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Oh Milano! Best things to do in Milan: itinerary tips and more

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It’s no secret that we love Milano! The best things to do in Milan are for those who love fashion, food, art, modern architecture. Sometimes unfairly compared to its prettier and more dramatic sisters Florence and Venice, Milan has its own special charms. In our opinion it is an important place to visit if you want to discover contemporary Italy.

Milan is fast paced, modern and fun but of course there are deep roots to the past. Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting is one of the city’s best known sights (you must prebook tickets to see it – click here for details )  but we think some of the best things to see in Milan are not the obvious tourist attractions.

Here is our travel guide and Milan itineraries to assist with your trip planning whether you’re visiting on a city break or as part of a longer trip through Italy. 

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Top sights and things to do in Milan

Milan’s hidden gems, shopping in milan, museums and galleries in milan, suggested milan itineraries, best tours of milan, where to stay in milan, where to eat in milan, milan with kids, day trips from milan, arriverdeci milan and onwards through italy.

Planning a trip to Italy? Join our free Italy Travel Planning Facebook group and read our detailed guide for tips, information and advice 

The centerpiece of the city, Milan’s Duomo is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture made from pink white marble. The streets of the city radiate from the cathedral that rises majestically over the piazza below and neighboring Galleria Emmanuele II. 

No trip to Milan would be complete without at least walking past the Duomo and admiring the exterior but you must also look inside to view the stained glass windows and venture up onto the roof. Here you can admire views of the city and the incredible craftsmanship that went into the carvings and statues that adorn the building. 

Make sure to look for the tiny bronze Madonnina who sits far above the Duomo towers offering protection to the city.

The Duomo is the most popular attraction in Milan and lines can be very long, especially for the rooftop. So if you are short on time you may want to consider booking skip the line tickets or a tour. You can choose to visit the rooftop on foot or with an elevator – click here for tickets and prices

Duomo opening hours – 08:00 – 19:00 daily (last tickets sold 18:00) Rooftop hours – 09:00 – 19:00 daily (last tickets sold 18:00)

Visit the Duomo website for latest information on opening hours.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting

Many visitors make the trip to Milan, just to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church in the city’s west. 

This beautiful painting depicts one of the most important moments in the Christian bible and is full of symbolism and nuance. Da Vinci was hired by Milan’s ruling Sforza family to paint the masterpiece that has survived over 500 years and intensive bombing during the Second World War.

To view Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ you must take a short guided tour. There is no other way. Tickets go on sale on the official site around 2 months prior and sell out almost immediately. But don’t worry, you can easily book them through one of the booking sites.

We booked ours on tours booking site Get Your Guide and were impressed by the knowledge and engaging manner of our guide who brought the painting and its history to life with her commentary >> Click here to book the Last Supper tour

READ: our guide to buying tickets for the Last Supper

Galleria Emmanuele II

Right next door to the Duomo, Milan’s other most recognizable landmark is the shopping arcade known as Galleria Emmanuele II. Named for the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, the grand four storey building with its spectacular iron and glass domed roof was completed in 1867.

These days it is the place to go to admire the spectaculat architecture, peek in the designer stores, have a drink at one of the traditional cafes or visit the amazing food hall Il Mercato . 

Look out for a picture of a bull made in mosaic on the floor. The Milanese believe it brings good luck if you spin three times on your right heel in an anti-clockwise direction on the private part of the bull – the symbol of the city’s rival Turin. 

Teatro Alla Scala – La Scala Theater

One of the world’s most beautiful and important theaters, over 200 years La Scala has hosted operas, concerts and ballets by some of the best known Italian composers and musicians. The theater holds 3,000 people who sit on crimson velvet chairs in the gallery or lavish boxes ready to deliver their verdict on each performance.

Puccini’s Tosca was first performed on the La Scala stage in 1926 to a packed house. Previously Verdi premiered his operas Otello and Falstaff after overcoming a feud with the orchestra who modified the arrangements for his Requiem. 

The best way to experience the Teatro alla Scala is to attend a performance however you can also take a peek inside the magnificent theater and visit its museum throughout the year. It is worth taking a guided tour to hear the stories and intrigues behind this world famous theater – click here for details

Teatro alla Scala Museum is open 09:00 – 17:00 most days. Visit the theater website for more information here . 

Tickets for performances can be bought online at the box office . The theater also releases a small number of tickets each day for the Gallery. You need to line up at the theater in person at midday to have the best chance of getting tickets for that evening’s performance.

Sforza Castle – Castello Sforzesco

During the Renaissance period the ruling Sforza family dukes of Milan built their imposing fortress to protect themselves from rival attacks. Today the moated castle hosts a series of museums and galleries that are well worth taking the time to visit. 

The Sforzas were patrons of the arts and in particular Leonardo da Vinci who painted frescoes in the castle as well as The Last Supper on their commission. You can also see pieces by Michelangelo, Canaletto, Titian and Tintoretto in relative solitude compared with the crowds at museums and galleries in Florence and Rome.

You can visit the castle daily between 07.00 and 19.00 however the museums are open Tuesday to Sunday 09.00 – 17.30. They are closed on Mondays, December 25th, January 1st, May 1st. For ticket prices and more information – click here

Parco Sempione – Sempione Park

Castello Sforzesco is found in the grounds of Parco Sempione, a huge green space in the center of Milan that is great for wandering and relaxing in. 

The park is home to a Milan’s Arena Civica that holds concerts and sporting events as well as the magnificent Arco della Pace or Arch of Peace that was built to celebrate Napoleon’s victories in Italy.

For views of the city, Duomo and surrounding mountains, take the elevator to the top of Torre Branca – more information

One of the most popular areas of Milan is the area along the Naviglio Grande (Grand Canal – yes Milan has canals too!) known as Navigli. Built to transport marble from the mountains for the Duomo, the canals are now a vibrant hub of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars.

Visit at sunset for aperitivo and stay to enjoy your dinner with the fashionable Milanese.

If you are visiting Milan on the last Sunday of each month, you must visit the popular antiques market that takes place along ripa di Porta Ticinese. It’s great for people watching or picking up a unique souvenir. 

Aperitivo hour

Aperitivo is one of the absolute must do activities in Milan. The tradition of a pre-dinner drink accompanied by snacks was first introduced in the city.

From humble beginnings of a few simple bites to accompany a glass of wine, aperitivo has evolved into elaborate appetizer buffets in some venues. No dinner required!

Served from 19.00 – 21.00, here are some great places to try aperitivo when in Milan

• Terrazza Aperol – enjoy your spritz with incredible views of the Duomo rooftop [corner of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – Floor 2 ]
• Bar Basso – make a pilgrimage to the home of the Negroni cocktail [Via Plinio 39]
• Bulgari Hotel – elegant and great for people watching in the outdoor courtyard [Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7b]

Italian football greats

Two of Italy’s most celebrated football (soccer) clubs  AC Milan and Inter Milan are based in the northern Italian city. If you are a sports fan and timing and luck is on your side there can be no more thrilling experience than watching these teams play a match.

To buy tickets go direct to each club’s website:

• Inter Milan

AC Milan’s San Siro Stadium is one of the world’s most impressive football grounds. If you aren’t able to see a match, the next best thing is a tour of the stadium .

You can get there on your own steam but the hop-on, hop-off bus visits San Siro as well as Casa Milan where you can view the club’s trophies won over their 115 year history – click here for more details .

Bosco Verticale

Most people come to Italy in search of ancient buildings, cobbled streets and fading palazzos. Milan is one of the few places in the country where you can appreciate modern architecture and design.

The twin towers of Bosco Verticale in the Porta Nuova district are famous on Instagram and around the world. A vertical green garden is the concept behind the innovative design that aims to eliminate air and noise pollution for its residents. You can’t go inside but you can grab a snap for your Instagram feed outside.

Nearest metro station: Porta Garibaldi

Porta Nuova district

The modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova district are a fascinating contrast to the cobbled streets and ancient buildings that first spring to mind when we think of Italy.

Futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti is the focal point of this area and here you can sit in the square and watch the fountain spurt jets of water into the air in time to music.  At night the fountain turns into a sound and light show powered by solar energy. 

A short walk down Corso Como leads you to the home of modern Italian cuisine – the Eataly superstore at Piazza Venticinque Aprile, 10. Part foodstore, high end food court and a pasta lovers heaven, if you are interested in Italian produce and food it is well worth a visit.

Leonardo’s Vineyard

Opposite the church where you view The Last Supper there is a beautiful palazzo with a garden on the site where Leonardo da Vinci tended a small vineyard up until his death. It was gifted to the artist by the Sforza family as part payment towards his masterpiece.

Today the vineyard has been recreated using DNA evidence at Palazzo Atellani and you can visit the magnificent house and gardens lovingly restored to their former glory after extensive damage in the Second World War. 

While the vines are still very young and are not producing fruit for wine just yet, you can try similar local varieties at the onsite cafe. 

Museo Vigna di Leonardo – Corso Magenta 65 – check website for opening times and ticket information

READ: Leonardo da Vinci’s Milan – how the artist influenced Milano

Milan is Italy’s fashion capital so you must have a look at some of the designer clothes, accessories and furniture on display even if you don’t buy anything. 

Many of the designer stores are inside Galleria Emmanuele II next to the Duomo but if you wander the short distance to via Montenapoleone you find the Quadrilatero della Moda – Milan’s fashion district. The world’s most presitgious couture brands are found on this famous rectangle of streets including Armani, Bulgari and Dolce e Gabbana.

