Planning to visit Milan in 2 days? Check out our Milan itinerary for 2 days with the best places to go and things to see in Milan. If you’re wondering where to go in Milan to make the most of your time, this guide will help you plan it step by step.
Milan is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city famous for fashion and design, but also rich in art, history and culture. From the iconic Duomo di Milano Cathedral to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper, there are so many incredible places to explore.
Years ago, I heard the opinion that there isn’t that much to see in Milan apart from the Duomo. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, with this detailed 2-day Milan itinerary, we’d like to show you that Milan is absolutely worth a visit.
Is it possible to visit Milan in 2 days?
Yes — it is possible to visit Milan in two days, although you may not manage to see absolutely everything. The city centre is compact and full of Milan’s most famous attractions, such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala.
Milan’s public transport system is reliable and can quickly take you to more distant places such as Sforza Castle or the Navigli district.
On the other hand, you probably won’t have enough time to dive deep into Milan’s neighbourhoods or explore some of the lesser-known museums and galleries on a two-day trip.
Popular sights like The Last Supper or the Duomo di Milano often sell out, so planning ahead is essential.
Milan in two days – route map
On the map below, you’ll find the marked routes for a two-day Milan itinerary. The route is mostly walkable. Each day is planned to help you avoid the biggest crowds and experience the highlights at the best possible time.
A detailed description of the routes, including photos, can be found further down in this article.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with directions on where to go in Milan in 2 days. Click the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide or show layers, or click the icons on the map to view the names of the places I mention in this Milan 2-day itinerary. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click the icon in the upper right corner.
WHERE TO GO IN MILAN IN TWO DAYS
MILAN IN 2 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR DAY 1
- Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- La Scala and the Brera district
- Basilica of St. Ambrose
- Navigli district
8:30 Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo
We’ll start our Milan adventure right in the heart of the city — at the Duomo di Milano. This spectacular Gothic cathedral, built over nearly six centuries, is one of the largest in the world.
The façade, covered with countless statues, spires and sculptures, is an architectural masterpiece. Even better, you can climb to the roof for a breathtaking close-up view.
Walking on the rooftop of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, with panoramic views of Milan, was the highlight of our stay — and we’d recommend it to anyone wondering where to go in Milan on their first visit.
Read more: Here’s our detailed guide to visiting Duomo di Milano.
The cathedral opens at 9 am, so if you arrive a little earlier, you’ll have plenty of time to admire it from outside. Crowds start to gather soon after opening, and by the evening, Piazza del Duomo is literally packed.
In the morning, you’ll share the square only with locals and a handful of other early visitors. Plus, the sun rises directly behind the cathedral, bathing its towers in a golden glow.
Take a moment to look around this vast square, lined with elegant buildings — the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is on your left, and the Royal Palace to your right.
Please note: Modest clothing is required for the Duomo — shoulders and knees covered even in summer. This is still an active place of worship, and inappropriate clothing might mean you won’t be let in. I also recommend sturdy shoes, since the marble can be slippery.
How to visit the Duomo di Milano
First, you need to buy tickets. We purchased ours online in advance, saving time and going straight to the entrance. Milan sees a huge number of visitors, and the cathedral is a must-see, so ticket lines can get long.
If you want to buy tickets on the spot, head to the right side of the cathedral — they’re sold in the Royal Palace wing.
How the tour works: First, you climb the stairs or take the elevator to reach the terraces of the Duomo. You’ll walk along these terraces, then climb a few more steps to the highest part of the roof.
After enjoying the spectacular views, you’ll descend via a staircase directly into the cathedral interior — a staff member will scan your ticket again before letting you in.
Admission and opening hours of the Duomo in Milan
- Admission: Full access (cathedral + terraces via lift) costs €26 for adults, €13 for children aged 6–18. Children under 5 and disabled visitors with an accompanying person enter for free (if you have a disability card, you’ll need to collect tickets at the infopoint).
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:10).
How to skip the lines for the Duomo:
We purchased combined tickets in advance for the 9:00 am slot — including the cathedral, roof, archaeological site, and museum. We used the entrance on the left side of the cathedral, reserved for advance reservations, where only a few people were waiting. We took the stairs, but the elevator is located a bit further along on the left side (everything is clearly marked).
