Planning a sightseeing program is quite easy if you know in advance which monuments, parks, palaces, museums, and modern buildings interest you the most. What to see in Milan in 2 days independently and get the most enjoyment?
Tip #1: It’s better to plan your route so that after, for example, visiting a museum, temple, or theater, you can stroll in a square or garden.
Tip #2: Be sure to include in your program a tasting of local dishes, pastries, and drinks. The city will definitely surprise you with its sophisticated flavor combinations.
They excellently prepare ossobuco, saffron risotto, soups with seasonal vegetables, and stewed pork in pots. And what feast is complete without the famous panzerotti? These pastries pair well with any drink and, according to Milanese, help the body produce happiness hormones.
How to Get from the Airport to the City Center
Malpensa Airport is 45 km from the city center. The trip can be made using four types of transport: train, bus, taxi, or rented car. All routes start from both airport terminals. For public transport, the arrival point is the Central Railway Station.
The special Malpensa Express train departs from the departure points located on the underground floors of the terminals every 30 minutes. The journey from the airport to the city center takes an hour. This type of transport operates daily from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM, but it is better to check the schedule in advance online (the carrier company may make adjustments).
Note: Train tickets must be validated before boarding. Validators are installed on buses, so passengers perform this operation directly in the vehicle. With trains, it’s different. Validators are installed before the platforms. Usually, the devices (they are green) are placed on walls.
If you do not validate your ticket, you will be fined. This rule also applies to subway and tram rides.
The most budget-friendly transport from the airport to the city center is the bus. Several carrier companies operate on the route. Daily trips start around 5:30 AM and end slightly after midnight. The one-way trip takes 50 minutes.
Also note: It’s better to buy bus tickets in advance online. They are valid for the day if purchased on the carrier companies’ websites. Often, tickets are sold out upon arrival, and buying them offline is extremely inconvenient, as you have to delay your trip to a later time.
As for taxis: finding taxi stands is very easy by following the signs in the terminals. If the driver works officially, the fare from the airport to the city center should be the same regardless of the time of day. Taxi drivers often make tourists overpay by using meters during trips. How to avoid this situation?
The answer is simple: it’s better to order a car online and pay for the upcoming trip immediately. Then you can inform the driver in advance to install a child restraint device (seat) if you are traveling with a baby. Another argument in favor of ordering a transfer: drivers in such cases meet their passengers at the airport with signs, escort them to the cars, help carry the luggage, and place it in the trunks.
Car rental offices are located in the arrival zones of Malpensa terminals. More than 20 companies offer their services to tourists here. The car rental prices are about the same. To save time on formalities, it’s better to: choose a company, its service package, and order everything in advance online.
In this case, when you arrive, you will immediately sign a pre-prepared car rental agreement at the office, pay a certain amount, and pick up the car. This procedure will take less than 20 minutes.
First Day
It’s best to start your journey by visiting the Central Railway Station. From its building, you can head in any direction — and still see many historical monuments. Milan is cozy at any time of day. The local authorities have taken care of the lighting of the most famous sights. At dusk, the city turns into a fairy tale kingdom. However, it also looks magical in daylight. Its charm is enhanced by parks, gardens, and, of course, numerous cafes, restaurants, and pastry shops.
Central Railway Station
The complex opened less than 100 years ago. Annually, over 400,000 passengers depart and arrive here to various parts of Italy. The station has 24 railway platforms and metro lines.
The station building is a true work of art, clad in marble and adorned with columns. Its facade height exceeds 70 meters. Guidebooks often state that the structure was built in the French Art Deco style, but this is not entirely accurate. The station was repeatedly rebuilt (including during Mussolini’s dictatorship). As a result, its modern appearance is a stylistic mix.
The main attraction of the station is a 341-meter-long glass and steel dome. The walls and floors of the building are adorned with magnificent mosaics. The station has everything for the comfortable stay of travelers: a pharmacy, currency exchange, cafes, shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Prices here are quite high, but the prices at fast food points (including excellent coffee) are symbolic.
Ga Aulenti Square
A futuristic object named after an outstanding female architect appeared on the city map just over 10 years ago. Its creation is based on the tradition of arranging internal courtyards in Italian palaces, which dates back to ancient times.
