How to spend 2 days in Milan | The fashion Capital of Italy

Recently we have been travelling to Italy quite often, going back a further from our hometown Naples, but also visiting Milan because cheap and close to Alessia brother’s house. We have been spending a lot of time in Northern Italy, and this is a perfect 2 Days in Milan guide ready for you. A packed Milan 2 days Itinerary for everybody, even first-timers travellers in Italy.

Although spending in Milan almost a couple of days every weekend, we came off with a full list of recommendations for things to do in Milan in 2 days.

Milan is beautiful and is one of the trendiest fashion Capitals of Europe. You can enjoy a weekend in Milan in every season. It is a lively city that encloses all the best of the Italian Traditions. Milan in 2 days is possible, but if you have the chance to allocate an extra day or two is, even more possible to enjoy a thousand experiences to do in Milan. 2 full days in Milan will be enough for avid travellers used to walk a lot.

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The Milan Cathedral – The Duomo of Milan

This is the most recognizable monument in Milan. The beautiful cathedral is located in the centre of the city and is at the top of the list of things to do in Milan in 2 days. It is a popular tourist spot in Milan, so if you are a fancy and instagrammable photo of Milan, be ready to wake up early to avoid the crowds. All around the Cathedral of Milan, there are many rooftops where to enjoy the view and the Italian Style. Sip a Spritz aperitif on the Terrazza Aperol with an amazing viewpoint of the Duomo of Milan.

You can hike up to the rooftop of the Duomo of Milan. If you are ready for approximately 250 steps it will be the cheapest way to reach the top, otherwise, the lift will cost you 4 euros more on the entrance ticket. If you are spending just 48 hours in Milan, hike the Duomo is one of the best things to do in Milan. Skip the line RoofTop.

Before approaching the Milan Cathedral, remember that it is a church and you need to follow a composite dress code, even if there isn’t one – you will need to cover your knees and shoulders so make sure you attend the visit rightly.

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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Dated back to the 1860s the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery is a stunning building in the centre of Milan. Located near the Duomo of Milano, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is one of the main attractions of Milan. You can’t miss this popular sightseeing on your list of things to do in Milan in 2 days.

It is always crowded with tourists, but make sure you pass for a visit from part to part, reaching the way to the Last Supper.

The Gallery is full of trendy boutiques and stores mostly there for a long time. There are also a few old bookstores worth a visit.

Walkthrough the fashion streets of Milan

Well known as the fashion capital of Europe. Milan is a trendy location where swipe your card in one of the trendiest boutiques. Even if you are not a big fan of shopping, you can’t avoid inviting shops windows.

There are a few main locations in the lookout for shopping in Milan:

Via Montenapoleone the most expensive street in Europe

Milano is the fashion capital of Europe, and as you have seen above, there are many streets with popular boutiques and fashion retail shops. The Fashion District of Milan is known as the Quadrilatero della Moda.

All the streets that are running from Piazza del Duomo to San Babila have fashion retail shops, like Zara, H&, Diesel and many more. Instead Via Montenapoleone is an upscale shopping street of Milan.

Popular as the most expensive street in Europe, see boutiques of Gucci, Prada, Armani. With the other narrow streets, like Via della Spiga is mainly haunted by rich people. 

Teatro Alla Scala | La Scala Opera House

The Italian Opera House most famous in the World is the Teatro alla Scala. Many popular artists have performed here like Puccini, Verdi and Toscanini.

There are many ways that you can enjoy a unique experience in Milan at the Teatro alla Scala. You can try luck in the day for a ticket at the main office. This is nearly impossible to happen, and if you are lucky enough the price could be really high.

There are almost never unsold tickets. If you book in advance for your visit to the popular theatre for a performance, the tickets can cost you even over 100 euro.

If you are still willing to try, you can choose a tour visit of the location, some of them allow you to get behind the scenes, following the steps of popular composers.

