So you’re looking for the best 3 days in Milan itinerary?
You found the right place!
Here, you’ll find our suggested timetable for the 3-day Milan itinerary, including the most important attractions.
We also share with you a map of Milan. You can use it to follow our suggested route and itinerary.
In our guide, you’ll also find recommendations for the best places to stay in Milan and how to get around.
Most of the attractions in Milano are nearby. You can explore the city on foot or take public transportation if you don’t want to walk extensively.
Three Days In Milan Overview
Our suggested itinerary takes you to the best things to do in Milan.
However, it’s important to note that the walking tour spans at least 12 miles (18 kilometers) on foot.
You can alternatively use the metro, buses, or trams to get from one highlight to the other.
To travel across Milan, the Milan City Card comes in handy.
It gives you access to public transportation and the best Milan attractions.
Alternatively, you can use the Hop-on Hop-off bus service.
Milan 3-Day Itinerary At A Glance
For your perfect city trip to Milan, we included a map, the optimal walking route, and a suggested timetable for you.
You can save it on your phone for a relaxed trip while seeing the best of Milan in three days.
While it’s possible to see Milan in one day, visiting Milan in 3 days gives you more time to explore the city.
Good to know: Day 1 and Day 2 are from our Milan in two days itinerary guide. We also have a Milan in one-day itinerary for you to check out if your travel plans should change.
Day 1: The City Center Of Milan
This is our suggested Milan itinerary for the first day. Below, you’ll find all the information and tips for your first day.
| TIME | ATTRACTION | TO KNOW |
| 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 Impressive Art & Hidden Gems
This is our suggested day 2 for Milan. Below, you’ll find more about each attraction in the article.
| TIME | ATTRACTION | TO KNOW |
| 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. |
Day 3: Day Trip From Milan
Day 3 offers the chance to explore the best placesn and cities of Northern Italy and Switzerland. Discover our top picks for must-visit places near Milan in this article.
3-Day Milan Itinerary: Day 1
Morning: Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Start your first day in the fashion capital at the Milan Cathedral.
The Duomo di Milano is the landmark of Milan. The light color and the Gothic architecture make the cathedral one of a kind.
The Milan Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This makes it one of the reasons Milan is among Italy’s most popular cities in Italy.
The intricate details, towers, spires, and gargoyles are one of a kind.
A must-do in our opinion is visiting the Milan Duomo rooftop. It was one of our highlights in Milan.
You can take a close look at the spires and gargoyles while also having an amazing view of Milan.
To visit the roof terrace, the interior, and the archaeological area (= one of the hidden gems in Milan) beneath the cathedral requires a ticket. You better book it in advance.
Tickets for the rooftop terrace are limited.
Our tip: If you want to learn more about the history of the Milan Cathedral, you can visit the Duomo Museum.
Access to the museum is included in the ticket.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE MILAN CATHEDRAL
The Duomo Museum is located close to the cathedral. You can get more information about it in our things to see in Milan article.
After visiting the Milan Cathedral you can go to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This famous arcade is conveniently situated right next to the cathedral.
The elegant arcade is known for its restaurants, luxury boutiques, and cafes.
Covered by an impressive glass dome, it makes it the perfect place if you’re experiencing Milan in the rain.
Even if you’re not interested in high-end shopping, the architecture and mosaic floors are worth seeing.
In the middle of the Galleria, there’s a special mosaic on the floor which is said to bring luck. You can read more about the legend in this article.
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Noon: Fashion District and Lunch
From the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, it’s only a short walk to the Milan fashion district, the Quadrilatero della Moda.
This area forms a square of four streets, where you’ll find high-end fashion showrooms and boutiques.
It’s a great area to shop and explore the world of luxury fashion.
After the Quadrilatero di Moda, the lively Brera District is the next stop on the itinerary.
Afternoon: Historical Milano
The Brera District is a district with charming, old streets. You can enjoy small boutiques, cozy cafes, and restaurants.
In this area is the Pinacoteca di Brera. The famous gallery, founded by Napoleon I, has one of the most significant art collections in Italy.
If you want to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera during your city trip, you can book your ticket here:
From the Pinacoteca di Brera, the next stop is the La Scala. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful opera house, or book a guided tour.
The La Scala Opera House opened its doors at the end of the 18th century. Since then, operas, concerts, and ballets by famous artists like Giuseppe Verdi have been performed here.
The guided tour of the La Scala includes seeing the ornate halls, the theater museum, original costumes and instruments.
There are also busts and paintings of Verdi, Toscanini, and other famous musicians.
Before ending the first day is at the Leonardo3 Museum. This interactive museum is about Leonardo Da Vinci’s machines and manuscripts.
You can see reconstructions, and digital restorations of his ideas, and even try some of his inventions.
(You can find an interactive Leonardo Da Vinci museum in Florence as well).
It’s a fun way to end day one in Milan before heading to dinner.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE INTERACTIVE LEONARDO MUSEUM
Evening: Dinner at the heart of Milan
If you stay in the Milan center as we did, there are some great restaurants and trattorias.
You can enjoy an aperitif at the rooftop bars at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and dinner in one of the restaurants at the Galleria.
Our tip: Step aside from the main streets and explore the smaller ones.
You will find some great restaurants and trattorias there. We had dinner at the Il Cantonine close to the Milan Cathedral.
