Planning a 4-day trip to Milan and wondering how to make the most of it? I recently explored Milan and its surroundings, and I’ve put together this detailed itinerary based on personal experience, including tips on transportation, prices, and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss. You’ll spend 2 days exploring Milan’s rich history and vibrant food scene, and 2 days discovering the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps.
Arrival and Transportation: Save with Conetpass + The Fork App
Flying into Milan Malpensa Airport, you have a few options for getting into the city. A one-way shuttle bus to Milano Centrale costs about €10, while the Malpensa Express train costs around €13. But here’s a pro tip: we used the Conetpass 3-day ticket for €38.50, and it was worth every cent.
What’s included?
- Round-trip transfer from the airport
- 3-day Milan public transport pass
- €25 cashback if you sign up for The Fork app (you can use this at many restaurants and cafés)
The Fork is a game-changer—it lets you reserve tables and unlock discounts at specific time slots. You should still use the app even if you don’t get Conetpass.
Important: The Conetpass ticket must be picked up at a kiosk in Piazza Giovine Italia, not at the airport or Milano Centrale. To get there, take a metro ride (costs €2.20) from Centrale.
Day 1: Classic Milan – Duomo, Castles & Sunset Canals
Start your Milan adventure early with a visit to the iconic Duomo di Milano. I recommend arriving by 9 AM to avoid the crowds. Grab breakfast on the go or nearby, then head straight to the cathedral.
There are many ticket options. We booked the Combo Stairs for €22, which includes:
- Access to the cathedral
- Terraces (via stairs)
- Duomo museum and the Church of San Gottardo
For €4 more, you can upgrade your Duomo ticket to include lift access to the rooftop. However, keep in mind that the descent is still via the stairs, so wear comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Book your ticket online here in advance.
⚠️ Check if the rooftop is under construction—if it is, the experience may not be worth it.
For lunch, we ate at Crazy Pizza—famous for its live pizza dance shows and fun vibe. The food is slightly overpriced, but the experience is worth it if you’re up for something entertaining. Tip: You must make a reservation or you won’t be allowed in, even if it’s empty.
After lunch, walk to the luxurious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then continue to the historic Castello Sforzesco. Entry to the castle grounds is free and open from 7 AM to 7:30 PM. If you’d like to visit the museums, here are the prices from the official website:
- General admission: €5
- Reduced (ages 18–25, over 65): €3
- Free for under 18s
- Free entry on the first Sunday of the month and Tuesdays after 2 PM (first and third Tuesday of each month)
On your way to the Castello, make sure to stop by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Even if you’re not a coffee addict, it’s fascinating to see all the steps involved in making a cup of coffee, especially when you can watch it all for free.
Next, stroll through the gorgeous Parco Sempione, which sits right behind the castle. Relax on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or just take in the calm atmosphere. Walk all the way to the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) for great photo ops.
To end the day, head to Navigli, Milan’s canal district. Watch the sunset with a gelato or dinner by the water. If you’re with your partner, add a little romance by placing a love lock on Ponte Alda Merini.
Day 2: A Peaceful Day in Lake Como (Varenna)
Time for a day trip! Take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna, one of the most charming towns on Lake Como. A one-way ticket costs only €7.40, and the journey takes about an hour.
Varenna is peaceful and stunning, with plenty of lakeside cafés and restaurants offering spectacular views. Don’t miss a visit to Villa Cipressi, home to the famous floral gate with purple flowers.
- Entry to the gardens: €10 (adults) / €5 (students)
- You can also visit Villa Monastero, another highlight
- A combined ticket for both villas costs €15
From Varenna, take a short ferry ride across the lake to Bellagio or Menaggio. Relax by the water, enjoy ice cream, and just soak in the views. Afterward, return to Milan by train in the evening.
Day 3: Bernina Express to Switzerland – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Ride
This is the highlight of the trip: the Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys.
We decided to start in St. Moritz, Switzerland, to have more time there. We took a 3-hour bus from Milan in the early morning and arrived around 10 AM. Remember, Switzerland isn’t in the EU roaming zone, so your phone might lose connection. We solved this by getting an eSIM from Mobimatter (cheap and fast), and if you use my code “SALMA27126”, you will get a 50% cashback (up to 5$) on your first purchase.
After exploring St. Moritz, we boarded the Bernina Express to Tirano. The train crosses the Swiss Alps, passing snowy peaks, green valleys, waterfalls, and lakes—sometimes all in a single view. It really feels like all four seasons are packed into one journey.
Arriving in Tirano, you’ll find a peaceful town with not much to do beyond visiting the Santuario della Madonna church and grabbing a drink. After a short break, we took the bus back to Milan.
We booked the whole trip via GetYourGuide and it was magical. Use my code “SALMAVENTURES5” for 5% off on any Getyourguide experience!
Day 4: Eat Like a Local and Discover Hidden Gems
Spend your final day taking it slow and enjoying Milan’s best food. Start with breakfast at Van Bol & Feste, a cozy bakery near Castello Sforzesco, known for its great croissants and coffee.
For lunch, don’t miss Osteria da Fortunata, famous for handmade pasta prepared right in front of you. It’s hugely popular on TikTok—and for good reason. Be prepared to wait 45–60 minutes, as they don’t take reservations. But trust me, it’s worth every minute. It was the best pasta I ever had in my entire life!
Afterward, you can go shopping, explore local markets, or revisit any spots you didn’t have time for earlier in your trip. Milan has a lot more to offer once you know where to go.
Final Thoughts
Milan is more than just fashion and finance—it’s a city full of beauty, energy, and unforgettable food. Combine that with a trip to Lake Como and the Bernina Express, and you’ve got the perfect 4-day itinerary. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, Milan offers something for everyone.
Price Summary for 4 Days in Milan and Beyond
✈️ Transport & Passes
- Airport Shuttle (Malpensa – Milano Centrale): €10 (one way)
- Malpensa Express Train: €13 (one way)
- Single metro/bus/tram ticket in Milan: €2.20
- Conetpass 3-Day Ticket: €38.50
- Includes airport round trip, 3 days public transport in Milan, and €25 The Fork cashback
- Train to Varenna (Lake Como): €7.40 (one way)
- Bernina Express Tour (via GetYourGuide): ~€130–€150 (varies by date and option)
- Bus Milan to St. Moritz (one way): included in tour
- Return from Tirano to Milan (bus): included in tour
🏛️ Attractions
- Duomo Pass (staircase + cathedral + museum): €22
- Book online: Duomo Official Site
- Castello Sforzesco Museums:
- Adults: €5
- Reduced (18–25, over 65): €3
- Free under 18 or during free entry times
- Info: Castello Official Site
- Villa Cipressi (Varenna):
- Adults: €10
- Students: €5
- Villa Monastero (Varenna):
- Adults: €10
- Combined ticket with Villa Cipressi: €15
- Ferry across Lake Como (Varenna to Bellagio/Menaggio): ~€5–7 (one way)
🍽️ Food & Dining
- Crazy Pizza Milan: ~€25–€40 per person
- Van Bol & Feste (breakfast): ~€5–€10
- Osteria da Fortunata (fresh pasta): ~€15–€20
- Gelato/Ice Cream: ~€3–€5
- The Fork Cashback: €25 (only with a new account via the Conetpass offer)
📶 Internet
- Mobimatter eSIM for Switzerland: from €2.99–€10 (varies by GB & days), use my code “SALMA27126” for 50% cashback (up to $5) on your first purchase!
- Available at: mobimatter.com