Milan
Day 1
Day 2
10:00AM
Princi Bakery
Grab one of their famous croissants and amazing cappuccinos. Go to the Via Ponte location.
10:30AM
Sforza Castle
Explore the history a little and then walk around Sempione Park and enjoy the view. Make sure to check out the famous Starbucks reserve on your way back!
12:00PM
All'Antico Vinaio
Get one of Italy’s most famous sandwiches. The line is always long but it moves quickly. Sit on the steps of the church to eat like a local.
1:00PM
The Galleria
Explore the famous designer outdoor mall next to the Duomo (don’t forget to go inside the Prada store, it was the first one in the world).
2:00PM
Shopping
Check out the more affordable stores like Zara, Mango, etc. All near the Galleria.
4:00PM
Duomo
Take a tour of the and don’t forget to go on the roof and take pictures of the amazing view. You need to pre-buy tickets with a specific time.
5:00PM
Head back to hotel to relax
7:00PM
Brera
Great area to grab an aperitivo. Just wander around until you see a place that looks cute!
8:30PM
Osteria Da Fortunata
For amazing pasta (check their Brera location but if line is long go to the farther location, the lines are always shorter). You have to try the cacio e pepe and the tiramisu for dessert
12:00AM
Gattopardo
So fun and a cool venue as well. The cover is really high here because it is a nicer place but it's definitely worth it.
11:30AM
California Bakery
Real omelets, so good and great hangover food. Go to the Via Vincenzo Monti location.
2:00PM
Via Monte Napoleone
This is the designer shopping area. It is just a beautiful area to walk around even if you aren't buying anything!
3:30PM
Fondazione Prada
This is the museum owned and operated by the Prada family. It is not showcases their designs but instead beautiful modern art. It is a bit of a hike (take public transport - so easy in Milan), but well worth it!
5:00PM
Bar Luce
Bar inside the Prada Museum, designed by film maker Wes Anderson. Worth checking out for a coffee or a drink!
5:30PM
Head back to hotel to relax
7:00PM
Terrazza Aperol
Overlooking the Duomo for Italy’s famous aperitivo (drinks and snacks before dinner)
11:30PM
Magazzini Generali
SO much fun! The move on most Saturdays!!
Good To Know
*You must get Last Supper tickets as soon as you book your trip. BUT if you forget you can use Get Your Guide or Viator to get a spot.
*There are 3 airports in Milan. Malpensa is about 45 min from city center and you can take an express train to and from the train station. Linate is about 20 min by taxi from city center and Bergamo which is about 50 minutes away, has a bus available to transport.
*The cheapest flights are typically out of Malpensa & Bergamo.
*Use Trainline, especially when traveling in Italy and from Milan!
*You can pay for the metro by using apple pay.
*If you visit during fashion week you should stand outside the shows bc sometimes they have open seats that they giveaway!
*There are 3 airports in Milan. Malpensa is about 45 min from city center and you can take an express train to and from the train station. Linate is about 20 min by taxi from city center and Bergamo which is about 50 minutes away, has a bus available to transport.
*The cheapest flights are typically out of Malpensa & Bergamo.
*Use Trainline, especially when traveling in Italy and from Milan!
*You can pay for the metro by using apple pay.
*If you visit during fashion week you should stand outside the shows bc sometimes they have open seats that they giveaway!
Brunch, Lunch & Panini
Panini
Dinner
Dessert & Snacks
Brunch, Lunch & Panini
A'Vucciria
V
Must try to arancini here! So many choices and so good! Great for a quick bite.
Cera Una Volta Una Piada
Great option for piadina which is flat bread filled with lots of options, Great light lunch or snack!
$
Website
Ciro Amodio
V
Authentic sandwich place, pretty good sandwiches but they only speak Italian which can be rough.
$
Menu
Il Forno
V
Must go for the best chocolate filled croissant! Closed Monday's.
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone 1957
V
GF
Incredible burrata! They also have a very fresh nizza salad (nicoise) for a change of pace and of course the pastas are amazing. Need reservations. Good for lunch or dinner. Expensive!
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$$$
Menu
Frankie's
V
VE
GF
DF
Great place for a quick salad, wrap or juice. Lots of healthy options and a nice alternative to pastries for breakfast. We love the pink protein bowl. And it is only a 12 min walk from Bocconi!!
