Are you planning to spend 4 days in Milan? It’s often an overlooked Italian city by tourists, as it lacks much of the medieval or ancient charm of other popular destinations such as Rome, Florence, or Venice. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, and the Duomo is just one of the many attractions visitors can enjoy.
We spent 4 days in Milan and were pleasantly surprised with the amount of places to visit in the city, many of which were nowhere near as crowded as the Piazza del Duomo. A lot of the sites we went to were free to visit, with the most expensive ticket being the Duomo. Many of the smaller sites that have entry fees you don’t necessarily need to go inside to enjoy either.
You’ll also be very impressed with the food scene in Milan. Yes, there’s some incredible pizza to try out, but there is so much more to sink your teeth into. And if you have some spare time on your hands Lake Como is only a short drive away from Milan too.
How to get to Milan
Milan has three airports to choose from: Linate, Malpensa, and Bergamo. Linate is the closest to the city centre, but I ended up flying into Malpensa and leaving from Bergamo because of the flight times and prices. Bergamo has no train station so you’ll need to get a bus to it. I bought my ticket from the central train station for €7, which is is where the buses depart from, and the journey took just over an hour.
Malpensa is the largest international airport, and has direct links to the city centre either via train or bus. The prices are almost the same for both (around €14 each way), but you’ll save a little by buying a return ticket. I’d recommend the train as it’s quicker and it goes to terminal 1 and 2. Tickets can be purchased from the machines at the station and the airport, or there is a ticket desk as well if you would rather talk to someone for clarification.
How to get around Milan
Spending 4 days in Milan means you’ll probably want to take advantage of the metro system. If you’d rather see the city from above ground, they also have their famous tram lines, and if you’re in the very centre you can treat yourself to a vintage tram ride. Tickets for all types of public transportation can be purchased from stations as well as many shops throughout the city. I’d recommend getting the day pass, or 3 day pass depending how long you’re visiting for, which gives you access to the metro, trams, trains, and buses.
What to do during 4 days in Milan
Whether you’re spending 4 days in Milan, are only in the city for a few hours, or you’re visiting Milan with kids, there are a lot of unique things to do here. If you’re in Milan for a week and fancy a day trip somewhere else, Turin is under 2 hours away. Or, why not rent a car and do a road trip of Northern Italy? Here are my recommendations for the best things to do during 4 days in Milan.
Walk around Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo should be your first stop and is a must-see in Milan. In terms of the cathedral, your best bet is to purchase the Duomo Pass Lift which will give you access to the inside of the cathedral, the rooftop, the archaeological area under the cathedral, as well as a few other sites. During peak season, make sure you book in advance if you can and get the fast track ticket, because we were told it can take a very long time to get inside if you don’t.
The Royal Palace of Milan sits opposite the Duomo. It was once a seat of power but now houses a number of art exhibitions, which is worth a look at if you have time. To the left of the Duomo is La Rinacente, a high end department store that’s beautiful on the inside. If you’re looking for places to shop during your 4 days in Milan, this spot is ideal. The top floor has some restaurants and a food hall selling luxury items – a great place to get some gifts!
Enjoy the view from the Duomo rooftop
The Duomo is one of the few cathedrals in Europe that allows you to walk on the rooftop rather than climb up a tower. I’d highly recommend taking a private tour with MilanoArte during 1 of your 4 days in Milan. Our guide, Giacomo, knew every little detail about the city, and let us choose which sites we wanted to see. He also had access to the fast track line at the Duomo which is handy if there’s a massive queue. If you’re looking for walking tours in Milan, this is a great option.
Visit the Duomo at night
The Duomo is beautiful in the daytime but it may be even more spectacular lit up in the evening. During your 4 days in Milan, I would recommend visiting the Piazza del Duomo at night because you’ll get a completely different atmosphere than in the daytime. That is, if you’re not too busy stuffing your face with all the delicious food in Milan by that time.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an iconic location in Milan that opens up into Piazza del Duomo. It’s Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and is home to shops from some of the world’s top fashion labels. Luckily the arcade is open 24/7 so you can easily get a photo without anyone in it if you wake up early. This is just one of the many free things to do in Milan.
Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala is a famous theatre in Milan, best known for its opera performances. Tickets to the opera can cost you quite a bit though and are difficult to come by if you don’t book in advance. But if you’re travelling solo and are looking for things to do alone during 4 days in Milan, this is the perfect way to treat yourself.