The square and the adjacent park form a unified architectural complex. The square is circular and elevated above the ground. It is surrounded by cafes, shops, and giant skyscrapers, including the city’s tallest building (over 230 meters including the spire).
The walking area is decorated with many sculptures. There is also an amazing fountain that changes color depending on the season. Everything here is in line with the logic of modern metropolises, where each section of urban space performs several functions.
The square has three shallow pools, where wading in water is pleasant on hot days. There are canopies and wells leading to the ground floor. These elements make you feel like you are in a cozy inner courtyard of a fantastic palace.
There is a supermarket under the fountain (on the ground floor). Prices here are moderate, so families with children often come here to buy sweets, chips, drinks, and to snack at fast food points. Restaurants are also open on the ground floor.
Vertical Forest Bosco Verticale
The name of this residential complex, built in the new millennium, is known far beyond Italy. It consists of two towers, 76 and 110 meters high. Unlike other skyscrapers, they have terraces on each floor.
These terraces are planted with grass, shrubs, and trees. Birds and butterflies thrive here. Over 1600 fauna representatives live here. The 1000 trees and 500 shrubs on the skyscrapers’ terraces have turned the buildings into real forests. They are the “green lungs” of the city.
These plantings improve the microclimate inside and outside the buildings, positively affecting human health, acting as protective barriers against noise pollution, dust, and radiation. At the foot of the Vertical Forest, there are two playgrounds for children: one for play and one for sports. Nearby are a dog walking area and a supermarket.
This atmospheric place looks interesting at any time of year. Notably, a neighborhood of three-story houses with greenery in their design is nearby. The skyscrapers look even more giant and fantastic against the backdrop of the small ivy-covered houses.
Villa Reale
The city has many architectural and historical monuments that can be considered icons of classicism and neoclassicism. This palace and park ensemble is one such object. Today it houses the Museum of Modern Art. A visit to such an amazing place will immerse you in royal luxury.
The villa consists of five huge buildings and looks like a fairy tale palace. The surrounding park has elegant bridges and pavilions. It features works (originals, not replicas) by legendary sculptors: Canova and Acquisti.
The villa has long had a reputation as a romantic place. It was once the residence of Napoleon and his wife Josephine when their love was flourishing. The park (garden) surrounding the villa was long closed to outsiders. However, dictator Mussolini broke the tradition and ordered it turned into a public place. Thanks to him, the garden and then the villa became one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Cafe-Pastry Shop Cova
The pastry shop combines a store and a café, but guidebooks often call it a restaurant. This establishment is one of the oldest of its kind in Milan. If you’ve read Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms!”, know that the author mentioned this very pastry shop. The legendary writer loved Italian desserts and enjoyed visiting the store-café.
The pastry shop’s history has become a sort of embodiment of the Italian dream. Over 200 years ago, a simple soldier returning from war opened the café and tried to find his place in the sun. Today, it still offers sweets made according to his recipes.
They always have delicious tiramisu, apple pies, pistachio croissants, and panna cotta. The place is atmospheric. The old interiors are well-preserved, and you can often see famous artists, writers, musicians, and poets among the guests.
The only downside: the café’s dining area is small. You can quickly buy a dessert here (to eat elsewhere). But if you plan to sit and enjoy coffee with dessert, you’ll have to wait in line for at least 12-15 people.
Poldi Pezzoli Museum
This is one of the best European private collections open to the public. The art space is often compared to a magical chest where you can find masterpieces by legendary masters, antique weapons, knight armor, oriental carpets, exquisite furniture, antique and Venetian dishes, tapestries, clocks, lace, stucco decorations, sculptures, and many other curiosities.
It houses works by Bartolini, Bellini, Michelangelo, Strozzi, Goltzius, and other masters. The museum is located in a real old palace. All its luxurious interiors are authentic.
The most famous rooms are the former Armory, the Golden Hall, and the Black Room. The latter was originally a living room decorated with special dark wood. Even on sunny days, the Black Room has a mysterious gloomy mystical atmosphere.
In the huge museum, you won’t get lost, as guests are given clear maps and audio guides (including in Russian) at the entrance. The gallery staff is very friendly, and you can photograph the art pieces without flash.
La Scala Theatre
This art space is rightly called the world’s center of opera culture. Once, a Christian temple stood on the theater’s site. The current building, built in the 18th century, stands where artists performed in ancient times.
