Weekend Trips to Milan, Italy

Milan is Italy's fashion and design capital, a city where Renaissance art meets cutting-edge style. Beyond the boutiques, you'll find stunning architecture, world-class opera, and some of the best food in Italy.

  • The magnificent Duomo and its rooftop terraces
  • Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper
  • World-famous shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda
  • Aperitivo culture in the Navigli canal district

Weekend Itinerary for Milan

A suggested 2-3 day itinerary to make the most of your weekend in Milan.

1

Day 1: Arrival & City Center

Start at the Duomo – explore inside and climb to the rooftop. Coffee in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Afternoon at Pinacoteca di Brera. Evening aperitivo in Navigli.

2

Day 2: Explore & Experience

Morning booking for The Last Supper (book months ahead). Explore Brera neighbourhood for lunch. Afternoon shopping or visit the Castello Sforzesco. Opera at La Scala if available.

3

Day 3: Beyond the City

Day trip to Lake Como (1 hour by train), or explore Milan's design district and brunch in Porta Romana.

Top Attractions in Milan

Must-see places to visit during your weekend in Milan.

Duomo di Milano

Italy's largest cathedral took 600 years to complete. Book a rooftop ticket to walk among the Gothic spires.

The Last Supper

Leonardo's masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets sell out months ahead – book early or join a guided tour.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

One of the world's oldest shopping malls, with stunning glass ceilings and luxury boutiques.

Navigli District

Milan's canal neighbourhood comes alive at sunset for aperitivo. Great for restaurants and vintage shopping.

Pinacoteca di Brera

World-class art gallery with works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna. Less crowded than many Italian museums.

Local Tips for Milan

Insider advice to make the most of your weekend.

  • 1Aperitivo is a tradition – drinks come with free snacks from 6-9pm
  • 2Book The Last Supper tickets months in advance
  • 3The metro is efficient but the historic centre is walkable
  • 4August sees many restaurants closed for holidays

Practical Information

Flight Time

1 hour 50 minutes

Best Time to Visit

April to May or September to October. Avoid August when many locals leave and some restaurants close.

Currency

Euro (€)

Language

Italian

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Milan.

Is Milan good for a weekend trip?
Absolutely. Milan's compact centre means you can see the main sights in 2-3 days, with time for food and shopping.
How do I get from Malpensa Airport to the city?
The Malpensa Express train takes 50 minutes to Milano Centrale. Buses are cheaper but slower.
Is Milan expensive?
Milan is one of Italy's pricier cities, but aperitivo culture means you can eat well for less in the early evening.
Weekend Trips to Milan, Italy | 2-3 Night Breaks | WingIt · wingit