Living just a short car ride away from Milan has given us the opportunity to explore this dynamic city on quick weekend getaways. Whether you’re a local seeking fresh inspiration or a traveler passing through on a stopover, I’ve curated the perfect one-day guide to Milan that’s filled with some of the city’s best restaurants, top sights, and of course, where to find the most delicious gelato. Let’s dive into what makes Milan a must-visit destination, especially for food enthusiasts!
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II might be busy and touristy, but it’s absolutely beautiful | Photo by Photo by Marvin Meyer Unsplash
Let’s First Chat a Bit….
As you read my travel guides, I want you to remember that the way my husband and I travel is not your “normal American” way of traveling. We don’t eat at restaurants with English menus and we definitely don’t stop at restaurants where the people outside yell at you to come in for “the best pasta in Milan”. We often miss major touristy sights and instead find ourselves wandering backstreets, sipping on wine, laughing and learning.
But, if you are looking for an authentic, easy experience – you are in the right place.
I encourage you to use this guide for tips, restaurants and places to see during your time there! Pull some tips from here to create your own itinerary, or use this as day #1 of your trip.
Getting Around Milan
Milan is a city that offers efficient and diverse transportation options, making it easy to navigate and explore its many attractions.
Public Transportation: Milan’s public transportation system is well-developed and consists of metro lines, buses, and trams operated by ATM Milano. The metro is particularly convenient for traveling between different parts of the city, including major landmarks like the Duomo and the fashion district.
- Metro: The Milan Metro consists of four lines (M1, M2, M3, M5) that cover most areas of the city. It’s reliable and operates from early morning until late at night.
- Buses and Trams: ATM Milano also operates an extensive network of buses and trams that complement the metro system. They are useful for reaching destinations not directly served by the metro.
- Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, newsstands, and tobacco shops. Consider buying a daily or multi-day pass for unlimited travel during your stay.
Walking: Milan is a pedestrian-friendly city, especially in its historic center and around major attractions like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Exploring on foot allows you to appreciate the city’s architecture and vibrant street life.
Bike Sharing: Milan has a bike-sharing program called BikeMi, with stations located throughout the city. It’s a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around if you prefer cycling.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Taxis are widely available in Milan and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Ride-sharing services like FREENOW, are also operational in the city, providing additional flexibility for travelers.
Where to Stay in Milan
Assuming you probably won’t just stay one day, here is some important information regarding your stay in Milan if you opt for a few days!
City Center (Centro Storico)
Staying in the historic center puts you within walking distance of major attractions like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Teatro alla Scala. You’ll also have easy access to upscale shopping streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.
- Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Spadari al Duomo: A boutique hotel offering modern amenities and views of the Duomo.
- Room Mate Giulia Hotel: Stylish accommodations with a contemporary design, located near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Navigli District
Known for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, Navigli is a trendy neighborhood ideal for those who enjoy dining out and exploring local markets.
- Recommended Hotels:
- Art Hotel Navigli: A boutique hotel with artistic flair and canal views, perfect for a relaxing stay.
- Uptown Palace: Located near Navigli, this hotel offers elegant rooms and easy access to local bars and restaurants.
Brera District
Brera is a charming neighborhood known for its artistic heritage, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in art and culture.
- Recommended Hotels:
- Hotel Milano Scala: Eco-friendly hotel with stylish decor and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
- Hotel Manzoni: Classic elegance meets modern comfort in this centrally located hotel near Brera’s cultural attractions.
Porta Nuova District
Porta Nuova is Milan’s modern business and financial district, offering contemporary architecture, upscale dining options, and proximity to the city’s main train stations.
- Recommended Hotels:
- ME Milan Il Duca: A luxury hotel with sleek design and panoramic city views, located in the heart of Porta Nuova.
- NH Milano Palazzo Moscova: Housed in a historic building, this hotel blends tradition with modern amenities, perfect for business and leisure travelers alike.
Extra Tips on Accommodation
- Book in Advance: Milan is a popular destination year-round, especially during fashion weeks and major events. Secure your accommodation early to ensure availability and competitive rates.
- Consider Airbnb: For a more local experience, consider renting an apartment or room through Airbnb, especially if you prefer self-catering or longer stays.
