How to spend 4 days in Milan: The best itinerary + Where to stay

You want to go 4 days in Milan and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

To help you plan your trip, I’ve prepared for you the perfect 4-day itinerary in Milan.

During your stay, you will of course discover the city’s best places to visit such as Milan Cathedral or the Navigli district, but also hidden gems of the fashion capital!

First, I’ll give you all my best tips to save a ton of time and avoid queueing at Milan’s most famous monuments. Then, I will give you my optimized 4-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in the Milan.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Milan in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

My best Tips to save time at Milan’s must-see attractions

During your 4-day visit to Milan, you’re surely planning to visit its iconic landmark: the Duomo.

And you can well imagine that you won’t be the only ones! But what you might not expect is the length of the line that can stretch for several tens of meters in front of the entrance and all along Duomo Square.

Just like other famous monuments in Italy such as the Colosseum in Rome or the Florence Duomo, the Milan Cathedral attracts crowds.

But don’t worry, I have a few tricks up my sleeve that will help you skip the lines and save a bunch of time!

Let’s start with the 3 best solutions to avoid queuing at Milan’s tourist attractions (whether it’s for the cathedral or the other sites).

1. The Milan Pass

Let’s begin with the first solution, which is to purchase the Milan Pass.

This type of city pass, which you probably know if you travel often as all the big cities offer them, has 2 undeniable advantages:

• Skip waiting at the most touristy sites with priority access
• Great savings.

An excellent way to maximize your time and money during this 4-day trip to Milan!

To book your Milan Pass, simply click on the green button below. After you’ve made your reservation (date and number of people), you’ll receive an email that you’ll use to pick up your physical pass at the Milan tourist office.

You’ll find it on Via Cusani, across from the Sforza Castle.

Here’s everything that’s included in the Milan Pass which makes it the most comprehensive pass for visiting Milan in 4 days:

• Skip-the-line ticket for the Milan Duomo (cathedral) with access to the terraces
• Free entry to the La Scala Museum and Theatre
• Admission ticket for the main tourist sites: Brera Picture Gallery, the Science and Technology Museum
• A discount booklet for bars, restaurants, and certain guided tours you can do in 4 days in Milan
• A city map.

When purchasing your Milan Pass, you’ll also get:

• A ticket for the City Sightseeing bus which allows you to hop on and off as you please to see the main attractions
• A ticket to use public transportation (metro, tram and bus) for free.

Note that the Milan Pass is offered for 48 hours or 72 hours. So, you need to do the included visits within the 2 or 3 days from its activation.

To purchase your Milan city pass right now, just click on the button below:

2. The Milan Digital Pass

For those wishing to visit Milan in 4 days, the second solution is to buy the Milan Digital Pass.

It’s exactly the same as the Milan Pass when it comes to free or discounted access to sites.

Note: if you’ve chosen to do this 4-day itinerary in Milan with your family, you’ll also need to get a pass for your kids.

Conveniently, you’ll receive the card directly by email or through an app available on smartphones.

The card includes all the following services:

• A skip-the-line ticket for Milan’s must-see attraction: the Duomo (+ access to the museum and roof)
• Priority entrance to Leonardo da Vinci’s Museum and Science and Technology
• Access to the Ambrosian Art Gallery
• An audio guide
• 10% discount on another activity in Milan.

To purchase your Milan Digital Pass, just click on the button below:

3. Skip-the-Line Tickets for Milan Tourist Attractions

You can also purchase skip-the-line tickets for each monument or museum, depending on your 4-day Milan itinerary.

There are many available, for both tourist attractions and major activities to do in Milan over these 4 days.

I’ve listed a small selection below, but you’ll find more throughout this article.

To book them, it’s super easy, you just need to click on the links for each site:

Visiting Milan in 4 Days: The Essentials

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
• La Scala Opera House
• The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
• Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
• Brera Art Gallery
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus
• San Siro Stadium

One Last Tip for a Perfect 5-Day Stay in Milan

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!), you should really book your accommodation.

