5-day itinerary in Milan

The fashion capital of the world, Milan is a cosmopolitan Italian city with much more to offer travellers than its beautiful luxury boutiques. A mecca of Italian architecture and European art, but also rich in history, Milan is a true symbol of Italian elegance. The city is easily discovered on foot and can be visited all year round, although spring and autumn are considered the ideal seasons to appreciate its beauty.

Discover Lartisien’s itinerary for visiting Milan in 5 days.

Day 1 in Milan

Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)

Located in the Palazzo di Brera, the Pinacoteca di Brera is one of Italy’s most important museums, alongside the Uffizi Museum in Florence and the Vatican Museums in Rome. It houses over 400 works by the Italian Renaissance and other European masters. One of Raphael’s most famous works is The Marriage of the Virgin.

The history of the Pinacoteca is linked to Napoleon’s conquest of Italian territories and his desire to centralize the great works of Italian art in a single museum in Milan. A statue of Napoleon, depicted as Mars the Peacemaker, sculpted by Antonio Canova, stands in the courtyard.

Lunch at Niko Romito’s Restaurant at The Bulgari

It’s just a ten-minute walk to Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito’s restaurant at the Bulgari Hotel. You’re welcomed into a sophisticated setting that honours the hotel’s reputation and the chef’s worldwide renown. His refined cuisine embodies the very essence of contemporary Italian gastronomy in a glamorous lounge setting, with a large bay window opening onto the garden and a combination of black walls, golden velvet curtains and leather seating.

Sforza Castle

A 15-minute walk will take you to the Sforza Castle: a historic site that bears witness to the city’s rich past, in particular the history of the Sforza family, a noble family who ruled Milan in the 15th century and strove to make it one of Italy’s most beautiful courts. This imposing fortress, with its broad red-brick walls and medieval towers, is home to a number of museums and represents a historic discovery for travellers.

Parco Sempione and Simplon Gate 

The Sforza Castle dominates Parco Sempione, a 47-hectare haven of greenery. In the style of an English garden, it invites visitors to stroll among its tall trees and climb up to the Simplon Gate, an imposing arch known as the “Arco della Pace” (Arch of Peace).

Construction began in 1807 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories and was interrupted after the defeat at Waterloo in 1815. In 1826, Franz I of Austria ordered the monument to be completed as a symbol of European peace. It is one of Milan’s most interesting examples of neoclassical architecture.

Evening at La Scala

To round off the day, head to La Scala: Italy’s world-renowned opera house. Some of Italy’s most famous operas were created here, including Salieri’s Europa riconosciuta, which was the inaugural show in 1778, as well as the early works of the great composer Giuseppe Verdi. La Scala is renowned for its architecture and richly decorated auditorium with gilded balconies, as well as for its exceptional acoustics.

Day 2 in Milan

Tour of a House Museum

Travelers are invited to immerse themselves in the splendor of Italy’s golden age with a visit to one of the city’s three most beautiful house museums.

Villa Necchi Campiglio features a blend of neoclassical, Art Deco and modernist elements that transport visitors into the modern world of the 20th century. This former private residence is a jewel of design, with luminous interiors combining noble materials and clean lines, not to mention its lush landscaped garden designed by the famous landscape architect Pietro Porcinai.

The Poldi Pezzoli Museum offers an artistic immersion in decorated rooms housing a remarkable collection of art and precious objects, assembled by the Italian collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Art lovers can admire masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine” and Sandro Botticelli’s “Portrait of a Young Woman”.

The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is smaller than the other two, but just as captivating. Its eclectic ambiance combines neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque elements, immersing visitors in the aristocratic elegance of the 19th century. On display are works by artists such as Botticelli and Mantegna, chosen by the Bagatti Valsecchi brothers, whose residence the museum once was.