Where To Eat in Milan
Milan is known for its incredible culinary scene, and there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants to choose from. To be honest, we didn’t do a lot of research before our first trip there, which I don’t recommend. As we wandered around, we were totally overwhelmed with where to eat because each and every place we walked by looked amazing! So take note of these restaurants to save you some stress and overwhelm.
Farini: Now, some of you might judge me for recommending this spot for pizza in Milan, but I have to share it because it’s just that good. I like to describe it as cute boutique meets pizza in the most glorious way possible. This place serves up some seriously amazing, fresh pizza that will blow you away.
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Le Colonne Gelati & Crêpes Famose
After you get your pizza from Farini follow the street down to your left, and you’ll end up at Le Colonne Gelati & Crêpes. You might have to wait in line, but it’s worth it! Grab a scoop (or two) of delicious gelato and continue your walk.
La Prosciutteria Milan Brea
Now, you’ll walk enough to continue eating, I promise. If not, you aren’t quite doing Milan right. On our day here we walked 28,000 steps! Stop in to La Prosciutteria Milan Brea for an aperativo of your dreams. They aren’t a restaurant, more of a shop where they will prepare a taglieri for you – which is basically a beautiful meat and cheese board.
Fonderie Milanesi
I cannot say enough how much I love this spot. From the atmosphere, to the drinks and the food- it’s an absolute must on your trip. But, you must make a reservation via phone. Book in advance and you’ll have a perfect evening.
Rataná
Rataná is a trendy spot that serves up delicious Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Their menu is always changing based on the season and local ingredients.
Where to Drink in Milan
San Lorenzo Osteria Bistro
As you make your way to Navigili, you’ll want to stop at San Lorenzo Osteria Bistro along the way. Tell them you just want drinks, and you’ll sit on the street in an absolutely beautiful area. Grab a Negroni or Campari spritz and soak up some sun and energy before heading to Farini for your slice of pizza.
Ticinese Municipal Market
If you want a taste of local life, Ticinese Municipal Market is a spot to check out. It is an indoor market that sits right next to the water. Inside you can grab everything from local meats and cheese, to freshly baked bread and fruits and veggies. You can also grab a variety of beverages to take and enjoy next to the water. We grabbed beers, sat by the water, and watched people play music, laugh and pretended like we were locals too.
Sitting along the water by Ticinese Municipal Market (just to the right of this photo) was a highlight of our day | Photo by Cheuk Wai Lee Unsplash
Officina Milano
Next to Fonderie Milanesi is one of the coolest cocktail bars I have been to in Europe. Officina Milano is eclectic, cozy, rustic and an absolute vibe. I didn’t even get a picture here because I was too memorized and in love with the spot!
What to See in Milan
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without visiting some of the city’s iconic sights.
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano is an absolute must-see. I will never forget coming around the corner and seeing the Duomo – my breath was absolutely taken away! I’ve seen a lot of “churches” and historic sites in Europe, but the Duomo di Milano is something else. The cathedral is the fifth largest in the world, and its intricate facade is simply breathtaking. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city! Note on tickets: you can buy tickets online when you arrive. So don’t fall into the trap of the guys outside telling you they are “sold out”.
The Duomo di Milano is absolutely breathtaking! Make sure to buy a ticket and take a look inside | Photo by Kristy Kravchenko Unsplash
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This historic shopping arcade is home to some of the world’s most luxurious brands and it’s located next to the Duomo. Now, it’s incredibly crowded and way too touristy for my taste, but the architecture is quite impressive. Take a quick look around and then head over to Navigli.
Navigli
This is an area of historic Milan that I personally love. You can learn more about the history of the canals here, but I promise you this is an area you won’t want to miss. From the canals you can wander through shops, restaurants, bars, and there even might be a local market pop-up happening!
Teatro alla Scala
If you’re in Milan, you absolutely have to check out the Teatro alla Scala. It’s like the crown jewel of opera houses and has been around for centuries. This prestigious opera house is renowned worldwide and boasts a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Even if you can’t catch a performance, guided tours provide a glimpse behind the scenes, allowing you to explore backstage areas and the fascinating La Scala Museum. The whole experience is just incredible and it’s definitely a must-do if you want to soak up some culture while you’re in Milan.
Of course, there’s so much more to see and do in this beautiful city, but I hope this post has given you a good starting point for your visit. Like I said before, pick a a few spots from here to form your own itinerary. Happy exploring!
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