In the Brera district you’ll find vintage emporiums and design concept stores. Fashion and style are found on every corner in Milan. If you’re interested in design and style, you can hire a guide to take you on a private fashion tour of the boutiques and designer fashion houses of Milan.

Those in search of a bargain may like to visit the outlet malls at Serravalle . This is Europe’s biggest outlet shopping mall and a great place to find discounted designer items at up to 60-70% off. You can book a transfer to Serravalle here . 

Some of the best kept secrets in Milan are its outstanding museums and galleries. Unlike other cities in Italy, you won’t be elbowing your way through crowds to see some of the most incredible art from the Medieval and Renaissance eras to the present. Here are some favorites

• Pinoteca di Brera – beautiful Palazzo Brera is home to more than 400 works of art from the 14th to 20th centuries. Masterpieces by Piero della Francesca, Raphael, and Caravaggio are on display
• Fondazione Prada – a contemporary art space housed in a former gin distillery. Make sure to visit the four-story building covered with gold leaf  known as Haunted House featuring works by Louise Bourgeois. Onsite cafe, Bar Luce , was designed by film director Wes Andersen
• The Ambrosiana – an immense library and gallery housing over 30,000 works of art and manuscripts including the Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus and works by Petrarch
• Museo del Novecento – right next to the Duomo, this gallery showcases mainly modern Italian artists from th 20th century. Visit the cafe for views of the city skyline

1 day in Milan

If you only have one day in Milan  you will want to see the Duomo and Galleria plus the Last Supper painting and/or La Scala theater. 

• Morning – Duomo with roof terrace ( book tickets here ) and Galleria 
• Lunch – Street food snacks at Luini or Maio ristorante with views of the Duomo 
• Afternoon – Last  Supper painting ( book tickets here ) and/or La Scala and shopping
• Gelato stop – suggestion – Chocolat Milano near Parco Sempione – Via Giovanni Boccaccio, 9
• Dinner – aperitivo at Terrazza Aperol or dinner at Paper Moon – Via Bagutta, 1

2 day Milan itinerary

• Afternoon – La Scala Theater or shopping in the fashion quarter or Pinoteca de Brera
• Gelato stop – Grom – Corso Buenos Aires, 13
• Dinner – aperitivo at Terrazza Aperol or sit down dinner at Paper Moon – Via Bagutta, 1
• Morning – Castello Sforzesco and a walk through Parco Sempione 
• Lunch – Elegant dining at La Brisa  
• Afternoon – Last  Supper painting ( book tickets here ) then shopping in the Brera district 
• Dinner – aperitivo in Navigli at Mag Café or elegant canal side dining at Brellin

3 day Milan itinerary

Follow the advice above for the 2 day itinerary but add a day trip from Milan to beautiful Lake Como or Lake Maggiore, the lovely small city of Brescia or even as far afield as Switzerland or the Cinque Terre. All the details on how to do this by yourself or on a group tour are below.

If you can’t bear to tear yourself away, visit Fondazione Prada and then the Porta Nuova district for a taste of modern Milan.

READ: our guide on How to get to Lake Como from Milan

We love taking tours as you can relax and enjoy the city without constantly referencing a guide book. Here are some unique and fun tours to do in Milan 

• Milan in half a day – cover all the highlights including the Duomo and Last Supper with this popular half day tour of Milan – more info
• Aperitivo tour – master the art of pre dinner drinks Italian style with a 2 hour evening stroll through the Navigli district with snacks, prosecco and more – click here for details
• Fashion tour – your expert guide will lead you to artisan boutiques and high end designer stores on this personalized shopping trip in fashion forward Milan – click for details
• Food tour – discover the culinary traditions of Milan with this half day walking tour through the Brera district. Includes stops for meatballs, cured meats, wine and gelato (of course!) – for tour info click here

READ: Our review of tour booking site GetYourGuide

If you are only in Milan for a day or two then stay close to the main attractions in the historic center. The other option is close to Milano Centrale station if you are continuing your travels in Italy by train.

This area isn’t the most exciting however and should be used as a quick transit point unless you are staying at the very lush Hotel Principe Di Savoia .

Historic center

Room Mate Giulia [Boutique 4*] – just steps from the Duomo in the heart of the city, Room Mate Giulia is one of Milan’s most popular hotels. Known for its excellent location and spacious rooms, this hotel is a cosy haven close to the attractions and fashion district – click here for room rates

Speronari Suites [Family] – a great choice if you are looking for a modern suite style hotel. Just steps from the Duomo, Speronari Suites has spacious rooms and offers breakfast daily – click for rates and availability

READ: Why you need travel insurance for your trip to Italy

Near Milano Centrale train station

NYX Milano [Mid range] – opposite Milano Centrale station, the NYX Milano is a sleek, modern hotel with a fantastic roofto bar. It is a modern hotel close to many forms of transport and ideally situated for an overnight stay in Milan – click here for more details

Glam Milano [Budget] – with easy access to Milano Centrale as well as an airport shuttle (extra charge), Glam Milano ticks all the boxes for those who want a no frills stay close to the station. The hotel has many different room sizes and caters for families and groups well – click for room rates

READ: Our complete guide to the districts of Milan and best hotels and apartments in the city

Eating in Milan is fun and delicious. Home to the concept of aperitivo , you can bar hop and snack to your heart’s content or settle into a long lunch over some of Italy’s finest modern Italian cuisine. Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Milan.

No trip to Milan would be complete without a stop at Luini, home to the city’s favorite street food. Panzerotti are parcels of fried dough, traditionally filled with tomato, cheese and ham. They have been cooked to a secret recipe at Luini since 1888.

We suggest ordering a couple of savory items as well as some of the sweet versions.

Luini – Via Santa Radegonda, 16

An icon of the Milan dining scene, Paper Moon is popular with locals and visitors alike. Since 1977 the restaurant has forged its reputation by cooking the best versions of Italian classics, like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) , in town.

Grilled seafood and steaks are also a speciality at this delightful cosy venue where you are sure to walk away content in every way. Reservations recommended. 

Paper Moon – Via Bagutta 1, Milan

We were looking for a restaurant not far from the church where you view The Last Supper painting and were lucky enough to stumble on La Brisa. Down a quiet street and opposite ancient Roman ruins, this is a quiet and elegant restaurant with an interesting seasonal menu.

The dishes at La Brisa are best described as modern Italian – taking the traditional produce and methods of cooking and adding a contemporary twist. If you can’t choose from the a la carte menu you can opt for an interesting tasting menu.

In summer the restaurant has tables outside in its small and pretty garden.

La Brisa – Via Brisa, 15  – closed on Saturdays and Sundays at lunch time. 

Un Posto a Milano

In the Porta Romana district, Il Posto a Milano is renowned for its modern approach to Italian cuisine and use of the freshest seasonal produce. The restaurant is found in  Cascina Cuccagna, a restored 18th century farm house and cooperative that supports sustainable agriculture and cultural activities for the benefit of the local community.

Try dishes like handmade lamb meatballs with lentils and a fresh take on the antipasto plate that showcase the quality of the produce used. There are many dishes that cater for  vegetarians and vegans on the menu. 

The wine list has a selection of local and biodynamic wines to choose from. 

Il Posto a Milano – Via Cuccagna, angolo via Muratori, 2/4 

Modern Italian cuisine is the focus of this huge complex devoted to pasta, wine, cheese, salami, gelato and every Italian delicacy you can think of. 

There are three floors of produce, food stalls and restaurants where you can sit down and relax over a meal or buy supplies to create dishes on your own or even ship back home. 

Eataly – Open 10:00 – 00.00 – Piazza XXV Aprile, 10

Zaini chocolate

Chocolate lovers should make a beeline for Zaini Milano. This elegant shop is overflowing with chocolates, candies and sweets.

Make your way, if you can, past the wood panelled display cabinets to the bar where you can indulge in one of the best hot chocolates you are ever likely to taste. So thick that your spoon stands up in it, this beverage is the ultimate decadent treat.

Zaini Milano – Via Carlo de Cristoforis, 5

Visiting Milan with kids is fun. Wandering around the historic center, and a climb (or elevator) up to the roof of the Duomo is also sure to keep your family entertained. We spent a good half day doing this with stops for panzerotti at Luini and pigeon chasing in the Piazza del Duomo. 

As a museum and gallery lover myself, I’m always on the look out for fun one where kids will be truly entertained. Milan’s Leonardo da Vinci museum [the National Museum of Science and Technology] is the biggest museum dedicated to science and technology in Italy and has some great exhibits to keep kids occupied. 

In particular, make sure to check out the section dedicate to Da Vinci that includes machines reproduced from his drawings – an hydraulic saw, a spinning machine, and a flying machine. The transport section has vintage plane, trains and even a submarine.

A little trek out of the center, the Wow Museum is dedicated to animation and comics and has both indoor and outdoor spaces to explore. 

We also had good fun at Castello Sforzesco checking out the collection of armour and the moat and playing in the grounds.

Thanks to the wide open space of Parco Sempione and modern Piazza Gai Aulenti with its dancing water fountains there are lots of outdoor activities to keep kids busy in Milan. This is great news for parents who are finding it hard to sell yet another museum visit. 

How to get there

Arriving by train.

