2 Days in Milan: The Ultimate Itinerary for a Weekend
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Milan is not the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Italy. However, as the country’s business hub and fashion mecca, the Lombard capital is not to be overlooked. It’s a modern, lively city but holds a vast and visible history. You’ll find ultra-modern skyscrapers lining the city skies, but venture outside of the city center and discover quaint cobblestoned streets with cafés, art galleries and antique shops. Milan is not the city to miss if you want to discover contemporary Italy. Here is my guide for spending 2 days in Milan! I hope this travel itinerary will help you plan your next trip to Italy and make the most out of your weekend in Milan.
In this Article…
Friday: Walk along the canals and Italian aperitif
Saturday: Must-see attractions, shopping, and art
Sunday: Museums and park
Reserve Tickets
Map of Milan Attractions
What to Pack for Milan
Friday
5 p.m. — Take a charming stroll through Little Venice
Start your weekend in Milan with a leisurely walk through Little Venice in the Navigli (“canals” in Italian) district. This former industrial district was born in the 12th century after the development of canals, which linked the city with the rivers and lakes of the region. Several of these canals were filled in or abandoned centuries later, and only the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese remain today.
The Naviglio Grande is the liveliest of the two canals where you’ll find bars, cafés, vintage shops, bookstores and art galleries. Wander along the canal and explore this animated part of Milan.
6:30 p.m. — Enjoy an aperitif like the locals
After a walk along the canal, grab a drink at one of the several outdoor bars and cafes in Navigli.
Originating in Milan, the concept of the aperitivo is a true local tradition, more so than anywhere else in Italy. You’ll discover tourists and locals alike sipping on cocktails (including the spritz, the famous Italian cocktail) while snacking on various appetizers like pizza, charcuterie, cheese and more.
Although you can find endless bars along the canal, the Mag Cafe and Rita are two of the area’s most coveted bars to enjoy a drink and some light fare.
8 p.m. — Try the best pizza in Milan
For a casual dinner in central Milan, head to Pizza AM where you’ll find one of the city’s best pizzerias. Due to its popularity there is usually a little wait, but it’s worth it once you try one of their delicious pizzas. The friendly staff, cheerful atmosphere and affordable fare make Pizza AM the perfect place to dine your first night in Milan.
Saturday
9 a.m. — Get a bird's eye view of Milan
You cannot visit Milan without visiting one of the city’s most popular attractions, the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary more commonly called, Il Duomo. It’s the third-largest cathedral in the world that took over six centuries to complete. It’s understandable once you see the cathedral’s incredible size and architectural details.
The best time to visit Il Duomo is the morning before the crowds arrive in the Piazza del Duomo. You won’t regret waking up early, especially on a busy Saturday. Visit Il Duomo’s rooftop terrace for a spectacular view of the city. On sunny days, the Alps and Mont Blanc are visible on the horizon.
11 a.m. — Explore Italy’s oldest shopping mall
Another must-see spot in Milan is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the oldest open shopping mall in Italy named after the country’s first king. Located next to the Piazza del Duomo, it’s the perfect place to visit after Il Duomo.
Browse luxury boutiques such as the original Prada store, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more, pursue Italy’s oldest bookstore, Libreria Bocca, or grab a bite to eat at the famous Camparino bar.
The beautiful neoclassical architecture makes the gallery a popular place to take photos. If you want to get some pictures without the crowds, go there around 8 a.m. before you visit Il Duomo and you’ll find it almost empty. The gallery is also famous for its four mosaic crests, particularly the one depicting a bull. Read more about the tradition related to the gallery’s well-known bull here.
11:30 a.m. — Stroll through Piazza della Scala
Behind the Vittorio Emanuele gallery is one of the most iconic squares in Milan, Piazza della Scala. The statue of Leonardo da Vinci stands in the center of the piazza, and the surrounding architecture is itself a sight to see. It’s also a convenient spot if you want to sit and relax for a little while.
On the north-western side of the square, you’ll find the internationally renowned opera house, Teatro alla Scala. The performance hall is definitely worth seeing, but if you aren’t interested in attending a performance, you can opt to take a tour of the interior of the theater.
12:30 p.m. — Grab a bite of Milan’s best street food
A two-minute walk will take you to Luini, Milan’s famous bakery serving panzerotti, sweet or savory pockets of dough filled and then fried or baked. It’s almost never empty as their specialties are not to miss. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite on the go before continuing your tour of Milan.
