Milan, Italy in April (Easter): The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Travel Guide + 5-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to Milan, Italy in April around Easter? Spring is one of the absolute best times to visit Milan — mild weather, blooming parks, festive holiday energy, and fewer crowds than peak summer. Whether you’re coming for iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, luxury shopping around the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or modern architecture near Bosco Verticale, this stylish northern Italian city offers far more than a quick stopover. In this guide, you’ll find a complete 5-day Milan itinerary for Easter weekend, including where to stay near the city center, the best things to do in Milan in April, pet-friendly restaurants, hidden neighborhoods like Quartiere Cinese, and practical tips to help you experience Milan like a local — even if you’re traveling with a small dog.

Note: This trip was originally taken in 2022. At the time of publishing, we’ve verified that all locations listed are still open. That said, pet policies and hours can change without notice — we always recommend checking directly with each venue ahead of your visit to ensure the most up-to-date information.

Where to Stay in Milan (Pet-Friendly Hotel Near the Duomo)

📍Montenapoleone Suites — 4 stars in Milan’s city center. a Luxury Location Without Luxury Prices. Convenient location for high-end shopping and being center to everything!

If your goal is to walk everywhere, this boutique suite hotel in Milan’s fashion district (Quadrilatero della Moda) Via Montenapoleone, is nearly unbeatable.

Why this hotel is ideal for tourists + dog parents:

🐾 Pets under 10 kg stay FREE
🚶 11-minute walk to the Duomo
🚇 3-minute walk to San Babila metro station
🏰 About 2 km from Sforzesco Castle
🛍️ Located in the Quadrilatero della Moda luxury shopping area
🛏️ Spacious suites (rare in historic European buildings)

Room Recommendation: Juliet Suite — ideal for couples or solo travelers wanting extra space.

👉 Official site: https://www.montenapoleonesuites.com/en/

How to Get to Milan from Switzerland

Traveling from Zurich to Milan by train is fast, scenic, and stress-free.

🚄 Direct EuroCity train: ~3 hours 15 minutes
🐾 Small dogs allowed onboard for free
🏔️ Stunning Alpine views en route

To get from Switzerland to Milan by train, the main operators are:

1. Trenitalia (Italy’s national railway)

Route: From Zurich, Geneva, or other Swiss cities → Milan
Trains: EuroCity (EC) international trains
Booking: Trenitalia Official Website

2. SBB/CFF/FFS (Swiss Federal Railways)

Route: Swiss domestic operator, sells tickets for international trains to Milan
Booking: SBB.ch
Trains: EuroCity (EC), usually direct Zurich–Milan in ~3h 30min
We used SBB

3. Ticket Tips

Book in advance to secure reserved seats, especially during holidays or weekends
Tickets can be bought via both Trenitalia and SBB — pricing may slightly differ
Border controls for customs (VAT) are done at Chiasso, Switzerland, for land crossings

✅ Pro Tip: EuroCity trains have comfortable seating, power outlets, and often a dining car — perfect if you’re traveling with a dog (Chance traveled in his carrier without issues).

5-Day Milan Itinerary for Easter Weekend

Day 1 — Arrival + First Taste of Milan

Afternoon arrival from Zurich

3:00 PM — Check into hotel
Stroll through the fashion district
Grab a late lunch (many Italian restaurants close 3–6 PM)

🍕Late Lunch: 📍Fratelli La Bufala: One of the few places open mid-afternoon.

Why go:

Authentic Neapolitan pizza
Outdoor seating for dogs
Central location near major shopping streets

Pet Boutique Stop: 📍 For Pets Only Srl — luxury pet accessories in the fashion district. Perfect for stylish Pet travelers.

Day 2 — Historic Milan + Rooftop Views

This day covers Milan’s iconic landmarks within walking distance of each other.

📍Piazza della scala: Monument to Leonardo da Vinci. A lively square surrounded by shopping and cafés.

⛪📍Duomo di Milano: Milan’s most famous landmark — breathtaking Gothic architecture.

Note: Dogs are not allowed inside the cathedral but can explore the square.

🛍️📍Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: One of the world’s oldest shopping malls.

✔️ Spin on the bull mosaic for good luck — a Milan tradition
✔️ Dogs allowed inside on leash

🍹Rooftop Aperitivo: 📍Terrazza Aperol: Unbeatable views overlooking the Duomo.