Milano Centrale is a major hub for international, intercity and local trains. It is a huge train station that connects to the city’s subway, tram and bus network. You can also easily catch a taxi or Uber to your accommodation from here. 

Services at the station include luggage storage, shops, restaurants and a pharmacy.

BOOK: train tickets on Omio

Arriving by plane

Flying into Milan is a great idea if you are visiting the city or northern lakes area. The city is served by two airports – Malpensa and Linate – and you can often find great deals on flights into both these airports.

Malpensa is the largest airport in northern Italy and you can fly into here from destinations around the world. The airport is 50 kilometers from the city center.

The easiest way to get into the city is via the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale operated by Trenord. One way adult fares are €13 and the train runs every half hour from 05.30 – 22.30.

Taxi or Uber is another option but not as fast and quite expensive. You could also book a private transfer should you be arriving very early or late.

Linate airport is smaller and convenient if you are traveling within Europe. Much closer to the city center, the number 73 bus takes half an hour to drop you into the city at Piazza Diaz on Via Larga near the Duomo and costs €1.50. The bus runs from 05.35 and the last one at 00.35.  

You can also take a taxi or Uber but this private transfer option is good value if there are 2-3 people in your party.

SEARCH: cheap flights to Milan on Skyscanner

How to get around

Milan is well served by and efficient Metro subway or underground rail system, buses and above ground trams. As there is some distance between the main attractions you will likely use at least one. 

The Metro will get you to and from Milano Centrale and the Duomo plus many other attractions easily.

An inexpensive way to see the city is by the 94 bus that circles the city center passing by popular tourist highlights. But I love the classic trams that rattle and weave their way through the streets. Trams 2, 4, 14 and 16 trams follow routes through the center and pass by Piazza Duomo.

Tip – don’t forget to validate your ticket when riding on buses and trams or risk a heavy fine

For more complex trips you can map out your trips using Google Maps or the local journey planner .

A single journey ticket is valid for 90 minutes and costs €1.50. You can buy at ticket machines or use a contactless card to tap through the ticket gates. Visit the Milan public transport site ATM for more information.

READ: What to pack for your trip to Italy (includes packing list)

An easy train journey from Milano Centrale to Como train station (just over half an hour) where you can soak up the glamorous vibes of the lake.

Como itself is a bustling city with a beautiful cathedral and pretty cobbled streets. But you can’t miss taking a ferry across the lake or riding the funicular to Brunate for sweeping views of the lake and surrounds.

Read our guide to Como for ideas on what you can do in this area and plan out your day. You’ll want to check out the ferry timetables here so you can make the most of your time.

The best way to see the highlights of the lake and experience a private boat trip is to take a group tour from Milan . This tour stops in Varenna (pictured above) and Bellagio as well as one of the famous lake villas – more information . 

Tip – If you are going to Como on your own steam consider taking the train to Varenna and from there taking ferries to Bellagio and Como. You will see more of the lake this way as well as beautiful Varenna which would hard to squeeze in otherwise.

Lake Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is another of Italy’s beautiful lakes in easy reach of Milan by train. You can be strolling by the side of the lake at Stresa in around an hour from Milano Centrale.

At Stresa you can visit the stunning Borromean Islands via a short ferry trip. On Isola Bella stroll the baroque gardens and admire the impressive palazzo before returning to Stresa for a leisurely late lunch. 

A guided tour like this one includes a boat cruise on the lake, visit to Isola Bella and time to explore Stresa’s pretty cobbled streets – click here for details

Visit pretty Verona, a charming small town that contrasts beautifully with big and bustling Milan. Full of hidden nooks and cobbled streets, plus a huge Roman amphitheater that predates the Colosseum, Verona is one of those towns you’ll always remember fondly. 

You can join a one day tour to Verona (which also stops at gorgeous Lake Garda) or it is quite easy to visit on your own steam. Read our article on getting to Verona by train on a day trip from Milan for the details.

Switzerland – Bernina Express

Many people can’t resist the lure of the Swiss Alps when they visit Milan. After all, it’s just a short trip over the border for the chance to ride on one of the world’s classic train journeys – the Bernina Express.

To get there on your own steam, take the regional train from Milano Centrale to Tirano – the journey takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. In Tirano you switch to the Bernina Express to St Moritz. You will need to buy a ticket there.

The first train is at 10.07 from Tirano and the return train is 15.11 from St Moritz giving you a couple of hours to explore the Alpine resort town.

If you would prefer to travel with a guide, you can join a group tour on the Bernina Express from Milan . You travel by coach from central Milan and transfer to the train at Tirano. Your guide takes care of the ticketing and all you have to remember is your camera and passport! – click here for details

READ: A guide to the Bernina Express

Brescia is a place that stole my heart and is well and truly off the main tourist routes through Italy. This small city is full to the brim with historic buildings and sites layered over its streets over many centuries.

There are Roman ruins, Venetian palazzos and wide piazzas and many restaurants where you can try the traditional dishes of Lombardy.

An easy 50 minute train ride from Milano Centrale, it is a city well worth visiting if you’re looking for something a bit different to do. To read more about beautiful Brescia – click here

Cinque Terre

If you absolutely must see the Cinque Terre but had no way of squeezing Italy’s west coast into your itinerary, you can take a Cinque Terre tour from Milan .

It is a long day and you won’t see all the villages but once you get there you’ll see why it is one of the most popular places to visit in Italy. For more details on the tour click here .

DISCOVER: more places to visit in our guide to the Best day trips from Milan

We hope you are ready and excited or your trip to Milan whether it is a European city break or part of an extended trip to Italy. This vibrant city is so much fun that we always feel sad to leave.

Do you have a favorite experience in beautiful Milano?

Where to next? Do check out our guides to Rome , Florence and Venice for itineraries, best things to do and practical information on visiting these iconic Italian cities. You can find all our articles about travel in Italy here

Disclaimer –  Untold Morsels assists our readers with carefully chosen product and services recommendations that help make travel easier and more fun. If you click through and make a purchase on many of these items we may earn a commission. All opinions are our own – please read our  disclosure  page for more information.

The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

Milan Travel Guide & Tips: Things To Know Before Visiting Milan, Italy

This article has been reviewed and fact-checked. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. To provide the highest quality content, portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools for help with spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

• When choosing accommodation in Milan, stay near the Duomo or the central train station for convenience and proximity to major attractions.
• Book tickets to see Leonardo Da Vinci's famous Last Supper painting months in advance since availability is limited.
• Avoid visiting during Milan's Fashion Week in September or the Salone Del Mobile furniture fair in April due to crowds and high prices.

Are you looking for a travel guide or planning a trip to Italy and want to make the best of your tour of Milan ? Today, we’ll give you some essential travel tips to know before you go to make your visit to Milan even more special.

As one of the world’s major fashion capitals, Milan offers fantastic shopping, dining, museums, and architecture. But it can also be an overwhelming city for first-time visitors. That’s why having a game plan is key to making the most of your Milan vacation.

Best Places to Stay in Milan

Before we get into the tips, let here are some of the best places to stay in Milan based on our experience. Hope this helps.

Things To Know Before Visiting Milan

Now, let’s learn what you need to know before travelling to Italy’s fashion and financial capital, Milan. 

Fly into Milan Linate or Malpensa Airport

Milan is served by two airports: Linate and Malpensa. Linate handles mostly domestic and intra-Europe flights and it is close to Milan’s city center. It’s only about a 15-20 minute drive or train ride into downtown.

Malpensa Airport is bigger and handles many global routes and low cost flights. But it’s situated nearly an hour outside central Milan. Upon arrival, you can take a train, bus, or taxi into the city proper. We recommend flying into Linate if possible since it maximizes your time in this fabulous city!

Take the High-Speed Train from Other Italian Cities

One easy and scenic way to reach Milan is by high-speed rail. Modern Frecciarossa and Italo trains take passengers from Rome to Milan in only 3 hours. You can also take high-speed trains from Venice, Florence, Naples, and Turin in 2-5 hours, depending on where you’re coming from.

We always try to travel by train in Italy when we can. It’s much more comfortable and environmentally friendly. Plus, you get to admire gorgeous countryside views out the window. We also do not recommend driving in Milan due to traffic and the lack of parking spaces. 

Spend at Least 2 Full Days Exploring

There are so many things to do in Milan as well as attractions to see, such as world-class shopping, the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the La Scala opera house, the Sforzesco Castle, and the Gothic Duomo Cathedral. You can take a stroll to Parco Sempione or throughout the city. Milan is a great city, you’ll want ample time to experience all that it has to offer.

It’s a very walkable city but still quite large and spread out. At the absolute minimum, we’d recommend budgeting two full days to see the top sights. If you can spare three days, that would allow you a more relaxed pace or even a side trip to charming Lake Como. Trust me, you won’t run out of great things to eat, see, and do here!

Stay Near the Duomo or Stazione Centrale

When choosing Milan accommodation , an inner city location is best to minimize travel time to key sights, however, it’s pricier. More affordable lodging options abound near Stazione Centrale or anywhere along the vital Red M1 or Yellow M2 metro lines, providing the handiest Duomo access.

The new Blue M4 also makes stops within reasonable proximity. With only a few days to experience Milan’s treasures, lengthy commutes waste precious hours better spent immersed in culture and cuisine. 

Though budget dictates hotel possibilities, proximity to those key metro routes ensures you keep commute frustration minimal and sightseeing efficiency maximal. Treat the metro map as your accommodation holy grail for an ideal stay.

