Milan is one of the world’s fashion cities where you can dance the night away at a sultry nightclub designed by Giorgio Armani or stay (for a pretty penny) at the Bulgari Hotel.

A history of design and art seeps through Milan in more ways than just fashion, but it’s still pretty cool to see workshops in downtown areas and fashion models sauntering down the street. I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model, so imagining where they’re going—a go-see at a showroom, the model apartment—is second nature to me.

There’s amazing Lombardian cuisine and fascinating history to take in, so as with any big city two days is not really enough. Here’s an idea of what you can do over two days in Milan to get a feel for the city.

Day 1

Eat breakfast in Montenapoleone, Milan’s luxury shopping district

Where better to start your Milan trip than Montenapoleone, a glitzy corner brimming with designer stores and former palaces. Today Via Monte Napoleone is one of the world’s most famous fashion streets with the area home to showrooms, boutiques, and the flagship stores of luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Prada, Bottega Veneta, and more.

While you can grab an espresso anywhere, why not start your trip by indulging in breakfast at a historic caffè like Pasticceria Cova?

Visit the Duomo Cathedral

After breakfast, head to the Piazza Duomo, just a 15-minute walk away, to see the imposing Gothic cathedral that’s been under construction for almost a millennia. Constructed in gleaming marble, it’s arguably more impressive on the outside than inside so I recommend getting a combo ticket that includes a visit to the rooftop.

This way you can see the craftsmanship up-close, not to mention the views make a stunning backdrop for great photos. Elevators only service part of the ascent, so the lift addon isn’t worth it in my opinion. This ticket will also include a visit to the Museo Duomo which, through explaining the stewardship of the church’s development and its direction by the ruling party of the time, tells the story of Milan itself.

The cathedral and museum ticket costs 10 euros and to add a rooftop visit will cost 20 euros total. During the summer you can visit the rooftop during the evening and catch a music performance.

Sip on a spritz in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Adjacent to the Duomo is one of Milan’s other spectacular buildings, a shopping gallery named after Italy’s first king. You’ll find (again) the stores of large luxury houses, upscale shops, and restaurants.

Escape the flow of the crowds by stopping at Bar Camparino, an elegant Campari establishment named one of Best Bars of the world. Even if you’re not a fan of campari, there are plenty of other drink and food options. And don’t be intimidated by the fancy ambiance and formal waiters; the wait for a table is usually pretty short.

Taste classic Milanese dishes for lunch

There’s no shortage of things to do in the area around the Duomo, whether shopping or visiting other sites. Cool stops include the ossuary chapel at nearby Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, built to house the remains of pandemic victims in the 1200s, or the Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro with its gilded apse by Bramante.

But you may be hungry by now, so for traditional Milanese specialties like cotoletta di vitello and risotto, head to kitschy Risoelatte. Sit-down spots are typically open around 12 and close in the afternoon, so if you need a pick-me-up you can grab street food like focaccia sandwiches, piadina, or panzerotti. Panzerotti Luini is a popular spot for these sweet or savory pizza pockets.

Visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper

One of the artist’s most famous works is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Unlike the Mona Lisa, it doesn’t disappoint in person. First completed in 1499, what you see is a highly restored version due to various environmental effects (and World War II bombings!) but it’s striking nonetheless and one of da Vinci’s largest works.

Viewings are in 15-minute timeslots, so tickets are limited and always in demand. If you don’t get a ticket when they’re first released, don’t worry. There’s a few ways you can get last-minute tickets to the Last Supper.

Enjoy aperitivo and dinner along the Navigli canals

For drinks, head over to the Navigli district which has been built up with trendy bars, restaurants, and artisan boutiques in recent decades.

The canals here were originally built to transport the marble that was used to build Milan’s buildings, including the Duomo. Today it’s the perfect place to people watch and enjoy aperitivo at sunset. Enjoy the creative cocktail menu and friendly service at ADA Cocktail To Go.

Day 2

Soak in arts and culture in the Brera district

Brera is filled with antique shops, fashion boutiques, and all kinds of furniture and art galleries. Stroll down the Via Madonnina and Via Fiori Chiari to admire the wares, stopping at Panetteria Mercato for a quick bite.

Some of the city’s most prominent museums are here, including the Pinacoteca di Brera, focusing on art of the Lombardy and Venezia regions from Renaissance heavyweights like Carvaggio to romantic painters like Canaletto and Hayez. Truly for art enthusiasts, each work has a description (I found the explanations geared towards children quite interesting!).

Alternatively, you can visit museums dedicated to modern art, design, and of course fashion:

• Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is your next best bet to view works by the masters, also a Da Vinci codex, and it’s conveniently located close to the Duomo. Hit me up if you want me to share the audio guide (usually 5 euros) with you.
• The museums at Castello Sforezca offer something for everyone, with separate wings dedicated to art, archaeology, furniture, ceramics, instruments, and more. Once a royal residence and wartime fortress, you can also walk around the historic grounds for free.
• If you’re interested in how Italy become a country, Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento details unification from Napoleon’s first Italian campaign of 1796 to the annexation of Rome in 1870. Free to visit
• Design lovers will enjoy Triennale di Milano, featuring everything from art and architecture to cars, or ADI Design which includes a design poster in its admission price.
• Armani/Silos in Navigli provides fashion retrospectives of the design house, while Fondazione Prada features contemporary art and culture exhibits (not exclusive to fashion) with a cafe designed by Wes Anderson.

Take a break in Parco Sempione

After a museum visit, unwind by visiting the Parco Sempione directly behind Castello Sforza. At the north end of the park is the Arco della Pace, ironically erected to celebrate Napoleon’s military victories. Ernest Hemingway believed that the Arco della Pace was invisibly aligned with the Arc de Triomphe in A Moveable Feast.

It’s an easy to stroll from one side of the park to the other. Regardless consider rewarding yourself afterwards with gelato from Gusto 17.

Dine on a vintage tram

You may have noticed the vintage overground trams going around the city center. It’s a unique way to get around the city, and you can easily take the the 1 route from the end of the park to the other side of the Castello to get to your next destination.

But if you have the time, book a unique dining experience on the special ATMosfera historic tram which departs at Castello Sforsza. Dinners are available at 8 and 8:30 pm, while you can join for lunch only on Sundays at 1:00 pm. At 80 euros per person it’s not cheap, but it’s a unique way to dine not to mention see the city.

Tips for your first time in Milan

• Where to stay: Staying in the Centro Storico (historic center) is ideal for this itinerary.
• Getting around: Milan has many affordable transportation methods, including an easy metro service and bikeshares throughout the city. Taxis are cheaper than Uber here. Don’t be afraid to hail one! The lighted sign on top will indicate whether they’re available. Generally a trip within the center will cost 10-15 euros.
• Shopping: Some schedule changes will be needed if you find yourself shopping. But you don’t necessarily have to go back to your hotel, since many sites offer storage for bags. The tax refund office is available before security at the Milan International Airport.
• Continuing on: Milan is well located with charming towns and natural wonders easily accessibly by train. This makes it a good starting point, or even base, for exploring Northern Italy or even traveling to Switzerland or Slovenia. Locations like Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, Bergamo, Turin, and Parma are just an hour away.