3 days in Milan: sights, hotels, restaurants, etc.

Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays! I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025. I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!

I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.

Hi Jean-François, Since you're going in 4 months, give Leonardo’s *The Last Supper* a shot. You’ll need to act fast, and since you’ll be there over Easter weekend, I’m not too hopeful. At least you’ll know for sure, and if you manage to get tickets, you’ll be lucky—it’s a really hard piece to see these days.

Other walks: - The area near Porta Ticinese (Darsena, Navigli) is nice. - *Parco Tre Torri* with its contemporary towers (west or northwest of the center). - If you keep going in the same direction (west or northwest) toward San Siro Stadium, you’ll reach the racetrack, where there’s a monumental statue of Leonardo’s horse at the entrance.

Hi there, I just checked the website (search for "cenacolo vinciano"). From what I read, no more tickets available for your dates for self-guided tours or tours in Italian. Still possible for tours in English.

Hi Michel, and thanks for all the details about Leonardo da Vinci’s painting. I also noted the neighborhoods to see and where to stroll.

About hotels and restaurants—any leads? If not, no worries, I trust my grandson to find some great tips on social media.

Besides the must-see classics (Duomo, Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco), there are plenty of interesting spots in Milan, depending on what you're most into. For example: - Museum of Science and Technology – if you land at Malpensa: Volandia, an aviation museum just a 10-minute walk from the terminal. - Modern art: Museo del Novecento. - Contemporary architecture: lots of projects all over the city, especially Porta Nuova and the striking Tre Torri. During the Easter weekend, expect crowds everywhere. Churches won’t be open for visits during services, which are more frequent at Easter. Also, double-check museum opening hours.

Hi Michel, thanks for your reply.

Okay, I’m making progress: Transavia booking done for Milan Malpensa, where I’ll probably take the bus to the city center. I think I know the terminus is Milano Centrale; that works out well since I’ve booked the hotel just a stone’s throw away, on Via Ruggero Boscovich.

For must-see sights, I’ll obviously do the Duomo, the Pinacoteca, Castello Sforzesco, and the Museum of Science and Technology. I’ve also planned a little trip to the park to see Tre Torri.

For wandering the streets and choosing restaurants, I’ll leave that to my grandson.

By the way, I haven’t checked if all these monuments are open during the Easter weekend!? I’ll get on that right away.

Hi, Add the Monumental Cemetery to your list. It’s well worth a visit. And to help your grandson with his choices, recommend the Isola district—it’s full of great spots for aperitivo, like Frida, for example. Super friendly and way more "authentically" Milanese (quotes because most actual Milanese won’t be in the city that weekend) than the Navigli or the hyper-center. Catherine

Hi Catherine, thanks for your message. I see you live in Milan, so I’ll ask my grandson to follow your advice—strolling around the Isola district and stopping by the "authentic" Frida. Thanks again.

Hi there Sorry to bother you—I saw you’d been to Milan. If you remember the hotel you stayed at near the central station, I’d be really interested! Thanks so much

Hey Isabel, there's the Central Hotel just a stone's throw from the central station at 15 Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini. The hotel is small with tiny rooms, but they're clean and budget-friendly. Downside: no air conditioning in the summer

the hotel where you slept near the central station,

There’s an Ibis hotel near the central station—I stayed there several times before COVID. Prices have gone up a lot since then, but it might still be one of the cheaper options.