24 Hours In Milan, Italy
About Milan
Milan is the fashion and industrial capital of Italy. It is the second largest city in Italy by population (Rome being #1), accumulates the most industry, and sits in the northwest part of the country. It is near tourist attractions such as the Dolmites, Alps, and Lake Como. Milan is the birthplace of espresso and you will find an espresso machine at almost any corner of the city, whether it be a neighborhood café, wine bar, or restaurant.
A note on Milanese cuisine
Milan offers a different cuisine than what you might expect from Italy. There is less pasta and pizza, and more risotto, polenta, and meats (especially veal)
The most famous risottos are truffle (due to the large amount of foraging near the neighboring city of Torino) and saffron risotto. Saffron risotto is a traditional Milanese dish made with Arborio rice and saffron, giving it a bright yellow color and delicate flavor. In terms of meat dishes, ossobuco and cotoletta are the two traditional ones. Ossobuco is braised veal shank slow-cooked with white wine, while cotoletta is breaded and fried veal similar to schnitzel. In general, Milanese dishes can expect more butter and cream-based dishes than the seafood and vegetable-heavy in the Southern half of Italy
Agenda
Morning
Breakfast at a local café
Start your day in Italy like an Italian native, with espresso and a pastry at your local café. There are cafes littered all over the city so there should be one within a few minutes of walking. You could try a cornetto (think.. Italian croissant) or a brioche con crema, a cream-filled bun.
Visit the Duomo di Milano
The Duomo is a breath-taking Gothic cathedral in the heart of Milan that is one of the largest churches in Italy. Its construction began in the late 14th century and finished in the 1960s, taking almost 6 centuries to complete. While the white marble exterior is exquisite and intricate, the interior is just as impressive.
Tip – buy tickets to get inside and access to the rooftop and go as early as possible in the morning, as it keeps getting more and more crowded throughout the day (around $20). The rooftop is iconic as you can see stunning views of the city and climb between spires and statues. There is a lift that takes you up, but you most likely have to walk down a few staircases to get back down
Shop and walk around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Right next to the Duomo is one of the most famous shopping malls in the country. The architecture along with the high-end stores will make for a pleasant experience. From Prada to YSL to a Porsche attire store, shopping options will not fall short in this one-of-a-kind area
Afternoon
Lunch – Grab pizza at a local trattoria
There are plenty of little trattorias to stop into and grab some lunch in Milano. If you want pizza, I recommend Piz. It is a very popular pizzeria that serves fresh Napolean-style pizzas for a reasonable price (around $9 for a personal pizza). You will not be disappointed!
Go to a museum or art exhibit
Milan is filled with wonderful museums to take in some of the history and culture of the city. Some of the most well known museums are Pinacoteca di Brera, the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the Davinci museum, the museum of science and technology of Leonardo da Vinci, and the Museum of Novecento. We booked a tour of the Last Supper and it was an amazing experience. We booked through the agency GetYourGuide to book online beforehand and had a local guide who was extremely knowledgeable. The last supper is the most replicated piece of art in the world and definitely worth seeing on your trip
Visit Sforza Castle
There is a medieval fortress in the city of Milan that now serves as a place for museums, art collections, and grounds to spend time with friends and family. You can grab a blanket and picnic in the grassy courtyard inside the castle. Explore the grounds, grab a gelato from a cafe or stand around, go into the courtyard, and take in some fresh air along with other Milan residents
Nightime
Apertivo
One of the most well-known parts of the Italian lifestyle and particularly Milan is Apertivo. You could relate this to happy hour in other cities but Milan has its own flair. Sit outside (if weather permits), order an Aperol Spritz, and enjoy the sunset. Typical aperitivo spots will include a selection of small bites with your drink of choice, such as peanuts, olives, and taralli. Navigli neighborhood is known for Apertivo as it is by the canals and a great spot for nightlife. Walk around that area and you’re bound to find a cute spot for a drink
Dinner at a Milanese restaurant
Milan has no shortage of restaurants and you are bound to find something great. When I was there, we went to Ristorante La Brioschina which is a traditional Milanese restaurant. It was a lovely experience having risotto, veal, wine, appetizers, and the staff was very knowledgeable
Nightlife
Along the canals, in the Navigli neighborhood, you can enjoy live music, dancing, and cocktails. One popular spot we went to is Mag Cafe, a long-time hangout that has its own unique aspect to it with fun music.
Late-night gelato
If you are up for it, there are a few late-night dessert spots in Milan. One that sticks out is Cioccolati Italiani that has several spots in Milan. Check their website before going to see closing times. After a long day of exploring, head back to your lodging and get some rest!
