3 Day Milan Itinerary: The Best Things to Do

Your ultimate 3 day Milan itinerary for seeing the best of the city without wasting a minute.

Milan is a city that works on several levels at once — design capital, business hub, fashion powerhouse, and a place with far more depth than most people expect on a first visit. It’s modern and efficient but also full of character, with great food, smart galleries, and neighbourhoods that each feel distinct.

If you’re planning 3 days in Milan, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy, and narrowing down the best things to do in Milan can feel like its own challenge.

I recently spent five days in the city, walking as much as possible and exploring every corner I could. This guide pulls together the highlights: what’s worth seeing, where to eat and drink, and how to make the most of your time here.

*This ‘ 3 day Milan itinerary’ travel guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Getting to Milan

Milan may be Italy’s fashion capital, but it’s also one of the easiest cities in the country to slip into.

You’ll likely arrive through one of its two main airports: Malpensa (MXP) (generally for more budget airlines) or Linate (LIN). Malpensa is the big international gateway, a touch farther out, but well-connected by the Malpensa Express, which brings you straight to Milano Centrale or Cadorna in under an hour.

Linate, meanwhile, is the petite, practically downtown airport. A quick taxi or the slick new metro line will have you checked in to your hotel in no time.

If you’re already floating around Europe, the train is hands-down the most stylish arrival. Milano Centrale, with its soaring fascist-era architecture and operatic drama, is almost a destination in itself.

High-speed trains from Florence, Venice, Rome, and beyond pull in all day long, and if you’re coming from Switzerland, the ride into Italy is simply stunning.

Driving into Milan is possible, of course, but not exactly ideal, and I wouldn’t recommend it for the city itself. Between ZTL zones, trams that appear like phantoms, and locals who drive as if auditioning for Formula 1, it’s best avoided unless you’re simply picking up a car and continuing onward to the lakes or the Dolomites.

Getting Around Milan

Milan is compact and well-organized, so getting around is refreshingly simple. The city’s metro system is fast, cheap, and covers all the major sights, from the Duomo to Navigli. Trams and buses fill in the gaps and are easy to use if you’re staying in neighborhoods just outside the center.

For short distances, walking is often the quickest option—central Milan is flat and very pedestrian-friendly. If you prefer wheels, bike sharing and e-scooters are widely available and great for hopping between neighborhoods.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are reliable, though it’s best to grab them at official stands or via apps like Uber. If you’re driving, prepare for ZTL zones and limited parking in the historic center, which is why I recommend skipping the car entirely.

3 Days in Milan Itinerary Overview

Find more about each of these in the Milan itinerary below.

The Perfect 3 Day Milan Itinerary

Day One – Center & Main Sights

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Start your day at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, ideally just before 9 am, when this usually packed landmark is still remarkably calm.

Opened in 1877, the Galleria is a textbook example of Italy’s grand 19th-century arcade style: a soaring glass-and-iron dome, cross-shaped passageways, and intricate mosaic floors that could hold their own in any museum.

Designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, it was meant to be Milan’s “living room,” and it still feels that way—elegant, airy, and surprisingly intimate when you catch it in the quiet hours.

At 9 am, slip upstairs to Marchesi 1824, which opens right on the dot. It’s one of Milan’s most refined pasticcerias, and its Galleria outpost is especially lovely with its pastel interior and bird’s-eye views over the arcade. Order a cappuccino and a buttery croissant and watch the space slowly come to life.

If you’re here for a spot of shopping, most stores open at around 10 am.

Milan Duomo

The Duomo di Milano sits directly beside the Galleria, making it the natural next stop in your morning. Even if you’ve stood in front of dozens of European cathedrals, this one hits differently—the sheer scale, the forest of spires, and the detailed stonework are overwhelming in the best way.

Inside, the cathedral feels surprisingly dark and atmospheric, with massive pillars and stained-glass windows that glow when the sun finds them.

The real highlight, though, is the rooftop. Climbing up to the Duomo Terraces brings you eye-level with the intricate carvings, flying buttresses, and spires that you can’t appreciate from below. On clear days, the skyline stretches all the way to the Alps, and it’s one of the most rewarding views in the city.

When planning your visit, aim for early morning to avoid the longest lines, and give yourself a buffer for the security checks at the entrance. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees need to be covered—and if you’re comfortable with stairs, they’re often quicker and cheaper than waiting for the elevator.

Weekday mornings also tend to be noticeably calmer than weekends.