10:30 – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
To the left of the Duomo you’ll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world. The gallery is magnificent, with its four-storey double arcade crowned by an impressive glass dome.
Here you can go shopping, admire the window displays, or sip an espresso in one of the historic cafés while soaking up the atmosphere.
Take time to stroll through the surrounding streets, lined with some of the trendiest boutiques in Milan. And don’t miss trying a panzerotto from Luini’s bakery, just a short walk from the gallery. The dough resembles langos and is filled with either sweet or savoury fillings.
They cost around €2.50 to €3 and are extremely popular, so you might encounter a line — but it usually moves quickly. (Just note they’re closed on Sundays.)
Practical tip: Public toilets are located on the right side of the cathedral (fee €2, better to have cash). You can refill your water bottle at the green fountain on Piazza Cesare Beccaria, just behind the Duomo.
13:00 La Scala
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala, where you’ll find the world-renowned La Scala opera house. Over the centuries, many of the greatest opera singers in the world have performed here.
If you love culture, you can attend an evening opera or ballet performance, or visit the lavish interior as part of a guided tour.
In the centre of the small square you’ll see a statue of Leonardo da Vinci, surrounded by trees and benches. We only stopped here briefly before moving on to one of Milan’s most charming districts.
🏡 Where to stay in Milan
Below you’ll find some suggestions for accommodation with good value for money, excellent location, and 24-hour reception with luggage storage:
14:00 – Brera district
From La Scala, head north towards the Brera district, known as the artistic heart of Milan — full of small galleries, unique shops, and charming streets.
Even if you only have one day in Milan, it’s worth exploring at least a few streets in Brera. This type of neighbourhood simply belongs to Italy, and I was pleasantly surprised that Milan has one, too.
In addition to wandering through its picturesque streets, Brera also has some highlights you might want to visit as part of your 2-day Milan itinerary:
Pinacoteca di Brera
Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a public gallery housing an important collection of Italian Renaissance masterpieces. Artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna are well represented here.
Please note: The Pinacoteca di Brera is closed on Mondays. You can book your visit here.
Brera Botanical Garden
The Brera Botanical Garden is an oasis of greenery right in the middle of the busy city. Once you pass through the iron gate, you leave the crowds of tourists behind and can simply relax in the peaceful landscaped garden. I was surprised by how few people come here, even though it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the centre.
Practical tip: Entrance to the Botanical Garden is free. There is a small seating area and free toilets available.
16:30 Basilica of St. Ambrose
Take the green M2 metro line; after about 15 minutes, you’ll arrive just a short walk from the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio.
This Romanesque basilica is one of the oldest and most important churches in Milan. It was founded in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. Inside, you can admire beautiful frescoes, and it is worth seeing even just from the outside. Admission is free.
17:30 Colonne di San Lorenzo
Do you love ancient Rome? Then don’t miss the Colonne di San Lorenzo, about 10 minutes on foot from the Basilica of St. Ambrose. These ancient Roman columns date from the end of the 2nd century and once lined the main road of Roman Milan.
From here, continue south through the medieval gate, and after about a 10-minute walk you’ll reach the Navigli Grande Canal, where you can end your day. If you prefer, you can also shorten the journey by tram, which stops a short distance from the canal.
🇮🇹 Tickets in Milan
Tips on tickets and tours worth booking in advance — verified and recommended:
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19:00 Navigli district
You may have heard that Venice is not the only Italian city with canals. Milan has its own canal district — the Navigli district — although it’s quite different from Venice with its narrow canals, bridges, and picturesque corners.
The Naviglio Grande was designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci, and today it is one of Milan’s liveliest neighbourhoods. It’s lined with restaurants, vintage shops, and artists displaying their works.
Navigli is the perfect place for an aperitivo or dinner. You can try traditional Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese or osso buco. Most good restaurants open around 19:00. I recommend checking reviews beforehand, as some places are quite touristy and target tourists rather than serving quality food.
MILAN IN 2 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR DAY 2
- Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper
- Milan’s Sistine Chapel
- Sforza Castle
- Chinatown
- Cimitero Monumentale di Milano
- Piazza Gae Aulenti
9:00 Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and Last Supper
Start your second day in Milan by visiting one of the most iconic works of art in the world: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
How to visit the Last Supper
Access is only possible with a timed reservation, and tickets sell out months in advance. Click here to reserve a specific date and time (dates are published 3–4 months ahead).