⭐ Travel Tip: If you're traveling solo and don't want to eat alone, read our article about things to do in Milan alone. We have a great idea for you!
3-Day Milan Itinerary: Day 2
Morning: Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper & Hidden Gem
The best way to start day 2 of 3 is by visiting The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie. The refectory wall next to the church is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Seeing the world-famous painting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s extremely popular and there are some things to know before seeing the “Il Cenacolo”.
We have an article for you about the best way to visit The Last Supper. Make sure to read it before you plan your visit.
BOOK A TICKET FOR THE LAST SUPPER
After your visit, you can enjoy a coffee at one of the nearby cafes before heading to the next attraction.
Next, you will head to the Cimitero Monumentale. On your way to the monumental cemetery, you will see the Arco della Pace.
This triumphal arch marks the entrance to Sempione Park.
You can take a photo and continue your walk to the Cimitero Monumentale.
The monumental cemetery has impressive sculptures, graves, and crypts.
This attraction is one of our highlights in the city and one of the hidden gems.
The cemetery is like an open-air museum, showcasing Milan’s artistry and reverence for the past.
The entrance to the cemetery is free. You are provided with a map of the cemetery when entering the area.
It will guide you to the most beautiful sculptures and crypts.
On your way to lunch, you can stop by the Bosco Verticale. If you’re interested in sustainable living and architecture, you’ll enjoy the sight of the buildings.
The Bosco Verticale consists of a couple of towers adorned with lush greenery.
While many bloggers include it in their list of the best things to see in Milan, we weren’t particularly impressed.
The buildings look great, and the project is a great effort to make Milan greener and more sustainable. However, we don’t consider it a must-see.
⭐ Overwhelmed by planning your trip to Italy? Check out our Italy Travel Planning Checklist.
Noon and Afternoon: Art and Lunch
Your day 2 continues at Sempione Park. If the weather allows it, you could order food inside Sempione Park and enjoy it amidst the greenery.
At the end of the park, you reach Castello Sforzesco, an impressive fortress. The entrance to the Sforza Castle grounds is free.
If you want to visit the museums and art collections you can book your ticket already in advance.
One of the highlights here is Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture, ‘La Pietà Rondanini’.
TICKET FOR THE SFORZA CASTLE MUSEUMS
From the castle, it’s time to get to the Navigli District. If this is too much of a walk, consider taking the tram to the Naviglio District.
Evening: Aperitif, Boat Trip & Dinner
The Navigli district offers numerous dining options along the canal.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy the Navigli district. It’s a great area for your second evening in Milan.
You can enjoy a traditional Italian meal or an ‘aperitivo’ while watching the sun go down.
⭐ Travel Tip: The tradition of having an aperitif before dinner is a quintessential Milanese experience. You can enjoy a drink like an Aperol which is accompanied by snacks,
You can enjoy an aperitif at one of the osterias or during a boat tour along the Naviglio Grande canal.
Day 3: Day Trip From Milan
On your final day in Milan, we recommend planning a day trip to Northern Italy or Switzerland.
Milan’s location makes it the perfect starting point for enjoying one of the most beautiful areas nearby.
You can choose from a variety of destinations.
They each offer a unique experience.
You’ll find our favorite day trips as well as all the information you need here: Best Day Trips From Milan
We recommend considering one of the following day trips, as they are close to Milan:
- Cinque Terre: A UNESCO World Heritage area of five medieval coastal villages nestled along the Italian Riviera. You can enjoy a scenic boat trip with breathtaking views, and tranquil walks in car-free zones.
- Bernina Express to St. Moritz: Experience the majestic Italian and Swiss Alps aboard the Bernina Express. It’s one of the steepest railways bringing you to St. Moritz in Switzerland. (Don’t forget to bring your passport.)
- Lake Como: Italy’s third-largest lake, where Swiss and Italian cultures blend. The trip’s highlights include visiting Lugano, a boat ride to Bellagio, and a tour of Lake Como’s shores. (Don’t forget your passport.)
- Turin: Italy’s first capital is known for its local chocolate and the famous Egyptian Museum.
- Lake Garda and Verona: Visit Verona, the City of Love, and enjoy the Mediterranean flair of Lake Garda.
- Genoa and Portofino: Explore Genoa’s rich maritime history and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Visit Portofino, a haven for celebrities and a popular town along the Ligurian coast.
- Bergamo and Brescia: Explore the artistic and architectural heritage of these cities, showcasing Northern Italy’s rich history and culture.
Where To Stay In Milan
The best area to stay in Milan is in the city center.
We stayed within walking distance of the Milan Cathedral at the Hotel Aiello Duomo.
🏨 BOOK YOUR STAY AT AIELLO DUOMO HOTEL
It’s conveniently located in the heart of the city, next to a parking garage. If you arrive by car, this is the perfect place and area to stay.
If you’re looking for a specific accommodation next to one of the main attractions, you can take a look at this map:
Final Thoughts About Three Days in Milan
Exploring Milan in three days is enough to give you a great overview.
Our suggested itinerary covers the most important attractions inside the city, and you have time to see one of the great areas surrounding Milan.
We hope you enjoy our itinerary and your visit to Milan.
Don’t forget to share your experiences with us and check out our travel planning tips for your Milan city trip: Milan city guide
