If you plan a short break in Italy, you will most likely pick Rome, Pisa or Naples above the rest. We have compiled a real treat for you, a suggested itinerary for a short stay in Milan. Never considered this before, well this could make for a new contender! Read on to discover some of the delights on offer.
2 days in Milan
Begin your Italian escapade in this magical city with a visit to the church of Santa Maria della Grazie. It houses one of the most iconic works art, ever; The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Reserve a 15-minute time slot and observe this realistic masterpiece in all its glory.
The remainder of the day will be well spent exploring the 12 mini museums which make up Castello Sforzesco and the Castle itself. The museums and archive showcase the progression of life from Palaeolithic times through to the 1950’s. With so much to see and plenty of walking guaranteed, the best way to end the first day will be with a relaxing meal in a Milanese restaurant.
Get up bright and early on your second day here and utilise the city for its shopping opportunities. After all, it isn’t a fashion capital of the world for nothing! Start off at the flea markets where you can search for some bargains and unique goods. There are several to choose from but Fiera di Senigallia is the best by far and Papiniano isn’t far behind. Stop for a drink at one of the nearby cafés and cool off a little before round two in Centro Milan. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the place to head for some serious shopping (or rather, window shopping!) or you can choose from a selection of outlet stores to fight some seriously discounted goods.
Having shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, spend the last few relaxing hours before dinner exploring the canals by boat and see historical, interesting areas of the city you may not otherwise have visited. Dine at an inner city restaurant and then party the night away with happy hour cocktails at some of the trendiest bars in town.
A 3rd day in Milan
Start your third day in Milan with a visit to the breath taking Duomo located on the piazza del Duomo. This is the third largest Christian church in the world, after St Peter’s in Rome and the cathedral in Seville and took a staggering 500 years to complete, the building of which began in 1386. This incredible monument features 3,500 statues and 135 spires. The inside is equally as impressive. To fully appreciate Duomo and its features, take the lift to the roof. On a clear day you may also be rewarded with stunning views of the Alps.
After a morning of history and culture, spend the afternoon in total relaxation at a spa. The Hammam della Rosa is particularly popular and allows you to delve into saunas and plunge pools each of different temperatures including the tepidarium, caldarium and the fridigarium before enjoying a massage. True bliss!
Should funds allow, end your third day in Milan with a visit to the Opera at La Scala, one of the most renowned Opera houses in the world; a truly unforgettable way to end your stay in Milan.
Day 4 in Milan
If you’ve planned a fourth day in Milan, why not spend the morning visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera Art Museum and soak up the culture. The modest collection displays work from Italian artists from 13th to the 20th centuries. Behind the museum you will find the charming Botanic Garden of Brera, the perfect spot for a cool drink.
From here, head to the local’s favourite haunt, Idroscalo Lake. It is known locally as the Sea of Milan and with its man-made beach, pedalos, sunbathers, an endless choice of water sports and plenty more it’s not hard to see why. Who says you can’t have it all on a city break?
Have you been to Milan or tempted to go? Share your thoughts and opinions.