Inside, you have 15 minutes to view the painting. As the work is quite fragile, entry is limited to 1,000 visitors per day.
You can visit every day from 8:30 to 19:00 (choose a time slot when booking). If tickets are sold out for your date, guided tours are sometimes the only way to see the painting, though they tend to be more expensive.
The entrance is on the left side of the church, clearly marked.
While you’re here, visit the church itself — admission is free, and Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most beautiful churches in Milan.
More inspiration: If you have more time, check out our 3-day itinerary for Milan with even more tips on what to see in and around the city.
10:30 Milan’s Sistine Chapel
A few minutes’ walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie lies the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. It may not be as famous as the Basilica of St. Ambrose or Santa Maria delle Grazie, but personally, I liked it very much.
Don’t be fooled by its inconspicuous exterior — inside, you’ll find stunning and well-preserved frescoes. Many of them were painted by artists influenced by Leonardo da Vinci.
Practical information: Admission to the church is free, but donations are welcome. It is closed on Mondays.
🏡 Budget hotels in Milan
Below you’ll find suggestions for places with great value for money, good accessibility, and 24-hour reception with luggage storage:
11:00 – Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle is just a short walk from the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. Today it serves as a museum and houses various collections, including art, antique furniture, and musical instruments. A highlight is Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
You can walk around the complex for free or visit the museum for a small fee. Behind the castle is the large Sempione Park, a favourite place for locals to relax, with plenty of benches, ponds, toilets, and refreshments.
At the far end of the park, the Arco della Pace towers majestically. While you can’t climb it like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it’s still worth seeing.
14:00 Chinatown
Chinatown is just a few minutes’ walk from the Arco della Pace. If you haven’t had lunch yet or just want to soak up a lively atmosphere, head here.
In particular, explore Via Paolo Sarpi, the main pedestrian street of Chinatown. Here you’ll find many Asian restaurants, as well as one of the best ravioli spots in Milan at a great price. The best places are marked on the map at the beginning of this article.
15:30 Cimitero Monumentale di Milano
Before heading to modern Milan, I recommend a detour to the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano. Yes, a cemetery might seem like an unusual stop — but if you appreciate beautiful architecture, this is one of the most interesting places you’ll see in Milan.
The place is peaceful and dignified, with everyone behaving respectfully and quietly. You’ll find a large collection of Italian statues, Greek temples, obelisks, and even a small version of Trajan’s Column.
Practical information: The cemetery is open daily except Mondays.
17:00 – Piazza Gae Aulenti
Porta Nuova is the symbol of modern Milan — with its skyscrapers, luxury apartments, and corporate offices defining Milan as Italy’s city of the future. The entrance to Porta Nuova is the lively Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Here, you can relax on the grass, enjoy a delicious ice cream at Venchi, and admire the interesting architecture, including the Bosco Verticale, a sustainable apartment building covered in greenery.
Many locals spend their free time here, playing ball, walking, or just sitting in the park.
Here ends our itinerary for 2 days in Milan. You can spend the rest of the evening wandering the centre, enjoying a great dinner, or admiring the Duomo at sunset.
Where to stay in Milan for 2 days
Best hotels in Milan
- UNA HOTELS Galles Milano: Cosy 4-star hotel a short walk from the metro station, with a roof terrace, spa, and swimming pool
- Hotel Da Vinci: 4-star hotel on the outskirts of Milan, suitable for up to 5 people, rich breakfast, free parking, 30 minutes by train to the centre
- B&B Hotel Milano San Siro: 1-2 bed rooms next to the San Siro Stadium, covered parking, good connection to the city centre
🏡 Where to stay in Milan
Below you will find suggestions for hotels with great value for money, good accessibility and 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
Apartments with kitchenette
- BB Hotels Aparthotel Visconti: Comfortable and clean apartments for up to 6 people, with good access to San Siro Stadium and the city centre
- Residenza Cenisio: Budget apartments for 2-4 people, a bit older facilities but functional for a simple stay, friendly staff, parking, about 30 minutes by metro to the centre
🏡 Apartments with kitchenette
Below you will find tips for private accommodation – in apartments with kitchenettes for 2 to 6 people, good access to the centre and luggage storage.
