Milan in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for a Short Trip

Milan is a blend of modern sophistication with historical charm. Moreover, it is known as the fashion capital of Italy. While preparing a Milan itinerary, you will notice an endless list of places to visit for everyone. Travelodeal packages offer perfect itineraries to explore all the highlights of the city, such as the stunning Gothic cathedral Duomo di Milano and the La Scala di Milano, which is a world-renowned opera house.

In addition to the vast urban attractions, Milan day trips can be made to Bergamo and Lake Como, which are situated a short distance by train. Each of these locations holds different pieces of Italian history along with gorgeous landscapes. Additionally, Milan promises great shopping sprees at the luxury boutiques of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or stunning art at the Pinacoteca di Brera.

Day 1: Exploring Milan’s Historic Landmarks

On the first day of your Milan itinerary, make sure to appreciate the history of the city. Begin with the majestic Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, which boasts magnificent Gothic artistry alongside a detailed facade. You can also enjoy a rooftop view of the city and gaze at the eye-catching spires up close.

Afterward, visit Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The architectural wonder possesses a beautiful glass dome with elaborate mosaics, meaning it is not only a shopping center, but also serves as a historical monument in Milan, representing the culture of the city.

Move on to Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco). It’s a stunning fortress built in the 15th century. There are multiple museums here with art collections alongside historical artifacts that reveal the history of Milan, so you will not run out of things to see.

Finish off with a visit to La Scala Theatre (Teatro alla Scala), one of the world’s renowned opera houses. It will be worth it to book a guided tour even when no shows are scheduled to be performed, for the lavish decoration alongside its historical relevance to Italy will keep you captivated.

This first day allows for an incredible overview of Milan’s historical landmarks as well as appreciating the art, culture, and history that the city is known for.

Day 2: Art and Culture in the Heart of Milan

On day 2 of your Milan itinerary, focus on the art and culture of Milan. Begin this day by appreciating one of the most famous murals in the world, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. This spectacular mural, which can be found at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is a marvel of Renaissance art and one of the cultural gems of Milan. Make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time, as they sell slots in advance.

After you have had the chance to appreciate the stunning beauty of da Vinci’s work, make your way to Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses one of the most outstanding collections of Italian Renaissance art. Here, you can enjoy the works of famous Italian painters, such as Caravaggio and Raphael, while also appreciating the beautiful architecture of the museum.

Milan not only has great historic features but also holds vibrant contemporary art. Spend your afternoon in the city visiting different contemporary art galleries. For those who enjoy modern artistic forms, the Fondazione Prada and Museo del Novecento are key destinations.

Milano is known for its historic temples of art and contemporary masterpieces. You get to experience a glimpse of Milan’s cultural diversity on the second day of your Milan itinerary, which will surely motivate and inspire you.

Day 3: Shopping and Culinary Delights

On Day 3 of your Milan itinerary, don’t miss out on exploring the city’s favorite shopping malls and tasting the finest foods in town. Milan is also famous for its fashion industry, and you should shop in top shopping areas like the Quadrilatero della Moda, which is home to luxury shops and designer stores. While in this part of the city, you can visit flagship shops and buy several collectibles that show the Milanese elegance in fashion.

Milan’s fine dining restaurants will also delight you after a busy day of shopping with mouth-watering, authentic Italian dishes prepared by top Michelin chefs. Traditional cuisine from this region will be well presented in the best restaurants. You can expect to eat local meals like risotto alla Milanese and even various rich sauce pasta dishes.

There’s plenty more to see in town; don’t miss the opportunity to just relax and enjoy the vibrant local markets in Milan. These markets are a good contribution towards the daily routine of city life, offering fresh food and produce along with a range of snacks.

If you feel like sightseeing a bit more, join some food tours in Milan. Along these routes, you will not only be shown many of the local restaurants with their signature dishes, but also the local specialties that are well known and have their roots deep in the history and culture of Italians.

You will be able to relish Milan’s vibrant charm while combining shopping with culinary adventures, which will turn into memories for ages.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your 72 Hours in the Fashion Capital of the World!

To make the most out of 72 hours in Milan, it has to be maximized with an itinerary that encapsulates both local experiences and iconic sights. Start off by soaking in the stunning architecture of the landmarks like Duomo di Milano, in addition to Castello Sforzesco. Make use of some time to walk through the classy Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II for a taste of what high-end shopping feels like.

If you are one who is willing to go outside the city, short trips from Milan can be made to Lake Como or Bergamo, which are not only charming but have breathtaking scenery. If you wish to simplify your travel planning, it is recommended to book Milan vacation packages.

Properly curating your time in this lively city will truly allow you to appreciate what Milan encapsulates within 3 days, such as fashion-forward boutiques, exquisite cuisine, and the Italian city’s throbbing culture.