable experience. Sit at a cafe with a cappuccino and savor the atmosphere of this Milan attraction.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Teatro Alla Scala

• Why it’s awesome: The Teatro Alla Scala is a world-famous opera house!
• Cost: USD $30.00 – USD $280.00
• Food recommendation: Lunini is the perfect place to go for a quick bite to eat. They specialize in panzerotti, delicious pizza-dough parcels stuffed with your favorite pizza ingredients.

Experience Milan’s renowned performing arts culture with a trip to the Teatro Alla Scala! This world famous opera house has been a focal point of Milan since its construction in 1778. A rich history has been woven into its interior over the centuries. Many of Europe’s greatest opera artists and talented performers from around the world have appeared at La Scala!

From opera performances to the ballet to the orchestra, every performance given here is guaranteed to be world-class. The acoustics are amazing, the stage is impressive, and the performances offered are plentiful! If you don’t have time to see a show, you can still drop by and purchase a ticket to tour the theatre and museum. You don’t have to be an opera fan to appreciate the magnificence of this building!

Insider Tip: Make sure to visit the attached Teatrale Alla Scala Museum to see costumes, portraits, and musical instruments from the famed La Scala opera house!.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Pinacoteca di Brera

• Why it’s awesome: This famous Milan art gallery houses some of the greatest masterpieces of art from the 13th to the 20th century!
• Cost: USD $13.50
• Food recommendation : Nabucco has a large menu spanning Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Outdoor seating is available and they are child-friendly.

Discover the development of art throughout the centuries at this iconic Milan art gallery. The Pinacoteca di Brera houses masterpieces from around the world. The building itself dates back to the late Baroque period and was built on the remains of a 14th-century monastery!

The rooms are organized in a calm and thoughtful way which allows you to stop and reflect on each piece of art! Audio guides are available to rent (for a small fee) and will help you better understand and appreciate the art you are viewing.

The richness of colors and detail in even the oldest paintings are truly amazing. There is a freely exposed restoration room where guests are invited to watch art restorations in progress! There is also a courtyard and garden inside the gallery complex where guests can relax and view some of the museum’s statues. This is one of the must-see Milan attractions for anyone who appreciates art!

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Monumental Cemetery

• Why it’s awesome: Monumental cemetery is noted for its artistically detailed architecture; a rarity at most cemeteries.
• Food recommendations: Pescaria Milano is a must for sea-food fans! Fresh ingredients and large portions of food make this the perfect place to stop for a meal.

When trying to decide on places to visit in Milan, you might not think that a cemetery would be on the list. However, the Monumental cemetery stands out among typical cemeteries. Its art, sculptures, and design is truly breath-taking!

It has an abundance of tombs and monuments, which are all stunning works of art. Some of the most important Italian figures are buried here. You’ll feel more like you’re walking around an outside museum than a cemetery!

Perfect for a slow walk on a nice-weathered day. The architecture is breath-taking and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. This is one of the most unique Milan landmarks!

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Santa Maria delle Grazie | San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore | Sforzesco Castle | Sempione Park | Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci | Navigli District

If you’re spending 2 days in Milan, here is the perfect second-day itinerary. We’ve included more iconic attractions, and added in some great places to soak in the local culture!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Santa Maria delle Grazie

• Why it’s awesome: This church contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Cost: The church is free to enter, a ticket to view The Last Supper cost USD $9.00
• Food recommendations: Head to Galli’s Pizza Take Away for delicious Italian pizza at an affordable price. This restaurant specializes in thin-crust pizza made with quality ingredients.

The Santa Maria delle Grazie is famous for housing the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Start your 2 day itinerary in Milan viewing this famous painting and avoid the daytime crowds.

The church was built between 1466 and 1490 and was constructed in gothic and renaissance architecture! The mural is housed directly next to the church, in the Cenacolo Vinciano building. This late 15th-century painting Is one of the worlds most significant artistic contributions! It has survived over 500 years and intensive bombing during World War II.

Although it is free to enter the church, to view The Last Supper you must purchase a ticket. It is strongly recommended that tickets be reserved in advance. Reservations can be made up to four months prior to arrival. Viewing this famous masterpiece is a must on any Milan itinerary!

Insider tip: If tickets are sold out on the day you plan to visit, don’t worry! Try purchasing them from a booking site. Like the one found here.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

• Why it’s awesome: This church possesses gorgeous and well-preserved frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings.
• Food recommendations: Head to Pizzeria Da Zero for authentic Milanese pizza. They have a large variety of pizza options, so there’s something for everybody!

A hidden gem in Milan; the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore was built in Renaissance style architecture in the 16th-century. It was originally a female convent of the Benedictines; for daughters of noble Milanese families who decided to dedicate their lives to God!

It is known as Milan’s Sistine Chapel due to its beautiful frescoes, which completely fill the walls and ceiling inside the church. Many of these frescos were made by painters who followed Leonardo’s teachings!

Especially notable is the fresco of Noah’s Arc, where unicorns are painted in the fresco making their way onto the ship; proving once and for all that unicorns do (or did) exist!

The church is divided into two main rooms, the church itself, and the back area, which was previously the hall of the nuns. Both have beautifully stunning frescoes and are open to the public!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Sforzesco Castle

• Why it’s awesome: This large castle complex houses a collection of Milan’s best museums
• Cost: It is free to enter the castle but to enter the museums and galleries you must purchase a ticket for USD $11.00.
• Food recommendations: Da Puccini has a typical Italian restaurant atmosphere. The menu has many different offerings and the prices are reasonable.

Sforzesco Castle in Milan houses several of the city’s top museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s last sculpture, the unfinished Rondanini Pietà. An entrance ticket will provide you with access to all of the museums and exhibits inside the castle. Learn about Milan’s rich history as you stroll through this converted medieval fortress!

The eclectic range of museums offered here will keep you entertained for hours. There’s something for everyone at the Sforzesco Castle. From the musical instrument museum to the Egyptian museum, the antique furniture, and wooden sculpture museum!

Afterward, enjoy a relaxing reprieve with nature. Behind the castle is Milan’s largest city park. Previously used as the former royal hunting grounds, today the park has beautiful ponds, towering old trees, and gorgeous views. It’s the perfect place to relax and people watch! Sforzesco Castle is a great addition to a two day itinerary in Milan and has something for all ages to enjoy!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Sempione Park

• Why it’s awesome: Large public space in the middle of Milan with gorgeous scenery, the perfect place to enjoy a nice break.
• Food recommendations: Stop by Rebetiko for tasty and traditional Greek food. This family-run restaurant has a cozy aesthetic and very friendly staff.

This large public green area is located in the heart of Milan. Soak up the serenity of nature and enjoy a quick reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Admire the beautiful views of the city away from the busy streets! This park is adjacent to the gardens of the Sforzesco Castle.

You’ll find a good mix of locals and tourists who utilize the park for many different reasons. Take a stroll, have a picnic, go for a run, or just sit and people watch. There are plenty of food and drink outlets to purchase meals or snacks from and lots of shaded areas to enjoy!

You’ll also find lakes and bridges as well as some wildlife! Sempione Park’s picturesque setting makes it the ideal place to enjoy a nice break before carrying on with your Milan itinerary! 

Insider Tip: While you’re here, make sure to check out the Arco della Pace on the opposite end of Sforzesco Castle. It is highly photogenic and one of Milan’s top monuments!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci

• Why it’s awesome: This museum is the largest science and technology museum in Italy and is dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci.
• Cost: USD $11.00
• Food recommendations: Bebel is a cozy little restaurant where you can eat the Italian way. Enjoy an authentic meal, friendly staff, and affordable prices.

This large museum and learning center pays tribute to Italian painter and scientist, Leonardo da Vinci . It is a well organized and modern museum that showcases technology in a fun and informative way. There are many interactive exhibits and stations that you can try out your science skills! This museum is fun for all ages and perfect for the whole family!

You could easily spend all day here, so if you’re spending more than three days in Milan make sure to explore all the areas that interest you. However, if you’re only seeing Milan in two days , make sure to plan your visit wisely.

Insider Tip: Your ticket is good all day during the museums usual hours of operation; so you can leave and come back!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Navigli District of Milan

• Why it’s awesome: Milan’s Navigli district is a vibrant area of the city filled with lots of fun activities and several picturesque canals.
• Food recommendations: Check out Rita & Cocktails for a true Milanese aperitivo experience. Cocktails are made using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the appetizers are prepared on-site be the local chef.

Milan’s Navigli district is a lively area of the city known for its gorgeous canals. These waterways were constructed in 1179 to connect Milan to the nearby lakes. Today, you can find the shores lined with trendy boutiques, local galleries, hip bars, and restaurants serving authentic Milanese cuisine!

Walk along the canals and enjoy a bit of fresh air, take a leisurely boat ride, or watch the sunset reflect it’s soft glow over the calm water.

This area of the city is a popular place for the locals to hang out too. This is also the best place to partake in an Italian aperitivo , which is the tradition of having a drink and savory snack in the early hours of the evening!