Use the Metro System to Get Around or For Your Day Trips

Navigating Milan is a breeze thanks to its efficient Metro system. It consists of five color-coded lines that can take you to every must-see spot. At only €2 per ride , it’s also a super affordable way to get around.

Or you can get a 24-hour pass for €7.60 or a €13 ticket for a 3-day pass, which allows unlimited trips. You can buy these tickets at metro stations using the automatic machines or newsstands that sell tickets. 

We used the Metro constantly while exploring Milan and found it clean, easy to navigate, and reliable. Plus, it helped us avoid traffic above ground. You can also download an app that gives you all the information about the Milan Metro system. 

Be sure to take the Metro when sightseeing, and you’ll get everywhere you want to go!

Experience Riding Trams

For a taste of old Milan, ride the historical tram to see the city streets in vintage style. Some companies have refurbished 1930s trams where you can watch the changing face of Milan glide over a delicious multi-course meal paired with Italian wines.

As you relax inside the retro carriage, it’s a unique vantage point to soak up iconic sights and daily local scenes. The tram gently shuttles you through the city’s past and present charms.

Visit in Spring or Fall – Skip August

Milan gets hot and extremely humid in the summer months, and August can be brutal, with temperatures frequently topping 86+ degrees Fahrenheit or 30° Celsius . The city basically shuts down in August as locals flee to beach vacations.

We always recommend visiting in spring or fall when the weather is far milder and more comfortable for long sightseeing days. September and October have pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. 

December is also a wonderful time to visit Milan despite the chilly weather (usually around 5-7° C or  44-41° F during the day and 1-2° C or 33-35° F at night. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and holiday shopping here is an exceptional experience.

Book Tickets to The Last Supper Months in Advance

This tip to book tickets in advance before visiting attractions is recommended not only for Milan but most places in Italy to save precious time queueing. Doing so means you skip lines and avoid the disappointment of long waits at ticket offices only to find the attraction you want is sold out–a common fate when demand exceeds limited capacity, like for Leonardo’s Last Supper fresco.

Milan’s Cenacolo only allows few daily visitors to protect the masterpiece, thus tickets sell out weeks in advance. If you want to see Da Vinci’s incredible fresco, we strongly advise buying your tickets immediately, as this practice guarantees both entry and the best experience.

Time Your Visit to Avoid Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile

You probably know that Milan is one of the fashion and design capitals of the world. For this reason, there are two main events that happen in Milan that draw thousands of visitors to the city every year. 

One is Fashion Week, which is usually in mid-September, and the other one is the Salone del Mobile or Furniture Fair, which is usually around mid-April.

These two events can be a lot of fun to attend, but they are also the busiest times in the cities, and during these events, hotels are booked solid for months. Also, hotel prices skyrocketed during these events.

On top of that, during those events, it is really difficult to find tables at restaurants, stores are packed, taxis are difficult to find, and so on. You get the picture!

Indulge in Some of The Local Specialty

Like anywhere in Italy, Milan has fantastic culinary treats visitors should sample, most famously the fragrant, saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese, often served with tender, braised Veal Ossobuco shanks for a perfect pairing.

Be sure to also try the signature Cotoletta Milanese veal schnitzel, usually served on the bone per tradition. And no trip to Milan is complete without enjoying a vivid red Campari aperitif, invented in the city in 1860 and still made today with a secret recipe.

Ordering Cappuccino After Lunch is a No

Italians firmly believe milk after a morning coffee upsets digestion. So, while a frothy cappuccino may tempt your post-lunch sweet tooth, this remains an enduring cultural taboo.

Instead, opt for a macchiato or espresso to blend in with locals. The late morning cut-off time is no secret rule either–expect to get some eyes looking if you get caught cappuccino-handed past 11 am. 

Italians Are Serious About Latte 

Indeed, Italians are serious about their latte–but not in the way you may expect. Don’t make the mistake of ordering a “latte” at a coffee bar unless you literally want a glass of milk. For an espresso-based drink with milk, request a “cappuccino” for thick foamed milk or a “caffé latte” for more steamed milk than foam. 

Other options include “caffé macchiato” featuring a dollop of frothy milk or a “latte macchiato” spotlighting hot milk over just a splash of coffee. Precision is key when ordering, as Italians zealously guard their classification of coffee drinks. 

Don’t Miss an Aperitivo

Milan’s bustling nightlife is fueled by the time-honored tradition of aperitivo – complementing cocktails or wines with a smorgasbord of free nibbles to nosh before dinner… or instead. The spread sets the stage for long, happy hours hopping bars citywide, though the Navigli district stakes its claim as aperitivo central brimming with options. 

Milan Travel FAQs

Milan is the world’s fashion capital because it has the ideal platforms to promote Italian fashion globally. Milan enables Italian designers to express creativity and identity through clothing to a worldwide audience.

Milan fashion shows are by invitation only for industry insiders, VIPs, and wealthy clients.

Versatile items like oversized blazers, leather jackets, and leather shirt jackets elevate any outfit in Milan.

Milan is famous for Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, the Gothic Duomo Cathedral, and its art and architecture.

When in Milan, shop for luxury “Made in Italy” fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Fendi, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, and Gucci.

Have an Amazing Trip to Milan!

Well, those are our top insider tips for an incredible visit to Milan, Italy’s fashionable Northern capital! From flying into indulging in risotto, we hope you found my advice helpful for planning your own Italian getaway.

Let us know if you have any other questions. I have so much more to share about hotels, side trips, saving money, and lesser-known local gems to uncover. For now, saluti da Milano! 

You Might Also Like:

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Top 19 travel tips for visiting Milan

From when to drink coffee to when never to visit, you'll be a seasoned expert in no time with these top travel tips

Sure, it’s got a bit of a reputation, but don’t be intimidated by Milan. Anyone who loves great restaurants , Instagram-worthy buildings and at least a bit of shopping will have an absolute blast in Milan, but to save you the stress, there are a few things you should know before you go.

Our Milan experts have rounded up all the best tips and tricks to make you an expert in all things Milan living, from what time to drink coffee and the best negroni you can order to how to make sure you get to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in the flesh. Here are our top travel tips for visiting Milan. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan 🍕 Where to eat the best pizza in Milan 🚆 How to navigate public transport in Milan 📍 The best things to do in Milan 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Milan

Liz Humphreys is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

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Travel tips for first-time Milan visitors

1.  No need to leave extra

This one might be a shock if you’re visiting Milan from a country with a big tipping culture, but here in Milan, it’s not a thing. Tips aren’t expected, as the city has a pretty good hourly wage (we know, unheard of, right?), so keep your coins for another negroni later on. 

2.  Consider avoiding August

August might seem like a good month to live out your Italian dreams, but if you’re considering it, be warned – Milan gets seriously, swelteringly hot in August. But that’s not the only reason to make a plan for another month, as a fair few shops and restaurants shut down this month while the Milanese go on their holidays. Best not risk it, we say. 

3.  Plan ahead to see Leonardo

If getting a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s  The Last Supper  is on your list, but you haven’t made reservations months in advance, all hope is not lost. Even if online reservations show no tickets are available, try calling the ticket hotline, as some are kept aside for phone callers. Another option is to book a guided Milan tour that also includes a visit to the painting, as these are sometimes more likely to have spots left.

4.  Travel by tram

Though many trams have been modernised, for a unique experience, the  ATMosfera  lets you ride a 1930s tram on a sightseeing trip through the city while enjoying a multicourse dinner with wine. It is a very romantic way to catch a glimpse of Milan’s past inside while peering at the present right outside the windows.

5.  Never order a cappuccino after lunch

Italians are convinced that drinking anything with milk after the morning will hamper digestion. So, to blend in, order that cappuccino (or other coffee drinks with milk, see below for more on that) only before 11am, or risk looking like a foreign fool.

6.  We take latte literally

If you want a coffee with milk, make sure you order a cappuccino (more foam) or caffé latte (less foam), a caffé macchiato (espresso with a little milk), or a latte macchiato (hot milk with a little coffee) instead of just a “latte” – or you’ll only get a glass of milk. If you just want an espresso, order “un caffé” to avoid strange looks.

7.  Enjoy an aperitivo

No visit to Milan is complete without partaking in the pre-dinner (or instead-of-dinner) tradition of  aperitivo. B asically, cocktails are served with all manner of free nibbles, often a buffet with enough food to constitute a meal. Though the Navigli neighbourhood is home to many bars offering  aperitivo , you’ll find it served throughout the city – so go ahead, sample a few different kinds.

8.  Try a Negroni sbagliato

While a classic Negroni – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth – is always a good idea, when in Milan, don’t miss the chance to sample a Negroni  sbagliato , literally a Negroni “mistake.” It was born at Bar Basso in the ‘70s when a bartender added sparkling wine to a Negroni instead of gin, and you can still try it there (amongst other places).

9.  Head away from the Duomo at night

Though several of the major sights you’ll want to see will be around the Duomo area, for a cooler nightlife experience, venture out to some of the more local haunts in such neighbourhoods as Isola, Porta Venezia or Navigli. You’ll get away from the tourists, save money and likely have more fun.

10.  …and even during the day

After exploring the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala, take a bus or tram out to some of the farther reaches of Milan for truly unique museums that never feel as crowded as the centre city attractions. Fondazione Prada, Pirelli HangarBicocca and MUDEC are all housed in interesting buildings and feature permanent and rotating exhibitions worth your time.

