What to do in Milan for 2 Days

Milan is Italy’s fashion, economic and nightlife capital, making it one of the most sought-after cities to visit in the country. Because of its size, you may be wondering if it’s possible to see as much of the city as you can in two days, but thanks to its efficient transport system and walkable town square, getting around is a lot easier than you think. Prepare for an exciting itinerary filled with everything Milan has to offer, and the best part is you’ll be able to do it all in two days or less. Here are our suggestions on how best to spend 48 hours in Milan.

Where to stay

Where you stay can make or break your trip, and people of course have different budgets and preferences– here are the top luxury, budget and mid-range hotels to choose from in Milan.

Luxury: If you’ve got a little more cash to spend, the Park Hyatt Milano Hotel is fit for royalty, with an opulent interior and exterior and its 5-stars make it perfect for those who are looking for a more upscale place to stay.

Mid-Range: Despite its expensive reputation and abundance of 4-5 star hotels, Milan is also home to mid-range and more affordable hotels! Check out Hotel Rio for more affordable but just as high-quality accommodation that is a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Budget: Don’t quite have the funds for 5-stars? Stay at Hotel La Caravella and enjoy lower costs but excellent quality and service. Book with Enjoy Travel for exclusive deals on accommodation across Milan.

Where to eat

If there’s one thing Milan is no stranger to, it’s good food! The city is stacked with fine and casual dining restaurants, eateries and cafes and there’s something for everyone. Here’s an idea of where to go to start off your day and end your day in Milan.

Breakfast/Brunch: Start the day with pancakes or something sweet at Biancolatte, or with your favourite toastie or savoury brunch option at Mi Casa Toasteria.

Lunch/Dinner: Traditional Milanese food doesn’t get better than what Risoelatte serves– authentic Milanese dishes served in a classic Italian setting. Looking for a place to eat a classic Italian pizza in its birth country? Look no further than Piz, a vibrant pizzeria in the heart of Milan.

As for coffee and sweet treats, make some new furry friends as you sip your coffee at Milan’s Crazy Cat Cafe, or enjoy speciality brews and iced coffees at Orsonero Coffee.

Where to get your culture fix

Milan is so much more than its fashion and food scene. It’s also known for its stunning architecture, religious buildings and landmarks, as well as its abundance of art galleries and museums. Culture and history aficionados will feel right at home.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio are the gateways into Milanese and Italian culture, religion and history. Want to see all the sights in one go? Why not take a guided walking tour?

Where to drink

Milan has one of the best nightlife scenes in the country, with a variety of nightclubs, bars and entertainment venues that see high footfalls each night. Head to Rita or Moscow Mule Bar for the best cocktails you’ll try in the city. If you’re looking for a big night out, head to Porta Garibaldi or Corso Como, which are the main streets and areas that are buzzing with nightlife and partygoers in Milan.

If you want to dance the night away, head to The Club Milano or Bobino Milano. Drinks of choice include cocktails, Italian wine or the Milan-born Negroni Sbagliato. If you simply want to enjoy some speciality coffee, head to Cafezal Torrefazione or Il Cafetero.

Where to shop

Craving a shopping spree? You’re in the right place. Milan is the fashion capital of Italy and one of the most prestigious fashion capitals in the world, thanks to its regular hosting of Milan Fashion Week. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele shopping centre is the best place to go in Milan for luxury and designer fashion stores and an array of premium restaurants, and fun fact is the oldest shopping mall in the country and the world! For a more budget-friendly shopping experience, try the CityLife Shopping District. The city also hosts regular clothes and flea markets, so if you don’t want to splash the cash on designer clothing, this may be your best option.

Best day trips from Milan

Although you certainly won’t be bored in Milan, the hustle and bustle of the city can make you a little overwhelmed and leave you wanting to seek a more relaxing or laid-back place to spend your time. There are several small towns and cities near Milan that offer a fulfilling experience without the hectic tourist crowds or bustling squares. Here are our top suggestions on nearby cities and towns that will give you a true slice of Italian culture.

Como

Well known for its proximity to the stunning Lake Como and the Alps mountain range, Como is a city with a vibrant culture, lively waterfront scene and atmosphere and historic sites, making it an ideal destination for all types of tourists and travellers. Make sure to bring a camera! You can get to Como from Milan in around 50 minutes by driving. 

Monza

Best known as being the host of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monza truly has an international reputation and is only a 45-minute drive from Milan. Aside from the city’s claim to fame, it is also home to stunning Renaissance architecture, parks and a lively culture.

Bergamo

Reachable from Milan in just under an hour, Bergamo is an ancient city best known for its medieval Old Town and streets, its rich and extensive history dating back to Roman times, and its Alpine surroundings. History, culture and sightseeing enthusiasts will enjoy this city and everything it has to offer.

48 Hours in Milan – Daily Itinerary

Despite its large size, it’s possible to take in and appreciate the true essence of Milanese culture and way of life within a short period of time. Take a look at our top suggestions on how best to spend 48 hours in Milan, from shopping and dining to visiting cultural hubs and architectural masterpieces.

Day 1: Sightseeing, luxury shopping and green spaces

• After you’ve fueled up with coffee and brunch, waste no time in heading out and exploring the city. Start a sightseeing tour at Piazza del Duomo– the Gothic cathedral is Milan’s most recognisable landmark. Don’t forget about Arco della Pace!
• After this, head to the world-famous and oldest shopping centre Galleria Vittorio Emanuele– enjoy window shopping or, if you’ve got cash to splash, a full shopping spree at the luxury and designer stores.
• Relax and enjoy the sights and escape from the bustling city in Parco Sempione. Or, if you have the time, head out to one of the surrounding cities which can be reached in under an hour!
• Once you come back to Milan from your day trip to a neighbouring town or city, why not end the day by watching a world-famous opera performance at Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s historic opera theatre? Head to Galleria Vittorio or into the main city for some upscale dining options before deciding to stay out and enjoy the city after dark, or head back to your accommodation.
  
  

Day 2: Museums, art galleries and castles

• After you’ve fuelled up with a hearty breakfast or brunch at one of Milan’s many restaurants or cafes, tour the halls of Pinacoteca di Brera, Gallerie d’Italia or Modern Art Gallery and view the centuries of art and paintings that adorn the walls.
• Then, take a self-guided or private tour of Sforzesco Castle and learn more about Milan’s long history, with the castle dating back to the 14th century.
• Gain insight into Italian science and technology at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology– Leonardo da Vinci is most renowned for his painting of the Mona Lisa, but did you know he was also a scientist and engineer among many other things?
• Now’s also a great time to enjoy some Italian wine– Milan is close to Italy’s main wine-producing regions, so it makes sense that the city has some authentic fresh and local wines to offer. You could also head out to a nearby vineyard or winery for a wine tasting tour, which is a great way to end your trip.