Milan-Cortina 2026: The Ultimate Last-Minute Guide

The 2026 Winter Olympics are just around the corner. This is not the time to wait or feel unsure. If you read this, you may already have your flights booked and your tickets in hand. Now, it is time to plan what you will do next and have a good strategy for the winter olympics in Milan, Italy.

The truth about these Games is that there is a lot of space between the two places. Milan and Cortina are not close. There is about 400km between them. You will need at least 2.5 hours to get from one place to the other. If you have to go back and forth every day, it will be very tiring and it is best not to do that.

To help you have a good and easy trip, we put this guide into two simple parts. You can choose the one that fits where you want to stay. There is also a special section for people who want to try both of them.

Path 1: The Urban Experience (Base: Milan)

If you like to be in the city, feel the energy of the Opening Ceremony, and have fun with Ice Sports, this is for you.

If you stay in Milan, you get to use a the good metro system. It is easy to be on high-speed trains here, too. You can feel all the Olympic excitement in this city, but you do not have to face the cold of the mountains.

The Classics (Must-Sees)

The Living Room of Milan: Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is the oldest shopping place in Italy that still works today. The roof is made of iron and glass, and it looks beautiful. Tradition: Find the bull mosaic on the floor. Stand on it and spin around three times on its testicles to bring you good luck.
The Gothic Giant: You should not miss the Duomo when you go to Milan. This is the third biggest church in the world. Pro Tip: Buy a ticket to go up to the rooftop. You can see the golden Madonna statue up close, and on a clear day, you will see the Alps from here.

The “Swish” Escape: Lunch in Lugano

When the city is busy, it can feel a lot. A day trip to another country can help. Lugano, Switzerland is close and you can get there by train. The trip takes a bit over an hour. This is a good place to go for a day trip.

The Vibe: People often call Lugano the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland.” The city is fancy, very clean, and quiet. It sits on a glacial lake with tall mountains and nice villas around it.
Do This: Take a direct EuroCity train from Milano Centrale. After you get there, walk by the lake on the Parco Ciani path. Then, ride the funicular to the top of Monte Brè for great views. Try saffron risotto at a Grotto near the lake. Before you leave, stop at Läderach and get some real Swiss chocolate.

Milan’s Hidden Gems

The Bone Church: Step away from the busy streets and visit San Bernardino alle Ossa (near the Duomo). This small chapel is calm and covered with bones and skulls. It feels a little strange, but it is very interesting and there is not much noise.
Pink Flamingos: Walk past Villa Invernizzi on Via Cappuccini. When you look through the gates, you can see real pink flamingos in the private garden. They add some bright color to the grey of winter.
District of Silence: Go for a morning walk on Via Vivaio. You will find art nouveau buildings and some gardens that feel hidden away. This place gives you peace in the middle of the busy city.

Path 2: The Dolomite Experience (Base: Cortina)

Many people come here for the snow. They also love to be on the slopes. A lot of us want to feel that classic Winter Games excitement.

If you get a hotel in the mountains, you will have a great time. The Dolomites are on the UNESCO World Heritage list for a good reason. Stay there and enjoy the mountain air.

Cortina’s Hidden Gems

Dinner on a Farm: Get away from all the VIP spots and sit down for a meal at El Brite de Larieto. The place is known for its butter, cheese, and meat, all made on the farm. The feel at the farm is simple and real. Like when you walk in, you can smell pine in the air. It lets you feel a deep link to the land.
A Sauna in the Sky: When you want a break from the cold, stop at Rifugio Lagazuoi (2,752 meters). You can use the sauna on the outdoor deck. Feel the steam on your skin while you look at sharp mountain tops. Make sure you book a spot before you go.
The Silent Walk: If you do not ski, you can take a walk up to Lago Federa. There is a frozen lake with trees all around. It will feel so quiet and calm there.

The “Enthusiast” Segment: Doing Both

For the people who like the game a lot and have tickets for the events in Milan and Cortina.

If you want to go to Milan for the Opening Ceremony and also see the Skiing in Cortina, you must really like these events. But this is not something you can do as a day trip.

The Reality Check: The trip from Milan to Cortina will take around 2.5 to 3 hours one way. If there is bad weather or a lot of cars on the road, the trip may take even longer. A round trip means you will spend 5 to 6 hours in the car. That is a lot of time to be on the road for just one day.

The strategy is simple. Do not look at this trip as just another ride. It helps to think of it as two separate parts of your trip.

Pack Smart: Use the KiPoint / Deposito Bagagli service at Milano Centrale if you want to leave your big suitcases. Bring just a backpack with you to the mountains. The trains will be full, and carrying big bags will be hard.
The Transfer: It is better to use the high-speed Olympic train lines for this trip. Do not drive by yourself. Parking in Cortina is hard to get. The mountain roads may need snow chains, and you need to know how to drive on those roads.
Stay Over: If your event in Cortina is done late at night, do not try to go back to Milan right after. If you cannot get a room in town, check the valley towns nearby. You can catch the train back in the morning.

Where to Drink in Milan? (Bars, Cafes, Aperitivo)

Sunset at Navigli: Start your time in this old part of the city. The area is famous for its pretty canals. Sit by the water at one of the bars. Have a Spritz and watch the sunset shine on the water.
The Icon: Make sure you try Aperitivo at Bar Basso. This place is a legend. The bar is also the home of the Negroni Sbagliato.
Chic & Intimate: If you want a more fancy feel, Cafe Trussardi is the place. It has a stylish mood and you get to drink cocktails made with fresh, local things.
Coffee Break: People who love coffee need to go to Pasticceria Marchesi. You can drink strong espresso and have rich pastries here. It is a great choice for an afternoon snack or coffee.
Late Night: End your night at The Botanical Club. It has a range of craft cocktails. Many drinks here use homemade syrups and plants to give you a new taste.

The Final Checklist (For Everyone)

It’s too late to plan ahead now. But there is still some time left to get through these last few weeks. Here is how you can make it work.

1. Digital-Only Ticketing

No Paper: There will be no paper tickets.
The App: You need to get the “Tickets MilanoCortina2026” app. Make sure you log in before you leave home.
Power Up: Your phone is your ticket. In cold weather, phone batteries run out quicker. Bring a strong power bank. If your phone doesn’t work, you will not get in.

2. Dining Reservations

If you have not set up places to eat yet, you need to get it done today.
Pro Tip: If the top times to eat dinner (like 8:00 PM) are packed, you can try getting a spot for “Aperitivo” around 6:00 PM. Or, you can go for a late meal at 10:00 PM. In Italy, a lot of people eat late, so eating at 10:00 PM is also normal.

3. The “Two-Climate” Pack

Milan: The air in Milan is damp and cold, with the temperature around 6°C. A warm wool coat will help you feel comfortable. Waterproof leather boots help you walk safely if the ground is wet.
Cortina: It is dry in Cortina and much colder, with temperatures near -6°C. You should put on thermal clothes that work well in freezing weather. A puffy jacket and snow boots with strong grip will keep you warm and steady.

Explore Milan Italy: Your Last-Minute Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Milan-Cortina 2026: The Ultimate Last-Minute Guide