The Ultimate 3-Day Milan Guide & Itinerary: Explore the Heart, Culture, and Hidden Gems of the City

After living in Milan for a year, I’ve fallen in love with its charming neighborhoods, hidden gems, and rich history. Milan is a city that reveals its beauty to those who know where to look. It is often overlooked when people consider their travel to Italy because it doesn’t have the sea, but what I love about Milan is that there is something for everyone. This city has its own unique historic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, trendy cafés, and lots of shopping! 

One of the things I love most about Milan is its perfect blend of old and new. One minute I am walking by the historic Pinacoteca di Brera with centuries-old architecture, and the next minute I am ordering a cappuccino in a luxurious cafe. 

I also love that Milan has such a prime location that makes it an ideal base for day trips to Lake Como, the Italian countryside,  the Swiss Alps, or Venice.

If you’re planning a trip to Milan, you can follow this 3-day itinerary that includes some of the must see-places and activities for a short trip in Milan. This itinerary is ideal for a short trip to Milan, but of course there is so much to see and do. I also included lots of tips about travel to Milan at the end of this article including transportation, where to eat, where to stay, safety, and a little bit about the vibes of each neighborhood here! 

If you travel to Milan, let me know in the comments if you will be trying any of these places out and send me a DM on Instagram!

Table of Contents

• Day One: The Heart of Milan
• Day Two: Art & Culture
• Day Three: Choose your Own Adventure
• Things to Know
• How to Get Around
• Neighborhoods of Milan
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• Safety

Day One: The Heart of Milan

Pictured above (left to right): Duomo di Milano, mini croissant & strawberry chocolate coffee from Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Inside of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

If you’ve never been to Milan, the city center is the place to be for your first day there! Although this area is considered touristy, its rich history and architecture is a must-see. There is strong culture in this part of the city and it’s where you can indulge in luxury shopping, visiting iconic landmarks, and taking beautiful pictures.

Breakfast

Begin your morning like a true Milanese- by visiting a neighborhood café or “bar” for a traditional Italian breakfast: a brioche (croissant) and a cappuccino. 

Tip: In northern Italy, including Milan, a croissant is called a “brioche”, while in southern Italy, it’s known as a “cornetto.”

Duomo di Milano

Seeing the Duomo for the first time was a shocking feeling- but in a good way. A feeling that stays with you. You can not go to Milan and skip seeing the Duomo di Milano. This is the city’s number one attraction- and with good reasoning. You can see the outside of this stunning cathedral for free of course, but with tickets you can climb to the rooftop for amazing views of the city. I have been to the top and I can say that it is 100% worth it. 

Tip: If you choose the ticket that you go to the rooftop via stairs versus elevator, please make sure to wear comfortable shoes! 

Tickets: Book your Ticket Here 

 Price: For the rooftop & cathedral ticket it is 25 euro if you choose to go up by stairs or 29 euro if you prefer to go up by elevator. When I went, I chose the stairs option and it was not super tiring, but please choose the option thst makes the most sense for you.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

I’ll never forget the amazement I was in the first time I stepped into the Galleria. The  Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is right next to the Duomo and it is one of the world’s oldest shopping galleries. Walk through its grand glass-domed ceilings, explore luxury boutiques (such as the first ever Prada store), and stop by its elegant cafés such as Marchesi for a fun Milanese experience. Along the Galleria’s shopping strip, there is a department store called ‘La Rinascente’ that is worth checking out. 

Tip: Find the bull mosaic at the center of the Galleria—locals believe that spinning three times on the bull’s heel brings good luck!

Lunch

There is no shortage of lunch places around the Duomo. Some can be quite overpriced though. If you are in the mood for pizza, I would recommend a place called Piz. They are affordable, make good pizza, and the place has such cool vibes.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Even if you are not a coffee enthusiast, a building worth entering is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. I say this because this is not your average Starbucks. This is because there are only 6 Starbucks Reserve Roasteries in the world- and one of them is in Milan! The Roastery is a huge Starbucks where you can enjoy on-site roasting and premium blends.  It is a bit pricey here, but you can enter for free and check out the building even if you do not purchase anything. 