As Milan is one of the most touristic cities in the world, the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Milan by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at traveler’s favorite hotels in Milan.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Milan, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

Visiting Milan in 4 Days: The Best Itinerary

Let’s now start your 4-day itinerary in Milan!

For this itinerary, I assume that you have purchased in advance the Milan Pass, the Milan Digital Pass, or skip-the-line tickets in order to make the most of your 4 days in Milan.

If you still have questions after reading this guide (or need help organizing your holiday), don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the very end of this article.

I will be glad to help you plan your trip 😄.

So, what are the best places to visit in Milan in 4 days?

Day 1 – The Historic Center

Visits for Day 1:

A. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
B. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
C. La Scala
D. Sforza Castle
E. Sempione Park
F. Chinatown

A. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

To start off your 4-day stay in Milan, the Cathedral (also known as Duomo di Milano) is the perfect starting point.

Ranked as the third largest cathedral in the world, the Duomo is the most iconic monument of the city. You’ll find it in the heart of Milan, on Piazza del Duomo (accessible on foot or by subway).

The Cathedral is equally impressive inside and out.

You can start by admiring its facade, which features 2,000 marble statues and 136 spires pointing towards the sky, before entering the monument to discover the 5 naves, sarcophagi, and archbishops’ tombs.

Inside, you will also find a crucifix created by none other than Leonardo da Vinci.

The terrace of the Duomo with its breathtaking view of the city is also one of the highlights not to be missed during your visit.

The cathedral attracts millions of visitors all year round, so I strongly recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket or a guided tour to avoid the long queues.

You can access the Duomo with the Milan Pass, Milan Digital Pass or this skip-the-line ticket (click here).

And for the guided tour in English, it’s with the button below:

You can find even more practical information for visiting the cathedral in my article: Skip-the-line ticket for Milan Cathedral.

B. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just a few steps from the Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II awaits you on the next leg of your 4-day visit to Milan.

It is one of the most beautiful galleries in Europe. Its entrance is located right on Piazza del Duomo, to the right when exiting the cathedral.

You will immediately recognize this magnificent neo-classical and baroque gallery by its arcades and the stunning glass dome.

After visiting the Cathedral, I suggest you stroll through this luxury arcade while admiring its upscale shops and restaurants as well as the play of light created by the glass ceiling.

C. La Scala

Let’s continue your exploration of the city by heading to La Scala, only a 5-minute walk from the gallery.

Simply exit through the north corridor, cross Piazza della Scala (where you can admire the statue of Leonardo da Vinci) and continue straight for a few meters.

La Scala is home to Milan’s Opera House, one of the three most prestigious opera stages in Italy. It is here that legendary works such as Verdi’s “Otello” premiered. Maria Callas also performed here several times.

From the outside, La Scala might not seem particularly dreamy, but I highly recommend visiting the inside which is truly magnificent. For that, you need to book your tickets directly here!

Alternatively, access is included with the Milan Pass.

Next to the opera house, there is also a museum exhibiting various musical instruments, opera costumes, and historical documents about the building.

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Spending 4 days in Milan is also the perfect opportunity to attend an opera or ballet at La Scala. If you want to treat yourself to a beautiful, romantic evening, you can book your tickets here.

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D. Sforza Castle

After a morning exploring Milan, it’ll be time for lunch. Enjoy a delicious Italian dish to refuel and then continue your sightseeing to the Sforza Castle, locally known as Castello Sforzesco.

It’s within easy walking distance, just 1 km away from La Scala.

This 14th-century castle was once a fortification meant to protect Milan from the Venetian Army. The Sforza Castle also housed Leonardo da Vinci’s workshops.

Today, it contains several museums installed within its many rooms:

• The Museum of Ancient Art
• The Museum of Prehistory
• The Museum of Decorative Arts
• The Egyptian Museum
• The Picture Gallery
• The Museum of Musical Instruments
• The Museum of Furniture.

To book your ticket for the Sforza Castle including an audio guide, click the button below:

The internal courtyard is open to the public for free and often hosts cultural events.

E. Sempione Park

Now it’s time to enjoy a breath of fresh air in the city’s largest green space: Sempione Park, located behind the castle.

