Milan Quick Guide To the Must-dos & Food Spots

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Milan, Italy’s style capital, is where history meets modern Italian flair. Beyond its iconic landmarks and famous streets, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Brera and Navigli. Explore the city, grab an evening aperitivo, shop at boutiques, or just soak up the atmosphere. Milan is not just a stopover city – it’s a vibrant destination on its own! This Milan Quick Guide gives you an inside look at the city’s must-sees, activities and my favourite Food Spots. Furthermore, I also share a detailed 4-day itinerary with you.

Milan Quick Guide: Tips & Overview

Where to stay: I stayed at an AirBnB, as hotels are quite expensive in Milan
Best Months to Visit: It’s great all year round, I’d personally rather avoid July & August as it get’s quite hot, so being in the city might not be as enjoyable
Must-Dos: Duomo di Milano Terrace, Galeria Vittorio, Brera, Navigli, Daytrip to Lake Como in spring/summer
Best Places to Eat: Ristorante Nabucco, Osteria de fortunata, All’Antico Vinaio, Orsonero Coffee
Quick facts: 3.2 million people – Italian – Euro

Disclaimer: This blog post contains unpaid promotional links. I only recommend products and services that I’ve personally used and genuinely like.

How to get there

Easily fly in via the airport Milan Malpensa or Milan Bergamo. We arrived at Milan Bergamo Airport, which is a bit further out. After arrival we took the Orio shuttle bus to get to the city centre/central train station. They run every 30 minutes and the trip took roughly around 45 minutes.

How to get around

Milan is generally a very walkeable city, and the Public transport is also quite good in Milan. We opted for a combination of walking and subway.

Where to stay

Due to logistical and budget reasons, we decided to stay close to the Central station in an AirBnB. However, there are various hotel options, but be prepared to spend more on those.

Things to see

Duomo di Milano – Inside and Terrace: The majestic Duomo di Milano is a Gothic masterpiece with an awe-inspiring interior. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views of Milan’s skyline and a close-up look at the cathedral’s intricate spires.
Piazza Mercanti: A charming medieval square just steps from the Duomo. Piazza Mercanti is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and offering a glimpse into Milan’s rich past.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: One of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. This elegant 19th-century shopping arcade features a soaring glass dome, luxury boutiques, and ornate mosaics, making it a must-see for its architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
Parco Sempione and Arco della Pace: A large park in the heart of Milan. Parco Sempione is perfect for a leisurely stroll or relaxing by the pond. Highlight include the iSforza Castle and the Arco della Pace at its edge.
Colonne di San Lorenzo: A historic site featuring a row of ancient Roman columns in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. This area is a lively gathering spot and a blend of Milan’s ancient history and modern urban life.

Neighbourhoods:

Navigli: A lively and picturesque area famous for its charming canals. Navigli is the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo, dine at one of the many restaurants, and take a leisurely stroll along the water.
Brera: Known for its quaint streets, Brera is one of Milan’s most charming neighborhoods. It offers a great mix of cafés, gelaterias, and food spots.

Shopping:

Eataly: A food lover’s paradise. Eataly is a large gourmet supermarket where you can stock up on high-quality Italian pasta and other products. It also offers several dining options inside to enjoy a delicious meal.
Rinascente Milano: A large, luxurious shopping mall in the heart of Milan. It also features a top-floor supermarket with international foods, along with a rooftop food court that offers stunning views of the Duomo.
Via Torino: A shopping street that stretches from Piazza Duomo to the Columns of San Lorenzo. Via Torino offers a diverse range of stores for all tastes and budgets
Corso como: A vibrant street known for its numerous shops, trendy restaurants, cozy cafés, and lively nightlife. Corso Como is definitely a must-visit.

Itinerary

I recommend taking your time and spend 4 days. This allows enough time not only for the Milan Essentials and must-see attractions, but also for exploring different neighborhoods, trying out the best food spots and even a day trip to Lake Como. If you are shorter on time, 2-3 day days focusing on Milan is also a great option.

