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3 Days in Milan: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit
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The Best Things to Do with 3 Days in Milan
Itinerary in Milan: day 1
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is the city's most recognizable attraction and the perfect place to start your 3 days in Milan itinerary. Construction on the church began in 1386. It is located on the site where the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio once stood in the 5th century. The cathedral features 5 naves and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Guided tours are available and offer you the chance to learn more about the fascinating history of this renowned structure.
Dining in Porta Genova
Wrap up the 1st day of your itinerary with an amazing dining experience in the city's Porta Genova district. The area is home to some of the finest eateries that can be found in the area, with an array of options in terms of cuisine. If you fancy seafood, we suggest checking out Le Tournedos. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and the restaurant's attentive staff members are happy to recommend dishes and wine pairings to you. Osteria Conchetta is the perfect destination for a meal featuring authentic Milanese cuisine. It specialises in risottos and braised dishes and offers a relaxing atmosphere for an idyllic dining experience. If it is authentic Italian pizza you crave, book a table at Pizzium.
Itinerary in Milan: day 2
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Start day 2 of your Milan itinerary off with a fabulous shopping experience at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is located on the Piazza del Duomo and was built between 1865 and 1877. At the time of its construction, the site was Europe's largest shopping arcade. Today, it is home to an array of designer shops and elegant cafés. During your visit, take note of the industrial iron and glass construction that became popular in the 19th century.
The Civic Archaeological Museum
Housed in the Monastero Maggiore, the Civic Archaeological Museum is another one of our top recommendations for your 3 days in Milan itinerary. During your visit, you can explore collections that feature artefacts from Italy's ancient past. They include items from ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks and Etruscans. There is also an early medieval collection and a section devoted to Gandhara art.
Itinerary in Milan: day 3
Explore Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
We suggest starting the final leg of your 3 days in Milan itinerary off with a relaxing walk through one of the city's most beloved green spaces. The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli covers an area of some 160,000 square metres. It is home to the Palazzo Dugnani. This palace dates to the 17th century. The park is also the perfect spot for a picnic and some people-watching. Spend some time simply enjoying the scenery as you reflect on what has been an amazing city break in one of Italy's most amazing locations.
Enjoy an evening out in Navigli
Enjoying the best nightlife that Milan has to offer is a great way to conclude your 3-day itinerary, and the Navigli area is the perfect place to do so. You will find an array of restaurants, cocktail bars and nightclubs with something for everyone. It is located in the southern part of the city and is framed by a pair of canals. We have a few recommendations for spots where you can party the night away. They include Rita & Cocktails. This bustling bar offers an impressive menu of cocktails and is famed for its popular sharing plates. There are plenty of other local hotspots you can visit, such as the Nidaba Theatre. It opened nearly 100 years ago and is the place to head for live music. You should also check out Bobino Milano. This disco bar serves up great dance music alongside a superb menu of food.
Places to visit around Milan
Verona
There are plenty of memorable and worthwhile day trips that you can take during 3 days in Milan. One of the most popular options is an excursion to the historic city of Verona. It is located 2 hours and 10 minutes to the east. Famed as the home of William Shakespeare's Juliet, it is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They include an array of ancient Roman structures such as the Arco dei Gavi, the Porta Borsari and a well-preserved amphitheatre. You will also encounter magnificent works of architecture and art from the medieval and Renaissance eras. Spend some time exploring the city's beautiful gardens, its lovely piazzas and its extensive dining options.
Lake Como
A direct train from Milan will get you to the charming city of Como in around 40-50 minutes. The community is located on the southern shore of Lake Como. It is home to an array of beautiful churches and fascinating museums. It is also the perfect starting point for further exploration of the lake itself. Boat tours are available and offer a unique way to see Italy's third-largest freshwater lake.
Turin
If you drive 2 hours southwest of Milan, you will arrive in another one of our top locations for a day trip. Turin is surrounded by the majesty of the Italian Alps and is home to fabulous gardens, public squares and castles. During your visit, take note of the many examples of Rococo, Baroque, Art Noveau and neo-classical architecture.
Brescia
Another amazing spot to see the remains of Italy's Roman past is located 1 hour and 20 minutes to the east. Brescia is famed for its ancient theatre and other iconic attractions like the Winged Victory. This bronze statue dates to the 1st century CE. It is on display at the Santa Giulia Museum. You can also view fabulous works of art at the numerous churches in the area.
Where to stay in Milan
1. Four Points by Sheraton Milan Center 4*
Choose from 239 well-appointed rooms when you select the Four Points by Sheraton Milan Center 4* for your 3-day itinerary. The property is ideally positioned for a holiday spent exploring the area's top attractions and features multilingual staff who are ready to provide expert recommendations on dining, nightlife and points of interest.
