Milan in 4 Days: everything you need to know

If you're thinking of spending four days in Milan, here's an itinerary designed to help you make the most of your visit. From the Duomo to The Last Supper, not to mention a trip to Lake Como. Let's go!

On your first day in Milan, I recommend starting with a tour of the historic center, where the main monuments are concentrated. As you explore the area, you’ll discover the Duomo, the Royal Palace, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, and the legendary Teatro alla Scala.

There’s no better way to start than with a bang: history, architecture, and local cuisine—all in one day.

• Royal Palace: Former seat of government, now a cultural center hosting temporary exhibitions. Visit the official website of the Royal Palace of Milan
• Milan Cathedral: One of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Book your skip-the-line tickets to visit the Milan Cathedral
• Panzerottis at Luini: Stuffed fried pizza, a quick and inexpensive local delicacy. Check out the menu and hours at Luini, Milan’s most famous panzerotti spot
• Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery: A historic shopping arcade filled with light, mosaics, and exclusive shops. Discover the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and its history
• Teatro alla Scala: Italy’s most famous opera house. You can take a guided tour. Book a guided tour inside the Teatro alla Scala

After a busy first day, the second is dedicated to Milan’s history and art. You’ll visit Sforzesco Castle, a Renaissance fortress turned museum, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece: The Last Supper. At the end of the day, there’s nothing like an Italian aperitif along the canals of the Naviglio Pavese.

• Sforzesco Castle: Free courtyard and multiple museums (art, musical instruments, Egyptian artifacts…). Buy your ticket to visit Sforzesco Castle and its museums
• Santa Maria delle Grazie: This is where The Last Supper is housed. Admission requires advance booking. See Da Vinci’s The Last Supper with a reserved ticket
• Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio: Romanesque architecture, free admission. More information about the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
• Columns of San Lorenzo: Open-air Roman archaeological site. Discover the history of San Lorenzo Maggiore
• Dinner in Naviglio Pavese: A youthful and romantic atmosphere to enjoy a typical Italian aperitif. What to do in Milan at night: dinner along the Naviglio canals

Today, it’s time to immerse yourself in Milan’s artistic and cultural scene. The day begins at the Monumental Cemetery, an open-air sculpture gallery. Next, you’ll explore contemporary Milan in Porta Nuova, before wrapping up with visits to two key museums: the GAM and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

• Monumental Cemetery: Mausoleums, sculptures, and funerary architecture. Find all the information about Milan’s Monumental Cemetery
• Piazza Gae Aulenti: A modern area, perfect for contrasting with the historic part of the city.
• GAM: Gallery of Modern Art featuring works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Cézanne.
• Indro Montanelli Gardens: Perfect if you’re traveling with children. Things to do with kids in Milan: visit the Montanelli Gardens
• Brera Art Gallery: A museum featuring works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and others. Book a guided tour of the Brera Art Gallery with tickets included

To wrap up your trip, I suggest a day trip north of Milan to Lake Como. Whether you go on your own or take an organized tour, you’ll enjoy one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, surrounded by villas, charming villages, and nature.

• City of Como: Medieval streets, lake views, and a rural atmosphere. Day trip to Lake Como from Milan with transportation and a guide
• Boat Tour: The best way to explore the lake. Check out the best boat tours on Lake Como
• Dining in Como: Recommended spots like Hosterietta: a restaurant with a terrace in downtown Como
• Bellagio: A picturesque town with spectacular views. How to get to Bellagio from Como or Milan
• Varenna: A fishing village perfect for sunset. Discover Varenna, one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Como

Milan is a city you can visit any time of year, but the best time to come is between June and September, when the weather is most pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

If you don’t mind the cold, a great option is to visit Milan at Christmas and enjoy its festive atmosphere, when the streets are filled with lights and Christmas markets.

Your trip to Milan is full of sights and fun activities, but to give you an overview of everything you’ll be doing, here’s a table with the highlights to help you plan better.