11.  Watch out for Salone

Though arriving during the Milan Furniture Fair, called Salone del Mobile – which runs for six days in mid-April – can be super fun as there are loads of parties and events happening, the city becomes super crowded and expensive. Hotels jack up their prices to stratospheric levels and get booked up months in advance. Ditto during Milan Fashion Week. Unless you’re a diehard furniture design fan, it may be a better idea to visit at a time when the city’s a bit more relaxed.

12.  Visit museums for free

On the first Sunday of each month, all of Milan’s civic museums – including Museo del Novecento, Sforza Castle museums, Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano and MUDEC, among others – offer free admission. Though they tend to be more crowded then, it’s still a good chance to squeeze in some more culture without spending a cent.

13.  Head up high

Milan boasts loads of vantage points where you can enjoy prime views of the city skyline. The rooftop of the Duomo, Torre Branca inside Parco Sempione and the terrace on the seventh floor of the Rinascente department store are fabulous places to get an eyeful. Prefer a drink with your vistas? Try the Radio Rooftop Bar or Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant.

14.  Wear your snazziest shoes

The Milanese take their footwear very seriously. Women may want to bring a pair or two of high heels to wear out at night – or even during the day if they dare. (You’ll see plenty of locals traipsing effortlessly along the cobblestones wearing stilettos.) Men can often get away with cool sneakers. If you catch the locals checking out your shoes, you’ve probably done well.

15.  Go to La Scala on the cheap

Even if you’re not an opera-lover, catching a performance at Teatro alla Scala is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The problem is, not only are tickets super-pricey, but they sell out months and months in advance. However, if you visit the box office an hour before a show starts, any leftover or returned tickets are sold at a 25% discount – perhaps not cheap, but definitely worth the splurge.

16.  Embrace discount fashion

Yes, many of the clothes, shoes and accessories on sale in Milan are through-the-roof expensive – after all, this is the home of Prada and Versace. But if you just can’t bear to visit this fashion town without a purchase, head over to DMAG outlet. You’ll find three locations showcasing discounted Italian and international luxury brands, so perhaps you can head home with those Miu Miu boots you’ve been eyeing after all.

17.  Shop outside the fashion district

You’ll want to window shop and stroll in Milan’s premier fashion area, Quadrilatero della Moda. But for fun and unique purchases, head north of the Duomo to the pretty Brera district. You’ll find appealing boutiques, galleries and design stores where shopping doesn’t feel like it will bankrupt you.

18.  Plan around the sales

If you’re a serious fashion fiend, consider timing your Milan visit to coincide with one (or both!) of the two yearly sales ( saldi ) periods. The winter sales generally run from early January through early March, and the summer sales from early July through early September – though check online for the exact dates, which vary slightly each year and are announced about one month before. Sale prices can be up to 70 percent off the original, making it well worth a trip.

19.  Get out of town

If you need an escape from Milan’s urban hustle, there are some fabulous destinations just a train ride away. Bergamo, less than an hour by train, boasts a lovely medieval hilltop old town, while the Italian Lakes – Como, Garda and Maggiore – are also close by (half an hour, an hour-and-a-half and an hour by train, respectively) and offer some of the most romantic settings in all of Italy.

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Visiting Milan? Explore with this handy Milan travel guide

Things to do in Milan Milan Travel Guide

Situated in northern Italy, Milan is the capital of Lombardy, the second-most populous city in Italy and the financial heart of the country. A city steeped in history and a cultural legacy that is as much ancient as it is modern, Milan is an Italian city unlike any other. Come experience the elegance and sophistication that Milan has to offer.

Rich Cultural Heritage Milan's history is grand. Having spent large portions of its history under different rulers, including the Caesars, Napoléon and the Austro-Hungarians to name a few, Milan has a fascinating culture that has manifested itself beautifully. The contributions of each historical period still stand to this day, equally admired by those who live here and those who see it only once. There are ancient churches from the 4th century that still stand at the city gates, great Gothic architecture with the Duomo the greatest of them all, Sforza's grand palaces, splendid Renaissance buldings and boulevards and squares from Napolean's rule. A Modern Metropolis Milan may not be the Italian capital, but within its boundaries lies the center of the biggest establishments in Italy. Milan saw Italy's largest post-war development and transformed itself into a city with the largest metropolitan area in Italy and the third-largest economy among European cities (after Paris and London), becoming the wealthiest non-capital European city in the process. The skyline of the city has also seen a tremendous transformation with the Duomo's spires sharing the sky with stunning modern buildings designed by the best 21st-century architects – Daniel Libeskind, Massimiliano Fuksas, Norman Foster and Cesar Pelli to name a few. Aesthetic Capital Of The World Milan may not deserve the attention that the other romantic cities of Italy get. The streets of Milan may not be loaded with tourists like the canals of Venice or the roads of Rome do. But every year, the Milan Fashion week and the Furniture Fair ensure that all eyes chasing aesthetic beauty in these fields invariably turn to Milan. The city streets are lined with flagship fashion and design studios —CappelliniKartell, Versace, Armani, Valentino. Milan also boasts of many galleries & museums, including private establishments such as Fondazione Prada and Armani Silos.

Milan Travel Guide

Dotted with remarkable gothic architecture and gifted with a legacy of art and history, Milan is more than just a fast-paced metropolitan city waiting to be discovered. With its carefully preserved traditions and exemplary pieces of art, Milan is a vibrant city experience that has a lot to offer. Whether you’re someone who is an art enthusiast, or someone who appreciates fashion or food — there is something for everyone who wishes to explore the city’s treasure trove with passion. With as many as six million visitors every year, Milan continues to promise an experience that is unlike any other.

Why Visit Milan?

Apart from being the art and fashion capital of Europe, Milan paved its way through a painstaking past before it rose straight out of the Renaissance age. Today, Milan is a vibrant, modern city that flaunts its cutting-edge fashion, stellar architecture, and beautiful skyline. A walk down its cobbled-stone streets will brief you through its history. But Milan is definitely not all art. Explore its rich countryside, sample its authentic street food, or lounge around in the lap of nature.

Top Things To Do in Milan

When we say there's something new that crops up in the city every week or so, we are not exaggerating! Milan never ceases to surprise and has something to keep everyone of all ages occupied. Here are the top picks you cannot miss out in Milan , regardless of whether you're in the city for a day or a week.

Milan Essentials

Language Italian

Time zone GMT +2

Country Code +39

Socket Type C/F/L

Currency Euro (€)

Milan Trip Planner

All you need before you book your tickets and zip your bag!

Travel Tips

Weather in milan.

Milan is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Here’s what you should be looking out for before you book your tickets. You can check the weather here .

Milan in Spring

Spring in Milan is a great time to visit if you’re looking for something that is placed right before the peak seasons kick in. While the day time during this season tends to get warm, it is occasionally chilly at night. If the fluctuation doesn’t bother you, spring is a great season to witness the city in all its glory.

Milan in Summer

Brace yourself for months of sweltering heat and a flock of crowd at every attraction in Milan, because the peak season witnesses an upsurge in the number of tourists. Milan witnesses a lot of locals leaving for their holidays during this season, so don’t be surprised to run into more tourists than actual Italians!

Milan in Autumn

Just as spring, the temperatures get a little nippy but the overall experience of the city tends to remain enjoyable. Expect high to average fluctuation in temperature during the day before it gets cooler in the nighttime. Make sure you’re well armed with an umbrella if you plan to visit in September, as this season witnesses occasional showers as well!

Milan in Winter

Pull out your overcoats an wrap yourself up tight if you plan to visit Milan during the wintertime. The temperatures plunge low during this season, so make sure you sign up for this only if you’re ready to brave the cold. However, despite that, Milan is not completely unbearable and one can make the most of the city comfortably even in this weather.

Milan Daily Budget Planner

You can choose to explore Milan on a budget, or take the luxurious route; both offer a great travel experience. Depending on how you'd like to go about your Milan visit, you can budget your trip. Here's a summary of an approximate per day expense in Milan.

Milan on a Budget - €47 per day Midrange spending in Milan - €108 per day Luxury vacation in Milan - €248 per day Use this tool to further budget your Milan trip .

Since Milan, Italy is a part of the Schengen Area , tourists from anywhere other than Europe will require a Schengen visa to visit this country. A passport or travel document is valid for three months with an appropriate Schengen visa. One can apply for various types of visas in Milan, some of which include single-entry, multi-entry, and transit visas. If you’re planning to visit a single Schengen country, it is advisable to book your visa via the country’s embassy. Or, if Milan is one of your main destinations, you can get your visa at the embassy in your country.

Currency & ATMs in Milan

With so much to do around Milan, it is best to have a loaded pocket and a handy ATM card to go around and enjoy the most of what it has to offer. The currency in Milan is the Euro (EU). Euro bank notes are available in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations.

There are numerous money exchange facilities easily available throughout the city. Milan is dotted with a number of ATMs, but it is advisable to withdraw your cash from an authorised ATM attached to a bank for security purposes. It is best to keep in mind that withdrawing money from a debit card will involve a much lesser fee than credit card withdrawals. Keep a pocket converter at hand for speedy transactions.

Here’s a trusted exchange calculator you can use to check the current exchange rate of euro to your home currency.

