2 Days in Milan: A Local’s Guide & Iconic Stops

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Many people see Milano, Italy, as a layover stop. It’s stuck behind the shadows of Rome, Venice, Florence and other major cities, but spend 2 days in Milan and you’ll learn the city has a lot to offer both culturally and historically.

Ciao my fellow travelers! Today I am here to talk to you about one of my hometowns – Milano, Italy. My parents and grandparents are from Milano, and I myself visit the city at least once a year. I consider it almost my second home, which is why I have not written a Milano travel guide till this day, because I have a hard time seeing myself as a tourist in my own city. The below photographs are a collection of pictures I’ve taken over the years of what to do and must-try experiences in 2 days in Milan, so grab a cappuccino and enjoy this local Milano, Italy travel guide.

For a recap of 2 days in Milan, see my TikTok below:

@svadore One of my hometowns is Milan, so here are a few local recommendations on what to do on your first trip to Milan. 1. Breakfast at Bianco Latte ☕ 🥐 2. Piazza Scala trama 3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 4. Duomo / La Terrazza Aperol 🍹 5. Lunch at Panzerotti Luini 6. Brera & Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery 🎨 7. Caffè Shakerato in Brera ☕ 8. Castello Sforzesco 🏰 9. Parco Sempione 10. Dinner at Osteria da Fortunato 🍝 #milan #milano #duomodimilano #italy🇮🇹 #italy #traveltiktok #travellife #milantok #europeansummer #europetravel ♬ original sound – Sveva Marcangeli

Day 1

1. Breakfast at Biancolatte

Where to Eat the Best Breakfast in Milano, Italy: Biancolatte

You’re in Italy, so of course you know that an American breakfast is out of the question if you want to experience Milan as a local. Coffee and pastries are your go to this morning at the highly sought after café Biancolatte — “White Milk.” I grabbed their signature blueberry marmalade whole grain croissant with an almond milk cappuccino.

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2. Piazza Scala

As you make your way up to the Duomo, you will find yourself in Piazza Scala surrounded by cars and old school trams. This 19th century square is located in front of Teatro La Scala, the world-renowned theatre and opera house. You will frequently see the iconic and still fully operational trams pass by Piazza Scala. The tram was one of the first means of transportation in Milano, Italy, and to this day it is still transporting locals and visitors around the city. The old school trams still feature wooden benches, wooden steps, and sash windows so hop aboard one if you get the chance throughout the day.


3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

On your way to visiting one of the top places to visit in Milano, il Duomo, you will have to walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping “gallery” is considered one of Milano’s prime jewels. Covered with a glass and iron roof, the five-story four-gallery structure extends from Piazza Scala to il Duomo. It is lined with mosaics, statues, and most of all high-end shops and restaurants. Created during the era of Italian unification, this gallery represents Italian unity and self-confidence, which is why it is adorned with various patriotic symbols. Consider this area New York’s Time Square, it’s the pulse of Milano and the liveliness of the city extends out from here.


4. Duomo

No introductions needed here. The heart of Milano, Italy, the cathedral that never gets old, figuratively. It’s actually 600 years old and has the history to prove it. Almost every time you see the Duomo, one part will be “under construction.” That’s because the cathedral is made of a rare and precious marble from Piemonte, Candoglia, that when exposed to rain, wind and sun, oxidizes and deteriorates. This means that the cathedral was almost doomed to fall apart from the start, which is why you’ll see pieces being regularly changed. The replacements of its parts have caused the cathedral to go from a neo-Gothic look to a Gothic and slightly Baroque cathedral over the years. With a crucifix made by Leonardo da Vinci and a golden madonnina, or Virgin Mary, placed on a spiral up high on the cathedral as a patroness of the Milanese people, the Duomo is an essential place to visit during 2 days in Milan, Italy. If you get a chance, go inside and take a look at the Duomo’s many marvels and walk to the top of one of the spirals for an amazing view of the Piazza.

If you’re looking for drinks with a view, go to Terrazza Aperol. Designed by Antonio Piciulo, the Campari-owned Padova aperitivo has made its mark as the iconic Northern Italian cocktail of choice. The Aperol Spritz’s bright orange colors, bubbles, and branded glass make for the perfect Instagram-worthy picture with a gorgeous Duomo backdrop.