Tip: To avoid long lines, it is better to go during a weekday, however, typically the lines do move fast here, regardless.

Aperitivo in Navigli

To wind down your day, celebrate the tradition of aperitivo in the charming Navigli district. In this area, you will find scenic canals, lively atmosphere, and cozy bars. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a classic spritz and some light aperitivo food.

 Tip: Mag Cafe is an amazing cocktail bar in this area.

Dinner

Right near the Navigli canals there is a place called Osteria della Darsena which is great for Italian and Milanese cuisine. 

 Tip: if you want a true Milanese dish, try the Milanese Risotto.

Day Two: Art & Culture

Pictured above (left to right): Ube Brown Sugar Milk Tea from The Alley, Arco dello Pace, personalized lip balms from Officine Universelle Buly.

I love Milan’s vibrant neighborhoods. Filled with history and art, but also a touch of modernity. It’s filled with hidden gems everywhere you go.

Breakfast

If you want a more diverse breakfast besides cornetto, it’s best to go to a bigger cafe. I recommend Pavé! If you are a coffee enthusiast, I recommend checking out Cafezal Speciality Coffee.

Parco Sempione & Arco dello Pace

One of the best places to go walking in Milan is Parco Sempione. After breakfast, take a morning walk through Parco Sempione, a lush green space behind Sforzesco Castle. While in the park, don’t forget to stumble across the Arco della Pace, which is a stunning neoclassical arch marking one of the city’s grand entrances.

Sforzesco Castle

The Sforzesco Castle is a landmark full of history. If you are into museums, I would highly recommend checking this one out as it includes collections featuring works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Inside the castle, you’ll find:

• Works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci
• Ancient artifacts and Renaissance masterpieces
• Beautiful courtyards and architecture

Tip: Walking around the grounds of the castle is a free activity that is also fulfilling if you are not interested to see what is on the inside!

Lunch in Chinatown

I love going to Chinatown in Milan! You’ll find me there often exploring all the Asian street food places on Via Paolo Sarpi. This is Milan’s oldest and largest Chinese district. It is filled with lots of Asian cafes, supermarkets, shops, beauty salons, and street food. They also have an annual celebration and decor for the Chinese New Year! 

Some of my favorites in Chinatown: 

• Mumbao: My go-to spot for delicious bao.
• GoldBao: They serve more than just bao, but I love their baozi. 
• The Alley: This is a bubble and milk tea place. I always order Taro Brown Sugar Milk Tea.
• Cha Mochi Tea: Haven’t tried their bubble tea yet, but their mochi is amazing!
• O:Ops Cafe: A cozy spot to relax, study, or work.
• Tang Food Market: Great for Asian snacks and fresh produce.
• Miniso:  The cutest plushies and fun home goods.
• Ippo Sushi:  If you are in the mood for sushi or a sit-down restaurant check out Ippo.
• Cups Ceramica Bar: Here you can paint ceramics and also enjoy food. It’s a fun and relaxing activity

Explore and have dinner in the Brera District

Brera is my absolute favorite neighborhood in Milan. Brera is Milan’s artistic hub so it’s filled with picturesque streets, boutique shops, and charming cafés. This is also a great place to have dinner as it is filled with restaurants. Tip: If you want the viral personalized lip balm, there is a Officine Universelle Buly in this neighborhood!

Dinner Recommendation: One of my favorite restaurants in this area is Osteria Gloria!

Day Three: Choose your Own Activity

Pictured above (left to right): Relaxing beds at the QC Terme Milano, pasta cooking class, vintage antiques from the Navigli Vintage Market that happens the last Sunday of every month.

