✨ Milan, Italy – Couple's City Exploration Itinerary

Dates: August 15, 2025 – August 24, 2025

✈️ Introduction

Welcome to your 9-day Milan adventure for couples! This itinerary is crafted for those eager to explore Milan’s rich history, art, architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods, all while indulging in world-renowned Italian cuisine. Expect a blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, leisurely strolls, and memorable dining experiences.

August in Milan is warm and lively, with locals on summer holidays, meaning some smaller shops may close, but major attractions remain open. Notably, Ferragosto (August 15), a national holiday, falls on your arrival date. This means:

• Some businesses, restaurants, and shops may be closed on the 15th and 16th.
• Popular sites and open restaurants may be busier than usual.
• Hotel and flight prices are typically higher; book activities in advance.

General Recommendations:

• Milan is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Credit cards widely accepted; have some euros for small purchases and taxis.
• Most locals speak some English, especially in central areas.
• Standard schedules: shops 10 AM–7 PM, museums 10 AM–6 PM, restaurants 12–3 PM & 7–11 PM.
• Dress smart-casual; Italians appreciate style, but comfort is key for exploring.

🗂 Travel Glossary

📅 Daily Itinerary

📅 Day 1 – Friday, Aug 15: Arrival & Ferragosto

• 🕘 Day Summary: Arrival, settle in, gentle strolls, Ferragosto celebrations.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • Arrive in Milan (Airport/Station transfer to hotel)
    • Taxi, shuttle, or Malpensa Express to city center (45–60 min).
  • Check-in & Unpack
    • Early check-in if possible; refresh and relax.
  • Evening Walk – Piazza del Duomo & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (6:00 PM)
    • Marvel at the Duomo’s façade and the stunning glass-domed arcade.
    • Enjoy lively Ferragosto ambiance; street musicians, local festivities.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs; avoid large bags, keep valuables secure.
  • Light Dinner in the Brera District (8:00 PM)
    • Romantic streets, open-air seating.
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Many shops/restaurants may be closed; check ahead or ask hotel for open places.
  • Use metro or taxi to reach central Milan if tired.
  • Great photo ops: Duomo at sunset, Galleria’s mosaics.

📅 Day 2 – Saturday, Aug 16: The Heart of Milan

• 🕘 Day Summary: Discover Milan’s most iconic sights—Duomo, rooftop, and Galleria.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast at a classic Milanese café.
  • 10:00 AM – Duomo di Milano & Rooftop
    • Explore the cathedral’s interior and climb to the rooftop for panoramic city views.
    • Duration: 2 hrs; pre-book skip-the-line tickets (Duomo tickets).
  • 12:30 PM – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
    • Admire the architecture, window shop luxury brands, spin your heel on the bull mosaic for luck.
    • Duration: 1 hr.
  • 1:30 PM – Lunch nearby
  • 3:00 PM – Museo del Novecento
    • Modern & contemporary Italian art, unique views of the Duomo from inside.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs.
  • 5:00 PM – Gelato break
  • 6:00 PM – Stroll in Piazza del Duomo
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner in the city center
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Early morning best for Duomo photos.
  • Bring a hat/sunscreen for rooftop visit.
  • Walking distance: 3–4 km total.
  • Souvenirs: small shops in the Galleria.

📅 Day 3 – Sunday, Aug 17: Art & History

• 🕘 Day Summary: Immerse in Milan’s royal and artistic past—Sforza Castle, Sempione Park, Brera.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
    • Explore courtyards, museums, Michelangelo’s last sculpture.
    • Duration: 2 hrs (Castle info).
  • 12:30 PM – Sempione Park
    • Relaxing stroll, Arco della Pace, people-watching.
    • Duration: 1 hr.
  • 1:30 PM – Lunch at park-side trattoria
  • 3:00 PM – Pinacoteca di Brera
    • Italy’s premier art gallery—masterpieces from Raphael, Caravaggio, and more.
    • Duration: 2 hrs (Pinacoteca tickets).
  • 5:30 PM – Explore Brera District
    • Romantic, bohemian vibe, boutique shops, art studios.
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner in Brera
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Sunday: some museums may close early—check times.
  • Metro/tram to Sforza Castle; walk to Brera.
  • Best photo spots: castle moat, Parco Sempione, Brera’s narrow lanes.

📅 Day 4 – Monday, Aug 18: Renaissance & La Scala

• 🕘 Day Summary: Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy and the world of opera.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – Santa Maria delle Grazie
    • Home to The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
    • Strict timed entry, book months in advance (Tickets).
    • Duration: 1 hr.
  • 11:30 AM – Walk to nearby cafés
  • 12:30 PM – Lunch
  • 2:00 PM – Teatro alla Scala & Museum
    • Tour the legendary opera house, see costumes and instruments.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs (La Scala tickets).
  • 4:00 PM – Coffee/pastry break
  • 5:00 PM – Shopping in Quadrilatero della Moda
    • Window shop world-famous fashion boutiques.
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner in the fashion district
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Strict dress code for The Last Supper—no sleeveless tops/shorts.
  • Use metro for quick transfers.
  • Evening: consider an opera or concert at La Scala (check schedule).

📅 Day 5 – Tuesday, Aug 19: Milanese Life & Monumental Cemetery

• 🕘 Day Summary: Local life, unique architecture, hidden gems.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast in Isola District
  • 10:00 AM – Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)
    • Open-air museum with stunning sculptures and mausoleums.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs.
  • 12:00 PM – Villa Necchi Campiglio
    • Art deco mansion with gardens; glimpse into 20th-century Milanese life.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs (Villa Necchi info).
  • 1:30 PM – Lunch in Porta Venezia area
  • 3:00 PM – Porta Venezia shopping or Corso Buenos Aires
    • Trendy shops, local boutiques.
  • 5:30 PM – Aperitivo (Milanese evening ritual)
    • Try a classic Negroni or Campari Spritz.
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner near the hotel
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Cemetery is peaceful but bring water and respect silence.
  • Best photography: morning light, Villa’s gardens.
  • Use tram/metro for longer distances.

