8 Days in Milan: Exploring the Hidden Gems

Victoria Goldenberg

11 Mar 2024

Embark on a thrilling journey through Milan's hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Discover ancient marvels, immerse in art and culture, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the fashion capital of the world.

Trip to Milan

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Botanical Gardens, Opera House, and Renaissance Splendor

$25

$ 5

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

15 - 18 min

Directions

Tranquil garden established in 1774 with flowerbeds, ponds & an arboretum with centuries-old trees.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Lavish 18th-century theater famous for Italian opera & ballets, plus a museum & music library.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

4 - 6 min

Directions

Outdoor exhibitions, markets & concerts often take place in this medieval public square.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

1872 marble-&-granite statue depicting the legendary Italian artist & inventor with 4 disciples.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

1 - 2 min

Directions

Adjacent to the Teatro alla Scala, this historic square features a monument to Leonardo da Vinci.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Day 2Abbeys, Basilicas, and Spiritual Serenity

$ 10

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

27 - 33 min

Directions

Gothic & Romanesque influences are visible in the elegant design of this 12th-century abbey.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

28 - 34 min

Directions

Old, Romanesque-style Catholic church with historic paintings & an attached museum.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Romanesque church with an elegant courtyard, plus a crypt where St Ambrose's remains are displayed.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Museums, Churches, and Artistic Wonders

$20

$ 5

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

Children's museum offering rotating interactive exhibits & workshops that promote play & creativity.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$10

10 - 15 min

Directions

This 13th-century Catholic church includes an ossuary with frescoes lined with human skulls & bones.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Elegant church dating from the 15th century, with regular services & an ornate gilded interior.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Historic 16th-century church & former monastery with vivid biblical-themed artwork & frescoes.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

15 - 18 min

Directions

Garden park & botanical garden with contemporary landscape design, restaurants & community events.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

•

$10

Day 4Gardens, Palaces, and Historic Landmarks

$13

$ 8

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

14 - 17 min

Directions

Small, traditional Italian garden constructed in 1555, with grassy areas, paths & a tranquil pond.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Sweeping staircases, regal hallways and artistic masterpieces at a grand 18th century palace.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$13

13 - 20 min

Directions

Archeological site made up of 16 Roman marble columns, next to remains of an amphitheater and baths.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

Contemporary skyscrapers & shops surround this modern square with fountains & colorful night lights.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

•

Free

Day 5Lakeside Retreat, Cathedral Splendor, and Tranquil Gardens

$24

$ 8

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

25 - 30 min

Directions

Popular park offering a lake for swimming, boating & fishing, plus a children's entertainment area.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

25 - 30 min

Directions

One of the largest cathedrals in the world, this iconic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$24

11 - 14 min

Directions

18th-century public gardens, home to the Natural History Museum, Palazzo Dugnani & planetarium.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6Monza's Cathedral, Royal Villa, and Urban Oasis

$13

$ 10

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

42 - 51 min

Directions

Parrocchia di S. Giovanni Battista - Duomo di Monza

Centuries-old church with a marble facade & ornate frescoes, plus a treasury of religious relics.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Grand neo-classical estate with royal apartments, a chapel, park and gardens, plus guided tours.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$13

18 - 22 min

Directions

Repurposed urban oasis with dense forest, flower meadows & waterways on a former industrial site.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Aquarium, Hidden Parks, and Majestic Castle

$31

$ 10

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

10 - 12 min

Directions

Acquario Civico e Stazione Idrobiologica di Milano

Family attraction with native & global aquatic flora & fauna as well as a marine biology library.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$10

30 - 36 min

Directions

City park on the site of a former quarry, with lakes, running/biking trails & bocce ball courts.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

21 - 26 min

Directions

Terracotta Renaissance church with elaborate Gothic interior, home to Da Vinci's The Last Supper.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$15

12 - 17 min

Directions

Huge Medieval-Renaissance fortress with historical museums & art by da Vinci and Michelangelo.

2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

•

Day 8Architectural Marvels, Cultural Hub, and Green Oasis

$32

$ 10

Hotel ibis Milano Centro

Depart from your stay 🏨

9 - 11 min

Directions

Cemetery known for its funerary sculpture in differing styles, some by famous artists/architects.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

Train/tram factory converted into an art complex embracing music, theater & dance, plus a cinema.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

19 - 23 min

Directions

A.C. & Inter Milan's home ground with regular soccer matches, plus museum and stadium tours.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$32

24 - 29 min

Directions

Park & gardens landscaped by Emilio Alemagna, with a tower, aquarium, theater & municipal library.

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $220 In total

Activities & Food:$157

Transport:$63