Aperitivo hour is a popular custom that originated in Milan, and the Navigli district is the best area of the city to partake in this fabulous activity! Whether you’re visiting Milan in one day or just passing through, Aperitivo hour is a must!

Ostello Bello

Ostello Bello has all the components to make your stay in Milan as enjoyable as possible. If you’re traveling through Italy after Milan, check out our guide to the COOLEST hostels throughout Italy.

• Free Breakfast
• Free City Tour

San Siro Stadium | Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio | Colonne di San Lorenzo | Piazza Gae Aulenti | San Bernardino alle Ossa

Now that we’re done covering what to do in Milan for a two day visit, if you’re spending more time in the city, you’re going to need a few more activities to fill your time. Here are some more noteworthy attractions, as well as some really cool day trips from Milan !

San Siro Stadium

• A large soccer stadium in the San Siro district of Milan, easily accessible by public transportation.
• Home of A.C. Milan and Inter Milan.
• With a seating capacity of 80,000, this is one of the largest stadiums in Europe!

If you’re a sports fan, the San Siro stadium is a must-see when touring Milan! A trip to this stadium during game day is a great way to experience the European sports culture. The atmosphere is electrifying and it’s always fun to cheer on a game with the locals who are deeply passionate about their sports teams!

If you can’t make it on game-day, you can always take a tour of the stadium. This is a great option for a more personalized soccer experience! Tours are self-guided with the aid of an audio-guide, allowing you to go at your own pace. You’ll visit areas of the stadium off limits to the general public. See the clubs, changing rooms, the mixed zone, and the tunnel where the players walk onto the ‘La Scala del Calcio’!

Take as many pictures as you’d like and don’t forget to buy some official souvenirs at the stadium shop on your way out! Drinks and food are available for purchase on game-day. This is a great addition to a three day itinerary in Milan!

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

• Gorgeous architecture and well-preserved frescoes
• Considerably less crowded than other churches in Milan
• Built between 379 and 386

This Romanesque style basilica is complete with an elegant courtyard and underground crypt. It is one of the oldest churches in the city, built by St Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, in the 4th-century. The crypt houses his remains and it is free for guests to visit.

The Basilica’s crypt also contains the remains of two other saints: Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasus. All three saints are dressed head to toe in elegant attire. The church’s interior is artfully decorated but not ornate. It holds many religious relics from centuries past. 

The church has gone through several restorations and partial reconstructions. In the 12th-century, it was rebuilt in the Romanesque style. It has two red brick bell towers, one taller than the other. Entrance to the church and crypt is free but a small fee is required to enter the treasury. Although this church is not as extravagant as the other churches you’ll find in Milan, it’s still worth checking out, and would be a great addition to your itinerary in Milan!

Colonne di San Lorenzo

• A lively hang-out spot that attracts the younger population.
• 16-columns of ancient Roman ruins.
• The perfect place to start your evening before heading out to the nearby bars.

Colonne di San Lorenzo has become one of the most popular hang-out spots in Milan. Locals gather here in the hundreds, especially in summer, to drink, socialize, and have fun!

Besides being a popular hangout spot, Colonne di San Lorenzo is a place of great historical and architectural significance. One of the most striking and notable sights in the city, here you’ll find sixteen magnificent and original Roman columns that date to the 4th-century!

The Basilica di San Lorenzo is located on the opposite side of the square, a stone’s throw from the columns. This beautiful basilica is one of the oldest and largest churches in Milan. It is free to enter and is a cool place to check out while you’re here!

The Colonne di San Lorenzo is a great place in the evening to chill out and enjoy ancient architecture. There are loads of affordable bars within close proximity, including some great spots to enjoy aperitivo ! If you’re spending a weekend in Milan, this is a great place to start your night!

Piazza Gae Aulenti

• A modern development of Milan with some impressive contemporary buildings.
• Full of shops, restaurants, cafes, and buildings.
• The Piazza was inaugurated in December of 2012.

This Milan attraction offers something slightly different. Unlike the rest of the city that is steeped in overt history, the Piazza Gae Aulenti is a new development in Milan. Contemporary skyscrapers, shops, and restaurants surround this modern square.

There are fountains in the middle of the square that gives it an extra fun touch; at night they light up with different colors! They also offer a great respite to the summer heat.

At 750-feet tall, Italy’s highest skyscraper, the Unicredit Tower, can be found in this Piazza. You can climb to the top to enjoy the best panoramic views of the city!

When the sun sets, the Piazza comes alive with a show of lights, music and water. It is one of the best places to go out at night in Milan. It offers countless clubs, restaurants and trendy bars! Milan is known for its ancient buildings and structures, so If you’re a fan of modern architecture and trying to figure out what to see in Milan, this stop if perfect for you!

San Bernardino alle Ossa

• It is free to visit (donations are accepted).
• Close proximity to the Duomo Cathedral.
• The origins of the church date back to the 13th- century.

San Bernardino alle Ossa is a unique Milan attraction. It’s not large or grandiose like the other churches you’ll find in Milan; what makes it unique and fascinating is its connection to the dead!

The church is best known for its ossuary, a small side chapel filled with numerous human skulls and bones. These human bones decorate the walls of the ossuary and are exposed and viewable to the public! They are held in place with wire mesh. 

In 1210, when the cemetery ran out of space, a room was built to hold the bones, and this is where they continue to be located to this day. The San Bernardino alle Ossa is captivatingly creepy. If you’re a fan of the macabre, make sure to add this stop to your Milan itinerary!

No matter how many days you’re staying in Milan, safety is an important thing to keep in mind!

Overall, Milan is a safe city to travel to. However, it is always recommended that tourists take precautions when traveling to a foreign country, and this is as true of Milan as it is anywhere else.

Keep in mind that areas where large crowds like to congregate, pickpockets do too. Be vigilant on public transportation and in crowded areas. The main exit of the Central Station, and the area around the Piazza Duca D’Aosta are especially busy areas of the city.

A few simple precautions will minimize your chances of being pickpocketed such as carrying a money-belt and keeping your valuables hidden !

Be aware of fake taxis and only use the licensed ones, which will have a taxi sign on the roof of the car. Make sure the meter in the taxi has been turned on when you enter the vehicle and is reset.

We know you’re going to be preoccupied trying to decide what to see in Milan in two days, but if you keep your wits about you, stick to the tourist areas of the city, and try not to travel alone after dark, you should be just fine!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Milan

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Staying in town a tad bit longer? Then you should absolutely go on a road trip from Milan !

A day trip to another area of Italy can be a fun way to see more of this gorgeous country. These trips are a great addition to your Milan itinerary, and there are lots of options to choose from.

Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna: Full-Day Tour from Milan

On this ten and a half hour tour, you’ll travel by luxury coach to three beautiful areas of northern Italy. Start off with a trip to Lake Como, famous for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Swiss Alps!

Enjoy a walking tour of the city center of Como before hopping on a private boat for a relaxing cruise around the lake. Soak up the serenity of the quiet lake before visiting the charming villages of Bellagio and Varenna. Walk around the cobblestoned streets and enjoy these quaint and colorful towns!

Bernina & St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan

On this twelve and a half hour tour, you’ll travel from Milan to the luxury ski resort town of St. Moritz! Take a ride on the Bernina, one of the most scenic railway routes in Switzerland. This railway is also the steepest railway journey in the world, climbing 6,000-feet!

The rail portion of your journey begins in Tirano, Italy, a picturesque Mediterranean town in a stunning mountain setting. From there, you’ll travel up the Bernina rail to the Swiss mountain resort town of St. Moritz. You’ll have time to explore this picturesque Swiss mountain town before heading back to Milan!

Full-Day Coach Trip to Verona and Lake Garda

On this twelve-hour tour, you’ll visit the city that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet! Walk around the romantic Italian city of Verona, and visit this city’s sights on foot as you follow your guide to Verona’s top attractions. You’ll see the famous balcony where Juliet was wooed by Romeo!

Next, you’ll make your way to Lake Garda for a relaxing boat cruise. Sail past the charming village of Sirmione and marvel at the medieval castle overlooking the lake. Hop-off the boat for a walk around the town of Desenzano and stretch your legs before making your way back to Milan! Shakespeare lovers will especially love this addition to their itinerary for Milan!

Cinque Terre Day Tour

On this thirteen-hour tour, you’ll visit Italy’s famous Cinque Terre villages; considered by many to be the most picturesque landscape in Italy! Spend the day exploring these five enchanting medieval villages!

Relax on a scenic train ride from Manarola to Monterosoo. Enjoy a one and a half-hour boat cruise from Monterosoo to La Spezia, where you’ll be able to admire the stunning views of the villages from the sea! This tour includes a professional guide and transportation by an air-conditioned coach. For a unique Italian experience, this day trip is a great addition to your vacation in Milan!

Franciacorta Wine Tasting and Shopping Tour

On this eight-hour tour, you’ll explore the stunning wine region of Franciacorta! Sample award-winning wines from this prestigious Italian wine region and learn the interesting process of wine production! Enjoy a light lunch made from local produce accompanied by a glass of sparkling white wine.

