Milan is unique, especially compared to other Northern Italian cities, such as Florence and Venice. Its more modern appeal may not have the same Italian aesthetic feel, but it can be just as beautiful.
The significance of Milan dates back to the Roman Empire, where it served as the capital of Italy from 286 AD – 402 AD. (Italia.it)
Since then, the city has been world-renowned for its architecture, art, and fashion.
This was the first city of our big two-week trip to Northern Italy and Rome and my first time in Italy. I had pictured the rustic buildings of Verona with the hustle and bustle of a large city.
Needless to say, the Milan aesthetics were not quite what I had pictured. And contrary to my expectations, with it being Italy’s second most populous city, Milan did not have that “too big of a city.”
Quickly, my concerns of only dedicating a Milan 2-day itinerary to our Italy vacation slowly dissipated.
Although Milan didn’t have the rustic, Italian vibe I was anticipating, it was quite beautiful and had many things to see and do.
Is Two Days Enough Time for Milan
Although Milan has many hidden gems and important museums, most of the city’s main attractions can be easily seen in two days.
In this Milan 2-day itinerary guide, I have dedicated the first day to a more fast-paced experience: sightseeing and experiencing some of the city’s major attractions near the city center.
The second day is more relaxed; it’s spent enjoying the parks, luxury shopping, and neighborhoods and simply soaking in and enjoying the city.
If you have the luxury of staying an additional day, I have included some extra things to see in Milan at the end of this post.
Milan 2-day Itinerary: Day 1
Take Photos At The Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo, “Cathedral Square,” is Milan’s main city square and should be your trip’s first stop. This square marks the heart of the city, and it certainly has that feel. It is located in the Centro Storico district.
This main square is quite large, with the hustle and bustle of city traffic and beautiful city buildings. But the most iconic landmark is the Duomo Cathedral itself.
This square is a perfect location to capture the magnificence of the cathedral in photos.
Tip: The Piazza del Duomo can be extremely crowded. There were so many people when we visited the first week of April. Prioritize getting here first thing in the morning. If you start your day early enough, enjoy a coffee and pastry with the view of the cathedral.
Visit The Duomo Cathedral and Climb the Teracces
The Duomo Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, took over 600 years to be constructed and is the largest cathedral in Italy.
It is magnificent! The white Candoglia marble makes the cathedral stand out against the rest of the city.
The Duomo Cathedral and plaza surely feel like the heart of Milan.
The inside is just as stunning, and there is even a little museum. You could easily spend a couple of hours thoroughly admiring its rich history.
Tip: You must dress appropriately to enter the cathedral. Before entering, cover your knees and shoulders and remove your hats.
You must prioritize climbing to the top and walking on the terraces on the roof of the Duomo. The view of the Piazza Duomo and the city is incredible. And the Instagrammable panoramic views are breathtaking!
What’s even more impressive? These terraces are the perfect place to admire the cathedral’s thousands of spires and sculptures up close! It really should be a bucket-list experience for Italy.
Tip: You should purchase the tickets ahead of time. We were fortunate enough to buy them that day but were very limited on our time options.
There are over 200 stairs to reach the terraces; however, for an additional charge, you can ride the elevator up. We chose to do this, and it was well worth it. The line was significantly shorter.
We did climb the stairs to get down.
The entrance to the terraces is at the back of the cathedral.
Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall and is stunning! It’s a short walk from the Milan cathedral, making it the perfect place to visit next on the list of things to do in Milan!
The gallery, named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, is one of Milan’s most iconic places.
The center is a perfect central glass dome hovering over an octagonal space. Be sure to admire the mosaics on the floor; they are just as beautiful as the ceiling.
You will find many restaurants and luxury department stores here, including the very first Prada store.
Take a Break at the Marchesi Cafe
Marchesi Cafe was established in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1824. Walking through the doors, you can immediately sense the sweet aroma of the pastries.
Marchesi is famous for its hand-crafted delicacies and pastries.
Tip: It does get very busy! We were fortunate to find a standing table in the back. I would avoid visiting during the mid afternoons.
If you are traveling around Easter, the beautiful Easter eggs on the display or some of the prettiest I have ever seen
Piazza della Scala
Just walking distance from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the Piazza della Scala. This square is smaller than the Duomo Square but less crowded. It felt like a hidden gem and was the perfect afternoon break from a busy morning.
In the center of the piazza is a Leonardo da Vinci Statue facing away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Visit the Teatro alla Scala
The La Scala opera house is right on the square! If you can, check to see if they have an evening show. That would be the perfect evening activity in Milan.
Enjoy an Apertife at the Camparino
Sneak back through the Galleria to the Camparino. Milan is the birthplace of the appertivo, so what better place to enjoy one than near the Milan cathedral.
Tip: Compari is quite bitter. I didn’t enjoy it, but it was worth the try!
See Leonard da Vinci’s Last Supper and Santa Maria Delle Grazie
Tickets get booked weeks to months in advance, especially during the summer months. Check out the official website for details.
Tip: While in the Italy trip planning process, once you have your days set aside for Milan, go ahead and book the tickets. You can efficiently work your Milan two-day itinerary around this experience.
