Milan is a city that wears many hats. It's the fashion capital, a hub for art lovers, and a place steeped in history. If you have three days to spare, you can experience a little bit of everything without feeling like a whirlwind tour guide. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Day one: Historic heart and local flavors
Your first day should be a love letter to Milan's rich history. Start your morning at the magnificent Duomo di Milano. This gothic cathedral is not just a building; it’s an experience. Climb to the rooftop for breathtaking views—don’t worry, the stairs are only slightly more exhausting than a treadmill marathon.
- 8:30 AM: Arrive at the Duomo. Grab a quick pastry and espresso at a nearby café.
- 10:00 AM: Head inside the Duomo. Don’t forget to admire the stained glass windows. They’re like Instagram filters but way older.
- 11:30 AM: Stroll to Piazza della Scala and snap a selfie in front of La Scala Opera House.
For lunch, treat yourself to a local favorite, ristorante Spontini, famous for its pizza al trancio. The slices are larger than your face, which is a definite plus.
- 1:00 PM: Enjoy pizza at Spontini.
- 2:30 PM: Walk to the Sforza Castle. The castle grounds are perfect for an afternoon stroll, or for pretending you’re in a historical drama.
- 4:00 PM: Explore the museums inside the castle. If you're lucky, you might find some art that makes you feel smarter.
Wrap up your day with a dinner at Trattoria Milanese, where you can savor traditional Risotto alla Milanese. Pair it with a glass of local wine, and congratulations, you’ve just done day one like a pro.
Day two: Fashion and modern art
Day two is all about indulging in Milan’s fashion scene. Start early, because the fashionistas wake up before the sun does. Your first stop is the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping gallery is not just for shopping; it's an architectural masterpiece. You might even forget to shop because you’ll be too busy looking up.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Grab an overpriced but delicious coffee at Camparino.
- 10:00 AM: Browse the luxury shops. Just remember, you’re only window shopping unless you’re ready to sell a kidney.
- 11:30 AM: Head to the Quadrilatero della Moda for high-end shopping. Think of it as a fashion museum where you can touch things.
For lunch, hit up Risoelatte. This place has a nostalgic vibe and serves up delightful risottos that’ll make your heart sing.
- 1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Risoelatte.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the Museo del Novecento. This museum is a haven for modern art lovers. It’s less about what you see and more about pretending to understand it.
- 4:30 PM: Take a leisurely stroll in Parco Sempione. If you’re lucky, you might even find a spot to sit and contemplate life—or just scroll through Instagram.
For dinner, check out Ca’puccino for a mix of Italian and international cuisine. Enjoy a meal while possibly pondering whether your fashion sense has improved over the day.
Day three: Culture and hidden gems
On your final day, it’s time to dive deeper into Milan’s cultural treasures. Start with the iconic Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. Make sure to book your tickets in advance; otherwise, you might find yourself crying in the corner of a café.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Take a moment to appreciate the architecture before diving into the art.
- 10:30 AM: Marvel at The Last Supper. Yes, it’s as breathtaking as everyone says.
- 12:00 PM: Walk to the nearby Castello Sforzesco for more historical vibes.
Head to the Brera district for lunch at Osteria di Brera. The area is filled with quirky boutiques and art galleries, perfect for your inner art aficionado.
- 1:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Osteria di Brera.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the art galleries in Brera. You never know; you might find that one piece that speaks to your soul—or at least your Instagram followers.
- 5:00 PM: Wind down at a local café with a gelato. Because, let’s face it, you deserve it after three full days.
On your way back, take a moment to reflect on your journey through Milan. Three days might seem short, but you’ve packed in more culture, fashion, and food than most people experience in a month. So raise your gelato in a toast to Milan, the city that knows how to steal your heart—and your wallet.