Tipping in Milan

Tipping in Milan is not usually a matter of concern as the bill comes included with ‘coperto’ or service charge. However, feel free to display your happiness by occasionally tipping the staff if you’re content with the services. Cab drivers, housekeeping, as well as luggage handlers are often tipped in Milan, but only if you find that it is necessary to do so.

How to Save Money in Milan

It is a common myth to think that a foreign trip costs only a fortune. With a little bit of prudence and planning, it is possible to survive on a budget in Milan. Here’s how you can go about making the most of your trip without compromising on luxury:

1. Use Hop on Hop Off buses Getting around the city can get expensive if you’re constantly falling back upon cars and cabs. A regular cab ride from the airport to Milan central can cost you as much as $100.

Renting a private vehicle can also turn out steep if you’re a smaller group. Get yourself a Hop on Hop off pass instead, which can take you through the best attractions in the city. The pass also allows you to pick your boarding points and allows you to hop on unlimited times based on your pass validity. Besides this, Milan is also home to five railroad stations and four subway lines, making it a hub for those looking for a budget travel.

2. Buy a City Pass The Milan pass and the Milan card are two handy travel passes that can help you cut down on unnecessary expenditure during your trip.

Equipped with tickets to attractions, public transport, hop on hop off buses as well discounts, these passes are tailor-made not just to save money, but also time. Save yourself the trouble of standing in long queues with Milan Pass and Milan Card, which allow you to skip the lines and head straight into the striking monuments of the city. With discounts as much as €250 on dining, tours, and shopping, having a pass can help you club your favourite activities under a single umbrella.

4. Plan Your Trip Wisely Refer to websites of museums and historical places to know more about their entry fee. Group discounts are available for certain large groups if booked in advance. On some days, museums and other attractions also have days with a free entry. Try to revolve your trip around these days to curb expense on tickets. Also try to include places like churches, that have no entry fee, into your itinerary to have a balance.

5. Hostels versus Hotels Sure, a hotel equals luxury, but luxury can cost a fortune. If you’re looking for ways to drastically cut down your expenses, picking a hostel instead of a hotel could do the trick.

Several backpacking hostels around Europe cater to travellers who are on a budget. Apart from cost cutting, staying in a hostel acquaints you to the culture of the city, allows you to meet like-minded people, and grants you the independence you require. In fact, a hostel can also cut down your expenses if you choose to pick a dormitory instead of a room of your own.

Day Trips from Milan

Milan , Italy’s fashion capital is teeming with options to do, see and eat ; pulling in millions of tourists from around the world year round. Once you've climbed the roof of Milan's Duomo , elbowed your way through to get a peek of Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper and tasted atleast 5 flavours of gelato from the umpteen street vendors around Milan, you can hop out of the city to experience a little more of the Italian country and culture. Milan is so beautifully located that you can visit the Swiss Alps or go to Venice from the city in just a day and be back by night! We have perfectly curated day trips from Milan that you can just plug and play, so choose your pick and waltz out of the city for a day.

Milan Itineraries

Milan has witnessed history no less than the next Mediterranean metropolis. However, it has made it a point to embrace the future and look good while doing it. The city also has a sweeping gustatory palate that will have you yearning for more. One might wonder if it’s possible to sample the best of Milan in a day ot two. We assure you, with the help of our specially curated itineraries, one and two days in Milan can be magical!

24 Hours in Milan

Every city on the planet has it’s own “thing”, as we call it. New York has opportunities, Rome has romance, Paris has culture, Barcelona has warmth, and likewise, Milan has pizzazz. However, it has made it a point to embrace the future and look good while doing it. The city also has a sweeping gustatory palate that will have you yearning for more. One might wonder if it’s possible to sample the best of Milan in a day. We assure you, with the help of our specially curated itinerary, one day in Milan can be magical! Since Milan is fairly popular among tourists, this guide will help you find your way to the best of Milan with minimal hassle. Fasten your seatbelts for this power-packed one day in Milan is going to be worth it all.

Here's how you can spend a day in Milan

2 Days in Milan

Here our handcrafted 2 Day Itinerary In Milan .

Milan Hop On Hop Off Tours

Often titled the fashion capital and design capital of the world, Milan is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. The confluence of art, history and culture makes it a popular tourist destination. There are several must-see locations in the town, including the Duomo di Milano , Sforza Castle, Sant’ Ambrogio and many world-famous restaurants and cafes. The legendary Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece, The Last Supper , can be seen housed in the Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie. The best way to experience this gorgeous city is the Milan Hop on Hop off bus tour. This incredible bus route network will allow you to visit nearly every attraction that Milan has to offer. Witness the beauty of Milan from your vantage point on top of these eye-catching double-decker buses.

Milan Pass and Milano Card

But Milan is not all just art and history; it is a vibrant modern city with the best culinary experiences and entertainment venues. It also hosts two of the world’s most famous football teams ‘AC Milan’ and ‘Inter Milan’. The home of the biggest Fashion Houses in the world- Versace, Prada, Valentino and more, Milan is the ideal mix of the old and new. The best way to explore this large city is through travel passes.

The Milan Pass and the Milano Card are two great travel passes that will help you save on time and money as you explore Milan. The travel cards offer free tickets to attractions, free public transport, free hop-on hop-off bus tours and discounts on tickets and experiences. All these benefits help you save up to 30% on your travel costs in Milan.

These passes have been designed to help you keep the expenses down while you explore and experience Milan with ease. In this post, we will go through the details of each card, outline the difference between the cards and offer tips on how you can purchase these cards and get the most value for money.

Getting Around in Milan

Bus, trains, trams, or metro — public transport forms an integral part of Milan’s connectivity. Milan’s fantastic transportation system connects each and every corner of the city. However, it is only natural to find yourself intimidated with the system — so, here’s how you can get around Milan by its public transport:

• Milan Subway : The subway in Milan has four lines. Each line has a different colour and numbers. You can make transfers between the following stops: Cadorna, Centrale, Duomo, Loreto, Porta Garibaldi, and Zara. The Subway trains in Milan run from 6 AM to 1 AM on a regular basis.
• Milan Railways : With a scenic rail route by its side, Milan’s Lago Maggiore and Lago di Como are the two most easily accessible stations in the city. This train also takes you past smaller towns such as Cremona, Pavia, and several others during the course of its journey.
• Bike rentals : Bike sharing is also one of the most important ways to traverse around Milan. Pick up and drop a bike as per your convenience. Affordable and economic, these bikes require a registration on BikeMi website before you can start riding as per your will.

Where to stay in Milan

Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in the city is necessary for several reasons. Whether it is to stay close to the culture, or to be accessible to the attractions — there should always a good reason before finalising your locality.

• Pick Centro Storico if you don’t mind a lot of crowd or are looking for a glamorous experience.
• Brera is for those who wish to experience fashion first hand.
• Porta Nuova is perfect for those wishing to go through the wonders of ‘New Milan’.
• Chinatown is perfect for those travellers who don’t mind walking and are looking for something on a budget.

Centro Storico

• Secondo Pensiero
• NH Collection Milano President
• Baglioni Hotel Carlton
• Ciak Hostel

Porta Nuova Isola

• Heart Milan Apartments
• Hotel Cervo Milano
• NH Collection Milano Porta Nuova
• Hotel Windsor Milano
• Hotel Principe di Savioa
• Bulgari Hotel Milano
• Palazzo delle Stelline
• Carlyle Brera Hotel
• Mandarin Oriental
• Ostello Bello Grande
• Ming Hao Hotel
• Hotel Mozart
• Babila Hostel & Bistrot
• B&B Hotel Milano Garibaldi

Dining in Milan

Apart from being one of the most affluent cities of Europe, Milan has also been sought after for its iconic Milanese dishes that have been attracting tourists since centuries. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on during your trip to Milan:

1. Risotto alla Milanese The delicious risotto finds it roots way back in Milan. Rice, cheese, beef, butter, white wine, and saffron are combined and baked together to form a delicious regional speciality. The staple risotto is often served alongside other Milanese food, and makes for an important part of their dinner.

2. Ossobuco The word ‘ossobuco’ is Italian for ‘bone with a hole’; referring to the marrow hole of a cross-cut veal shank This particular delicacy combines meat, tomato, onion, greens, and carrots and is often eaten with a bread or risotto alongside. This sumptuous traditional dish is considered to be one of the regional favourites of the people.

3. Piadina A distant cousin of the famous Quesadilla, the Piadina is a thin Italian flatbread that is enjoyed with meat and cheese. The bread, which is flaky as well as crunchy. is a local lunch time favourite that you simply shouldn’t miss out on!

4. Cotoletta alla Milanese A signature dish of the city, Cotoletta alla Milanese is traditionally prepared with a veal cutlet, but you can find chicken variations of the same. The dish consists of a breaded "bone-in" veal cutlet, fried in butter, and cannot be missed when in Milan!

