What to see in Milan in 2 days

6 March 2025 Blog

4 itineraries to discover the city as a true Milanese

If you are planning to visit Milan for a weekend, then this article is for you.

– But what can I see in 2 days? – Much more than you think.

Milan is a city that is discovered by walking: between history, art, modernity and green corners, each neighborhood has something unique to tell.

If you want to visit the city like a true Milanese, forget the subway for a while and follow one of these four walking itineraries, designed for those who want to experience the city without hurrying^[1], enjoying every glimpse and every square.

Itinerary “The Unmissables of Milan”

If you come to Milan for a short time and wish to return home with a general smattering of the city, then there are some “canonical” stops that are certainly not to be missed, perhaps very touristy, but certainly true milestones of the city.

Our itinerary is thought of as a true Milanese: it starts at one point and ends at another to optimize travel time, not surprisingly we manage to do 5km in 1 hour.

Last Supper Vinciano & Santa Maria delle Grazie

Let’s start with a piece of history: the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, a timeless masterpiece housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church itself, a UNESCO heritage site, is a jewel of the Renaissance with its splendid cloister that can be visited with prior reservation.

Cathedral Square

The beating heart symbol of the city of Milan: the Duomo. Can you hear in the background a song in Milanese dialect that goes, O mia bela Madunina che te brillet de lontan, tuta d’ora e piscinina, ti te dominet Milan… poetry to the ears. With its Gothic facade and 135 spires, it is the city’s icon. If you have time, climb to the terraces for spectacular views of the city.

Vittorio Emanuele Gallery and La Scala Theater

And staying on the subject of music, how can we forget the majestic La Scala Theater in Milan, one of the most famous theaters in the world. To get to the square that houses it, pass inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the so-called living room of Milan: glass domes, historic boutiques and the not-to-be-missed ride on the bull’s balls (the superstitious ritual calls for three rides on the bull’s balls with the heel of the right foot, good luck!).

On the streets of Brera

Continue your route to Brera area, guarded by the Pinacoteca from which the area takes its name. Our advice is to definitely visit both the Pinacoteca and the botanical garden, but don’t fail to wander around the streets of the area as well, because you will manage to encounter truly breathtaking alleys (Via Fiori Chiari and Via Fiori Scuri).

Castello Sforzesco and Sempione Park

History and music in Milan coexist in symbiosis, and in fact a special song was also dedicated to another important area: Parco Sempione, green and brown inside my city. Elio e le storie tese were able to tell a cross-section of the Milanese city very well, and I recommend that you touch the vibrant soul of this park. Not far away is the Castello Sforzesco, once a ducal residence, now home to museums and art collections.

Bee at the Arch of Peace?

Coming out of Sempione Park you can find a beautiful arch, which yes, make no mistake, is very reminiscent of a well-known French work…it is the Arch of Peace, built to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte. This is the perfect spot to end the day because it is THE PLACE for the APERITIVO in Milan. As you walk down the street you can find plenty of places to eat (even hearty in some cases) and refresh yourself from the day.

“Milan Green” Itinerary

Are you a lover of greenery? Then here, too, Milan has much to offer you. The city’s green areas, however renowned as a work and nightlife area, are certainly not lacking, and they are also well integrated into the city’s architecture.

North Park: a green heart in the suburbs

One of Milan’s largest green lungs, it is ideal if you feel like immersing yourself in the green by walking through woods, ponds and nature trails (why not, even by bicycle). Our itinerary starts here because it is the farthest point from the center, so to get there you’ll have to take transportation (find out practical tips on getting around Milan).

BAM: Library of Trees

Moving toward the center we find BAM (Library of the Trees of Milan), an innovative park in the futuristic Porta Nuova district, surrounded by skyscrapers such as the Vertical Forest, a symbol of the city’s sustainable architecture.

Alfa Romeo Industry Park

If you feel like visiting an intimate park in the city, then Alfa Romeo Industry Park is for you. The small park grew out of the ashes of Milan’s historic factories, perfect for a quiet break away from traffic.

Three Towers Park (Citylife)

Another small park born among Milan’s skyscrapers, similar conceptually to the BAM park; in this corner of paradise you can gratify your eyes with small architectural gems and a botanical project carried out with heart.

Simplon Park

Already mentioned in the previous itinerary, it certainly could not be missing from the route dedicated to parks. A great classic of the city, with meadows, ponds and the Little Mermaid Bridge, one of the first cast-iron bridges in Italy.

Park of the Basilicas in Piazza Vetra

This is a real gem in the city center. The name comes from the fact that the park connects the basilica of San Lorenzo and the basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. If you don’t know where to eat this is the perfect place for a small impromptu picnic in the center. With its dark charm Piazza della Vetra, the square adjacent to the park, was the scene of witch burnings: in 1200 Manfreda Visconti and, in 1617, Caterina de’ Medici were burned there and condemned by the Inquisition.

Brera Botanical Garden

Want to stay in the city but fully enjoy nature? Then visit the Brera Botanical Garden: a small garden hidden among the historic buildings, full of medicinal plants and centuries-old trees.

Indro Montanelli Gardens and Villa Invernizzi

Last, but only by itinerary, visit the Indro Montanelli Gardens, with the Natural History Museum and Planetarium inside, and while you’re passing through that area, we suggest you close the itinerary with Villa Invernizzi, where you can see pink flamingos strolling through the villa’s private garden. Why was this our last stop? Simple, because the Porta Venezia area is perfect for dinner or an aperitif to close this day outdoors for the city.

