Want to know the best places and sites to see for your 3 day Milan itinerary? These are the best places to visit in Milan, Italy that every traveler should know.
Planning for Milan, Italy is exciting and you want to be as prepared as possible. As a fellow travel lover, I am giving you the best 3 day Milan itinerary.
You are going to learn about the best places to eat, grab gelato, and day trips.
After learning about the best 3 day travel guide to Milan you will be ready to take on Italy.
This post is all about a Milan, Italy travel guide.
Travel Guide | The Perfect 3 day Milan itinerary
Transportation is easy in Milan and there are various options. The main ways most people travel are the tram, metro, and train. Most of these forms of transportation run throughout all peak times of the day. Keep in mind that if you have an early or very late flight, they might not be running. Booking a driver could be your best bet in that case. Always better to be prepared and know what to expect when you arrive.
1. Naviglio Grande
First up in Milan is a visit to the Naviglio Grande which is a gorgeous bridge in Milan. There are a couple bridges to get you from either side and the area is filled with restaurants and bars. You could even put your own lock on the bridge to always remember your trip. A picture one of the bridges is below. Keep the key as a keepsake and visit the lock next time you are in Milan. The idea of having something another country is not only sentimental but making a mark of your visit there. Be careful in this area as it tends to get crowded and could be a tourist trap. Look into restaurants before eating there as you want to have the best meal possible. Thankful for Google and menus displayed. 🙂 In addition, if you are looking to buy souvenirs the prices might also be higher in this area.
The views in this part of Milan are amazing! You do not want to miss out on this area if you are visiting Milan. Add this to your list whether you want to have dinner there or grab a drink later at night.
Restaurants:
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- Osteria Dal Cornuto: The staff was so friendly and sweet there. The pasta was cooked to perfection and tasted so fresh. You could even watch the cooks making the pasta as they have someone making fresh pasta in the window. The woman that was there was so cute and even let you take pictures/videos if you wanted.
- Signorvino: This restaurants has amazing prosciutto and pasta. If you are a wine lover they have a great selection of wine. The food was cooked to perfection. Highly recommend the carbonara here but the red sauce was also delicious. This place sits right on the corner so it is perfect if you are headed into the city for the night or day.
- Drinks: Gramm Milano Cafe – The views were amazing to sit outside and have a drink. The atmosphere was laid back and the service was excellent!
- Gelato: Amorino – They have gelato all over (London, Paris for example) because it is delicious!
2. Duomo di Milano
Next up is the famous Duomo di Milano. The Duomo is popular for many reasons. First of all \, the outside is breathtaking. The detail on this church is something that needs to be seen in person to appreciate. Pictures truly do not do justice. Keep in mind this is a popular site and area so plan accordingly. There are various types of tickets available depending on what you want to see. The cathedral and museum combined the tickets start at 10 Euro at the time of this post. There is also an archaeological area and terrace area add on. Depending on what you would like to see, the website goes into everything. I highly recommend booking in advance to ensure you go when you want.
3. Day trip to Bologna
Bologna is perfection especially if you are a Bolognese lover. Bologna is easy to get to by train from Milan. Book the train in advance as sometimes the fast trains book up and are cheaper the earlier you book. The train from Milan to Bologna is only a little over an hour taking the fast/express train. You do not want to miss the opportunity for this day trip. Bologna is quieter than other areas in Italy and you will get a local type feel. It is full of history and you will realize that by walking around and looking at the gorgeous architecture.
Piazza Maggiore
This is the main square in Bologna and where you will find many restaurants and shops. It is not far from shopping either. The shopping around Bologna in that area tends to be high end designer places. However, you could find smaller shops as you are walking around.
Churches
- Basilica of San Petronio
- Basilica of San Domenico
Food
- Rosarose – Bistrot Bolognese: Their Bolognese was delicious and the service was excellent. Keep in mind this was in a crowded area if you are looking for a more quiet lunch. In addition, the bread they give you is warm and tastes sooo fresh.
- Venchi: For Gelato this place was perfect. They have these gelato places all over but the gelato toppings are very customizable. For example, you could get nuts and chocolate at the bottom of your cone or cup. The gelato is creamy and delicious. This was probably one of the top gelato spots I have been to around Europe. Definitley a place to check out. It tends to get crowded so keep that in mind when planning out your day.
4. Day trip to Venice
There is a lot to do around Venice and many day trips you could take. However, if you could fit it in and have never been to Venice, it is easy to get to by the fast train. It is a little over two hours each way but direct. Venice is a gorgeous city that truly is as breathtaking in pictures. The food is amazing all over Venice and they have some of the best seafood in Italy. Venice is somewhere to go back to for sure on it’s own trip or for longer than a day. However, being so close to it, why not make a nice day trip and see how much you love it 🙂
Must try restaurants in Venice:
- Antica Trattoria – Pizzeria: AMAZING Bolognese and red sauce.
- Agli Archi: If you are looking to eat on the water with a gorgeous view this is the spot. The Bolognese and pesto is to die for.
- Bar Sport Piazza Ferretto 48: Fun atmosphere as the restaurant sits right by where the city gets lively at night. The pizza is delicious there and some nights there is live music.
- Oriental Caffe: Excellent expresso and pastries. Cute spot to relax in the morning or while you are out and about.
- La Piazza Ristorante: This is more of an upscale (but affordable) restaurant. The pasta dishes there were unbelievable delicious. I would highly recommend getting anything with seafood if you are a seafood lover. Everything tasted fresh and the pasta was cooked to perfection.
- La Casa del Brezel Venezia: This is a pretzel store/bakery. Go there early as items tend to run out by later in the afternoon. The staff was welcoming and the pastries/pretzels were delicious. They have all different types of baked goods that are different. For example, you could get a pretzel shaped baked good made of puff pastry. In addition, there are pretzels with any topping imaginable. Check it out!
Church
- Chiesa di Santa Maria di Nazareth: This Catholic Church is a must-see if you love seeing churches around the world. The detailing in these churches and history is something you do not want to miss.
For additional information on Italy travel guides including Venice, check out this post: Travel Guide to Italy | 11 must see places in Italy
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next up is the famous shopping center in Milan. This is the one most talked about in fashion week where everyone goes. The mall lives up to its hype because it is the best and most bougie mall you will ever see. Inside is gorgeous since there are high ceilings with skylights surrounding. In addition, you could shop the high end stores and if you are from the states, it is tax free and less money. Ladies, if you had your eye on that Louis Vuitton handbag, this is the place to get it! You will not be disappointed when going to this place. Also, you could make this trip along with your Duomo trip as they are next door.
There are also many stores along the way to stop out or restaurants. This tends to be the busier area in Milan, Italy, especially if you choose to go around fashion week.
Milan is a gorgeous city with a lot to do. You will fall in love with this city and now you know exactly where to go, what to see, and what to eat. Enjoy your trip to Italy and eats lots of gelato and pasta 😀
This post was all about planning a perfect 3 day Milan itinerary.
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