🚇 Getting Around Milan

• Metro: Efficient system with 4 lines (M1-Red, M2-Green, M3-Yellow, M5-Purple)
• Day Pass: €7 for unlimited public transport
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance in the city center
• Bike Sharing: BikeMi stations throughout the city

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Day 1 – The Historic Heart of Milan

☕ Breakfast: Marchesi 1824

Address: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Duomo (M1/M3)

What to try: Veneziana pastry or cream-filled brioche with a cappuccino.

Description: Founded in 1824, Marchesi is one of Milan’s oldest and most elegant pastry shops. Located inside the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, its refined atmosphere offers a perfect introduction to Milanese culinary tradition.

🏛️ Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI
Metro: Duomo (M1/M3) – 2 min walk from Marchesi

Description: The Duomo is the iconic symbol of Milan, a monumental Gothic cathedral with an elaborate facade featuring 135 spires and over 3,400 statues. Construction began in 1386 and extended over nearly six centuries, reflecting evolving architectural styles. Visitors can explore the vast interior, including the nave and crypt, and climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic views of the city skyline and the Alps on a clear day.

Ticket: Approx. €16 including rooftop access; advance booking recommended.
Recommended visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

🖼️ Museo del Novecento

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Duomo (M1/M3) – Adjacent to Duomo

Description: Situated in the Palazzo dell’Arengario near Piazza del Duomo, this museum showcases an extensive collection of 20th-century Italian art, including works by futurists like Umberto Boccioni and spatialists such as Lucio Fontana. The museum’s modern design incorporates a suspended glass walkway offering spectacular views of the cathedral square below.

Ticket: €10.

🛍️ Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Duomo (M1/M3) – Connected to Duomo square

Description: Opened in 1877, this is one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades. It is renowned for its magnificent glass-and-iron vaulted roof and intricate mosaic floor patterns, including the famous bull mosaic. The gallery houses high-end boutiques and historic cafes, making it a vibrant place for both shopping and people-watching. Tradition says that spinning three times on the bull’s testicles mosaic brings good luck!

🍝 Lunch: Riso e Latte

Address: Via Manfredo Camperio, 6, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Cairoli (M1) – 5 min walk

What to try: Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), ossobuco (braised veal shanks), or cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet).

Description: This trattoria has a retro 1960s vibe, evoking the warmth of a Milanese home kitchen. It’s well known for classic local dishes made with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.

Fun fact: The Milanese orecchia di elefante (elephant ear) cutlet famously competes with the Austrian schnitzel, with locals proud of their breaded veal’s unique thinness and flavor.

🏰 Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione

Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI
Metro: Cairoli (M1) or Lanza (M2) – 10 min walk from lunch

Description: Originally built in the 14th century by the Visconti family and later expanded by the Sforza dynasty, this fortress served as a military stronghold and ducal residence. Today it hosts several museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art and the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo. The adjoining Parco Sempione is a large urban park with ponds, walking paths, and landmarks like the Torre Branca observation tower.

Ticket: Museums €5; castle courtyards and park free.
Recommended visit duration: Minimum 1.5 hours.

☕ Break: Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Address: Piazza Cordusio, 3, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Cordusio (M1) – 5 min walk from Castello

Description: Italy’s only Starbucks Reserve Roastery, located in a former post office building with impressive industrial architecture. Visitors can watch coffee beans roasted on-site and sample exclusive blends or inventive espresso-based cocktails.

🍸 Aperitivo: Camparino in Galleria

Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI
Metro: Duomo (M1/M3) – 3 min walk from Cordusio

What to try: Negroni Sbagliato, Aperol Spritz, or the classic Campari Soda with complimentary appetizers.

Description: Historic bar dating to 1915, perfect for experiencing Milan’s aperitivo culture (typically 6-8 PM). The tradition includes free small bites with your drink – a light dinner substitute for many Milanese.

🍽️ Dinner: Osteria del Binari

Address: Via Tortona, 1, 20144 Milano MI
Metro: Porta Genova (M2) – 15 min by metro

What to try: Traditional Milanese dishes such as cassoeula (pork and cabbage stew), risotto alla Milanese, and seasonal polenta specialties.

Description: A cozy and authentic osteria near the Navigli area offering hearty local cuisine in a rustic setting, perfect for a relaxed evening.

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Day 2 – Art, Neighborhoods & Green Spaces

☕ Breakfast: Pavé

Address: Via Felice Casati, 27, 20124 Milano MI
Metro: Porta Venezia (M1) – 5 min walk

What to try: Pistachio cream-filled pastry or artisanal pain au chocolat.

Description: Pavé is a modern bakery-café beloved by locals for its innovative take on classic pastries, emphasizing quality local ingredients and seasonal flavors.

🎨 Pinacoteca di Brera & Brera District

Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI
Metro: Lanza (M2) or Montenapoleone (M3) – 10 min walk from breakfast

Description: The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s premier art gallery housing an exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance and Baroque art. Highlights include Raphael’s The Marriage of the Virgin and Caravaggio’s dramatic works. The surrounding Brera neighborhood is an artistic and bohemian quarter filled with galleries, antique shops, and charming cafes, perfect for strolling.

Ticket: €15.
Recommended visit duration: 2 hours for museum + 1 hour exploring neighborhood

🍝 Lunch: Langosteria Bistrot

Address: Via Savona, 10, 20144 Milano MI
Metro: Porta Genova (M2) – 20 min by metro

What to try: Fresh seafood dishes such as crudo misto (mixed raw seafood), spaghetti alle vongole (clam pasta), or fritto misto.

Description: A contemporary and lively seafood restaurant favored by locals for its fresh and authentic flavors in a welcoming atmosphere.