$ - $$
Menu
Macha Cafe
V
VE
GF
DF
Really cute cafe near Bocconi that's pretty quiet and has make your own poke bowls
$
Menu
Marchesi Cafe
V
Near Prada in the Galleria. A great spot to grab a coffee but they also have table service with a full menu!
$$ - $$$
Location
Nowhere
V
Great option for a more American brunch. Get the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich! Also has excellent coffee.
$$ - $$$
Menu
Princi
V
VE
Bakery near the Duomo, really good croissants and focaccia, also some of the best coffee for sure
$$
Locations
Seitaly
V
Amazing croissant, the raspberry one is so good, and they have such good coffee too
$$ - $$$
Menu
Starbucks Reserve
V
GF
Recommend checking it out. Good coffee and pastries but definitely can find better, just a cool location
$$ - $$$
Menu
Panini
Luini's
V
Fried panzoretti pizza pocket things, insanely good and warm. Always a long line but moves very fast. Please try this at least once.
$
Menu
Dinner
Aldente
V
VE
Pasta shops around Milan. There are a few. Cheap, quick, easy, to go pasta
Bottega Farina
V
So so good. All freshly made pasta. Also place is tiny so you need a reservation but so worth it. Probably one of the best pasta in Italy!
$$ - $$$
Website
Bullona
V
GF
Super fun, dance vibes! Mediterranean fusion. Expensive but worth it! Need reservations
Rating: 10/10
Rating: 10/10
$$$
Website
Da Oscar
V
So good, get the all oscar sauce (they can do it with gnocchi, raviolo, or tagliatelle) and it is so yummy
$$ - $$$
Trip Advisor
Il Kaimano
V
Really good dinner place, but also has all day brunch. Need a reservation.
$$ - $$$
Website
La Gioia
V
GF
DF
Actually insane! You have to get the cacio e pepe (in a cheese wheel). A fave among students and parents!
$$$
Menu
La Magolfa
V
Affordable Italian in the Navigli district. Get the aglio e olio! "You can get 4 little glasses of wine for yourself for €2!"
$
Menu
Milano Centrale Market
Has a ton of options and is very good just pricey. Open till midnight
$$$
Website
Obica
V
VE
Extremely good food, it’s a rooftop looking over the Duomo. It’s a bit pricey, but nothing crazy. If you want dinner reservations, book it a week or two ahead. Lunch is usually chill and you can get a table. It is at the top of Rinascente (huge department store, highly recommend)
$$$
Menu
Osteria Da Fortunata
V
GF
DF
Incredible pasta. Love the pesto pasta and the cacio e pepe omg so insane. Also please get the tiramisu. Easily one of the best! They do not take reservations so best to go with a small group!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Osteria del Gnocco Fritto
V
Endless puffy bread with meats and cheese and amazing burrata tortellini!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Osteria Serafina
V
VE
Pretty restaurant and good for birthdays! They do the famous cheese wheel!
$$ - $$$
Menu
Pasta D’Autore
V
VE
Very good pasta and pretty cheap; good prices, not very fancy, pizza is also really good. Some people say it’s their fav pasta and tiramisu (we have a consensus that this is the best tiramisu) in Milan. You build your own!
$
Menu
Pasto Laboratorio
V
VE
Portions are HUGE but it gets busy quickly! Pasta is great and the shaoe changes daily (but the sauces don't!).
$$
Instagram
Pizzium
V
VE
Such good pizza off Navigli, amazing and fluffy crust and affordable. Has other locations as well!
$ - $$
Menu
Sant Ambroeus
V
Pricey… but such good food. If you have eaten there in NY or anywhere else you know it’s amazing. Great ambiance and experience, but definitely not an everyday bite.
$
Menu
Spontini
V
Really good fluffy pizza. Have locations all over but one specifically near the Duomo. Highly recommend
$ - $$
Menu
Dessert & Snacks
Gelateria La Romana
V
Best gelato in Milan! Open till 12AM Sunday -Thu and 1AM Fri/Sat.