The theater can accommodate over 2000 spectators. Its acoustics are considered a benchmark for theaters worldwide. Initially, only operas and ballets by Italian composers were performed here. Over time, the theater’s repertoire expanded to include musical works from other countries.
The theater building houses a museum dedicated to its history, a relatively small exhibition but with a wealth of information about La Scala and the celebrities who performed there.
Victor Emmanuel II Gallery
A very interesting place for both history enthusiasts and shopaholics. The building is about 150 years old. Essentially, it is a shopping center built with royal grandeur and luxury. It lies between two squares adjacent to La Scala and Milan Cathedral.
The gallery is also known as a passage. This format allows it to host not only shops. Today, the gallery has 30 boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a five-star hotel. It also hosts exhibition and concert venues.
The beautiful building is shrouded in mysticism. It has the shape of a special cross (the oldest talisman). Named after a lucky king who maintained the country’s integrity when Italy didn’t even have a full-fledged army, the gallery was brought to life by Italian architect Mengoni, who invested his life and soul into his creation.
He developed a revolutionary steel and concrete dome project and died here when the work was completed. The gallery’s halls are adorned with beautiful mosaics. Its frescoes depict the four earthly continents (Australia is not included). Statues of famous Italians adorn the building’s walls.
The gallery also has a talisman. Every visitor can touch this rarity and make a wish by stepping on the bull’s genitals depicted on the mosaic floor with their right heel and spinning around.
Royal Palace
Palazzo Reale is often called the main city symbol. It is located next to the cathedral. The three-story palace was the government residence for several centuries, and nowadays it hosts fashion shows and art exhibitions. A full restoration of the palace was completed 23 years ago.
The magnificence of its halls is perceived as a real miracle, considering that during World War II the building was severely damaged, and many of its rarities were lost. Scientists and restorers managed to restore the halls decorated in classical and neoclassical styles, as well as the magnificent ducal apartments. Restoration work continues to this day, so a significant part of the premises is closed to the public.
It’s noteworthy that for several centuries, the palace functioned as a fortress. The object was repeatedly rebuilt and reconstructed. Today, the palace houses a museum of its history. Here you can see unique exhibits dedicated to different epochs and their influence on the interiors and architecture of the palazzo. Plus, there is another museum in the building dedicated to the history of the neighboring cathedral.
Traveling exhibitions in the palazzo usually turn into sensations of national and world scale. Works by Monet, Picasso, Titian, and other geniuses are exhibited here. Annually, up to 1,500 paintings, sculptures, and other art masterpieces are brought here for exhibitions from different countries.
Note: You need to buy a separate ticket for each of the exhibitions simultaneously held in Reale. And on the territory of the palace, you can also taste coffee prepared in antique coffee machines.
Milan Cathedral
The majestic building is made of marble. Externally, it resembles tongues of flame reaching for the sky. The construction of the cathedral began 700 years ago. Even Napoleon contributed to its construction (thanks to his order, the building got a beautiful facade). Notably, the style in which the structure is built is called flamboyant Gothic.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary remains one of the largest in Europe. It contains over 3,400 stone statues of biblical heroes and Christian saints. The temple is located in a place of power. In ancient times, people worshipped the goddess Minerva here, who bestowed wisdom and military victories.
The building consists of 135 marble spires. The height of its spire is over 106 m. Up to 40,000 people can attend a service here simultaneously. The main relics of the temple are: a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the nail with which Christ was nailed to the cross, the head of Saint Thecla, and a baptismal font (more than 1,400 years old) created from an Egyptian porphyry bathtub.
Here you can see beautiful stained glass windows. They depict biblical scenes, Apocalypse scenes, and lives of saints. Access to the roof of the cathedral is allowed. You can get to its observation deck in 2 ways: by elevator (for a fee) or by stairs. Visiting the temple for tourists is paid. It includes familiarization with the exhibitions of the temple museums.
If you come in December, be sure to walk around the festive Christmas fair located near the cathedral. It’s a fairy-tale spectacle. And when you’re tired of impressions and decide to rest a bit, you can visit the famous old bar Camparino in Galleria at any time of the year. It’s named after the inventor of the famous bitter liqueur. They serve traditional Italian cuisine dishes and prepare very tasty ragout, risotto, brioches, and cakes.