🖼️ Villa Necchi Campiglio

Address: Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI
Metro: San Babila (M1) – 15 min walk from Porta Genova

Description: A stunning 1930s villa, preserved as a museum by the FAI foundation. The villa showcases the elegant lifestyle of Milanese high society with its original furnishings, private swimming pool, and tranquil gardens.

Ticket: €14.
Recommended visit duration: 1 hour

💡 Alternative Option: If Day 2 feels too packed, consider visiting Villa Necchi on Day 3 morning instead.

⛪ Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Sant’Ambrogio (M2) – 10 min by metro

Description: One of Milan’s oldest churches, founded in the 4th century by St. Ambrose, the city’s patron saint. It is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, featuring a beautiful rose window and an intricately decorated altar. The crypt houses the remains of St. Ambrose.

Admission: Free.
Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes

🌇 Piazza Gae Aulenti & Bosco Verticale

Address: Piazza Gae Aulenti, 20154 Milano MI
Metro: Garibaldi (M2/M5) – 5 min walk

Description: This modern district symbolizes Milan’s contemporary face, featuring innovative skyscrapers and the award-winning Bosco Verticale — residential towers covered in lush greenery. The piazza has interactive fountains and hosts popular cafes and bars, with Corso Como nearby for nightlife and aperitivo.

🍸 Aperitivo: Ceresio 7

Address: Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI
Metro: Garibaldi (M2/M5) – 3 min walk

What to try: Signature cocktails with stunning rooftop views of the Bosco Verticale.

Description: Trendy rooftop bar perfect for sunset aperitivo with panoramic city views.

🍽️ Dinner: Osteria alla Grande

Address: Via Pola, 9, 20154 Milano MI
Metro: Garibaldi (M2/M5) – 8 min walk

What to try: Classic Milanese dishes such as ossobuco (braised veal shanks with gremolata), risotto alla Milanese, and traditional desserts.

Description: A traditional and warmly atmospheric osteria, offering a genuine Milanese dining experience away from the tourist crowds.

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Day 3 – Renaissance Masterpieces & Contemporary Milan

☕ Breakfast: Panificio Pattini

Address: Corso Magenta, 31, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Conciliazione (M1) – 3 min walk

What to try: Pan de mej (millet bread), mini pastries, and classic Italian espresso.

Description: A historic family-run bakery known for authentic Milanese breads and pastries made with traditional methods.

🏛️ The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) & Santa Maria delle Grazie

Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Conciliazione (M1) – 5 min walk from breakfast

Description: Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary fresco depicting Christ’s final meal, housed in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Viewing is strictly by reservation due to limited access, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ticket: €15, advance booking required (book weeks in advance!)
Visit duration: 15 minutes viewing + 30 minutes in church

🍝 Lunch: Casa Tua Osteria

Address: Via Lomazzo, 25, 20154 Milano MI
Metro: Garibaldi (M2/M5) – 15 min by metro

What to try: Milanese specialties like ossobuco, cotoletta alla Milanese, and seasonal vegetable sides.

Description: A cozy neighborhood osteria celebrated for its authentic, well-prepared traditional dishes and friendly atmosphere.

🎭 Fondazione Prada

Address: Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI
Metro: Lodi TIBB (M3) – 20 min by metro

Description: A cutting-edge contemporary art complex located in a renovated early 20th-century distillery. Known for its innovative exhibitions, the striking golden “Haunted House” structure, and the Bar Luce café designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson.

Ticket: €15.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

🏛️ Museo della Scienza e Tecnologia “Leonardo da Vinci” (Alternative Option)

Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI
Metro: Sant’Ambrogio (M2)

Description: Italy’s largest science and technology museum with interactive exhibits on Leonardo’s inventions, transport, energy, and telecommunications. Suitable for all ages and interests.

Ticket: Around €10.

💡 Note: Choose either Fondazione Prada OR the Science Museum to avoid a rushed day.

🍸 Aperitivo: Navigli District

Address: Naviglio Grande area
Metro: Porta Genova (M2)

Recommended spots:

• Mag Café (Via Forcella, 6) – Canal-side with great Aperol Spritz
• Rita & Cocktails (Via Angelo Fumagalli, 1) – Creative cocktails

Description: Milan’s most famous aperitivo district along historic canals designed partly by Leonardo da Vinci. The area comes alive from 6 PM with locals enjoying drinks and free appetizers along the waterways.

🍽️ Dinner: LùBar

Address: Via Palestro, 16, 20121 Milano MI (inside GAM)
Metro: Palestro (M1) – 15 min by metro from Navigli

What to try: Sicilian dishes such as arancini (rice balls), pasta alla Norma, and cassata cake.

Description: An elegant Sicilian restaurant housed in a Liberty-style building, offering refined regional cuisine in a stylish setting — a perfect way to conclude your Milanese adventure.

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📝 Additional Tips

Aperitivo Culture

• Timing: 6:00-8:00 PM
• Etiquette: Order a drink and enjoy the complimentary food buffet
• Popular drinks: Negroni, Aperol Spritz, Negroni Sbagliato
• Best areas: Brera, Navigli, Corso Como

Food Specialties to Try

• Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy saffron rice
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: Thin breaded veal cutlet
• Ossobuco: Braised veal shanks with gremolata
• Cassoeula: Winter stew with pork and cabbage
• Panettone: Traditional Christmas cake (available year-round)

Money-Saving Tips

• Many churches are free (Sant’Ambrogio, Santa Maria delle Grazie exterior)
• Aperitivo can replace dinner with substantial appetizers
• Standing at coffee bars is cheaper than sitting
• Parco Sempione is perfect for picnics

Booking Essentials

• Last Supper: Book 1-2 months in advance
• Duomo rooftop: Book online to skip lines
• Restaurants: Reserve dinner spots, especially weekends