Grom
V
"Honestly very mid, not the best flavors and the ones I got weren’t even that good and it was so much more expensive than it needed to be"
$ - $$
Locations
Venchi
V
Really good, they put chocolate in your cone or cup. A lot of their flavors have hazelnut so beware but so so good. Best chain. Open till 10PM daily
Cioccolatitaliani
V
Chain gelato, not the most amazing chain but definitely cool to go for the experience - gelato wasn’t amazing but the cone with chocolate in it is really good
Terrazza Aperol
Undoubtedly some of the best views of the Duomo! They don't take reservations but it is worth waiting for a table, you will not be disappointed!
Terrazza Duomo 21
Another great spot overlooking the Duomo. They take reservations for dinner if you want to just get a snack and drinks you should have no problems!
La Rinascente Rooftop
Perched on top of the famous department store is a great spot for drinks with a view!
Sky Terrace Bar Milano
Not interested in the Duomo view but still want a beautiful rooftop experience? Enjoy Sky Terrace's mediterranean snacks while sipping your favorite cocktail in comfy sofas!
SunEleven Rooftop
Nearby the Duomo this relaxed terrace is a great place to enjoy the city skyline with cocktails and tapas! Located atop the IH Hotel. Call to reserve
DeAmicis Uno
"AMAZING for aperitivo! You get a huge charcuterie board with one cocktail." This can be your dinner it's so plentiful!
Armani Silos
Cool but not amazing. Just kinda a showcase of all Armani’s stuff but didn't give too much in the description.
Duomo
The area is so cute and there is an amazing mall around there as well that we all loved. Also go inside and make sure to go up top but it’s nothing special. Get tickets in advance
Fondazione Prada
This is the museum owned and operated by the Prada family. It is not showcases their designs but instead beautiful modern art. It is a bit of a hike (take public transport - so easy in Milan), but well worth it! Location of the Prada fashion show.
Museo Novecento
The first couple of floors aren’t great BUT the top floor is really cool with fun/interactive exhibits
Authentic Italian Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic pasta and tiramisu in a cozy loft setting.
Pizza & Gelato Making
What could be better? Learn how to make two Italian classics from an Italian chef!
The Last Supper
You absolutely need tickets. Book well in advance! Tickets are released 4 months in advance and cost around €8. If you missed out but still want to go we suggest using a guided tour.
Segway Tour
See all of Milan's best spots on this unique tour of the city!
Sforza Castle and Sempione Park
Cool to see but kind of underwhelming, really big though and has a pretty park behind it that is nice to walk through
Brera
Another area thats cute with good shopping and high end cafes. Good boutiques here. Go to D.A.T.E. for amazing shoes!
Duomo
This is more typical shopping like Zara, H&M, Mango, etc. Great for basics and obviously affordable. We also love END clothing. Very similar to KITH with lots of cool brands.
Excelsior
SO COOL. SUCH COOL THINGS TO LOOK AT, designed super well. All designer obviously but a must do to walk through!
Galleria
Super pretty building next to Duomo with the original Prada and Versace stores. So prettyyyy. Great photo op!
Via Della Spiga/Montenapoleone
The BEST and cutest shopping area EVER. Super high end stores but also just great to window shop in. It’s the famous shopping street in Milan!! All the big designers. A great place to people watch and see all the best in fashion. This is the top of the top of shopping in the world.
Airbnb
A lot of people stay in Airbnb's in Milan. This one comes recommended for anyone traveling solo. Approx $49 per night.
Duomo Hotel & Apartments
Good location, good rep. Doubles approx. $175 pp, per night
IH Hotels Milano Goia
Not the best location but good pricing. Doubles approx $80 pp, per night.
UNAHotels Galle Milano
In a good location with helpful staff. Double room with sofa bed (sleeps 3) approx $100 per person, per night.
Hotel Spadari
Good location. Doubles approx $190 pp, per night
Ostello Bello Milan Centrale
Hostel with locations throughout Italy (and more than one in Milan). Has a good reputation. Lots of room options. A four person bunk room is approx $63 pp, per night
Yellow Square Milan
Great option for groups or a solo traveler. Twin, private room approx $90 per person, per night.
Ibis Milano Centro
In a central location and good pricing. Doubles approx $127 per person, per night.
UNA Hotels Malpensa
Good option near the airport if you need a decent place to sleep for an early flight. Doubles with an extra bed approx $69 per night, per person.
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Clubs
Bars & Clubs
Bars
Officina
Super cool bar with a lounge vibe. Feels like a speakeasy because it is accessed through a courtyard. The menu features cocktails named after colors and the drinks are amazing!