If you have pizza and pasta on your must-eat list on your trip to Milan, you’re going to be surprised at the variety the city has to offer. With a delectable spread unlike any other city in Italy, you can’t get around Milan without sampling from some of their innovative restaurants. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the most sought after restaurants that you should be heading to without further ado:

Pasticceria Marchesi

If breakfast and desserts make your day, consider giving Pasticceria Marchesi a shot if you’re around. The legendary Marchesi dates back to 1821 and is also one of the oldest pastry shops in Milan. Take their aromatic cappuccino or an espresso on the go, or munch on a sumptuous brioche — there’s a lot to pick from if you’re craving sweet or savoury! Directions

Trussardi alla Scala

There’s nothing like a night of luxury, and if you’re a fan of caviar, head to Trussardi alla Scala for the best caviar in Milan. Relish high-end Italian as well as French cuisine presented with a twist and complemented with airy, contemporary interiors. Trussardi alla Scala promises an upscale dining fit for a king! Directions

Trattoria Madonnina

Take a break from the trendy hotspots of Milan and hop into Trattoria Madonnina for a taste of tradition and culture. Feel at one with the Milanese way of living with their authentic Italian interiors and rustic decor. Ask for a Milanese stew and their famous homemade desserts for an experience to cherish. Directions

La Gelataria della Musica

What is a trip to Italy without tasting its famous gelato? Whether you’re wandering about on a hot day or not, grab a cone and take a stroll alongside the canals of Milan. A unique feature about this restaurant is that it names all its ice cream after famous musicians! Find the nearest one

Festivals in Milan

Milan hosts a plethora of festivals that are neither considered traditional, nor religious. With an interesting mix of cultures and celebrations, Milan has everything beginning from good food, to dancing as well as large parties. Not only is Milan one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world, it is also one of the four fashion capitals of Europe, making it the home of the thriving fashion industry. Here are a few festivals you should plan your trip around to get the most of this city:

• Italian Grand Prix : An annual sporting event that is held in the first week of September, Italian Grand Prix attracts a huge deal of crowd every year and is perfect for adrenaline junkies. The event features a great deal of thrill coupled up with racing.
• Milan Fashion Week : Although not a festival, people from around the world find themselves swarming around Milan for the iconic fashion week that is held in September. The event includes a nationwide celebration of the city’s textile and fashion industry. So, whether you bag a seat or not, make sure you visit around this time to experience the fashion capital at its best.
• Carnival Ambrosiano : A funfair of night-long partying and pomp, Carnival Ambrosiano takes place on the first Saturday of Lent. The carnival is a real treat for the entire family with its parade of floats, workshops, concerts, and other interactive events.
• Furniture Fair/Salone del Mobile Milano A quirky festival which is held in April, the Furniture Fair or Salone del Mobile Milano in Milan showcases one of the largest trade fair of its kind. Browse through contemporary furniture and its designs from around the world along with other home furnishing items.

Milan Culture

Italians are generally regarded friendly and helpful to tourists from around the world. However, it is always best to keep in mind certain etiquettes to avoid giving offence or avoiding the encounter of an unpleasant experience.

• Try not to be loud and talk loudly in public as Italians dislike disruptive behaviour and expect the public to behave politely.
• It is advisable to dress decently while wandering around the town. Try not to overdress or underdress and stay casual throughout your visit.
• Acknowledge people as you enter into a shop or a bar. Say ‘buongiorno’ or ‘buona sera’ as a gesture of kindness. Despite that, Italians are not usually chatty and can get uncomfortable with long conversations.
• While seated in a public place, do not put your feet up a chair. Italians consider this action as a rude and impolite. Walking barefoot in Milan is widely accepted in open spaces such as big parks as well as beaches.

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What is the best way to travel to Milan?

The best way to get to Milan is by air. The city has two main airports, Malpensa and Linate, which are both well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world. If you're flying into Malpensa, you can take the express train into the city center, and if you're flying into Linate, there are buses that run regularly into the city. If you're coming from other parts of Italy or Europe, you can take the train or bus into Milan.

What are the best things to do in Milan?

There is plenty to see and do in Milan! Some of the city's most popular attractions include the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. If you're interested in art and culture, Milan is home to many museums and art galleries, including the Pinacoteca Brera and the Museo del Novecento. For something a little different, you can also visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is located, or take a tour of San Siro, home of AC Milan and Inter Milan.

What are the best places to eat in Milan?

The food in Milan is some of the best in Italy! You can find all kinds of delicious dishes in the city, from traditional Lombard specialties to pizza and pasta. Some of the city's most popular restaurants include Trattoria della Pesa, Da Giacomo, and Luini Panzerotti.

What is the weather like in Milan?

Milan has a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in January is about 39 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best time to visit Milan?

The best time to visit Milan is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, Milan is a great city to visit year-round, and there are always events and attractions to enjoy.

What should I pack for my trip to Milan?

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking in Milan. If you are visiting in the summer, pack light clothing and sunscreen. In the winter, pack warm clothing and a scarf.

What's the best way to travel within Milan?

The best way to get around Milan is on foot. The city center is relatively small, and many of the attractions are located within walking distance of each other. If you need to travel further, you can take the metro, bus, or tram. Taxis are also available, but they are generally more expensive than other

All Milan Guides

Attractions

Last Supper

Milan Duomo

1 Day in Milan

Best Day Trips from Milan

Milan to Lake Como

Milan to Cinque Terre

Milan to Venice

Milan to Bergamo

Milan to Switzerland

Sightseeing

Milan City Passes

Hop-On-Hop-Off

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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Is Milan worth visiting? An honest review

It’s an important question: is Milan worth visiting? Hopefully my complete guide to the city will help you make your mind up!

Is Milan worth visiting? The million-dollar question.

Well, first of all, there are plenty of locations around the world that other travel bloggers have said aren’t worth the trip… and I’ve wholeheartedly disagreed with them. And I’m pretty sure you will have done too.

Let’s be real: if you listened to every single person with an opinion on a place you’d probably never go anywhere. In fact, I was just reading some really negative views of the group travel tour I recently did in India… but it was all news to me because I loved every second of it! There’s always someone who’s jaded by the crowds or who wants to do something more off the beaten track or just thinks everything is so cliché.

So I just wanted to say to take this post with a hint of salt. It’s just my opinion, that’s all.

Did I like Milan?

For what it’s worth, I didn’t hate Milan. I just didn’t like it all that much. And truth be told, a lot of the reasons I didn’t like it are superficial at best, or entirely my fault. Yes, this is very much a ‘it’s not you it’s me’ conversation. Milan has a lot going for it and there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with it. But for me, we just didn’t click. I just wanted to be up front about that rather than pretending all the way through this post.

But… to address the title of my post. If you asked me ‘is Milan worth visiting?’ I would say yes. Why? Because even though it wasn’t my favourite European city there are ALWAYS things to enjoy about a new place.

Plus, even though I didn’t get the feels for Milan it doesn’t mean you won’t. I’ll dig into exactly what I didn’t like about Milan in a bit more detail throughout this post, but first up, a bit of an intro! Let’s take a quick look at the city and all the essential logistical information you need to know about it…

What is Milan known for?

First up, it’s known for being fashionable. Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world along with London, Paris and New York. It hosts Milan fashion week twice a year, which is one of the ‘Big Four’ fashion weeks and attracts all the biggest fashion houses from around the world to its streets.

It’s not only its style credentials that the city is known for. The business district is host to Italy’s stock exchange – thrilling, I know – and the HQs of various national and international banks are located in the city. Possibly not anything to include on the sightseeing list, but worth knowing all the same. So what else is Milan famous for? Well, if you’re a football fan you’ll definitely be familiar with Milan’s two football teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

And one final thing associated with the city is that little ol’ painting, The Last Supper.

Where is Milan?

Milan is located in the north of Italy in the Lombardy region. It’s the second most populous city after Rome with a population of 1.4 million in the city proper. The wider metropolitan city is much bigger with over 3.26 million people living there. That’s a lot of people!

Once you count the continuously built-up urban area and all the people living within that, it gets even bigger. In fact, there are 8.2 million people living in Greater Milan and that makes it the biggest metropolitan area in Italy and the third biggest in the EU.

So in short, it’s big and it’s busy.

What is the weather like in Milan?

Another really important question. I’m not going to lie, the weather did impact on my enjoyment of the city. We were there in March and it was cold! Much colder than I thought it was going to be. I’ll go into that more below, but first up, here’s the numbers…

How do you get to Milan?

Flights to Milan

If you’re me, you get to Milan via your incredibly cheap Ryanair flight! When I had a look on Skycanner , which is always my go-to when I book travel, the flights were dirt cheap. A Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Milan was around £30 – and that’s for a round trip.

There are also numerous other airlines offering flights to Milan from cities across the UK and further to field. Basically, Milan is cheap and easy to get to, which is a win-win in my eyes!

Train to Milan

As the powerhouse of the Italian economy, Milan is very well connected when it comes to its rail network. You can travel from (or to) a number of other Italian cities and beauty spots from Milan quite easily.

Whether you’re arriving from Verona, Florence, Turin, Bologna, Rome, there are multiple trains that will get you to Milan. Other European cities are also very well-catered for, with trains running from Basel, Zurich, Paris, and many other cities.

I found this website incredibly helpful when looking for trains. I will definitely be heading back to it when I start planning my big Italian interrailing adventure helpfully later this year.

Bus to Milan

Catching the bus is also a cheap and budget-friendly way to travel to Milan. I found this website really useful for planning your trip to Milan by bus – again, it might be one that comes in useful for me when I finally make it back to Italy.

Where to stay in Milan

Well, I wouldn’t recommend staying where I did, as I didn’t love the hotel I was in. There are plenty of hotels in Booking.com that look lovely and, you know what, I’m also a fan of an Airbnb on a European break.

Is Milan an expensive city to visit?

