The Ultimate 2 Days In Milan Itinerary
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Planning a short trip to Milan in Italy? Discover the best with this 2 days in Milan Itinerary.
Milan is globally known for its fashion weeks twice a year. Travelers and history buffs are well aware of the real richness of Milan. A city that is not only built on historical ground but embraces art and culture as the most significant pillars of its identity. 2 days in Milan is perfect to have that rendezvous with the city. For many visitors Milan is also a wonderful gateway to a number of day trips including Lake Como, Lake Garda and the rest of the Italian alpines.
Whether you spend 2 days in Milan or 2 weeks, you will never run out of things to do since there are plenty of sights to see. Here is a perfect itinerary that will make your 2 days in Milan trip more wholesome than ever.
Milan Itinerary : Top Things To Do In 2 Days
DAY 1 : Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Duomo di Milano, Royal Palace Of Milan, Museo del Novecento, Teatro alla Scala
Start With The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
On your first day, let’s start your journey from the heart of Milan. From one of the most ancient churches in the entire northern Italy. That is from the church Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio. Its original name was Martyr’s church as many persecuted Romans were buried here as martyrs. Over time, the evolution of the church came to be known with a different name. The history of the church is extremely fascinating and so is the architecture and design of the church. You can also take a guided tour of the Basilica if you are intrigued to learn about its history.
Once you know the origins of the church, you will recognize how the outside architecture of the church is plain and simple in defining its origins. But as you enter the church the white grace of the wall along with golden and yellow lighting gives the place a cozy and warm feeling. This place would be wonderful to start your trip in Milan as it will ground your energy, so you can enjoy it mindfully and peacefully.
Make Your Way To The Duomo di Milano
Any Milan itinerary is incomplete without visiting the iconic Duomo of Milan. Get ready to soak in some incredible history and architecture. Duomo of Milan is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and will surely leave you amazed by its grandeur. It is notably the third largest cathedrals in Europe. You can also reach the top of the Duomo through a flight of stairs. From there you can see breathtaking views of the city.
To save time since you are on a short trip to Milan, we would definitely recommend you to purchase the tickets for the Duomo and its roof top in advance to skip the line. With only 2 days in Milan, time is of the essence.
You can get your skip the line tickets for Duomo di Milano here.
You can also opt for a fast track guided tour for Duomo di Milano such as this one
Visit The Royal Palace Of Milan
There is no doubt that royalty exists in Italy’s water and soil. In Milan, you need to taste some of it as you visit the grandeur Royal Palace in Milan. Though today it serves as the cultural center as well as home for International Art Exhibitions. But, many centuries ago, it served as the main seat for the Italian Government. All the major decisions to build or destroy the army were made here.
Today, you can only appreciate the architecture and design of those times. Yet, the building is adorned with some of the most beautiful and deep creations of artists from around the world. Since the office is huge, you already have a lot of sections to explore and historical facts to go through. Even if you are not a history buff, you would be amazed to know some of the events that changed the course of time.
Drop By The Museo del Novecento
Since you are already in the center of the city, there is another place that you must visit. It is just a minute walk away from the Royal Palace. Till now, you were seeing places that were centuries old. At this moment, you must explore something recent and yet spellbinding. Again, the building would be old, but the art preserved in the building is very recent; they belong to the twentieth-century art in Milan.
Museo del Novecento is a museum in an old building with stained glass windows. Here you will find the works of Giacomo Balla, Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carra, Fortunato Depero, Luigi Russolo, Gino Severini, Mario Sironi and many others. It has also been funded by some of the best Italian futurist artists. It runs on the donations of private collectors who donate a large sum of money to art.
The evening would be a fantastic time to spend at the museum. It has a bookshop and a restaurant overlooking the Piazza del Duomo. There would be no other sight like that during the evening.
Take A Tour Of Teatro alla Scala
When you have already spent such a scenic and peaceful evening. There must be some entertainment added to your night. And for that Milan has the finest and most pleasing artistic experience at the Teatro alla Scala. It is the most famous opera house in Milan with some stellar performances on the stage. The audience is no less elite than the venue. Here, you will find some of the best elite, politicians, artists, and businessmen along with creatives who arrive here to enjoy some of the curated pieces from around the world.
The theatre is divided into sections and as you have seen in the movies. The balconies are for the elite, the ones who spend the most money for the view and the privacy. But then there are audiences seated on the first and the ground floor where the seats are comparatively cheaper. The sound and sight of the theatre are admirable. You are going to spend one fine night here.
To avoid long queues, make sure you book your tickets for Teatro alla Scala here.
DAY 2 : Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Sforzesco Castle, Sempione Park, Brera Art Gallery, Casa di Manzoni, Navigli District
Visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie
The Santa Maria Delle Grazie, a church that is also known as The Last Supper is the perfect place for you to visit on your second day in Milan. This is the place where the famous painting The Last Supper has been preserved. But The Last Supper is not what makes this place interesting or worth visiting. It is the history and the journey throughout the time that it should be famous for.
