Milan in 4 Days: everything you need to know

If you’re thinking of spending four days in Milan, here’s an itinerary designed to help you make the most of your visit. From the Duomo to The Last Supper, not forgetting a trip to Lake Como. Let’s get going!

On your first day in Milan, I recommend starting with a stroll through the historic centre, where the main monuments are concentrated. As you explore the area, you’ll discover the Duomo, the Royal Palace, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and the legendary Teatro alla Scala.

There’s nothing better than starting in style: history, architecture and local cuisine, all in a single day.

• Royal Palace: Former seat of government, now a cultural centre hosting temporary exhibitions. Visit the official website of the Royal Palace of Milan
• Milan Cathedral: One of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Book your skip-the-line tickets to visit Milan Cathedral
• Panzerottis at Luini: Stuffed fried pizza, a quick and cheap local treat. Check the menu and opening hours for Luini, Milan’s most famous panzerotti spot
• Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery: A historic shopping arcade filled with light, mosaics and exclusive shops. Discover the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery and its history
• Teatro alla Scala: Italy’s most famous opera house. You can take a guided tour. Book a guided tour of the interior of the Teatro alla Scala

After a busy first day, the second is dedicated to Milan’s history and art. You’ll visit Sforzesco Castle, a Renaissance fortress turned into a museum, and Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece: The Last Supper. At the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like an Italian aperitif by the banks of the Naviglio Pavese.

• Sforzesco Castle: Free courtyard and a range of museums (art, musical instruments, Egyptian artefacts, etc.). Buy your ticket to visit Sforzesco Castle and its museums
• Santa Maria delle Grazie: This is where The Last Supper is housed. Admission by prior booking only. Gain access to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper with a pre-booked ticket
• Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio: Romanesque architecture, free entry. More information about the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
• Columns of San Lorenzo: Open-air Roman archaeological site. Discover the history of San Lorenzo Maggiore
• Dinner on the Naviglio Pavese: A youthful and romantic setting to enjoy a typical Italian aperitif. Things to do in Milan at night: dinner by the Naviglio canals

Today it’s time to immerse yourself in Milan’s artistic and cultural scene. The day begins at the Monumental Cemetery, an open-air sculpture gallery. Afterwards, you’ll explore contemporary Milan in Porta Nuova, before finishing with a visit to two key museums: the GAM and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

• Monumental Cemetery: Mausoleums, sculptures and funerary architecture. Find out all about Milan’s Monumental Cemetery
• Piazza Gae Aulenti: A modern area, ideal for contrasting with the historic part of the city.
• GAM: Gallery of Modern Art featuring works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Cézanne.
• Indro Montanelli Gardens: Perfect if you’re travelling with children. Things to do with children in Milan: visit the Montanelli Gardens
• Brera Art Gallery: A museum featuring works by Bellini, Caravaggio, Tintoretto and others. Book a guided tour of the Brera Art Gallery with tickets included

To round off your trip, I suggest a day trip north of Milan to Lake Como. Whether you go on your own or on an organised tour, you’ll enjoy one of Italy’s most beautiful spots, surrounded by villas, charming villages and natural beauty.

• The city of Como: Medieval streets, views of the lake, a rural atmosphere. Day trip to Lake Como from Milan with transport and a guide
• Boat trip: The best way to explore the lake. Check out the best boat trips on Lake Como
• Eating out in Como: Recommended spots such as Hosterietta: a restaurant with a terrace in the centre of Como
• Bellagio: A picturesque village with spectacular views. How to get to Bellagio from Como or Milan
• Varenna: A fishing village perfect for sunset. Discover Varenna, one of the prettiest villages on Lake Como

Milan is a city you can visit at any time of year, but the best time to visit is between June and September, when the weather is most pleasant and there are fewer crowds of tourists.

If you don’t mind the cold, a good option is to visit Milan at Christmas and enjoy its festive atmosphere, when the streets are filled with lights and Christmas markets.

Your trip to Milan is packed with sights and fun things to do, but to give you an overview of everything you’ll be doing, here’s a table summarising the main highlights to help you plan your trip.