Navigli Neighborhood
Starting at 6 until around 9 all the bars on the water with indoor and outdoor seating (all have tent covers and heaters) have insane deals on aperitivo (usually just deals on spritz’s but also have other cheap drinks too) so can find spritz for like €4-6 and other drinks for around €8 and such a good vibe here too because all of the bars are packed and a lot of them also offer buffets and snacks with the drinks. We like Mag Cafe in this area.
La Fontanella
Beer place in Navigli. Beer comes in a super cool container for the center of the table. Is fun even if your group doesn’t drink beer
Clubs
Gattopardo
It's a club inside a church. It's very fun! Cover is $30 and comes with a drink. Best on Tuesday's!
Alcatraz
Lowkey in a sketchy area, but it is huge and extremely fun. It depends on the night that you go, however. Do a bit of research on who is playing and what music is playing that night.
The Club
Fun time, plays American and Spanish music. $15 drinks and the cover is $20 for guys and $10 for girls (comes with a drink)
Dirty Mondays
Plays rock music and there is usually a live band. The club is open every other week and changes locations, so make sure to buy tickets before so you know the location. Very hit or miss, depending on the band playing that night.
Good To Know
Living Set Up
Nails, Hair, Etc.
Study Spots
Navigating
Faves
Shopping!
Neighborhoods
Good To Know
1. People dress up for class
2. You need a permit of stay when you arrive so make sure to bring multiple copies of your passport, visa, (acceptance letter to Bocconi, if applicable), insurance forms, and basically everything you needed when you applied for a visa in the first place or else you will have to find a printer.
3. Either get tickets to a lesser known show during Fashion Week or at least stand outside to watch the celebs. It is a Milan must!
4. Wine is cheaper than water!
5. Uber is not really used in Milan, but since the demand is more scarce, the experience is extremely elevated. In most cases you will need cash for cabs.
2. You need a permit of stay when you arrive so make sure to bring multiple copies of your passport, visa, (acceptance letter to Bocconi, if applicable), insurance forms, and basically everything you needed when you applied for a visa in the first place or else you will have to find a printer.
3. Either get tickets to a lesser known show during Fashion Week or at least stand outside to watch the celebs. It is a Milan must!
4. Wine is cheaper than water!
5. Uber is not really used in Milan, but since the demand is more scarce, the experience is extremely elevated. In most cases you will need cash for cabs.
Living Set Up
Primark
Like with most cities in Europe this is your best option for towels, sheets, etc.
Groceries
Tuday Conad - near Bocconi and big and has a lot, also cheapest in the area.
PAM - kind of small but also good stuff
Express - same as PAM
Carrefour - big and has a lot of the basic groceries you want but slightly more expensive
Natursi - as similar as you will get to whole foods so more expensive but a lot of organic brands
PAM - kind of small but also good stuff
Express - same as PAM
Carrefour - big and has a lot of the basic groceries you want but slightly more expensive
Natursi - as similar as you will get to whole foods so more expensive but a lot of organic brands
Nails, Hair, Etc.
Nail Care
Right by the Duomo and they speak English!! It’s also typical pricing so not too bad, I recommend (also don’t tip on nails, I made that mistake the first time)
Study Spots
La Centrale (on graduate campus)
Dahlia Lab
Princi
Dahlia Lab
Princi
Navigating
Car Service
For anyone needing an airport pickup or for longer drives, we highly recommend Regino! It is €110 from MXP into the city. Cash only. Book him through WhatsApp! +393246214793
Trains
The tram and metro system definitely take a bit of time to get used to, but eventually it became easy. Your maps app will be your best friend. The trams that run above ground are slow, annoying, and jerky, but they get you from place to place (for free!) You need a pass to go through the metro but you can just scan your credit card.
Use Trainline to get you further outside the city.
Use Trainline to get you further outside the city.
Scooters & Bikes
These are everywhere. You have to download an app and unlock the scooter or bike there. It is so easy to use and gets you places quickly.
Faves
Coffee
Cafe Italia - points for speaking English!
