Milan is the best of both worlds – the fashion capital of the world and a fascinating city full of art. The second largest city in Italy, Milan is deemed the global hub of fashion and design. Situated in Northern Italy, Milan offers a respite for art lovers, seekers, travellers and fashion enthusiasts alike. If you are planning to explore this gem of a city, then there is no better time than now. We have curated a 2-days Milan itinerary that includes all the key attractions of the city, the best cathedrals and historical landmarks. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Day 1
Morning: Day 1 in Milan starts with settling down and figuring out some key transportation details. Milan is a small city, so you don’t necessarily need a vehicle to get around. You can cover most of the places by walking. Alternatively, you can hire a cab to take you from one place to another, if you please.
First thing first, grab a savoury breakfast in the Italian style. Have a cup of coffee with a croissant and with that fuel, get ready to hit the first attraction on the list – Duomo Cathedral.
Duomo di Milano is a mighty cathedral – the biggest in Italy and the third biggest in the world. It is the most prominent landmark of the city. Your 2-days Milan itinerary is incomplete without visiting this 14th-century marvel. The cathedral has been undergoing construction for several years and was finally completed somewhere in the 19th century. This contributes to the diverse style of architecture of the cathedral. Explore the entire Duomo complex which is spread over acres, and you can spot different elements such as neoclassical, gothic, baroque, etc. While you are at it, don’t forget to go to the Duomo terrace which is essentially the main highlight of the complex. You can either pay for an elevator to take you up there or take a flight of stairs. This is also where you catch glimpses of the best views of Milan.
It is highly recommended to book your Duomo tickets well in advance, preferably online to avoid heavy rush and long queues.
Afternoon till evening:
Exploring Duomo will take up most of your day. So, if you get free in the afternoon or evening, take a walk to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is a luxury mall in Milan which flaunts a captivating fresco and plenty of luxury or high-end branded shops like Prada, Gucci, etc.
You can shop till you drop here and take an exit onto Piazza della Scala. This pretty much concludes your Day 1 in Milan.
Day 2:
Morning: Exploring Brera
Brera is a one-of-a-kind artistic district in Milan that is located right behind the Duomo and the Galleria. It is a trendy place that is great for both shopping and grabbing a quick bite. While you are exploring this place, do check out the Palazzo Brera. This building is built using Baroque elements and houses the Brera Library, the Astronomic Observatory, the Lombard Institute for Science and Art, and the Pinacoteca di Brera.
Another place worth checking out is Pinacoteca di Brera which houses 37 galleries and some of Europe’s best artworks. After you are done checking out the art, you can head to Orto Botanico di Brera. It is a lush and quaint botanical garden built around the 1700s and a perfect place to relish some quiet. You can also include exploring Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa in your 2-days Milan itinerary. It falls midway between Duomo and Brera.
Afternoon: La Scala Opera House
The absolute Milan icon, La Scala Opera House, is not to be missed in your 2-days Milan itinerary. Also known as Teatro alla Scala, it is one of the most prominent opera houses in the world. This opulent opera house displays neoclassical architecture, and its interiors are every bit mesmerizing. Over the years, notable singers like Giuseppe Verdi, Maria Callas and Toscanini have graced the stage with their presence.
It also houses a museum displaying brilliant artwork. You can take a guided La Scala Opera and Museum tour which can be booked in advance online to avoid heavy crowds.
Evening: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
We are familiar with the world’s most famous artwork in the world known as the Last Supper. This intriguing painting is also designated as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and people from all over the world come to see this painting in Milan. It depicts Jesus and his disciples having the last meal before his crucifixion. Located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, this painting by Leonardo da Vinci cannot be missed. This can be an unforgettable experience for many as it usually strikes an emotional chord within the spectators.
Useful tip: Make sure to be fully clothed before visiting as the painting is located inside the church. Also, you are not allowed to take your bags inside so make sure not to carry extra luggage.
You can book your tickets for the Last Supper in advance. Even better, you can pair it with a trip to Sforza Castle to make the most of your 2-days Milan itinerary.
Practical Information:
If you have additional time, you can also pay a visit to other notable landmarks like the S. Ambrogio Basilica, Milan canals, Colonne di S. Lorenzo and Porta Ticinese. For shopping, you can also check out the Via Montenapoleone and Via Dante.
If you don’t fancy too much walking, then you can also take a bus tour. Milan hop-on hop-off bus tour takes you to all major attractions and provides you with the flexibility to hop on or hop off at the place of your choice. You can explore your favourite attraction and then board the bus again. You can choose from a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket as per your liking. The audio guide available on the bus will help you learn about the tidbits about various attractions and keep you updated while on the go. Alternatively, you can also hire an e-bike or e-scooter as they are placed all over the city. They are easily accessible through an app and you can drop them wherever you like after you are done exploring. Your 2-days Milan itinerary couldn’t get better than this!