Itinerary “Curiosities of Milan”

If tradition and greenery are not your thing, then this is the right itinerary: a tour to more special places and monuments in the city of Milan.

Quadrilateral of Silence

No relax, we are not wrong, in Milan we talk a lot about the Fashion Quadrilateral (Via della Spiga, Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia), but much less about this little corner of paradise. A magical corner between Art Nouveau villas and mysterious palaces. Here you will find the famous House with Ears, the Palazzo della Meridiana and the Dragon of Via Serbelloni.

Annunciata Crypt

On Google you will find it as Crypt of the Church of the Blessed Virgin Annunciata, it is a striking crypt hidden in the old Ospedale Maggiore in Milan: perfect for a dip into the past.

Columns of San Lorenzo

A little taste of history and mysticism is intertwined in this area of Milan: the columns not only show the remains of ancient columns and historic basilicas, but are also home to several legends about the Holy Inquisition and witch hunts. The Columns are on Corso di Porta Ticinese near Piazza Vetra that we mentioned earlier.

Mudec

The museum of cultures hosting innovative exhibitions and contemporary design spaces: if you want to look for really special exhibitions, this is the place for you.

The colorful Lincoln Street

Called the Rainbow Quarter by all Milanese, Lincoln Street is one of the most characteristic streets in Milan, a sight for sore eyes: many colorful little houses Burano or Portobello Road style.

Navigli

We close the itinerary with a must-see area: the Navigli of Milan. Why right here? Because it is the place where the true Milanese comes at least once a week to have an aperitif. A mix of historicity (does the name Leonardo da Vinci ring a bell?) and modernity; don’t miss the Vicolo dei Lavandai!

“Museums of Milan” itinerary

If you are an art lover, here are some really must-see exhibition routes. For this category we offer you 3 different itineraries, divided into.

Contemporary art & design
Classical & traditional art
Science & Technology

Contemporary art & design

Hangar Bicocca
As with the green itinerary, start your adventure with the most distant place: the Hangar Bicocca (free to experience true Milanese mooching) houses monumental installations such as the Seven Heavenly Palaces, but is also home to many temporary exhibitions. Every time you return to Milan, it will be a surprise to discover.
Triennale di Milano
The temple of Italian design and architecture : by morning a museum and by night the perfect location for one of Milan’s most famous clubs. It hosts exhibitions chronicling the evolution of design, from industrialization to sustainability. It is also home to the Permanent Collection of Italian Design, which collects historical icons of Made in Italy.
Prada Foundation
A mix of contemporary art, architecture and culture in a former industrial distillery converted by Rem Koolhaas. In addition to the exhibitions, the Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson with a unique vintage aesthetic, is famous. Exhibits range from the big names in modern art to experimental installations.

Classical & traditional art

Cenacolo Vinciano
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, one of the world’s most famous paintings, is located in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Begin your experience with one of the world’s most breathtaking works.
Palazzo Reale
Continue on to the historic residence of Milan’s governors, now the city’s main exhibition space. Major art exhibitions are held here, ranging from Renaissance masters to avant-garde photography shows. The building itself is a piece of history, with its frescoed rooms and prime location next to the Duomo.
Museum of the Twentieth Century
If you love modern art, this is the place to be. The collection includes works by Boccioni, Modigliani, De Chirico and Fontana, tracing the artistic history of the 20th century. The museum is housed in an elegant building with a large stained-glass window that offers one of the most beautiful views of Piazza Duomo.
Pinacoteca di Brera
We have already told you about it, but surely in a museum tour Mrs. Pinacoteca cannot be missed: admire masterpieces such as Mantegna’s Dead Christ, Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin, and works by Caravaggio.

Science & Technology

Leonardo3 Museum
An interactive museum dedicated to the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci. Using digital reconstructions and 3D models, you can explore machines and ideas designed by the Renaissance genius. Perfect for those who love technology and want to discover Leonardo’s more engineering side.
Museum of Natural History
Located in the Indro Montanelli Gardens, this is the perfect museum for young and old alike. The halls house fossils, minerals and a spectacular collection of dinosaur skeletons. Just think that the area dedicated to the evolution of man is one of the most comprehensive in Italy.
“Leonardo da Vinci” Museum of Science and Technology
The largest science museum in Italy, with sections devoted to physics, chemistry, transportation and telecommunications. Highlights include a real submarine ship, an aerospace section and an exhibition dedicated to Leonardo’s inventions.

Create your own itinerary

These are just a few of the tips we feel like giving for those who want to visit Milan in 2 days, but if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try creating your own itinerary by taking inspiration from the places to visit that we’ve told you about.

One last tip as a true Milanese: if you want to optimize your itinerary even more, study well where to stay and have your itinerary end close to where you live, so it will be easier to return home after the busy days: don’t know where to stay? We’ll give you some advice: discover the best neighborhoods in Milan and if you need to find the right house, turn to us, we’ll find the best apartment for you.

^[1] Unhurried, let’s talk about it: the true Milanese is always in a hurry, so be careful not to get carried away by the typical Milanese pace: fixed gaze and legs walking by inertia as if you were Alex Schwazer.