One-Day Itinerary For Milan, Italy

Move over Paris, the chic Italian fashion-capital, Milan, is coming through! Milan is quite different from the rest of Italy. It’s a bit more industrial, it’s way more expensive, and everything feels like it has its pinky and nose up, compared to the rest of the country and its humble vibes. This isn’t to say Milan isn’t worth visiting, because most major airlines will have direct flights to this fashionista citta (citta = city in Italian). If you find that Milan is either the best way to get into Italy, or you just end up here by happenstance, it’s absolutely worth spending a day here if you have the time. Here’s a perfect one-day itinerary for Milan, Italy.

• Pro-tip: Don’t feel like doing all of the planning on your own? Book a guided historical tour to see the city’s highlights.

Stop #1: Duomo di Milano

If you only have one day in Milan, it’s worth prioritizing its most famous sight and seeing it first. The Duomo di Milano is one of the most intricate, incredible pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen. In my humble opinion, it’s the most beautiful duomo in all of Italy, which is really saying something, considering every major city (and many small towns) have a duomo. Get there early, like 7-8am at latest. This place gets extremely packed, and though it’s enjoyable either way, it’s better you do your best to avoid the crowds.

• Pro-tip: Many people will “offer” to take your photo with the birds that hang out near the Duomo by placing some crackers in your hand. Nothing in life comes for free, and they will fully expect a tip afterward. Though it is worth it if you want the pic, just ensure you have some euro on you to tip.

You can book ahead of time to gain entrance inside.

Stop #2: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Many major Italian cities have a massive dome-shaped shopping area, filled with chain shops in an architecturally stunning designed space. While the country might be chock-full of ’em, none quite live up to the beauty like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, the country’s oldest active shopping gallery. It is located close to the duomo, so stopping here early in the morning for an espresso is a great bet to beat the crowds and take in its beauty.

Stop #3: Sforzesco Castle

Built by Francesco Sforza in the 15th Century, Sforzesco Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan, so if you only have a single day, you better find time to squeeze this historic building into your itinerary. It’s only a 13-minute walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, so as long as you follow this guide, you’ll have no problem ensuring you see it. Not only is it historically rich due to being a medieval fortification, but it currently hosts one of the city’s, no, country’s, best museums.

Stop #4: Il Mercato del Duomo

Italian mercatos can be real hit or miss, and though some might view them as a commercialized cafeteria, there’s no arguing that they are convenient. I’m particularly biased toward the one in Florence, but all of the food in Florence is a win in my book. To be honest, I’m not completely obsessed with Milanese food in general, but there are some great options at Il Mercato del Duomo. I’m sure the locals would snub their noses at my admiration for what can only best be described as Italian fast-food, but if fresh prosciutto, burrata, and Rosati wine (yeah, that’s right, my last name means “rosé” in Italian), then so be it. Il Mercato del Duomo is certainly not the best food the city has to offer, but it’s a convenient one-stop shop for all great things Italian, and will have you moving on with your one-day in Milan quickly.

Stop #5: Shop on Via Torino

Now that you’ve gotten some architectural beauty, medieval castles, and Italian fast-food out of the way, it’s time to partake in what Milan is best known for: shopping. Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, and as you stroll along the streets and ride the Milan metro, you might feel ashamed that you don’t dress better. The Milanese fashionistas strut around like they own the place in chic leather and the latest trends like they just walked right off the runway. It’s pretty impressive and might inspire you to buy a funky or classic piece while here. Via Torino is a popular street in the city to shop, whether for souvenirs, cool fashion pieces, or makeup and perfume. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’re likely to find it here.

Stop #6: Grab Lunch at Il Cenacolo

Every region of Italy is known for a different type of cuisine. Based on climate and traditions, ingredients vary from north to south, east to west, coast to coast. In Milan, it should come as no surprise that the cuisine is filled with chic, expensive ingredients, much like the city itself. Meals like risotto Milanese (made with saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, of course) and Osso Bucco are found on every menu in Milan, but choose wisely. Il Cenacolo is one of the best restaurants in the city for serving up traditional Milanese food. Plan accordingly, as they close after 2:30PM for lunch and don’t reopen until 5PM.

Stop #7: Take a Stroll in Sempione Park

Time to relax and enjoy the fresh Milano air. Sempione Park, or Parco Sempiane (can only be said this way if you speak with your hands), is a large park in the middle of the major metropolis of Milan. Who doesn’t love a good patch of green amongst a concrete jungle? Take a stroll, sit on a bench, smell the flowers, and relax before continuing your busy day in Milan.

Stop #8: Aperitivo in Navigli

Did you really go to Italy if you didn’t get Aperitivo? Aperitivo is an Italian tradition that I wish the US would adapt. It’s where you go to a bar or cafe pre-dinner hours, order a beverage, and with it, you receive an unlimited supply of food: from cured meats to cheeses to little sandwiches to olives and even pasta. It’s one of the many things you should know about before heading to Italy, and in Milan, there’s no better place to do it than in the canal-filled neighborhood of Navigli. That’s right; Milan has what I like to call a “mini-Venice,” with a canal cutting through the city, and plenty of bars to sit and get the best views while enjoying a proper aperitivo.

Stop #9: Eat Dinner at al Baretto

Aperitivo was just the starter, now it’s time for the real meal. You are in Italy, after all, so I hope you brought your appetite. Head to Al Baretto for some of the city’s finest. You might be surprised to see such a seafood-forward menu, but Milan uniquely has the largest seafood market in Italy. This is because all of the freshest seafood in the country gets shipped directly to Milan. At al Baretto, seafood is the star; go for oysters, shrimp and saffron risotto, gnocchetti with baby squid in a tangy tomato sauce, or the Sardinian pasta dish, malloreddus with calamari and clams in an arrabbiata sauce. Do not skip out on ricotta-stuffed fiori di zucca for an appetizer, and the chocolate tiramisu dessert is simply showstopping.

Stop #10: Head back to your hotel

(But maybe swing by the Duomo for a crowd-free night photoshoot first!)

If you have any energy left, swing back by the Duomo late at night to enjoy it essentially crowd-free. The photo above was taken around midnight. After that, it’s time to hit the hay.

In true Milano fashion, Milan is home to plenty of luxury hotels. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can find great deals in popular neighborhoods like Navigli. Here are some top choices in Milan:

• $: Hotel Milano Navigli (I’ve stayed here and loved it– best bang for your buck!); Canova Hotel
• $$: Hotel Da Vinci; Lancaster Hotel
• $$$+: Four Seasons Hotel Milano (you can simply never go wrong with Four Seasons!); Bulgari Hotel Milano; Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Need an airport transfer?

Whether flying into Malpensa or Bergamo (which, Bergamo is much further out so you’ll definitely want to plan ahead), make sure to book in advance so you’re not scrambling for options.

• Book a Bergamo (BGY) airport transfer here.
• Book a Malpensa (MXP) transfer here.

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