Classic Italian spritz experience
Outdoor seating suitable for small dogs
Perfect golden-hour photo spot
Depends on the time walk-ins can take +20mins, best to grab a reservation first!

🍝Lunch: 📍Bellavista Milano

Local favorite for:

House-made pasta
Relaxed atmosphere
Dog-friendly seating

🍣Dinner: 📍Miyabi Milano: Unexpected highlight of the trip. This is still the best sushi we’ve had even after all these years!

Why it stands out:

Modern Minimal decor, friendly staff and fresh sushi and big portions at reasonable prices (compared to NYC)
Well behaved dogs welcome
So good we returned twice!!

Day 3 — Food, Fashion & Gelato

🥪Lunch: 📍Panino Giusto: Located near the Duomo.

Gourmet Italian paninis
Fresh salads
Quick and convenient between sightseeing

🍨Gelato Stop: 📍Pasticceria Bastianello: Opulent operation with artful cakes, espresso & gelato in an elegant room with chandeliers. Warm hospitality and excellent gelato — staff even offered samples to our dog Chance (only in Italy!)

🛍️ Luxury Shopping District: Explore boutiques from Moncler, Fendi, and more along Via Montenapoleone.

🍣Dinner Round Two: Return to 📍Miyabi Milano if you loved sushi as much as we did! Note: This place is only open 3 days a week so please check ahead!

Day 4 — Easter Sunday in Milan’s Chinatown + Modern Districts

Milan’s Chinatown is one of Europe’s largest and most vibrant.

🏮Quartiere Cinese (Via Paolo Sarpi)

Chinatown (Quartiere Cinese) borders the Centro Storico area, and is a multi-ethnic district around pedestrianized Via Paolo Sarpi. The streets are strung with Chinese lanterns and lined with food markets and shops selling silks and leather, while dining options range from dim sum restaurants and tea shops to Asian street-food stands. Contemporary art exhibitions take place at the Fabbrica del Vapore cultural center.

Dim sum restaurants
Asian bakeries
Bubble tea shops
Markets and specialty stores
Chinese lantern-lined streets

Key Features and History

Location: Situated north of the historic center, between Monumental Cemetery and Corso Sempione.
Origins: The roots of Milan’s Chinatown trace back to the 1920s when the first Chinese immigrants, primarily from the Zhejiang province, settled in the city. They established themselves in what is now Chinatown, initially focusing on the silk and textile industries, which complemented Milan’s growing reputation as a fashion hub. Growth Over the Decades: The community expanded over the decades, and by the late 1990s, Chinatown had evolved into a bustling commercial area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses. Today, it stands as one of Milan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, blending traditional Chinese culture with the contemporary Italian way of life. It is estimated that about 27,000 Chinese people live in Milan today: not all reside in Chinatown, but almost all of them go there often
Culture & Food: The area is known for handmade dumplings, noodles, and, increasingly, a blend of Asian influences (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese).
Events: Hosts a major, lively parade for the Lunar New Year.
Atmosphere: Primarily a pedestrian area, making it ideal for walking and exploring, with a mix of traditional and contemporary shops.

🍽️ 🛍️ Food & Shopping Stops

📍Mo Sarpi — Chinese Dumpling restaurant. If you are Milan and need a quick chinese snack, this is the place to go. I strongly recommend the 肉夹馍 (skip the baozi) The meat portions are very generous and if you are like me, ask for some chilli on it and enjoy!
📍The Oriental Mall — Modest shopping destination offering clothing, goods & Chinese, Korean & other Asian eats.
📍Bokok Ristorante —A slice of Hong Kong in the heart of Milan If you’re looking for an experience that combines traditional dim sum with a modern atomphere this is your spot. They were very cool with Chance being in a bag (or didn’t even notice) which made it dog friendly at the time we visited.
📍Mocano — For the best bubble milk and fruit teas in Milan, try Mocano. The classic milk tea with tapioca is perfectly creamy with chewy pearls. Spacious, quiet, and cozy — Multiple floors with a cool HK street market vibe, great for studying (lots of students) or relaxing. Bonus: the takoyaki is a tasty savory treat!