The church was built in the 15th century. The architecture and design of the church are awe-inspiring. There are many contradictory theories and controversies on who made the art. The church that stands today has been constructed and reconstructed a lot of times. You will find a lot of inspiration from the other churches made by the same architects. During World War II, the church was partially destroyed and was rather remade considering it a UNESCO world heritage site.
If you are visiting Santa Maria Delle Grazie for the first time, you must check out this Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour to know about the fun and interesting facts behind this ancient monastery.
Head Straight To The Sforzesco Castle
Sforzesco Castle is a medieval monumental place to visit in Milan. It was one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th and 17th century. In today’s time, you will find many museums showcasing vast collections of art, wooden sculptures, musical instruments, archeological remains and armory. If you are a history buff, this castle will be a heaven for you.
You can easily get your skip the line tickets to the Sforzesco Castle here.
Admire The Beauty Of Sempione Park
By now, you have already spent a lot of time indoors gazing at the marvelous representations of history. Adjacent to the castle is the Sempione Park. It’s a panoramic park and a place with perfect surroundings for you to relax and have an outside picnic in the sun with greenery surrounding it. The giant white gate stands tall to welcome you with astounding frescoes covering it. Beyond that, it is just the sea of grass and trees in a pattern to make it look as lush as possible.
The history of the park is as vivid as any other place in this city but the significance of it fails in front of the giant size and extraordinary beauty of the park.
Get Amazed In Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)
Another place has a collection of Renaissance paintings. The creations by famous artists and their interpretation of the history and the most significant figures and events of the world are carefully preserved here at this place. The name of the place is Pinacoteca di Brera but is also known as the public library. The architecture and the design of the building are similar and rather a little less than the other buildings that you have known by this time. But the collection here is what makes this place a must-visit like any other historical place in Milan.
The amalgamation of colors in the paintings, the exceptional use of shading and lighting in every other piece and the expressions of emotions still hold the power to move you or make you wonder as you gaze into each creation. You either need to have a lot of time in your hand or a lot of patience to wonder at every frame hung here.
Drop By Casa di Manzoni
Next in your Milan itinerary is Casa Manzoni. Or as we like to call it the Manzoni world. If you are not aware, Casa Manzoni is dedicated to the famous Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni, who was born here in 1785 and spent most of his life creating the world of words from this place. Since this is his home, it is now made a historical site and has been visited by many tourists throughout the year. You are going to find his creations here. All of the 40,000 volumes of his word were carefully preserved in his library. Some of the rooms have some original manuscripts that are still there.
The house also has an office included with people who not only will give you tours throughout the house but would take you to the writer’s office for a deep visit to his living and writing style. Since it was built in the 18th century, the house has Renaissance architecture. It would be like a peek into the past.
Spend A Fun Evening In The Navigli District
Those Italian evenings are world famous as poets, creators and artists always romanticize them in their works. If poems and paintings are not enough for you. Then you must spend some time in the Navigli District during your last evening in the city. The lighting, the channel of water and the soothing Italian sound coming from the eateries and restaurants makes it an experience more fulfilling than anyone. It is also known as the party place of the district.
You will find food lovers, travelers and shoppers here. A ferry ride would be the most romantic part of your evening here in the district. Indulge yourselves in the sweet smell of Italian food coming from every other door and the delicious taste would make you crave more. To make your time more fun in this district, take a food tour like this one. It is a fantastic way to taste a lot of the best dishes in Milan quickly in an organized manner. Plus it is a more relaxing and enjoyable way to see another neighborhood in Milan.
Book your evening food tour in Milan here.
Where To Stay In Milan
The best area to stay in Milan is undoubtedly Centro Storico. It is the heart of Milan and home to many popular attractions including La Scala Theatre, Duomo d Milano and the charming main piazza of the city. Centro Storico is a very walkable and vibrant area. You will find many restaurants, cafes, museums, art galleries, boutiques, fashion hubs and stores just a pleasurable stroll away. Below are some of our top finds that you can check out for an ideal accommodation in Milan.
Budget (€) : Babila Hostel & Bistrot features variety a of accommodations including dormitories, family rooms and double bed rooms. It is a steal deal if you want to stay in the heart of Milan. Also, it is a short 10 minute walking distance from the Duomo of Milan. Rooms are very well equipped with modern amenities.
Click here to book your stay at Babila Hostel & Bistrot.
Mid- Range (€€) : Hotel La Vignetta is a value for money hotel accommodation in Milan. It is right next to Porta Ticinese which has access to tram connections. Rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable and filled with modern amenities. The hotel staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Click here to check availability at Hotel La Vignetta.
Luxury (€€€) : The Square Milano Duomo is a spectacular hotel set in a historic building. It is less than 5 minutes walk from the Duomo and other major attractions in Milan. It is also close to the Missori Metro stop, which makes exploration even more convenient for the guests at the hotel. Rooms are elegant, modern, spacious, comfortable and have beautiful city views. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant and a bar. You can savor the delicious buffet breakfast at the restaurant every morning of your stay.
Don’t miss out! Book your stay at The Square Milano Duomo now.
With so many attractions to see and things to do, 2 days in Milan will go by before you know it. We hope that this Milan itinerary helps you see the best of the city during your visit.