Want to get a true taste of Milan in just one day? This guide walks you through what to eat and where to eat it, broken down hour by hour. You’ll sip espresso at elegant pasticcerias, try saffron risotto for lunch, have gelato in Brera, and enjoy aperitivo by the canals. All spots are hand-picked, local-loved, and easily reachable by foot or tram.
08:00 – Espresso at Pasticceria Marchesi 1824
Start your Milanese morning the traditional way: standing at the bar with an espresso and a cornetto. Marchesi 1824 is one of Milan’s oldest and most elegant pastry shops, known for its vintage green interior and perfect pastries. It’s now owned by Prada — and yes, it shows in the details.
- What to order: Espresso and cornetto
- Why go: Elegant, historic, part of Milan’s heritage
- Address: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Alternative: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.pasticceriamarchesi.com
10:30 – Pastry Break at Pasticceria Cucchi
This cozy family-run patisserie has been around since 1936. It’s the kind of place where locals sit with newspapers and chat over cake. Their apple tart and gianduja pastries are standouts — rich, not too sweet, and very Milanese.
- What to order: Torta di mele, gianduja pastry
- Address: Corso Genova, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.pasticceriacucchi.it
13:00 – Lunch: Risotto alla Milanese
If Milan had a signature dish, it’s this one. Made with saffron, butter, and slow-cooked rice, risotto alla Milanese is rich and golden. Choose between a classic or a modern version:
Option 1: Trattoria Masuelli San Marco
Old-school, charming, and serving risotto the traditional way — often with ossobuco.
- Address: Viale Umbria, 80, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.masuelli.it
Option 2: Ratanà
This spot blends Milanese roots with modern flavors. Chic, seasonal, and great for a more refined lunch.
- Address: Via Gaetano de Castillia, 28, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.ratana.it
15:00 – Gelato in Brera
Brera is Milan’s artsy district, full of cobblestones and charm — and perfect for a gelato stroll.
La Gelateria della Musica
Known for bold flavors and musical names. Pistachio and hazelnut are a must.
- Address: Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi, 4, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.lagelateriadellamusica.it
Cioccolati Italiani
Central, busy, and always reliable. Great stop if you’re near the Duomo.
- Address: Via San Raffaele, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.cioccolatitaliani.it
18:30 – Aperitivo in Navigli
Evenings in Milan mean aperitivo — a pre-dinner drink with small bites. Navigli, the canal district, is the best area to experience it.
MAG Café
Trendy, creative cocktails, and an intimate vibe.
- Order: Negroni, Campari Spritz
- Address: Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/magcafemilano
UGO
A hidden gem with vermouth-focused drinks and curated bites.
- Address: Via Corsico, 12, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugomilano/
Image suggestion: Aperitivo plates and canal sunset.
21:00 – Dinner
Time to slow down and savor. You can go modern or stick to rustic chic.
Dry Milano
Gourmet pizza meets upscale cocktails. Lively and stylish.
- Address: Via Solferino, 33, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.drymilano.it
Trippa
Trendy yet grounded. Think: seasonal plates, house tiramisu, and a crowd of foodies.
- Address: Via Giorgio Vasari, 3, 20135 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.trippamilano.it
23:00 – Nightcap at Ceresio 7
End your day with a drink overlooking Milan’s skyline. Ceresio 7 is polished, atmospheric, and a favorite for rooftop vibes.
- What to order: Amaro, Negroni
- Address: Via Ceresio, 7, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
- Website: https://www.ceresio7.com
Final Notes
This itinerary is easy to follow and doable in a single day with minimal transport. You’ll experience a mix of heritage, flavor, and local lifestyle — the way Milan is meant to be tasted.
Want more 24-hour city food guides? Subscribe to Azizanova for editorial travel content straight to your inbox.
