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Ready to plan the perfect trip to Milan? Let’s get started!
Italy’s fashion capital is the perfect destination for a short getaway, offering an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and world-class cuisine. With a little insider know-how, three days is plenty to experience Milan’s iconic sights and charming neighborhoods and enjoy the beauty of nearby Lake Como.
How do we know? We fell in love with Milan the first time we ever visited and haven’t been able to stay away since! So now, we’ve explored the city from top to bottom and have fine-tuned the perfect 3-day itinerary. Keep on reading to make the most of your time in Milan!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Milan was this city walking tour. It included skip-the-line entry to The Last Supper, an expert guide, and we saw tons of Milan’s top sights.
Check out the 1,700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Where to Stay in Milan
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Day 1
Breakfast – Stop by a local coffee shop
Breakfast in Italy usually consists of just coffee and a pastry, so do as the locals do this morning. Either head to a café near your hotel or before you reach the meeting point for this morning’s tour. Prices get way higher around the Duomo, so save your euros and grab something a little further away!
Morning – Explore Milan with a guide and see The Last Supper
Milan is famously home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and you simply CANNOT visit the city without seeing it! This walking tour is a fantastic way to get your bearings in the city, and it includes skip-the-line access to The Last Supper.
If you can, try to book the 10:30 am start time, as it works best with the day’s itinerary. However, this tour is popular and sells out quickly, so no worries if you need to go in the afternoon instead. You can just switch the morning and afternoon activities around! Still, we recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance if possible.
We met our guide, Marika, near the Duomo and started the day by exploring the magnificent Milan Cathedral. From there, we visited highlights like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala, and the bohemian Brera District. But the moment we were waiting for was seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in person.
We definitely felt like skip-the-line tickets were the best choice, as we were able to use our precious time inside the building, gazing in awe at this masterpiece, rather than staring at the outside of the building for 2+ hours! Finally, standing in front of this famous painting was a surreal experience. The level of detail and the sheer history behind it made it one of the most awe-inspiring moments of the trip.
This tour is so much fun! It moves at a pretty quick pace to give you an overview of the city, but we’ll take a deep dive into some of the top spots later on.
Check out the 2,300+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Lunch – Miscusi
Miscusi is just a 10-minute walk from where this morning’s tour ends, and we just couldn’t get enough of the homemade pasta at this casual, welcoming spot. The cacio tartare was so tasty, as was the Siciliano! This place can get busy around lunchtime, but you can book a table online. Choose the “Milano Cadorna” branch and book for 1:45 pm to allow enough time for the morning tour to wrap up.
Afternoon – Go to the top of the Duomo
Of course, we already visited the Duomo on this morning’s tour, but the magnificent Duomo is definitely worthy of a deeper dive. This afternoon, we highly recommend booking this skip-the-line tour to discover all of the cathedral’s hidden details – oh, and to go to the magnificent rooftop!
One of the best things about this tour is that we got to descend into the Duomo’s eerie underground crypt, where St. Charles Borromeo is buried (in a glass coffin, no less!). We’re honestly so glad that we went back for an in-depth tour of the cathedral because we loved hearing all the stories about this 600-year-old landmark from our guide, Mara. She walked us through the intricate stained glass windows, the stunning sculptures, and the hidden details we missed the first time.
After that, we took the elevator up to the incredible rooftop, where we were able to appreciate the grandeur of the Duomo from a whole new angle. We loved exploring the intricate stonework and admiring the dramatic spires. Plus, the view of Milan from up here is second to none!
This tour pairs perfectly with the broader morning sightseeing tour of Milan, but the two can easily be swapped depending on availability.
Book your spot on this tour here with free cancellation!
Mid-afternoon – Explore the Brera District
Granted, the Brera District is the area that you’ve already spent most of the day in, but this neighborhood is iconic and full of charm. We definitely think it’s worth taking some more time to wander through its cobblestone streets and check out the following must-see highlights at the very least.
La Scala
La Scala is Milan’s legendary opera house and easily one of the city’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. We promise that it’s definitely worth taking time to admire this building’s grand exterior, and if you want to dive deeper, you can book a guided tour of the theater or visit the museum for €12.
Go Shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
We love exploring this 19th century shopping arcade, because it’s home to luxury brands, historic cafes, and breathtaking architecture. Be sure to spin around three times on the famous bull mosaic for good luck!
