More about: Milan in 4 Days: everything you need to know
If you're thinking of coming to Milan for four days, here's an itinerary designed to help you make the most of your visit. From the Duomo to the Last Supper, not forgetting a trip to Lake Como, here we go!
Day 1: A stroll through Milan's must-see sights
On your first day in Milan, I recommend you start with a tour of the historic centre, where the main monuments are concentrated. As you walk around the area you'll discover the Duomo, the Royal Palace, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the legendary Teatro alla Scala.
Nothing better than a great start: history, architecture and local gastronomy, all in one day.
- Royal Palace: Former government residence, today a cultural centre with temporary exhibitions. Visit the official website of the Royal Palace of Milan
- Milan Duomo: One of the most impressive Gothic temples in Europe. Book your tickets to visit the Duomo of Milan without queuing up
- Panzerottis at Luini: Stuffed fried pizza, a quick and cheap local delicacy. Check the menu and opening hours of Luini, the most famous panzerottis place in Milan
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Historic shopping passage full of light, mosaics and exclusive shops. Discover the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and its history
- Teatro alla Scala: Italy's most famous opera house. You can take a guided tour. Book a guided tour of the interior of the Teatro alla Scala
Day 2: Living history and evening on the canals
After an intense first day, the second day is dedicated to the history and art of Milan. You will visit the Sforzesco Castle, a Renaissance fortress turned museum, and Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece: the Last Supper. At the end of the day, nothing like an Italian aperitif by the canals of Naviglio Pavese.
- Sforzesco Castle: Free courtyard and multiple museums (art, instruments, Egypt...). Buy your ticket to visit the Sforzesco Castle and its museums
- Santa Maria delle Grazie: The Last Supper is preserved here. Admission by reservation. Access to Da Vinci's Last Supper with reserved entrance
- Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio: Romanesque architecture, free admission. More about the Basilica of San Ambrogio
- Columns of San Lorenzo: Roman site in the open air. Discover the history of San Lorenzo Maggiore
- Dine at Naviglio Pavese: Young and romantic atmosphere to enjoy a typical Italian aperitif. What to do in Milan in the evening: dinner on the Naviglio canals
Day 3: Art and museums in the heart of Milan
Today is a day to immerse yourself in **Milan'**s artistic and cultural scene. The day starts at the Monumental Cemetery, an open-air sculpture gallery. Afterwards, you'll tour contemporary Milan at Porta Nuova, ending with a visit to two key museums: the GAM and the Pinacoteca di Brera.
- Monumental Cemetery: Mausoleums, sculptures and funerary architecture. Check all the information about the Monumental Cemetery of Milan
- Piazza Gae Aulenti: Modern area, ideal to contrast with the historical part.
- GAM: Modern Art Gallery with works by Picasso, Van Gogh or Cezanne.
- Indro Montanelli Gardens: Perfect if you are travelling with children. Plans with children in Milan: visit the Montanelli Gardens
- Pinacoteca di Brera: Museum with works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Tintoretto... Book a guided visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera with tickets included
Day 4: Excursion to Lake Como
To end the trip, I suggest a day trip to the north of Milan, to Lake Como. Whether on your own or on an organised excursion, you will enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Italy, surrounded by villas, charming villages and nature.
- City of Como: Medieval streets, lake views, rural atmosphere. Excursion to Lake Como from Milan with transport and guide
- Boat trip: The best way to get to know the lake. Check out the best boat trips on Lake Como
- Food in Como: Recommended places like Hosterietta: restaurant with terrace in the centre of Como
- Bellagio: Panoramic village with spectacular views. How to get to Bellagio from Como or Milan
- Varenna: Fishing village ideal for sunset. Discover Varenna, one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Como
Best time to visit Milan
Milan is a city you can visit at any time of the year, but ideally between June and September, when the weather is more pleasant and there is less mass tourism.
If you don't mind the cold, a good option is to travel to Milan at Christmas time and enjoy its illuminated atmosphere, when the streets are filled with lights and markets.
Itinerary of your 4-day trip to Milan
Your trip to Milan is full of panoramas and entertaining plans but, so that you have a summary of everything you will do, I leave you a table with the main things to do so that you can orientate yourself better.
- Day 1
- Milan must-sees
- Royal Palace and Duomo
- Panzerottis
- Galleries Emanuele and Scala Theatre
- Day 2
- Historic Milan
- Sforzesco Castle and "Last Supper".
- Lunch in a pizzeria
- Basilica of St. Ambrose and Pavese canals
- Day 3
- Milan, capital of art
- Monumental Cemetery
- Lunch at Porta Nova
- GAM and Pinacoteca of Brera
- Day 4
- Excursion to Lake Como
- Como and boat trip
- Lunch in the village
- Cruise to Bellagio and Varena