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4 Days in Milan: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Things to Do, Food & Honest Experiences)

We arrived in Milan expecting a stylish city break… but we left with a story we’ll never forget.

I visited Milan in mid-February 2020, right in the middle of Milan Fashion Week – and just days before the world changed due to COVID-19.

This trip was meant to be a birthday treat for my mum, who loves European city getaways with the family. At the time, everything felt completely normal. The streets were lively, cafés were full, and Milan was as vibrant as ever.

Until suddenly… it wasn’t.

The day before we were due to leave, everything changed.

Shops, restaurants, and iconic landmarks began shutting down. We went from pharmacy to pharmacy trying to find face masks – but everything was either closed or sold out. It was the moment we realised the seriousness of what was happening.

Looking back, it feels surreal.

But despite that, Milan gave us an unforgettable experience – and it’s still one of the most stylish, walkable, and culturally rich cities in Europe.

🎥 Watch Our Milan Travel Vlog

Why Visit Milan?

Milan is often overshadowed by cities like Rome and Florence—but it has its own unique charm.

Think:

  • Elegant cobblestone streets
  • Stunning gothic architecture
  • World-class shopping
  • Incredible food scene

One of the best things? You can explore most of the city on foot, as major landmarks are close together. And if needed, Milan’s tram system is reliable and easy to use.

Getting to Milan: Airports Explained

Milan has three main airports:

  • Malpensa Airport – the largest and most popular
  • Linate Airport – closest to the city centre
  • Bergamo Airport – budget-friendly, about an hour away

Our Milan Itinerary (4 Days + Day Trips)

We spent 4 full days in Milan, including two unforgettable day trips:

  • Lake Como
  • Bergamo

Alongside attending a fashion show, here are the top things to do in Milan based on our experience.

Top Things to Do in Milan

Milan Duomo: The Heart of the City

You simply can’t visit Milan without seeing the Duomo. This cathedral is absolutely breathtaking – gothic, grand, and incredibly detailed. With over:

  • 3,500 statues
  • 135 spires
  • 5 bronze doors

…it’s no surprise it took nearly 500 years to complete.

You can:

  • Enter the cathedral
  • Climb (or lift) to the rooftop for panoramic views

💸 टिकट prices:

  • €9 (stairs)
  • €13 (lift)

We had planned to go up… but unfortunately, it closed that very day due to COVID restrictions.

Still, just being in the square was an experience in itself.

👉 And a warning:
There are a lot of pigeons. Not ideal when your parents are happily feeding them while you’re trying to escape.

The square is always buzzing with people, shops, and street life—we loved just wandering, eating, and soaking it all in.

👉 Top tip for views:
Head to La Rinascente rooftop (7th floor)—free entry, just grab a coffee and enjoy incredible views of the Duomo.

A woman wearing a black coat and hat stands in front of the Milan Cathedral, surrounded by a crowd of people.

Beware there are lots of pigeons all over the square – it doesn’t help when your parents are feeding them bread while you’re trying to run away from them :l The entire square was flooded with people, as expected. We really enjoyed walking around the square, entering the shops and tasting local food in the area.

A person stands in front of a stunning historical building with intricate architecture, bathed in sunlight, with green plants in the foreground and a clear blue sky.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Milan’s Most Beautiful Shopping Arcade

Right next to the Duomo is one of the most beautiful shopping centres in the world.

Built in 1877, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a masterpiece of glass, iron, and marble.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, Armani
  • Stunning mosaics and paintings
  • A breathtaking glass dome ceiling

I was completely mesmerised walking through it.

👉 Fun (and slightly strange) tradition:
Spin your heel three times on the bull mosaic for good luck. Yes… it’s exactly where you think it is.

👉 Food tip:
Skip the restaurants inside – they’re overpriced. You’ll find much better food elsewhere.

A woman stands in a grand shopping gallery with ornate architecture, featuring large windows and a glass ceiling. Surrounding her are various people shopping and admiring the space.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery: A Unique Milan Experience

We visited this spot thanks to my sister – and I’m so glad we did.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan is:

  • The only one in Europe
  • One of only five in the world
  • The largest Starbucks in Europe

And honestly? It’s stunning.

Located in Piazza Cordusio, just a short walk from the Duomo, it feels more like a luxury coffee experience than a typical café.

There are 115 different coffee blends—but no Frappuccinos (Italians take their coffee seriously!).

We grabbed a coffee… and WOW. It was incredible.

Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace: A Moment of Calm

If you need a break from sightseeing, head to Parco Sempione—Milan’s best park.

It’s perfect for:

  • Picnics
  • Relaxing on the grass
  • Escaping the busy city

At the far end, you’ll find the Arco della Pace, a beautiful arch surrounded by cafés and bars—perfect for aperitivo and people-watching.

This is actually where things started to feel real for us.

While sitting there, my sister got a call from her summer job—telling her that an Italian group she was meant to host could no longer leave the country.

She tried subtly asking if anyone could leave Italy… without admitting we were there.

That’s when we started to worry about the seriousness of Covid-19.

A group of four people sitting on a stone ledge with the Arco della Pace in Milan, Italy in the background during sunset.

Sforza Castle: A Glimpse into Milan’s History

Right next to the park is the impressive Sforza Castle.

Built in the 15th century, it once housed Milan’s rulers and is now home to 12 museums and historic collections.

Fun fact:
Leonardo da Vinci worked here while creating parts of The Last Supper.

  • Entry to the castle grounds: Free
  • Museum access: ~€10

We didn’t go inside – but just walking around the fortress, towers, and moat was worth it.

Visitors approach the grand entrance of a historic brick castle with a large tower and decorative details, featuring banners and flags in front.
Two women posing together in front of a historic castle tower on a clear blue sky day.

The Last Supper: A Must-See (If You Plan Ahead)

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it – it was closed due to COVID.

But if you’re visiting Milan, this is a must-do.

👉 Important: Tickets sell out quickly—book well in advance.

If you want to see Milan come alive, head to Navigli.

This canal district is full of:

  • Bars and restaurants
  • Aperitivo spots
  • A lively, social atmosphere

It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.

👉 Top tips:

  • Go early—places fill up quickly
  • Visit on the last Sunday of the month for the Navigli Antique Market

👉 Food recommendation:
Stop by Pizza AM on the way—trust me, the pizza is unreal.

A scenic nighttime view of a canal lined with restaurants and cafes, with people dining outside, reflecting lights and buildings along the water.
Night view of a canal with a bridge and brightly lit buildings, featuring digital billboards reflecting in the water.

 

Final Thoughts: Is Milan Worth Visiting?

Despite the unexpected circumstances, Milan left a lasting impression on me.

It’s a city that blends:

  • History and modern style
  • Culture and fashion
  • Energy and elegance

And even in uncertain moments, it gave us memories we’ll never forget.

Planning a Trip to Milan?

Have you visited Milan before? Or is it on your list?

Drop your questions below—I’d love to help you plan your trip!

📌 Don’t forget to save this guide on Pinterest for later!

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