How To Spend 1 Unforgettable Day in Milan: Art, Fashion and Food
Milan has a reputation of being a layover city for reaching European destinations but you’re really missing out if you don’t extend that layover for a day or two to experience Northern Italy’s gem. Whether you’re a fashionista, art aficionado, opera lover or foodie, the city has something for everyone. It’s easy to navigate and the city center is walkable.
Today, Beth from Mom Uncorked is sharing her best tips for what to do, eat, and see during a 1-day visit to Milan! You won’t want to miss this awesome itinerary!
Morning: Visit an Italian coffee bar
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Italy certainly has its own unique coffee culture. Order a caffè and then stand at the bar with the locals, who you won’t find lingering over a big cup of coffee. Sip it and get out. There’s a lot on your agenda for the day.
Mid-morning: See The Last Supper
One of Italy’s most famous pieces of art is housed in Milan, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The 15th Century fresco is housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, an easy walk from the city center. Only 20 people are allowed in at a time and they move you through pretty quickly, but you’ll have plenty of time to admire this amazing piece of art.
Book your tickets at least two months in advance and be sure to request an English guide.
Walk back through Brera, the quaint artsy district with antique stores and galleries. Be sure to stop into the famed Pinacoteca di Brera, home to a number of art and cultural collections.
Lunch: Experience haute dining at Peck
- Image: Peck
As Dolce & Gabbana is to fashion, Peck is to food. Peck, located on Via Spadari just a few blocks from the Duomo, is a famous Milanese delicatessen. The counter displays are works of art unto themselves so spend some time just admiring the awe-inspiring presentations of everything from truffles to meats to pâté. Head to the second floor to restaurant Al Peck and order the specialties of the house and Northern Italian classics, Risotto alla Milanese or Tortelli di Zucca (pumpkin ravioli).
Don’t miss a visit to the basement wine cellar for the most exquisite selection of high-priced wines.
Early afternoon: Window shop
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Milan is arguably the world’s fashion capital and the birthplace of most highly acclaimed Italian designers. The Quadrilatero d’Oro, located right in the city center, is the world’s most famous shopping district sporting luxury brands like Prada, Bulgari, Tod’s, Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. You’ll find everything from hand-crafted shoes to jewelry to runway fashions. For more eclectic, mid-range shopping, head over to Corso Como.
Late afternoon: Visit the historic sites
Head back to the city center and visit the Duomo, the third largest church in all of Europe. As you look up at its imposing marble facade, you’ll understand why it took more than 500 years to build. Take the lift up to the rooftop for 360º vistas of the city against the backdrop of the mountains.
If time permits, take a quick stroll over to the medieval Castello Sforza. Pass through the castle’s walls and you’ll enter Parco Sempione, accented by the massive arch topped with horses that marks the historic Porta Sempione.
Every evening: Enjoy aperitivo
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At night, Italy’s coffee bars turn into tapas bars, or aperitivo, as the course is called in Italy. It’s the Milanese version of happy hour where you can enjoy a glass of wine and (free) delicious Italian appetizers.
Dinner: Rooftop Drinks and Dining
Image: Ceresio 7
Hopefully you didn’t fill up on aperitivo because you’ll want to experience traditional Northern Italian cuisine. Ceresio 7 is the city’s cosmopolitan spot featuring a rooftop bar and pool where you’re likely to spot celebrities and models. Housed inside a 1930s Fascist-era building, the rooftop offers magnificent views so start with a drink there. The restaurant’s menu is as eclectic as its decor. You’ll find classic Italian dishes, elevated, like Tonno riserva Mediterraneo, Paccheri con melanzane and Spaghetti cacio e pepe.
This guest post was written by Beth, the blogger behind MomUncorked, where she shares her passion for wine and wanderlust. She’s always in search of exotic destinations and culinary adventures, hopefully with a wine tasting on the agenda. A former Italian expat, her mission is to inspire others to get out and explore the world, discover new cultures and form last relationships with locals.
You can follow Beth’s wanderlust on her blog or on Instagram.
Have you been to Milan? Which of these things to do is on your list of must-sees?
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