Milan 5 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

5-Day Milan Itinerary: Fashion, Art, and Aperitivo

Accommodation:

Hotel Spadari al Duomo: Chic boutique hotel with rooftop terrace overlooking the Duomo. (Mid-range)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Luxurious apartments in the heart of Milan’s iconic arcade. (High-end)
Ostello Bello Grande: Modern and social hostel with private rooms and dorms. (Budget-friendly)

Transportation:

Milan Metro: Extensive network covering the city center and outskirts. Purchase a day pass for unlimited travel.
Tram: Convenient for exploring specific neighborhoods and reaching attractions outside the city center.
Walking: Milan is a very walkable city, especially within the historic center.

Things to know:

Language: Italian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€)
Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated for good service (5-10% of the bill).

Morning:

Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, climb to the rooftop for breathtaking city views. (Purchase tickets online in advance)
Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century arcade with luxury boutiques and cafes.
Wander through the elegant Quadrilatero della Moda district, window shopping at designer stores like Prada, Gucci, and Versace.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti: Enjoy delicious fried pastries filled with mozzarella and tomato.
Visit the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Take a guided tour or attend a performance if possible.

Evening:

Aperitivo hour at Bar Basso: Experience Milanese tradition with cocktails and complimentary snacks.
Dinner at Trattoria Milanese: Savor authentic Milanese cuisine like risotto alla milanese or osso buco.

Morning:

Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie church to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper (book tickets well in advance).
Explore the Sforza Castle, a historic fortress with museums and art collections.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Panino Giusto: Indulge in delicious gourmet sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
Discover the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art museum housing masterpieces by Italian Renaissance artists.

Evening:

Stroll through the Brera district, known for its charming cobblestone streets, boutiques, and art galleries.
Enjoy a traditional Milanese dinner at Ristorante Nabucco.

Morning:

Explore the picturesque Navigli canals, lined with vibrant bars and restaurants.

Afternoon:

Take a relaxing canal cruise to see Milan from a different perspective.
Lunch at Pizzeria Spontini: Famous for its thick-crust pizza baked in wooden ovens.

Evening:

Enjoy aperitivo along the Navigli, sipping cocktails and soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Dinner at Trattoria da Pino, a popular spot known for its seafood dishes.

Morning:

Visit Corso Buenos Aires, a major shopping street with department stores, boutiques, and cafes.
Explore the Quadrilatero della Moda further, discovering hidden gems and designer outlets.

Afternoon:

Relax in Parco Sempione, a sprawling green space perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.
Visit the Arco della Pace, a majestic triumphal arch dating back to the Napoleonic era.

Evening:

Enjoy a delicious dinner at Ristorante Cracco, known for its modern Italian cuisine and Michelin stars.

Option 1:

Take a day trip to Lake Como, enjoying stunning scenery and charming villages.
Visit the Villa del Balbianello, a beautiful lakeside villa featured in films like “Star Wars” and “James Bond”.

Option 2:

Explore the historic city of Bergamo, with its medieval walls and picturesque old town.

Farewell Dinner:

Enjoy a final meal at Da Giacomo, savoring classic Milanese dishes and reflecting on your trip.

Tips:

Pack comfortable shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Learn some basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience.
Book attractions in advance, especially popular ones like The Last Supper and the Duomo rooftop.
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.