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Check those tours for you at Teatro alla Scala

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Parco Sempione and Sforzesco Castle

The amazing castle of Milan is Castello Sforzesco. This amazing building is surrounded by a gorgeous and huge park that is the green lung of the city. The locals use the benches and the meadows of the park to rest especially in the summertime. 

Visit Parco Sempione is the ideal choice to get a free walk around the city centre of Milan. Inside the Castel, there are always exhibitions and galleries.

It is a nice walking through the grounds of the Castel and admires the beautiful funtain at the entrance, with the tower watching at you. The Fontana of Piazza Castello is one of the best photo spots in Milan.

On walkable distance from the entrance doors of Castello Sforzesco, there is the Arco della Pace, an awesome structure similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Barcelona.

Be aware that the castle is closed on Mondays. On Tuesday afternoon, after 2 pm, instead, you have a free entrance to the Castle. Check the official website.

Enjoy the view from Branca Tower

This is not well-known sightseeing, and we like that is an underrated gem of Milan that a few people discover. Branca Tower is one of the tallest building in the city. A perfect 108 metres steel tower in the middle of Parco Sempione. The structure oversees the whole city, with 360 views over the amazing Milan.

On top of the tower, there is an amazing bar, the Belvedere Club. Here you can enjoy a drink with a view. The modern lift will take you to 110 metres in less than a minute. It will cost you just 5 euro to reach the top to enjoy an amazing view. Book the ticket online.

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The Arch of Peace – 2 days in Milan

As we said on the distance from the Castello Sforzesco you can see the Arch of Peace of Milan. This is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Milan. The district has got the same name as the arch and is considered one of the most glamorous areas of Milan, for the stunning and elegant building with a close view on Parco Sempione.

Arco della Pace “The Arch of Peace” is one of Milan’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the district with the same name, the arch is surrounded by elegant buildings and Parco Sempione, the largest park in Milan. It’s the perfect place to go for a relaxing stroll and maybe have a picnic.

At the edge of Sempione park, you’ll find the grand Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century castle now housing several museums and art exhibitions. The castle is closed on Mondays and on Tuesdays you get free entrance after 2 pm.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

This is another main sightseeing in Milan. The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the masterpieces of the Italian artists, knows also as “Il cenacolo” or “L’ultima Cena”. Add a visit to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in your 2 days in Milan things to do. It is one of the main artworks of Leonardo, and unfortunately is losing more than half of the original colours, in irreversible damage. This is a reason more to see this masterpiece ASAP.

Buy the ticket for the entrance in advance to avoid the queue or sold out days, because there is a limited number of entrances each day. Entrance to the Last Supper – Skip the queue ticket to Santa Maria delle Grazie.

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Avoid getting to the Last Supper entrance without the ticket, they are really strict. Those are some tours we suggest you check out to visit the Last Supper in Milan:

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Italian traditions in the kitchen

Following the Italian way to cook and mix ingredients, why don’t book a unique experience in Milan? There is no way better to learn how to make pasta than to follow an Italian chef from the preparation toward the cooking.

Some of the Cooking Class we suggest you below will take you to the local markets and teach you how to choose the perfect and fresh ingredients for your dishes. You will learn the Italian art of mixing ingredients to create tempting dishes for your friends at home. Learn how to make pasta, tiramisu, cotoletta and many more dishes you have always dreamed to know how to cook.

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Explore the Neighbourhoods

Milan is not just the city centre and main landmarks. As you can see in many other blog posts about other cities we always invite our readers to look out for authentic neighbourhoods and locations visited by locals. We suggest you don’t just follow the touristic stream, but experience some unique and unrepeatable.

Depending on your itinerary in Milan we suggest you include the Navigli. This is a unique area of Milan and mostly visited by tourists during the day, when instead is at night that is more glamorous and lively. But we will talk about that later on.

Another spot to include in the list of 2 days in Milan what to do is to visit San Lorenzo Colonnade. This particular area of Milan is rich in history and culture. The Colonne di San Lorenzo is a group of ancient Roman ruins. Suggestive to visit this place at sunset. The surrounding area of the Columns of  San Lorenzo is full of restaurants and bars.