Admire the lush agricultural landscape; the perfect place for photo opportunities! You’ll make a stop at the Franciacorta Outlet Village to shop for bargains before returning to Milan. If you’re a wine drinker, make sure to put this trip on your Milan itinerary!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Milan itinerary.

How many days do you need in Milan?

Having 3 full days to discover Milan is ideal, as this will give you plenty of time to explore top attractions.

What should you include on a 3 day Milan itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top places to visit in Milan! – Duomo Cathedral & Piazza Mercanti – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – Navigli District

Where should you stay for 2 days in Milan?

The Centro Storico area is the best place to stay for a short trip, putting you right by top attractions. It also offers plenty of accommodation and dining options.

Is Milan worth seeing?

Absolutely! This charming, historical city is packed with breathtaking architecture, fascinating attractions, excellent cuisine, and plenty more.

Milan is a romantic and historic city that personifies elegance and sophistication. It is renowned for its history, art, and fashion, but there are other areas of the city you can explore too!

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Milan in one day or many more, this Milan itinerary will help you discover some of the best places to visit in the city!

Travel back in time as you explore famous art galleries, palaces, and cathedrals. Soak up the Milanese culture as you stroll the streets and enjoy an Italian aperitivo ! Everywhere you look you will be astonished by how creative and attention-grabbing Milan’s attractions truly are.

From imposing architecture and giant cathedrals to extravagant shopping malls, Milan is filled with class, art, and culture. This Milan itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to this enchanting Italian city!

Have you started packing yet? If not, this is our entire packing list for Italy .

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

by Hope Brotherton

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

For anyone who hasn’t done their pre-trip research, Milan can be an intimidating city to visit. But rest assured, we have the perfect Milan itinerary to make the most of a few days in the city.

Milan is Italy’s bubbling and bustling northern metropolis. The capital of Lombardy in Northern Italy is packed with juxtaposing architecture, famous art galleries, eclectic culture and world-class shopping.

As the economic engine room of Italy, you may be fooled into thinking Milan is all business and no pleasure, but you’d be wrong. Milan is a city synonymous with style, and it’s home to famous foods like panettone. But there’s more substance to Milan than pastries and pumps.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Milan?

In order to do Milan justice, you’ll be debating about how many days to spend in Milan when you’re planning your next Italian adventure.

On the surface, Milan doesn’t have a mammoth list of must-see attractions compared to cities like Rome , Florence and Venice . That being said, there’s still plenty to see in Lombardy’s capital.

To visit the city’s main attractions like the Duomo, the Last Supper and Castello Sforzesco, 2 days in Milan will be plenty of time. If you only have one day in Milan then it won’t be enough to see all of the main attractions.

If you want to head to hidden gems, dive into a day trip or relax between attractions, then you’ll want to spend 3 days.

Getting to grips with Milan in 3 days is a cinch and you’ll be able to go beyond the must-see. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Milan in winter , particularly in December, you may want to budget in enough time to explore Christmas markets and to enjoy winter activities.

If you’re short on time and debating between spending two to three days, neither decision will be wrong because you’ll be living la dolce vita either way.

Getting To and Around Milan

Milan is serviced by three airports: Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo.

Linate is the closest airport to the city centre but its flights are on the pricer end so it’s not a good option if you want to keep expenses down in Milan.

Milan Malpensa is the largest of the three. Here, international and domestic flights land, which makes it a popular choice. You can book bus transfers from Malpensa here.

If budget isn’t a consideration and you prefer a hassle-free journey, you can book a private transfer from the airport.

Finally, there is Milan Bergamo. While Bergamo isn’t technically in Milan, flights to and from are cheap and it has good transport links into Milan too. It is also very much worth spending a day in Bergamo itself if you have the time. You can book bus transfers from Bergamo to Milan here.

If you’re arriving into Milan by train, then you’ll probably pull into Milan Central Station in the heart of the city.

There are several large bus stations in Milan (including Lampugnano and Milan Central Bus Station), so make sure you know which one you need as they’re in different parts of the city. You can check bus and train schedules here.

The easiest way to get around Milan is via its metro. The network consists of 5 lines. The stop for Milan Central Station is Centrale FS (on the M2 and M3). The other stops you’ll likely need are Duomo (M1 and M3), Porta Genova FS (M2 for the Navigli district) and Conciliazione (M1 for the Last Supper).

If you’re not keen on the underground, then you’re in luck because Milan has an extensive network of buses, trains and trams too. We’d recommend using City Mapper to help navigate the bus and tram networks. If you’re planning on relying heavily on public transport, buy daily or 3-day tickets.

2 to 3-Day Milan Itinerary

In recent years, Milan has welcomed 10 million tourists each year. If you don’t want to get swept up with hordes of other holidaymakers, then you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your 2 to 3 days in Milan.

Day 1 – Duomo, Royal Palace & City Centre Highlights

Duomo di milano.

In order to escape the crowds of other tourists, you’ll need to hit the city early. The first place on your itinerary should be the city’s most impressive site: the Duomo (Milan Cathedral).

Situated in Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s most visible monument attracts flocks of visitors every day and is definitely one of the best things to see in the city.

Commissioned by Gian Galeazzo in 1386, you should aim to glimpse this gothic wonder before the break of day. Get there early to marvel over the marble, oggle at the spires, and snap your social shots without the crowds.

The Cathedral opens its heavy brass doors at eight o’clock sharp. If you’re planning on heading up to the rooftops, museum and other exhibitions, then grab yourself a combined ticket at the entrance or you can pre-book tickets here .

If you’re one of the first through the Duomo’s doors, you can wander through the stone columns, stare at the stained glass and take your time exploring every nook and cranny at your own pace.

A slow-paced wander around the cathedral should last one hour, which means you’ll be first in the queue to climb the 165 steps to the Cathedral’s roof. Make sure you’ve got some comfortable shoes on your feet for the winding climb.

Once at the top, take your time to soak in the views. Milan’s skyline is swamped with skyscrapers and ancient churches, which gives you a keen insight into the city’s contrasting features.

After you’ve descended the stairs head to the Duomo Museum, which is located in the Royal Palace. This Duomo-centric museum houses statues, paintings and tapestries from the Duomo. The museum gives visitors a sense of the Duomo’s history through the artefacts on display.

If you want to do the Duomo justice, expect to spend several hours here.

Royal Palace

After you’ve had your fill and finished up inside the museum, explore the rest of the Royal Palace also known as Palazzo Reale.

For centuries the Royal Palace housed Milan’s government. With its political roots in the past, it’s one of Milan’s beating cultural hearts.

The Royal Palace houses art exhibitions, which are rotated regularly. Before paying for an entry ticket, make sure to research which painters are being exhibited to avoid any disappointment.

On the odd occasion, the Royal Palace hosts free exhibitions too. When you’re buying tickets or reading information, train your eye to spot the word ‘ gratis ’ which means free in Italian.

Museo de Novecento

You may have already twigged but Milan is a city filled with museums, many of which are located in Zone 1 (the area around the Duomo).

One of these museums is Museo del Novecento. Situated inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario in Piazza del Duomo, Museo del Novecento is a museum dedicated to 20th-century Italian art and includes paintings by Pablo Picasso among many others.

Top Tip : If you enjoy visiting museums, try and plan your trip to coincide with the first Sunday of the month as entry into museums is free on this day. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

From there, head north from the Piazza del Duomo and you’ll find yourself under the covered arcades of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery houses designer stores, restaurants and cafes. While many of these shops and eateries will fall outside of your budget (there is a McDonald’s), you need to remember that you’re not there for a mooch. It’s time to soak in one of Milan’s most fascinating architectural structures.

The two arcades are shaped like a Latin cross and are covered by a spectacular glass and iron dome. The bright light pours in from above and makes for the perfect holiday photos.

Teatro alla Scala

After you’ve ambled around the arcade, walk on over to the Teatro alla Scala (also known as La Scala). Milan’s famous opera house looks a little unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled as some of Italy’s greatest operatic artists have performed here.

Before every performance, 140 gallery tickets go on sale as well as any last-minute tickets – just be sure to get in there quickly.

La Casa di Manzoni

The area surrounding the Duomo is always swamped with tourists (and for good reason), but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle walk north from La Scala and swing by La Casa di Manzoni.

The house was the birthplace of the famous Italian writer, Alessandro Manzoni. Visitors are invited to view the life and works of Alessandro Manzoni. Tours are offered in both English and Italian. You’ll leave this hidden spot a little wiser about one of Italy’s great writers.

If exploring the house of a famous writer isn’t your cup of tea, then there are plenty of museums in the vicinity to keep you entertained including Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (a Renaissance art museum), the Ambrosiana Library (located next door), Poldi Pezzoli Museum (a collection of paintings by the Flemish masters), and many many more.

To round off your day, head back to La Scala. If you’re trying to grab a ticket on the day, join the queue early. But if you’ve already reserved your seats, enjoy the delights that the Italian opera brings.

Day 2 – Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, the Last Supper & More

Basilica di sant’ambrogio.

If you’re planning a weekend in Milan, start your second day at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. This ancient church is located in the heart of Milan.

