Milan in two days: detailed guide to visit the Italian city and not miss anything

Although many associate it with fashion and business, Milan is also a first -class cultural, historical and gastronomic destination. In fact, it is one of the most visited capitals in Europe and not by chance. With its mixture of classical and modern architecture, its colorful neighborhoods and a culinary offer that makes the mouth water, the Lombard capital is ideal for a weekend getaway.

Despite being a modern and bustling city, Milan retains a special charm in each corner. From the majestic needles of the Duomo to the picturesque channels of Navigli, the city surprises us with historical and contemporary influences as we walk through its center and its adjacent neighborhoods. As you know, Milan is a world epicenter of fashion and design, which is reflected in its elegant shopping streets and in the well -known international events such as Fashion Week. However, beyond its sophistication, the city also offers a surrounding local life that falls in love with travelers.

You could spend days and days to Milan, but you can always know their most emblematic places in a well -organized weekend. From a Friday afternoon until Sunday, you have two full days to soak up its architecture, its most iconic monuments and its most cozy atmosphere. In this guide we propose a tour that combines art, history, fashion and gastronomy so that you take the best of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Friday afternoon: Welcome to Milan

Suppose you have a good aerial connection and you arrive in Milan on a Friday early in the afternoon. The journey from any of the airports is fast and comfortable, either by train, bus or taxi. Once you leave your bags in the accommodation, located preferably near the historic center or in neighborhoods such as Brera or Navigli, it is time to start exploring the city.

It begins in the emblematic Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the city. Its impressive Gothic cathedral is an icon of Milan and you will see that it impresses both for its architecture and its size. With its more than 3,000 statues and 135 needles, it is a masterpiece that took almost six centuries to complete. If you have time, you can enter to visit the interior or get on the terraces to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding hills.

From there, go to the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, a majestic commercial passage covered dating from the 19th century. After the cathedral, this is possibly the most famous face of the city. Known as ‘The Milan Hall’, this place not only has a reputation for its luxury stores and historical coffee shops, but also for its iron and glass architecture, which is a perfect example of the Neorrena Central style. Walking under its central dome and contemplating soil mosaics is an experience.

A few steps you will reach the Piazza Della Scala, where the famous Alla Scala Theater, one of the most prestigious opera theaters in the world is located. You go see a function, it is worth admiring your facade and, if you give you time, visit your museum to learn more about your history and the great names that have gone through your stage.

To finish the day, go to the Brera neighborhood, known for its Bohemian atmosphere and its cozy restaurants. It is the perfect time to enjoy typical dishes such as Risotto Alla Milaneseprepared with saffron, or the Cotoletta Alla Milanesea juicy empanada veal chop that is a classic of the city. If you prefer something lighter, try a local cheese and sausages table, accompanied by a good Lombardo wine. It ends with a tiramisu, unbeatable, and walks through the lovely streets of Brera before returning to your accommodation.

Saturday: full and varied day

Saturday will be your most complete day. Put on a comfortable footwear and get ready to walk because we will take a walk through the history, art and daily life of Milan.

If on Friday I did not give you time to see in detail the Duomo, it is time to return. If you did not do it the day before, go up to the terraces to enjoy the view and closely contemplate the elaborate gothic sculptures that adorn the cathedral, because it really is worth it. From there, he walks to the Sforzesco Castle, a 15th -century fortress that houses several museums and art collections. Among his treasures are works by Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, as well as a fascinating collection of musical instruments.

Just behind the castle you have the Park Sepione, ideal for a relaxed walk or vent if you travel with children. This green space is perfect to rest under the shadow of its trees or approach the Arc della Pace, a huge arc of triumph sent by Napoleon.

Near the castle and the park there are several options to enjoy a quiet lunch. Opt for one Treatory traditional where you can try dishes such as OSSOBUCO ALLA Milanese with Gremolata or a good Table of Italian sausages. If you prefer something fast, look for a place where they sell Panzerottia kind of stuffed empanadillas that you will surely take more than once.

After eating, go to the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie, where it is located The Last Supper from Leonardo da Vinci. It is essential to reserve entries in advance, but the experience of contemplating this masterpiece deserves the previous organization. Since 1980 the monumental complex is declared a World Heritage.

From there he returns to the Brera neighborhood to, this time, walking through his careful streets full of art galleries, boutiques and coffee shops. If you are a lover of art, do not miss the Brera Pinacoteca, which houses an impressive collection of works by Italian artists such as Caravaggio and Rafael, among many others.

The day ends in Navigli, Barrio de Canales and cobbled streets. At nightfall, this area is filled with life, and even more on the weekend, with bars and restaurants that offer the traditional Italian appetizer: a drink accompanied by a small -plates buffet. It is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local environment before enjoying a relaxed dinner next to the water. You can try specialties such as Cassoeulaa typical lombardy stew that combines pork with cabbage.

Sunday: Farewell

The last day arrives, but if you have the flight in the afternoon you still have a few hours to take advantage of. On Sunday morning you can visit some of Milan’s most unique places before saying goodbye.

That does not sound strange to you. There are cemeteries that are authentic museums and that of Milan is one of them. The monumental cemetery is known for its impressive sculptures and mausoleums. It is worth approaching to take a walk and see how every corner has its history, from artist tombs to historical figures.

Next, go to Piazza Gae Aulenti, the heart of the modern Milan. You will see that this futuristic space is totally different from everything you have seen since you arrived, surrounded by skyscrapers and buildings as peculiar as the vertical forest and the Unicredit Tower.

For your last meal in Milan, look for a restaurant in Navigli or near the central station. It is time to repeat your favorite travel dish or try something new like the Vitello tonnatofinely filteted veal with tuna sauce, or why not, a good pizza, which for that we are in Italy.

He dedicates the last hours to the golden quadrilátero, the Mecca of Milanese fashion. Although you do not buy anything, it is always interesting to walk through its elegant streets to live a different experience. And if not, to say goodbye in style, come back to the Piazza del Duomo before going to the airport after having taken the most of your weekend in Milan.