One Day in Milan
The One Day series is intended to give you a quick overview of a city, with some quick suggestions with respect to meals, attractions, and activities.
Milan always ends up being a stopover city for me, where I tend to rush through one or two activities before moving on to another city. However, Milan is well worth a visit in its own right, and the flights can be downright cheap. So, whether you have a day (or three), here are some of the high notes that I would recommend that you hit on your next trip to Milan.
Breakfast (Colazione): Espresso & Brioche
Keep it simple — in Italy, you must pace yourself. You can even stand and eat at your new favorite espresso bar and save a few euro over sitting prices.
Morning Excursion: Duomo
The roof of the Duomo is Milan’s can’t-miss attraction. Sure, the interior is glitzy and interesting, but the sight of the dramatic spires, buttresses, and gargoyles on the roof cannot be beat. And, on clear days, you can see a great view of the city. It’s pretty spectacular. Read this if you’re on the fence.
Lunch (Pranzo): Panzerotti Luini
Grab a mozzarella-and-tomato-stuffed dough pocket to go for quick and hearty lunch. Actually, grab two. The line isn’t long, but you may as well save some time, since they’re so good that you will want more.
Afternoon Excursion: Choose your own Adventure!
Art Appreciators
Leonardo da Vinci’s famous (and controversial) The Last Supper painting currently resides inside a convent refectory in Milan. Please note that you will likely need to book your tickets months in advance and you will only be able to see the painting for 15 minutes. Then, if you’re still in a museum sort of mood, you can spend the rest of the afternoon touring the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum or the La Scala opera museum.
Fashionista’s Paradise
Milan is home to some of the most fashion-forward stores and boutiques, and it’s worth passing through the Gold Quarter and Brera neighborhoods to scope out the latest styles. And, once you’ve bought as much as you can carry, you can spin around on the bull’s testicles in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for good luck.
Off the Beaten Track
The Navigli neighborhood is home to the remnants of what used to be Milan’s canal system. While only a few canals remain, there are many interesting art studios and eateries tucked away. And, while you’re there, you can scope out the aperitivo and nightlife options for later.
Pre-Dinner Snack (Aperitivo):
Certain eateries provide free pre-dinner snacks if you purchase a drink. Choose wisely and you may not even have to pay for dinner!
Dinner (Cena): Pasta!
Since you are in Northern Italy, you can never go wrong with a hearty, creamy pasta (perhaps, gnocchi?). If you’re on board with carbo-loading for your next day of adventures, we recommend Da Oscar.
Fun Fact: Oscar Wilde considered the Duomo “monstrous,” “inartistic,” and, in short, “an awful failure.” Do you agree?