Milan, Italy-7-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City
- Morning:
- Arrive at Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Linate Airport (LIN)
- Take a taxi or train (Malpensa Express or LeNord) to your hotel
- Afternoon:
- Check-in at Hotel Principe di Savoia (5-star) or Hotel Spadari AlBohem (4-star) in the city center
- Visit the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning shopping arcade with beautiful architecture and atmosphere (free admission)
- Evening:
- Head to Piazza del Duomo, one of Milan’s main squares, surrounded by beautiful buildings and street performers
- Enjoy dinner at Trattoria Madonnina, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine
Day 2: Art, Fashion, and Shopping
- Morning:
- Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a museum showcasing an impressive art collection from the 14th to the 20th centuries (€5 admission)
- Explore the nearby Galleria Borghese, a beautiful art gallery with an impressive sculpture garden (€12 admission)
- Afternoon:
- Spend some time at the Duomo di Milano, one of the world’s largest and most famous cathedrals
- Visit the nearby Museo del Novecento, a museum showcasing modern and contemporary art from the 20th century (free admission)
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at Ristorante Pizzeria da Giulio, a popular spot for delicious pizzas and Italian cuisine
Day 3: Fashion and Design
- Morning:
- Visit the Castello Sforzesco, a medieval castle housing several museums and art collections (free admission)
- Explore the nearby Parco Sempione, a beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and scenic views
- Afternoon:
- Visit the famous Milan Fashion Week headquarters at Palazzo della Permanente
- Take a stroll along the Corso Como, a popular shopping street lined with high-end boutiques and trendy cafes
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at Restaurant La Rinascente, a luxury department store’s rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the city
Day 4: History, Culture, and Gastronomy
- Morning:
- Visit the Museo Civico di Milano, a museum showcasing art, artifacts, and historical exhibits from Milan’s past (free admission)
- Explore the nearby Navigli, a charming neighborhood with canals, bridges, and historic architecture
- Afternoon:
- Take a guided food tour in the Brera District, exploring local eateries, cafes, and specialty food shops
- Visit the iconic Café Greco, one of the oldest coffeehouses in Italy (free admission)
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at Ristorante Cavour, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Italian cuisine
Day 5: Parks, Gardens, and Relaxation
- Morning:
- Visit the beautiful Giardini Reale, a royal garden with stunning architecture, fountains, and sculptures
- Explore the nearby Parco di Porta Romana, a peaceful park with gardens, walking paths, and scenic views
- Afternoon:
- Spend some time at the Sforza Castle, a medieval fortress housing several museums and art collections (free admission)
- Take a stroll along the Naviglio Grande Canal, a charming waterway lined with historic buildings and cafes
- Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at Ristorante La Grotta, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine
Day 6: Day Trip to Lake Como
- Morning:
- Take a day trip to Lake Como, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes (approximately 1 hour by train)
- Explore the charming town of Bellagio and its stunning lake views
- Afternoon:
- Visit the nearby Villa Carlotta, a beautiful 18th-century villa with gardens, sculptures, and art exhibits (€10 admission)
- Take a stroll along the lake’s shores and enjoy the scenic views
Day 7: Last Day in Milan
- Morning:
- Visit the famous La Scala Opera House, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses (free admission)
- Explore the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some last-minute shopping
- Afternoon:
- Spend some time at the Castello Sforzesco, a medieval castle with beautiful gardens and scenic views
- Enjoy lunch at Ristorante Pizzeria da Giulio or Trattoria Madonnina
- Evening:
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at Restaurant La Rinascente or Ristorante Cavour
Transportation
- Milan has an efficient public transportation system, including metro lines (red, yellow, blue, and green) and buses
- Buy a Milan Tourist Card, which includes free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transport
- Rent a bike and explore the city with a guided tour or on your own
Tips
- Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
- Try traditional Italian cuisine, including pizza, pasta, and gelato
- Explore the city’s hidden gems, such as charming neighborhoods and local cafes
- Don’t forget to take a stroll along the Navigli canals and enjoy the scenic views
Other Recommendations
- Visit the Teatro alla Scala Museum for an insight into the opera house’s history and architecture (€10 admission)
- Explore the Milan Design District, a neighborhood with innovative design, art, and fashion
- Take a guided tour of the city’s famous Cannons Park area