On its exterior, the church has brickwork of different origins with each one representing a new extension of the church’s architecture. During the 11th Century, the church was restored in the Lombard Romanesque style making its facade distinctive in comparison to the surrounding architecture.

The Basilica is free to enter, so make the most of it and wander through the atrium and crypts.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie

After you’ve wandered around the Basilica, head over to Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie the home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterful mural, the Last Supper.

The Last Supper decorates one of the walls of the refectory, Cenacolo Vinciano. Da Vinci first started working on the painting in 1495. It has been restored several times in the years since and successfully survived a bomb blast in WW2.

Tickets to the museum are booked in timed slots. Only a limited number of tourists are allowed to see the Last Supper at any one time, so tickets sell out fast.

Once you know when you’re going to be in Milan, book your tickets to avoid missing out as this is one of the top things to do in Milan for travellers. If you can’t get tickets, you can book a guided tour here that will include tickets.

Castello Sforzesco

After you’ve seen Leonardo’s masterpiece, head on over to Castello Sforzesco. Built as a fortress in the 14th Century, the castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan and one of the best museums in Italy.

The castle is home to several museums, including: The Museum of Ancient Art, Egyptian Museum, The Archaeological Museum of Milan and the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco as well as a few more.

To give Castello Sforzesco’s ground and museum the time it deserves, you’ll end up spending 2 to 3 hours here. You can pre-book tickets here .

Sempione Park

If the weather is glorious on your trip to Milan, then it’s time to grab a gelato and sit in Sempione Park – the park at the back of Castello Sforzesco. This large park is a slice of peace in a busy city.

As you wander through the park, you’ll see the Arch of Peace wherever you turn. It’s a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Pinacoteca di Brera

After you’ve relaxed in the calm of the park, pick up your feet and walk over to Pinacoteca di Brera. This former church and monastery was built by a religious order.

After they were banished, the church was transformed into a cultural venue. Now, it is home to a collection of fine art paintings.

Explore Navigli

After stomping around Milan for 2 days, spend your second evening in Milan in the Navigli district. The neighbourhood of Navigli is a system of interconnected canals that is filled with trendy bars, gourmet restaurants and riverside eateries. It is also one of the best places to stay in Milan if you’re after a more local vibe.

It is the perfect spot to watch the sun fall behind the skyline. As the day turns into night, lights twinkle on the dark canal waters and you can watch the world go by while you dine on traditional Italian aperitivo.

Plenty of bars charge between €7 to €10 for a drink and bring out sumptuous plates of food free of charge.

Avoid any tourist traps that serve meals geared towards tourists like spaghetti and meatballs or spaghetti bolognese. You can also organise a food tour or an aperitivo tour if you want somebody to guide you through the city’s cuisine.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Milan

If you’re spending 3 days, there are two ways you can spend your third day in Milan. The first is to race around the sites that you haven’t been able to fit into your 2 days and the second way is to spend your final day is by getting out of the city by going on a day trip.

Milan is well connected to its surrounding areas, so visitors are spoilt for choice.

A day trip to Lake Como is one of the most popular getaways from Milan. Though you could easily spend 3 or more days exploring the area, you can see the highlights within a single day.

You can grab a train from Milan to the town of Varenna in about 2 hours. If you don’t want to navigate the transit system on your own, you can also opt for an organised day tour .

From Varenna, you can hop on ferries to explore the iconic towns of Belaggio and Mennagio and maybe even squeeze in a villa visit! It’s a jam-packed day, but definitely doable.

There’s a good chance that you flew into Bergamo airport when you arrived in Milan and thought nothing of the town you were arriving to. Though it’s primarily used as an entry point to the Lombardy capital, the city of Bergamo is very much worth visiting and there’s a lot to do within the confines of a day.

You can reach Bergamo from Milan Centrale in about an hour. Alternatively, you can also book a guided day tour if that suits you more.

Once there, take the time to explore the Citta Alta, including the Botanical Gardens, the Duomo and the Campanone Tower. Wind your way down to the Citta Bassa along the UNESCO-listed Venetian walls and grab an aperitivo before heading back to Milan.

Monza is the heart of the Italian Formula One, but there’s more to Monza than motorsport. If you’re in the mood for more attractions, I’d recommend visiting Duomo di Monza, Villa Reale, Ponte dev Leoni and the Chapel of Monza.

A day trip may seem slightly daunting but the train into Monza from Milan Central station takes 15 minutes and return tickets are pocket-friendly too.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – This mid-range hotel has an amazing classical style with a range of rooms available suitable for couples or larger families. There is a buffet breakfast available daily & a bar on site.

Castello Guest House Milano  – If you’re looking for a plush hotel in Milan, this place won’t disappoint! It’s perfectly situated right next to Piazza Castello and the staff are helpful for any queries you might have.

Queen Hostel  – This centrally-located hostel is one of the best options for budget travellers with both dorms and private rooms available. There is breakfast included and a large kitchen if you want to cook some of your own meals.

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Milan!

Whether you’ve marched around Milan in 2 days or sauntered around for 3, Lombardy’s capital has shops for the fashion-conscious, buildings for architecture aficionados or sites for historical enthusiasts. Wherever you end up visiting, you’ll enjoy your time in Milan.

Are you planning to visit Milan? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate 1, 2 or 3 Days in Palermo Itinerary

About Hope Brotherton

Hope is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Birmingham, England, she is passionate about budget-friendly travel and incorporating greener and more eco-friendly travel into her adventures. She keeps returning to Italy but loves to travel around any European country.

Great information to navigate through the city. Thank you!

I am currently planning some time in Milan, so thank you for the timely and helpful post. Will you be covering Bergamo soon? Thanks!

Glad you found this helpful! We’ve just published a Bergamo guide here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/bergamo-itinerary/

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Section in Milan Do & See The best way to understand how Milan is laid out is to take a ride on one of the trams. Route 1 runs from the main train station, via Piazza Cairoli to Castello Sforzesco and is probably the best choice. But many other routes also offer good views of the city, so jump on and let it take you on a tour of the city's best sights and attractions. Read more

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Cenacolo Vinciano — The Last Supper

Pinacoteca di Brera

Teatro alla Scala Museum

Discover Milan's Art Scene

Castello Sforzesco

The Navigli

Cimitero Monumentale

Parco Sempione

Bosco Verticale — Porta Nuova District

Take a Day Trip: Bernina Scenic Train & Lake Como

Villa Necchi Campiglio

The Milan Planetarium

Milan Cooking Lessons

Things To Do in Milan: Milan Travel Guide

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Milano is the perfect city to visit for a three day weekend in Italy. Would I rank it above Rome or Florence as a must-visit city? Dude, no. Milan is very cosmopolitan and is a business and fashion capital, with Porta Nuova being the main business capital—it reminded me a lot of Madrid. And even though there isn’t a TON of things to do in Milan (as compared to say, Rome), there definitely are a couple of incredible gems that should be on your bucket list to see in your lifetime. So if you have a weekend to spare (2 – 3 days in Milan is perfect), Milan is a fabulous place to spend it. And if you’re heading to Lake Como, Milan is the perfect airport nearby for your arrival or departure, or the perfect jumping off point for a day trip.

Where to Stay in Milan: We stayed at the Park Hyatt Milano and it was fantastic. You can’t beat the location (it’s literally right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and just steps away from the Duomo), the service is wonderful, and the breakfast buffet there is delicious. I wrote up an in-depth Park Hyatt Milan Review post, and if you’re looking for a hotel to stay at in Milan I can’t recommend it enough. 

If you’re looking for an Airbnb rather than a hotel (which in Milan is much more cost-effective), definitely check out this list of the best Milan Airbnbs that I put together!

Pssst, heading to Milan? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!

Milan Attractions Best Pasta in Milan   Milan Airbnbs Park Hyatt Milan Review

Things to Do in Milan: Ultimate Milan Travel Guide

Day 1: Things to do in Milan

Visit the Duomo . Let’s kick things off with a bang, shall we?? The Duomo in Milan has unquestionably the most exterior I have ever seen on any European cathedral. The details of the facade are just insane. This is one of those gems I was talking about that absolutely needs to be on your bucket list to see in person at some point in your life. Be sure to get skip-the-line tickets online to climb the stairs up to the top exterior of the Duomo. It’s amazing up there. Give yourself plenty of time (a couple hours at least) to walk around and admire the intricately detailed rafters, columns, and spires. It will likely be fairly crowded, but if you time it right you can get a photo like I did where it looks like you have the whole Duomo to yourself. Once you get to the second level, you can sit and enjoy the views of Milan and take even more photos with the beautiful architecture. Head down and check out the interior of the Milan cathedral (although the exterior really is the most awe-inspiring part of the Duomo).

Lunch at Spontini . Are you ready for a really ridiculously cheap, but yummy lunch? Head to Spontini (there are multiple around Milan and two right around Piazza del Duomo) where you can get pizza by the slice. A HUGE slice of pizza is just 5 Euro. They serve a thick crust, Sicilian-style pizza with just a few simple ingredients, and you can choose to add prosciutto and mushrooms to top it off. Soooo good.

Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele . Walk through and admire the prettiest mall you may ever see. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall, and it’s stunning. It houses expensive designer stores like Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. When I was there they had a small orchestra and opera singer in the middle of the Galleria, and we stopped and listened to them for a while and it was just so lovely. Galleria Vittoria Emanuele is so pretty it’s definitely worth strolling through both in the day time and lit up at night.

Check out Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa . This small church has an ossuary connected to it, where human skulls and bones decorate the walls and ceiling. The chapel was originally built to hold the overflow bones of the cemetery next door when it became full. A bit morbid, yes, but you can’t help but be intrigued.

Dinner at VUN Andrea Aprea . VUN Andrea Aprea is a two-star Michelin restaurant located inside the Park Hyatt Milano. We had a delicious dinner there, and if you’re looking for a fancy dinner your first night in Milan this is the perfect spot. Chef Andrea Aprea serves contemporary Italian cuisine that plays on tradition with surprising flavor combinations and beautiful presentation.

Catch a show at La Scala .  See a show at Teatro Alla Scala , one of the world’s leading opera theaters. If three hours of opera in a language you can’t understand doesn’t sound enticing, they also have ballet and classical orchestra performances at La Scala.

Day 2: Things to do in Milan

See the Last Supper . You can’t go to Milan and not see the Last Supper ! It’s pretty amazing, and one of the world’s most recognized paintings. I didn’t know this before seeing the Last Supper in person, but it’s actually a mural painted onto one of the walls in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Leonardo da Vinci painted the Last Supper in the late 15th century. As my family learned, ticket scalping is an art in Milan, and it is not easy to get tickets to see the Last Supper. Scalpers immediately buy up tickets when they are released and sell them at higher prices. And the website where you buy tickets is in Italian. Sooo it’s easiest to just buy your tickets through a guided tour like this one . Again, because the Last Supper is so famous it’s not easy to get tickets, so be sure to book your guided tour as far in advance as possible, as the dates fill up extremely quickly. Since the mural is so famous (and old and fragile), they really limit the amount of people who are allowed inside the church, and you only get 15 minutes to see the mural. It really is incredible to see in person though, and something you can’t miss if you’re traveling to Milan!

Visit San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore . Not far from the church where the Last Supper is housed, you’ll find San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore . It’s a beautiful 16th-century church covered in stunning frescoes, and it’s absolutely worth popping in for a few minutes. Don’t miss heading through the little doorway to the left of the main altar. Once you pass through there you’ll enter the convent hall, with even more frescoes to admire.

Lunch at Nero 9 . Head over to Nero 9 for lunch . They specialize in quality meats, and are known for their amazing steaks, which they cook over embers and charcoal. Don’t forget to leave room for their amazing tiramisu!

Castello Sforzesco . After lunch at Nero 9 you’ll be right next to Sforza Castle , which you can stroll through for free. The Royal Palace was the seat of the government in Milan, and now houses a cultural center with several different museums and art exhibits.

Walk around Parco Sempione . Walk through the beautiful Parco Sempione , located right next to the castle. On the other side, you’ll find Arco della Pace , a landmark marking a city gate of Milan.

Cimitero Monumentale OR Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci . So at this point, I’m going to do a choose your own adventure option here. Both of these options can take 2 – 3 hours, so I’m listing them both here and you can pick which one sounds the most interesting to you. Monumental Cemetery is a huge cemetery that’s known for having really beautiful sculptures and architecture. It’s basically an open air museum. You can walk through yourself, or book a guided tour to learn more about the history of this cemetery . The other option is the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci . This museum is dedicated to science and technology, as well as the Italian scientist and painter Leonardo da Vinci.

Dinner at Mamma Rosa . We loved this restaurant so much we came back a second night! A few of our favorite dishes were: the goose liver pâté, spaghetti with clams, pasta with prawns and porcini mushrooms. They also have great seafood dishes.

Day 3: Things to do in Milan

Day trip to Lake Como . Ok, I swear this isn’t a cop-out, but I’m going to tell you that on your third day in Milan you should leave Milan. ? Hear me out. It’s just SO easy to do a one day trip to Lake Como from Milan. The train is like an hour ride and costs something ridiculous like 6 Euro. And Lake Como is one of the beautiful places I have ever seen. So yeah, you should do a day trip there. I have a whole itinerary for a Day Trip to Lake Como right here .

Drinks in the Navigli District . Once you’ve returned from your day trip to Lake Como, spend your last evening in Milan in the Navigli District . Naviglio Grande is a canal in Milan, and along the canal are tons of cute bars and restaurants where you’ll find a lot of locals hanging out. It’s a cute and fun area to check out just outside of the main city center.

Dinner at 28 Posti . Have dinner at the super cute and minimalist restaurant 28 Posti , also in the Navigli District. The restaurant is small (the name refers to the amount of seats they have available—28), and the open view kitchen gives you a glimpse into chefs working away at their contemporary cuisine. 28 Posti offers 5, 8, and 10 course tasting menus.

That’s my three day itinerary for things to do in Milan! A couple added bonus entries: I’m not really a soccer fan, but if you are you could catch a football game at San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan and Internazionale. If you enjoy shopping at designer shops, check out Quadrilatero della moda. You could also visit an art gallery as there are several in this cosmopolitan city, but at this point in our Italy trip, I was pretty museum-ed out after Rome and Florence. But if museums are your thing, here’s a list of top art galleries to visit in Milan !

Don’t forget to check out all of my Milan posts and guides!

Milan is a great place for people who love big cities! There are a number of beautiful museums, churches, and neighborhoods to visit. Not to mention the amazing food!

Park Hyatt Milano is the best place to stay in Milan since it’s right next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. They have incredible service and delicious meal options.

The best times of year to visit Milan are April to May or September to October since most people are trying to escape the heat in the summer.

The best way to travel around Milan is via public transportation. You can use a Milanocard travel card to take the tram, bus, metro, or city train.

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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MILAN TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: Discovering the Beauty, History, and Cuisine of Milan in 2023 Kindle Edition

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Visiting Milan? Explore with this handy Milan travel guide

Things to do in Milan Milan Travel Guide

Situated in northern Italy, Milan is the capital of Lombardy, the second-most populous city in Italy and the financial heart of the country. A city steeped in history and a cultural legacy that is as much ancient as it is modern, Milan is an Italian city unlike any other. Come experience the elegance and sophistication that Milan has to offer.

Rich Cultural Heritage Milan's history is grand. Having spent large portions of its history under different rulers, including the Caesars, Napoléon and the Austro-Hungarians to name a few, Milan has a fascinating culture that has manifested itself beautifully. The contributions of each historical period still stand to this day, equally admired by those who live here and those who see it only once. There are ancient churches from the 4th century that still stand at the city gates, great Gothic architecture with the Duomo the greatest of them all, Sforza's grand palaces, splendid Renaissance buldings and boulevards and squares from Napolean's rule. A Modern Metropolis Milan may not be the Italian capital, but within its boundaries lies the center of the biggest establishments in Italy. Milan saw Italy's largest post-war development and transformed itself into a city with the largest metropolitan area in Italy and the third-largest economy among European cities (after Paris and London), becoming the wealthiest non-capital European city in the process. The skyline of the city has also seen a tremendous transformation with the Duomo's spires sharing the sky with stunning modern buildings designed by the best 21st-century architects – Daniel Libeskind, Massimiliano Fuksas, Norman Foster and Cesar Pelli to name a few. Aesthetic Capital Of The World Milan may not deserve the attention that the other romantic cities of Italy get. The streets of Milan may not be loaded with tourists like the canals of Venice or the roads of Rome do. But every year, the Milan Fashion week and the Furniture Fair ensure that all eyes chasing aesthetic beauty in these fields invariably turn to Milan. The city streets are lined with flagship fashion and design studios —CappelliniKartell, Versace, Armani, Valentino. Milan also boasts of many galleries & museums, including private establishments such as Fondazione Prada and Armani Silos.

Milan Travel Guide

Dotted with remarkable gothic architecture and gifted with a legacy of art and history, Milan is more than just a fast-paced metropolitan city waiting to be discovered. With its carefully preserved traditions and exemplary pieces of art, Milan is a vibrant city experience that has a lot to offer. Whether you’re someone who is an art enthusiast, or someone who appreciates fashion or food — there is something for everyone who wishes to explore the city’s treasure trove with passion. With as many as six million visitors every year, Milan continues to promise an experience that is unlike any other.

Why Visit Milan?

Apart from being the art and fashion capital of Europe, Milan paved its way through a painstaking past before it rose straight out of the Renaissance age. Today, Milan is a vibrant, modern city that flaunts its cutting-edge fashion, stellar architecture, and beautiful skyline. A walk down its cobbled-stone streets will brief you through its history. But Milan is definitely not all art. Explore its rich countryside, sample its authentic street food, or lounge around in the lap of nature.

