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Milan in a Day: The Ultimate Extreme Day Trip on a Budget

There’s travel… and then there’s extreme day tripping. This is the story of how I jetted off to Milan for one single day, conquered the city’s most iconic sights, devoured its finest dishes, and made it back to the UK before midnight – all without breaking the bank.

If you’re hunting for cheap flights and a hit of high-speed adventure, Milan is calling.

✈️ Booking the Dream – Cheap Flights & Easy Access

The secret to successful extreme day trips? Cheap flights, early take-offs, and solid planning. I scored a return with Ryanair from Manchester to Milan Bergamo for just £39. If you’re flexible with dates and travel light, there are often return deals under £50 from most UK airports.

Milan’s Three Airports:

  • Bergamo (BGY) – budget hub, 1 hr coach to city (€10 return).

  • Malpensa (MXP) – good for international connections, 50 mins by train.

  • Linate (LIN) – closest to the city, 20 mins by taxi or local bus.

From Bergamo, I grabbed a Terravision shuttle, and by 10AM, I was sipping espresso in Milan’s buzzing centre.

Things to See and Do in Milan

The Duomo di Milano
Traditional Milanese Lunch
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Optional: Santa Maria delle Grazie
Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione

💳 Extreme Day Trip Cost Breakdown

Item Approx. Cost
Return Flight (Ryanair) £35–£70
Airport Transfers €10–€15
Duomo Ticket €17
Lunch & Coffee €25–€30
Metro Day Pass €4.50
Total £100–£130

💰 Suggested Daily Budget – Milan Edition –

For an extreme day trip to Milan, budgeting around €90 to €140 should comfortably cover your main expenses while letting you soak up the city’s style and culture. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Transport: €15–€25
    Includes airport transfers (e.g. shuttle from Bergamo) and a metro/tram day pass to get around the city easily.

  • Food & Drink: €25–€40
    Enjoy a proper Milanese lunch (think risotto alla Milanese or a veal cutlet), plus coffee breaks and a light dinner or aperitivo.

  • Sightseeing: €20–€30
    Covers entry to top attractions like the Duomo rooftop, museums, or galleries.

  • Extras: €10–€20
    Gelato, a souvenir, or a spritz while people-watching in a piazza.

This budget allows for a rich one-day experience — whether you’re admiring Renaissance art, sipping espresso in a designer arcade, or simply wandering Milan’s effortlessly stylish streets. Spend smart and you’ll enjoy maximum Milan with minimal spend.

Money Saving Tips

1
💡 Fly Midweek & Book in Advance Cheap flights are the backbone of any extreme day trip. Travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to track deals weeks in advance. Early morning departures and late-night returns usually offer the best value.
2
🚌 Use Public Transport (And Grab a Day Pass) Instead of taxis or Ubers, grab an ATM day pass (€4.50) for unlimited metro, tram, and bus travel within the city. Milan’s transport system is fast, reliable, and covers all major sights — perfect for fitting in more without spending more.
3
🏛️ Prioritise Free Attractions While the Duomo rooftop or Last Supper may have entry fees, many of Milan’s best spots — like Parco Sempione, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or the fashion district — are totally free to explore. Window shopping and people-watching here are world-class activities.
4
🥐 Eat Like a Local Skip tourist traps near major landmarks and look for small trattorias or bakeries a few streets back. A proper Milanese lunch or a slice of pizza with a coffee won’t break the bank. Or try an aperitivo hour: order a drink and enjoy a complimentary buffet of small bites — dinner, sorted!

🌍 Why You Should Try Extreme Day Trips

Life’s too short for “maybe next time.” Extreme day trips are about saying yes to spontaneity, leaning into the adventure, and making the most out of just 24 hours. Milan proved you can eat, explore, and embrace a whole new culture – all in a single day, and without emptying your wallet.

Whether it’s fashion, food, or pure travel bragging rights you’re after, Milan delivers.

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14 April 25

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