On your final day, customize your itinerary based on your interests. Here are some options:

1. Relaxation: QC Terme Milano

I have been to this spa twice. Here is my honest review: This is not the best spa for calming relaxation since there are typically a lot of people there, however, I still think it is unique and worth experiencing. This spa is filled with thermal baths, saunas, and wellness treatments in a historic setting. In my opinion, if you are torn between the whole-day entrance or the 5 hour one, I think the 5 hours was a  perfect amount of time both times that I went. 

2. Foodie Experience: Pasta Cooking Class

When my friend came to visit me in Milan, one of our favorite activities that we did was a pasta & tiramisu cooking class. In this class, you learn to make authentic Italian pasta and tiramisu  from scratch in a hands-on cooking class. The host was so friendly and I truly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Milan. 

3. Theatre & Opera: Teatro Alla Scala

Visit Teatro Alla Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. If you have time, book a guided tour or catch a live performance for an unforgettable cultural experience.

4. History & Art: The Last Supper by Da Vinci

Spend some time visiting iconic art such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Be sure to book tickets well in advance as availability is limited.

5. Classic Milanese Art: Pinacoteca di Brera

Another museum worth the visit is Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can admire more of Italy’s greatest Renaissance masterpieces. 

6. Shopping at City Life

City Life is a new shopping center in Milan that is modern and tranquil. In the warmer weather, there is a beautiful park attached to the shopping area that you can relax in! There is also lots of food here and a cinema if you would like to watch a movie1 

7. Vintage Shopping

Vintage shopping is a very popular activity for the locals in Milan. While Milan has its fair share of vintage markets, it also has plenty of vintage stores open around the city. One thing I love about Milan vintage is that there are so many options to find luxury vintage items in very good condition. 

Check out Ambroeus, Surplus, and Humana vintage just to name a few. 

8. Day Trip to Luxury Designer Outlets 

The biggest designer outlet in Europe is called Serravalle. You can book a round trip bus ticket from Milan to Serravalle and spend the whole day shopping there! They have lots of designer stores for cheap which is perfect if you are into luxury. 

9. Museums

In Milan you can find museums for different areas of interest. If you love modern art, check out Fondazione Prado or Museo Novecento. Read this article to learn more about the Top 10 museums to visit in Milan. Keep in mind a select number of museums have free entrance if you visit on the first Sunday of every month and there are typically reduced prices for anyone 26 years old and under. 

10. Picnic at Ban Park

In the Porta Nuova neighborhood of Milan, there is a park called Ban. This park is stunning and in the warmer weather is always filled with people. My friends and I love grabbing food from a local supermarket and having a picnic here. It’s also ideal to check out Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Moscova area! 

Things to Know

• Restaurant Hours: Many authentic Italian restaurants close around 3 PM and reopen around 7 PM. Always check online before heading out for a late lunch.
• Cafés Are Called “Bars”: In Italy, what you’d call a café is actually a “bar”, where locals grab their morning espresso or cornetto.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Want authentic Italian food? Stay away from restaurants with pictures on the menu—they usually cater to tourists.
• Footwear Matters: If you plan to wear heels, bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and long walks.
• Cappuccino Etiquette: In Italian culture, drinking a cappuccino after 12 PM is considered unusual—locals switch to espresso in the afternoon.
• Cashless Payments: Almost all places in Milan accept Apple Pay, so avoiding cash and carrying fewer cards can reduce the risk of losing them.
• Events & Markets: Milan always has exciting events happening, like vintage markets on the first Sunday of every month. Check online for events happening during your trip!