5. Lunch at Luini

Where to Eat in Milano: Panzerotti Luini

If you are starting to get hungry at this point, you are in luck. Just steps from the Duomo lies Milano’s local and most popular hotspot that has been around for over 125 years, Luini. This is not a sit down restaurant, but is the local grab-and-go of the area. If you’re spending 2 days in Milan, you may find yourself back here on multiple occasions. It’s hard to miss with lines of people wrapping around the bakery since it’s construction in 1888. You’ll find a number of people eating Panzerotti outside the building as well. This grab-and-go lunch option might be best choice given how busy your 24 hours in Milan will be. Luini is world famous for its Panzerotti, a soft fried pizza dough stuffed with sauces, the traditional being tomato and mozzarella. However, you can really find anything, pesto, prosciutto, ricotta and chocolate, peaches with almonds and amaretti, zucchinis, spinach and ricotta and more. Salty or sweet, Luini has got you covered and the rest of Milano covered!

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6. Brera and Pinacoteca di Brera

When you think of enchanting and romantic small cobblestone streets, you think of Brera. The artistic center of the city is rich in galleries, museums, boutiques and nightlife. When in this area, stop by la Pinacoteca di Brera, which is considered one of the best art galleries in Milano, Italy. The art gallery showcases very significant and important collections of Italian artwork from renowned painters such as Caravaggio and Raffaello.

When your done with the art gallery, head over to one of the many cafés in Brera and order yourself un Caffè Shakerato, another very famous spin on Italian coffee that many foreigners do not know about! It is a lighter version of what many foreigners call an ice coffee and is perfect when you need a hot summer pick-me-up. It’s an espresso, but shaken with ice which waters it down a bit. With a hint of sugar and a bartenders secret ingredient (it completely varies from a hint of syrup to a hint of cinnamon), you’ve got yourself a refreshing coffee.


7. Castello Sforzesco

Hard to miss this 15th century artifact in the middle of the city since its brick walls surround it for a large part of the area. Castello Sforzesco is an old castle that was previously owned by the Visconti and Sforza family as their private Milano residence. It is even said that Leonardo da Vinci helped construct the castle. Today, once you step through the entrance of the castle, there is a large open space that leads to a variety of museums inside the castle that feature artwork by artists such as Michelangelo.


8. Parco Sempione

Once you’re done with your tour of Castello Sforzesco, head to Parco Sempione conveniently located right behind the castle. Parco Sempione is the Central Park of Milano. This vast 96-acre park is where a lot of Milanese people come to work out or enjoy an aperitivo in the summer. Walk through the park and you’ll reach l’Arco della Pace, or the Gate of Peace, similar to the Porta Volta gate at Corso Como. L’Arco della Pace was constructed in 1807 to celebrate Napoleon’s victories. It was originally called the Arch of Victories. But following the Congress of Peace that took place in Vienna to decide the post-Napoleonic future, it was renamed the Arch of Peace.


9. Dinner at Osteria Da Fortunata

Located in a small contrada or alley in Brera is Osteria da Fortunata. The lines always out the door for this place. And they don’t accept reservations…so get there early and wait in line. What makes this restaurant such a special place for dinner, is the chefs handmaking the pasta through a glass vitrine. You can literally watch as your pasta is being made by hand before it gets to your plate. The prices are on the higher side for being pasta in Italy. Usually you can find a good plate for 11 euro, but these were closer to tourist prices at 22 euro. However, being in Brera, we closed an eye since it’s a bit more of a busier area. The food however, is very good. The pastas are very saucy, they don’t skimp on the sauce, so come prepared for that. If you’re looking for a lighter pasta, then you may want to go elsewhere. But this is a typical Roman pasta establishment known by Italians throughout all of Milan. It’s definitely a go-to.


10. Il Patuscino

After a long day exploring, if you still have time and energy for a night out head to Il Patuscino after hours. One of the best and most subtle nightlife locales in Milano, Italy. One of my good friends from Italy brought me here to celebrate my birthday a while back and she could not have brought me to a more perfect space. At first the locale seems very low key: live music, small lounge space with just a few tables scattered here and there, and cocktails. It looks a lot like a 1980s nightclub, dimly lit lights, old style couches and a young crowd. This all seemed great, but I was more in the mood for a dancing scene.

