How to Make the Most of 3 Days in Milan (+ Travel Tips!)

Milan, you stole our hearts! From stunning architecture to mouthwatering food and a serious fashion scene, this city had it all. We spent three unforgettable days exploring its best spots, and now we’re here to share our ultimate itinerary so you can make the most of your time in Milan too.

Milan (Milano)

Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy, is located in the northern part of the country, in the Lombardy region. It sits between the Alps and the Po Valley, making it a strategic hub for both business and tourism. Known for its stunning architecture, world-class shopping, and rich history, Milan is also a gateway to picturesque destinations like Lake Como and the Italian Alps. Whether you're here for art, fashion, or food, Milan offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

We stayed at Hyatt Centric Milano Centrale, a modern and stylish hotel just a short walk from Milano Centrale railway station. The location made it super easy to get around, and the rooftop bar with city views was the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. Now, let’s get into how we spent our 3 days in Milan!

Day 1 : Iconic Landmarks & Aperitivo Vibes

Morning: Kicking Things Off at the Duomo

Duomo di Milano - Milano Cathedral

We couldn’t start our trip any other way—our first stop was Piazza del Duomo, home to Milan’s jaw-dropping Duomo di Milano. Trust us, seeing this Gothic masterpiece in person is next-level impressive. We grabbed a quick espresso and a cornetto at a nearby café (because, you know, when in Italy :), then headed inside to explore. The real highlight? Climbing up to the rooftop. The panoramic views over the city (and even the Alps in the distance) were absolutely worth it.

Lunch: A Classic Milanese Bite

By the time we came down, we were more than ready for some food. We headed to Luini—a tiny shop near the Duomo famous for panzerotti (deep-fried pastries filled with cheese and tomato). One bite and we knew why there was a line outside. It was warm, cheesy perfection!

Afternoon: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & Sforza Castle

Next, we walked over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s iconic luxury shopping arcade. Even if you’re not planning to shop (we weren’t exactly in the market for a new Gucci bag), the stunning glass-domed ceiling and elegant vibe made it worth a visit.

From there, we strolled through the city and ended up at Sforza Castle. This fortress-turned-museum was a great spot to soak in some history, but honestly, we just enjoyed wandering through Parco Sempione, the beautiful park behind it.

Evening: Aperitivo at the Navigli Canals

Bustling with activity, the Navigli District in Milan showcases its vibrant canal-side market, lined with colorful buildings and lively stalls, offering a picturesque view of urban charm.

After a full day of sightseeing, we were more than ready for aperitivo (aka Italy’s best invention). We headed to the Navigli district, a super charming area lined with bars and restaurants along the canals. We found a spot with outdoor seating, ordered some spritz, and enjoyed the early evening buzz of Milan. The best part? Most aperitivo places bring out complimentary snacks with your drinks—so we basically had dinner covered!

Day 2 of our 3 Days in Milan: Art, Fashion & Rooftop Drinks

Morning: The Brera Art District

Day two in Milan was all about culture, so we kicked things off at the Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s top art gallery. Even if you’re not an art expert, seeing works by legends like Caravaggio and Raphael was incredible. Plus, the whole Brera district is beautiful—cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, and a much more local feel.

Lunch: A Chic Foodie Stop

We wanted something a little more modern for lunch, so we checked out Eataly, a food hall packed with all kinds of Italian specialties. It was basically a foodie playground, with fresh pasta, meats, cheeses—you name it. We grabbed a couple of plates to share and soaked in the lively atmosphere.

Afternoon: Shopping & Fashion District

You can’t spend 3 days in Milan and NOT explore the fashion scene! After lunch, we headed to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-end shopping district. Even though our wallets weren’t ready for designer splurges, window-shopping was still a blast.

For a more laid-back shopping vibe, we wandered over to Corso di Porta Ticinese, where we found some great vintage stores and cool indie boutiques.

Evening: Sunset Views & Drinks

To wrap up the day, we made our way to Terrazza Aperol, a rooftop bar with unreal views of the Duomo. There’s something magical about watching the sunset over Milan with an Aperol Spritz in hand—100% recommend!

Day 3: Hidden Gems & A Grand Finale

Morning: The Last Supper

Our final day in Milan started with something special—seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. We had to book tickets in advance, but it was completely worth it. Seeing this masterpiece up close was honestly surreal.

Lunch: A Relaxed Picnic in the Park

For lunch, we grabbed some fresh panini from a nearby deli and took them to Parco Sempione for a little picnic. It was the perfect way to slow down and soak in the city before heading to our next stop.

Afternoon: Exploring Hidden Milan

We decided to check out some lesser-known spots, starting with the Brera district again, but this time exploring its smaller alleyways and hidden gems.

Evening: A Classic Milanese Dinner

Savor the rich flavors of ossobuco: braised veal shank simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

For our last meal in Milan, we wanted something truly traditional. We headed to Trattoria Milanese, a cozy spot serving up risotto alla Milanese (a creamy saffron-infused risotto) and ossobuco (braised veal shank). The perfect way to end our trip!

Final Tips for Milan Travellers

✔️ Book The Last Supper tickets early – they sell out fast!

✔️ Use public transport – the metro is super easy to navigate.

✔️ Stay central – neighborhoods like Brera, Navigli, or near the Duomo make exploring easy.

✔️ Dress stylish but comfy – Milan is all about fashion, but you’ll be walking a lot.

✔️ Try an aperitivo – Milanese happy hour is a must! Head to Navigli or Brera for drinks and complimentary snacks.

✔️ Visit early or late – Popular spots like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are less crowded in the morning or evening.

✔️ Carry cash – While most places take cards, smaller cafés and markets might prefer cash.

✔️ Check opening hours – Some shops and restaurants close for riposo (afternoon break), so plan accordingly.

✔️ Take a day trip – If you have extra time, consider visiting Lake Como, Bergamo, or even Verona.

✔️ Try local specialties – Don't leave without tasting risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and panettone!

✔️ Be aware of cover charges – Some restaurants charge a coperto (cover fee), so check before sitting down.

✔️ Pre-book rooftop bars – Spots like Terrazza Aperol and Il Bar at La Rinascente offer stunning views but can fill up fast.

✔️ Use an eSIM or local SIM – Having mobile data helps for navigation, translations, and restaurant bookings.

✔️ Embrace the Milanese pace – Milan is stylish but relaxed. Take time to sip your espresso, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the atmosphere.

And that’s it—our amazing 3-day adventure in Milan! From jaw-dropping landmarks to delicious food and unforgettable experiences, this city completely won us over. If Milan isn’t on your travel list yet, trust us—you need to change that. 😉

Would you add anything else to a Milan itinerary? Let us know in the comments! 💬