Aperitivo – Camparino in Galleria
When in Milan, enjoying a late afternoon aperitivo is practically obligatory! So when you go to check out the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, be sure to stop by the historic Camparino for one of their elegant Campari-based cocktails.
Dinner – Gino Sorbillo – Pizza Gourmand
If you love pizza (and who doesn’t?), head to Gino Sorbillo – Pizza Gourmand for one of their amazing Neapolitan-style pizzas. It’s also located in the Galleria, just a two-minute walk from Camparino, so it’s super convenient, and we recommend trying to snag a table out on the patio if you can.
Related Read: Starting your travels in Rome? Check out our 3-day Rome itinerary for a seamless visit!
Day 2
Breakfast – Bar Pasticceria Rovida
This cozy bakery is the perfect place for breakfast today for two reasons. Firstly, it’s a reasonably priced local spot that serves perfect cappuccinos and the butteriest brioche we’ve ever had. Second, it’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the pickup point for today’s tour, so it’s the ideal place to fuel up before heading out to explore Lake Como!
Full-day tour to Lake Como
Milan is charming, but I promise that you won’t want to neglect the chance to get out of the city and visit Lake Como on this full-day tour. It’s one of the most famous lakes in Europe, and its beauty just blew us away. The day trip begins pretty early with an 8:30 am meetup, but it’s totally worth it.
We met our guide in Piazza Duca d’Aosta and then bought our train tickets before hopping on a 40-minute ride to Lake Como together. We quickly reached Lake Como, and after first laying eyes on the lake, all I could say was “wow”. I mean, I’ve been to plenty of lakes before, but there are few that are this stunning, historic, and all-around breathtaking.
Our one hour cruise on the lake just highlighted this picturesque area even more, and it felt like an essential piece to visiting Como.
Next up, we visited the charming lakeside village of Torno, complete with cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. But we didn’t linger here very long, as we were off to explore Switzerland and the scenic city of Lugano!
Of course, you can’t go to Switzerland without a chocolate tasting. To cap this amazing day off, we jumped into Lake Lugano for a cool dip before heading back to Milan. While it made for a long day, it was one of our favorite days in Italy!
Book your day trip to Lake Como here with FREE cancellation!
Dinner/evening – Navigli District
After your Lake Como tour, head to Milan’s iconic Navigli District, a charming area built around historic canals. To get there from the tour drop-off point, take Metro Line 2 from Assago Milanofiori Forum to Porta Genova. This should take just under 15 minutes!
We love exploring Navigli in the evening because it really comes alive as the sun goes down. There’s something so magical about seeing the twinkling lights reflecting on the water, hopping between the bustling bars, and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
We suggest grabbing dinner at Osteria del Cornuto, a local favorite spot known for its warm atmosphere and excellent Roman cuisine. It’s the perfect place to relax and refuel after a day of sightseeing. Then, after you’ve eaten, walk off your meal with a leisurely stroll along the canals.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 3
Breakfast – Felicetta Cafè & Bistrot
Start this morning in Milan at Felicetta Café & Bistrot, a cozy but chic spot perfect for breakfast or brunch. We love their specialty coffee and fresh pastries, as well as the fact that the cafe is pet-friendly, so there are often four-legged guests to say “hello” to. Plus, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Arco della Pace, so it’s the ideal starting point for today’s adventure.
Morning – Wander through Arco della Pace, Sempione Park, and Sforza Castle
This morning calls for a little independent exploration. Start at Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), which is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks thanks to its grand neoclassical design. Then, from there, take a leisurely stroll through Sempione Park, a lush green space that’s perfect for a peaceful walk.
As you make your way through the park, you’ll arrive at Sforzesco Castle. This historic fortress is home to fascinating museums and impressive Renaissance art, so we definitely recommend taking a couple of hours to explore it. We suggest pre-purchasing tickets online rather than buying them at the ticket office, as they often sell out! Tickets cost €5 each, but you can snag free entry from 2 pm onwards every first and third Tuesday of the month, though you’ll still need to reserve a spot via the website.
Lunch – Debbie’s
After 2 – 4 hours of exploring this morning, stop for a relaxed and delicious lunch at Debbie’s, which is just a 10-minute walk from the castle. We fell in love with this friendly spot the first time we visited, thanks to the warm hospitality and fresh, high-quality food. We had the most amazing focaccia sandwiches here and couldn’t resist the huge cannoli for dessert!
Related Read: If you need more activities to add to your schedule, read our blog about the 10 best things to do in Milan!
