From the iconic sights of the historic centre to the city’s most modern districts, discover what to see and do in Milan in two days with a walking itinerary.
I grew up near Milan and it’s where I studied, worked and met some truly special people. That’s why I often go back in my free time, whether it’s for an exhibition or simply to take long walks through its streets.
With the Winter Olympics coming up in February, the city will be in the international spotlight, but Milan is worth visiting at any time of year. Unlike other Italian cities, it doesn’t reveal its beauty right away; you need the right amount of time to really appreciate it.
That’s why I decided to create a two‑day itinerary for a relaxed yet activity‑packed weekend, combining the most famous attractions and neighbourhoods with a few more authentic gems.
Keep reading to discover suggested routes and make sure to save the two maps to use on your trip.
Day 1: Art and history, from Brera to the Navigli
The first day is dedicated to classic Milan: art, great masterpieces, and neighbourhoods that tell the story of the city.
9:30am – Start your day at the Pinacoteca di Brera
Estimated visit time: About 1.5 hours
Metro stop: Lanza (M2 line, 8‑minute walk)
Start your day in Milan’s artistic heart, the Brera district. Here you’ll find the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s most famous museums and home to masterpieces such as The Kiss by Hayez, along with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Mantegna. It’s an elegant mid-sized museum — perfect if you don’t want to spend too long indoors. I recommend it as a first stop to connect with the artistic side of the city.
Tip: Book your ticket for the Pinacoteca di Brera in advance.
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12:00pm – Discover the Teatro alla Scala
Estimated visit time: 45–60 minutes
Metro stop: Duomo (M1/M3 lines, 5‑minute walk)
Walking distance from Brera: About 10 minutes
Continue walking towards the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. While you can admire it from the outside, a guided tour lets you learn about its history and gush over its interiors. It’s an essential stop that showcases the elegant and cultured side of Milan.
Tip: Pair La Scala with a guided tour of Piazza Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
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1:00pm – Dig into lunch in the city centre
After a packed morning, it’s the perfect time to stop for lunch. Between Brera, La Scala and the Duomo, there’s no shortage of options — but you’ll want to choose carefully to avoid high prices and average food.
Recommended restaurants in the Brera / Scala area:
- Al Matarel: Milanese cuisine and a historic atmosphere
- Spontini: Milan’s very own pizza-by-the-slice chain, it’s a great casual spot for a quick lunch
- Panini Durini: Ideal if you want something quick, light and good quality
3:00pm – Admire Leonardo’s Last Supper
Estimated visit time: 45 minutes
Metro stop: Conciliazione (M1 line, 10‑minute walk)
Visiting The Last Supper is likely to be one of the most memorable moments of your trip. Located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci’s famed masterpiece can only be accessed with a reservation. You’ll be granted several minutes in front of one of the world’s most famous paintings, making it a short but momentous visit.
Tip: Book your guided visit to the Last Supper months in advance.
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4:30pm – Visit the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
Estimated visit time: 30–45 minutes
Metro stop: Sant’Ambrogio (M2 line, 3‑minute walk)
Walking distance from the Last Supper: About 10 minutes
Near the Last Supper sits the beautiful Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, one of the oldest and most symbolic places in the city. Founded in the 4th century, it’s dedicated to Milan’s patron saint. The atmosphere here is very different from the city centre: it’s much quieter and more intimate. A stop that’s often overlooked, it’s one that I honestly love.
5:30pm – Stroll through the Colonne di San Lorenzo
Estimated visit time: 20–30 minutes
Metro stop: Missori (M3 line, 10‑minute walk)
Walking distance from the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio: About 10 minutes
The Colonne di San Lorenzo is one of the few remaining Roman ruins still visible in the city today. It also happens to be a very popular meeting spot, especially in the evening, and in my opinion is one of the most beautiful areas for a stroll. It’s a place that really shows the contrast between Milan’s ancient history and its modern spirit.
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6:00pm – Experience aperitivo time on the Navigli
Estimated visit time: 2 hours
Metro stop: Porta Genova (M2 line)
Walking distance from the Colonne di San Lorenzo: About 25 minutes
End your day in the Navigli district, a charming historic neighbourhood with a lively vibe. The canals, designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci, are considered one of the hubs of Milan’s nightlife and the perfect place to unwind with a well‑deserved aperitivo (pre-dinner drink plus snacks).
