48 Hours in Milan: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
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Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern luxury. Whether you're visiting for a weekend escape or as part of a longer Italian adventure, this Milan guide will help you make the most of your 48 hours in Milan, packed with must-see attractions, hidden gems, and indulgent experiences.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Day 1: Exploring Milan's Iconic Landmarks
Morning: Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The enchanting oldest shopping centre in the world
7:30 AM Start your Milan adventure with coffee and a pastry at Marchesi 1824 in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
This is one of the first shopping malls in the world, featuring brands like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, and more.
Take a peek inside and get a taste of Milanese elegance.
TIP: If you want to capture stunning photos, start your day early in the morning. Not only will you avoid the crowds that gather later, but you'll also benefit from the soft, golden light of the early morning, perfect for breathtaking shots.
Duomo di Milano
Then continue, right next door to visit the breathtaking Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
Climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Click HERE to learn more.
1:30 PM Lunch at Trattoria Milanese dal 1933
Trattoria Milanese dal 1933
Founded in the thirties by the Villa family, still headed by the nephew Giuseppe, at number 11 of Via Santa Marta, Trattoria Milanese is just 14 minutes away from the Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforzesco.
Born as a simple place to eat, it has become a haven to taste old Milanese recipes in an authentic Milanese trattoria, featuring prominent exposed wooden beams and bookshelves filled with bottles.
TIP: Before lunch, visit THE CLOISTER, a concept store in a 15th-century palazzo where you will find vintage treasures, from high-end luxury brands to tailored designs and more.
Afternoon: Sforza Castle or Castello sforzesco
The Sforza Castle
Stroll to The Sforza Castle, the natural link between the important Milanese landmarks – Piazza del Duomo and the Arco della Pace – which represent two of the city’s most important historical periods.
Click HERE to learn more.
Preceded by a vast pedestrian area and heralded by a magnificent fountain, everything about the imposing castle was meant to convey the power and wealth of the Dukes of Milan.
As well as its towers, battlements, vast halls and courtyards, the castle is also home to 18 different museums, among them the Museum of the Pietà Rondanini – Michelangelo, the Sala delle Asse – Leonardo da Vinci and the Egyptian Museum, giving visitors a range of attractions within an attraction.
Behind the castle lies Parco Sempione, the biggest park in the heart of the city, which leads directly to the Arco della Pace and the Arena Civica, two magnificent relics of the Napoleonic era.
You will hear many stories about Leonardo da Vinci during the 1.5-hour guided experience.
Visit the courtyard and the interior of the Castle to learn about Milan's powerful families and the secrets of the Castle.
Click HERE to book a guided tour.
Navigli
7:00 PM: Aperitivo and Navigli District
No visit to Milan is complete without experiencing the tradition of aperitivo. Head to the vibrant Navigli District, where picturesque canals set the scene for stylish bars and restaurants.
The canals in the city were once major lines of transportation and even carried the marble used to construct the Duomo right to the site.
While many have since become obsolete or covered, this neighborhood is known for streets hosting large crowds around happy hour and late into the night. Attracting all kinds of groups, it's the perfect place to grab a drink and bite to eat in company.
Grab a cocktail @BackDoor43.
Located in Ripa di Porta Ticinese 43, this cocktail bar is renowned as the world's smallest bar. It measures just 13 square feet and can accommodate up to four guests.
This intimate speakeasy offers personalized cocktail experiences.
Before arrival, guests can select their preferred spirits, flavors, glassware, and music.
Classic takeaway cocktails are served through a small window by a bartender donning a Guy Fawkes mask for those passing by. Reservations are required for indoor seating and can be made through their official website. BackDoor43 operates daily from 6:30 PM to midnight.
Dry Aged Restaurant is a contemporary Milan restaurant specializing in high-quality dry-aged meats.
It is located at Via Cesare da Sesto 1 and offers a menu featuring grilled specialties and homemade pasta. The ambiance blends modern and classic styles with industrial New York influences. The establishment is noted for its professional service and innovative design, making it a notable destination for meat enthusiasts.
Day 2: Art and Shopping
Morning: Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church
Start your day by visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper.
Be sure to book your tickets well in advance.
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper, was painted between 1495 and 1498 in the refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, it depicts Jesus and his Apostles and reminds us to live like Christ. The painting and the church were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980.
Afternoon: Quadrilatero della Moda
Next, indulge in Milan luxury travel with a shopping spree in the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's prestigious fashion district, featuring boutiques from iconic designers like Prada, Gucci, and Versace.
Take Metro 1 from Conciliazione Stop to San Babila Stop - 7 min. (5 stops)
1:30 Lunch at The Bar at Ralph Lauren
The first Italian Ralph Lauren restaurant, via della Spiga, is in the flagship store. The bar offers classic American food with a Milanese twist.
The restaurant is open from morning to early evening in a 5-story Milanese building with a courtyard.
The space is elegant, with brass, wood, and leather details reflecting the brand's style.
Evening: La Scala Opera House and Gourmet Dining
No trip to Milan is complete without visiting Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. Since its inauguration in 1778, La Scala has hosted legendary performances by composers such as Verdi and Puccini and continues to showcase world-class opera, ballet, and classical concerts.
Take a guided tour to admire its opulent interiors, explore the museum’s collection of costumes and instruments, or, for an unforgettable experience, attend a live performance in this historic venue.
Buy tickets HERE.
Dinner at Pellico 3
After the performance, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Pellico 3 in Park Hyatt Milan, one of Milan's fine dining venues.
Chef Guido Paternollo, who graduated with an engineering degree from the Politecnico di Milano, has made his passion for cooking to work in the brigades of renowned chefs Enrico Bartolini, Alain Ducasse, and Yannick Alleno, before taking the lead of Pellico 3 in the elegant Park Hyatt Milano.
Essential Travel Tips:
Best time to visit Milan in 2025: Spring and fall offer the perfect weather for sightseeing.
Book Attractions in Advance. Popular attractions like The Last Supper or Tickets for La Scala Opera House require booking well in advance—often months ahead—to guarantee your spot. The same goes for fine-dining restaurants, so be sure to make reservations early.
Dress Stylishly Yet Comfortably Milan is Italy’s fashion capital, so smart casual attire will help you blend in.
Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city on foot. Plan to dress elegantly for fine dining restaurants and the La Scala Opera House.
Respect Local Etiquette When visiting churches, including the Duomo, dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
Getting around: You can explore all the locations mentioned in this itinerary on foot, except for a short metro ride from Santa Maria delle Grazie to the Quadrilatero della Moda. However, if you wish to see more, Milan’s efficient public transport system makes getting around the city effortless.
Milan offers a perfect blend of art and design tours, culinary delights, and high-end shopping, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Whether you're immersing yourself in culture or indulging in retail therapy, I hope this 48-hour itinerary will help you experience the best of Milan in style.
Recommendations:
Marchesi 1824, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milan
Trattoria Milanese, Via Santa Marta, 11, 20123 Milano
The Cloister, Via Valpetrosa, 5, 20123 Milano
BackDoor43, Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano
Ristorante Dry Aged, Via Cesare da Sesto, 1, 20123 Milano
The Bar at Ralph Lauren, Via della Spiga 5, 20121 Milano
Pellico 3 Milano, via Silvio Pellico 3 Milano