I could not have spoken sooner, as soon as the clock struck midnight, a mix of 80s, 90s and pop music came on, people started dancing on the tables, couches and chairs, and the bar turned into a raging, singing dance spot. It was one of the best nightlife experiences of my life if I have to be honest. To top it off, Pippo Inzaghi, world-renown soccer and tennis player was at the bar and dancing alongside with us! A mix of VIPs and young adults alike, highly recommend Il Patuscino for an elegant night out. Whether you want live music and a laid-back lounging atmosphere before 12 or a dancing on the tables and singing pop music type of scene in a small, cramped, and highly sought after Milano local in the heart of Brera, Il Patuscino is the place to be for your first Milano experience.

Day 2

1. Breakfast: Caffè Napoli 

First things first, a coffee is in order. One of my mother and I’s go-to bars in Milano is Caffè Napoli. It’s a coffee chain you’ll find throughout the city. It’s like the Starbucks of Milan, but better. We ordered an espresso schiumato (with a thin layer of foamed milk) and a brioche. You can’t start your day in Italy without these breakfast staples. But of course, Caffè Napoli has more than just regular coffee…they offer Caffè Speciale, or coffee specials, on a rotating basis that would blow your mind. Think coffee with cannolis one time, hazelnut the next, Tiramisu the week after, followed by pistachio, nutella, just let your mind wander and they have it. After our breakfast, we were off to Rose’s Roses


2. Visit Porta Nuova Neighborhood

While most of the Porta Nuova neighborhood, which literally translates to the new door, is futuristic and a reflection of Italy’s present, there are parts of it that still maintain it’s historic charm. The Varesine district is full of pedestrian areas and green spaces to explore. It literally feels like a breath of fresh air from an otherwise busy city. There are a few boutique stores and cafes in the area. But it’s mainly home to atelier shops, which are exclusively open by reservation only. Otherwise, it’s a residential area worth strolling by, just to get a sense of the quieter side while spending 2 days in Milan.


3. Rose’s Roses

Shop Handmade Italian Shoes at Rose’s Roses in Milano

When in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, don’t be starstruck by big names like PradaFerragamo, and Gucci. True handmade Italian shoes are a dime a dozen and are a very rare art form to come by nowadays, even in Italy, as globalization takes its toll. But when you do come by those few local ateliers, you’ll see that they live by the Made In Italy standards, work closely with some of the best local artisans in the country, and offer personalization and creativity that even high-end bespoke Italian brands have a hard time matching. So I’m sharing my secret with you. Next time you’re shopping through the streets of Milan in search of handmade Italian shoes, Rosa Aiuto’s local atelier Rose’s Roses is the place to go.

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4. Corso Como

The new trendy spot to visit now a day is Corso Como in the Porta Nuova area you’ll be spending more time in tomorrow. The street begins with la Porta Volta gate and is filled with perfect places for Aperitivo and a number of fancy and trendy boutiques. In the summer, the cafés spill out into the streets making it the perfect lunch spot on a hot summers day. The famous 10 Corso Como also lives on this lively street. It is an outlet that sells a bit of everything with a fantastic roof garden outside. A definite place to visit when spending 2 days in Milan, Italy.


5. Lunch at Pan Per Me in Porta Nuova or LùBar in Porta Venezia

All that shopping can make a girl thirsty. Luckily, right next door to Rose’s Roses atelier is PanPerMe, a gluten free bakery and juice shop. Who said gluten free wasn’t a thing in Italy? If you have time post shopping, make sure to swing by here. The small bakery emphasizes indoor-outdoor engagement by pulling in warm, neutral tones, greenery, an open aired space, and the cherry on top– rope swings! I ordered a spremuta, which is a freshly squeezed juice. It was over the top amazing. The perfect pick-me-up to get me to my next stop in Milan…my hair appointment.

If you’re looking for more of a sit me down lunch, then walk 20 minutes over to Porta Venezia to LùBar. Located in Villa Reale, the former residence of Count Lodovico Barbiano di Belgiojoso, Lùbar offers various different areas for dining. Each is a literal oasis within the city with a touch of royalty and class that only a Count would have. I caught up with my high school friend Alessandra Badioli, who runs ALB Tutoring, holistic tutoring and homework therapy, in Milan and NY/CT, for lunch here. The food is Mediterranean with a Sicilian flare (my favorite food in Italy!). We ate within the 18th Century Greenhouse, which was once Villa Reale’s carriage porch. Large windows face the gardens and courtyard of the Gallery of Modern Art and lush plants and wrought iron furniture make it feel like a royal oasis. Definitely a must-visit place when spending 2 days in Milan, Italy. And if not for lunch, then for any other time of day, including breakfast or aperitivo.


6. Explore Porta Venezia Neighborhood

Porta Venezia is a cool and hip neighborhood. Known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, a trip to Milano is incomplete without stopping by the epicenter of its fashion district. You have Corso Buenos Aires, the longest shopping street in Europe, but also Via Alessandro Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Via Monte Napoleone, possibly one of the most famous high-end shopping streets in Italy. These home to the world’s most exclusive shoemakers and designers. These streets are made for those who enjoy the more luxurious things in life. You’ll even find the occasional art installation or pop culture display, as was the case for Patrick and I. See below for an out of place red British phone booth found smack in the middle of Via Monte Napoleone! It was once a street full of pawn shops that got shut down. It was picked up again by Napoleon, which is how the street got it’s name Via Monte Napoleone.

Porta Venezia is also home to the Montanelli Gardens, the first ever pubic gardens in Milano surrounded by Modern Art and Natural History museums. It is also filled with dining options for all times of day with a very vibrant nightlife scene. It’s the cool place to be if you know your neighborhoods and don’t want to be a tourist.


Who said you couldn’t experience a piece of Venice or Venezia in Milano? In comes I Navigli, the hip canal like area of Milano, Italy. The main street is lined with quaint and particular art stores, cafés and shops on each side of il Naviglio Grande, or the big canal, which is the oldest canal in Milan. Built between 1177 and 1257, it is more than 50 km long (that’s 31 mi!) and was used back in the day to transport marble to construct the buildings you see around Milano today. In the summer you can take a boat tour of the area or enjoy an aperitivo along the canal.


8. Dinner at Osteria del Binari in Navigli or Spirit de Milan Dance Hall

Osteria del Binari is a restaurant located in the Navigli neighborhood, sneakly hidden behind a few alleys near the old train tracks illuminated to form a path to the secretive restaurant. While today Navigli are a cool, hip, shopping and dining district, the reality is that it used to be the Industrial center of Milan due to it’s proximity to the water. Today, little remains of that old industrial way of life, but Osteria del Binari reminds you of it. The place used to be the go-to hangout spot for industrial workers and train conductors to meet after a long days work and enjoy a typical Milanese style meal. Today, it maintains it’s origins and charms. It has resisted the revitalization of the area, making it a place to visit when spending 2 days in Milan, Italy. You’re surrounded by 19th century décor and in the winter sit by the blazing fires within the open aired restaurant. In the summer, you can choose to sit on the beautiful back patio. I recommend ordering the typical Milanese dish–cotolleta alla Milanese.

My second recommendation if you’re looking for something less romantic and intimate and more lively is Spirit de Milan. A bit farther out of the way in the Bovisa district. I’ve never been, but it’s been on my bucket-list forever. Formerly a glassware factory, this place screams Williamsburg vibes. As mentioned, prior to being a fashion capital the industrial and working class people would spend their evening outdoors in courtyards where people danced Swing and ate mondeghili, typical Milanese meatballs. Spirit de Milan allows you to experience those bygone days. The dance floor and restaurant hosts live music and concerts on a weekly basis and is great for dance enthusiasts looking to kick it to old and new jams. It’s a scene…check it out.

Where to Stay: Porta Venezia Neighborhood

Staying near the Duomo or centro di Milano, Italy can get very expensive. It’s also very touristy. My personal favorite neighborhoods to stay in when spending 2 days in Milan are Porta Venezia or the Brera neighborhood. Porta Venezia has charming palaces that are quiet and have small courtyards where you can enjoy the silence and local atmosphere of Italy.

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13 comments
  1. Great post, but I must say your photos are incredible!! WOW!! They are amazing and so much detail in them!! Thanks for sharing, looks like a beautiful place to visit and the food looks delish too!

  2. This is perfect! I’ll be staying in Florence for a while and wanted to do a day trip up to Milan and this gives me a good idea of what to do. Thanks so much!

  3. Thank you for sharing this! My friend and I may be going to Milan in April so this will be helpful!! <3

  4. I’ve always dream of going to Italy! Milan through your perspective is even more captivating. I’ll definitely add this on my travel wish list. Thanks for sharing!

  5. Your photos portray Milan exactly as i remember it from 5 years ago. We cant wait to go back and explore again! The baked croissants and pastries are enough to make me jump on a plane now!

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