Afternoon – Explore the basilicas and museums
Milan is home to tons of beautiful basilicas and fascinating museums, so we suggest using this afternoon to explore those that interest you the most. We’ve got our top recommendations below. You won’t have time to tick all of them off, so just pick one or two that interest you the most!
- Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio – This is one of Milan’s oldest churches, dating all the way back to the 4th century! We loved seeing all of the beautiful mosaics and historical relics inside, as it’s a fascinating glimpse into Milan’s early Christian history.
- Basilica of San Lorenzo – Another of the city’s oldest basilicas dates back to the Roman era, although it has been rebuilt several times due to collapse and WWII bombings. There are even 3rd century Roman ruins out front!
- Palazzo Reale di Milano – Milan’s former royal palace that was the city’s seat of government for centuries. This is a must visit for those interested in Milan’s political history, and we enjoyed checking out the art and history exhibitions, which rotate regularly.
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology – We found this museum so fascinating! It’s dedicated to the inventions, engineering accomplishments, and scientific discoveries of Leonardo da Vinci. It was also crazy to see just how much of the modern world Da Vinci predicted!
- Pinacoteca di Brera – Located in a gorgeous, historic palace, this is Milan’s most famous art museum, and it houses pieces by some of the most famous artists of all time, including Caravaggio, Raphael, and Rembrandt. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Dinner – Taste your way around Milan on a street food tour
Did you even visit Milan if you don’t eat as many traditional Italian dishes as possible? I don’t think so! That’s why we consider this private street food walking tour an essential addition to this itinerary. It was a fun way to explore the city, and we got to try a variety of exceptional dishes!
You can book this tour for 5 or 6 pm. There’s the option for your guide to meet you at your hotel, so you can always go back to your accommodation to freshen up after today’s sightseeing.
Now, we’ve done our own impromptu food tours and also have joined guided ones, and we love booking an organized experience! We had the best guide, Marco, who took us to trendy and local neighborhoods and also shared what it’s like to live in Milan – such a historic city with a vibrant food culture.
Our plates weren’t just full of Milanese food, but we tried dishes from all over Italy! I’m talking Venice’s sandwiches, Liguria’s focaccia, and Sicily’s pastries – just to name a few. However, my personal favorite was the cannolis! I have a sweet tooth and these hit the spot.
Be sure to come hungry because you will leave as stuffed as a ravioli. In addition to all the yummy food, we had a few glasses of wine to pair with it. I honestly can’t think of a better way to say “ciao” to Milan on your last night in the city than this food tour!
Book your spot on this food tour here, with the option to pay later!
Where to Stay in Milan
There are a ton of places to stay in Milan—it can be hard to choose! We stayed near the downtown area and found it really convenient to access the city’s best sights. To help narrow down your options, I’ve put together three excellent choices for luxury, mid-range, and budget stays.
Luxury – $$$
I love the Suite Milano Duomo, not only for its luxurious design but for its amazing location! Just meters from the Duomo, La Scala, and near Milan’s top shopping street, you’re not far from all the action. The rooms are elegant and classy, offering standard hotel rooms with balconies and city views or full apartments.
Prices vary throughout the year, but start around €250 to €350 per night. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
WorldHotel Casati 18 is a comfortable hotel for a moderate price, located very close to Milan’s Central Station. You can walk to the Duomo in about 20 minutes, and there’s a lot to explore surrounding. The rooms are modern and quite luxurious for the price point, and offer a range of room options. There is a restaurant, bar, and a lovely open air courtyard onsite.
Rooms range from about €150 to €300, depending on the time of year and room choice. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Babila Hostel & Bistrot is an excellent choice for budget travelers who want to be close to downtown. It’s centrally located, just a 10 minute walk from Milan’s Cathedral, and you can access the metro station easily. They offer dorms or private rooms, and it’s a very nice, updated, clean hostel. The dorm rooms are reasonably priced at €35 to €60 a night, but the private rooms can get a bit expensive, starting at €230.
Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
For even more options, check out all the hotels in Milan here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days in Milan is the perfect amount of time to dive into the city’s culture, amazing food, deep history, and hidden gems! This is easily one of our favorite cities in Italy (don’t tell the others!) and we are always looking forward to our next visit. After following this itinerary, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way!
Before you go, be sure to check out our other travel guides, including all of our Europe blogs! We love sharing our travel experiences and resources with fellow adventurers. Here are a few related reads to get you started:
10 Best Things to do in Lake Como, Italy