Milan is a city with a lot to offer. Whether you interested in art, fashion, food, or history, there’s something for everyone in Milan. But with so much to see and do, how do you know how many days is enough for Milan?
In this blog post, we’ll go through different activities and how many days each would take. We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your time in Milan, whether you’re there for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.
What to do in Milan in 24 hours
If you only have 24 hours in Milan, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of time to see the city’s best sights. Here’s a quick guide to what you can do in Milan in just one day.
Start your day by visiting the Duomo di Milano, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Gothic cathedral is free to enter, and you can even take a lift to the top of the spires for panoramic views over Milan.
Next, head to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The painting housed in a protected room, so you’ll need to book tickets in advance (you can do this online).
Afterwards, make your way to Piazza del Duomo, the central square where you’ll find the Milan Cathedral. Take some time to explore the inside of the cathedral, then climb to the top of the Dome for more stunning views of the city.
In the afternoon, it’s time for some shopping. Via Monte Napoleone is one of Milan’s most famous shopping streets, and it’s home to designer boutiques like Gucci, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana. If you’re on a budget, head to nearby Via della Spiga for more affordable stores.
End your day with a stroll around Piazza del Duomo and some people watching. You’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants here where you can grab a bite to eat before heading back to your hotel for some well-earned rest.
What to do in Milan in 48 hours
With only 48 hours in Milan, you’ll have to be strategic about how you spend your time. Here are some ideas of what you could do:
Visit the Duomo di Milano: This Gothic cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan. It’s also the largest church in Italy, so it’s worth spending a couple of hours here, admiring the exterior and interior. If you want to go up to the roof terraces, you can buy a ticket in advance online.
See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper: One of the most famous paintings in the world, The Last Supper is a must-see when visiting Milan. You can find it at Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church which is also worth exploring in its own right. Tickets need to booked in advance, and there’s a limit of 15 minutes that you can spend viewing the painting.
Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade: This beautiful glass-roofed arcade is full of high-end shops, as well as restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place to window shop or people watch.
Admire the art at Pinacoteca di Brera: This art gallery is one of the most important in Milan, and houses works by artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. It definitely worth spending a couple of hours here if you interested in art.
Pay your respects at Monumental Cemetery: This cemetery is one of the largest in Europe, and is full of beautiful monuments and sculptures. It definitely worth a visit if you interested in history or architecture.
What to do in Milan in 72 hours
In this section, we’ll be exploring what to do in Milan in 72 hours. We’ll start with a visit to the Duomo, one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. Then, we’ll see da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” one of the most iconic paintings of all time. After that, we’ll get a taste of la dolce vita by indulging in some of Milan’s world-renowned fashion and cuisine. Finally, we’ll explore the city’s many art galleries and museums, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera. And if we have time, we’ll take a day trip to one of Milan’s beautiful surrounding towns, such as Bergamo or Como.
How to make the most of a longer stay in Milan
Assuming you have already seen the major sights in Milan, here are some ideas of how to make the most of a longer stay in the city:
1. Visit the Brera neighborhood.
The Brera neighborhood is a great place to start, with its art gallery and church. A day trip to Lake Como is also a must-do. And of course, no visit to Milan would be complete without exploring the city’s fashion district.
2. Take a day trip to Lake Como.
Lake Como is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and it’s easy to see why. The lake is absolutely stunning, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, like swimming, sunbathing, or taking a boat ride.
3. Explore Milan’s fashion district.
Milan known for being a fashion capital, so it would a shame to visit the city and not explore its fashion district. There are plenty of high-end shops and boutiques, as well as some more affordable options. You can also find some great street style if you’re looking for inspiration.
4. Visit some of Milan’s museums and galleries.
Milan home to some incredible museums and galleries, so if you interested in art or history, this the perfect place for you. The Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most popular museums in the city, and it houses an impressive collection of Italian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries. If you interested in contemporary art, make sure to check out the Fondazione Prada.
5. Sample some of Milan’s delicious food and drink.
Of course, no visit to Italy would be complete without trying some of the local food and drink! There are plenty of great restaurants in Milan that serve traditional Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta dishes. If you’re looking for something a bit different, there are also many international restaurants that offer cuisine from all over the world. And don’t forget to try an Aperol spritz while you’re here!
When is the best time to visit Milan
Milan is a fashionable city, and as such, many people believe that the best time to visit is during fashion week, which takes place in February and March. However, while this is an exciting time to be in the city, it’s also one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit. If you not interested in fashion or willing to spend a bit extra, spring and fall generally considered the best times to visit Milan. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Those looking to save money may want to consider visiting during the winter months. While the weather can be unpredictable, hotel rates and airfare are usually cheaper. Just be sure to pack some warm clothes!
How Many Days is Enough for Milan
The city of Milan has a lot to offer visitors, and depending on your interests, you may need more or less time to see and do everything. The main sights seen in 3-4 days, but if you want to shop and take your time seeing the sights, 5-7 days probably better. If you want to experience the nightlife and eat at all the best restaurants, 7-10 days is probably best.
Of course, these are just guidelines – you may want to spend more or less time in Milan depending on your own preferences. If you pressed for time, it still possible to see a lot in just a few days. And if you have a bit more time to spare, there are plenty of activities that will keep you busy for longer.
Here are some things to consider when deciding how many days is enough for Milan:
What are your interests?
If you interested in fashion, the best time to visit during fashion week in February or March. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Spring and fall generally considered the best times to visit Milan, as the weather pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Those looking to save money may want to visit during the winter months, when hotel rates and airfare are usually cheaper.
What do you want to see and do?
There’s a lot to see and do in Milan, from visiting iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano and Santa Maria delle Grazie, to doing some shopping on Via Monte Napoleone and enjoying the city’s nightlife. If you pressed for time, you can still see a lot of the city’s main sights in just a few days. But if you want to take your time and really experience all that Milan has to offer, 5-7 days is probably better.
How much money do you want to spend?
Keep in mind that hotel rates and airfare are usually cheaper during the winter months. If you’re looking to save money on your trip, this may be the best time for you to visit Milan.