📅 Day 6 – Wednesday, Aug 20: San Siro & Modern Milan

• 🕘 Day Summary: Football heritage and Milan’s futuristic skyline.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – San Siro Stadium & Museum
    • Legendary home of AC Milan & Inter—stadium tour, museum, locker rooms.
    • Duration: 2 hrs (San Siro tickets).
  • 12:30 PM – Lunch near CityLife
  • 2:00 PM – CityLife District
    • Modern architecture, shopping, art installations.
    • Duration: 2 hrs.
  • 4:00 PM – Relax at CityLife park
  • 6:00 PM – Return to hotel, rest
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner in Porta Garibaldi
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • San Siro: check match/concert schedule for special events.
  • CityLife: great sunset views, photo ops with skyscrapers.
  • Metro Line 5 (Lilla) for both San Siro and CityLife.

📅 Day 7 – Thursday, Aug 21: Navigli & Romantic Milan

• 🕘 Day Summary: Canals, art studios, vibrant nightlife.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – Stroll Navigli District
    • Historic canals, artisan shops, colorful murals.
    • Duration: 1.5 hrs.
  • 11:30 AM – Visit local art galleries
  • 1:00 PM – Lunch along the canal
  • 3:00 PM – Vintage shopping or art browsing
  • 5:30 PM – Aperitivo by the water
    • Enjoy Milan’s best evening atmosphere.
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner in Navigli
    • Lively, romantic, perfect spot for couples.
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Thursday evenings: local markets & live music.
  • Try a canal boat tour (optional, book in advance).
  • Metro/tram to Porta Genova.

📅 Day 8 – Friday, Aug 22: Day at Leisure or Short Excursion

• 🕘 Day Summary: Flexible day—relax, revisit favorites, or take a half-day trip.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Leisurely breakfast
  • 10:30 AM – Optional: Half-Day Excursion
    • Options: Lake Como, Bergamo, Monza (train 30–60 min).
    • Or: Shopping at Galleria or Corso Como.
  • 1:30 PM – Lunch (destination or Milan)
  • 3:00 PM – Return to Milan, rest
  • 5:00 PM – Last-minute shopping or gardens
  • 8:00 PM – Dinner at a favorite spot
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Trains are frequent, tickets via Trenitalia.
  • Relax in Giardini Pubblici if staying in town.
  • Use this day for anything missed earlier.

📅 Day 9 – Saturday, Aug 23: Farewell Milan

• 🕘 Day Summary: Relaxed farewell, final strolls, souvenirs, check-out.
• 📌 Detailed Activities:
  • 9:00 AM – Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM – Light walk in central Milan
    • Piazza del Duomo, Via Torino, or a favorite district.
  • 12:00 PM – Last-minute shopping or café stop
  • 1:00 PM – Check-out and transfer to airport/station
    • Allow 2–2.5 hrs for airport transfer (Malpensa Express or taxi).
• 🎯 Special Tips for the Day:
  • Ask hotel for luggage storage if you have a late departure.
  • Airport transfer: Malpensa Express.
  • Collect VAT refund forms for big purchases.

🍽️ Recommended Restaurants

Vegetarian/vegan options available at most places. Book dinners in advance, especially weekends.

🧠 Extra Travel Tips

📖 Useful Italian Phrases

• Hello / Goodbye: Ciao / Arrivederci
• Please / Thank you: Per favore / Grazie
• Do you speak English?: Parla inglese?
• Where is…?: Dov’è…?
• I’d like to order…: Vorrei ordinare…
• How much does it cost?: Quanto costa?

🚍 Local Transportation

• Metro/Tram/Bus: Buy tickets at metro stations, newsstands, or via the ATM Milano app.
• Day passes available (24h, 3-day).
• Google Maps & Moovit are reliable for planning.
• Bike/scooter sharing: BikeMi, Lime, Dott (download apps).
• Taxis: Official stands or app (FreeNow, IT Taxi).

👕 Clothing & Practicalities

• Light, breathable fabrics for hot days; stylish yet practical.
• Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen recommended.
• Evenings may be cooler—carry a light jacket.

🕰️ Useful Schedules

• Shops: 10 AM–7 PM (closed Sundays or during Ferragosto)
• Museums: 10 AM–6 PM (some closed Mondays)
• Restaurants: 12–3 PM, 7–11 PM (dinner starts later)
• Supermarkets: 8 AM–8 PM (may close Sundays/holidays)

🔗 Useful Links

• Duomo tickets
• The Last Supper tickets
• Pinacoteca di Brera tickets
• La Scala tickets
• Trenitalia – train tickets
• ATM Milano – metro/tram tickets
• Malpensa Express
• Official Milan Events Calendar

🏁 End of Trip

• Last day: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final stroll through the city center or your favorite neighborhood.
• Airport transfer: Allow 2–2.5 hrs. Malpensa Express from Centrale or Cadorna stations is fastest; taxis are reliable.
• Check-out: Ask about luggage storage if your departure is later in the day. Confirm check-out time with your hotel.
• VAT Refund: For purchases over €154.94 in a single store, request a tax refund form (passport needed).

💶 Estimated Total Expense (Per Couple, Mid-Range)

Note: Prices vary by season and personal choices. Ferragosto may increase some costs. Book in advance for best rates.

Have an unforgettable, stylish, and romantic Milanese adventure! 🇮🇹✨