Visit Tortona the artistic hub of Milano

During the spring break, this part of the city becomes the centre of Design Week. Pop-up stands are pulling in the district with artists coming from everywhere to show their new furniture designs.

In this area is worth visiting the hidden gem of LabSolue. Inside the courtyard of the Hotel Magna Pars Suites, there is a perfume unique laboratory nestled in a prime location, close to the train station Milano Porta Genova.

Visit Brera District | Guide to 2 days in Milan

One of the most vibrant and nicest neighbourhoods of Milan is the central district of Brera. This is an upscale area of Milan, considered the most artistic and bohemian district of the city. Brera is full of cafes and restaurant and will be the ideal place to explore at any time of the day. Even if you have just one day in Milan, Brera should be on your list of places to visit.

Nowadays Brera has becomed location for many fashion designer shops and young trendy locations. What you should not miss in Brera is the Academy. In the same building, you can also find the Pinacoteca di Brera, an amazing hub with a large art museum, the astronomical observatory and the Braidense National Library. Check the opening time.

Coffee with a vie at Triennale Milano

Worth a whole paragraph in our itinerary of Milan in 2 days is the Triennale of Milano. The Museum of Design of Milano is unique. Usually during the epiphany period, that it goes after Christmas until the six of January the museum is entry free. Over than the Theatre Season, that sees many of world-famous artists perform on stage, there is an amazing café with an awesome view over Milan landscape.

The Triennale Design Café is an authentic hidden gem of Milan. You won’t find many tourists there and you can enjoy a little corner of peace in the chaotic centre. The Triennale Design of Milan is just a few minutes away, walking from Castello Sforzesco.

Live like a local a special Aperitivo in Milan

Milan is maybe the Capital of the Aperitivo in Italy. Already from the early afternoon, you will spot locals enjoying a little break from duties, sipping a classic Italian spritz in bars and restaurants. From 5 PM onwards the bars and restaurants offer special menus aperitivo, with about 5 to 10 euro you will get a drink and access to the huge food buffet.

The classic way to get an Aperitif in Italy is composed of a drink, Alcoholic or Nonalcoholic, and tasty snacks, that can go from simple chips to pasta, ham and cheese.

The best place to enjoy the Italian way is in the Navigli area. Keep an eye on the outside menus for the start of the Aperitivo.

Porta Nuova District is the new trendy spot in Milan

Talking about special experiences in Milan, that you can do just in Italy, it is for sure to go away from the popular spots. Porta Nuova District is a brand new area of Milan, becoming popular among locals. It is close to Parco Sempione (Sempione Park). The closest metro to the area is Garibaldi (Purple Line – M5).

The district is full of brand new restaurants and bars, that offer the Italian Aperitif experience.  Point your GPS to Corso Como and explore the surrounding area buzzing of Locals. This location is lively at night as well, it could be a good alternative for you Milan at night plans.

As we have said before, the city of Milan is well connected with the rest of the country and the airports. Low fare prices are easy to find, and you can clearly spend a layover in Milan, lowering the prices for your ticket to middle east countries. Milan is often chosen as a few days layover to flight to China, the Us and the Middle East.

The Best Places to Stay in Milan

Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy, especially in a particular period of the year. Despite that, there are many places to stay in Milan. The best area where we suggest you check out is the Navigli, it is a lively and suggestive district of Milan. A residential neighbourhood mainly inhabited by young.

The beside is also full of trendy bars and fancy restaurants, it is the ideal district to stay in Milan in 2 days. Within 10-15 minutes by metro ride, you can reach the city centre of Milan and the Cathedral at the Metro station Duomo.

The Navigli area is full of Air bnb, and we suggest you check our discount to lower your budget for the trip to Milan. This is the best way to make Milan affordable, and spend money on memorable experiences.

Hostels in Milan | 48 hours in Milan

If you are a backpacker and love the adventure in a new city, Milan is full of hostels. The Italian translation is Ostello. Despite many other European cities, Milan is not cheap for hostels. In high season a dorm bed will cost you a lot, and is better to check in advance your accommodation to avoid surprises.