Top Things To Do in Milan

When we say there's something new that crops up in the city every week or so, we are not exaggerating! Milan never ceases to surprise and has something to keep everyone of all ages occupied. Here are the top picks you cannot miss out in Milan , regardless of whether you're in the city for a day or a week.

Milan Essentials

Language Italian

Time zone GMT +2

Country Code +39

Socket Type C/F/L

Currency Euro (€)

Milan Trip Planner

All you need before you book your tickets and zip your bag!

Travel Tips

Weather in milan.

Milan is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Here’s what you should be looking out for before you book your tickets. You can check the weather here .

Milan in Spring

Spring in Milan is a great time to visit if you’re looking for something that is placed right before the peak seasons kick in. While the day time during this season tends to get warm, it is occasionally chilly at night. If the fluctuation doesn’t bother you, spring is a great season to witness the city in all its glory.

Milan in Summer

Brace yourself for months of sweltering heat and a flock of crowd at every attraction in Milan, because the peak season witnesses an upsurge in the number of tourists. Milan witnesses a lot of locals leaving for their holidays during this season, so don’t be surprised to run into more tourists than actual Italians!

Milan in Autumn

Just as spring, the temperatures get a little nippy but the overall experience of the city tends to remain enjoyable. Expect high to average fluctuation in temperature during the day before it gets cooler in the nighttime. Make sure you’re well armed with an umbrella if you plan to visit in September, as this season witnesses occasional showers as well!

Milan in Winter

Pull out your overcoats an wrap yourself up tight if you plan to visit Milan during the wintertime. The temperatures plunge low during this season, so make sure you sign up for this only if you’re ready to brave the cold. However, despite that, Milan is not completely unbearable and one can make the most of the city comfortably even in this weather.

Milan Daily Budget Planner

You can choose to explore Milan on a budget, or take the luxurious route; both offer a great travel experience. Depending on how you'd like to go about your Milan visit, you can budget your trip. Here's a summary of an approximate per day expense in Milan.

Milan on a Budget - €47 per day Midrange spending in Milan - €108 per day Luxury vacation in Milan - €248 per day Use this tool to further budget your Milan trip .

Since Milan, Italy is a part of the Schengen Area , tourists from anywhere other than Europe will require a Schengen visa to visit this country. A passport or travel document is valid for three months with an appropriate Schengen visa. One can apply for various types of visas in Milan, some of which include single-entry, multi-entry, and transit visas. If you’re planning to visit a single Schengen country, it is advisable to book your visa via the country’s embassy. Or, if Milan is one of your main destinations, you can get your visa at the embassy in your country.

Currency & ATMs in Milan

With so much to do around Milan, it is best to have a loaded pocket and a handy ATM card to go around and enjoy the most of what it has to offer. The currency in Milan is the Euro (EU). Euro bank notes are available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations.

There are numerous money exchange facilities easily available throughout the city. Milan is dotted with a number of ATMs, but it is advisable to withdraw your cash from an authorised ATM attached to a bank for security purposes. It is best to keep in mind that withdrawing money from a debit card will involve a much lesser fee than credit card withdrawals. Keep a pocket converter at hand for speedy transactions.

Here’s a trusted exchange calculator you can use to check the current exchange rate of euro to your home currency.

Tipping in Milan

Tipping in Milan is not usually a matter of concern as the bill comes included with ‘coperto’ or service charge. However, feel free to display your happiness by occasionally tipping the staff if you’re content with the services. Cab drivers, housekeeping, as well as luggage handlers are often tipped in Milan, but only if you find that it is necessary to do so.

How to Save Money in Milan

It is a common myth to think that a foreign trip costs only a fortune. With a little bit of prudence and planning, it is possible to survive on a budget in Milan. Here’s how you can go about making the most of your trip without compromising on luxury:

1. Use Hop on Hop Off buses Getting around the city can get expensive if you’re constantly falling back upon cars and cabs. A regular cab ride from the airport to Milan central can cost you as much as $100.

Renting a private vehicle can also turn out steep if you’re a smaller group. Get yourself a Hop on Hop off pass instead, which can take you through the best attractions in the city. The pass also allows you to pick your boarding points and allows you to hop on unlimited times based on your pass validity. Besides this, Milan is also home to five railroad stations and four subway lines, making it a hub for those looking for a budget travel.

2. Buy a City Pass The Milan pass and the Milan card are two handy travel passes that can help you cut down on unnecessary expenditure during your trip.

Equipped with tickets to attractions, public transport, hop on hop off buses as well discounts, these passes are tailor-made not just to save money, but also time. Save yourself the trouble of standing in long queues with Milan Pass and Milan Card, which allow you to skip the lines and head straight into the striking monuments of the city. With discounts as much as €250 on dining, tours, and shopping, having a pass can help you club your favourite activities under a single umbrella.

4. Plan Your Trip Wisely Refer to websites of museums and historical places to know more about their entry fee. Group discounts are available for certain large groups if booked in advance. On some days, museums and other attractions also have days with a free entry. Try to revolve your trip around these days to curb expense on tickets. Also try to include places like churches, that have no entry fee, into your itinerary to have a balance.

5. Hostels versus Hotels Sure, a hotel equals luxury, but luxury can cost a fortune. If you’re looking for ways to drastically cut down your expenses, picking a hostel instead of a hotel could do the trick.

Several backpacking hostels around Europe cater to travellers who are on a budget. Apart from cost cutting, staying in a hostel acquaints you to the culture of the city, allows you to meet like-minded people, and grants you the independence you require. In fact, a hostel can also cut down your expenses if you choose to pick a dormitory instead of a room of your own.

Day Trips from Milan

Milan , Italy’s fashion capital is teeming with options to do, see and eat ; pulling in millions of tourists from around the world year round. Once you've climbed the roof of Milan's Duomo , elbowed your way through to get a peek of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper and tasted atleast 5 flavours of gelato from the umpteen street vendors around Milan, you can hop out of the city to experience a little more of the Italian country and culture. Milan is so beautifully located that you can visit the Swiss Alps or go to Venice from the city in just a day and be back by night! We have perfectly curated day trips from Milan that you can just plug and play, so choose your pick and waltz out of the city for a day.

Milan Itineraries

Milan has witnessed history no less than the next Mediterranean metropolis. However, it has made it a point to embrace the future and look good while doing it. The city also has a sweeping gustatory palate that will have you yearning for more. One might wonder if it’s possible to sample the best of Milan in a day ot two. We assure you, with the help of our specially curated itineraries, one and two days in Milan can be magical!

24 Hours in Milan

Every city on the planet has it’s own “thing”, as we call it. New York has opportunities, Rome has romance, Paris has culture, Barcelona has warmth, and likewise, Milan has pizzazz. However, it has made it a point to embrace the future and look good while doing it. The city also has a sweeping gustatory palate that will have you yearning for more. One might wonder if it’s possible to sample the best of Milan in a day. We assure you, with the help of our specially curated itinerary, one day in Milan can be magical! Since Milan is fairly popular among tourists, this guide will help you find your way to the best of Milan with minimal hassle. Fasten your seatbelts for this power-packed one day in Milan is going to be worth it all.

Here's how you can spend a day in Milan

2 Days in Milan

Here our handcrafted 2 Day Itinerary In Milan .

Milan Hop On Hop Off Tours

Often titled the fashion capital and design capital of the world, Milan is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The confluence of art, history and culture makes it a popular tourist destination. There are several must-see locations in the town, including the Duomo di Milano , Sforza Castle, Sant’ Ambrogio and many world-famous restaurants and cafes. The legendary Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece, The Last Supper , can be seen housed in the Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie. The best way to experience this gorgeous city is the Milan Hop on Hop off bus tour. This incredible bus route network will allow you to visit nearly every attraction that Milan has to offer. Witness the beauty of Milan from your vantage point on top of these eye-catching double-decker buses.

Milan Pass and Milano Card

But Milan is not all just art and history; it is a vibrant modern city with the best culinary experiences and entertainment venues. It also hosts two of the world’s most famous football teams ‘AC Milan’ and ‘Inter Milan’. The home of the biggest Fashion Houses in the world- Versace, Prada, Valentino and more, Milan is the ideal mix of the old and new. The best way to explore this large city is through travel passes.

The Milan Pass and the Milano Card are two great travel passes that will help you save on time and money as you explore Milan. The travel cards offer free tickets to attractions, free public transport, free hop-on hop-off bus tours and discounts on tickets and experiences. All these benefits help you save up to 30% on your travel costs in Milan.

These passes have been designed to help you keep the expenses down while you explore and experience Milan with ease. In this post, we will go through the details of each card, outline the difference between the cards and offer tips on how you can purchase these cards and get the most value for money.