🌿 Walk Toward Milan’s Ultra-Modern Skyline

🏢 📍Microsoft Italy (Viale Pasubio area) Continue toward the city’s most futuristic district.

🏙️ 📍Porta Garibaldi: A trendy neighborhood blending historic gates with contemporary architecture, boutiques, and nightlife.

Porta Garibaldi in Milan is a vibrant, modern district North of the city center, renowned for the historic 19th-century Neoclassical arch, skyscrapers around Gae Aulenti Square (like the UniCredit Tower), and the Bosco Verticale. It is a major commercial, nightlife, and transportation hub (Porta Garibaldi Station) with, upscale boutiques, and cafes

✨📍Piazza Gae Aulenti: The Piazza Gae Aulenti is the epicenter of Milan’s most modern neighborhood. The square was inaugurated on 8 December 2012 and is dedicated to the renowned female architect Gae Aulenti.

The Piazza Gae Aulenti and the surrounding buildings are the results of the regeneration of the neighborhoods Garibaldi, Isola, and Varesine. The area is a mix between the city’s historic center and the financial district.

The square and its buildings

The redevelopment plan was directed by the Argentine architect Cesar Pelli and its main nucleus is the Piazza Gae Aulenti, elevated 6 meters above the street.

The square is surrounded by various buildings, all with surprising designs. The most impressive is the 231-meter-tall Unicredit Tower, which is currently the highest skyscraper in Italy.

Another of the highlights is The Vertical Forest, a pair of towers covered by 2.000 species of plants.

A footbridge connects the square to the Corso Como, one of Milan’s liveliest streets with plenty of stores, restaurants, and bars.

An innovative square: The modern and innovative aspect of Piazza Fae Aulenti lives in harmony with the buildings that surround it and with the area’s illumination. When the sun sets, the square comes alive with a show of lights, music, and water. Moreover, the Solar Tree in the center of the square lights the area with LED lighting using solar energy.

Not to be missed

The Piazza Gae Aulenti has become one of the top attractions in Milan. To enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Milan, you can climb to the top of the Unicredit building.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Piazza Gae Aulenti is along with Navigli, one of the best places to go out at night. It offers countless clubs, restaurants, and trendy bars.

Metro: Garibaldi Fs, lines 2 and 5
Tram: Stazione Garibaldi, lines 10 and 33; Dogana (Duomo), line 24

Nearby places

Cimitero Monumentale (833 m)Milano Centrale Railway Station (1.2 km)Pinacoteca di Brera (1.3 km)Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli (1.4 km)Galleria d’Arte Moderna (1.5 km)

🌳 📍Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano (BAM): A beautiful green space perfect for relaxing with a dog.

🌿📍Bosco Verticale: The world-famous “Vertical Forest” towers covered in thousands of trees and plants — one of Milan’s most photographed modern landmarks.

🍷Easter Dinner: San Pietro Cafe, Milano

Located: Corso Buenos Aires, 6, 20129 Milano MI, Italy

📍 San Pietro Cafè — Easter Dinner Review

3.8 ⭑⭑⭑⭑ (2,705 reviews)

For Easter Sunday dinner we found ourselves at San Pietro Cafè — a well-known local bistrot and enoteca right on Corso Buenos Aires, a classic Milan street full of casual cafés and restaurants. The space itself has a welcoming vibe with indoor seating, an outdoor dehor, and a wine list showcasing biodynamic wines from the Tenuta San Pietro estate — perfect for a leisurely holiday dinner.

That said, recent reviews online are mixed. Many visitors praise the friendly ambiance, wine selection, and vibrant atmosphere, but there are also frequent comments about inconsistent service and average food quality compared with price — particularly on busy nights or when the kitchen gets backed up. Some guests feel that portion sizes and service don’t always match the cost — and a few reviews specifically call out slow or disorganized service.

Our Honest Take

San Pietro Cafè wasn’t our first choice — it was our third.

We headed toward the Corso Buenos Aires area, where more restaurants were open on Easter Sunday — and San Pietro accommodated us properly. Our first restaurant turned us away because of Chance. The second made us wait 20 minutes, then tried to seat us at a tiny table in front of the bathroom with no space for him as my service animal. That didn’t feel right.

