Milan, the fashion and design capital of the world, combines the best of old and new. Milan’s skyline is dominated by imposing modern skyscrapers, but there are also historical treasures such as the iconic Milan Cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper”, and the famous La Scala Opera House. This itinerary for 3 days in Milan brings you the best things to see and do in Milan.
Is it possible to visit Milan in 3 days?
Three days is the perfect time to see the most beautiful places in Milan, taste the local cuisine and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
The first two days of this itinerary will be the same as for our“2 days in Milan” itinerary. Let’s go over the main points you shouldn’t miss on your first visit to Milan. The third day will be more relaxed – we will show you more options to spend your last day in or around Milan.
Quick Travel Guide for Milan
Where booking is mandatory or recommended: Duomo di Milano (long queues), Da Vinci’s Last Supper (reservations required weeks or months in advance)
Where to stay: Hotel AMEDIA (modern hotel at a good price), Hotel Ritter Hotel Ritter (quiet hotel in the centre), B&B Hotel Milano Ornato (budget accommodation with good accessibility)
How to get from the airport to the city centre: The most popular means of transport from Malpensa or Bergamo Airport are air-conditioned buses (with wifi, seat and luggage space at the bottom of the bus). Other options are taxis and the Malpensa Express trains from Malpensa Airport.
How to get around the city: To get around the city, you will most often use the metro, buses and trams. The best way to pay for shipping is with a contactless card, or. multi-day ticket.
Milan in 3 days – route map
On the map you will find a marked itinerary of what to see and do in Milan in three days. The route is largely on foot and starts in the historic centre of the city – at the Duomo di Milano. As part of the itinerary, we will also take a ride on the metro or historic trams.
The third day offers several options – you can immerse yourself even more in the atmosphere of Milan or take a trip around the area. In this article we will show you how to do it.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map with an itinerary of what to see in Milan in three days. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the itinerary for three days in Milan, Italy. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MILAN IN 3 DAYS
THREE DAYS IN MILAN – ITINERARY FOR 1 ST DAY
8:30 Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo
We start the first day with the best Milan has to offer. Duomo di Milano must be on every itinerary of what to see in Milan. The imposing Gothic cathedral dominates the spacious Piazza del Duomo.
This cathedral was built over six centuries and it shows with all the spires, statues and decorations that make it one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.
It is literally an architectural marvel. Plus, you can climb up to the roof and see all the intricate details up close. And enjoy a great view of Milan.
This was the first thing on our list of what to see in Milan. Walking on the roof of one of the most famous cathedrals in the world was a fantastic experience and we would recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
The cathedral opens to the public at 9am. I recommend arriving early so you can see the exterior and walk around Piazza del Duomo. Already in the morning, the crowds will flock here.
If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll see the sun rising directly behind the cathedral, literally bathing it in a golden glow.
The entire square is lined with beautiful historic buildings. Look to the left of the cathedral, where the famous Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery stands. On the right is the Royal Palace, followed by the Museo del Novecento.
Please note: Dress appropriately for the Duomo – knees and shoulders covered in summer. This is a religious building, where you may not be allowed to go in inappropriate clothing. I also recommend choosing sturdy shoes, as marble can slip.
How to visit the Duomo di Milano
Tickets for the Duomo di Milano can be purchased on site or in advance online. They are sold in the wing of the Royal Palace on the right side of the cathedral. The number of tickets is limited and the queues can be long in the morning.
For this reason, we bought our tickets in advance and went straight to the entrance of the cathedral. I recommend booking right away for 9:00am, as it will be the least crowded on the roof and in the cathedral. This will also give you the shortest security queue.
Moreover, the sun is rising and the whole of Milan is literally waking up to a new day.
You can choose between tickets using the lift or the stairs, which are slightly cheaper. If you have mobility issues or are going with small children, I definitely recommend the elevator. There are quite a lot of stairs and you can’t stop on the way up.
Once you ascend or exit the elevator, you will reach the side of the roof where you can walk among the statues and towers. Then you climb a few more steps to reach the highest point of the roof, from where you can enjoy more views.
Once you’ve enjoyed the view from the roof, you’ll descend the stairs directly into the cathedral – here a member of staff will scan your ticket again and then let you in.
The inside of the cathedral is stunning and vast. It will take a while to see everything. There is also an archaeological site inside the cathedral, which you can visit as part of your ticket.
Admission and opening hours of the Duomo in Milan
Full admission is 20 € and 10 € for children 6-17 years old. With the use of the lift, the entrance fee is 25 € and for children aged 6-17 years 12,50 €. Children under 5 years of age and disabled children with an accompanying person are admitted free of charge.
