7 days in Milan, Italy: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Ah, Milan! This enchanting Italian city, known for its perfect blend of history, culture, and innovation, is a dream destination for many. Strolling along the cobbled streets, you’ll come across masterpieces like the iconic Duomo di Milano, hidden gems like the charming Brera district, and drool-worthy fashion stores that make it the world’s fashion capital. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the captivating La Scala opera!
Things to consider before arriving to Milan
Rich art and historical landmarks
A paradise for fashion enthusiasts
Can be expensive
Perfect for: History buffs, art lovers, and fashionistas!
What to bring with you
1. Comfortable walking shoes – exploring Milan involves a lot of walking.
2. Umbrella or rain gear – Milan can be prone to sudden rain showers.
3. Clothing layers – evenings can get chilly even during the summer months.
Best time of the year to visit Milan
The ideal time to visit Milan is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, with fewer tourists crowding the city streets compared to the busy summer months.
How to get into the city
1. By air: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the city’s primary international gateway. From the airport, you can hop onto the Malpensa Express train, which will take you to the city center in just under an hour.
2. By train: Milano Centrale is the main railway station, well connected to other major European cities. Arriving by train offers a scenic and convenient way to enter the city.
3. By car: If you’re planning on a road trip, Milan is easily accessible via several motorways, such as the A1 from Rome, A4 from Venice, and A7 from Genoa. Just ensure that you are familiar with Italian traffic rules and have made arrangements for parking.
7 day city guide trip in Milan, Italy
Day 1: Exploring the City Center
Start your day by visiting the stunning Gothic Cathedral, Il Duomo di Milano, and climb up to the rooftop to get the best view of the city. Head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some luxury shopping and grab a coffee at one of the historic cafes. Walk to Sforza Castle and spend the afternoon in the beautiful park, Parco Sempione. In the evening, enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at N’Ombra de Vin.
Day 2: Art and Culture
Visit the famous Brera Art Gallery and admire masterpieces such as the “Wedding of the Virgin” by Raphael. Head to the Pinacoteca di Brera and see works by Caravaggio and Tintoretto. In the afternoon, learn about Italian history at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. For dinner, try some delicious risotto alla Milanese at Trattoria Milanese.
Day 3: Day trip to Lake Como
Take a train to Lake Como and spend the day exploring the beautiful lake town of Bellagio, known for its stunning gardens and picturesque streets. Take a boat tour and enjoy views of the stunning lakefront villas. In the evening, indulge in some local cuisine at La Punta restaurant.
Day 4: Fashion and Design
Visit the Quadrilatero della Moda, the city’s fashion district, and shop at designer stores like Prada and Armani. Learn about Italian design at the Triennale Design Museum. In the afternoon, take a walk around the trendy Navigli District, known for its canals and vibrant nightlife. Have dinner at Al Pont de Ferr and try their signature dish, the tortellini di zucca.
Day 5: Historical Monuments
Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and admire Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper.” Next, head to the 14th-century Castello Visconteo, where you can see several exhibitions. In the evening, enjoy some authentic Milanese cuisine at Ratanà.
Day 6: Day trip to Bergamo
Take a train to the medieval town of Bergamo and explore the historic Città Alta district, which is surrounded by ancient walls. Visit the Piazza Vecchia and the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. For lunch, try some traditional bresaola and polenta at Da Mimmo. Return to Milan in the evening and have some drinks at the popular Bar Basso.
Day 7: Modern Milan
Visit the futuristic area of Porta Nuova and admire the stunning skyscrapers, such as the Unicredit Tower. Head to the Fondazione Prada art museum and see contemporary art exhibitions. For lunch, try some fusion cuisine at the Refettorio Felix restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a performance at the famous La Scala opera house.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Milan
If you have a few more days, consider taking a day trip to the charming town of Verona, known for its romantic atmosphere and historic sites such as the Arena di Verona. Alternatively, visit the nearby city of Turin, where you can explore the Egyptian Museum, the Royal Palace of Turin, and take a stroll around the beautiful Valentino Park. Both cities are easily accessible by train from Milan and are definitely worth adding to your Italy itinerary.
