How to spend 3 days in Milan
Milan, the city of fashion shows, the Duomo di Milano and more luxurious items. In Milan appearances really do matter and that also goes for the windows of the shops. I would say that it is a “rawer” city, that you need to learn to appreciate. It is a city that the main sightseeing spots are a stroll away, especially if you stay at Ostello Bello hostel. This is your guide to make the most out your 3-day Milan visit. How to spend your time wisely.
Day 1 – Consider this as a more active day. Exploring the city, seeing all the iconic buildings. You can walk most of it.
Start your day with a good cup of coffee at Napoli. It is a very tiny and cute “café”. Then make your way to the Duomo di Milan, the Cathedral. In our case it was not necessary book the tickets online, but in case you want to be sure about your spot, don’t hesitate to book it beforehand. We were amazed by its grandeur. When walking inside you have no idea where to look, up to the 52 huge columns, the grandiose naves, the enormous stained-glass-windows illuminating stories from the Bible or down at the marble floor. Once you are done wandering around – if ever – take the stairs (or elevator) up. You will be amazed about the architecture on the roof, and you get to enjoy the views.
Take your time to visit the cathedral. In case you have time to visit the Duomo’s Museum go for it. Otherwise make your way to the nearby Cesarino for a very good panini. It is a place where you can find locals and it is very close to the Duomo. After lunch move to Scala Theatre. The best way to get to the theatre is to make your way through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Something much more than only a shopping’s paradise, don’t forget to look up. (Maybe for later, a stroll during the late evening gives you a chance to experience its beauty without distraction.) On the other side of the arcade, you will find the Scala theatre. If you are lucky they are practicing and you can have a little sneak peek.
Once you are done admiring the theatre, make your way to Pasticceria Cova to enjoy all the glamour. It is not cheap, but worth a visit. Try one of their specialties. Don’t forget to stroll around the Golden Quad to end your day at maybe world’s most famous shopping district. You do not need to enter the stores, but you can simply do some window shopping, trust me on this one (even for the ones that don’t like shopping). We loved it and our favorite was the entrance of the Apple Store. You can finish with diner at Piz, in case you fancy Neapolitan pizza for a good price.
Day 2 – Consider this as a more active day. Prepare for sightseeing churches and parks. You can walk most of it.
Start your day with a late brunch at De Santis. They make the best paninis in town. There might be a queue because inside it is very very very small. But normally Italians eat and leave, so it won’t take long. Then make your way to Castello Sforzesco. It is possible to visit the inside of this fortress to see some of the great Italian artists. We decided not to, but instead we decided to walk around including the nearby park, Parco Sempione. In the weekend you will see how vivid the park (and so the town) is. Locals working out, people making music or walking their dog. Make sure to give yourself the time here.
When you had enough of the park or Castello, it is time to visit two churches in the afternoon. The first one will be the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. In case you would like to see the famous “last supper” from Leonardo da Vinci make sure to reserve your spot, even in the low COVID season it was sold out. Still, this church is absolutely worth seeing with or without the last supper. The inside is more impressive than the outside. The other one is the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. Both churches are free, but make sure to check the timetable beforehand. Most churches are closed during lunch time.
To end your day, enjoy a “tapas” like dinner at Niconoce. It is a wine bar where you have a share dining experience with small Italian bites and of course with accompanying wines. Take your time here, because this wine and dine setting is great with incredible hosts. If you still have the energy for it, it is good to go to Backdoor 43. One of the best things to do in Milan. Why you ask? It is the smallest bar in the world and therefore you have a unique experience. The whole experience and atmosphere are great. You can speak with the bar tender and learn more about the local life. At the same time you will enjoy tailor made cocktails. Because there is no drinking list, but you just tell the bar tender what flavors you like and you will receive a personalized drink. How cool is that? Reserving is advised. Another plus? When walking to the bar you will pass the Navigli canals. A cool part of the town.
Day 3 – The slow day. Taking the city “in” for the last time.
Last day should always be a more relaxing day. Take it slow with a brunch at Lavazza. After that your first stop will be at Piazza Mercanti. This is a Middle Age square with an old water well. Maybe not as spectacular as other squares or buildings, but where I live, a square with any detail is worth visiting. You get more the feeling how it could have been decades ago. Then make your way to San Giuseppe church. This is a smaller church than all others in Milan, but exactly for that reason worth your time. Follow your stroll to the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense. In case you have time, there are a couple more libraries you can wander around. To finish your day, enjoy Cuban dinner at Monkey in the City.
