Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. It’s best known for its high-end shops, stunning architecture and – like most places in this part of the world – absolutely delicious food. Spending 24 hours in Milan is easy if you know where to go and what to do. And we’ve got a pretty good idea. From exploring famous landmarks and admiring Gothic architecture to strolling around artistic and cultural districts, this city is sure to leave you feeling inspired and enriched. It’s a great destination for art lovers, with endless galleries and museums housing works by artists including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, along with contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor. Prefer to absorb the local atmosphere outdoors? There are plenty of opportunities to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city too. Keep reading to discover our round-up of what to do when you only have 24 hours in Milan.
Morning
Wakey wakey, rise and shine! And no pressing the snooze button – you want to be up and out early to make the most of your 24 hours in Milan. As you’re in Italy, it’s only natural to start the day with a milky coffee, so enjoy a macchiato, cappuccino, or mochaccino at breakfast time. There’ll be plenty of good coffee shops nearby, but don’t expect to see a polite queue of morning commuters waiting patiently to place their order. It’s a case of jumping in and approaching the barista with confidence when asking for your caffeine fix. Italians generally eat sweet things for breakfast, so why not give into temptation and enjoy a biscuit, pastry or slice of Panettone with your frothy cup of liquid energy? With a heady mix of caffeine and sugar suitably coursing through your veins, it’s time to smash through 24 hours in Milan. First stop: the iconic Duomo di Milano – Italy’s second-largest church and the centrepiece of this vibrant city. It took nearly 600 years to complete and there are 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures decorating the impressive structure. Get there early and you’re in with a better chance of avoiding the crowds. Take the elevator or, if you like a challenge, climb the stairs to the rooftop terrace for incredible views across the city. When you’re back at street level, take a short walk to the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a bit of retail therapy (or at least a spot of window shopping). It’s one of the world's original and oldest shopping malls topped with a glass dome, as well as windows and balconies decorated with various mosaics, drawings and monuments.
Lunch
Absorbing all that beauty is bound to leave you feeling hungry. Time to stop off for a bite to eat and something refreshing to sip on – and you won’t be stuck for choice. Wherever you choose to dine, try to go somewhere that has Milan’s signature dish on the menu – risotto alla Milanese. Because who doesn’t want to eat a creamy, saffron-infused risotto while they’re in an Italian city? Plus, you’ll need the energy for all the afternoon adventures coming your way. The Brera, Porta Nuova, and Corso Como neighbourhoods are jam-packed with eateries serving up flavoursome bites. So, if you’d prefer a quick meal with a side of people-watching, we suggest finding a spot in one of the piazzas or by a canal where you can enjoy your minestrone or Piadina (a thin Italian flatbread) with a view.
Afternoon
What better way to get back into adventure mode than with a trip to Castello Sforzesco? This grand 15th-century fortification was built on the ruins of a previous medieval fortress and now houses seven museums. You can visit a number of fascinating art collections and see Michelangelo’s final work, the unfinished marble sculpture entitled Rondanini Pietà. Before you leave the castle, step into the Musei d'Arte Antica (Museum of Ancient Art) and you’ll get to view an original Leonardo da Vinci fresco on the ceiling. You don’t see one of those every day, that’s for sure. If you’ve still got room to admire more drawings, oils and watercolours, then it’s worth visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera: one of the most important art museums in Milan. It can be found in the Brera district and is home to an incredible collection of Italian Renaissance paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Raphael and Tintoretto. Time to move on? Enjoy a stroll over to the trendy neighbourhood of Navigli for an afternoon spent wandering along the canals and browsing boutique shops. Perhaps stop for another coffee or try a scoop (or three) of gelato too.
Evening
Unfortunately, we’re coming to the end of our 24 hours in Milan. We know, we’re sad too. But there’s still a whole evening ahead of us to enjoy! And if you’ve ever been to Italy before, you’ll know the best way to start your night is with an aperitivo, particularly after covering all that ground. And this city is known for its excellent aperitivo scene. Most bars and restaurants in the area will be serving an assortment of tasty cocktails and snacks between 6pm and 8pm, so you’re bound to stumble on something suitable. We recommend an Aperol spritz, especially if the sun is shining and you happen to have found a rooftop bar. Getting hungry? Italian dinner tends to fall somewhere between 8pm and 10pm and whether you’re looking for fine dining or authentic trattorias, there are some serious mouthwatering meals to be had. Want to eat like a local? The traditional cuisine is generally quite rich and meat-based, with dishes such as Costoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), Cassöeula (pork and cabbage stew), and Ossobuco (braised veal shanks).
Header image by Pauline Chardin