Milan Essentials – Day 1

Take a peek at the famous Duomo di Milano
Explore Piazza mercanti
Marvel at Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II
Walk around Parco Sempione and take a look at Arco della Pace
Have aperitovo & dinner in Navigli area and walk along the canal

Duomo & Shopping Day 2

Climb (or take the evelator) to the roof terrace of Duomo di Milano
Do some shopping at Rinascente Milano (get some italian pasta to take home)
Have a snack at Eataly
Explore the beautiful streets of Brera and enjoy some Gelato
Grab dinner at Ristorante Nabucco or Osteria de fortunata

Lake Como – Day 3

Take a day trip to Lake Como exploring Varenna & Bellagio

Wander the streets – Day 4

Grab the best coffee and croissant at Orsonero coffee
Do some Shopping on Via Torino or Corso como or wander the quaint streets of Milan
Visit the Colonne di San Lorenzo – monument

Where to eat & drink

Restaurants for lunch/dinner:

Osteria da Fortuna (Pasta Brera): A cozy spot in the heart of Brera known for its authentic and flavorful pasta dishes.
Osteria di Brera: A charming restaurant in the Brera district offering a diverse menu of regional specialties.
Da Oscar: A lively and popular Milanese trattoria famous for its classic Italian comfort food.
All’Antico Vinaio – Sandwiches (be prepared to queue a bit): A popular sandwich shop with a Milan location, known for its amazing panini. A wait in line is well worth it.
Eataly: A sprawling Italian marketplace that combines a gourmet supermarket with multiple dining areas, offering everything from fresh products to prepared meals. Furthermore, Eataly is also surrounded by charming restaurants in the adjacent piazza.
Miscusi: A contemporary pasta-focused restaurant that emphasizes fresh ingredients and a casual dining atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for pasta lovers.
Marghe – Pizza: A beloved pizzeria serving up wood-fired pizzas with a focus on high-quality ingredients and a simple, authentic approach.
Bowls and More: A health-conscious eatery offering a variety of nutritious bowls, smoothies, and light bites, catering to those looking for a fresh and balanced meal.
Temakinho – Sushi: A unique restaurant that blends Japanese sushi with Brazilian flavors, offering a vibrant fusion cuisine in a trendy, colorful setting.
La Rinascente Rooftop – Foodcourt Duomo di Milano: A rooftop food court atop the La Rinascente department store, offering a variety of dining options with stunning views of the Duomo.

Terraces for a view towards Duomo di Milano:

Terrazza Aperol (be prepared to spend $$$ on an Aperol): A rooftop bar with a prime location offering stunning views of the Duomo, at a premium price.
La Rinascente Rooftop – Foodcourt Duomo di Milano: This stylish rooftop offers a variety of dining options with breathtaking views of the Duomo, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

Ice Cream:

Amorino: A popular gelato chain known for its beautiful flower-shaped scoops and wide range of authentic, creamy flavors, made with natural ingredients.
Artico Gelateria Tradizionale: A traditional gelateria offering high-quality gelato with a focus on innovative flavors.

Breakfast & Coffee:

Orsonero Coffee: A specialty coffee shop renowned for its great brewed coffee, ideal for starting your day with a perfect espresso or cappuccino. Make sure to also get one of the popular Pistachio croissants.
Milano Roastery: A sophisticated coffee roastery offering a premium coffee experience.
Marchesi Bakery: An iconic Milanese pastry shop offering pastries, fresh bread, and delicious coffee in a beautifully historic setting.
Bar Luce: here you can enjoy classic Italian pastries and coffee with vintage decor and a cozy atmosphere.

What to eat in Milan:

Risotto alla Milanese – Safarano: A creamy risotto infused with the aromatic flavor of saffron, a must-eat of Milanese cuisine.
Ossobuco: A slow-cooked veal shank, braised in white wine and broth, traditionally paired with Risotto alla Milanese.
Cotoletta alla Milanese: A crispy, pan-fried veal cutlet, coated in golden breadcrumbs, similar to a schnitzel, and a classic dish from Milan.
Polenta: A traditional Northern Italian dish made from slow-cooked cornmeal, served creamy or set into a firm texture, often paired with hearty meats or sauces.

Further Tips:

Do you have to check out early and are staying close to the Central Train Station? There is a luggage storage right in the station, that I can recommend. However, when I was there I had to wait a bit in the line, so keep this in mind.

I hope this Milan Quick Guide provided you with a great overview on all must-dos, must-sees as well as food spots. Do you have more tips? Let me know in the comments below.