Updated 2026 · Day-by-day guide
Start your 10-day journey in Milan by landing at Malpensa Airport or Linate, depending on your flight. If arriving at Malpensa, the Malpensa Express train to central Milan takes about 40 minutes and drops you at Cadorna station. From there, a short walk or taxi ride brings you to your hotel in the historic city center.
Begin your exploration at **Piazza del Duomo**, the heart of Milan. Don’t miss the **Duomo di Milano**, the city’s iconic Gothic cathedral. Its 135 spires and 3,400+ statues are a sight to behold. For a panoramic view, book a ticket to climb to the roof (advance booking recommended).
Next, head to **Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II**, a 19th-century shopping arcade with a glass-vaulted ceiling, luxury boutiques, and the famous **Caffè Camparino**. Walk a few blocks to **La Scala Theatre**, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. If you're in town during the season (October–June), consider booking a ticket for a performance.
As evening falls, enjoy a meal at **Osteria dei Faraoni** for classic Milanese dishes like ossobuco alla Milanese and risotto alla Milanese. End your day with a stroll through the **Navigli District**, where canals and historic warehouses now house trendy bars and restaurants. The Navigli come alive at night, especially on weekends when the boats are filled with locals and tourists alike.
Day 3 is dedicated to the **Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana**, a Baroque library with over a million books, including Leonardo da Vinci’s personal notebooks. Nearby, **Pinacoteca Ambrosiana** houses Caravaggio’s *The Supper at Emmaus*, a must-see for art lovers.
Make your way to **Castello Sforzesco**, a massive medieval fortress housing several museums. The most notable is the **Museo del Novecento**, which showcases 20th-century Italian art. Don’t miss the castle’s impressive courtyard and the view from the top.
On Day 4, visit **Santa Maria delle Grazie** to see Leonardo da Vinci’s *The Last Supper*—one of the world’s most famous frescoes. Tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance. The convent also has a museum with sketches and models of Leonardo’s inventions.
End the day at **Museo Poldi Pezzoli**, a 19th-century noble residence turned art gallery. Its intimate setting makes it a perfect place to unwind with its collection of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Day 5 is a journey through Milan’s lesser-known neighborhoods. Start with **Brera**, an artistic district filled with galleries, antique shops, and the **Pinacoteca di Brera**. Grab lunch at **Trattoria da Giò**, a beloved local eatery serving hearty Italian fare.
In the afternoon, head to **Isola**, a dynamic neighborhood with a mix of old and new. Explore the **Navigli Canals** and visit **Spazio Mestre**, an independent design space. For a casual bite, stop by **Pizzeria La Perla** for Neapolitan-style pizza.
On Day 6, explore **Corso Vercelli**, a tree-lined avenue in the **Porta Vittoria** district. This neighborhood is a favorite with locals, and you’ll find cozy cafés and family-run shops. Visit the **Chiesa di San Carlo alla Fonte**, a 17th-century church with a charming bell tower.
End your days with a visit to **Parco Sempione**, one of Milan’s greenest spaces. The park includes the **Tempio Voltiano**, a museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, and the **Cascina Cuccagna**, a cultural center with regular events. Try the **Risotto al Radicchio** at **Osteria dell’Oca** for a final taste of local cuisine.
Day 7: Take the train to **Lake Como (Como or Bellagio)**. The scenic route takes about an hour, and you can rent a boat or walk the lake’s paths to take in the dramatic mountain and villa views. A must-visit is **Villa Olmo**, a beautiful 19th-century villa with gardens.
Day 8: Explore **Mantua**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 30 minutes from Milan by train. This Renaissance gem is home to the **Palazzo Ducale**, with frescoed halls and the **Camera degli Sposi** by Mantegna. Don’t miss **Teatro Scientifico**, a small museum of science and art. Finish your day with a traditional **cotoletta alla Milanese** at a local osteria before heading back to Milan.
Day 9 is for shopping and relaxation. Start at **Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II** and **Via Montenapoleone**, home to