Because the Duomo is Milan’s most visited attraction, securing tickets in advance is essential. The Combo Ticket, which includes both the cathedral interior and the terraces, is the best value and gives you the full experience. Another great option is the Skip-the-Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour.

Museo del Novecento

Just a few steps from the Duomo, Museo del Novecento is Milan’s best stop for a quick immersion into 20th-century Italian art. The collection is compact enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed, but rich enough to give you a solid sense of the movements that shaped modern Italy—Futurism, Spatialism, Arte Povera, and beyond.

You’ll find works by Umberto Boccioni, Giorgio Morandi, Lucio Fontana, and other household names in the Italian art world.

The museum winds upward through a series of bright, minimalist galleries until you reach one of its greatest surprises: a sweeping window overlooking the Duomo. It’s one of the best indoor viewpoints in the city, close enough to appreciate the cathedral’s details without jostling through the crowds outside.

Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

A short walk from the Duomo, Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa is one of Milan’s most unusual and strangely compelling stops. The church itself is modest from the outside, but step inside, and you’ll find the small ossuary chapel lined with human skulls and bones arranged in geometric patterns.

The tradition dates back to the 13th century, when the adjacent cemetery ran out of space, and the bones of the deceased had to be relocated. A dedicated ossuary was built to house them, and in the 17th century, it was redesigned into the space you see today, blending devotion with a surprisingly meticulous form of decoration.

Visits here don’t take long—the chapel is tiny—but it’s a fascinating historical counterpoint to the grandeur of the Duomo, and an easy, worthwhile detour while exploring central Milan.

Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses and a cornerstone of Milan’s cultural life since 1778. Even from the outside, it carries a certain gravitas, but the real magic is inside: the historic red-and-gold auditorium, the crystal chandelier, and the perfectly preserved boxes that have hosted everyone from Verdi to Callas.

If you want to see the interior properly, you’ll need to book a guided tour, which is the only guaranteed way to access the full theatre. Otherwise, you can visit the La Scala Museum, which walks you through the opera house’s history and displays costumes, instruments, and portraits from its star-studded past.

The museum route also offers a chance to peek into the main hall—but only if no rehearsals or events are happening, so it’s worth checking the schedule ahead of time.

Quadrilatero della Moda

The Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s iconic fashion district, is just a short walk from La Scala and might be the most polished square of streets you’ll ever wander.

Centered around Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia, this “Golden Rectangle” is where every major luxury brand has planted its flag. Window displays look like miniature museums, and even the sidewalks feel like they’ve been curated.

You don’t need to be shopping to enjoy it. The architecture alone, with its elegant façades and tucked-away courtyards, makes it worth a slow loop. It’s also one of the best places in the city for people-watching—stylists, buyers, and impeccably dressed locals going about their day as if the street were their personal runway.

If you’re staying at the most chic hotel in the city, Portrait Milano, as I did, then this area is just on your doorstep.

Villa Necchi Campiglio

When in Milan, stepping into the world of Piero Portaluppi at least once is a must, and Villa Necchi Campiglio is the perfect introduction.

This 1930s villa sits quietly in the city center, yet it feels worlds away from the bustle outside. Designed by Portaluppi for the prominent Necchi family, the house is a masterclass in understated Italian modernism: clean lines, rich materials, clever details, and a layout that still feels surprisingly contemporary.

Inside, the rooms are preserved exactly as they were lived in, complete with period furniture, original art, and those subtle Portaluppi touches—hidden doors, geometric patterns, impeccable symmetry. Outside, the private garden and swimming pool (one of the first private pools in Milan) add to the sense of calm.

It’s one of the most atmospheric places to visit in the city, especially if you love architecture or beautifully preserved interiors. The villa isn’t large, but it’s incredibly well curated, and the guided visits give real insight into the family’s life and Portaluppi’s vision. A real must on your Milan itinerary for design lovers.

Porta Venezia

End your first day in Milan exploring Porta Venezia, one of the city’s liveliest and most characterful neighborhoods. It’s a mix of elegant 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and a growing wave of cool cafés, boutiques, and bars that make it an easy area to wander without an agenda.

By early evening, the neighborhood starts to buzz—locals heading out for aperitivo, friends spilling onto sidewalks, and restaurants filling up fast.

For aperitivo, you’ve got options depending on your mood. Bar Basso is a spot I love for its old-school charm and slightly chaotic energy.