Recommended spots on the Navigli:
- Iter: A trendy place with a high‑quality seasonal menu
- Rita’s Tiki Room: Has an exotic atmosphere, great food and cocktails
- Twist on Classic: Offers good signature drinks and a relaxed vibe
Extra experience: If you’d rather dive into the history of this part of Milan, a private walking tour of the Navigli is an excellent option.
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Day 2: Modern and monumental Milan, from Piazza Gae Aulenti to the Duomo
For the second day, I wanted to show a different side of the city featuring contemporary architecture, multicultural neighbourhoods and finally the famous Madonnina.
10:00am – Wander through Piazza Gae Aulenti and Porta Nuova
Estimated visit time: 1–1.5 hours
Metro stop: Garibaldi FS (M2/M5 lines, 5‑minute walk)
Start your day at Piazza Gae Aulenti, the heart of modern Milan. This futuristic, elegant square is surrounded by skyscrapers, elevated walkways and well‑kept green spaces. The famous Bosco Verticale, a symbol of the city’s urban transformation, is also nearby and it’s worth checking out its lush exterior.
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11:30am – Eat and explore in Chinatown (Via Paolo Sarpi)
Estimated visit time: 1.5 hours
Metro stop: Monumentale (M5 line, 7‑minute walk)
Walking distance from Piazza Gae Aulenti: About 15 minutes
One of my favourite places in Milan is its Chinatown, a buzzing hub of streets centred around Via Paolo Sarpi. Arguably the city’s most vibrant and multicultural area, it’s perfect for walking, browsing Asian markets and trying lots of delicious street food.
Where to eat in Chinatown:
- Ravioleria Sarpi: The most famous dumpling shop; it’s a must‑try
- BaoZi: Soft buns filled with every delight you can imagine
- Bánh Mì 38: Recently opened, it serves tasty Vietnamese sandwiches made with quality ingredients
- Ramen Sarpi 尚味 RAMEN FATTO A MANO: From the outside it looks like nothing special, but once you try the ramen you’ll have to go back
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2:30pm – Snap a photo at the Arco della Pace
Estimated visit time: 30 minutes
Metro stop: Domodossola (M5 line, 10‑minute walk)
Walking distance from Paolo Sarpi: About 10 minutes
Continue toward the Arco della Pace, one of Milan’s most scenic monuments. Built during the Napoleonic era, it’s now a beloved meeting point for locals, and a great place to take a break and a few photos.
3:00pm – Relax at Parco Sempione
Estimated visit time: 1 hour
Behind the Arco della Pace stretches Parco Sempione, the main green lung of the city centre. It’s the ideal place to slow down and enjoy a break between sight-seeing.
4:00pm – Visit the Sforza Castle
Estimated visit time: 1–1.5 hours
Metro stop: Cairoli (M1 line, 5‑minute walk)
Walking distance from the Arco della Pace: About 10 minutes
On the opposite side of the park from the Arco della Pace stands the Sforza Castle, one of the city’s most famous attractions. Even if you’re not interested in its museums and art collections, it’s worth visiting just for its inner courtyard and sheer grandeur.
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5:30pm – Watch the sunset from the Duomo terraces
Estimated visit time: 1.5 hours
Metro stop: Duomo (M1/M3 lines)
Walking distance from Sforza Castle: About 15 minutes
Walking along Via Dante, you’ll finally reach the Duomo, Milan’s breathtaking cathedral and the city’s undisputed symbol. While the interior is majestic and solemn, for me the most magical experience is found on the terraces. At sunset, the view over Milan’s rooftops is truly spectacular.
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Evening – Dine in the Porta Venezia district
Metro stop: Porta Venezia (M1 line)
To wrap up your weekend in Milan, I suggest exploring yet another area of the city. Porta Venezia is upbeat, multicultural and free‑spirited. Here you can take your pick from multiple cuisines, pop into a bar for a drink, and then decide how to continue your night.
Where to eat and drink in Porta Venezia:
- Poporoya: This historic Japanese restaurant is simple and welcoming
- Ristorante Warsà: A popular Eritrean restaurant on Via Melzo
- Da Pisacco: Serves up traditional Italian cuisine in an elegant setting
- Bar Picchio: A true local institution, it’s unpretentious and very affordable
- Nottingham Forest: A unique bar known for its creative, theatrical cocktails
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