Lunch at Zelo

Just a few minutes from the house museums, the Zelo restaurant is located within the Four Seasons and enjoys the elegant setting of the hotel and its 15th-century inner courtyard. Its sophisticated dining room is highlighted by modern furniture, designer lighting, large mirrors and elegant arches, while its outdoor terrace offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy creative dishes as well as Italian classics such as vitello tonnato, a must-try during your stay in Milan.

The Modern Art Gallery

The Galerie d’Art Moderne is located a 10-minute walk away, in a magnificent neoclassical mansion formerly known as the Villa Bonaparte. It illustrates the various schools and movements that marked the 19th and 20th centuries, offering travellers the opportunity to discover modern art in all its diversity and richness. Works by Giovanni Boldini, Umberto Boccioni, Vincent Van Gogh and many others can be admired here.

Indro Montanelli Garden

Located opposite the gallery, the Indro Montanelli Garden was the first public park in Milan, built between 1782 and 1786. Its English-style layout features paths winding through lakes, statues and monumental trees. Benches scattered throughout the park offer visitors places to recharge their batteries in the heart of the green setting.

The Fashion Quadrilateral

A stroll through the Fashion Quadrilateral is a wonderful way to round off a day’s visit to Milan. This district is renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations, home to an array of luxury brands and haute couture houses such as Prada, Armani, Versace and Gucci – the crème de la crème of Italian fashion. Its cobbled streets, grand shop windows and sublime facades immerse us in the world of Italian luxury, fashion and elegance.

Dinner at the Visionnaire Bistro

The Visionnaire bistro is located in a beautiful gallery, less than a kilometre from the Quadrilatère de la Mode. The restaurant’s design, with its architectural counter, numerous mirrors and lights, and contemporary furniture, lends the restaurant an almost futuristic atmosphere. The menu, signed by chef Filippo Gozzoli, focuses on the finest local ingredients and unveils dishes prepared like works of art. The restaurant also offers the exclusive opportunity to enjoy a menu designed to match a selection of champagnes, in its Perrier-Jouët lounge.

Day 3 in Milan

The Duomo of Milan

A symbol of the city, the Duomo of Milan is a majestic Gothic cathedral. Construction of this architectural masterpiece began in 1386 and took several centuries to complete. Its richly decorated marble facade and imposing spires give it a fascinating allure, and when you step inside, you discover an equally impressive interior with pointed vaults, stained glass windows and sacred works of art. Visitors can access the roof terrace for panoramic views over Milan.

Novecento Museum

Housed in the Palazzo dell’Arengario in Piazza del Duomo, the Museo Novecento is dedicated to twentieth-century art. It salutes the great artists who contributed to the evolution of modern art, including Balla, Morandi, Sironi, Guttuso, Kandinsky, Picasso and Kounellis. The exhibition spaces are illuminated by large arched windows offering a sublime view of Piazza del Duomo.

Lunch at Spazio Niko Romito

At lunchtime, simply cross the piazza and enter Mercato Del Duomo, a destination dedicated to Italian cuisine. On the fourth floor is the Spazio Niko Romito restaurant. Unlike the chef’s eponymous restaurant at Bulgari, this address offers a more informal experience with an emphasis on conviviality, in a simple décor enhanced by the large windows framing the Duomo. The chef offers authentic Italian cuisine through tasting menus that allow visitors to savoUr a variety of creative dishes.

The Victor Emmanuel II Gallery

Much more than a shopping mall, the Galleria Victor Emmanuel II is an architectural work of art in neoclassical style and a symbol of the city’s elegance, earning it the nickname “Milan’s Living Room”. Luxurious boutiques are housed in two perpendicular arcades covered by glass roofs. In the centre of the gallery, beneath the large dome, visitors can admire four panels depicting allegories of Africa, Asia, America and Europe. On the floor, the mosaic depicting a bull level of the floor mosaic depicting a bull: it is customary to turn around three times with the heel of the right foot placed on the animal’s genitals for good luck. As many people indulge in this superstitious practice, the mosaic must be regularly restored.

