Feeling spontaneous? A last-minute Milan city break could be right up your strada. This famously fashionable Italian city is our top pick for an impulsive break.
Booking flights can bring many benefits (not to mention a well-deserved holiday) – but some are more unexpected than others. For instance, our research on the science of spontaneous travel has found that booking last-minute trips can help to reduce stress. It also brings a touch of playfulness to everyday life, making things more enjoyable. And we’ve discovered that some of the most spontaneous-friendly deals will get you to the cultural city of Milan.
At just under two hours from London by plane, Milan is the perfect distance away for a short break. It also offers excellent value for money, if you know where to go. Best of all, our research shows that this northern Italian city has seen the biggest flight price drops since pre-pandemic levels. An average return fare now costs about a third of its price two years ago.
So you’ve booked your cheap flights to Milan. What next? Our recommendations for a 48-hour Milan city break takes in some of the city’s most unique attractions, without breaking the bank.
48 hours: our Milan city break itinerary
Day one
Morning
Start your Milan city break with breakfast from three-storey Italian food temple Peck. First opened in 1883, this gourmet heaven sells everything you need for a morning picnic. You’ll find ripe seasonal fruits, vintage cheeses and cream-filled pastries. Choose some nibbles and take them to Sempione Park to devour on the tree-lined lawns. Or, find a bench near the artificial lake, where flocks of birds gather to bathe.
After you’ve fuelled up, head to the park’s Castello Sforzesco – a 15th-century citadel which is now home to seven museums. From ancient art to musical instruments, it covers a wide range of Milan’s history and culture. The Ospedale Spagnolo (Spanish hospital) section is home to Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pieta.
Afternoon
For a wallet-friendly lunch on the go, it’s hard to beat a piadina. These grilled-flatbread sandwiches are filled with fresh, Italian ingredients like creamy mozzarella, melt-in-the-mouth prosciutto and juicy roast vegetables. There are lots of places to grab one, but Piadineria Artigianale Pascol is renowned for its fresh, generous fillings. Try the No.25 (Trentino speck with gorgonzola and walnut pate) or the No.83 (avocado, porcini mushrooms, mozzarella, chopped pistachio and salad).
Next up is the iconic Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) – a must-visit during any Milan city break. This impressive church took 600 years to build and is full of Renaissance paintings, thousands of statues and even a nail believed to be a relic from the crucifixion. Time your visit for the sunset and enjoy incredible golden-hour views from the cathedral’s roof terrace. On clear evenings you can see all the way to the Alps. Book tickets in advance to skip the queue.
As night falls, hop over to the vibrant Navigli district for Aperitivo – the Italian ‘happy hour’ tradition of free snacks to accompany sundown cocktails. Each bar has its own approach, with some (like MAG Café) serving cheese and charcuterie platters while others (such as Carlo e Camilla in Segheria) serve more substantial, tapas-style dishes.
Day two
Morning
Head out of the centre and grab a coffee at photogenic Bar Luce. The 50s-inspired interiors look like something out of a Wes Anderson film – mainly because they were designed by the quirky American filmmaker himself. Despite its popularity, it won’t break your budget – an espresso will set you back €1.50.
The café sits in the lobby of Fondazione Prada, a contemporary art gallery based in a former gin distillery and run by the world-renowned Prada fashion family. Design fans will find the vast museum well worth the €15 entry price, with several permanent and temporary conceptual art exhibits spread across the post-industrial buildings. If you’re not keen on going inside, it’s still worth wandering around the courtyard (for free) and soaking in the atmosphere.
Afternoon
Back in the city centre, take in one of Milan’s most macabre attractions, Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa. This 13th-century church is known for its ossuary, where human skulls and bones were excavated from a nearby graveyard when it ran out of space in 1210, and rearranged in a baroque wall design in the 18th century.
No Milan city break would be complete without some designer window shopping. Ooh and aah at the windows of innovative concept store, 10 Corso Como. Tucked into a courtyard to the north of the centre, it’s filled with curated pieces from some of the world’s top labels. (If you can’t leave without some new threads, snap up a bargain at the store’s hidden outlet on 3 Via Tazzoli).
Stay on at 10 Corso Como to explore its design-led book shop, stylish cocktail bar and (free) art gallery. In the past, this has hosted exhibitions by famous fashion photographers like Annie Leibowitz, Bruce Weber and David Bailey. The roof terrace is the perfect place to catch your final Milanese sunset.
Inspired? Book your Milan city break with Skyscanner
Fancy a few days of Italian food, fashion and culture? A last-minute Milan city break could be just the ticket. With great value flights and some cheap under-the-radar things to do, spontaneous travel can be good for your mind and your wallet. Type ‘Milan’ into the search box below and treat yourself to a last-minute Italian getaway.