The cathedral is open daily from 9:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:10).
How to skip the queues for the Duomo:
We were buying combined tickets in advance at 9:00am – included the cathedral, the roof, the archaeological site and the Duomo museum. We went through the entrance on the left side of the cathedral reserved for advance reservations, where only a few people were waiting. We chose to take the stairs – the elevator is located a little further on the left side of the cathedral (everything is perfectly marked).
10:30 – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
To the left of the Duomo is another landmark of Milan, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is the oldest shopping centre in Italy still in operation.
The gallery has a four-story double arcade with a distinctive glass dome. You won’t know where to look before you walk.
You can go shopping, enjoy the windows or sip espresso in the historic cafés.
Enjoy a few hours wandering the surrounding streets lined with the trendiest department stores.
Head to the small medieval Piazza Mercanti, which is a little hidden away about 2 minutes from Piazza del Duomo.
Taste panzerotti at Luina’s bakery, located just a short walk from the gallery. Panzerotti dough resembles linguine and can be filled sweet or savoury. They cost around €3 and are very popular (closed on Sundays). You can find the exact location marked on the map at the beginning of the article.
Practical tip: Toilets are located on the right side of the cathedral (fee €2, cash only). You can refill your water in the green fountain in Piazza Cesare Beccaria, just behind the Duomo.
13:00 La Scala
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. connects Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala, where La Scala Opera House is located. And it’s not just any opera. Many famous opera artists from all over the world have performed at La Scala.
You can go to an opera or ballet performance in the evening or see the decorated interior as part of a regular tour.
In the centre of the small square is a statue of Leonardo da Vinci. It is lined with trees and several benches.
Accommodation in Milan 😴
14:00 – Brera district
From La Scala, head north towards the Brera district. Brera, known as the artistic heart of the city, is full of small galleries, quaint shops and picturesque streets.
I’m absolutely charmed by this neighborhood. You can just stroll through the picturesque streets lined with houses with colourful shutters and lots of greenery. Restaurants and cafes literally beckon you to sit down and in summer they are the perfect escape from the hot centre.
The best part of La Brera is around Via Fiori Chiari. It is also lined with several great restaurants where you can go for a meal. Hosteria della Musica is down a side street and Osteria Da Fortunata is a short walk away. You won’t go wrong in either of these restaurants – excellent Italian cuisine and atmosphere.
As well as wandering the streets, Brera has some interesting places to spend an afternoon in our itinerary for 3 days in Milan.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, a public gallery housing an important collection of Italian Renaissance art. Artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Mantegna are well represented.
Please note: Pinacoteca di Brera is closed on Mondays. You can book your visit
book here.
Brera Botanical Garden
Would you like to get away from the busy centre for a while? Head to the Brera Botanical Garden.
Once you pass through the iron gate, the crowds of tourists stay far behind and you can just enjoy a moment of peace in the landscaped garden.
Practical tip: Entrance to the Botanical Gardens is free. There is a small seating area and free toilets.
16:30 Basilica of St. Ambrose
The Basilica of St. Ambrose is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Milan and a definite must on your itinerary for a 3-day visit to Milan. Take the green M2 metro line and get off in a quarter of an hour a short walk from the Basilica.
The Romanesque basilica of Sant’Ambrogio was built in the 4th century. It is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It impresses from the outside with its distinctive red brick facade. Inside it hides beautiful frescoes. Admission is free.
17:30 Colonne di San Lorenzo
Do you like ancient Rome? If you’re feeling fancy, the Colonne di San Lorenzo is about 10 minutes from St Ambrose Basilica. These are a series of ancient Roman columns dating from the end of the 2nd century. They once lined the main road of Roman Milan (the ancient name of Milan).
From the Colonne di San Lorenzo, continue south through the medieval gateway to the last point on our program today. The Navigli Grande canal is about a 10-minute walk or a few tram stops away.
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19:00 Navigli district
The Navigli district was once a system of canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Today, it is one of Milan’s liveliest neighbourhoods, frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Around Navigli Grande, artists exhibit their paintings, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants and vintage shops.
Try traditional Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese or osso buco. Most of the better restaurants open around 7pm. hours. If you arrive early, go for an aperitivo, a small snack with a drink.
MILAN IN 3 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 2nd DAY
9:00 Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and Last Supper
On our second day in Milan, we start with a visit to one of the most iconic works of art in the world – The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It is located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie – to the left of the entrance to the church (it has its own entrance).
How to visit the Last Supper
The Last Supper tour is available by reservation only. Seats fill up months in advance, so you need to plan ahead. Click here to reserve a specific date and time to visit (available dates are listed 3-4 months in advance).
