Curator’s statement
Milan is my hometown so I might be a little biased towards it, but I really do think it's such an amazing city to spend some days in and get to know! It's sometimes referred to as the real capital of Italy because even though it might not be home to the amount of museums in Rome, Milan has its fair share of history as well as being the most international and modern city in Italy. The historic center and the surrounding neighborhoods have that picturesque old-Italy feel and stunning architecture, but you'll also find a liveliness comparable to London or Barcelona as Milan has great nightlife, shopping and modern luxury. So I'm giving you a perfect three day itinerary to fill up your days in Milan with both history and culture and some carefree fun!
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Day 1: Wake Up in the Brera Neighborhood
Wake up in the Hotel Principe di Savoia situated in the characteristic and beautiful Brera neighborhood. Grab a quick breakfast in any of the espresso bars in the area, such as one of my favorites, Fioraio Bianchi Caffè. Once satisfied by the coffee and pastries, walk about 10 minutes towards the Centro Storico to visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza della Scala, the most famous sights of the city. Weather permitting, grab tickets to the Duomo observatory to see the city from above! Post lunch, indulge in some shopping between Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Manzoni and Via Montenapoleone and surrounding streets for the high-end stores. Around 6:30 pm, indulge in the height of Italian culture by grabbing an aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink and snack (see Best Aperitivos in Milan).
Day 2: Visit Castello Sforzesco
After breakfast, head to your pre-booked visit to Castello Sforzesco, the 15th century, medieval castle of the old ruling family of Milan. Learn about the history of the city and its importance in the Italian and European cosmo-sphere through time and see the unique art and architecture of the building. From the Castello, take a walk through Parco Sempione for some relaxation and nature and see the Arco della Pace at the other end. After lunch, take a stroll through the Brera neighborhood to discover the small, winding streets and the chic boutiques. Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, the main public art museum in Milan, to see some of the most important paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries. Head to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants: La Briciola, Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone or Sogni.
Day 3: Visit the Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church
Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel and prepare to see the most famous historical painting of all time: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance as this is one of the most requested tours in Milan.
After the visit, head to the Colonne di San Lorenzo for a walk. This area is great for some vintage shopping and there are so many cafés tucked inside of the courtyards of the buildings for a light bite and a coffee before continuing with your visit. Head towards the Navigli district, a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants and bars on the Navigli Canals. One of the best local and vintage markets is held in this area on the last Sunday of every month, so if this coincides with your travel dates, make sure to stroll around!
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Travel Advisor
Chiara Caremoli
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For more travel tips, check out Travel Advisor Jennifer Schwartz’s guide, Guide to Picturesque Picnics In and Around Rome. This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy.