Weekend: visit Milan in three days

• Lunch
  Take a seat in one of the district’s historic restaurants, such as Il Marchese Milano where you can savor proud Italian cuisine — sometimes Roman, sometimes Milanese — in a delightful Art Deco setting.
• Afternoon
  Devote your afternoon to Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. As well as allowing you to discover its magnificent architecture, the adjacent museum retraces the venue’s history, punctuated by memories of the artists from Verdi to Liszt who have marked this famous opera stage. Depending on your tastes, continue by visiting Gallerie d’Italia, which is home to a rich modern art collection, or Poldi Pezzoli Museum, known for its paintings by Renaissance masters and refined objets d’art.
• Evening
  When night falls, head to Brera, Milan’s bohemian neighborhood. Its narrow-cobbled streets, art galleries, and niche boutiques make it a charming spot for a stroll. Sit down in a trattoria, where you can enjoy fresh pasta or a risotto alla Milanese deliciously flavored with saffron in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

• Morning
  The day begins with meeting one of the greatest geniuses in history: Leonardo da Vinci. You can admire his masterpiece, The Last Supper, a real must-see in Milan, in the former refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Access is strictly limited so remember to book your tickets in advance. Then treat yourself to a nature break in Parco Sempione, the city’s largest green space, which is perfect for a walk. In the park, the Triennale Design Museum, dedicated to the history and innovation of Italian design from the 1930s to the present, is worth a visit.
• Lunch
  When the weather is nice, order a takeaway panini from one of the park’s stands. If the weather is unpredictable, take a seat in Terrazza Triennale, the museum’s scenic restaurant, which enjoys a soothing view over the gardens.
• Afternoon
  Continue your exploration of the park in the Castello Sforzesco, a 15^th-century fortress that houses several museums behind its thick red brick walls. Don’t miss the Rondanini Pietà Museum, where you can find Michelangelo’s last unfinished sculpture, and, in the Museum of Ancient Art, the Sala delle Asse room with botanical frescoes painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Evening
  In the evening, enjoy one of Milan’s traditions: aperitivo. In the lively Porta Garibaldi neighborhood, the bars and restaurants are each more creative than the last when it comes to offering cocktails accompanied by delicate nibbles. For dinner, book a table at Locanda Perbellini, a restaurant renowned for its Italian cuisine with a spin.

• Morning
  For your last day, you can dive into the world of the Italian grand masters. Milan offers you a choice: the Pinacoteca di Brera, nestled at the heart of the neighborhood of the same name, brings together a long list of Italian masterpieces, including treasures by Caravaggio, Bellini, and Raphael; if you prefer a more intimate setting, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, known for its fine collection of paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, is a just as fascinating experience.
• Lunch
  Then treat yourself to an exceptional lunch experience at Sadler, in the elegant Casa Baglioni in a characteristic Liberty style — the Italian Art Nouveau. This Michelin-starred restaurant combines the refinement of Milanese cuisine with creative daring.
• Afternoon
  Devote your last afternoon to the Quadrilatero della Moda, with rows of boutiques belonging to top Italian and international fashion houses. Stroll along Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga, streets that showcase Italian luxury, before taking a break in a cafe on Via Alessandro Manzoni. If chic shopping holds little appeal, visit the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, a little-known gem of Milanese heritage.
• Evening
  For your last evening in Milan, make your way to the Navigli in the south-west of the city. Lined with cafes and restaurants, these historic canals offer an enchanting setting and banks that are extremely popular in summer. Take a seat in an osteria at the water’s edge to savor traditional cuisine, while soaking up the atmosphere of the Naviglio Grande, which boasts a wealth of craft shops and vintage boutiques, or the calmer, more understated Naviglio Pavese.

If you extend your stay, you can take a day trip to Bergamo, located an hour from Milan. There you will discover the Città Alta, its hilltop medieval center, ramparts listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Colleoni Chapel, a Renaissance masterpiece adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.