On our Italy and Switzerland trip we stopped in Milan for 2 nights and one full day on our way from Florence to Zurich. Milan was a very comfortable, modern, international city. In August, it provided a great break from the heat of Rome and Florence!
If you’re thinking of going to Rome or Florence on your trip to Italy, read about our other itineraries: 2 days in Rome, and 4 days in Florence
The only thing we had planned in Milan was visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard. This is a museum in the city (not a big vineyard) and it was so worth it! If you go, you have to get the audio guide or go on a guided tour. We did the audio guide and although it’s a small property, it was a great history of da Vinci and the artist families and property in Milan.
After Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard, my mom found this fantastic business right next door! It’s called Autentico. They plan food-centric overnight stays throughout Italy in places like small vineyards or family cheese producers. This is typically purchased with some type of food on-site at their shop or you can order a package as a gift along with an overnight stay. I look forward to working with them in the future and perhaps trying some of their overnight stays!
The shop itself was great! I stocked up on pasta and aged balsamic vinegar! It’s also possible to do formal wine and food tastings there!
In the afternoon, we went to see Bosco Verticale – very cool! This is a spot to stop by, or perhaps hang out in the park nearby. Guided tours are not common, but it’s an awesome piece of architecture.
We also went shopping in the city center near the Duomo. Most of our shopping was window shopping the high-end stores with the exception of a long stop at Zara!
For food, Milan is known for Risotto and we love Risotto! On our first night we went to a place with traditional lombardian food including great Risotto. The second night we went to a fried pizza place. We were recommended by a chef that we met at our pasta class in Florence. I loved it and it was a lot lighter than I expected! My parents hated it. It was worth a try!
Finally, we ended our night along the cancals. There were so many cute restaurants and bars in the Navigli neighborhood where the canals are located.
We were able to see a lot with one day in Milan! We enjoyed the city and enjoyed our stay at Hotel dei Cavalieri . Next on the bucket list for that region of Italy are the lakes! Lake Como is a short train ride from Milan, so Milan is a great base for that area if needed.
If you’d like help planning your trip to Milan or elsewhere, let me know at my Trip Inquiry Form!