Second Day
To avoid tiring out from impressions, it’s better to plan visits to varied attractions for the second day. An important tip: don’t forget to shop. Shopping in Milan will definitely bring joy. Yes, Italians are masters at making money from thin air. As you visit famous sights, you will repeatedly witness the ingenuity of Milanese. However, they also know how to relax grandly.
Navigli District
This part of the city is adored by romantics, adventurers, antique lovers, and anyone who enjoys relaxing in atmospheric historic places. The bohemian life thrives here, with clubs, bars, art galleries, and entertainment venues concentrated along the ancient Pavese and Grande canals.
If you’re interested in rarities, make sure to visit the huge flea market in this district. It operates from morning to evening on the last Sunday of each month (except December, when the market is held one or two weeks earlier). It spans about 2 km.
In Navigli, you can buy antique interior items, unique porcelain dishes, exclusive furniture, clocks, and jewelry. If you’re more interested in live flowers, note that nature’s bounty fairs are held here in autumn and spring.
The district is loved by world-class stars, so you can often see famous designers, artists, and actors on its streets. The list of Navigli’s well-known attractions includes the Alcohol Pharmacy and a restaurant with preserved old brothel interiors.
Basilica of Saint Ambrose
The church stands on the site where Christian martyrs were buried. It is about 1000 years old. Over time, it has been repeatedly rebuilt, causing confusion about its exact age. This is also because another Christian church, consecrated by Saint Ambrose, once stood here. Milanese revere him as their city’s patron saint.
Here you can see ancient mosaics and reliefs depicting scenes from Christ’s life. The basilica’s significance in European history is evident from one fact: in the Middle Ages, European emperors were crowned here. In the new century, tombs of early Christian martyrs were discovered next to the church.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Another legendary place on the city map always impresses with its architectural blend of Gothic and Renaissance. The Dominican church is known worldwide primarily for one work of art: Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco “The Last Supper.”
During World War II, the Santa Maria delle Grazie building (built 600 years ago) was bombed, but the Italians managed to save the sanctuary and restored it from ruins. Remarkably, the famous fresco wasn’t destroyed even as the walls of the refectory collapsed.
Dominican monks attribute this to a miracle, though it should be noted that the monastic complex to which the church belongs was built to last. Its layout is very fortress-like, designed for refuge in case of enemy attacks.
Brera Art Gallery
The legendary art gallery is very easy to find as it’s located in the district of the same name. This is another city quarter where the creative bohemian gathers and life thrives at night. It’s believed that this gallery is about 300 years old, but the palace it occupies was built 200 years earlier.
Initially, it was planned that only students and teachers of the Milan Academy of Arts would view the works of art here. But then access to the masterpieces was opened to the general public. The gallery itself is located on the 2nd floor of the building. In its 38 halls, you can see works by outstanding Italian painters and sculptors.
The artworks here are arranged chronologically. The only exception is the first hall, dedicated to Christ. It contains the most famous works on this theme. All tours of the gallery begin with this hall. In its halls, you can see works by contemporary artists, ancient frescoes, creations by Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Modigliani, Caravaggio, and other geniuses. A separate hall (exhibition platform No. 29) is dedicated to Michelangelo’s work.
In the gallery, guests can observe professionals restoring ancient canvases, and even photograph or video record the process. There’s no ban on photography or video recording in the establishment, only flash is prohibited.
There’s also a café (on the terrace) and a bookstore with an excellent assortment of art books. If you want to enjoy the beauties of nature, head straight from the gallery to the botanical garden located nearby. It grows unique plants and trees. This landscape monument was created by Jesuit monks (to rest from worldly vanity), but today access is allowed to everyone.
Sforza Castle
The ducal residence, built almost 700 years ago, looks like a fortress. This is quite logical, as Europe was constantly at war then, and the lives of rulers were always at risk. It also resembles the Moscow Kremlin. This is also understandable because the form of its towers was copied from the castle.
Its history is so full of tragic, bloody events that Milanese dreamed of leveling the structure to the ground. That might have happened, but Napoleon made a wise decision: to arrange a beautiful square next to the castle and turn it into a place for public festivities.
