Milan – 2 Nights in Italy’s Fashion Capital

Quick Snapshots

Duration: 2 nights

Highlights: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Navigli sunset.

Vibes: Modern meets historical — glamorous, fashionable, and vibrant

First Impressions

Arriving in Milan felt exciting from the very beginning. The city was buzzing with movement, from the grand architecture around Milano Centrale to the fashion-forward locals walking the streets. Milan immediately struck me as a city where style meets history, and where every corner has a surprise waiting.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Pizza Night

I arrived in Milan and checked in at INNside by Meliá Torre Galfa. The hotel wasn’t in the historic center, but it was only a 5-minute walk to Milano Centrale, making it very convenient for arriving by train. The rooms were spacious, modern, and comfortable — a nice retreat after travel.

For dinner, I went to Crazy Pizza, an incredible spot to kick off my Italy adventure. The vibe was fun and energetic — with music, entertainment, and delicious pizza. My favorite was definitely the salami pizza, while the truffle one felt overpriced for the flavor (though still a cool try).

On my way back to the hotel, I got a little lost wandering, but it led me to a stunning illuminated mausoleum — such a magical surprise to see Milan’s beauty at night.

Day 2 – Milan Icons & Sunset in Navigli

After breakfast, I made my way to the Duomo di Milano. Tip: buy your tickets in advance and make sure to include the terraces. Standing inside was breathtaking, but the views from the terraces were unforgettable — the details of the Gothic spires up close are mind-blowing when you think of how they were built centuries ago.

Next, I walked into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and lunch. It’s not just about the luxury stores, the architecture itself is spectacular, with glass domes and mosaics. Plus, tax refunds for visitors make shopping even sweeter.

In the afternoon, I strolled through Milan’s fashion district, enjoying the stylish streets and window displays. By evening, I headed to the Navigli canals for sunset. This area is one of the most charming in Milan, lively, romantic, and full of restaurants.

I had dinner at Bugandé, where the crispy egg and linguini were absolute highlights. Sitting by the canal watching the sunset — it was the perfect way to close the day.

Milan is all about contrasts — centuries-old Gothic architecture right next to cutting-edge fashion houses. The city feels glamorous yet approachable, with lively aperitivo culture and romantic canals. It was the perfect starting point for my Italy trip, balancing sightseeing, dining, and little unexpected discoveries.

Getting around: I mostly used Uber, which made things easier since English wasn’t always understood by taxi drivers. With the app, I felt more confident getting to my destination. Spoiler alert: the one time I try a taxi, I ended up at the wrong Meliá hotel!
Book Duomo tickets in advance (Cathedral+terrace access highly recommended).
Shopping tip (Tax refunds: If you’re a non-EU visitor, you can claim a VAT refund in purchases over 70.01 euros in a single store/day. Ask for a tax-free form when you shop. When I shopped at Prada, they sent me to a VIP refund office where the process felt much smoother and personal. They handle all the paperwork and even got the refund right there. Since i was leaving the country by car, I had to show the stamped form and merchandise at the custom’s office in the Swiss border for validation. Note: If you skip that step, the will charge the amount back to the credit card you used for reimbursement.

Crazy Pizza: Fun atmosphere + great pizza (salami was the star!).
Mausoleum discovery: A nighttime wander that turned into a magical moment.
Bugandé in Navigli: Don’t miss the crispy egg — truly memorable.

INNside by Meliá Torre Galfa, a sleek modern hotel about a 5 minute walk from Milano Centrale. The location wasn’t right in the historic center, but it was perfect for train connections and day trips. The room was spacious, comfortable, and quiet, a convenient home base for exploring Milan and beyond.. Check availability on Expedia:

Crazy pizza: A fun, high energy dinner to kick off the trip.

Bugande (Navigli): Great food and great service. Enjoying dinner and a glass of wine siting by the canals at sunset, felt like magic.

Final Thoughts

Milan was the perfect introduction to Italy, stylish yet full of history, modern yet traditional. Two nights felt just right to enjoy the main highlights without feeling rushed. But beyond its own sights, Milan’s location makes it a great starting point for day trips, whether you’re dreaming of lakeside villages in lake Como or culinary adventures in Parma.

If you enjoyed this story, follow me on Instagram @vistabyilse for more travel reels, hidden
gems, and behind the scene adventures.

Note: These recommendations are based on my personal experiences during my trip. Prices,
opening hours and conditions may change, so always check official websites or local sources
before your visit. Don’t forget to stay aware of safety guidelines. Local regulations, and seasonal
weather when planning your trip.
Connect with me on Instagram @vistabyilse I’d love to hear about your Milan experience!