The atmosphere was lively, the wine was good, and after almost not being seated anywhere, it felt like a win. At around €200 for two with wine, the price was comparable to a NYC holiday dinner. Not a luxury dining destination — but for a festive Easter evening when most places were closed, it delivered. 🍷

Lesson Learned 🐾

When traveling with a dog — especially abroad or on holidays — always call ahead or have multiple backup options. Even in a city as modern as Milan, not every restaurant is prepared (or willing) to accommodate a dog — service animal or not. Easter Sunday made it even harder, with many places closed or fully booked.

Having a Plan A, B, and C saved our night. Travel is smoother when you:

📞 Call ahead to confirm pet policies (if you can)
📝 Make reservations when possible
📍 Research nearby backup dining options
⏰ Avoid peak holiday hours when flexibility is limited

It’s not about lowering your standards. It’s about protecting your experience — and your peace. Because nothing kills a celebratory dinner faster than being turned away at the door with no backup plan.

Day 5 — Sunrise Magic + Navigli Canals

🌅7:00 AM — 📍Piazza del Duomo

Empty. Silent. Unreal. We stayed specifically 5 mins away so we can try to get empty shots of Duomo. Best core memoriyChance ran freely across the square — a core memory for Milano we’ll never forget!

🛍️ Return to the Galleria for photos

🚶Canal District: 📍Navigli

Navigli is known for its twin canals, cobblestone streets, and effortlessly cool “hipster” energy. Contemporary art galleries sit beside vintage shops, independent boutiques, and tucked-away wine bars and even a craft beer scene— giving the neighborhood a creative, slightly bohemian vibe that feels worlds away from the grandeur of the Duomo.

By night, Navigli becomes the heartbeat of Milan’s nightlife scene. Dining ranges from casual pizzerias to romantic waterside trattorias, with edgy bars and even clubs set on barges lining the canal.

Don’t miss:

🛍️ Viale Papiniano Market — a bustling flea market known for leather goods, accessories, and local finds
🕰️ Mercatone dell’Antiquariato — the beloved monthly antiques market that draws collectors searching for jewelry, vintage décor, and rare treasures

We first discovered Navigli in 2014 during our honeymoon tour — wandering the canals hand in hand, soaking in the romance of it all. Coming back a decade later, this time with our dog Chance, felt surreal. Same canals. Same golden light. But a completely new chapter. And honestly? It felt even more magical! ✨

We recreated our honeymoon photo here — now with Chance. Travel evolves, and so do we. ♥️

🌳Largest Green Space: 📍Parco Sempione

Located behind Sforzesco Castle, this park is ideal for dogs to decompress after days of city walking.

Day 6 — Returning to Switzerland via Chiasso

💸 VAT, Shopping & Crossing Back to Switzerland (Milan → Chiasso → Zurich)

One thing we made sure to do while in Milan was a little shopping — the VAT refund in Italy is typically more favorable than in Switzerland, especially for fashion and luxury goods.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: if you’re crossing into Switzerland by train, the VAT process is very different from flying. Instead of handling everything at the airport, you’ll need to take care of customs and validation at the border — which adds an extra step, but is totally manageable if you plan ahead. 🛍️✨

📍 Chiasso — Italy/Switzerland border

When comparing VAT refund percentages across European destinations, we prioritized shopping while in Milan — because the VAT (IVA) refund in Italy is significantly higher than in Switzerland, making it a smarter place to purchase fashion and luxury goods.

🇮🇹 Italy VAT (IVA): ~22% on most goods (eligible for partial refund for non-EU travelers)
🇨🇭 Switzerland VAT: ~8.1% standard rate

That difference adds up — especially when shopping for fashion or luxury items.

But here’s the catch: if you’re leaving Italy by train into Switzerland, the VAT refund process is very different from flying. Instead of handling it at the airport, you’ll need to validate your forms at the border (like Chiasso) before entering Switzerland.

A little extra effort — but worth it for the savings. 🛍️✨

🇮🇹 VAT in Italy — Official Rules

In Italy, VAT (called IVA – Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto) is already included in the price of most goods.

Standard VAT rate: 22% on most items like fashion and luxury goods
Reduced rates: 10%, 5%, and 4% depending on category (food, books, etc.)

Who Can Get a VAT Refund?

