Ciao Milano! Milan often gets overshadowed by Italy’s more romantic destinations, but spend a weekend here and you’ll quickly see it’s so much more than fashion and fast-paced city life. Between incredible architecture, timeless art pieces and slow-life by the canals, Milan blends elegance, creativity and dolce vita energy like nowhere else. Although it is a huge city, most of the tourist attractions are centrally located so two days are enough to discover it. Here’s my perfect 48-hour itinerary to experience the best of Milan, from sunrise to sunset.
Your trip is coming soon and you still haven’t booked anything? I got you covered! Here my top picks of hotels, tours, activities, etc!
– Best Tours and Experiences in Milan:
・Duomo di Milano
・Santa Maria delle Grazie (The Last Supper)
・Museo del Novecento
・La Scala guided tour
– Best Places to Stay in Milan:
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Galleria Vik Milano (most iconic hotel in Milan center)
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel VIU Milan (member of Design Hotels)
・⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Suite Santa Tecla (great hotel in Milan center)
・Milan Downtown Apartment, Art Hotel Navigli, Moscova Design Home (great budget options in Milan)
Day 1: Art, Architecture & Aperitivo
Morning at Duomo di Milano
Start your day early at Piazza del Duomo by watching the sunrise behind the most iconic landmark of Milan, the Duomo di Milano. Trust me, it’s pure magic. The early light paints the marble in soft pink tones, and at that hour, you’ll have the square almost to yourself. Even my mom & sisters thanked me to wake them up so early for this!
As soon as the Cathedral opens (9am), climb the stairs to its terraces for panoramic views over Milan’s rooftops and a closer look at its intricate details. It is a must-do for any first-time visitor. Then, take your time inside the cathedral to soak it all in.
Tip: Opens daily, 9am – 7pm. Book your tickets in advance to visit the cathedral and the terrace at the opening. If possible, choose the stairs option as the elevators is the one that gets the busier the fastest. Even with your tickets & the stairs option, start queuing at 8:30am.
Visit Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
From the outside, this church looks modest, you could almost walk past without realizing what’s hidden inside. But step through the doors, and you’re greeted by one of Milan’s greatest artistic treasures. Built in the early 1500s as part of a Benedictine convent, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a jewel of the Lombard Renaissance. Often called “the Sistine Chapel of Milan,” this hidden gem will take your breath away with its vibrant frescoes covering every inch of the walls.
Tip: Opens Tue-Sun, 10am-5:30pm. Entrance is free.
Admire The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie
Just a short walk away lies another Renaissance masterpiece, one that changed the course of art history. The Cenacolo Vinciano (as locals call it), Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, is housed in the former refectory of the Dominican convent adjoining the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The church itself is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It was begun in 1463 and later redesigned by Donato Bramante, one of the leading architects of the High Renaissance. His elegant apse and graceful dome reflect the new ideals of symmetry, harmony, and proportion that defined this artistic era.
On the refectory’s north wall, Leonardo’s fresco depicts the moment Christ reveals that one of his disciples will betray him, an instant of shock and emotion frozen in time. Painted between 1495 and 1498, it broke with every convention of its day: the use of perspective, light, and human expression was revolutionary.
Tip: Opens daily 9am-12:20pm & 3pm-5:50pm. Tickets are usually sold out months in advance (as only a few visitors are allowed in at a time) so make sure to book your ticket as soon as you know your exact dates in Milan to see this masterpiece in person.
Walk to Naviglio Grande
One of my favorite things to do when in Milan is to stroll through it’s charming streets until reaching the Navigli district. Canals, street art, and little boutiques create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a late afternoon walk. That’s where you’ll also find great flea markets and vintage stores. As the sun sets, it is the perfect stop for an aperitivo with a view while enjoying the lively energy.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee & Dolce Vita
Morning at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Start your day beneath the grand glass dome of Milan’s most iconic gallery. The oldest shopping mall in Italy boasts elegant 19th-century arcades, beautiful both at night when illuminated or by day. Make sure to arrive before 8am to admire its elegance before the crowds, and maybe do a little window shopping.
Inside the galleria, you’ll find the one of Milan’s oldest pasticcerie, founded in 1824. Now part of the Prada family, the elegant Marchesi 1824 combines timeless Milanese tradition with refined design, think pastel pastries, marble counters, and golden mirrors. Sip your espresso and savor a pistachio croissant as you watch the light pour through the Galleria’s glass dome.
Explore Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione
Built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan Francesco Sforza, the Castello Sforzesco is one of the most well preserved castles in Europe. Wander through the castle’s courtyards and into the lush greenery of Parco Sempione. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and enjoy a peaceful morning stroll.
Tip: The castle is free to visit and you can see the current art exhibition at the museum for a small fee. Opens daily 7am-7:30pm.
Visit the Museo del Novecento
A beautiful museum dedicated to 20th-century art, offering both inspiring collections and one of the best views of the Duomo from its windows.
Tip: Opens Tue-Sun 10am-7:30pm (10:30pm on Thursdays). Don’t forget to book your ticket in advance or you’ll find yourself like me, stuck outside.
End your weekend at Teatro alla Scala
If you can, treat yourself to a show at this world-renowned opera house, the perfect grand finale to your Milan weekend. If it’s not possible, you can also book a guided tour of the theatre, to still enjoy the magic of the place!
Where to eat
- Aroma Napoletano: the iconic filled croissants, a bit outside of the city center but worth the little trip!
- Marchesi 1824: far from tourist trap, the pastries and coffee are absolutely delicious, and the cinematic atmosphere makes it even more special.
- Fatto Con Amore: one of the best gelato in Milan!
- Terrazza Aperol: While this is definitely very touristy and not so local, I honestly loved it for the incredible view on the Duomo! I would only recommend a spritz though 😉
- Pasta d’Autore: delicious homemade pasta and unforgettable tiramisu.
Where to Stay
As you are only spending 2 days in Milan, I recommend that you stay centrally, especially if this is your first time in the city. The Centro Storico is the heart of the city and where you’ll find all the major attractions as well as shops and restaurants. More affordable accomodation can be found outside of the city center, in Brera and Navigli.
400€/night: Galleria Vik Milano, Duomo Terrace
300€/night: Suite Santa Tecla, Hotel VIU Milan
200€/night: Duomo Downtown Apartments, Art Hotel Navigli
150€/night: BnB suites in Duomo, Moscova Design Home (where we stayed and it was perfect, a nice 25min walk to the Duomo!)
Milan’s center is fairly walkable and has good public transportation so you don’t need to pick up a rental car there.
Milan is a city of contrasts, where centuries-old art meets cutting-edge design, and quiet churches stand just steps from lively cafés. In just two days, you can still see its essence: elegant mornings, art-filled afternoons, and evenings that always end with an aperitivo. And it is also the perfect place to start your Lake Como trip, explore the Ligurian coast or discover more of Lombardia’s beautiful cities, like Brescia!
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