Three nights in Milan

Three nights in Milan

Is three nights in Milan enough? If you are short on time there’s a lot you can still pack in with a little planning. Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. From stunning architecture to world-class museums and designer shopping districts, there’s a lot to see in and around this captivating city. If you can do three nights in Milan, here are some must-see attractions, activities and top tips to make the most of your trip.

Getting to Milan

Milano is served by 3 airports: Malpensa (MXP, 45 Km from the city centre), Linate (LIN, 7 Km from the city centre) and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY, 50 Km from the city centre). Milan is now on the low cost carrier map, and we flew from our local airport Newcastle to Bergamo (which is actually a different city) with Ryanair. While the flight wasn’t super cheap in July, you can get a return flight for under £100 out of season.

Transport in and around Milan is frequent, efficient and cheap. A direct train line connects Milan airport with the metropolitan area. The Malpensa Express train runs between the two major points of the city over 65 times a day. A regular train ticket costs 13€ and the travel time is approximately 55 minutes. The city has an excellent Metro system and is also networked with regular tram lines. Modern trams go by every few minutes and there are also some lovely old wooden trams which go to certain parts of the city too.  A tram pass for 3 consecutive days is € 13,00.

Lake Maggiore

It’s pretty  easy to take the train out of Milan to the famous Italian Lakes. We took a regional train for about an hour out to Stresa on Lake Maggiore, the nearest of them to the city. Lake Como is probably the most famous  due to the patronage of one George Clooney (we were sure we saw him popping over in his helicopter.) Lake Garda, the largest of them, has been home to the popular package holiday market for decades.

There is a beautiful lakeside promenade in Stresa, with some pretty sumptuous hotels like the Regina Palace on it. It has a Belle Epoque vibe, glamorous gardens and a great swimming pool. It also has an amazing view out over the lake.

We stayed at the rather more modest Hotel Saini just off the main drag on Via Garibaldi. This is a cute, very authentic Italian hotel. It’s clean and comfortable and right in the middle of things. The staff are super helpful and friendly. They indulged my two extra pillows request and supplied me with a plug adapter, as I had forgotten mine. Highly recommended.

The islands of lake Maggiore

One fun thing to do is to visit  the small three islands which are in lake Maggiore.  Situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the famous members of the family—themselves art lovers and botanists.

The islands of Bella and Madre were transformed into grand, luxurious residences, while the third island, named “dei Pescatori” after its age-old fishing community, was left to continue its traditional way of life.  You can hop between the island on motor boats which whizz around the lake from island to island. It’s only 15 euros to visit them all, although there are extra charges for the palaces and gardens.

Duomo Di Milano

Meanwhile back in the heart of the city is the magnificent Duomo di Milano, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. The exterior is as stunning, as the interior. If you don’t mind heights,  you can take an elevator or climb the stairs to the rooftop for a breath taking panoramic view of the city.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Duomo is the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This elegant 19th-century shopping arcade is a paradise for fashion lovers, housing some of the world’s most luxurious brands. You will see visitors queueing outside shops just to get in and be relieved of large amounts of money for branded products which say Hermes or Valentino on them. Enjoy a coffee or aperitivo in one of the historic cafes, and don’t forget to spin on the famous bull mosaic in the centre of the gallery for good luck.

Three nights in Milan – La Scala

Music lovers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit La Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. You can take a guided tour to discover its opulent interiors, learn about its history, and maybe even catch a performance if you’re lucky. It was closed when we arrived there so we just had to imagine its beautiful interior.

The Last Supper and the Brera Art Gallery

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the world’s most celebrated works of art. You must book your tickets in advance as it is very popular indeed. Housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this masterpiece is a testament to da Vinci’s genius. This is a huge painting, over 15 feet in length. Jesus and his disciples  share a last feast before his final sacrifice.

Milan is home to several exceptional art collections, and the Brera Art Gallery is a must-visit for art aficionados. Admire masterpieces by Italian masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, as well as other European artists. The gallery is housed in a beautiful 17th-century palace, adding to the experience. The Brera district, is known for its bohemian atmosphere and artistic vibe.

Sforza Castle

Explore the grandeur of Sforza Castle, a medieval fortress turned into a cultural hub. Wander through its courtyards, visit the various museums within its walls, and don’t miss Michelangelo’s iconic sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.

Navigli District

Take a stroll along the picturesque Navigli canals, lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. On weekends, the Navigli district comes alive with its vibrant flea markets, where you can hunt for unique vintage finds or indulge in delicious street food. I do love a flea market but I was not there at the weekend so it looks like I will have to go back.

San Siro Stadium

If you’re a football fan, a visit to San Siro Stadium is a must. Home to both A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, this iconic stadium offers guided tours that take you behind the scenes, giving you a glimpse into the rich footballing history of the city.

What to eat in Milan

Milan is a Northern Italian City and as such is more about risotto and polenta than pasta. It often features lake fish like perch and pink river trout in dishes which are also quite delicious. We spent some time sampling risottos in Milan and favoured Campari and soda as our Italian drink of choice. The most famous type is risotto Milanese which uses saffron as flavouring but I also tried an interesting version featuring pear and parsley.

From Milan to Venice

Milan is 153 miles North of Venice and can be reached by train in about 2 1/2 hours. I spent some time living in Venice which is one of the most visited cities in the world. It also has its own islands and its own jaw dropping city sights!

Visit the islands around Venice 

Venice carnival

Visit Venice

Glamping outside Venice