Starbucks Reserve - very different than your average Starbucks
Gud Cafe - on Bocconi campus. Good and cheap
Seitaly - amazing croissant, get the raspberry one its so good, and they have such good coffee too
Bar Luce - at the prada museum, really good cappuccino so definitely go before or after
Starbucks Reserve - very different than your average Starbucks
Gud Cafe - on Bocconi campus. Good and cheap
Seitaly - amazing croissant, get the raspberry one its so good, and they have such good coffee too
Bar Luce - at the prada museum, really good cappuccino so definitely go before or after
Lunch
Macha cafe - poke bowls
Viva - salads and smoothies
Dahlia Lab - close to Bocconi
Gud Cafe - on campus
Princi Bakery - lots of locations. Good pastries and small sandwiches
See full lunch list on Milan page
Viva - salads and smoothies
Dahlia Lab - close to Bocconi
Gud Cafe - on campus
Princi Bakery - lots of locations. Good pastries and small sandwiches
See full lunch list on Milan page
Panini
All’antico Vinaio - worth the wait!
Panini Durini - good panini’s and has salads.
Luini’s - fried panzoretti pizza pocket things, insanely good and warm. Always a long line but moves very fast.
Panini Durini - good panini’s and has salads.
Luini’s - fried panzoretti pizza pocket things, insanely good and warm. Always a long line but moves very fast.
Dinner
Pasta D’Autore
Osteria Da Fortunata
La Gioia
Obica
Da Oscar
See full dinner list on Milan page
Osteria Da Fortunata
La Gioia
Obica
Da Oscar
See full dinner list on Milan page
Bars & Nightlife
Terrazza Duomo 21 - for aperitivo
Gattopardo - fun club
Nepentha (Dirty Mondays) - cover is $30 and comes with a drink
The Club - plays American and Spanish music
Just Me - club that is outside but very fun!
See full nightlife list on Milan page
Gattopardo - fun club
Nepentha (Dirty Mondays) - cover is $30 and comes with a drink
The Club - plays American and Spanish music
Just Me - club that is outside but very fun!
See full nightlife list on Milan page
Shopping!
Local Favorites
Zara
H&M
Stradivarius
Primark
Urban Outfitters
Bershka
Alcott
Pull and Bear
Intimissimi
Prada - original in The Galleria
Via Monte Napoleone - VERY high end but must check out!
Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo - multi level department store
H&M
Stradivarius
Primark
Urban Outfitters
Bershka
Alcott
Pull and Bear
Intimissimi
Prada - original in The Galleria
Via Monte Napoleone - VERY high end but must check out!
Rinascente Milano Piazza Duomo - multi level department store
Neighborhoods
Duomo area and Galleria
Brera - super cute area and fun to walk around
Porta romana - has cute cafes
Navigli - such a good vibe for aperitivo and has a huge flea market on Sundays. Also just a fun area to walk around during the week since it’s on the canal and nice.
Montepeleone - the designer shops, really fun to walk around
Brera - super cute area and fun to walk around
Porta romana - has cute cafes
Navigli - such a good vibe for aperitivo and has a huge flea market on Sundays. Also just a fun area to walk around during the week since it’s on the canal and nice.
Montepeleone - the designer shops, really fun to walk around
Workouts
Workouts
Virgin Active at Bocconi
New (2023) and insanely nice (Equinox vibes) but also expensive. It's €127 a month plus a joining fee. If you think you will use it often it is worth it. It is open 7 days a week and has great hours, and also has nice showers. There is a great cafe downstairs for studying and food.
They have more than one location.
They have more than one location.
Distance From Milan
Lake Como - 39 min by train, 38 by car.
Lake Como Page
Parma - 47 min by train
Parma Page
Bologna - 1 hr, 9 min by train
Bologna Page
Verona - 1 hr, 13 min by train
Verona Page
Florence - 1 hr, 49 min by train
Florence Page
Genoa - 1 hr, 50 min by train
Venice - 2 hrs, 27 min by train
Venice Page
Cinque Terre - 2 hrs, 45 min by train
Trainline is the best for planning all your day trips!
Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan
An incredible day spent exploring Switzerland! Aboard the Bernina Red Train enjoy a stop in St. Moritz among other towns with the Swiss Alps as your backdrop!
Barolo Wine Tasting & Alba All Day
Enjoy a day spent in Milan's wine country with a stop in Alba for truffles and their renowned food plus a winery and castle to taste the best of the area!