Inside, you have 15 minutes to view the painting. The painting is no longer in good condition, so the number of visitors is limited to 1,000 people per day.
You can come and see the painting every day from 8:30 to 19:00 (you can choose the specific time when you make your reservation).
Are the tickets for your date sold out? Another option is guided tour. The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the most beautiful churches in Milan, is also worth seeing. Admission is free (donations are welcome).
10:30 Milan’s Sistine Chapel
From the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, turn left along the main avenue and in a few minutes you will reach the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. It’s not as famous as the Basilica of St Ambrose or the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, but it’s definitely worth seeing.
Keep your eyes peeled – the church is relatively inconspicuous from the outside and can easily be missed. Inside, however, you will be absolutely stunned by its beautiful and well-preserved frescoes. Many of these frescoes were painted by artists who followed the teachings of Leonardo da Vinci. This is the hidden gem of Milan for us.
Practical information: admission to the church is free, donations are welcome. It’s closed on Mondays. When you enter the main nave of the church, there is a slightly inconspicuous passage on the left to another part of the church.
11:00 – Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle is one of the most beautiful monuments in Milan. It is just a short walk from the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. This fortress-turned-museum hosts various collections including art, antique furniture and musical instruments. The highlight is Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture of Rondanini’s Pieta.
You can walk around the complex for free or visit the museum for a small fee. Behind the castle is the large Sempione Park, where locals spend their leisure time. There are plenty of benches, ponds, toilets and refreshments. An ideal place to relax.
On the other side of the park, the Arco della Pace towers majestically (about a 15-minute walk from Sforza Castle). You can’t climb it like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but it’s still definitely worth seeing.
14:00 Chinatown
Like many other cities, Milan has its own Chinatown. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the Arco della Pace. You can also take the orange tram line 10, which runs through the area and stops at Arco della Pace and Chinatown.
If you haven’t eaten yet or want to enjoy the incredibly lively atmosphere, head here. In particular, take a stroll down Via Paolo Sarpi, the main pedestrian street of Chinatown.
Chinatown has plenty of Asian restaurants, but also one of the best ravioli restaurants in Milan. And at great prices. The best places are marked on the map.
Accommodation in Milan 😴
15:30 Cimitero Monumentale di Milano
The next stop is not a typical sight when visiting Milan.
But if you appreciate beautiful architecture, the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano is probably one of the best things you’ll see in Milan.
It’s halfway between Chinatown and modern Milan, where we’ll go next. In addition, tram no. 10 or metro, making the place easily accessible.
You will see a large collection of Italian statues, Greek temples, obelisks and a small version of Trajan’s Column. All visitors are treated with reverence and respect and just walk quietly through the cemetery.
Practical information: The cemetery is open daily except Mondays.
Tickets for popular attractions in Milan:
17:00 – Piazza Gae Aulenti
Porta Nuova serves as a contrast to the historic centre of Milan. This modern neighbourhood is the epitome of modern Milan – skyscrapers, luxury apartments and corporate offices that define Milan as Italy’s city of the future. The entrance to Porta Nuova is Piazza Gae Aulenti.
You can sit in the grass, have a delicious ice cream at Venchi and see the interesting architecture, including the Bosco Verticale, a sustainable apartment building with lots of greenery.
19:00 Corso Como
It’s evening and time for a good meal or a drink. From Porta Nuova, take the Corso Como and enjoy the rich nightlife that Milan has to offer. Stop by 10 Corso Como, a unique combination of boutique, art gallery and café founded by fashion editor Carla Sozzani.
MILAN IN 3 DAYS – ITINERARY FOR 3rd DAY
Unlike the previous two days, we will leave the third day in Milan more open. There is still plenty to see in the city.
But that’s also true of Milan’s surroundings, where you’ll find historic towns, Alpine lakes and breathtaking nature. We’ll show you some options so you can enjoy your last day in Milan exactly as you wish.
Option 1: Milan
In the first option, we’ll show you how you can spend another full day in Milan. We’ll visit the neoclassical Porta Venezia district, see Leonardo da Vinci’s discoveries at the museum of the same name and explore other parts of the historic centre, including the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.
9:30 Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Near the centre of Milan, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology is one of the most visited places in Milan. There is a lot to see in the museum and it’s really big, so we’ll plan a visit first thing in the morning.
Here you will find exhibits ranging from transport and energy to the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, to whom the museum is dedicated.
How to visit the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
The museum is open daily except Mondays at the following times: Tuesday to Friday 9:30-17:00 and on weekends 9:30-18:30. Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
The nearest metro station is S. Ambrogio (green metro line M2), just 5 minutes away.