If you prefer something more polished, Balay pours excellent natural wines in a sleek, relaxed setting. And for a modern, design-forward spot with great cocktails, food, and a bit more edge, Moebius Milano is just a short walk away.

Day Two – Brera and Beyond

Brera is one of Milan’s most atmospheric neighborhoods and probably my favorite.

A compact maze of cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and low-key elegance, it’s a place where you can wander aimlessly, shop, and just take in the city’s cultured side.

Pinacoteca di Brera and Braidense National Library

At the heart of the neighborhood sits the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s most important art museum and home to an exceptional collection of Italian masterpieces. You’ll find works by Caravaggio, Mantegna, Bellini, and Raphael, all displayed in a way that feels intimate rather than overwhelming.

Even if you’re not an art obsessive, the calm, sunlit galleries and thoughtful curation make it an easy and rewarding visit.

Sharing the same complex is the Braidense National Library, one of Italy’s oldest public libraries. Its historic reading rooms—lined with dark wood, antique globes, and towering shelves—look straight out of a period film.

It’s quieter than the museum and often overlooked, but well worth stepping inside if you appreciate beautifully preserved cultural spaces or simply want a peaceful break amid the bustle of Brera.

Brera Botanical Garden

Tucked just behind the Pinacoteca, the Brera Botanical Garden is one of Milan’s most peaceful corners and a lovely surprise if you’ve been weaving through the neighborhood’s busy streets.

Originally created in the 18th century for scientific study, it’s now a compact but charming garden filled with medicinal plants, shaded paths, and a few quiet benches perfect for catching the day’s sun.

This was actually on my list during my last visit, but the bleak autumn temperatures and steady rain kept me away. If you make it in, let me know in the comments if it’s as beautiful as I imagine—it’s definitely on my list for next time.

Sforzesco Castle and Parco Sempione

A short walk from Brera brings you to Sforzesco Castle, a hulking 15th-century fortress that once housed Milan’s ruling families. Today it’s home to a cluster of small museums—sculpture, decorative arts, musical instruments, even a room with Michelangelo’s final unfinished work—but you don’t need to go inside to appreciate it.

The courtyards and brick ramparts are open to the public and make for an easy, atmospheric wander, especially on sunny days.

Directly behind the castle spreads Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest and most beloved green space. It’s where locals go for morning runs, lazy weekend picnics, or a stroll under the tree-lined paths.

If you’re catching your breath between sightseeing stops, this is the perfect place to slow down for a moment—grab a coffee, find a bench, and watch daily life unfold with the castle framing one side and the Arco della Pace anchoring the other.

Cinque Vie

From Parco Sempione, make your way toward Cinque Vie, one of Milan’s oldest—and most atmospheric—districts. It’s a compact network of narrow streets, artisan workshops, and independent boutiques that feel miles away from the polished gloss of the fashion district.

This is where Milan’s creative soul shows itself in small, beautifully curated spaces.

Take your time wandering and dipping into the shops. Two of my favorites are Bitossi Home, a must for colorful, design-forward ceramics and tableware, and the exquisite Laboratorio Paravicini, where hand-painted plates look more like heirlooms than anything you’d ever dare eat off.

It’s the perfect neighborhood for a slow, aimless stroll and one where you inevitably end up carrying a beautifully wrapped purchase you absolutely hadn’t planned on.

Chiesa di Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia

Just a few streets from Cinque Vie, Chiesa di Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia is one of Milan’s most underrated Baroque churches—and an easy detour if you’re already exploring the area.

From the outside, it looks fairly modest, but step through the doors, and you’re met with a surprisingly elaborate interior: soaring frescoes, gilded details, and a dome that feels far grander than the church’s footprint suggests.

Built in the 17th century, it’s dedicated to Saint Alexander and stands on the site of an even older Roman-era structure, which adds a layer of history to the quiet, richly decorated space.

Day Three – Porta Genova & Navigli

Leonardo’s Last Supper Museum

No trip to Milan feels complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, housed inside the former refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Because each viewing slot is strictly limited to preserve the fresco, tickets are notoriously competitive—you’ll usually need to book months in advance to secure a spot.

If you don’t manage to snag standard tickets, don’t panic. You can still get in by booking a guided visit, which often includes reserved access even when general admission is sold out.