Getting Around in Milan

Bus, trains, trams, or metro — public transport forms an integral part of Milan’s connectivity. Milan’s fantastic transportation system connects each and every corner of the city. However, it is only natural to find yourself intimidated with the system — so, here’s how you can get around Milan by its public transport:

• Milan Subway : The subway in Milan has four lines. Each line has a different colour and numbers. You can make transfers between the following stops: Cadorna, Centrale, Duomo, Loreto, Porta Garibaldi, and Zara. The Subway trains in Milan run from 6 AM to 1 AM on a regular basis.
• Milan Railways : With a scenic rail route by its side, Milan’s Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como are the two most easily accessible stations in the city. This train also takes you past smaller towns such as Cremona, Pavia, and several others during the course of its journey.
• Bike rentals : Bike sharing is also one of the most important ways to traverse around Milan. Pick up and drop a bike as per your convenience. Affordable and economic, these bikes require a registration on BikeMi website before you can start riding as per your will.

Where to stay in Milan

Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in the city is necessary for several reasons. Whether it is to stay close to the culture, or to be accessible to the attractions — there should always a good reason before finalising your locality.

• Pick Centro Storico if you don’t mind a lot of crowd or are looking for a glamorous experience.
• Brera is for those who wish to experience fashion first hand.
• Porta Nuova is perfect for those wishing to go through the wonders of ‘New Milan’.
• Chinatown is perfect for those travellers who don’t mind walking and are looking for something on a budget.

Centro Storico

• Secondo Pensiero
• NH Collection Milano President
• Baglioni Hotel Carlton
• Ciak Hostel

Porta Nuova Isola

• Heart Milan Apartments
• Hotel Cervo Milano
• NH Collection Milano Porta Nuova
• Hotel Windsor Milano
• Hotel Principe di Savioa
• Bulgari Hotel Milano
• Palazzo delle Stelline
• Carlyle Brera Hotel
• Mandarin Oriental
• Ostello Bello Grande
• Ming Hao Hotel
• Hotel Mozart
• Babila Hostel & Bistrot
• B&B Hotel Milano Garibaldi

Dining in Milan

Apart from being one of the most affluent cities of Europe, Milan has also been sought after for its iconic Milanese dishes that have been attracting tourists since centuries. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on during your trip to Milan:

1. Risotto alla Milanese The delicious risotto finds it roots way back in Milan. Rice, cheese, beef, butter, white wine, and saffron are combined and baked together to form a delicious regional speciality. The staple risotto is often served alongside other Milanese food, and makes for an important part of their dinner.

2. Ossobuco The word ‘ossobuco’ is Italian for ‘bone with a hole’; referring to the marrow hole of a cross-cut veal shank This particular delicacy combines meat, tomato, onion, greens, and carrots and is often eaten with a bread or risotto alongside. This sumptuous traditional dish is considered to be one of the regional favourites of the people.

3. Piadina A distant cousin of the famous Quesadilla, the Piadina is a thin Italian flatbread that is enjoyed with meat and cheese. The bread, which is flaky as well as crunchy. is a local lunch time favourite that you simply shouldn’t miss out on!

4. Cotoletta alla Milanese A signature dish of the city, Cotoletta alla Milanese is traditionally prepared with a veal cutlet, but you can find chicken variations of the same. The dish consists of a breaded "bone-in" veal cutlet, fried in butter, and cannot be missed when in Milan!

If you have pizza and pasta on your must-eat list on your trip to Milan, you’re going to be surprised at the variety the city has to offer. With a delectable spread unlike any other city in Italy, you can’t get around Milan without sampling from some of their innovative restaurants. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the most sought after restaurants that you should be heading to without further ado:

Pasticceria Marchesi

If breakfast and desserts make your day, consider giving Pasticceria Marchesi a shot if you’re around. The legendary Marchesi dates back to 1821 and is also one of the oldest pastry shops in Milan. Take their aromatic cappuccino or an espresso on the go, or munch on a sumptuous brioche — there’s a lot to pick from if you’re craving sweet or savoury! Directions

Trussardi alla Scala

There’s nothing like a night of luxury, and if you’re a fan of caviar, head to Trussardi alla Scala for the best caviar in Milan. Relish high-end Italian as well as French cuisine presented with a twist and complemented with airy, contemporary interiors. Trussardi alla Scala promises an upscale dining fit for a king! Directions

Trattoria Madonnina

Take a break from the trendy hotspots of Milan and hop into Trattoria Madonnina for a taste of tradition and culture. Feel at one with the Milanese way of living with their authentic Italian interiors and rustic decor. Ask for a Milanese stew and their famous homemade desserts for an experience to cherish. Directions

La Gelataria della Musica

What is a trip to Italy without tasting its famous gelato? Whether you’re wandering about on a hot day or not, grab a cone and take a stroll alongside the canals of Milan. A unique feature about this restaurant is that it names all its ice cream after famous musicians! Find the nearest one

Festivals in Milan

Milan hosts a plethora of festivals that are neither considered traditional, nor religious. With an interesting mix of cultures and celebrations, Milan has everything beginning from good food, to dancing as well as large parties. Not only is Milan one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world, it is also one of the four fashion capitals of Europe, making it the home of the thriving fashion industry. Here are a few festivals you should plan your trip around to get the most of this city:

• Italian Grand Prix : An annual sporting event that is held in the first week of September, Italian Grand Prix attracts a huge deal of crowd every year and is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The event features a great deal of thrill coupled up with racing.
• Milan Fashion Week : Although not a festival, people from around the world find themselves swarming around Milan for the iconic fashion week that is held in September. The event includes a nationwide celebration of the city’s textile and fashion industry. So, whether you bag a seat or not, make sure you visit around this time to experience the fashion capital at its best.
• Carnival Ambrosiano : A funfair of night-long partying and pomp, Carnival Ambrosiano takes place on the first Saturday of Lent. The carnival is a real treat for the entire family with its parade of floats, workshops, concerts, and other interactive events.
• Furniture Fair/Salone del Mobile Milano A quirky festival which is held in April, the Furniture Fair or Salone del Mobile Milano in Milan showcases one of the largest trade fair of its kind. Browse through contemporary furniture and its designs from around the world along with other home furnishing items.

Milan Culture

Italians are generally regarded friendly and helpful to tourists from around the world. However, it is always best to keep in mind certain etiquettes to avoid giving offence or avoiding the encounter of an unpleasant experience.

• Try not to be loud and talk loudly in public as Italians dislike disruptive behaviour and expect the public to behave politely.
• It is advisable to dress decently while wandering around the town. Try not to overdress or underdress and stay casual throughout your visit.
• Acknowledge people as you enter into a shop or a bar. Say ‘buongiorno’ or ‘buona sera’ as a gesture of kindness. Despite that, Italians are not usually chatty and can get uncomfortable with long conversations.
• While seated in a public place, do not put your feet up a chair. Italians consider this action as a rude and impolite. Walking barefoot in Milan is widely accepted in open spaces such as big parks as well as beaches.

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What is the best way to travel to Milan?

The best way to get to Milan is by air. The city has two main airports, Malpensa and Linate, which are both well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world. If you're flying into Malpensa, you can take the express train into the city center, and if you're flying into Linate, there are buses that run regularly into the city. If you're coming from other parts of Italy or Europe, you can take the train or bus into Milan.

What are the best things to do in Milan?

There is plenty to see and do in Milan! Some of the city's most popular attractions include the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. If you're interested in art and culture, Milan is home to many museums and art galleries, including the Pinacoteca Brera and the Museo del Novecento. For something a little different, you can also visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is located, or take a tour of San Siro, home of AC Milan and Inter Milan.

What are the best places to eat in Milan?

The food in Milan is some of the best in Italy! You can find all kinds of delicious dishes in the city, from traditional Lombard specialties to pizza and pasta. Some of the city's most popular restaurants include Trattoria della Pesa, Da Giacomo, and Luini Panzerotti.

What is the weather like in Milan?

Milan has a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in January is about 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best time to visit Milan?

The best time to visit Milan is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, Milan is a great city to visit year-round, and there are always events and attractions to enjoy.

What should I pack for my trip to Milan?

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking in Milan. If you are visiting in the summer, pack light clothing and sunscreen. In the winter, pack warm clothing and a scarf.

What's the best way to travel within Milan?

The best way to get around Milan is on foot. The city center is relatively small, and many of the attractions are located within walking distance of each other. If you need to travel further, you can take the metro, bus, or tram. Taxis are also available, but they are generally more expensive than other

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Milan Travel Guide For Design Lovers | 2023 | Part I

Milan is well-known for its international interior design events such as Isaloni , but the city itself is a great source of inspiration with much to offer. So, if you’re thinking about visiting the Isaloni, you should definitely read this Milan Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of it!

Milan Travel Guide

When you travel to a new location, there are many things you should research beforehand, such as places to visit, where to stay, and where to eat. If you want to make the most of your holiday, you must plan ahead of time. To help you, we have compiled a Milan Travel Guide to assist you during your stay in Milan .

NOT TO MISS: NEW ARTICLES – SALONE DEL MOBILE 2024

Excited about Salone del Mobile ? The 62nd edition is just around the corner! Head to our blog’s homepage and discover the latest articles covering Salone del Mobile 2024 !

See also: EXPLORING SALONE INTERNAZIONALE DEL MOBILE 2024

FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY

The journey of hospitality products, top design districts, brera design district.