12:00 Porta Venezia
Porta Venezia is a beautiful neighbourhood full of neoclassical buildings and large parks. It is connected to the historic centre and is far less touristy than the centre itself.
Porta Venezia is easily reached by metro – take the green M2 metro line at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and change to the red M1 metro line at Cadorna Station. Get off at Palestro station in a quarter of an hour.
Gardens of Indro Montanelli
As you get off the metro, you will see the vast gardens of Indro Montanelli on your left. These include a natural history museum, the Dugnani Palace and a series of trails with seating. In addition, there are several snack bars where you can go for a meal or a coffee.
Arco di Portaluppi
Directly opposite the Natural History Museum you will see the distinctive Arco di Portaluppi. If you like beautiful architecture, I recommend going through the gate and continuing past the beautiful buildings that are located in the district.
A little further afield you can visit Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s design villa.
Villa Reale a Corso Buenos Aires
Another interesting place in the Porta Venezia district is the Villa Reale, home to the Museum of Modern Art. Behind us is a beautiful quiet garden.
The bustling Corso Buenos Aires winds through the Porta Venezia district, lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.
Read: Transport in Milan
15:00 Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Do you like beautiful art? Don’t miss out Biblioteca Ambrosiana in the city centre, just a short walk from the Duomo. Inside, you can admire works by Leonardo da Vinci and Titian, which are housed in magnificent spaces and are worth seeing in their own right.
After the tour, you can continue along Via Torino and discover the hidden nooks and crannies of the historic centre.
And where to eat in the centre of Milan? For delicious pizza, go to Piz. Nearby, All’Antico Vinaio serves the famous Schiacciata. They have several branches throughout Italy. There are queues, but they pass quickly and the smaller wait is worth it.
Tip: Need to brush up on your travel English? EasyLingo is an online English learning app that we’ve been using for a few months now. You will learn writing, reading, speaking and listening skills. And you only need 20 minutes a day to do it. On your computer or mobile.
Option 2: Bergamo
Bergamo is located near Milan in Lombardy. Thanks to Milan, Bergamo is overlooked by many tourists. And although it has been growing in popularity in recent years, it is still an authentic city that will literally delight you with its friendly and warm atmosphere.
Bergamo got us with its labyrinth of medieval streets in Città Alta and lively atmosphere in Città Bassa. If you have the time, I recommend to walk through it during the day and at night, when it is beautifully lit.
Read: What to see in Bergamo
How to get to Bergamo from Milan
Bergamo is easily accessible from Milan. The easiest way to get here is by train from Milano Centrale Train Station. Here you board the train directly to Bergamo and in less than an hour you are at your destination. For current train connections, visit Trenitalia.it.
Option 3: Lago di Como
Lago di Como is such a beautiful place that it deserves a separate visit for a few days.
Lake Como, that’s one big kitsch. Picturesque towns with narrow streets, colourful houses lining the coast and clear water reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Not for nothing is it one of the most beautiful Italian lakes.
Lago di Como offers a wealth of activities. You can relax by the water with a delicious Italian gelato, stroll along the promenade in the evening, take a ferry trip to the surrounding towns or hike to one of the peaks where you’ll have Lake Como in the palm of your hand.
The best on Lake Como are the towns of Bellagio and Varenna. You can get here by train and ferry depending on where you are coming from.
Read: What to see at Lago di Como
How to get to Lago di Como from Milan
If you use public transport, you have 2 options to get to Lake Como. You can take the train to Lecco at the eastern end of the lake or to Como at the western end.
In both cases, trains leave from Milano Centrale and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Again, check the Italian carrier Trenitalia.it for current connections. Trains are comfortable and cheap.
Tip: If you are planning to rent a car in Milan, the best experience we have is with Rentalcars.com. They have the widest range of cars at good prices. Insurance and free cancellation is a matter of course. Book in advance to ensure the best choice and price.
Como is the main town around the lake, it has a beautiful cathedral and a lovely promenade. On the outskirts of the town, you can take the Brunate cable car to the mountains for views of the town and the lake.
Lecco is smaller and again has a beautiful historic centre with an iconic promenade. From here, a cable car takes you high into the mountains, where you can again enjoy far-reaching views – in my opinion, slightly better than Brunate u Como.
In Lecco you can change trains, which follow the right side of the lake and stop, among other places, in the town of Varenna. Once you’ve explored Varenna, you can catch the ferry to Bellagio, which is within sight from here.
