Milan is a cosmopolitan city just a short one and a half hour flight from the Netherlands. It’s renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, where style and history converge seamlessly. Milan is a mecca for shopping, being the epicenter of fashion with its biannual Fashion Week. Moreover, it boasts a wealth of historical treasures, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s world-famous “The Last Supper” and the stunning Milan Cathedral, one of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. Additionally, Milan is a paradise for gastronomy, offering unforgettable dining experiences.
Here are our key tips for a 2 to 3-day stay (a long weekend) in Milan:
Day 1 – Arrival in Milan
From various airports in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, flights to Milan are affordable, often starting from €80 round trip per person with low-cost airlines. Be mindful that baggage might not be included, so check the allowance for hand luggage or consider adding a suitcase.
You can fly into several airports in and around Milan. The closest is Milan Linate Airport, just 8 kilometers from the city center. Milan Malpensa Airport is 65 kilometers away, while Milan Bergamo Airport in Bergamo is over 50 kilometers from central Milan.
From the airports to Milan city center:
- Milan Linate Airport: Take a taxi or airport shuttle for about €50, reaching the center in 15 minutes. Alternatively, opt for the bus at €5 per person, taking around 30 minutes to Milan Central Station. Metro line 4 also connects to the city center for €2.20 per single ticket or €7.60 for a day pass.
- Milan Malpensa and Milan Bergamo Airports: Buses operated by Terravision are the quickest and most comfortable option at €10 per person to Milan Central Station. The journey takes approximately one hour. Tickets can be purchased in advance or onboard for €12 per person one way.
Transport within Milan city center:
Most attractions are within walking distance, but the metro system is efficient for longer distances. A day pass costs €7.60, and a single ride is €2.20.
What to do today:
Upon arrival in Milan, settle into your hotel, freshen up, and begin exploring the city!
Arriving late, we didn’t venture far. We stayed at the highly recommended HD8 hotel opposite the central station. After checking in, we admired the magnificent station building and enjoyed a drink at the square in front of the station. It was a perfect introduction to Milan, leaving us eager for more adventures the next day.
Day 2 – Highlights of Milan
Today, you’ll delve into the heart of Milan, exploring its famous landmarks, savoring delicious food, and ending in one of the city’s coziest neighborhoods.
M O R N I N G
Visit the world-famous cathedral and more!
Enjoy a special panzerotti.
Take the metro to Piazza del Duomo. Here, in the heart of the city, ascend from the metro and step onto the square, facing the magnificent Duomo. First, admire the exterior, one of the most beautiful cathedrals we’ve ever seen, especially its stunning side facades.
The Milan Cathedral covers nearly 12,000 square meters, one of the world’s largest cathedrals, crafted from white marble. Its brightness enhances its beauty, adorned with numerous spires (pinakels) and over 2,000 sculptures, completing its grandeur.
Purchase a ticket to explore inside the cathedral and don’t miss the access to the rooftop terrace! This was the highlight of our Milan trip. On the terrace, walk among the spires, observing every detail up close, and enjoy a fantastic view! Upon descending, explore inside the cathedral. We also visited the Duomo Museum, located in the Royal Palace opposite the cathedral, displaying sculptures and stained glass from the cathedral.
Tickets are available on the official website. A ticket for the cathedral, rooftop terrace, and museum costs €16 per person and can be reserved daily from 09:00 to 18:00, except Wednesdays when the museum is closed. Tickets may sell out fast, but you can likely still purchase them for €20, which is still a good deal!
After your visit to the cathedral, indulge in an Italian treat. Near the cathedral lies ‘Luini’ bakery, renowned for its panzerotti. These stuffed pastries are delightful. We chose one with mozzarella and ham, and another with spicy salami and mozzarella. There might be a queue, but it’s worth the wait. Each panzerotti costs only €3 and makes a perfect snack.
A F T E R N O O N
Shopping in the fashion capital
Relax with an aperitif in an authentic restaurant.
Visit an art gallery or an ancient library.
From Luini bakery, walk back towards the cathedral. En route, pass by Ferrari’s flagship store and the grand Rinascente department store. Step inside for stunning clothing, bags, and shoes at great prices. Tip: Head to their rooftop terrace for a drink with a splendid view of the cathedral’s marble roof!
Next, stroll into Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This covered shopping arcade is famous for its unique glass roof and a massive central dome. Luxury boutiques line its halls.
Around the cathedral, excellent shopping awaits. We loved Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, teeming with stores from standard fashion to high-end boutiques. Via Torino is another major shopping street near the cathedral.
Now it’s time for an aperitif. The best platters are at La Prosciutteria Milano in the Brera district (reachable by metro or on foot). Locals adore this spot. Order platters for €10 or €15 per person. The €10 option is generously filled with various meats, cheeses, bread, mustard, fruits, and grilled vegetables. The €15 platter is slightly more elaborate. We chose the deluxe platter and were thoroughly satisfied! Each bite delivered an explosion of flavors. It can get crowded, so expect a short wait, but it’s well worth it!
