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3-Day Milan Itinerary - Things To Do & See
- Dami Junaid
- May 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Milan was one of the highlights of my 5-week European adventure in 2023, where I visited 12 cities across the continent. I had the ultimate insider experience, thanks to my friend, a true Milanese, who showed me around her city. Over 3 days, I explored Milan’s iconic landmarks, soaked in its rich culture, and indulged in its incredible food scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who appreciates a well-dressed city, Milan has something for you.
PS. I recently returned to Milan and did a slower version of my traveling this time. I re-visited some of the same sites and checked out a few new ones.
Here's how I maximized my time in Italy's fashion capital during both visits:
Attractions & Sites
1. Duomo di Milano – The Heart of the City
If Milan had a crown, the Duomo di Milano would be its most dazzling jewel. This Gothic masterpiece took nearly six centuries to complete, and it shows—every inch is covered in intricate carvings, spires, and statues (including the golden Madonna at the top).
It’s tempting to snap a quick photo in front of the Duomo di Milano and call it a day—most tourists do. But trust me, the real magic is inside the cathedral and even more so, up on the rooftop. Surprisingly, my Milanese friend had never actually stepped inside until my visit! So, we made a plan to experience it properly—and it was absolutely worth it.
We wandered through the breathtaking interior, soaking in the soaring ceilings and intricate details carved into every corner. But the rooftop? That was the showstopper. Walking among the spires with panoramic views of Milan felt like something out of a dream. And yes, it’s also the perfect spot to snap that Instagram-worthy shot you may want to frame later.
2. Castello Sforzesco – A Castle in the Heart of Milan
Milan has its own castle, and it’s impressive. Castello Sforzesco was once home to the powerful Sforza family and now houses several museums. But even if you don’t go inside, the castle grounds and Parco Sempione behind it make for a perfect afternoon walk.
What makes it special? Leonardo da Vinci himself worked here, and you can see some of his sketches in the museums inside. Also, the massive courtyards are free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly stop.
During my first visit to Castello Sforzesco, I stumbled upon the cutest surprise—an exhibit featuring portraits of local dog owners and their pups. To my delight, my friend and her dog were part of the display! We had such a good laugh pointing out how much the owners resembled their furry companions. It was a sweet and unexpected moment that made the castle feel even more personal and memorable. Just another reason why wandering through Milan’s landmarks with a local adds so much charm to the experience.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the world’s oldest shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is basically a luxury cathedral. Think Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, all housed under a stunning glass dome. Even if you’re not here to shop, it’s worth a visit just to admire the architecture.
Must-do: Find the bull mosaic on the floor, spin on its testicles (yes, really), and make a wish! It’s a quirky Milanese tradition. Of course I did this! :)
4. Bosco Verticale
Milan isn’t just about Renaissance art and high fashion—it’s also pioneering sustainable living. Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest,” is one of the city's most iconic modern landmarks, and a testament to Milan’s commitment to green innovation.
Designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri and completed in 2014, Bosco Verticale is made up of two residential towers in the Porta Nuova district—each adorned with more than 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 15,000 perennials. That’s the equivalent of 20,000 square meters of forest packed onto a high-rise facade! The plants aren’t just for show—they help reduce noise, filter air pollution, regulate temperatures, and support biodiversity (yep, even birds nest there).
While you can't enter the buildings unless you live there or know someone who does, it's absolutely worth walking through the neighborhood to admire this vertical garden in the sky. It’s like a skyscraper and a forest had a stylish Milanese baby—and it’s thriving.
Bosco Verticale is a powerful reminder that urban spaces can be both beautiful and sustainable, and that Milan isn’t just honoring its past—it’s actively building its future.
5. Arco della Pace
Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) is one of Milan’s most striking neoclassical monuments—and it comes with a dramatic backstory. Originally commissioned by Napoleon in the early 19th century to celebrate his victories, the arch was meant to be a grand entrance to the city. Ironically, construction wasn’t completed until after his downfall, so instead, it was rededicated to European peace in 1815. Talk about a plot twist!
You’ll find this majestic arch at the edge of Parco Sempione, Milan’s central park, where it stands tall as a symbol of resilience and elegance. It’s the kind of place where locals gather to sip espresso on nearby terraces, jog through tree-lined paths, or just catch the golden hour glow.
Why visit? It’s a perfect blend of history, architecture, and leisure. Whether you’re a history buff, a sunset chaser, or a casual stroller, Arco della Pace is worth a stop.
5. Parco Sempione
Right behind the towering Arco della Pace lies Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s most beloved green spaces—and a perfect place to slow down and soak up the city’s vibe. This sprawling public park feels like Milan’s backyard, where locals come to picnic, read under shady trees, or walk their stylish pups (this is Milan, after all!).
We grabbed some snacks from the nearby food stands—think paninis, gelato, and a cheeky Aperol Spritz—and wandered through the park, taking photos along the way.
Whether you’re people-watching, enjoying a casual lunch, or simply walking off your pasta, Parco Sempione is a must for a relaxed Milan afternoon.
7. Navigli District
If you want to experience Milan like a local, Navigli is where the magic happens. This lively canal district—named after the navigable waterways that once connected Milan to nearby lakes—is now one of the city’s most beloved hangout spots. Lined with buzzing bars, trattorias, vintage shops, and hidden art galleries, Navigli blends old-world charm with effortlessly cool energy.
I spent an evening here with my friend —sipping Aperol Spritz and sharing an aperitivo (Milan’s version of happy hour, where your drink comes with a plate of complimentary snacks), and watching the sun set over the water.
Keep an eye out for padlocks on the bridges—a tradition where couples leave love locks as a symbol of their affection. It’s sweet, low-key sentimental, and adds to the district’s undeniable charm. You’ll also spot small boats gently bobbing in the canal, adding to that almost-Venetian vibe, but with a more urban, artsy edge.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Saturday to catch the famous antique market along the canal. It’s a treasure trove of vintage finds, handmade jewelry, and quirky souvenirs you won’t get anywhere else.
Whether you're into romance, good food, or just vibing like a local—Navigli is a must.
8. Best Eats: Pizza, Pinsa & Gelato
You can’t visit Italy without indulging in some seriously good pizza—and Milan doesn’t disappoint.
For a twist on the classic, I tried Pinsa Mamo, a cozy restaurant serving pinsa, a lighter, healthier version of traditional pizza made from a blend of rice, soy, and wheat flour. It’s crunchy on the outside, soft in the middle, and seriously delicious. The toppings were fresh, the vibe was laid-back, and honestly, I could’ve gone back twice in one day.
Near Bosco Verticale, I was introduced to a charming Neapolitan pizza spot that brought a little slice of Naples to Milan. Think soft, pillowy crust, slightly charred from the wood-fired oven, and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella. It was the perfect post-architecture walk treat!
Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert (obvi). Grab a scoop (or two) of gelato while wandering the city.
I stopped at Venchi, one of Italy’s most iconic chocolate and gelato shops. This was a favorite so much that I went back at least 5x during both trips to try out multiple flavors (don't judge lol).
Milan was everything I expected and more—stylish, historic, and full of life. Thanks to my friend, I got to experience it both as a tourist and as a local.
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