Begin your tour of Milan with a visit to the famous mural painting, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Afterward, head to the Sforza Castle to view various art collections, including Michelangelo’s last sculpture. On your way, enjoy the bustling Corso Magenta neighborhood with cafes and boutiques.
Take a stroll through the artistic neighborhood of Brera and visit the Brera Art Gallery. The museum houses a collection of Italian Renaissance art from important artists such as Raphael and Andrea Mantegna. Next, head to Quadrilatero della moda, a district known for its legendary high-fashion boutiques and designer brands housed in historical buildings for some shopping.
Begin your day visiting Milan Cathedral. The gothic cathedral is the largest in Italy and took almost six centuries to complete. Next, head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls featuring high-end shops, bars, and restaurants. Be sure to check out the mosaic bull on the floor in front of the ‘Ristorante Biffi’ where it is said that turning your heel three times gives you good luck.
Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art museum located in the Palazzo Brera which houses a vast collection of Italian art from the 14th through the 20th century. Afterwards, take a walk through the picturesque and charming Navigli canal district. Check out the vintage shops, art galleries, and boutiques. You can also take a walk along the canal or have an aperitivo at one of the bars while taking in the sunset view.
Getting around Milan can easily be done via public transport such as the metro or tram, or by bike-sharing services. It's easy to purchase a one-day or multiple-day ticket from any metro or tram station. A single ticket costs €1.50 each, while 24-hour public transport tickets cost €7, a 48-hour ticket costs about €12, and a 72-hour ticket costs approximately €18. Bike-sharing services such as Mobike and BicoccaBike offer daily rates of €5 or less.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Lake Como to explore its villas and beautiful scenery. Additionally, if you love art, you can visit the Triennale Design Museum, The Museum of the 20th Century, or the Museo del Novecento in the Palazzo dell'Arengario near Milan Cathedral.
If you have less time, you may want to consider skipping the shopping and visit some of the smaller museums in Milan like the Museum of Ancient Art or the Armani/Silos exhibition that showcases Silos, the work of Giorgio Armani.
The Milano–Malpensa Airport (MXP) is Milan's largest airport located 30 kilometers northwest of the city center. It is the principal hub for short-haul and medium-haul flights in Italy. Another airport, Linate (LIN), is 7 kilometers from the city center and mainly serves domestic and European destinations.