Milano 3-Day Itinerary

Free permanent collection at Milan's modern art museum in a 18th-century palace. Includes works by Modigliani, Picasso, and De Chirico.

🕐 09:00-17:30 Tue-Sun (closed Mon)

💡 It's free but no online booking needed. The temporary exhibitions cost extra but are often skip-worthy.

A 16th-century church often called the Sistine Chapel of Milan for its complete frescoed interior by Bernardino Luini and his workshop. Entry is free, and you can also see the ruins of a Roman theatre

🕐 Tue–Sun 9am–12.30pm, 2–5.30pm; closed Mon

💡 The tearoom next door (Caffè San Maurizio) is a good spot for a quiet coffee, but don't photograph the frescos with flash—the light damages them.

La Brasserie de Milan · ££

Pazzeria · ££

A 95-acre public park behind the Castello Sforzesco, with lawns, a small lake, and the Arco della Pace triumphal arch at its western end. Good for a picnic or a sit-down after the castle.

🕐 Daily 6.30am–9pm (closes earlier in winter)

💡 Bring snacks from the Mercato di Via Paolo Sarpi nearby; park benches fill up by noon on sunny days. The aquarium at the park's edge is free on the first Sunday of the month.

Art gallery housing Italian Renaissance masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna. Free on the first Sunday of the month. Tiny gift shop inside.

🕐 Mon 14:00-19:00, Tue-Sun 08:30-19:15 (closed Mon mornings and some holidays)

💡 Arrive 30 minutes before opening on free Sundays to avoid a 1-hour queue. Otherwise, standard tickets are €15, but you can book online at no extra cost.

The city's main park behind Sforza Castle. Large green space with fountains, statues, a small lake, and free public toilets.

🕐 06:30-21:00 daily

💡 Bring a picnic and sit near the lake. Avoid the small zoo enclosures if animal welfare bothers you.

Large, well-kept park behind Castello Sforzesco. Perfect for a picnic or a quiet walk, with views of the Arch of Peace and the castle walls.

🕐 Daily 6:30am-9pm (hours vary by season)

💡 Bring your own snacks—the on-site cafés are pricey. The grassy areas near the pond are less crowded than the main path.

La Mela Bianca

Radetzky Café

Large public park behind Sforza Castle, with lawns, paths, ponds and the Arch of Peace. Good for a picnic or a stroll away from traffic.

💡 Bring your own food from a supermarket near Cairoli metro station. The park café is expensive.

Large public park right behind Sforza Castle. Good for a walk, a picnic, or just sitting on the grass. You get a clear view of the Arco della Pace at the far en

💡 Go early on a weekday morning when it's quiet. The small pond near the Acquario Civico has decent birdwatching.

Gothic cathedral with a striking white marble facade. Free to enter, but queuing is almost guaranteed. Respect the dress code: covered shoulders and knees.

💡 Go just before noon on weekdays; it's quieter. Skip the paid rooftop trip unless you want the lift—stairs cost €5 but have long lines.

Large castle complex with free entry to the courtyards and grounds. You can wander the ramparts, gardens, and see Leonardo da Vinci's unfinished Sala delle Asse

💡 Join a free guided tour (usually 11am) from the tourist info point inside the castle. Check website for current times.

Scott Duff

Volta Street