If you want to visit Milan in less than 48 hours, this is the itinerary that suits you. Two days are enough to discover the true character of the city.
FIRST DAY
The starting point is the Duomo, with its square. From here, you can easily reach all the places in our itinerary, on foot or by public transport. If you want to start with a little shopping, you'll be spoiled for choice. Besides La Rinascente and the shops of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in less than ten minutes' walk from the Duomo, you can reach the "fashion quadrilateral". Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga are the most chic streets: no one is missing among the names of international high fashion.
You can dedicate the afternoon to Milan's museums. Do not forget the National Museum of Science and Technology, 40 thousand square meters devoted to scientific and technological ingenuity of mankind in every age - the gallery "Leonardo da Vinci" alone is worth the price of admission. In less than 5-minutes' walk from here, you will find Santa Maria delle Grazie. In its refectory, you can admire the Last Supper fresco - remember to book your visit! Also within walking distance you can find the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio: dedicated to the patron saint of Milan, it is one of the oldest churches in the city.
For an aperitif, dinner and after-dinner, we suggest a getaway on the Navigli. You will be spoiled for choice among the trendy bars and romantic restaurants.
SECOND DAY
Start again from the heart of Milan to visit the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous theatres in the world. Its season includes performances of opera, ballet and symphonic music. Cross Piazza Duomo to reach the Palazzo Reale, home to the most important art exhibitions in the European landscape - Monet and Picasso were among the major protagonists of the exhibitions.
Always near the Duomo, you can end the morning with a visit to the Church of Santa Maria at San Satiro, in Via Speronari, a Renaissance temple, and one of the greatest masterpieces of Donato Bramante.
Feeling a little hungry? All you need is a 2-minute walk from Piazza Duomo to reach Peck, Milan's most famous deli. On the ground floor, large counters with everything a true gourmet could wish for. Upstairs, there is a restaurant for lunch, with specialties of the house.
Take advantage of the early afternoon to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, the most prestigious Milanese museum. In its collections you can admire the paintings of Botticelli, Caravaggio, Mantegna, Rubens, as well as the famous Kiss by Francesco Hayez. Another stop? The Orto Botanico di Brera: similar to a historical garden, in its eighteenth century basin sprout irises and lilies.
If you still have some time, visit the Castello Sforzesco. It is one of the largest castles in Europe, located in the city centre and is home to a number of museums that leave you speechless. Among the many permanent exhibits, we suggest the ancient art museum, the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo, the Pinacoteca, the art library, the museum of musical instruments and the furniture one.