The Piazza dei Mercanti

Located just behind the Duomo, the Piazza dei Mercanti is a historic square dating back to the Middle Ages. As its name suggests, it was the site of markets and fairs, as evidenced by the architecture of the covered market whose vaults you can walk through.

Dinner at Trussardi

For dinner, head to Trussardi. Multi-starred chef Giancarlo Perbellini’s restaurant is located on the second floor of the historic Palazzo Trussardi Alla Scala. In a simple, elegantly designed dining room, visitors can enjoy refined Italian cuisine with both traditional and modern influences.

Day 4 in Milan

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is a symbol of Milan’s greatness through the centuries, as it has been the seat of a succession of dynasties who have ruled the city. The building features a blend of architectural styles that reflect the different eras of its construction, bearing witness to the changes that have taken place in one of Italy’s most important cities. Today, the Royal Palace hosts art exhibitions for the general public, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its history and discover its richly decorated rooms.

Lunch at the Restaurant Dry Aged

A twenty-minute walk will whet travellers’ appetites for a unique culinary experience at the Dry Aged restaurant, renowned for its carefully aged steaks. In addition to its tasty meats, the restaurant offers a selection of dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce, which are enjoyed in a room with New York-style industrial decor and a relaxed atmosphere.

Saint-Ambroise Basilica

Less than a kilometre from the restaurant stands the imposing Basilica of Saint-Ambroise. Built between 379 and 386, it was rebuilt in the 11th century in a Lombard Romanesque style, unknown at the time, which inspired the construction of other churches. Its brick façade and two towers of different sizes are as impressive as the sacred atmosphere of its interior, which is filled with frescoes and religious works of art. It contains the sacred relics of Saint Ambrose, and also houses a museum of sacred art.

The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Columns of San Lorenzo

The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, a 10-minute walk away, is another church to visit in Milan. It’s the city’s oldest and certainly one of the most fascinating for history buffs. Supposedly built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, it preserves numerous ancient and early Christian remains, including precious 4th-century Byzantine mosaics. Outside is a copy of a statue of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. Opposite the church, visitors can admire the Columns of St. Lawrence: sixteen marble Corinthian columns from an ancient building.

Evening in the neighborhood Navigli

Before sunset, head for Navigli. The district owes its name to the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese artificial canals that once linked Milan to other cities, making it an important commercial center. Today, Navigli is one of Milan’s trendiest districts, with the banks of the Naviglio Grande particularly lively in the evening. With its narrow streets, colorful facades and waterfront bars and restaurants, the district has a picturesque atmosphere that’s sure to charm travelers.

Dinner at Belé or 28 Posti

After their stroll, travelers can choose between two of the neighborhood’s Italian gourmet addresses. The choice depends on the experience you’re looking for.

Restaurant Belé boasts a chic, contemporary dining room, lit by an old-fashioned chandelier and featuring comfortable, brightly-coloured armchairs, as well as a charming outdoor courtyard. Enjoy dishes with unusual combinations, such as ginger and butter tagliolini with basil and seaweed pesto, or chicken with creamy peppers, peppery melon and black olives.

The atmosphere at 28 Posti, meanwhile, is more intimate and relaxed, with a sober, minimalist interior composed mainly of recycled wood furniture. The simplicity of the decor contrasts with the creativity of the cuisine, far removed from traditional Italian gastronomy. The menu, reduced to a surprise tasting menu of 5, 8 or 10 courses, changes every two months, offering travellers a unique culinary experience.

Day 5 in Milan

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Built between 1463 and 1497, the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance. It’s frescoes and elegant vaults bear witness to Milan’s rich architectural past, but visitors come here above all to discover Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. This masterly mural, considered one of the most important masterpieces in the history of art, is located in the convent adjacent to the church. A must-see during your stay in Milan.

