Milan-3-day-itinerary
Milan Travel Itinerary: 3 Days
Day 1: Milan’s Iconic Landmarks
Morning
- 9:00 AM - Start at Duomo: Begin your day by visiting the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo), one of the world’s largest churches. Take a stroll around its massive Gothic structure, and consider ascending to the rooftop for panoramic views.
- Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
- 10:00 AM - Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: After visiting the Duomo, walk through the luxurious shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This stunning late 19th-century shopping mall is a must-see for its beautiful glass ceiling and elegant atmosphere.
- Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
Lunchtime
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at Trattoria Madonnina: For lunch, head to Trattoria Madonnina. This classic Milanese trattoria serves traditional dishes in a cozy setting that is quintessentially Italian.
- Location: Via Montebello, 7, 20123 Milano MI
- Price Range: Moderate
Afternoon
- 2:00 PM - Explore Castello Sforzesco: Spend the afternoon exploring the castle complex of Castello Sforzesco. It houses a museum with artworks by Michelangelo and other notable artists.
- Location: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI
- 5:00 PM - Relax in Parco Sempione: End your day by relaxing in Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s largest parks. It offers beautiful views of the city, gardens, a lake, and a variety of art installations.
Evening
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at La Libera: For dinner, try La Libera. This restaurant serves refined Italian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Location: Via Brisa, 10, 20123 Milano MI
- Price Range: Moderate to Expensive
Day 2: Fashion and Culture
Morning
- 9:00 AM - Visit the Teatro alla Scala: Start your day by visiting the world-famous opera house, Teatro alla Scala. Take a guided tour of its impressive interior, learning about its history and architecture.
- Location: Via Verdi, 1, 20121 Milano MI
- 11:00 AM - Explore Brera District: Spend some time exploring the charming Brera district, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively artistic vibe. Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera to see an extensive collection of Italian paintings.
- Location: Via Orti, 2, 20121 Milano MI
Lunchtime
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at Trattoria al Carretto: For lunch, try Trattoria al Carretto. It’s a cozy spot with traditional Milanese dishes in a lively atmosphere.
- Location: Via San Carlo all’Arena, 8, 20121 Milano MI
- Price Range: Moderate
Afternoon
- 2:00 PM - Visit the Brera Academy: If you have time and interest, visit the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera. This academy is one of Italy’s most prestigious art schools.
- Location: Via Orti, 2, 20121 Milano MI
- 4:00 PM - Relax in the nearby park: End your day by relaxing in a nearby park to rest and recharge.
Evening
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia: For dinner, try Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia. This restaurant offers refined Italian cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
- Location: Via Brisa, 10, 20123 Milano MI
- Price Range: Expensive
Day 3: The Modern Side of Milan
Morning
- 9:00 AM - Visit the Museo del Novecento: Start your day by visiting the Museo del Novecento. This contemporary art museum is located in a beautiful building and features works from the 20th century.
- Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
- 11:00 AM - Explore the Porta Garibaldi District: Spend some time exploring the modern Porta Garibaldi district. It’s known for its sleek skyscrapers and vibrant street life.
Lunchtime
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at Il Ristorante: For lunch, try Il Ristorante. This spot offers a wide variety of international dishes.
- Location: Via Montebello, 7, 20123 Milano MI
- Price Range: Moderate to Expensive
Afternoon
- 2:00 PM - Visit the Isola District: Visit the modern and vibrant Isola district. It’s known for its artistic vibe, fashion boutiques, and beautiful parks.
- 4:00 PM - Relax in the park: End your day with some rest time in a nearby park.
Evening
- 7:30 PM - Farewell Dinner at Ristorante La Cucina: For your farewell dinner, try Ristorante La Cucina. It’s located near the Porta Garibaldi and offers refined Italian cuisine.
- Location: Via Brisa, 10, 20123 Milano MI
- Price Range: Expensive
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Art: This stylish hotel is close to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and offers chic rooms with modern facilities.
- Address: Via Medin, 9, 20123 Milano MI
- Grand Hotel Principe di Savoia: For a luxurious stay, consider the Grand Hotel Principe di Savoia. It’s located near the city center and provides elegant accommodations with high-end services.
Transportation:
Milan has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams (lines 4 and 12) as well as metro lines. The most useful lines for tourists are M1, M2, M3, M4 (the red line), and the yellow line (M5). A ticket costs about €1.50.
Tips:
- Language: While many Milanese speak English, learning a few Italian words will help you communicate with locals.
- Weather: Always check the weather forecast for your visit as Milan can experience sudden changes in temperature or precipitation.
- Safety: As with any city, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.
Other Tips:
- Sights and Attractions: Many of Milan’s sights offer discounts if you book tickets in advance online. Consider purchasing a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for quick access to many attractions.
- Shopping: If shopping is your goal, consider planning some time around the sales periods (end of January, end of June) when Italian brands offer significant discounts.
- Restaurants and Cafes: Try to enjoy traditional Milanese dishes at local trattorias or cafes. Be prepared for higher prices at upscale restaurants.
Activities:
Milan offers a wide variety of activities from shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, visiting art museums, exploring historic districts, or taking part in fashion events during Fashion Week (February and September). Make sure to plan ahead as some of these events require tickets and may sell out quickly.