Later, museums were opened in the castle, attracting tourists from all over the world. Here you can see musical instruments, paintings, sculptures, collections of old dishes, ancient Egyptian rarities, knight armor, and much more.
Sempione Park
A very nice place. After visiting it, you gain a second wind and new strength to view the city’s attractions. It adjoins the Sforza Castle and is the largest in the city. Remarkably, there are ghosts here, but for some reason, the superstitious residents are not afraid of the park spirits. As dusk falls, the park turns into an incredibly romantic place where live music sounds and couples in love can be seen everywhere.
There are many sports grounds here for all ages and tastes. There’s also an aquarium with Neptune on the facade, where you can admire exotic sea creatures. A huge number of birds live in the park. The feathered ones know they’re more important here than people. So don’t be surprised if cute ducks (as soon as you approach the pond) will pose importantly in front of you, quacking demandingly, hinting at treats.
The park paths and alleys are named after great poets, playwrights, and writers. They will remind you of the works of Shakespeare, Pushkin, Schiller, and other geniuses. Symbolically, all paths here lead to museums and a concert venue.
One of the most famous attractions of the park is the “Wedding Cake” fountain. The spirit of the structure especially favors women and helps the fairer sex meet their other half. It can fulfill exactly one cherished wish if you throw a coin into the fountain bowl. How to make the magic happen? You need to wear glasses with pink lenses (for some reason, the spirit likes this accessory).
Triennale Milano
The art platform operates in Sempione Park. It’s only 100 years old, but during this time it has managed to gain enormous popularity. Its annual number of visitors has already reached 500,000 people. And this is far from the limit. The Museum of Design and Art, it must be said, adheres to a very clear public position. It supports many initiatives related to the protection of living nature. It was thanks to the art center that many new design concepts of landscape complexes became known, which became “points of cooperation” between people and nature.
In the modular building of the art platform, you can see literally everything: from works of art to architectural projects and design objects. There’s also a library and a bar open here.
Arco della Pace
The monument reminds of Napoleon’s victories and the sad end of the emperor. The arch was supposed to testify to his triumph, but as a result, it came to symbolize the end of the Napoleonic wars.
The majestic marble structure looks enchanting at any time of day. It’s crowned by a bronze equestrian statue of the goddess of peace Eirene and decorated on 4 sides with figures of the goddess of victory Victoria. Here you can also see figures of gods, river deities, ancient heroes and real historical figures, heraldic symbols. By irony of fate, there’s a magnificent panel here depicting Bonaparte’s defeat.
Italians are famous for their sense of humor. They didn’t change themselves even when creating an official monument. If you look closely at the horses pulling the chariot with the goddess, and measure their position in relation to the cardinal directions, it turns out that the tails and rear ends of the animals are specially turned towards France.
Monumental Cemetery
A very strange, beautiful, sad, and at the same time peaceful place. The ashes of many great Italians rest here, and the cemetery itself somewhat resembles an open-air museum.
There’s a huge number of sculptures on its territory (works by Trubetskoy, Parini, Butti, and other geniuses). Alexander Manzoni is buried in the monumental cemetery. It was he who created the famous novel about fatal love “The Betrothed”, whose action takes place in the suburb.
Notably, scenes from the famous melodrama “I Am Love” (which became an event for world cinema in 2009) were filmed in this cemetery. And in the 1940s, the tombstones of Jewish graves miraculously survived here when Italy was under Mussolini’s rule.
Visiting the cemetery is absolutely free, but it’s difficult to do without guides, so it’s better not to skimp on professional services. Italians are understanding of tours in the cemetery and even specially bring school groups here.
Spirit de Milan Bar-Restaurant
Visiting this establishment can be compared to a time machine journey to the 1950s. Popular tourist routes are far from it, so there are no crowds of travelers here.
The bar is simultaneously a concert and dance venue. Parties, vintage item exhibitions, and dance lessons are held here. Previously, a factory that produced crystal and glass operated in this building. And now it’s one of the most popular hangout spots in the city.
All interiors in the bar-restaurant are authentic. Even the tablecloths here are exactly those that were produced in the middle of the last century. There’s a very informal atmosphere in the establishment. People of different generations meet here, enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and communicate casually. It’s also worth visiting Spirit de Milan if you love live music and national Italian cuisine.