Brera is charming, with narrow alleys filled with quaint shops and art galleries. Take a stroll to Pinacoteca di Brera, housed in Palazzo Brera alongside the Brera Library, an observatory, botanical gardens, the Institute of Science and Art, and the Academy of Fine Arts. It’s a magnificent complex. If interested, you can purchase a gallery ticket for €15. The library, unfortunately, closes on Sundays, but it’s free to enter.
This concludes your day exploring Milan’s highlights, culinary delights, and vibrant neighborhoods.
E V E N I N G
Shopping for souvenirs and dining in the coziest neighborhood of the city!
Take the metro to the Navigli district. ‘Navigli’ means canals, and upon arrival, you’ll understand why. Along the waterfront, trendy cafes, cocktail bars, and numerous souvenir stalls line the streets. Explore the small side alleys, where you’ll find charming boutiques and art studios run by local artists. This neighborhood offers a delightful evening experience.
Tip: Watch out for happy hours! Most waterfront establishments offer happy hour from 7:00 PM onward. When you buy a cocktail or another drink, you get to enjoy complimentary snacks. Some places even provide a full buffet! We enjoyed cocktails and a lavish buffet at ‘Manhattan’ and had a delightful meal. The selection was vast—from bread and cheese cubes to whole pizzas and pasta dishes. While it’s not gourmet food, it’s a fantastic experience and a great alternative if you’ve already enjoyed a substantial afternoon aperitif.
Day 3 – More Highlights of Milan
Today, explore more of the city’s highlights and indulge in excellent food once again.
M O R N I N G
Visit Castello Sforzesco and its museums
Check out San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Start your day with a metro ride to Lanza station and visit Castello Sforzesco. This impressive castle served as the residence of the powerful Sforza family during the Renaissance. Inside, discover various museums, including one with Michelangelo’s works and another featuring Egyptian artifacts. Enter through the magnificent courtyard and purchase a €5 ticket, which grants access to most museums. Check which museums are included. On the first and third Thursday of each month from 2:00 PM, admission is free, and on the first Sunday of every month, entry is free all day!
Next, walk to San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. Dubbed Milan’s Sistine Chapel, this church is stunning. It may not be striking from the outside, but inside, it’s breathtakingly beautiful. The magnificent frescoes date back to the 16th century, depicting religious and biblical scenes. Admission is free.
A F T E R N O O N
View Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Last Supper
Visit Piazza Affari and Piazza Mercanti
(Window) shop in the Golden Rectangle
Nearby, you’ll find numerous restaurants and osterias for lunch. Afterward, head to one of the city’s highlights: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Note: You must reserve tickets well in advance. Tickets for the following three months are released monthly on their official website and sell out quickly. The world-renowned mural is located next to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. On the last Sunday of each month, admission is free, but you still need to book tickets via the official website.
The Last Supper is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM, with tickets costing €15. You have 15 minutes to admire the mural, which may seem short but is ample time.
If you couldn’t secure tickets on the official website (like many others), you can always find them on GetYourGuide. These tickets are more expensive at €44 per person but include a knowledgeable guide. We had to opt for these because we couldn’t get tickets on the official site.
After visiting the Last Supper, visit two beautiful squares. First, visit Piazza Affari, where the city’s stock exchange building stands. In 2010, an 11-meter-high marble sculpture of a middle finger was erected as a statement against capitalism. Nearby is Piazza Mercanti, home to several famous medieval buildings. We found this square to be incredibly beautiful.
Next, explore the ‘Golden Rectangle’ (Quadrilatero d’Oro). This area is Milan’s hub for Italian couturiers, showcasing prestigious brands. From Armani to Chanel, Hermes to Louis Vuitton, and Rolex, the four streets—Via Manzoni, Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia—are filled with stunning shops and luxury cars parked along the streets. It’s a delightful place to (window) shop!
E V E N I N G
Enjoy fresh pasta
End your last evening in the Brera district
Tonight, dine at Osteria da Fortunata in the Brera district. Here, you’ll savor authentic Italian cuisine. All pastas are freshly made by the staff in a corner of the restaurant visible from the window. The results are outstanding! This restaurant is very popular, so there’s almost always a line. Unfortunately, reservations aren’t possible. Be sure to try their fresh pasta and don’t miss their tiramisu—it’s truly excellent!
Day 4 – Departure
Today marks the end of your city break in Milan, and it’s time to head home. Head to Milan Central Station and then take a bus to the airport.
If you have some time today, consider visiting the San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) Stadium, especially if you’re a football enthusiast. This stadium is home to two European giants: Inter Milan and AC Milan. The San Siro Stadium stirs the hearts of football fans with its rich history of memorable football moments. You can enjoy a guided tour here daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, except on match days.
As your journey through Milan concludes, reflecting on the past few days fills me with a sense of fulfillment and awe. Milan, with its breathtaking architecture, rich history, and culinary delights, has left an indelible mark on my travel experiences. From marveling at the majestic Duomo to savoring authentic Italian cuisine in charming neighborhoods like Brera and Navigli, every moment has been a treasure.
As I bid farewell to Milan, I carry with me memories of the bustling streets, the serene beauty of its churches and museums, and the warmth of its people. Whether it was exploring the art at Castello Sforzesco or gazing at Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, each encounter has deepened my appreciation for this vibrant city.
Until we meet again, Milan, grazie mille for the unforgettable adventure.
