Top 3 Itineraries in Milan

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By Erica Firpo

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Introduction

Experience Milan your way with our top 3 itineraries! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, these itineraries cater to every type of traveler. Stay tuned to find out how to make the most of your time in Milan.

Crafting a memorable trip to Milan starts with a few easy choices, and we're here to guide the way. To save you time and effort, we have reviewed the largest selection of travel packages in Milan and handpicked the top 3 itineraries for you.

Every visit to Milan feels like a new adventure. From savoring a cup of coffee in a quaint café, navigating lively markets, to exploring popular attractions or relaxing at one of the best places to stay in Milan, you’ll find that each moment brings a new layer to your vacation.

With countless top things to do in Milan, it’s easy to see why travelers can’t get enough of this city. Whether you’re drawn to its distinct culture, scenic spots, or culinary delights, there’s always something exciting to discover.

So, if you're ready to uncover the perfect travel plan for your trip, simply scroll down and let the best Milan itinerary find you!

Popular Types of Trips to Milan

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Milan.

If you only have a few days, Milan weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Milan offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Milan are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Milan’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Milan offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Milan truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Milan

If you’re as convinced as we are that Milan belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Milan are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Milan and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Milan Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Milan itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 3 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Milan just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Milan without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Milan!

3. The Ultimate 5-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Milan and Beyond

Photo of Arch of Peace, or Arco della Pace, city gate in the centre of the Old Town of Milan in the sunny day, Lombardia, Italy.

A scenic 5-day road trip through Firenze, Milano, Genova, and Pisa is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Milan can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Firenze, Milano, Genova, and Pisa by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Genoa

  • Arrival city: Genova
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
  • Sightseeing: Porto Antico
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Genoa. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Genova

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Galata Museo del Mare, Piazza De Ferrari, Aquarium of Genoa, and Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Genova, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Milan.

Day 3: Discover Milano

Spend the day exploring Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Parco Sempione. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Florence.

Day 4: Experience Firenze and Pisa

  • Destinations: Firenze and Pisa
  • Driving distance: 252.89 km, approx. 3 hours and 51 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Genoa, e.g., Hotel Astoria Genova
  • Sightseeing: Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, and Leaning Tower of Pisa
  • Recommended tour: Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch
Continue your journey through Firenze and Pisa, where you can explore Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, Ponte Vecchio, and Leaning Tower of Pisa. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Genoa.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Genova

Drive through Genova, stopping to visit Via Garibaldi. Embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems off the beaten path. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Genoa.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Genoa

  • Departure city: Genova
  • Driving distance: 1.17 km, approx. 15 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Via Garibaldi
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Genoa. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 685 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Milan. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 5-day road trip itinerary through Firenze, Milano, Genova, and Pisa is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Milan for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 5-Day Milan City Itinerary

Photo of Milan, Italy. Bridge across the Naviglio Grande canal at the sunrise Milano, Lombardy.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Milan with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Milan without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Milan

Arrive in Milan and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Palazzo Borromeo.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Hotel Morfeo Milano, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Milan by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Cathedral Square, Duomo di Milano, Palazzo Reale di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Milan. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Milan in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Learn More About the Local Sites

Use this day to discover more of Milan’s top sights. We recommend visiting Milan Natural History Museum, Pinacoteca di Brera, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, and Arco della Pace.

To make the most of your time, don’t forget to book your attraction tickets and passes in Milan in advance. Beyond possible savings, booking tickets early ensures availability even for Milan's most popular attractions.

After a nice dinner, take a walk through the city center and experience Milan’s attractions in another light.

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, and Mudec are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Milan.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Milan. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Italy!

1. The Perfect 5-Day Milan Weekend Itinerary

Photo of Milano, Italy. Church Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, famous for hosting Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece "The Last Supper".

A 5-day weekend getaway in Milan offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life. But with so many things to see and do in Milan, fitting it all into a short visit can easily feel overwhelming.

However, with a well-planned Milan itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Milan weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Milan

Arrive in Milan around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Palazzo Borromeo, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.
  • Tip: Book an airport transfer to Milan in advance for a smooth journey. End the day with an evening stroll for an enchanting first glimpse of Milan by night.

Day 2 - Discover Milan’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Milan with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Cathedral Square early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Palazzo Reale di Milano, stopping by Duomo di Milano for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
  • Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Milan and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Milan

No itinerary in Milan is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.
  • Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Milan Natural History Museum.
  • Afternoon: Explore Pinacoteca di Brera and Sforzesco Castle, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
  • Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
  • Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Milan and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Italy.

Day 5 - Depart from Milan

Make the most of your last few hours in Milan before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
  • Tip: Schedule an airport transfer from Milan in advance to enjoy a stress-free end to your trip in Milan.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Milan. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Milan itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Milan

As you explore Milan, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered. For those curious about the city’s highlights, our guide to the best things to do in Milan offers plenty of inspiration.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Milan for you.

If you're unsure of when to visit, don't forget to check out our insights on the best time to visit Milan. We'll share everything we know about weather, crowd levels, and price fluctuations throughout the year.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Milan in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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