These tours are your best bet for last-minute entry and usually include additional context about the church, the painting’s history, and Leonardo’s techniques. Here are the best tours to book:

Casa Atellani

Just steps from Santa Maria delle Grazie, Casa Atellani is a beautifully restored Renaissance residence with deep ties to Leonardo da Vinci—his original vineyard once stood in the garden here.

For years, it was one of Milan’s most intriguing small museums, offering a glimpse into a world of frescoed rooms, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old stories.

At the moment, however, Casa Atellani is closed to the public. There’s no confirmed reopening date yet, but it’s well worth keeping an eye on. If and when it reopens, it’s absolutely a place to slot into your Milan itinerary.

Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

A short walk from Casa Atellani, Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is often called the “Sistine Chapel of Milan,” and it earns the nickname the second you step inside.

The entire interior—walls, ceilings, every visible surface—is covered in brilliantly preserved 16th-century frescoes by Bernardino Luini and his workshop, a close follower of Leonardo.

The church is divided into two connected spaces: the main nave and the former nuns’ choir, each one more richly decorated than the last. It’s surprisingly quiet despite its central location, making it a beautiful place to take your time and absorb the artwork without the usual museum setting.

If you’re moving down to the Porta Genova area, it’s an easy and incredibly rewarding stop, as it really is one of Milan’s great hidden masterpieces.

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is one of Milan’s oldest and most significant churches and offers a completely different atmosphere from the grand Gothic drama of the Duomo.

Founded in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose himself, it’s a striking example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, with its twin brick bell towers and peaceful arcaded courtyard setting the tone before you even step inside.

The interior is simple but powerful—stone columns, golden mosaics, and an unmistakable sense of age that you don’t find in many Milanese churches. It’s a place where history feels close: early Christian relics, medieval carvings, and centuries of architectural layers sit side by side.

Porta Genova Area

For the afternoon, make your way toward the Porta Genova area, one of Milan’s most relaxed pockets and the gateway to the Navigli canals. Around the station and along Via Vigevano, you’ll find an easy mix of cafés, vintage shops, design stores, and locals lingering over late lunches.

It’s a great area to wander without a plan, dipping into boutiques or grabbing a gelato before heading toward the water.

As the day stretches on, the vibe gets even better. Navigli is just a short stroll away, but Porta Genova itself keeps things a little quieter and more lived-in—exactly the kind of neighborhood you want to explore before the evening crowds roll in.

Here you’ll want to check out Pasticceria Cucchi for a light bite or something sweet, or something heartier, head to Benoteca Milano for Japanese or Sogni for Italian.

Mudec or Armani/Silos

With a little more time in Milan, I’d recommend visiting both of these cultural gems, but if your schedule is tight, you might need to choose. Mudec – the Museum of Cultures – sits in a striking contemporary building and hosts excellent temporary exhibitions ranging from global art to anthropology; its architecture alone is worth the detour.

Armani/Silos, on the other hand, is a beautifully designed space dedicated to Giorgio Armani’s world, with four floors showcasing his archive, sketches, and iconic pieces. It’s sleek, minimal, and very Milan in spirit. This is where to head if you’re more into the fashion side of things.

Navigli

From Porta Genova, it’s an easy stroll straight into Navigli, Milan’s atmospheric canal district and one of the best places to spend a late afternoon. Start by wandering along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, where you’ll find vintage shops, small galleries, bookstores, and plenty of people watching.

The energy shifts as the sun gets lower—suddenly the whole neighborhood feels like one big aperitivo bar.

When golden hour hits, settle in for drinks at Mag Café, a Navigli classic with creative cocktails and a cozy, slightly bohemian vibe, or head to Rita, known for its polished drinks and lively terrace.

Both are perfect for that early-evening Milan ritual: a spritz in hand, snacks on the table, and the canals glowing in the background.

Stay for dinner—Navigli really comes into its own at night. 142 Restaurant offers a cool, contemporary dining experience with a seasonal tasting menu, while Osteria del Binari leans more traditional, tucked away in a charming courtyard just off the main canal.

Where to Stay

If you want the full breakdown, I’ve already put together a complete guide to where to stay in Milan, but here are a few top picks to get you started. Each one offers something a little different, depending on whether you’re after pure luxury, boutique charm, or a stylish neighborhood base.

Portrait Milano – Ultra-refined and set in a former seminary with a stunning cloister; exceptional service and one of the most beautiful hotel courtyards in the city.

Vico Milano – A chic, design-forward boutique stay in Porta Genova with just seven rooms and a quietly cool vibe.