Walk Around the Brera District
I loved walking through the narrow streets in this neighborhood. It was such a nice break from the busy city center. Explore the stores, and enjoy walking around aimlessly.
Book a Food Tour
Hands down, this is one of my favorite ways of experiencing a new city! Trying the typical cuisine while taking a walking guided tour of the city is a win-win.
Tip: Be sure to ask the local guide for suggestions! The following day, we usually eat at their recommended restaurants.
Milan 2-day Itinerary: Day 2
The second day of this itinerary is designed to be a bit more relaxing.
Walk Around Quadrilatero della Moda
If you love fashion and shopping, no trip to Milan is complete without retail therapy.
The Quadrilateral della Moda is the city’s fashion district, filled with designer stores and luxury boutiques.
If you’re not looking to do some retail therapy, the district is beautiful and makes for a pleasant walk and extravagant window shopping.
Explore Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco was initially a defensive fortress and residence constructed and resided by Galeazzo Visconti II.
It later belonged to Francesco Sforza, the ruler of Milan. During Sforza’s rule, it was greatly expanded to become the historical center it is today.
Today, the fortress is home to several museums, including works by Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The beautiful brick structure looks untouched by time, appearing perfectly kept.
Avoid the long lines by booking your tickets ahead of time. For more information, check out their official site.
Make sure to enjoy the courtyard and surrounding mote and castle grounds. The landscape is beautiful!
Take a Stroll at Parco Sempione
Just past the Sforza Castle is the Sempione Park. I cannot advise you enough to prioritize a visit here.
It is the largest park in Milan and a great place to escape the city and relax.
This is a great option and one of the best places to travel to Milan with kids. They have an entire area dedicated to little children, including rides and bumper cars.
Related Post: How to Travel Milan with Kids and Enjoy it.
Parco Sempione is worth seeing and is a perfect itinerary option after a busy first day.
See the Arch of Peace
The Arch of Peace, Arco Della Pace, is opposite the park from the Castel Sforza.
It’s a beautiful arch, honoring Neopoleon’s Victories and symbolizing European peace. This area is dedicated to pedestrians, making it one of the best things to see in the city while enjoying the park.
Walk around Corso Sempione
This area is located at the back of Sempione Park at the Arch of Peace.
This district is charming to walk around. There are so many restaurants! You can easily have the best time in this area, getting away from the crowds in the city center.
Enjoy the Local Foods
Don’t forget to indulge in the local Milanese cuisine! I would absolutely recommend a food tour.
A few of their favorites are: osso buco, rosotto alla milanese and cotoletta alla milanese.
I would also recommend the pizza and gelato! Honestly, the best pizza we had on our trip to Northern Italy was here in Milan!
Additional Things To Do In Milan If You Have More Time
If you want to spend less time in the park, you can easily add some of these must-see attractions from Milan to day 2.
Visit the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore
The Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, named after the Christian martyr San Lorenzo, is the oldest church in Milan.
If you enter the crypt area, you can see some of the original sections of the church, dating back to the fourth century.
Enjoy an Apertiffe in the Navigli Neighborhood
This is the right place to enjoy an Apertiffe on the water. Two different canals create the Navigli district, which is lined with many restaurants.
This area is a really popular spot in the late afternoon and early evening.
Take a Day Trip
Several beautiful towns are outside the city, including Lake Como, Bergamo, and Turin.
I have not had an opportunity to visit these towns, but they look like they are worth seeing.
Visit Some Of Milan’s Most Popular Art Galleries
- Brera Art Gallery
- Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
- Museo della Pieta Rondanini
How To Get Around In Milan
Walking
Milan, Italy, is very pedestrian-friendly. We walked everywhere. The city never felt “too big or spread out.” Walking was the best way to get around.
Public transportation
The public transportation in Italy is phenomenal. The metro and buses are very easy to navigate in the city.
How to get to Milan
Airports:
Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP)
MXP is the largest of Milan’s airports and is an easy 50 kilometers from the city center. If you’re traveling from the USA, you will likely arrive here.
Milan Linate Airport
You will likely arrive here if you fly to Milan from a European country. This smaller airport is less than 10 kilometers from the city center.
Train
Milano Central
Milano Central is the city’s main train station, about a 30-minute walk from the center.
Final Thoughts On This Milan 2-Day Itinerary
Milan is a beautiful city with its own charm. With so many things to do, you will easily have a jam-packed trip and will leave feeling like you experienced Milan.
Book your guided tours ahead of time to avoid those long lines. This will free up more time for your two days in Milan vacation.
Additional Resources and Helpful Posts:
If you’re traveling to Milan with kids, be sure to check out How to Travel Milan with Kids and Enjoy it.
If you’re taking a tour of Northern Italy, be sure to consider these itineraries (Florence, Venice, and Verona) to maximize your Italian vacation!
Check out this guide for 1-day Rome and 3-day Rome Itineraries and the Vatican City.
Are you planning a family trip to Italy? This Traveling to Italy with Kids Guide will provide helpful tips and information on what to expect.
Here are some great family-friendly cities to visit, with tips for those with young children: Venice, Rome, Florence, and Verona.
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