Piazza Mercanti
Piazza Mercanti is one of many popular squares in the city. In the middle ages it was the heart of Milan and it’s located not too far from the Duomo. That being said, it gives off more of a locals vibe since it isn’t swarming with tourists. If you’re visiting Milan in winter, you’ll probably find it pretty empty which is perfect for photos.
Hop on a vintage tram
Trams are a great way to get around Milan if you don’t feel like using the metro. In the very centre you’ll be treated to some vintage trams which I’d recommend going on at least once. If not, you can always take a quick photo as they pass by.
Shop at Peck
Peck is a famous historical deli located just around the corner from the Duomo. It sells pretty much every type of Italian food you could ask for, and is another great place to grab some gifts or treat yourself. Try to visit towards the end of the day to avoid the crowds if you can.
Piazza degli Affari
This one’s just for fun. If you’re taking a stroll through Piazza degli Affari, you’ll come across this sculpture facing the stock exchange. Visiting it is one of many unique things to do in Milan and shouldn’t be missed if you have some free time.
San Bernardino alle Ossa
San Bernardino alle Ossa is one of the most unusual places to visit in Milan. Inside the church you’ll find a side room that opens up into another room full of bones. This is because in the 13th century the cemetery ran out of space for the new bodies, so they decided to dig up all of the bones and place them in a small room. The church was a later addition to this room and today visitors can freely access both areas. This is probably one of the best secret things to do in Milan so make sure it’s on your itinerary.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous masterpiece, The Last Supper. The city of Milan is famous for being the home of this historic piece of art but if you want to get inside, plan months ahead. Tickets are pretty much impossible to get last minute, unless you book a guided tour which includes entry. We weren’t able to go inside, but the area has quite a few interesting landmarks in it so we decided to visit the outside of the building anyways.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is an absolute must-visit during 4 days in Milan. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city and is completely free to walk around. The architecture is amazing and when we visited there were hardly any people there, which was ideal for photos. This is one of the most unique places to visit in the city so don’t forget to add it to your 4 days in Milan itinerary.
Join a food tour
One of the best things to do during 4 days in Milan is to join a food tour. Walking Palates offers both day and evening tours, as well as a private food tour if you’re travelling with a group or want a more personal experience. We went to a number of incredible spots in the Porta Romana district and the surrounding area where we ate some traditional Milanese dishes and sampled a few glasses of wine. Our guide even gave us some cooking tips about how to make the perfect risotto.
Look up at the Vertical Forest
Visiting the Vertical Forest is yet another incredible free thing to see in Milan. These sustainable skyscrapers are home to 800 trees and have a lot of other unique features built into them to help make them a home for both people and nature. Spending 4 days in Milan should give you enough time to visit this unique attraction.
Get lost inside Eataly
A short walk from the Vertical Forest is Eataly. If you love food, this is where you need to go. There are three floors of restaurants, cafes, and Italian goods to explore here. If you’re staying in the area, it’s a good spot for breakfast too. Eataly is one of the best indoor places to go during 4 days in Milan.
Sforza Castle
If there’s a castle, I will find it! The architecture of Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is stunning, and best of all you can walk around the grounds for free which is great if you’re visiting Milan on a budget. There are several exhibitions inside the castle that include works from da Vinci and Michelangelo but you need to purchase tickets for those.
As the name suggests, the castle was home to the famous Sforza family. Interestingly enough, the defences were actually designed by da Vinci himself. Behind the castle sits Parco Sempione, which is home to one of the oldest aquariums in Europe and is a beautiful park to walk around during 4 days in Milan if the weather is nice.
Do some shopping in The Golden Rectangle
If you want to experience true Milanese fashion during 4 days in Milan, make your way to what is known as “The Golden Rectangle“. Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Montenapoleone are the main streets that make up this area, and this is where the best designer shops in the city can be found. If the reason you’re travelling to Milan is mostly for fashion related purposes, you can’t go wrong walking around this area. Even if you aren’t into fashion, I would recommend heading here if you have time.
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Basilica di San Lorenzo is another example of one of the oldest churches in Milan and it sits near the city’s ring of canals. Opposite the basilica sits Colonne di San Lorenzo, a row of 16 ancient Roman columns that are a popular photo spot among tourists. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in this area, making it one of the best places to stay in Milan for tourists.
Porta Ticinese
Porta Ticinese is one of the few remaining ancient gates in the city, and was once part of the Spanish walls. It sits just down the road from the Navigli canal area so it’s easy to locate. If you’re planning on going on a walking tour in Milan, this is a popular place to stop since it sits among so many key attractions in the city.
