Places to Visit in Milan in 3 days

3 Days

Suggested Milan Itinerary (3 days):

This 3-day itinerary packs a punch, whisking you through the heart of Milan‘s artistic and historical wonders. Dive into the grandeur of the Duomo and the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Explore artistic masterpieces at the Pinacoteca di Brera and witness Da Vinci’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Experience the modern side of Milan at CityLife and delve into history at the Sforza Castle. Conclude your trip with hidden gem tours and delicious local fare!

Overview

3-Day Whirlwind Tour of Milan: A City of Art, History, and Delights

Milan promises an unforgettable adventure, and this 3-day itinerary offers a taste of its artistic treasures, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture.

Day 1: Immerse yourself in the heart of Milan, marveling at the architectural wonder of the Duomo and the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the evening, experience the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, be it a captivating performance or a glimpse behind the scenes.

Day 2: Delve into Milan’s artistic heritage at the Pinacoteca di Brera, and then witness the iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, at Santa Maria delle Grazie. As the sun sets, unwind and savor the local aperitivo tradition in the trendy Navigli district.

Day 3: Escape the crowds and discover the modern marvels of the CityLife district, with its towering skyscrapers and contemporary art scene. In the afternoon, step back in time at the Castello Sforzesco, a magnificent 15th-century fortress. Conclude your trip with a hidden gems walking tour, uncovering Milan’s secret courtyards and enjoying a delicious local dinner.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of iconic sights, artistic treasures, and hidden delights, ensuring a memorable adventure in Milan!

Itinerary

  • Morning: Start your day at the heart of Milan, the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral).
  • This magnificent Gothic masterpiece boasts stunning architecture, intricate details, and breathtaking rooftop views. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and climb to the top for panoramic cityscapes.
  • Duomo di Milano

 

  • Afternoon: After marveling at the Duomo, head next door to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping arcade boasting high-end stores, cafes, and restaurants. This glass-domed masterpiece is a sight to behold and a great place for people-watching.
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
  • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20121 Milano, Italy

 

  • Evening: Immerse yourself in the world of opera at the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Theater). Catch a performance or take a guided tour to explore the theater’s rich history and get a peek behind the scenes. If you can’t snag tickets to a performance, there are often rehearsals you can attend for a more affordable price.
  • Teatro alla Scala
  • Morning: Delve into Milan’s artistic heritage at the Pinacoteca di Brera, a renowned art gallery showcasing masterpieces by Italian and European artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.
  • Pinacoteca di Brera
  • Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan
  • Address: Via Brera, 80, 20121 Milano, Italy
  • Official Website: Pinacoteca di Brera official website

 

  • Afternoon: Step into the tranquility of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and marvel at Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper. Reservations are a must to see this breathtaking mural painting. After your visit, explore the adjacent vineyards and the beautiful cloisters of the church.
  • Santa Maria delle Grazie church
  • Santa Maria delle Grazie church, Milan
  • Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 7, 20121 Milano, Italy

 

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Milanese aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) in the trendy Navigli district. This area comes alive at night with bustling bars, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll along the canals, soak in the lively scene, and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine.
  • Navigli district
  • Navigli district, Milan
  • Morning: Escape the crowds and explore the modern side of Milan at the CityLife district. Here you’ll find the iconic skyscrapers — the unmissable Unicredit Tower, the Hadid-designed curved Wolken Wolkenkratzer (Cloud Skyscraper), and the Allianz Palace. There’s also a contemporary art gallery and a shopping mall in this trendy area.
  • CityLife district
  • CityLife district, Milan
  • Address: Via Donato Bramante, 43, 20154 Milano, Italy

 

  • Afternoon: Head to the Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), a massive 15th-century fortress that once housed Milan’s ruling Sforza family. Explore the castle’s courtyards, towers, and museums showcasing art, archaeology, and furniture collections.
  • Castello Sforzesco
  • Castello Sforzesco, Milan
  • Address: Piazza Castello, Sforza, 20121 Milano, Italy
  • Official Website: Castello Sforzesco official website

 

  • Evening: For a unique and unforgettable experience, take a walking tour through the hidden alleys and secret courtyards of Milan. Discover hidden gems, charming squares, and historical sites off the beaten path. Many tours culminate in a delicious local dinner, offering a taste of authentic Milanese cuisine.