In the park, enjoy a pleasant stroll and don’t miss:

• The Triennale: a small museum highlighting Italian arts and architecture
• The Arena Civica: a stadium hosting athletic competitions
• Arco della Pace: Milan’s Arch of Triumph.

F. Milan’s Chinatown

I suggest concluding the first day of your 4-day trip to Milan in the city’s bustling Chinatown.

It’s located just a 10-minute walk north of Arco della Pace.

Milan’s Chinatown may be small, but it’s extremely pleasant for an evening stroll, dinner, and a fun night out. Sure, it’s not Italian but don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of other nights to enjoy pasta or pizza!

Day 2: What to Do and See in Milan?

The visits for day 2:

A. Monumental Cemetery
B. Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
C. Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
D. Navigli District

A. Monumental Cemetery

After a good night’s sleep, get ready for your second day in Milan.

I propose you head out early in the morning to Monumental Cemetery, an unusual place not to be missed. But don’t picture a dreary, sad necropolis: Milan’s Monumental Cemetery is a real open-air museum.

You’ll find a multitude of artistic and original graves unlike anything you’ve ever seen: from pyramid shapes to marble canopy beds and other astonishing sculptures.

It’s very easy to get there by bus or metro in about twenty minutes from Piazza del Duomo. Monumental metro stop is right in front of the cemetery’s entrance.

B. The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

Continue your 4-day Milan itinerary with a must-see cultural visit to the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology.

You can get there by metro from Monumental Cemetery by getting off at Garibaldi stop and then taking line 2 to S Ambrosio. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, you can pass by Arco della Pace, towards Sempione Park, and reach the museum in about 40 minutes on foot.

The Leonardo da Vinci Museum is truly vast. The collections and models are spread over several levels and categorized into different themes: aviation, railway and naval transport, automobile, space, and more.

You should allocate at least half a day to see everything, which means roughly 3 hours to do a quick complete tour.

The museum is a great outing idea for families with children.

Entry to the museum is included in the Milan Pass, the Milan Digital Pass or you can also buy a skip-the-line ticket by clicking here.

C. The Basilica of Saint Ambrose

If you were wondering what to do in Milan in 4 days, the Basilica of Saint Ambrose is also a place to visit. I suggest heading there after lunch.

The basilica is only a 3-minute walk from the Leonardo da Vinci Museum.

The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, as it’s locally known, was built in 379 and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It’s also a significant symbol of Lombard Romanesque art, despite being destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.

You’ll recognize it by its uncommon architecture, especially with its two asymmetrical brick towers.

Inside, you should see:

• Beautiful pieces of silverware
• The sarcophagus of Stilicho
• The crypt containing relics of Italian saints, including Saint Ambrose, the city’s patron saint
• The ceiling and the nave.

The basilica is located in a beautiful, calm, and pleasant neighborhood. Don’t hesitate to take the time to stroll around the area, and make sure to admire Castello Cova and its original architecture.

D. Navigli District

To end the day beautifully, let’s now head to the Navigli District to experience the Milanese nightlife.

This very picturesque neighborhood is only 15 minutes by metro from the Saint Ambrose Basilica and is crisscrossed by a network of canals that give it its charm.

Navigli is perfect for strolling by the water, watching the sunset, enjoying the lively streets, having a drink, and dining al fresco.

Party enthusiasts can finish their evening in one of the district’s bars, pubs, or nightclubs.

Third Day in Milan: Points of Interest to Visit

Visits for Day 3:

A. The Art Gallery
B. The Royal Palace
C. Shopping Session

A. Brera Art Gallery

For this third day in Milan, I suggest you visit the Brera Art Gallery.

In other words, it’s Milan’s Fine Arts Museum and it displays one of Italy’s richest art collections, including famous paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael.

The gallery is housed in the Palazzo Brera, which was once a cultural center run by monks with a library and an astronomical observatory.

Today, the collection of works spans about forty rooms.

You should plan for approximately 2 hours for your visit. The gallery is open every day except Monday, from 8:30 AM to 7:15 PM.

B. The Royal Palace of Milan

After your cultural infusion, continue your 4-day visit to Milan with the Royal Palace.

It is located about 15 minutes on foot to the south of the art gallery. This is another major point of interest in Milan.

The Royal Palace has long served as the Milanese seat of government before being transformed into a cultural hub. You will be able to admire very beautiful collections of art, fashion, and design.

There is also a museum detailing the history of Milan throughout the ages.

Also, take a walk in the palace’s lovely courtyard and enjoy the view of Milan’s Cathedral.

Please note that the Royal Palace is closed on Mondays.

C. Shopping in Milan

You didn’t think you could spend 4 days in Milan without doing a bit of shopping, did you?

The fashion capital beckons you for a session of window-shopping in its commercial streets.

Those who want to splurge or simply dream in front of luxury boutiques will head to the Via Montenapoleone area, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Manzoni.

Here you’ll find major Italian brands like Gucci and Versace, and it’s where Milan’s fashion weeks take place.

You can also stroll and shop at The Highline Outlet gallery. There you will find more affordable brands for those with more modest budgets.

Then end the day with a nice dinner in town before heading back to your hotel to recharge for the very last day of your 4-day stay in Milan!

D. Optional – San Siro Stadium + Casa Milan Museum

If you’re a football fan, you might also want to visit San Siro Stadium and Casa Milan Museum.

Of course, AC Milan fans know exactly what I’m talking about!

You can explore the players’ locker rooms, the stands, and more during a guided tour of the stadium, and then continue to the museum to, among other things, admire the trophy room and the Ballon d’Or gallery.

4th Day – Day Trip around Milan

Day 4 attractions (optional):

• Lake Como
• Bergamo

For this last day in the Milan area, I suggest leaving the city and exploring a bit of the surroundings.

I recommend two excursions to choose from, both of which I loved equally: Lake Como or a visit to Bergamo.

Option 1 – Lake Como

This is definitely a must-do excursion if you’re spending 4 days in and around Milan.

There are several ways to get there:

• By car – 1 hour drive
• By train – 1 hour journey for less than 10€ round trip. Feel free to check the schedules and prices for your dates by clicking here!

You can also choose an organized tour, which includes not only round-trip transportation but also a guide. Just meet at the Duomo Square after your booking and enjoy the ride.

With this guided tour, you’ll not only visit Como town center and the village of Bellagio (with a little cruise included!) but also the charming village of Varenna.

To book your excursion to Lake Como from Milan, simply click on the button below:

If you’re going to Lake Como on your own, I suggest starting with a visit to the village of the same name along the lake.

It has a very picturesque historic center, and you can also embark from Piazza Cavour for a 2-hour mini-cruise on the lake. The boat then drops you off at the village of Bellagio where you can continue your exploration.

To return to Como afterwards, you can catch another boat or take a bus (45 minutes journey).

Back in Como, take the funicular up to the top of Brunate hill. It overlooks the village and offers a spectacular view of the lake and the beautiful villages and villas surrounding it.

And if you’re lucky enough to be there at sunset, the sights are truly breathtaking.

Option 2 – Bergamo

Bergamo is another great place to visit when spending a few days in Milan.

The city is only 1 hour away by car from Milan, but you can also go by train (just over 1 hour journey).

Once again, you can choose an organized tour with transport included:

If you’re wondering what there is to see in Bergamo, here’s a quick list of attractions you shouldn’t miss:

• Church of San Michele al Pozzo Bianco with its beautiful frescoes
• Piazza Vecchia where you can admire the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo della Ragione
• Piazza del Duomo home to Bergamo’s Cathedral and its baptistery
• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore with its magnificent vaults
• Castle di San Vigilio offering superb views of the city and surroundings.

Where to Stay in Milan

Now that you know how to visit Milan in 4 days,

let’s move on to the next step of your trip preparation: booking your hotel.