Casa Brera – a small, beautifully designed boutique stay right in the heart of the Brera district. If you want a cozy, stylish base steps from galleries, cafés, and cobbled streets, this is the spot.

Aethos Milan – A stylish, contemporary option in the lively Navigli area, ideal if you want great restaurants, bars, and canal-side strolling right on your doorstep.

Where to Eat

Milan’s food scene is a mix of old-school trattorias, contemporary dining rooms, and casual spots where the coffee is taken seriously enough to make a barista blush. For the full scoop, head over to my complete guide on where to eat in Milan, but here are a few standout addresses to get you started.

Restaurants

Trippa – A modern trattoria with a cult following. Seasonal, deeply flavorful dishes and a lively, no-frills atmosphere.

142 Restaurant – Creative, design-led, and perfect if you want something fresh and contemporary without feeling fussy.

Stendhal Brera – A reliable Brera classic serving Milanese staples in a warm, neighborhood setting.

Trattoria Milanese – A traditional spot ideal for risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta, and all things comfortingly old-school.

Horto – A sleek, sustainability-focused restaurant near Piazza Duomo with refined dishes and gorgeous interiors.

Locanda Perbellini Bistrot – Casual but polished dining from chef Giancarlo Perbellini, offering elevated comfort dishes in a relaxed setting.

Verso Capitaneo – Stylish and contemporary with beautifully plated dishes; one of the city’s most exciting modern dining rooms.

Cafés & Bars

Marchesi 1824 – Elegant pastries and perfect cappuccinos in a refined, historic setting.

Pavé – A local favorite for great coffee, pastries, and a buzzing, creative vibe.

Mag Café – Cozy, slightly bohemian, and one of Navigli’s best cocktail spots.

Bar Basso – The legendary birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato and a true Milan classic.

Where to Shop in Milan

Milan’s shopping scene goes far beyond the big-name fashion houses (although those are a good shopping option too); the real treasures are tucked into its neighborhoods.

Start in Brera at Cavalli e Nastri, one of the city’s most beautifully curated vintage stores, before stopping by ViBi Venezia for their iconic furlane slippers. Just around the corner, Pettinaroli is a stationery dream, a Milanese institution for paper lovers.

For minimalist, refined Italian style, ASPESI delivers every time. If you’re a home design enthusiast, don’t miss Laboratorio Paravicini for hand-painted ceramics, Bitossi Home for bold tabletop pieces, and Casa del Bianco for luxe pajamas (I genuinely love my pjs from here).

On the beauty side of things, 50 ml – Profumeria Milano, is a haven of niche fragrances. And for gourmet inspiration, browse Laboratorio Niko Romito Milano or the sensory, jewel-forward world of Oro Incenso e Mirra.

Milan does shopping with personality — these are the places that prove it.

Top Tips for Visiting Milan

↠ Milan moves fast, and so does this Milan itinerary. There’s genuinely a lot to do in the city, and if you can stretch your trip to four or even five days in Milan, you’ll enjoy it at a far more relaxed pace.

Milan rewards slow wandering: lingering over an aperitivo, slipping into design studios, and letting yourself get a little lost between neighborhoods.

↠ Book major sights (Duomo rooftop, The Last Supper, Palazzo Reale exhibitions) well in advance — they fill up quickly, especially on weekends. For restaurants, reservations are your friend, even for casual places. Milanese dining hours skew later, and spots book out fast.

↠ Public transport is efficient and easy, but don’t underestimate how walkable the city is; some of the best moments happen on foot between Brera, the Centro Storico, and Porta Venezia.

↠ And finally, Milan shines most from Tuesday to Friday — Mondays are slow, many galleries and boutiques close, and weekends get busy with visitors from across Italy.

---

Are you ready to discover Milan with this 3 Days in Milan itinerary?? Share your questions and comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Make sure not to leave home without travel insurance. For the last few years, I’ve been using Safetywing Nomad Insurance for all my individual trips and digital nomad lifestyle and there’s no better company for all my insurance needs. Cover starts from as little as $58 per month. Get your quote below now.

Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!

Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide

Booking.com for great deals on hotels

Agoda also for great deals on hotels

Viator for tours and adventures around the world

Related posts you might like:

20 Best Restaurants in Milan, Italy

Where to Stay in Milan, Italy: Best Hotels & Areas

13 Best Bars in Milan for Aperitivo

FOUND THIS POST USEFUL? PIN IT AND SHARE