Budget hotels in Milan
- Ibis Milano Centro: Modern hotel within walking distance of the centre and the train station, with restaurant and breakfast included
- Hotel Meininger: Accommodation for 2 to 6 people with private bathroom or in shared rooms, a bit further from the centre but close to the station
🏡 Budget hotels in Milan
Below you will find suggestions for accommodation with great value for money, good accessibility and 24-hour reception with luggage storage.
How to get from the airport to the centre of Milan?
Milan is served by 3 airports:
- Malpensa Airport (Wizz Air, EasyJet and others)
- Linate Airport (mainly domestic flights)
- Bergamo airport (Ryanair)
For most visitors, Malpensa and Bergamo are the main points of arrival. Here’s how to get from them to the centre of Milan:
From Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio) to Milan
Air-conditioned buses depart directly in front of the arrivals hall and take you to Milano Centrale train station in about an hour. From there, you can continue by metro or on foot to the city centre.
We bought our tickets online in advance — they are valid for the whole day, so you don’t have to stress if you miss a connection. After arrival, you go straight to the bus and show your ticket on your mobile.
From Malpensa Airport to Milan
You have a choice of train or bus. Follow the clear signage at the airport — buses go directly to Milano Centrale station, from where you can get anywhere in the city.
I used Malpensa on my second trip to Lombardy and also bought tickets online — you only choose the day, not a fixed hour, so it’s flexible.
Trains are a bit faster, and you can choose between two lines — one to Cadorna Station, the other to Milano Centrale via Garibaldi Station.
How to enjoy Milan in 2 days
- Wear comfortable shoes — the sidewalks are sometimes uneven and the marble floors in the Duomo can be a bit slippery.
- Many sights in Milan are within walking distance. For those further away, use the metro or historic yellow trams — Milan’s public transport is safe, reliable, and affordable.
- Try to eat outside the main tourist spots — in side streets or districts popular with locals. Not only will you save money, but you’ll eat much better.
- Italian gelato is a must, whether it’s summer or winter. There are excellent gelaterias across Milan; in the centre, try Venchi for both gelato and chocolate.
- Don’t miss the classic highlights like the Duomo or Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
- Or discover Milan after dark — from the Navigli Grande Canal to the illuminated Duomo, the atmosphere is unforgettable in the evening light.
- And if you want to escape the city for a bit, plan a day trip to Lago di Como or the medieval town of Bergamo — both are within easy reach.
Do you have a question about our itinerary for 2 days in Milan and where to go in Milan? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Northern Italy
MILAN: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Milan. To help you plan your trip, we’ve also created an itinerary for 3 days in Milan including a map, as well as an itinerary for 1 day in Milan.
Here is a separate guide to transport in Milan, plus an article with our recommendations on where to stay in Milan. We’ve also compiled practical tips for visiting the Duomo di Milano in a dedicated guide.
LOMBARDY: Get inspired by the most beautiful places to see in Lombardy. In this region you’ll find many gems besides Milan. Just outside the city is the stunning Alpine Lago di Como, or you can check out our 15 tips on things to do in Bergamo.
ITALY: For more inspiration, explore our guide to the most beautiful places in Italy.
ROME: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Discover our list of the best things to do in Rome, build your own 3-day Rome itinerary, and find out how to save in Rome. We also cover everything about the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum.
VENICE: In our article Best things to do in Venice you’ll find recommendations for the most beautiful places in the city, plus other practical travel tips.
VERONA: Discover the best things to do in Verona, including useful information on entrance fees and opening hours. Our Verona in a day itinerary will help you plan your route efficiently.
Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.
Summary: The perfect itinerary for Milan in 2 days
You can see the highlights of Milan in 2–3 days. The city is also a great base for exploring Lombardy — ideally plan 4–5 days to combine the city with nearby trips.
Be sure to see the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro alla Scala, the Brera district, Sforza Castle, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and the Navigli district.
Yes — especially for the Duomo rooftop and the Last Supper, where tickets can sell out weeks or even months ahead.
Milan has an extensive network of trams, buses, and metro. You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or pay easily with a contactless card.