1:30 p.m. — Shop in Italy’s fashion capital
Milan is one of the world’s four fashion capitals and its fashion district is one of the most famous in the world. Throughout Milan’s Quadrilatero Della Moda, you’ll find an abundance of luxury brands and trendy designers. Although mostly high-end boutiques occupy the fashion district, it’s still worth wandering through the calm streets and admiring the chic window displays.
2:30 p.m. — Indulge in a traditional Italian treat
Grab a coffee and pastry at Cova, one of Italy's oldest pasticceria. Its traditional interiors, excellent service, and sublime desserts make for a classy dining (or snacking) experience in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. Try their famous panettone or tiramisu with your favorite coffee. You might also discover an elegant souvenir in their chic gift shop.
3 p.m. — Regard one of Da Vinci’s most famous works
For art lovers, it would be sinful to visit Milan without seeing The Last Supper on display at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s grand masterpiece, don’t hesitate to book your tickets in advance. The best way to purchase tickets is through the official Cenacolo/Vivaticket site. Keep in mind that tickets sell weeks, even months, in advance, so if you can’t find tickets during your visit to Milan, try booking your tickets through a city tour package.
Check out these options for reserving tickets for Da Vinci’s Last Supper:
4 p.m. — Wander through Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Take a 10-minute walk from the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to the beautiful Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio. One of the oldest Romanesque churches in Milan, the Basilica took nearly sixteen centuries to complete. In the church square is a marble column with two visible holes. According to legend, Satan tried to seduce Ambrose into temptation, but when Ambrose did not give in, Satan dashed his head against the column, leaving the marks of his horns in the process. The basilica is a quiet spot to relax and admire the magnificent architecture and the lovely gardens.
4:45 p.m. — Discover remnants of Rome in the heart of the city
Located in front of the San Lorenzo Basilica, Colonne di San Lorenzo is the most ancient remnant of the Roman Empire in Milan. The monument features 16 columns of a Roman temple or bathhouse dating from the 2nd century. Although one might not expect such columns to be present in the middle of the city, they add a sense of charm to the lively urban area.
5:30 p.m. — Contemplate Italian art
Head back to Piazza della Scala to visit one of Milan’s renowned art museums, the Gallerie d’Italia and the Museo del Novecento. Both museums are worth a visit, but seeing one is perfect for a weekend trip to the city.
If you’re a fan of contemporary art, the Museo del Novecento houses around 400 works, most of them Italian, from the twentieth century. The museum is quite large with multiple floors, so you’ll need several hours to see everything. For a shorter visit, check out the works of the Museo del Novecento you shouldn’t miss. Don’t forget to visit the top floor for a stunning view of Il Duomo.
Discover 19th and 20th-century Italian works at the Gallerie d’Italia. Along with the artwork, the building itself is stunning. Similar to the Museo del Novecento, you could easily spend the entire afternoon exploring the vast collection of art, but two hours will allow you to see most of the museum. Don’t miss the secret garden which you can access from the gallery.
8 p.m. — Enjoy a taste of Italian gastronomic tradition
Paper Moon Giardino is a chic upmarket restaurant in the heart of the city serving fine Italian cuisine and wines. Discover Italian cuisine as well as Milanese specialties in an elegant, modern setting. The ideal restaurant for seafood connoisseurs, but you can also find several vegetarian options. Most plates range between 20€ and 30€.
For a less formal dining experience at an affordable price, Trattoria Trippa is a cozy, casual restaurant serving a range of traditional dishes from all over Italy. It’s a wonderful option if you want to discover Italian cuisine on a budget. Most plates range between 13€ and 20€.
10 p.m. — Sip on cocktails with a stunning city view
End your day with a splurge-worthy cocktail on the terrace of Ceresio 7, a trendy rooftop restaurant housed on the fourth floor of the historic ENEL palazzo. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy the stunning view of the city surrounded by two spacious pools and lush vegetation. Most cocktails are around 20€, and while it’s certainly expensive, the remarkable setting makes it worth the price.
Sunday
9 a.m. — Breakfast Wes Anderson style
Begin your day with breakfast at Bar Luce, a 1950s-style café designed by the eccentric filmmaker Wed Anderson. Located next to the Fondazione Prada, the café has a whimsical atmosphere that recalls mid-century Milanese cafés and scenes from a Wes Anderson film. Enjoy a pastry and coffee surrounded by pinball machines, jukeboxes, pastel-colored furniture and retro decor.