According to Italian law (D.P.R. 633/1972, Article 38-quater):

You must be a non-EU resident
Purchases must be for personal use (not resale)
Goods must be exported out of the EU within 3 months
You must get customs validation when leaving the EU

Important Rules Travelers Miss

Minimum spend: €70.01 per store (per receipt)
Only physical goods qualify — NOT hotels, restaurants, or experiences
Items should be unused when leaving the EU

👉 And most important:
If you don’t validate your VAT forms at customs before leaving the EU, you lose the refund completely.

If you fly, VAT is handled at the airport. But when you take the train from Milan to Zurich, you’re crossing from:

👉 EU (Italy) → non-EU (Switzerland)

Which means:

✔ You must complete VAT validation at the land border (Chiasso)
✔ Not later in Zurich

EU VAT rates do not change every year for every country, but they can and frequently do change based on local legislation, economic conditions, and EU regulations. While a minimum standard rate of 15% is required by EU law, member states set their own rates and updates often happen, such as 2026 increases in Estonia and Slovakia.

📍 Chiasso — The Real Process

Chiasso is the official border crossing point between Italy and Switzerland.

This is exactly what we did:

Got off the train in Chiasso
Located customs inside the station
Presented:
- Passport
- Receipts
- Purchases (if requested)
Submitted VAT forms for validation

We built in buffer time for this — and thankfully, it was smooth.

🇨🇭 Entering Switzerland — Official Customs Rules

Once you cross into Switzerland, a second layer of rules applies.

According to the Swiss Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS):

All goods must be declared without being asked
You can import goods duty-free only up to CHF 150 total value per person per day
Anything above that may be subject to Swiss VAT or import tax
You must keep receipts and documentation ready

For train travel specifically:

If no customs officer is onboard, you must:
- Get off at the border station (like Chiasso), OR
- Use declaration systems like QuickZoll

🐾 Our Experience

We had about 2 hours in Chiasso before our connection to Zurich.

We:

Declared our purchases
Dropped off paperwork
Waited for our next train

And honestly?

It was way easier than expected.

No stress.
No long lines.
Just something you need to know ahead of time.

Pet paperwork note:
We carried an EU pet passport issued in Switzerland. It wasn’t checked, but always travel fully prepared.

✨ Pro Tips (Save Yourself the Headache)

🚆 Do NOT take a tight connection — give yourself buffer time
🧾 Keep all receipts + VAT forms organized
👜 Keep items accessible (you may need to show them)
🇨🇭 Know the CHF 150 rule — Switzerland is strict
📍 Plan your route with a Chiasso stop if shopping

Why Visit Milan in April (Spring Season)?

✔️ Comfortable temperatures (55–70°F / 13–21°C)
✔️ Spring flowers in parks and plazas
✔️ Easter events and festive atmosphere
✔️ Fewer crowds than peak summer [except on Easter weekend. Most locals have the week off.]
✔️ Ideal weather for walking tours

Final Thoughts: Is Milan Worth Visiting?

Navigating Milan with a Dog

Because we based ourselves in Milan’s prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District), finding pet-friendly cafés, restaurants, and aperitivo spots was surprisingly effortless. This area — anchored around luxury boutiques and major tourist landmarks — is highly accustomed to international visitors, so dogs are generally welcomed with warmth and curiosity. The trade-off, of course, is price: dining and drinks here skew expensive, reflecting both the location and clientele.

Venture beyond the fashion district into more residential neighborhoods, however, and the atmosphere shifts in the best possible way. You’ll discover lively, authentically local spots with lower prices, fuller tables, and fewer tourists — though pet policies can be less predictable since these establishments primarily serve residents rather than visitors. We personally love seeking out these neighborhood gems for a more immersive experience. Tip: Speaking Itallian is a huge plus and even a few vital words can earn you some smiles!

Important note: Chance my trained service animal. Out of respect for public establishments and fellow diners, he remains in his carrier the entire time we are indoors. For quick photos, he may step out briefly, but he goes right back into the bag — where he happily relaxes while his humans enjoy their meal. Traveling responsibly with a dog isn’t just about access; it’s about consideration, preparation, and making the experience comfortable for everyone involved.

Spring in Milan: The Pet-Friendly Travel Guide: 5 Day Itinerary near the Duomo