How to Spend 2 Days in Milan: A Full Itinerary

Milan is a city of contrasts, home to Gothic cathedrals and sleek skyscrapers, Renaissance frescoes and avant-garde fashion brands. To appreciate these opposites, you need a well organized itinerary, to see how history and modernity intertwine. So if you have limited time in la capitale morale, it’s important to make every moment count. 

Luckily, we’ve put together a guide to planning the perfect 2 days in Milan to help you experience the city’s highlights to the fullest. Read on and start planning your trip today.

The striking silhouette of Milan’s cathedral is stunning by day, and by night.

Day 1: Discover the Best of Milan with a Guided Tour

On your first day in Milan, we recommend joining the Best of Milan Tour. It’s a great way to take in the city’s highlights in just one day, ensuring you don’t miss its most iconic sights.

Join The Best of Milan tour, to maximise your time in this wonderful city.

Morning: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

The tour begins with one of Milan’s most unforgettable experiences: viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. Housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this iconic mural can only be seen in small groups and for a strict 15-minute slot, due to its fragile condition and ongoing conservation efforts. 

With pre-reserved, skip-the-line access included in the Best of Milan Tour, you’ll be guaranteed entry, without the hassle of having to book tickets on your own.

Make the most of your time and skip the line to see this Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece first hand.

Before stepping inside, your guide will share the background you need to get the most out of your visit, from Leonardo’s painting techniques, to the details and symbolism behind each figure. Once in the room, you’ll have time to actually take in one of the most studied works of the Renaissance.

Midday: Teatro alla Scala & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

After visiting The Last Supper, the Best of Milan Tour continues through Milan’s city center. You’ll stop outside of the legendary Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, for an introduction to its history of performances by Verdi, Puccini, and other world-class composers.

The stunning auditorium of the Teatro alla scala in Milan.

Just a short walk away, you’ll also get to step into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping center. With its soaring glass dome and mosaic floors, it’s as much a cultural landmark as it is a shopping destination.

Stroll through the simply exquisite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a spot of window shopping, or to treat yourself!

Afternoon: The Duomo

The final stop on tour is the breathtaking Duomo di Milano, Milan’s Cathedral. Taking nearly six centuries to complete, the Duomo is the largest church in Italy and one of Europe’s most iconic Gothic structures. 

You’ll explore inside with your guide, who will reveal the symbolism hidden in its stained-glass windows, elaborate altars, and spires.

Step inside Milan´s Cathedral, to be even more amazed by the scale of the craftmanship that went into building it.

By the end of the Best of Milan Tour, you’ll have experienced the city’s most emblematic sights in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, making it the ideal introduction to Milan.

Evening: Cena

After a full day of sightseeing, unwind with a relaxing dinner in one of Milan’s other vibrant neighborhoods. Try Trattoria Masuelli in Calvairate, known for staples like risotto alla milanese with saffron, or hearty ossobuco. Osteria Conchetta, located in Naviglio Pavese, is also a great option if you’re looking to try cotoletta –Milan’s famous breaded veal dish.

It´s like sunshine on a plate: you really have to try risotto alla milanese!

Wherever you end up, pair your meal with a glass of Lombardy wine and finish on a sweet note with a gelato. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for their personal favorite spots; they’ll point you to hidden gems that locals love, making your evening meal truly memorable.

Milan is the ideal place to savour the flavor of delicious whites and sumptuous reds.

Day 2: Fashion, Neighborhood Strolls, and Aperitivo

With the highlights covered on Day 1, your second day in Milan can be spent exploring some of the city’s other more lowkey spots and sights.

Learn more about the art and culture, and what makes Milan such an interesting place to live, work or visit.

Morning: Brera District

Start out in the Brera District, where you’ll find cobbled streets as well as art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafés. The Pinacoteca di Brera is a must for any art-lover; admire works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna, then pause for a cornetto and an espresso.

Nothing could be more Italian than taking a moment out of your day to enjoy an espresso!

Insider Tip: Head to Pasticceria Cova, a Milanese institution that has been serving pastries, coffee, and chocolate since 1817 for your mid-morning coffee fix.

Midday: The Quadrilatero della Moda 

No trip to Milan is complete without a nod to its reputation as the fashion capital of the world. Head to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s high-end fashion district, where you can window shop luxury boutiques or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

The impressive exterior of the Villa Reale. Photo Credit: www.milano.notizie.it

If you’re looking to get a more modern take, head to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM), just a short stroll from the fashion district and housed in the elegant Villa Reale, an 18th-century neoclassical palace once used as a residence by Napoleon during his time in Milan. 

Here you’ll find Italian and European art spanning the 18th to 20th centuries, from Canova sculptures to paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso. It’s a quieter, less touristy museum that makes a nice contrast with the buzz of Brera and Via Montenapoleone.

Old and typical houses in the Fiori Chiari street, in the Brera area of Milan.

Afternoon: Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione

Walk over to the Castello Sforzesco, a Renaissance fortress that once served as the residence of the wealthy Sforza family. Today, the castle houses a variety of museums and art collections, including works ranging from ancient sculptures to Renaissance paintings, offering a fascinating glimpse into Milan’s history and culture. 

The interior patio and ornate pillars of the Sforzesco Castle.

After exploring the castle, step into Parco Sempione behind it, a spacious and leafy park ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Wander along its green paths, or simply relax on a bench while enjoying views of the castle and the nearby Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace).

Parco Sempione is a wonderful park to get back to nature after spending time in the city streets.

Evening: Navigli & Aperitivo

End your 2 days in Milan with a visit to the Navigli district, famous for its picturesque canals, some of which were designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci. Located in the southwest of the city, Navigli takes its name from the canals that once encircled Milan, built in the 12th century for everything from irrigation to defense. 

What better way to end your 2 day tour of Milan than with a classic Negroni Sbagliato cocktail.

Today, it’s one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods, especially in the evening when locals gather for aperitivo, Milan’s answer to happy hour. Order a negroni sbagliato, and soak up the vibes along the water before heading to dinner. 

For more tips on where to eat, check out our guide to dining in Milan.

Italian gelato is hard to resist!

FAQ – How to spend 2 days in Milan

Is 2 days enough time to see Milan?

Two days is enough to see the city’s most important landmarks, enjoy a couple of museums, and experience its food and fashion scenes. If you have extra time, you can also take day trips to nearby destinations like Lake Como or Bergamo.

What’s the best way to get around the city?

With its metro, trams and buses, Milan is well connected and easy to navigate. Many key attractions and spots are walkable from the city center, but public transport comes in handy when reaching farther areas such as Navigli or the Quadrilatero della Moda.

Where should I stay?

For first-time visitors, staying near the Duomo, Brera, or the Navigli district makes it easy to reach most attractions on foot or via public transport.

How much Italian do I need to know?

In most hotels, museums, and many restaurants, English is enough to get by, but picking up a few simple Italian expressions can make your trip smoother.

The Perfect 2 Days in Milan

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Milan is a city that rewards curious travelers with new discoveries at every turn.

In just 2 days, you can appreciate Milan’s incredible blend of history, art, and modern culture. With the Best of Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Tickets, you’ll cover the must-see highlights with ease, leaving you more time to enjoy the city’s neighborhoods, fashion, and food scene.