How many times in this post we have said that Milan is expensive. Yes, a lot, but is never enough to warn you to book your accommodation in advance. Forgot to find cheap hotels in the centre of Milan, is pretty impossible. Start to look in different areas, away from prime locations like the Duomo. The public transport of Milan is efficient, so there is not to worry about distances.

The Apartments “At Home Heart Milano – Canonica” are the one we suggest to check out.

Da Vinci Hotel (4* – 8.8)
Hotel degli Arciboldi Milano (4* – 8.6)
Rosa Grand Hotel – Starhotels Collection (4* – 9.7)
Matilde Hotel Boutique Milan (4* – 9.1)
WorldHotel Cristoforo Colombo (4* – 8.8)

Day trips from Milan

If your trip to Milan is just a first step in a bigger Italian Trip, you are in the right direction. 

As we said at the beginning of this blog post about what to do in Milan in 2 days, the city is well-linked with other Italian cities. Milan is in the centre of northern Italy, within 2 hours by train you can reach Bologna, an amazing location to discover even just for a day trip from Milan. 

Venice is also a good escape from the chaotic Milan, the most famous lagoon city in the World is within 2 hours by train from Milan, reachable also by bus is the cheapest way. Florence is an amazing day trip from Milan, you can enjoy the culture of the city of Dante, Botticelli and many other Italian artists within 2 hours by train and 3 by bus.

Go for a Milan Walking Tour

When you are in lack of time, is always a good idea to book tours and guides in advance. There are several free walking tours of Milan, which will take you to some of the best attractions in the city. The Free walking tour with Civitatis, will take you around Milan City centre and main landmarks, it is never crowded with people and always interesting. The guides are well prepared and happy to answer questions.

Even if a free walking tour is ideal to fit in your budget, you still have to pay a tip based on what you feel. Instead of a free walking tour, you can go for a paid tour that could be less expensive than you think. 

The Milan walking tour we will propose to you, will Embark you on a tour of Milan’s highlights. You will enjoy the world-famous attractions of the city in a 3 hour interesting guided walking tour. This tour is indeed high suggested, because will give you skip the line admission to the last supper, that is always subject to ticket availability. It will be a win-win for cheap. Book your spot!

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MILAN

Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense, while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Milan is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.

Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.

SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.

World Nomads | They don’t cover Covid-19 claims. Perfect for gear insurance with standard and premium plans, covering lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

Where to eat in Milan – Two days in Milan

Milan is a paradise for food lovers, here you can find unique Italian specialities. The food in Italy is well known as one of the best cuisines in the World. Like every other city, even Milan has got some district where to find amazing restaurants.

For fine dishes and premium locations, we suggest you check in the district of Brera. If you are not willing for high prices dinner or lunch, we suggest you check the Navigli Area. The Colonne di San Lorenzo is another area full of bar and restaurant to a lookout. The prices are in a good range and really tasty. 

What are the typical Milan food

Italy is well known for its culinary traditions, and Milan is not the last in these terms. Recently the best pizzerias of Naples, are starting to open stores in Milan as well. In Milan, you can find Italian Traditional dishes and local specialities. The popular one is the Milanese Risotto, or called here Risotto alla Milanese. It is a creamy risotto, filled with spices and flavoured with saffron. Other typical products of the city are the Cotoletta and the Osso Buco.

All the restaurants in Milan have those dishes and many of them make their own variation. If you have time and curious about Italian food, try a local food tour.

Those are the one we suggest you:

Eataly Milan Smeraldo (Huge Market with Italian Products and little shops)
Drogherie Milanesi (Typical Milanese Food)
La filetteria Italiana (Meat from everywhere in the world)
Gino Sorbillo Lievito Madre (The real pizza from Naples)
Slow Sud (Sicilian Products)
Al Cantinone (Typical Milanese Food)

Places to stay in Milan

Q&A 2 days in Milan Itinerary