So you want to visit Milan? Perfect!
Here, you’ll find a suggested timetable for our 2-day Milan itinerary, including the attractions.
We also share a map with you, to follow our suggested route and itinerary.
In this guide, you’ll also find recommendations for accommodations and the best way to get around if you don’t want to walk extensively.
Most of Milan’s attractions are close to one another.
Exploring the city on foot is feasible because many attractions are close by.
Two Days In Milan Overview
Our suggested itinerary takes you to the best things to see in Milan.
However, it’s important to note that the walking tour spans at least 12 miles (18 kilometers) on foot.
Should you find the distance daunting, you can alternatively use the metro, buses, or trams to get from one place to another.
To travel across the city, the Milan City Card comes in handy.
It not only gives you access to various modes of public transportation but also to the Milan attractions.
Alternatively, you can use the Hop-on Hop-off bus service.
Milan 2-Day Itinerary At A Glance
For your perfect visit to Milan, we included a map, the optimal walking route, and a timetable for you.
You can download it, save it, and have a relaxed trip while seeing the best of Milan in two days.
While it’s possible to see Milan in one day, staying two days in Milan gives you more time to explore the city.
If you want to go on a day trip to the amazing attractions nearby, we recommend planning 3 days in Milan.
Day 1: The Heart Of Milan
This is our suggested first day in Milan.
Below, you’ll find more information and tips about it.
| Time | Attraction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) | Book tickets in advance for the Milan Roof and cathedral. |
| 10:45 AM | Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Enjoy a coffee and the architecture. |
| 11:15 AM | Quadrilatero della Moda | Window shopping in the fashion district. |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch in Brera District | Explore cafes and restaurants. |
| 2:30 PM | Pinacoteca di Brera | Home to a collection of Italian art. |
| 4:45 PM | Teatro alla Scala | Guided tour of Italy’s famous opera house |
| 5:00 PM | Leonardo3 Museum | Interactive museum about Da Vinci’s inventions. |
| 7:00 PM | Aperitivo, Dinner at the City Center | Milanese dinner at the city center. |
Day 2: Milan’s Art And Hidden Gems
This is our suggested day 2 in Milan. You’ll find more about each attraction in the article below.
| Time | Attraction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | The Last Supper | At Santa Maria delle Grazie (advanced booking essential) |
| 10:30 AM | Coffee near the church | Enjoy a local cafe. |
| 11:30 AM | Cimitero Monumentale | Free admission; monumental cemetery (our top pick) |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch break | Many options are available. |
| 2:30 PM | Sempione Park to Arco della Pace | Relaxing stroll through the park. |
| 4:00 PM | Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) | Visit museums if interested (a ticket is required). |
| 6:00 PM | Aperitivo overlooking the canals or boat trip. | Boat trip and aperitivo on Naviglio Grande. |
| 8:00 PM | Navigli District Evening | Great for dinner. |
2-Day Milan Itinerary: Day 1
Morning: Milan Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
We recommend starting your day at the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano).
The cathedral is the landmark of Milan and it captivates with its stunning Gothic architecture.
It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world and one of the reasons Milan is among the most popular cities in Italy.
The magnificent towers and intricate details are one of a kind.
Our highlight was visiting the Milan Duomo roof terrace.
You can take a close look at the spires and gargoyles while also having an amazing view of Milan.
To get access to the roof terrace, the interior, and the archaeological area (one of Milan’s hidden gems) requires a ticket, which you need to book in advance.
Our tip: If you want to dive deeper into the history of the Duomo di Milan, you can visit the Duomo Museum.
Access to the museum is included in the ticket.
The museum is located across the main square.
Check out our things to do in Milan article.
After exploring the Milan Cathedral you can go to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The arcade is situated right next to the cathedral.
The elegant four-story arcade is known for its luxury boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is covered by an impressive glass dome.
It makes it the perfect place if you’re experiencing Milan in the rain.
Even if shopping doesn’t interest you, the architecture and the mosaic floors are worth admiring.
There’s a special mosaic inside the Galleria.
It’s a popular spot because it’s said to bring luck.
You can read more about this legend in our article.
Midday: Fashion and Lunch
From the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it’s a short walk to the Quadrilatero della Moda.
This area is Milan’s prestigious fashion district.
The Quadrilatero della Moda forms a square of four streets.
You’ll find high-end fashion boutiques and showrooms.
It’s a great area to shop and explore the world of luxury fashion.
After the Quadrilatero di Moda, the Brera District is your next stop.
Afternoon: History and Culture
The Brera District has charming, narrow, old streets to offer.
They are full of cozy cafes, restaurants, and small boutiques.
This area also hosts the Pinacoteca di Brera.
The gallery was founded by Napoleon I.
It hosts one of the most significant art collections in Italy.
Among them are important Italian masterpieces.
If you want to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, you can book your ticket on the official website.
From the Pinacoteca di Brera, you can walk to the Teatro alla Scala.
