City trip to Milan | 5 days Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci and Navigli

Day 1: Discover the historic centre

Today you will discover the historic centre of the city. You will start at the lively Piazza del Duomo, with its iconic cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art. With a size of 12,000 m², it is one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world. The view from the roof is breathtaking. Nearby is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, one of the oldest and most impressive shopping arcades in the world. Walking through the Galleria, you cannot help but be impressed. The longest corridor is no less than 196 metres, the glass dome is 47 metres high and 36 metres wide, and the floor is covered with large mosaics, including the coat of arms of the Savoys. In the afternoon, you can visit the impressive Castello Sforzesco. The castle was once the seat of the Dukes of Milan and has a beautiful adjoining park, the Parco Sempione. Afterwards, be sure to take a stroll through the charming Brera district and enjoy an “aperitivo” or dinner in one of the many cafés and restaurants.

Day 2: Leonardo Da Vinci and the Teatro alla Scala

You will visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie cathedral, built in 1492, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and best known for Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. The masterpiece is located in the refectory of the adjoining monastery. Advance booking is required as admission is limited. If you wish, you can visit the world-famous La Scala in Milan. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will discover the secrets of this 250-year-old theatre. You will walk through the corridors and admire the splendour of the boxes, the velvet red seats, the golden decorations and the enormous chandelier. You will also visit the adjacent museum, where you can admire not only old theatre costumes and sets, but also paintings and instruments. It is a very special experience to attend an evening performance, such as an opera, ballet or concert.

Day 3: Shopping, art or a food tour

A visit to the fashion capital is not complete without shopping. Via Manzoni, Via Monte Napoleone, Corso Venezia and Via della Spiga form the Golden Quadrangle (Quadrilatero d'Oro). All the major fashion names, such as Armani, Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Versace, have boutiques here. Modern art lovers should definitely visit the Pirelli Hangar Bicocca, with 10,900 m² of contemporary art exhibitions located in a former Pirelli factory. Foodies can indulge themselves on a guided food tour. A local will take you, in a small group, to sample the atmosphere and specialities of this multicultural city. End the day in the Navigli district, known for its canals and lively atmosphere. Here you will find numerous restaurants and bars.

Day 4: Return home

Today you return home with the beautiful impressions that Milan has left behind. Or, you can extend your stay at one of the northern Italian lakes. If you have a later return flight, you can visit the Pinacoteca di Brera today, which houses works by famous Italian and foreign masters such as Mantegna, Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Picasso, Rubens and Rembrandt.

Frequently asked questions about this city trip to Milan

What are the main attractions in Milan?

The highlights are Milan Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, The Last Supper and the Castello Sforzesco.

How many days do you need for Milan?

Four to five days are enough to discover Milan's main museums, neighbourhoods and attractions.

When is the best time for a city trip to Milan?

Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting Milan. Temperatures are pleasant for strolling through neighbourhoods such as Brera and Navigli.