Weekend a Milano: cosa vedere e dove andare
Milan is a city that never ceases to amaze and is perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to discover its historical and artistic icons, an event enthusiast, or a “slow” traveler in search of hidden corners, the Lombard metropolis always has something new to offer. In this article, we suggest three thematic itineraries to help you enjoy a tailor-made weekend in Milan.
A weekend in historic and artistic Milan
If this is your first time in the city or if you simply love trips steeped in history and art this “classic” Milan itinerary is ideal for you. To begin your immersion in the heart of Milan, start with the Duomo, a unique Gothic masterpiece in Europe, and climb up to its terraces for an unforgettable panoramic view (book your ticket online to avoid long queues!).
Then walk through the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to reach Teatro alla Scala, the world’s temple of opera. If possible, we recommend attending a performance from its rich program it’s truly an unmissable experience. In the afternoon, explore the Brera district, with its cobblestone streets and the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses masterpieces by both Italian and international artists. End your day with a stylish aperitivo in the lively Porta Garibaldi district.
On Sunday, you can focus more on the city’s historic side, starting with Castello Sforzesco, which contains museums and valuable art collections, followed by a stroll through nearby Parco Sempione. Less conventional but equally fascinating sites include the Monumental Cemetery, a true open-air museum, and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, home to works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio.
Milan for social life enthusiasts
If you want to experience the city at its most vibrant, plan your weekend around one of the major annual events that draw visitors from all over Italy and the world. Milan has a packed calendar of internationally renowned events that can make your visit truly unique, especially:
- In spring: Fuorisalone and Design Week, when the entire city transforms into an open-air art gallery with exhibitions and installations animating the Brera and Tortona districts.
- In autumn: Fashion Week, an unmissable September event along the streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda.
- At Christmas: L’Artigiano in Fiera, a huge fair featuring culinary specialties and unique crafts from all over the world, plus the Christmas markets in Piazza Duomo, where lights and festive aromas fill the air.
These events are always extremely popular, so it’s wise to book accommodation well in advance and be prepared for large crowds.
“Slow” Milan: relaxing walks and discoveries
If the hustle and bustle of fairs and events isn’t for you, we suggest a more intimate and authentic itinerary, featuring peaceful neighborhoods and green spaces. Begin at the vibrant heart of the city, the Naviglio Grande, where you can admire the colorful houses, antique shops, and traditional osterie perfect for a lunch of Milanese specialties like saffron risotto or ossobuco. In the afternoon, take some time to unwind at the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, an oasis of tranquility in the city center near Porta Venezia, and end your day with a relaxed outdoor aperitivo.
On Sunday, rent a bike and ride along the Martesana Canal cycle path, which winds through greenery and leads you out of the city, offering a fresh perspective. Alternatively, lose yourself in lesser-known neighborhoods such as Isola, now a lively hub of street art and creativity.
If you need a car for your on-the-road journey, you can rely on one of our rental offices in Lombardy to find the solution best suited to your plans (in particular, you’ll find plenty of Locauto car rental locations in Milan).
