Milan-5-day-itinerary

Milan 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

  • Morning: Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and take a train or bus to the city center ( approx. 1 hour)
  • Must-see attractions:
    • Visit the iconic Duomo, the third-largest cathedral in the world
    • Explore the adjacent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world
    • Walk through the beautiful Piazza della Scala, home to the famous La Scala Opera House
  • Lunch: Try a traditional Italian lunch at Trattoria Madonnina or Ristorante Cracco
  • Afternoon: Visit the Castello Sforzesco, a 14th-century castle that now hosts several museums and art galleries
  • Evening: Enjoy an Aperol Spritz at Bar Camparino or Caffè Greco

Day 2: Art, Fashion, and Nightlife

  • Morning: Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a beautiful art gallery featuring Italian masters
  • Must-see attractions:
    • Explore the trendy Brera District, known for its fashion boutiques and street artists
    • Visit the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, a museum showcasing Italian Renaissance art
  • Lunch: Grab a sandwich or salad at Panino Giusto or Focacceria La Bella Vita
  • Afternoon: Relax in the beautiful Parco Sempione, a scenic park with stunning views of the city
  • Evening: Experience Milan’s nightlife at Corso Como, a popular street filled with bars and clubs

Day 3: Leonardo da Vinci and Navigli

  • Morning: Visit the Museo Leonardiano, dedicated to the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci
  • Must-see attractions:
    • Explore the charming Navigli District, known for its canals, bars, and restaurants
    • Visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo, a beautiful church with stunning architecture
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Milanese cuisine at Ristorante La Briciola or Osteria dei Vecchi
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Naviglio Grande, one of Milan’s oldest canals
  • Evening: Enjoy a romantic dinner at Ristorante Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

Day 4: Modern Milan and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Triennale di Milano, a museum showcasing modern art, design, and architecture
  • Must-see attractions:
    • Explore the trendy Porta Nuova District, known for its modern skyscrapers and shopping centers
    • Visit the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM), featuring contemporary Italian art
  • Lunch: Grab a snack or meal at Eataly, a popular food hall with multiple restaurants
  • Afternoon: Shop at one of Milan’s many luxury boutiques, such as Prada, Gucci, or Versace
  • Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at Bar Basso, a stylish bar designed by Italian architect, Alessandro Mendini

Day 5: Day Trip to Lake Como

  • Morning: Take a train from Milan’s Central Station to Como San Giovanni Station (approx. 1 hour)
  • Must-see attractions:
    • Explore the charming town of Como, with its beautiful lakefront and historic center
    • Take a boat tour of Lake Como, one of Italy’s most stunning lakes
  • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at Ristorante La Darsena or Osteria del Lago
  • Afternoon: Visit the picturesque town of Bellagio, with its beautiful villas and gardens
  • Evening: Return to Milan and enjoy a farewell dinner at Ristorante Cracco

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hotel Europa Style or Ostello dei Collegiani
  • Mid-range: Hotel Spadari or Hotel Cavour
  • Luxury: Hotel Principe di Savoia or Hotel Bulgari Milano

Transportation:

  • Metro: Milan has an efficient metro system with three lines (M1, M2, M3)
  • Bus and Tram: An extensive network of buses and trams connects the city
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available, but more expensive than public transportation

Tips and Other:

  • Buy a Milano Card, which grants free admission to many attractions and discounts on public transportation
  • Learn some Italian phrases, as not everyone speaks English
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or museums
  • Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist attractions
  • Try local specialties, such as risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, or panettone

I hope you enjoy your trip to Milan!