Your Ultimate Itinerary for a Weekend in Milan
No trip to Northern Italy is complete without visiting Milan! Not only is Milan known as the world’s fashion capital, but it is home to stunning architecture, delicious food, sublime apertivo, and famous works of art.
You could easily spend a week or more in this stunning city – but if you’re short on time, this ultimate itinerary will help you hit all the hotspots in the city.
Are you only stopping in for a day before hopping back on the train to head to your next destination? Drop your bags at Milano Centrale luggage storage and pick and choose which spots suit your unique Milanese adventure.
Day 1
Milan is an incredibly walkable city! You could walk to each of these must-see destinations in an hour – but we are sure you’ll spend time at each one to take in the sights. Plus, what’s a day in Italy without stopping for lunch, snacks, and gelato along the way?
Duomo di Milano
This iconic Cathedral is the largest in Italy and the second largest in Europe, after Saint Peters Basilica in Vatican City. It took six centuries to build this stunning Gothic Cathedral. Skip the rush and visit close to sunrise and take in the view of Milan from the rooftop.
Grab a Quick Bite at Luini
Since you got up early to tour the cathedral, you’ll probably be ready for an early lunch. Stop by Luini, located between the Duomo and the Galleria, for their famous panzerotti – which tastses like a calzone and an empanada had a baby. People line up around the corner to grab one of these delightful treats, so get there before noon to beat the rush.
Piazza Mercanti
Once you have your panzerotti in hand, take a quick walk to the Piazza Mercanti, also known as Merchant’s Square. This was the center of Milan during the Middle Ages and still retains the same qualities it had hundreds of years ago – you’ll feel like you’re walking back in time.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
No trip to Milan is complete without taking time for window shopping or actual shopping, depending on your budget. The Galleria Vittoria Emanuele is Italy’s first fashion mall dating back to 1865. Spend the afternoon perusing designer fashion and take in the grandeur of this beautiful building.
Apertivo at L’Ombra de Vin
Once the sun begins to set and golden hour hits, all of Milan heads to their favorite bistro for Apertivo – or Italian happy hour. Head to the thriving neighborhood of Brera and enjoy a glass of wine and tapas in L’Ombra de Vin’s stunning wine cellar.
See an Opera at the Famous Teatro Alla Scala
Purchase tickets to the opera to fully experience the magic of the Teatro Alla Scala, one of Italy’s most famous theaters. If you don’t have time to stay for the show, at least walk through the courtyard at twilight to view the marble statue of Leonardo Davinci in the courtyard.
Day 2
Check out of your chic Milan hotel and leave your bags at Milano Central Luggage Storage – or if you are spending an extra night, head out dancing to embrace all this incredible city has to offer.
See Davinci’s Iconic Painting of the Last Supper
Take a tour of Santa Maria della Grazie, home of Davinci’s Last Supper. You’ll have to plan ahead as tickets to view the iconic painting typically sell out three months in advance. If you’re traveling last minute, many walking tours of the city include a stop to see this stunning work of art.
Museo Nationale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo Davinci
If you’re a Davinci fan and traveling with children, pop into Milan’s museum of science and technology. You’ll view models of Davinci’s original designs and interactive laboratories that kids and adults will surely enjoy.
Castello Sforzesco
If you are more of a history buff, take a tour of one of the many museums at Castle Sforza, home of the family who ruled Milan during the Renaissance. View frescoes painted by Davinci himself, along with other antique art, architecture, and furniture.
Enjoy Milan’s Thriving Nightlife
Take advantage of Milan’s thriving nightlight and dance to underground techno in a remolded transport maintenance depot at Tempio del Futuro Perduto. Milan is also home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community; head to The Q Club to celebrate inclusivity and diversity.
Where to Next?
Take advantage of Milano Centrale luggage storage to adventure to Lake Cumo for a quick day trip. It’s a short one-hour train ride to Varenna. From there, you can easily hop on the ferry to explore the markets in Bellagio or visit Villa del Balbianello in Tramezzino.
Catch your train back to Milan in the late afternoon, grab your bags, and continue your Italian adventure.
