There’s much more to Milan than just fashion and industrialism. It’s a place where urbanity rubs shoulders with old-world luxury. This playground for Italy’s rich and famous curiously remains off the main tourist trails of Italy. It can be difficult to know how many days to spend in Milan. On the one hand, Milan makes for a perfect weekend break, but on the other hand, there’s enough shopping, food, culture, art, and fashion to keep you busy for weeks! If you’re after a fabulous Italian getaway that includes a stop in Milan amongst other Italian cities, check out our selection of Milan multi-day tour packages. Or, read on for our 2 days in Milan sample itinerary which will help maximize your time in this underrated gem of a city.
Where To Stay In Milan
We have a carefully selected list of the best hotels in Milan, whatever your budget may be. From the luxurious 5-star Armani Hotel, complete with rooftop balconies, to the quirky and colorful Savona 18 Suites, you’ll be well-rested to start your 2-day itinerary in Milan.
Day One In Milan
Morning
After sipping your morning Italian espresso, it’s time to get to know Milan inside and out with an Insider Milan tour. Our knowledgeable local guides will take you through Milan’s streets, pausing at some of the greatest sights. These include the impressive Duomo, the world-famous Scala Opera House, and the vaulted ceilings of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping arcade houses some of Milan’s most prestigious and oldest boutiques and is the perfect introduction to Milan’s shopping scene.
Afternoon
As midday approaches, take a stroll through the trendy Isola district. You could stop for lunch at any one of the cafes lining the streets, but we recommend Momo Cafe. Momo is a small, bustling place specializing in delicious sandwiches, bagels, and – if the mood takes you – cocktails. Want a more hands-on experience with Milan’s cuisine? Then check out our private cooking class with a local in Milan and take some valuable expertise back home with you. Just make sure to save room for gelato for dessert! The Milanese are fiercely loyal to their favorite gelato shop. One of the best is Artico, for its quality and selection. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.
Evening
Although not as famous as Tuscany, Rome, or Bologna, Milan’s food scene shouldn’t be dismissed. The Milanese take great pride in locally sourcing their produce and are great advocates of the slow food movement. We delve straight into the city’s fascinating food scene on our spectacular Milan Food tasting tour. This tour will take you around some of Milan’s most beautiful neighborhoods and allow you to sample local wines, cheeses, and risotto. You’ll then finish off the night with a five-course dinner, matched with the finest wines. It’s a gastronomic tour like no other.
Day Two In Milan
Morning
Work off some of the excesses of last night’s food with a Milan e-bike tour. This tour will see you pedaling through the beautiful back streets of Milan, pausing at some more unusual sights. This includes the vertical forest – a pair of residential towers whose balconies and terraces house 800 trees and shrubs, giving the impression of a forest high in the sky. You’ll also pass through some of Milan’s newer districts such as the impressive CityLife district, designed by famous Milanese architects. Check out our Milan Design Guide for a deeper dive into the city’s aesthetic treasures.
Afternoon
After lunch, it’s time to check out some churches because, in Milan, they come with a twist. You have two choices: go classic and visit the world-famous Duomo di Milano, or go off the beaten-track and visit the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa. Its famous side chapel contains hundreds of human skulls from the 13th century. If you want to continue the church theme but are getting rather thirsty, take a cab up to La Chiesetta in the Isola district, a bar housed in a converted church.
Evening
Start your evening with a Milan wine tasting experience. You’ll head to a traditional Italian wine bar where a professional sommelier will guide you through a tasting of local wines, paired with local food delicacies. A brilliant way to kick off an evening in Milan. Finish off your two days in Milan by heading to the trendy Navigli district for more food and drinks along with any one of the bars and restaurants that line the district’s canals.
2 Days In Milan Will Stay With You Forever
As proven by this sample itinerary, 2 days in Milan is enough to see the highlights of the city, and our range of Milan guided tours will help you do that. That being said, a Milan Package Tour for two days or longer is the absolute best way to experience the true magic of Milan. With just a click of a button, all your tours and accommodations will be taken care of, guaranteeing you see the best of everything the city has to offer. Our Milan 4-day City Break Tour Package, for example, includes all the highlights of the city in a convenient itinerary complete with wonderful local guides.
If you’re staying for longer, you could head out of the city for a day on our Milan Countryside and Wine Tasting Tour. Milan can also be a fun stop-off point on your way to Verona, Venice, or Rome. See three Italian gems in one trip on our best of Venice, Verona, and Milan 9-day tour. Or see Milan as part of our 14-day Italy Tour Package, a comprehensive adventure that takes advantage of all the country has to offer. However long you stay in Italy, be sure to make Milan part of your itinerary. It’s a city not to be missed.