Although it’s quite outside of central Milan, Bar Luce is a well-loved spot for tourists. The café can become very busy, so stop by before visiting Fondazione Prada.
10 a.m. — Discover contemporary art
Head next door to Fondazione Prada, an arts and culture institution created in 1993, dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions as well as cinema, photography, philosophy, dance and architecture projects. Admire the works of artists like Jeff Koons and Damien Hurst in the complex’s nine-story tower, then discover eerie pieces by Robert Gober and Louise Bourgeois at the Haunted House.
With its host of superb temporary and permanent exhibitions, Milan's Fondazione Prada venue shouldn’t be missed by contemporary art enthusiasts.
12 p.m. — Savor creative Lombard cuisine
One gem in this trendy area of the Lombard capital is Sette Cucina Urbana, an elegant restaurant serving traditional Lombard cuisine, revisited in a modern way. Whether you dine al fresco in the inner courtyard or enjoy your meal in the cozy indoor setting, it’s a lovely place to lunch in Milan.
A more casual lunch option that won’t disappoint is Al Politico, a food truck-style sandwich shop located just in front of Sforzesco Castle. They offer an endless variety of sandwiches, paninis, tortillas, and even burgers, all around 6-8€ each. There are ample tables and chairs nearby where you can enjoy your lunch while admiring the beautiful view of the castle.
1 p.m. — Immerse yourself in Italian Renaissance art
Brera is a lively district made up of quaint cobbled alleys lined by sleek sidewalk cafes, stylish restaurants, and upscale fashion boutiques. It’s also home to one of Italy's major art museums, Pinacoteca di Brera. Inside the gallery, you can find some of the world’s most stunning, centuries-old paintings from Italian masters including Caravaggio and Raphael. The gallery itself used to serve as a convent, then a national library before it was converted into a museum in the 19th century.
3 p.m. — Tour the Castle of Milan
Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, then Duke of Milan, Sforza Castle was once one of the largest citadels in Europe. Today, it houses many museums as well as notable artworks and relics, but it is also a magnificent place to wander and explore the history of Milan.
4 p.m. — Escape the city streets
After exploring Sforza Castle, walk through the back gate directly into Sempione Park. The largest city park in Milan, it features nearly 40 hectares of greenery, lakes, streams and walking paths. It extends to the Arco della Pace, a small triumphal arch built by Luigi Cagnola on the orders of Napoleon I and completed in 1838. An afternoon promenade in the park is a lovely respite from the city streets.
5 p.m. — Delight in modern design
Tucked inside Sempione Park is the Triennale Design Museum, an incredible contemporary art institution paying homage to icons of 20th- and 21st-century Italian design. It’s a unique place to discover exhibitions on design, architecture, cinema, fashion and more. The outstanding architectural feature of the museum is its suspended entrance bridge designed by Michele De Luchini.
If you extend your stay in Milan…
Discover Villa Necchi Campiglio, an architectural gem with art deco flair
Take a day trip to Lake Como or another one of Northern Italy’s breathtaking lakes
Learn about da Vinci’s work at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
Shop the gourmet grocery store, Peck, then grab lunch at their restaurant serving Milanese dishes
Reserve Tickets
Map of Milan Attractions
What to Pack for Milan
In the fashion capital of the world, the Milanese generally have a more sophisticated, chic sense of style. You won’t be quick to find a native roaming the streets in leggings, athletic sneakers or even jeans. If you want to adapt to the local dress code, it’s better to dress more fashionably and formally. Although many women in Milan enjoy wearing high heels and form-fitting dresses, it’s easy to put together outfits that are equally chic as they are comfortable for exploring the city.
Summers in Milan can be very hot, so long, flowy dresses and comfortable sneakers are smart options for sightseeing during the day. Many churches require women to cover their shoulders and knees. Make sure that your dresses and skirts go past your knee, and bring a lightweight scarf to cover your shoulders if you aren’t wearing sleeves.
You can easily transition your day dresses for the evening with a pair of heels or sandals. If you’re dining at formal restaurants, it’s also a good idea to pack at least one nice dress. A lightweight coat or scarf is also useful in case it gets chilly.
For accessories, bring a sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. I’d also recommend a small purse or tote bag for carrying water, a wallet and other necessities. A foldable shopping bag is also handy for toting any shopping purchases you make throughout the day.
Have you visited Milan? What are your favorite spots in the city? Let me know in the comments below.