This is the neighbourhood that is home to the world-famous Pinacoteca and Art Academy. With its narrow, cobblestone streets and dense concentration of antique shops, galleries, showrooms, and prestigious locations, this artsy neighbourhood exudes a truly alluring, bohemian aura all year. During the Fuorisalone, Brera offers a high-profile events calendar that includes several of the world’s most prestigious brands , with a focus on attracting a design-savvy , culturally oriented public. The Brera Design District is a territorial marketing initiative that promotes excellence and commercial real estate development.

Ventura Centrale Design District

The formerly abandoned 9 spaces of Magazzini Raccordati via Ferrante Aporti, which were once home to key local warehouses, provide tourists with a visually memorable experience. Under the rough tracks and distinctive vaults of Milan’s Stazione Centrale, creativity takes centre stage, with a special emphasis on design from the Netherlands and Belgium, displaying an eclectic mix of modern design from both emerging and renowned firms. Ventura, a global design organisation, has curated and powered projects in the area, which are spread across the key sections of Centrale Railway Station and the surrounding area of Repubblica, in collaboration with the local association Centrale District.

NEW PRODUCTS

Designs made for interiors full of personality, ventura future design district.

Ventura Future is an exhibition space that showcases the innovative, cutting-edge, and eye-catching design of both emerging and established brands.

INTERIOR DESIGN COLOURS

Trends 2025, 5 vie art design district.

The district, appropriately named 5vie after the region’s “five streets,” is both one of the city’s oldest and most emerging districts. Bramante designed the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, and the church of San Satiro in the region. The area takes part in Design Week with a triple circuit that includes showrooms displaying the latest in design , old artisan workshops where you can admire traditional handicrafts (especially in via San Maurillio and via Santa Marta), and a cultural itinerary that includes museums , churches, cloisters, archaeological sites, and breathtaking inner courtyards. The 5vie District cultural and territorial marketing initiative is promoting Milan’s Old Town.

Tortona Design District

Although Tortona is the name of a single street, events in its neighbouring area – specifically the one behind the Navigli, known for its “vibey” atmosphere – multiply during the Fuorisalone. The area, which includes former warehouses and factories, transforms into a major display platform with a slew of futuristic, original , and experimental events aimed at creating a truly knockout effect, according to the organisers. Big names and a slew of newcomers collaborate to create an urban design workshop.

Tortona Design Week promotes a variety of events spread across some of the most important hotels and recently renowned open spaces. The SUPERSTUDIO, the iconic place of design in Milan, the pioneer of the Fuorisalone phenomenon in the district, and the most visited and sought-after place in the Tortona District since 2000, can be found in Tortona.

+1000 PRODUCTS IN STOCK NOW

Ready to ship to you within a week, the fierce touch of modern design for short lead time projects, where to stay, top hotels in milan, mandarin oriental milan.

Mandarin Oriental Milan provides luxurious accommodations just a short walk from Milan’s fashionable fashion boutiques. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, as well as meeting space . All rooms and suites are air-conditioned and designed by Antonio Citterio, with modern décor and taco floors in a complex of 5 connected 18th-century buildings. They have views of the courtyard or the street, and some have views of the Cathedral of Milan.

PARK HYATT MILANO

The Park Hyatt Milano offers luxury and serenity in the form of clean design and quiet comfort in all of its 81 rooms and 25 suites. Park deluxe executive king rooms include fruit baskets and your choice of mineral waters, while a Park terrace suite includes a private terrace with stunning views of Milan . You’ll never go hungry with mouth-watering, on-site dining options like Michelin-starred Restaurant VUN, where you can enjoy a multicourse tasting menu unlike any you’ve ever tried. La Cupola serves croissants and fresh juices daily for breakfast.

PALAZZO PARIGI HOTEL AND GRAND SPA

From the outside, the Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa appears to be any modern office building in Milan — glassy windows, metal frame, business style. Simply take a deep breath and enter. Find a private palace with dazzling marble floors, a sweeping staircase, and lovely light-filled spaces , meticulously designed and passionately managed by the inspirational Italian architect and owner, Paola Giambelli.

DESIGNING EVERY ROOM STEP BY STEP WITH A COLLECTION OF CURATED INTERIORS

Living & dining rooms | bedrooms & bathrooms hall & entryways | kitchens, top restaurants & bars, ristorante bistrot martini dolce&gabbana.

This luxurious location, owned by the popular fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana, is ideal for a fine dining experience.

The interior of this restaurant was designed by Wes Anderson. It features beautiful patterned wallpaper patterns, Formica seats, terrazzo flooring, and pinball machines to create a whimsical, nostalgic ambiance. Bar Luce, designed in 2015 by American film director Wes Anderson, recreates the atmosphere of a typical Milanese cafè.

“The approach I used to design this bar is exactly the opposite I usually use for the set designs of my movies. I tried to make it a bar you’d like to go to five times a week. When I was really young I wanted to be an architect, and this chance I’ve been given to pretend to be a real one is a childhood fantasy come true!” explained by Anderson.

This designer-style restaurant is located on the fourth floor of the historic ENEL palazzo, which has been renovated and converted into the Dsquared2 building. It successfully blends attractive colours and vintage decor by combining the use of brass, marble, and wood. The view of Milan completes the picture (even better from the long outdoor terrace with its two swimming pools), and the cuisine reinterprets Italian classics with a modern twist.

GIACOMO ARENGARIO

Studio Peregalli’s Art Deco Bar & Restaurant is located on the top floor of the Museo del Novecento and overlooks the spectacular Piazza del Duomo. This gleaming cocktail bar is surrounded by 1930s decorative elements and geometric pattern-covered walls, creating an opulent bar atmosphere.

See also: SALONE DEL MOBILE 2024: A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE MILAN FURNITURE

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• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in June 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Our Picks for the Best Travel Insurance Companies

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance

Compare the Best Travel Insurance Companies

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide Travel Insurance is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of trip costs (for cruises) or up to $30,000 (for single-trip plans)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Three cruise-specific plans to choose from
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual travel insurance plans available
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong trip cancellation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancel for any reason coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR insurance not available with every single plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is lower than what some competitors offer

Nationwide Travel Insurance offers many of the standard benefits you might see with a travel insurance policy. This can include things like trip cancellation coverage, so you can recover pre-paid costs or trip interruption in the event your vacation is interrupted by an unexpected event. There's also baggage delay coverage and medical coverage.

• Cancel for any reason coverage available

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up

Axa assistance usa travel insurance.

AXA Assistance USA  offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review .

• Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

• Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
• Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Aig travel guard.

Travel Guard is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review .

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
• Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
• Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Best Travel Insurance for Reputation

C&f travel insured.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 2 major plans including CFAR coverage on the more expensive option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Cancellation for job loss included as a covered reason for trip cancellation/interruption (does not require CFAR coverage to qualify)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Frequent traveler reward included in both policies
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million in medical evacuation coverage available
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage is only $100,000
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews on claims processing indicate ongoing issues
• C&F's Travel Insured policies allow travelers customize travel insurance to fit their specific needs. Frequent travelers may benefit from purchasing an annual travel insurance plan, then adding on CFAR coverage for any portions of travel that may incur greater risk.

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg Travel Insurance is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy coverage includes most pre-existing health conditions
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical and evacuation amounts for peace of mind
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. COVID coverage included by default on all insurance plans
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers a wide range of plans for various budgets and travel needs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some plans offer CFAR, “cancel for work reasons,” financial default, and unemployment coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited add-on coverage options
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage loss and delay coverage is low compared to competitors

Tin Leg travel insurance offers eight travel insurance plans to meet the unique needs of travelers.

• Tin Leg was founded in 2014 by the travel insurance industry experts at Squaremouth. Designed to meet the most common needs of travelers, these policies offer comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefits, and a range of Emergency Medical and Medical Evacuation limits.

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Worldtrips travel insurance.

WorldTrips Travel Insurance has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable base plans that can be customized with add-ons including rental car, pet care, hunting and fishing, and vacation rental coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Insurance plans available for international student travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage benefit that kicks in after just five hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Pre-existing conditions waiver can be purchased within 21 days of initial trip payment
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Lower medical, evacuation and accidental death limits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited, secondary baggage loss coverage although baggage protection can be upgraded at a low cost
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. No special coverages for pets, sports equipment, etc.

WorldTrips has been a reputable travel insurance provider for more than 20 years. Unsurprisingly, it boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and positive reviews from thousands of customers.

• Travel medical insurance (Premium, Group, Annual, and International Student options)
• Trip cancellation insurance
• Trip protection insurance

Best Travel Insurance for Affordability

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick International Travel Insurance is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex Travel Insurance  offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

• Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
• Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
• Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include travel medical coverage that can come in handy if an emergency occurs and you need medical evacuation. Some travel insurance plans offer more specialized coverage for travelers with pre-existing conditions , so shop around if medical coverage is a top priority for you. 

$100,000 should be a sufficient medical coverage limit for travel insurance. If you're planning on doing extreme sports or anything particularly risky on your trip, you may want to increase your coverage level. A high medical coverage limit is especially useful when you're purchasing cruise travel insurance, since medical evacuations are more involved at sea.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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