Convinced to work remote? Then you need to decide where to work from. Here are 7 reasons why you should work remotely from Lisbon
How to spend 3 days in Milan
The Covid pandemic hit the travel industry hard, very hard. Countries started with complete lockdowns and working from home became the standard for most of us. This was a difficult period. Yet with the pandemic and working from home, it put working remotely on the map. We had the opportunity to do it and took it. These are the 7 reasons why you should try to work remotely at least once in your life.
Day 1 – Consider this as a more active day. Exploring the city, seeing all the iconic buildings. You can walk most of it.
Start your day with a good cup of coffee at Napoli. It is a very tiny and cute “café”. Then make your way to the Duomo di Milan, the Cathedral. In our case it was not necessary book the tickets online, but in case you want to be sure about your spot, don’t hesitate to book it beforehand. We were amazed by its grandeur. When walking inside you have no idea where to look, up to the 52 huge columns, the grandiose naves, the enormous stained-glass-windows illuminating stories from the Bible or down at the marble floor. Once you are done wandering around – if ever – take the stairs (or elevator) up. You will be amazed about the architecture on the roof, and you get to enjoy the views.
Take your time to visit the cathedral. In case you have time to visit the Duomo’s Museum go for it. Otherwise make your way to the nearby Cesarino for a very good panini. It is a place where you can find locals and it is very close to the Duomo. After lunch move to Scala Theatre. The best way to get to the theatre is to make your way through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Something much more than only a shopping’s paradise, don’t forget to look up. (Maybe for later, a stroll during the late evening gives you a chance to experience its beauty without distraction.) On the other side of the arcade, you will find the Scala theatre. If you are lucky they are practicing and you can have a little sneak peek.
Once you are done admiring the theatre, make your way to Pasticceria Cova to enjoy all the glamour. It is not cheap, but worth a visit. Try one of their specialties. Don’t forget to stroll around the Golden Quad to end your day at maybe world’s most famous shopping district. You do not need to enter the stores, but you can simply do some window shopping, trust me on this one (even for the ones that don’t like shopping). We loved it and our favorite was the entrance of the Apple Store. You can finish with diner at Piz, in case you fancy Neapolitan pizza for a good price.
Day 2 – Consider this as a more active day. Prepare for sightseeing churches and parks. You can walk most of it.
Start your day with a late brunch at De Santis. They make the best paninis in town. There might be a queue because inside it is very very very small. But normally Italians eat and leave, so it won’t take long. Then make your way to Castello Sforzesco. It is possible to visit the inside of this fortress to see some of the great Italian artists. We decided not to, but instead we decided to walk around including the nearby park, Parco Sempione. In the weekend you will see how vivid the park (and so the town) is. Locals working out, people making music or walking their dog. Make sure to give yourself the time here.
When you had enough of the park or Castello, it is time to visit two churches in the afternoon. The first one will be the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. In case you would like to see the famous “last supper” from Leonardo da Vinci make sure to reserve your spot, even in the low COVID season it was sold out. Still, this church is absolutely worth seeing with or without the last supper. The inside is more impressive than the outside. The other one is the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. Both churches are free, but make sure to check the timetable beforehand. Most churches are closed during lunch time.
To end your day, enjoy a “tapas” like dinner at Niconoce. It is a wine bar where you have a share dining experience with small Italian bites and of course with accompanying wines. Take your time here, because this wine and dine setting is great with incredible hosts. If you still have the energy for it, it is good to go to Backdoor 43. One of the best things to do in Milan. Why you ask? It is the smallest bar in the world and therefore you have a unique experience. The whole experience and atmosphere are great. You can speak with the bar tender and learn more about the local life. At the same time you will enjoy tailor made cocktails. Because there is no drinking list, but you just tell the bar tender what flavors you like and you will receive a personalized drink. How cool is that? Reserving is advised. Another plus? When walking to the bar you will pass the Navigli canals. A cool part of the town.
Day 3 – The slow day. Taking the city “in” for the last time.
Last day should always be a more relaxing day. Take it slow with a brunch at Lavazza. After that your first stop will be at Piazza Mercanti. This is a Middle Age square with an old water well. Maybe not as spectacular as other squares or buildings, but where I live, a square with any detail is worth visiting. You get more the feeling how it could have been decades ago. Then make your way to San Giuseppe church. This is a smaller church than all others in Milan, but exactly for that reason worth your time. Follow your stroll to the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense. In case you have time, there are a couple more libraries you can wander around. To finish your day, enjoy Cuban dinner at Monkey in the City.
Convinced to work remote? Then you need to decide where to work from. Here are 7 reasons why you should work remotely from Lisbon