Itineraries for Your Trip to Milan
2 Days in Milan for First Timers
On one of my visits to Milan when I lived in Italy, someone stopped me on the street to ask for directions, which I took as a compliment. To be mistaken for a local in such a fashionable and elegant city was an ego boost.
The city is larger and faster-paced than some of the other top destinations in Italy, but it still has a lot to offer visitors, including artistic and fashion masterpieces and the best aperitivo culture in the whole country. If you have two days in Milan, you’ll see multiple facets of this dynamic place, from culture to food and beyond. Here's how to spend an action-packed weekend in Milan.
Expect cold winters, hot summers, and clouds almost year-round.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the Duomo, one of the most famous in Italy.
Milan is more than just grand streets and fashion ateliers, and the best way to discover its rich history is on a guided walking tour through the city center. If you opt for a customized tour, you can pick and choose the attractions you’re most interested in, like the Duomo that dominates the city’s main square, Sforza Castle, any of the city’s world-class museums, and more.
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is one of the most recognizable paintings of all time, and it now hangs in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This masterpiece is worth seeing, but it draws crowds from around the world, so you’ll want a skip-the-line ticket and an experienced guide for the most seamless experience. Check out the other Renaissance art in the convent while you’re there.
Milan comes alive when the sun goes down as locals head out for an aperitivo (cocktail served with appetizers) in early evening. On your first night in the city, learn more about its food culture on a street food tour, stopping by various underrated shops to sample some of the best snacks as you get to know aperitivo culture for yourself.
The artsy Brera district is characterized by narrow streets lined with luxury shops and upscale restaurants. On your second morning in Milan, wander around this neighborhood, stopping to check out its gallery of ancient and modern art, which features works by Caravaggio and Raphael. The Brera district is also a great place to sit in a streetside café with a cappuccino and watch people go by.
As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan has a lot to offer to those interested in style. One of the best ways to experience this facet of the city is on a fashion tour as you visit big-name outlets, boutique clothing stores, and designer ateliers. If fashion isn’t your thing, check out the riverside Navigli district this afternoon instead.
After another Milanese aperitivo in a rooftop bar, spend the evening in a cooking class with a local Italian chef and learn how to make famous dishes like Milanese risotto or pasta topped with regional favorite sauces. If you still have energy after a big meal, head out on the town to experience Milan’s nightlife, which includes everything from trendy bars to energetic nightclubs and everything in between.