How to Get Around

• Malpensa Airport: If you are landing in Malpensa airport, your best option is to take the Malpensa Express train from the airport directly to Cadorna for 13 euro.
• Linate Airport: If you are landing in Linate, there is a blue metro line at the airport that can bring you to the center of the city and other areas 
• Bergamo Airport: If you are landing in Bergamo, your best bet is to take a 10 euro bus to Centrale station. These buses are outside the airport. 
• Public Transport: Milan has metros, trams, trains, and buses that are very easily accessible. Attractions are also usually within walking distance as well. 
• Pricing: One metro ticket is 2,20 euro and you can buy it at any metro station. Tram and bus are also 2,20 and you can pay when you get on using the credit card tap machine
• Transport Updates: To stay up to date with the transportation, visit this website or download their app called ‘atm’ 
• Uber Black Only: Milan doesn’t have regular Uber, only Uber Black, which is more expensive than a standard taxi.
•  Taxis vs. Public Transport: Taxis can sometimes be cheaper than Uber, but the most budget-friendly option is walking or using public transport.
•  Check for Transport Strikes: Italy frequently has public transportation strikes. To avoid disruptions, search “Milan strikes” on Google’s news section before your trip.
• Train Ticket Rule: Always activate your train ticket before boarding to avoid fines—you’ll find validation machines at train stations.

Neighborhoods of Milan

1. Centro Storico (Historic Center) – Heart of Milan

• Vibe: Historic, elegant, tourist-heavy

2. Brera – The Artistic & Bohemian Quarter

• Vibe: Artsy, romantic, sophisticated

3.  Navigli – Milan’s Canal District & Nightlife Hub

• Vibe: Lively, hipster, social

4. Porta Venezia – Trendy & Multicultural

• Vibe: Hip, LGBTQ+-friendly, international

5. Isola – The Hipster & Modern Hub

• Vibe:  Hip, modern, urban cool

6. Chinatown (Via Paolo Sarpi) – Milan’s Foodie Paradise

• Vibe: Authentic, foodie-friendly, vibrant

7.  Porta Romana – Milan’s Local & Residential Side

• Vibe: Local, upscale, relaxed

8. San Babila & Quadrilatero della Moda – Luxury Fashion District

Vibe: Luxury, high-end, exclusive

9. Bicocca – The Up-and-Coming Cultural Hub

• Vibe:  Student-friendly, modern, cultural

10. Città Studi – Student & Academic District

• Vibe: Young, casual 

11. Porta Nuova – The Modern & Futuristic Side of Milan

• Vibe: Modern, greenery 

12. San Siro – Sports & Stadiums

• Vibe: Sporty, relaxed

Where to Eat

• Da Giacomo – Italian
• La Gioia- Italian
• Ratanà- Italian
• Osteria Serafina – Italian
• La Madonnina- Italian
• Gloria Osteria -Italian
• Stendhal – Italian
• Pizzium -Italian
• All’Antico Vinaio – Italian
• Terrazza Aperol- Italian
• Orsonero Coffee- Italian cafe 
• Pavé – Italian cafe
• Cafezal–Italian cafe
• Cactus – Italian, salads, brunch 
• Biancolatte- Italian 
• Frankie’s – Healthy 
• DOU- Asian 
• Duo Rice- All you can eat sushi 
• Basara- Asian 
• Cantiere Hambirreria – American 
• Barragán- Mexican 
• Gelato Giusto – Italian Gelato 
• Terra Gelato- Italian Gelato 
• Vera Gelato – Italian Gelato

Where to Stay

When it comes to where to stay, your best option in Milan is booking as early as possible. There are lots of airbnbs and hotels, but they definitely get expensive if you wait until last-minute. One area I would avoid staying in is near Centrale station. It is close to the train station, but can often be loud and not the safest part of Milan.

Some good neighborhoods to stay is Brera, Isola, Porta Romana, City Life, and Porta Venezia.

Read this article for some of the best hotels to stay at in the city.

Safety

• Milan is an overall safe city and I would say that it is a perfect place for solo travel. As with any big city, pickpockets and scams are likely if you make your belongings accessible

• The emergency phone number is 112. 

• The name of police stations are called “questuras” and there are also stations called Carabinieri stations that you can go to if a non-medical emergency takes place

And there it is- the ultimate Milan City Guide & Itinerary for 3 days. Comment down below if you are thinking of going to any of these places! DM me on Instagram if you have any questions. Enjoy Milan!!