You can enjoy the view of the facade, or book a guided tour.
The La Scala Opera House, also known as La Scala, was opened at the end of the 18th century.
Since this time operas, concerts, and ballets have been performed by famous artists like Giuseppe Verdi.
The guided tour includes the ornate halls and the theater museum.
You can see the original costumes and instruments.
There are also busts and paintings of Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, and other artists of classical music.
The last stop before enjoying the first evening in the fashion capital is at the Leonardo3 Museum.
The interactive museum is about Da Vinci’s machines and manuscripts.
You can explore and see reconstructions and digital restorations of his ideas.
You can touch and try some of his inventions.
It’s a fun way to end the first day in Milan.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE LEONARDO3 MUSEUM
Evening: Dinner at the heart of Milan
If you stay in the Milan center as we did, there are some great options for restaurants and trattorias.
You can have a fancy dinner at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and you can enjoy an aperitivo at the rooftop bars at the Galleria.
Our tip: Get away from the main streets and explore the smaller streets.
You will find some hidden gems with great restaurants and trattorias there.
We had dinner at the Il Cantonine.
⭐ Travel Tip: In case you're traveling solo and don't want to eat alone, you can read our article about things to do alone in Milan. We have a fun idea for you!
2-Day Itinerary Milan: Day 2
Morning: Da Vinci’s Masterpiece and a Hidden Gem
The best way to start day 2 is at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The church, specifically the refectory is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Viewing the famous painting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It’s also extremely popular and there are some things to consider before visiting this top attraction.
We have an article about the best way to see The Last Supper in Milan.
Make sure to read it before you plan your visit.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE LAST SUPPER
After your visit, you can enjoy coffee at one of the nearby cafes before you continue your day in Milan.
Next, head to the Cimitero Monumentale.
On your way to the monumental cemetery, you will pass by the Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch that marks the entrance to the park.
You can take a photo and walk to the Cimitero Monumentale.
The monumental cemetery is known for its impressive sculptures, artistic graves, and crypts.
This attraction is one of Milan’s hidden gems and one of our highlights in the city.
The cemetery is more like an open-air museum, showcasing Milan’s artistry and reverence for the past.
The entrance is free and you are provided with a map of the cemetery.
It will show you the most beautiful sculptures and crypts.
On your way for lunch, you can stop by the Bosco Verticale, if you’re interested in sustainable living and architecture.
The Boso Verticale are buildings with lots of greenery.
While many other content creators add it to their list of the best things to do in Milan we weren’t particularly impressed by it.
Sure, the buildings look great and it’s an amazing project to make Milan greener, but it’s not a must-see in Milan.
Midday and Afternoon: Art and Lunch
Your day 2 in Milan continues at Sempione Park.
If the weather allows, you can order some food inside Sempione Park and enjoy it amidst the greenery before you head to the next attraction.
At the end of the park, you reach Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), an impressive fortress.
The entrance to the castle grounds is free.
If you want to visit the several museums and art collections you can book your ticket in advance.
One of the highlights in the museum is Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture, ‘La Pietà Rondanini’.
TICKET FOR THE SFORZA CASTLE MUSEUMS
From the Sforza Castle, it’s time to walk to the Navigli District.
If this is too much for you, consider taking the tram to the Naviglio District.
Evening: Aperitivo, Boat Trip and Dinner
For dinner, the Navigli district offers numerous dining options along the canal.
The district comes alive with locals and tourists alike, making it the perfect place for your final evening in Milan.
Here, you can enjoy a traditional Italian meal or an aperitif as you watch the sunset.
🍸 Travel Tip: The tradition of 'aperitivo', where drinks are accompanied by snacks, is a quintessential Milanese experience.
You can enjoy an aperitivo at one of the osterias or while enjoying a boat tour along the Naviglio Grande canal.
BOOK A BOAT TOUR WITH APERITIVO
Where To Stay
We stayed in the city center in the Hotel Aiello Duomo.
It was 2 minutes away from the Milan Cathedral and is the best area to stay in Milan.
Next to the hotel is a parking garage which was perfect for us because we traveled by car.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Milan, take a look at the map.
We added the main attractions to the map. If you want to stay close to a specific attraction, you can find accommodations nearby.
Final Thoughts About 2 Days in Milan
Exploring Milan in two days gives you a great overview and covers the most important attractions.
From the breathtaking views of the Milan Cathedral roof to the hidden gem, the Cimitero Monumentale, every corner is full of Italian flair.
Whether wandering through the historic heart of the city or the vibrant atmosphere of the Navigli District, we’re sure you will love Italy’s second-largest city as much as we did.
In case you don’t know how many days you want to spend in Milan, check out our Milan trip itineraries.
Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and check out our travel planning tips for your Milan city trip below.
⭐ Travel Tip: In case you consider staying longer in Milan we recommend a day trip from Milan. There are some of the most beautiful attractions near the city.