The hotel's amenities and features include a 24-hour reception desk, a concierge service, a lift, Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. On-site dining options include the B Nectare Restaurant and the B Zero Bar. Rooms are equipped with a safe, a mini-fridge, a hairdryer, a TV and air conditioning.
What we like: We love this property's central location, its sleek design simplicity and the availability of delicious on-site breakfasts to help you get your day started.
2. The Street Milano Duomo 4*
The Street Milano Duomo 4* is located in the heart of the city and just 100 metres from must-visit points of interest like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Piazza del Duomo. It features innovative design features created by Simone Micheli. Spectacular views are available from the property's rooftop terrace.
On-site services and amenities include a 24-hour reception desk, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a fitness centre, available breakfast and a rooftop terrace and bar. Rooms are furnished with a hairdryer, a mini-fridge, a safe, a coffee machine, a kettle and bathrobes.
What we like: We love the range of services offered at this fabulous property that is perfect for 3 days in Milan. This is complemented by the convenient proximity to popular tourist attractions.
3. Milano Verticale Una Esperienze 4*
Choose from 173 rooms and suites when you select the Milano Verticale Una Esperienze 4* for your 3-day city break. The property's glamorous rooftop terrace offers dazzling views that are sure to inspire as you enjoy a getaway spent exploring the city's culture and historic treasures.
Features and services include a spa, a fitness centre, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception desk, luggage storage and a lift. The on-site dining and bar facilities include Anima and Vertigo. Rooms are equipped with a safe, a mini-fridge, a hairdryer and a balcony or terrace.
What we like: We love the property's convenient location near attractions like Corso Como and the excellent dining facilities where you can taste local dishes.
4. NH Collection Milano President 4*
With 274 comfortably appointed rooms across 8 floors, the NH Collection Milano President 4* is another great choice for a 3-day break in the city. The property is located in the fashion district and close to the iconic Duomo.
During your stay, you will be accommodated in a superior or premium room with breakfast served daily. On-site dining is available at Le Colonne and Verziere Restaurant.
What we like: We love the hotel's fabulous location next to the Duomo di Milano and the elegant setting that it provides for 3 days in Milan.
5. Crowne Plaza Milan City 4*
The Crowne Plaza Milan City 4* features 109 well-appointed rooms and suites that are available at a property that offers contemporary design elements and a location in the heart of the city. Its notable amenities include a sauna and steam room, and an exclusive outdoor pool.
The hotel's features include a 24-hour reception desk, a laundry service, outdoor parking, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and 3 restaurant and bar facilities. Rooms come equipped with a safe, a shower and a TV.
What we like: We love the hotel's outstanding leisure and dining facilities and its idyllic location near Milan's top attractions.
Practical tips for visiting Milan
The following travel tips will help you when preparing for your 3 days in Milan itinerary. They include taking the time to plan your activities. Given the sheer number of points of interest to see in the city, it is too much of a challenge to do it all in 3 days. Planning your holiday will assist you in seeing the sites that are the most important to you. We also suggest booking tickets for attractions in advance whenever possible. Milan offers an impressive range of dining opportunities for you to discover. Do some research and ask for recommendations at your hotel. For a more authentic experience, avoid the tourist-focused restaurants and, instead, go where the locals like to eat. When packing, include a good pair of walking shoes so you can explore on foot. We also recommend taking rain gear for your visit since this is a common occurrence in the region. The local currency is the euro, and the official language is Italian. Learning a few key phrases is a good idea as it will enhance your interactions with locals. If you plan to take any electronic devices/appliances that use a UK outlet, pick up a travel plug adapter.
When to visit Milan
June to August is the peak of Milan's tourist season. During this window, crowds are larger, and the price of accommodation is greater. Temperatures can also be intense. July is the hottest month, with an average daily high of 30.7° C. For these reasons, many travellers prefer visiting from April to May or September to October when there are fewer tourists and temperatures are warm and pleasant.
How to get to Milan
Milan Malpensa Airport is the city's main hub for international arrivals. Flights depart from major UK cities daily, with plenty of non-stop flights available. The average in-air time is around 2 hours and 10 minutes. We suggest making use of public transport options such as trams, buses and the metro during your holiday. Milan is a highly walkable city, and exploring on foot is a great way to save money.
What to eat in Milan
Italy is renowned for its world-class cuisine, with plenty of regional favourites to try regardless of which part of the country you visit. Milan is no exception and offers you a wealth of taste delights to discover during a 3-day break. Milanese cooking is characterised by a greater use of butter than is found in most other parts of Italy. With that said, olive oil is still used frequently. You will also notice that polenta and risotto are more prevalent than pasta on menus in the area. Our first recommendation is the iconic osso buco. It is made using a veal shank that is cooked slowly and served with risotto or polenta. Cassoeula is a dish made with stewed pork and cabbage. You should also sample the traditional Milanese meatballs called mondeghili. Panettone is a traditional cake made with candied fruit that is served at Christmas but available throughout the year.