How to Spend 3 Days in Milan

A full Milan experience can be had in just three days if you plan an itinerary with tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of northern Italy. Here are our top ideas for how to spend your time, including how to visit the mountains, coast, or Italian lakes in one day.
Day 1: Milan’s Top Attractions
Start your day with a viewing of Milan’s most revered attraction, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Book a visit with a guide to hear about the painting’s history and restoration during your visit to see the 15th-century mural, on display inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Skip-the-line or combo tours are a popular way to cover more sights in a shorter time. If you’re interested in cultural landmarks, take a guided tour to learn about the architecture and significance of Duomo di Milano and La Scala opera houses, within walking distance of each other. Then spend the evening with a food and wine experience such as a walking tour of the Brera district, a wine-tasting session of Lombardy wines with a sommelier, or a food, beer, or wine tour of the Navigli district.
Day 2: Shopping, Cooking, and Aperitivo
Italy is known for its fashion and cars, so don’t miss a chance to shop for discounts on Italian designer labels like Armani, Fendi, and Gucci at the Serravalle Designer Outlet or drive a Ferrari around a racetrack outside Milan. Back in the city, go exploring on a bike or Segway tour—you’ll cover more ground than you would by walking but still enjoy being outside to see sights such as Castello Sforzesco, Piazza della Scala, Piazza del Duomo, and Colonne di San Lorenzo. End the day with a cooking lesson, during which you’ll learn how to make Italian cuisine with a local chef and then enjoy your creations for dinner. Alternatively, opt for a more relaxing experience with an evening spa treatment that includes pre-dinner snacks and wine, known in Italy as aperitivo.
Day 3: Into the Countryside
Milan offers proximity to some of northern Italy’s top destinations, which can be reached on a day trip from the city. Mountain lovers can head north for a train ride through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express, stopping in the resort town of St. Moritz. Closer to the city, discover the beauty and elegance of Lake Como on a tour that includes a boat ride on the lake, or head to the Italian Riviera on a day trip to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed series of five villages perched on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. To the east, visit the canal city of Venice to see sights such as St. Mark’s Basilica.
17 Tours and Activities

Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan

Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan

Italy and Switzerland in One Day: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan

Best of Milan Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket to Duomo & ‘Last Supper’

Serravalle Outlet Shopping Tour

Venice Day Trip from Milan

1-Hour Rooftop Guided Tour of Milan's Duomo

Milan Luxury Spa Evening with Aperitivo

La Scala Theatre and Museum Tour in Milan

Choose four recipes to cook : morning or evening class everyday in Milan, Italy

Highlights and hidden gems of Milan Bike Tour

Milan Segway Tour

Milan Food Walking Tour of Brera

Italian Wine Tasting in Milan

Evening Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Milan

Last Supper Tickets and Guide
- Skip the Line for the Last Supper
- All Milan Skip the Line Tours
- Shopping in Milan
- Milan in 3 Days
- Lake Day Trips from Milan
- Romantic Things To Do in Milan
- Venice Day Trips from Milan
- Top Nightlife Experiences in Milan
- Milan Neighborhood Guide
- Top Parks and Gardens in Milan
- Swiss Alps Tours from Milan
- Milan for Art Lovers
- How to Spend 3 Days in Milan