Well, I’m also here to make things easier with my selection of the best hotels to stay in Milan depending on your budget:

• Ostello Bello Grande: A hostel located not far from Milan Central Station. Dormitory bed starting at €60, breakfast included. Strong points: the welcome atmosphere, cleanliness.
• Hotel Da Vinci: Located a bit away from the city center but just a 10-minute walk from a metro station. Huge double room with modern and bright decoration from €90 per night, breakfast included. Strong points: quiet location, spacious rooms, free parking, extensive breakfast buffet. This is our top pick for great value for the price!
• 43 Station Hotel: Just steps from Milan Central Station. Modern and spacious room from €130 per night, breakfast for an additional €9. Strong points: brand new and well-equipped hotel, hearty breakfast, ideal location.
• Hotel Folen: Also located near the station. Spacious room with comfortable bedding from €190, breakfast included. Strong points: the location, the friendliness of the staff, the hearty breakfast.
• Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione: Situated a 2-minute walk from the Duomo. Modern and cozy room, some with a view of Milan Cathedral, starting from €300, breakfast included. Strong points: location in the heart of Milan, wellness center, friendly staff. An excellent choice for a luxury stay in Milan!
• Suite Milano Duomo: A 5-star hotel just 5 minutes away from Milan Cathedral. Spacious and stylish room from €325 per night. Strong points: the location, the welcome, the service. It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay in Milan.

Visiting Milan in 4 Days with Family

If you’re planning to visit Milan for 4 days with your kids, know that there are many kid-friendly activities suitable for children of all ages.

Plus, everything is easily accessible on foot and the sites are very close to one another, which makes touring the city smooth and enjoyable. Public transportation also provides excellent service to all the main sights.

During your 4-day family vacation in Milan, you might want to focus on places they’ll definitively love such as:

• The Leonardo da Vinci Museum: THE museum to visit with your family in Milan. It’s very interactive and fascinating, a big hit with the kids. A lunchroom is available on site.
• Milan Cathedral (Duomo): Its impressive architecture captivates both kids and adults. Make sure to climb up to the roofs for a magnificent view of the entire city.
• Sforza Castle: a medieval castle that kids love with its mysterious underground passages to explore and multiple interactive museums where you can admire unusual musical instruments, mummies, sarcophagi, and more.
• Monumental Cemetery: it’s also a very intriguing place to discover with kids who will appreciate the unique and unusual nature of this visit.
• And, of course, the mini-cruise on Lake Como.
• If your children are soccer fans, they’ll be thrilled to visit the iconic San Siro Stadium, which regularly hosts AC Milan and Inter Milan. It’s also Italy’s largest stadium. It’s open to visitors by reservation, so you need to purchase your tickets by clicking here!

If you want more ideas for family-friendly activities in Milan over 4 days, here are some:

• The Natural History Museum: This is a visit you should consider if the weather isn’t ideal during your stay. Dedicated to the evolution of species, fossils, fauna, and flora, this museum allows you to avoid the rain while having a great time with the family. Milan’s Natural History Museum is located east of the city, just a 4-minute metro ride from the Duomo. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Idroscalo Park: This is a leisure park located a bit outside the city. You can enjoy a variety of activities such as pedal boating, swimming, or climbing. It’s about an hour away by public transport from the center of Milan, so plan for a substantial half-day or even a full day for this trip.
• Acquatica Park: A water park with pools and slides. Tickets available here!
• Acquaworld, another water park, both indoor and outdoor, located 20 km from Milan.
• Leolandia (tickets available here!), an amusement park located 40 minutes from Milan. Super clean, well-maintained with many rides and shows. An excellent choice for a family day around Milan!

Even More Things to Do and See in Milan in 4 Days?

If you want to create your own itinerary for a four-day visit to Milan, you should definitely read my complete travel guide.

It has all the activities listed so you can organize your trip exactly how you want it. Read it by clicking right here: Things to Do and See in Milan?

Map of Your 4-Day Itinerary in Milan

To help you visualize your routes during these 4 days in Milan, I have created a map listing the places to visit day by day. You can display the map legend by clicking on the upper left button with a little arrow. This will allow you to view the routes for each day.

Heading to Milan for 4 Days: Flight Prices

With flight prices to Milan varying greatly, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do that, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the guarantee of getting the best fare.

Need help organizing your 4-day itinerary in Milan? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

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