48 Hours In ... Milan: Eat Well, Explore More, Spend Less (2025)

Hey reader, I hope you're good. Today we will talk about Milan and how to experience it in the best possible way, given the fact that you have only 48 hours to wander around. But if you do it right, it’s more than enough. Let’s dive into it.

So, I won’t be covering transportation — that’s for another day.

Let’s assume you’re already in the city and just need to hear what Milan has to offer.

Given the fact that you're on this website — Horizon98 — I’ll assume a few things about you (in the best possible way, hahaha): you love to eat, you don’t want stress while traveling, you like to organize things in advance, and then just enjoy a beautiful day — eating good food, laughing a lot, and walking around to see whatever catches your eye. You also enjoy art, history, a little shopping, and then calling it a day. I guessed it right, didn’t I?

Here’s the list of things I suggest you visit:

Duomo di Milano

Duomo

Go to the city centre and see the Duomo di Milano. It’s a cathedral and its full Italian name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria Nascente. It’s kind of still under construction, it’s huge, and it took more than 600 years to build (I gotta throw in some facts like a real travel blogger).

All in all, it’s beautiful just to see it. You can go inside if you want, but I didn’t — I just took a few photos, admired it from the outside, and mentally scratched it off the list. It’s always crowded.

During winter, an ice rink and a giant Christmas tree usually light up the square in front of the cathedral — it really lifts the spirit.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

When you’re in front of the cathedral, you can’t miss the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world. If you have social media, you’ve most likely seen it already.

That’s the gallery with all the luxury designer brands, and it really looks — how do they say it — posh? Yeah. So posh.

Be aware: it’s one of the most crowded spots in all of Italy. During winter, many people walk through it just to stay warm. There are cafés and restaurants inside it as well.

Personally, I avoided them because I heard too many stories about how absurdly expensive they are. And let’s be real — God knows how many people walk through there every day. Nobody complains about the prices.

I even heard about people paying over 100 euros for two waters and two pastas. I was shocked… but sadly, that’s normal in tourist-heavy places.

When you're inside, make sure to take pictures — the roof is insane. There’s also a bakery inside called Pasticceria Marchesi 1824. Prices? HIGH. If it’s on your bucket list, go for it. If not — walk a few minutes and save yourself some money.

Leonardo3 Museum – Il Mondo di Leonardo

Leonardo 3 Museum

Near the exit of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll find the Leonardo3 Museum – Il Mondo di Leonardo, located just next to the gallery entrance.

It’s an interactive museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, sketches, and ideas, brought to life through digital reconstructions, 3D models, and multimedia displays. You can explore his flying machines, engineering concepts, and artistic mind in a very modern and immersive way.

One of the best things is the view from inside — you get a beautiful perspective of the main street leading into the Galleria. Take a few photos by the windows — it’s a really underrated photography spot.

Tickets are usually around 15 euros, depending on the season and current exhibitions. You can buy them on the official website or at the entrance. Definitely worth visiting if you want a quick, inspiring Leonardo experience right in the heart of Milan.

Food in the city centre = danger zone

Cesarino Milan

Food around the Duomo is expensive. Like… very expensive. You’ll regularly see pizzas for 40 euros and somehow people still eat them.

We ate at a sandwich place called Cessarino. There were two of us, and I paid 25 euros for two sandwiches and two small plastic cups of wine. That meal was worth maybe 8 euros — not 25.

Skip that place completely.

Instead, even in the city centre, go to Luini Panzerotti — cheap, fresh, and actually good. Both Cessarino and Luini are crowded, but at least Luini doesn’t make you feel robbed.

Gelato stop

Just behind the Duomo, CioccolatItaliani became my reset point — great coffee, amazing gelato, and a short escape from the crowd.

Bosco Verticale

That beautiful building

Milan also surprised me with its modern side — especially Bosco Verticale, two glass towers covered in trees and plants on every floor. It feels like nature climbed into the sky.

Honestly, just seeing it while exploring outside the centre is worth the effort.

Porta Nuova – Business district

Porta Nuova – Business district

Go see the business district too. You’ll find tech companies, modern cafés, and parks between glass towers. It’s perfect when you want to slow down and breathe after the busy centre.

Navigli district

Navigli

Navigli looks like a little piece of Amsterdam — not gonna lie 😄
Canals, sunset light, aperitivo, and slow evenings by the water.

Prices are fair. I remember paying under 15 euros for a burger and a beer. For Milan? That’s a steal.

Via Montenapoleone

Via Montenapoleone

If you want a taste of extreme luxury, Via Montenapoleone is your street. Designer stores everywhere, insane price tags, and sports cars parked outside like it's normal life.

Total bad and boujee energy.

And with that, my friend — that’s how you do Milan in 48 hours.

It’s a beautiful place, especially in winter, but don’t fall into tourist traps where you pay 25 euros for two sandwiches. You can always eat better and cheaper if you walk a little further.

Just keep your eyes open.