Explore the Navigli District
The Navigli District is an up-and-coming area along the canal filled with restaurants and shops. It’s another good area to head to if you’re looking to do some shopping in Milan, though these shops are more artisan than high end. It’s similar to the canal area in Copenhagen, but much less crowded. If you’re looking for things to do in Milan at night, this district is very pretty to walk through with the lights reflecting off of the canal.
What to eat during 4 days in Milan
Gelato
Did somebody say gelato? Obviously no 4 days in Milan are complete without having one. A tip that we learned during our Milan walking tour is that the massive colourful mounds of gelato on display are full of artificial flavouring. Real gelato is presented either flat or in large tubs that reach down under the counter. You can taste the difference so don’t be deceived by pretty looking ice cream shops.
Arancini
If you haven’t had the chance to try arancini in Italy yet, Milan is a great place to do so. I first tried them in Naples and loved them. Arancini are stuffed rice balls with a ragu centre that are covered in breadcrumbs and deep fried. It’s not uncommon to find arancini with meat-free centres either.
Vegan burger from Flower Burger
If you’re looking for plant-based food in Milan, head over to Flower Burger. They have a few locations across the city and are growing in popularity. Even if you aren’t a vegan, these burgers taste amazing. To top things off, all of their colourful burger buns are dyed naturally and they have plenty of different types of vegan patties available.
Cannoncini
Cannoli’s are great but have you tried a cannoncini? These Italian horns are filled with a variety of different creams, similar to a cannoli, but are just that little bit more delicious. Pair one of these pastries with a coffee and you have the perfect mid-afternoon snack while you spend 4 days in Milan.
Fresh pasta from Potafiori
Potafiori is one of those unique restaurants in Milan that you need to try. It’s only a short metro ride from the Duomo area, and has some of the best pasta in Milan on the menu. It’s a mixture of a restaurant and a flower shop, so while you dine you’ll be surrounded by plants. We went for lunch and found it to be great value for money.
Cheesy gelato and wine at Terra Gelato
Italians are very fond of having an aperitif before their evening meal, but if you want to try a crazy twist on it, head over to Terra Gelato where you’re served gelato paired with wine! We sampled three different gelatos, each with their own cheesy flavour. Can you really resist the temptation of Parmesan or Gorgonzola gelato, with a side of honey-based wine? I don’t think so. This is definitely the best place for gelato in Milan.
Truffle pizza from LUX Gourmet Social Club
You didn’t think you were making it all the way through this post without a pizza recommendation did you? LUX Gourmet Social Club is in the northern part of the city, and if you’re looking for some unique pizzas in Milan then I couldn’t recommend them enough. I would suggest trying their truffle pizza which is bursting with flavour. They also offer standard pizzas if you aren’t feeling adventurous.
Where to stay in Milan
Un posto a Milano
Accommodation in Milan can be a little pricey, so it’s important to do your research beforehand and pick what area you want to stay in. We stayed at Un posto a Milano for 2 nights and absolutely loved it. It’s a very unique type of accommodation, set in a converted farmhouse right in the middle of the city. The building itself used to be on the edge of Milan, but as the city expanded more buildings appeared around it and it was left abandoned.
Now it’s a hub of activity though, with a very popular bar and restaurant, a garden, and a number of meeting spaces. We stayed in the north accommodation which had an ensuite bathroom and specially designed beds which were extremely comfortable. There is a kitchen and dining area that everyone is free to use too. Breakfast is available from the bar as well which is handy.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Un posto a Milano <<
Looking for a hostel in Milan? If you’re wondering where to stay in Milan and you’re on a budget, check out Meininger Milano Lambrate which is across the road from one of the main train stations. Double rooms here are extremely affordable and are ensuite as well.
It goes without saying that a trip to Milan will be a fantastic chapter in your life. After all, the city has everything from beautiful scenery to a fashionable atmosphere and delicious food. If you want to commemorate your trip to Milan, why not try some custom stickers? You can integrate elements representing Milan into the design of Custom Vinyl Stickers, letting the stickers carry the memories of the city with you as you continue on your travels.
Wanting to explore more cities in Italy? Here are 10 Stunningly Beautiful Cities To Visit In Italy to help you plan your dream trip. And if you want a really unique place to visit in Italy, the Cilento Coast is the perfect option. Please get in touch if you have any questions about spending 4 days in Milan and don’t forget to check out my Instagram page for more travel tips.
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