To get back to Milan, you can take the train from Varenna and then from Lecco to Milano Centrale (some connections go to Garibaldi train station).
Or go from Milan on a guided trip to Lake Como and the towns of Bellagio and Varenna. The trip includes transportation by air-conditioned bus and a ferry on the lake. Another advantage is that you have the opportunity to see a lot in a short time.
Where to stay in Milan in 3 days?
- B&B Hotel Milano Ornato: Cheap, comfortable hotel a short walk from the tram station, with parking and 24/7 reception
- Hotel Ritter: A quiet hotel on the edge of the centre, with easy access to the Sforza Castle, the Duomo or the Brera district, 5 minutes by metro, 24/7 reception.
- B&B Hotel Milano San Siro: A pleasant hotel right next to the San Siro Stadium with parking and a few minutes from the metro station
- Hotel AMEDIA: New, 4* hotel with good access to the centre and parking
Accommodation in Milan 😴
How to get from the airport to Milan?
If you’re flying into Milan, you’re probably concerned with Malpensa (Wizz Air, Easy Jet) or Bergamo (Ryanair) airports. Both airports are located about an hour from the centre of Milan and are not accessible by public transport.
How to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan?
Direct buses stop right outside the arrivals hall of Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio Airport) and take you to Milano Centrale Train Station without stopping. From here, it is easy to reach the city centre by metro or on foot.
We always buy our tickets in advance. Tickets are valid all day, so you can use them for any connection without any problems. Upon arrival, we go straight to the buses and don’t wait in line at the window or the ticket machine where you buy tickets to the center. At the bus, we then show the ticket on our mobile phones to the worker standing there.
How to get from Malpensa Airport to Milan?
In the case of Malpensa Airport, you have a choice of train or bus. In both cases, follow the signs at the airport to guide you.
Buses stop again at Milano Centrale station. The same place you get back to the airport from.
In this case, too. we bought tickets in advance. We could take any train on any given day – all we had to do was show the ticket to the driver.
The trains are slightly faster and there are 2 lines to choose from – to Cadorna Station or to Milano Central via Garibaldi Station.
How to enjoy Milan in 3 days
- Wear comfortable shoes. The sidewalks are sometimes uneven and the marble in the Duomo is a bit slippery.
- Lots of places located in the city centre and are easily accessible on foot. For more distant places, use the metro or the historic yellow trams – transport is safe, cheap and reliable.
- Try the food outside the main tourist spots. In hidden alleyways or neighborhoods frequented mainly by locals. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy more.
- Summer or winter, Italian gelato is a must-try. Excellent gelaterias are scattered all over Milan – in the centre, try Venchi, which has excellent gelato and chocolate.
- Stop at the main tourist spots such as the Duomo or the Last Supper.
- Or, conversely, explore Milan after dark, when it’s beautifully lit up. From the Navigli Grande Canal to the Duomo, in the evening everything is bathed in warm colours of light.
- Take a day trip to the surrounding area – Lago di Como and Bergamo are perfect for a day trip.
Do you have a question about our itinerary of what to see and do in Milan in three days? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Northern Italy
MILAN: Here’s an overview of the best places to visit in Milan. Do you have less time than 3 days for Milan? Check out the itinerary for Milan in 2 days or the itinerary for 1 day in Milan.
Here is a guide to transport in Milan. In this article we share our tips on where to stay in Milan. We have compiled practical tips for visiting the Duomo di Milano in a separate guide.
LOMBARDIA: Get inspired by the most beautiful places to see in Lombardy.
In Lombardy you will find other beautiful places besides Milan. Just outside Milan is the Alpine lake Lago di Como. Or check out our 15 tips on what to see in Bergamo.
ROME: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Here’s a list of the best things to see in Rome. Build your 3-day Rome itinerary and see how to save in Rome. Find out all about the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.
VENICE: In the article What to visit in Venice we bring you tips on the most beautiful places and other useful tips.
Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.
Summary: What to see and do in Milan in 3 days
You need about 2-3 days to see the main attractions of Milan. If you’ve planned a 3-day trip to Milan, I’d recommend a third day trip to the surrounding area – to Lago di Como or the beautiful medieval town of Bergamo.
Three days provides enough time to visit all the main attractions and a few hidden gems to boot. Must-see sights include the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro alla Scala, the Brera district, Castello Sforzesco, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Navigli district. In the itinerary we will show you other places that are definitely worth seeing.
Some attractions have long queues or are almost impossible to get a ticket for on the spot – especially Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Duomo.
Lombardy hides many beautiful places. Less than an hour from Milan, you can visit the Alpine lake Lago di Como or the beautiful medieval town of Bergamo.