Monumental Cemetery

To get to Milan’s Monumental Cemetery, travellers can walk about 30 minutes or drive 10 minutes. On arrival, they’ll be struck by the grandeur of this edifice combining Byzantine and Romanesque influences. Known for housing the graves of great Italian figures, the cemetery appears like an open-air museum, where visitors can admire works of art and discover the history of Milan and its personalities.

ADI Design Museum

Opening in 2021, the ADI Design Museum is a brand-new exhibition space spanning over 5,000 m2, featuring objects awarded the Compasso d’Oro, Italy’s most prestigious design award. More than 2,000 diverse objects have been selected for the award from 1954 to the present day. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or not, this amazing place is a must-see during your stay in Milan.

Lunch at Morelli

For a final gourmet lunch in Milan, travellers are invited to discover star chef Giancarlo Morelli’s eponymous restaurant, located within the Hotel Viu. The Morelli dining room is characterized by dark, chic colours, wood and lilies in large vases and majestic floral frescoes. In this sophisticated setting, enjoy the chef’s creative dishes, inspired by Italian tradition and his international experience.

Soccer Night at the Stadio Giuseppe-Meazza

The Stadio Giuseppe-Meazza is not only Italy’s largest stadium with over 80,000 seats, it’s also one of the most legendary stadiums in the world of soccer. Attending a match in this sporting monument is an unforgettable experience for travelers to Milan.

Staying at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan

The Bulgari Hotel is housed in an 18th-century palazzo in the heart of Milan, between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and the La Scala theater.

The hotel’s sober, cream-colored façade contrasts with its ultra-glamorous, enveloping interior, where noble, rare materials are combined with a predominance of black and bronze. Matte Zimbabwean marble, Vicenza and Afyon stone, teak, oak and oak wood meet in interior spaces adorned with large photos showcasing the Italian jeweler’s creations.

Lit by large windows, Bulgari’s 58 rooms and suites boast refined, uncluttered decor, with oak and bronze details, designer lighting, contemporary furniture and a luminous white Navona tavertine in the bathrooms. All rooms display framed sketches of iconic Bulgari jewelry, while the suites each contain a library with a sublime collection of art and design books.

We can’t talk about the rooms without paying particular attention to the Bulgari Suite: a sanctuary of refinement unique to Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, designed by the talented architect Flaviano Capriotti. The 210 m² suite includes a private garden with panoramic views over Milan.

Like an extension of the Botanical Garden of Brera, the private garden of the Bulgari Hotel covers 4,000 m2. This oasis of tranquility, right in the heart of bustling Milan, occupies a central position in the hotel, being visible and accessible from Niko Romito’s lounge, bar and restaurant.

The lounge offers a chic yet relaxed atmosphere, accentuated by its imposing black Zimbabwean granite fireplace and ancient Uzbek handmade rugs in pure silk, with 100,000 knots per square meter. In this intimate setting, you can enjoy a selection of pastries concocted by chef Niko Romito, exclusively for Bulgari hotels.

At aperitif time, the bar becomes a trendy meeting place for travelers and Milan’s jet-set alike. Its huge oval counter in black resin dominates the elegant, uncluttered room. Here, you can order the famous Bulgari Cocktail and enjoy tasty homemade canapés.

In the spa, the notion of well-being takes on a luxury dimension, both in the treatments provided and in the modern, elegant setting. The spvă mulțumesa is inspired by a centuries-old tradition of wellness through water, with a long indoor pool featuring gold and emerald green mosaics reflecting light from the glass walls. Travelers are offered a wide range of personalized treatments in four private cabins and one for couples.

To make their stay even more exceptional, the Bulgari Hotel offers travellers unique experiences such as an excursion on Lake Como aboard a seaplane and the discovery of other Italian cities by private plane, limousine or yacht.

Book A Trip To Milan With Lartisien

Here at Lartisien, we hand-pick our selection of partner hotels that offer exceptional guest services during your stay. If you’re feeling inspired for a trip to Milan with our 5-day itinerary, contact us for further information or to book a luxury hotel.