No, I found Milan to be relatively affordable. It’s one of those cities that you can get flights to fairly cheaply and, for the most part, that’s where the biggest costs are incurred. Once you’re there you can live on street food, rather than dinners and lunches, to save costs. There’s plenty of ‘city’ to walk to soak up the vibe and a lot of the buildings and architecture can be enjoyed for free, which makes Milan a budget-friendly city to visit in my view. So if you’re wondering if Milan is worth visiting as a cheap city break then it very much is!

How many days should I spend in Milan?

We visited Milan for three days so I think three to four days in Milan is plenty. You definitely want to leave a day aside to visit Lake Como, which I’ll talk more about below. You can also make numerous other day trips from Milan – to Lake Garda, to Verona, and even to Venice.

So, just saying, if you don’t like Milan either there are options…

Is Milan a beautiful city?

Yes, Milan is a beautiful city. It’s one of the fashion capitals of the world for a reason, right? It oozes style and sophistication in that effortless, just-woke-up-like-this catwalk model kind of way. If you’re looking for mesmerising landmarks and stunning architecture then it’s here in spades. Just google Milan cathedral the Duomo, Sforzesco Castle, La Scala Opera and the Grand Gallery shopping area and you’ll see what I’m talking about. Beautiful.

What should you not miss in Milan?

When I ask the question ‘Is Milan worth visiting?’ it makes it sound very black and white. The reality is that there are a few things in Milan that make it absolutely worth visiting at least once. I’ve already mentioned a few above and there are plenty more. For me, the Duomo di Milano, the first ever Prada shop, The Last Supper, La Scala and Lake Como are five must-sees when you visit Milan, but that’s just my opinion.

Is Milan worth visiting?

What i liked about milan…, galleria vittorio emanuele ii.

The Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II is a nineteenth century shopping arcade and is the oldest active shopping mall in Italy. I’m not usually one to get excited by shopping malls, but this place is just beautiful. The architecture and magnificent glass dome is stunning and everything just feels imbued with elegance and history. It kind of feels like walking through another time period when you’re there – you’re transported to another century to walk in the footsteps of all the glamorous Italian shoppers way back in the 19 th century.

It was built between 1865 and 1877 and was named after the first king of the kingdom of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. I guess in many ways it’s a blueprint for the modern shopping malls we all know and, erm, enjoy now. Just much more stylish, right?

The Galleria also has an interesting nickname, which is the ‘drawing room for the city’. I find that quite interesting as I live in the city of Dundee in Scotland, which is home to the V&A Dundee design museum.

The architect for the V&A museum, Kengo Kuma, has referred to the museum as a living room for the city, so a pretty similar idea. I’m not sure if he’s riffing on the Galleria’s nickname or whether it’s simply a coincidence but I guess the meaning is similar: both these places are where people come to meet and gather.

The Galleria is also home to the first ever Prada shop, which opened in 1913, which is pretty cool to see. There are also a number of other designer shops in the Galleria, including Gucci, Versace, Armani and Louis Vuitton. So if you’ve got money to burn, do it here!

Duomo di Milano

Is Milan worth visiting to see the Duomo up close? Definitely!

One thing I definitely can’t be meh about in this city is Milanese cathedral, the Duomo di Milano. It really is as spectacular as you’ve heard. It’s a gothic-style cathedral created out of pink and white marble, and it’s vast. 157 metres high by 92 metres wide kind of vast.

It also took a whopping six centuries to build – it began in 1386 and wasn’t fully completed until 1965 – which seems totally wild to me. However, if you get a chance to see the cathedral up close you’ll be able to see why. It’s spectacular at a distance, but up close you’re able to see all of the intricacies and details that really make it so special.

So when we’re talking about ‘Is Milan worth visiting?’ I would say that seeing the Duomo is one of the iconic buildings that really made the trip worthwhile. It’s amazing, no lie.  

You can go inside to get a closer look, and there’s even a rooftop terrace that provides incredible views of the city. If you do decide to go inside the Duomo you’ll have to dress modestly, which means wearing something that covers your shoulders and your knees.

Find out all the key information about the Duomo di Milano here

We visited opera house La Scala as part of the walking tour we did on our first full day. This was something we signed up to as part of getting a ticket to the Last Supper, but more on that later. A number of very famous operas have had their first production at La Scala in Milan; Madame Butterfly had its premiere at La Scala in 1904 for example. I remember there was a whole exhibit about Madame Butterfly when we were there.

However, the most exciting part of visiting La Scala is getting to have a nosy around the box seats in the main auditorium of the opera. They’re ridiculously glamorous with their red satin and ornate gold detailing and they’re where the toast of high society would go to see in the opera. None of the cheap seats at the back for them thanks very much!

Opening hours and ticket prices for La Scala can be found here

The charming canals of Milan

A confession: I didn’t know that Milan had canals. But it does, and they’re pretty fricking beautiful. The area of the city that they’re found is called the Navigli district and it’s as charming it comes. I was surprised by how different a feel it had to the rest of the city.

There are five interconnecting canals in the city of Milan, which include:

• Naviglio Grande
• Naviglio Pavese
• Naviglio Martesana
• Naviglio di Paderno
• Naviglio di Bereguardo

The neighbourhood dates all the way back to 1179, when the canals were built to ship in key deliveries to the centre of the city, including the marble they used to build the Duomo. It’s also rumoured that Leonardo da Vinci helped to plan the renovation of the canals in the 15 th century, and there’s even a dam named after him on the Naviglio Pavese canal.

The Navigli area in Milan a lovely peaceful place to walk along and spend time in. It felt really tranquil in comparison to the rush and bustle of the rest of the city, which is maybe why I liked it so much.

That’s not to say there isn’t anything to do either, as there are plenty of cafes and bars lining the canals for you to enjoy. I seem to remember us going to get something to eat and we even went so far as to sit down in a restaurant. But no one spoke to us or took our order, so we just left. Another disaster on my great trip to Milan, right?

Don’t let that put you off though – the canals are definitely worth seeing!

Lake Como was the stand-out place to visit when I went to Milan. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, home to Renaissance and neoclassical architecture, and one of the locations for the James Bond film Casino Royal, it’s dramatic with a capital D. Oh, it’s also where George Clooney has a holiday home and films those Nespresso adverts.

I think all of us in our group had the best time there out of the whole trip to Milan, which says it all really. The most enjoyable part wasn’t actually in Milan. Terrible, I know!

We almost didn’t even get to go, though. I remember we tried to book the all-day Lake Como tour through the hotel and it had sold out. We were all like, noooo, we can’t go, until we realised we could just make the trip ourselves. And for a fraction of the price too! I would highly recommend this over any overpriced coach trip from Milan.

What to do at Lake Como

We got the train in the morning, had a lovely day at Lake Como, and then got the train back later. It was so much better going by our own timetable rather than having to be back at the coach at a certain time and all that caper. Definitely take the train to Lake Como!

I’m going to be writing a stand-alone blog post on visiting Lake Como but in the meantime, here are the things to do at Lake Como that I would recommend…

• Take a boat trip at Lake Como
• Go on the funicular to Brunate
• Soak up the stunning views
• Eat lunch al fresco
• Check out the public art

Is Milan worth visiting just to go to Lake Como? To be honest, yes.

The street art

I always love finding interesting pieces of street art when I’m exploring new cities and Milan was no exception. However, as with most things on this trip, I found out that we probably didn’t see any of the really iconic examples of urban and street art in Milan. I guess we didn’t exactly seek it out. If we did, we would have found some real treasures.

One of the coolest examples of street art in Milan is a 40m mural right next to San Lorenzo church, which was commissioned by the church itself. It tells the story of the last 2000 years of the city’s history and includes everyone from Napoleon to Leonard da Vinci.

There’s also street art on the railway underpasses, on gable ends, on bridges, around the canals and in about every nook and cranny you can think of in the city. This article here gives a great flavour of what you can expect in the way of urban art in Milan.

British sculptor Alex Chinneck also ‘unzipped’ a building as part of an incredible piece of installation art in Milan, which you can view here . I would have been gutted if I missed this, but fortunately for me at least it was only in place for the duration of Milan Fashion Week in 2019.

What I didn’t like about Milan…

The weather

I must be British, because here I am talking about the weather! We travelled to Milan in March and, to be frank, the weather was shit. It was cold. It rained. I had to buy an ugly umbrella on the first day because I’d forgotten to bring mine.

The weather also led to some terrible tourist decisions that I still feel a hot flush of shame about… like when we ended up in one of those tourist trap restaurants underneath the plastic covers because the heavens decided to open and anything was better than standing in the rain with nowhere to go.

One of my most lingering memories of seeing The Last Supper was freezing my toes off standing outside waiting to be let inside the building, because only half our group could go in at once. You really don’t want that to be your most prominent memory of The Last Supper, right?

But that’s the thing – the weather can really put me in a bad mood. So when it was cold and wet in Milan it really impacted how I felt about the city. Silly really, but there it is.

If I haven’t put you off visiting Milan yet then I’d recommend going a little bit later. It is in the north of Italy after all. An extra five degrees could have been game-changing!

Seeing the Last Supper

The first thing you need to know about seeing The Last Supper in Milan is that it’s actually bloody difficult to see The Last Supper in Milan. Tickets to see the painting sell out months in advance. Months! That means the only option you have if you’re rocking up to Milan the day before without a ticket (i.e. me) is to book a ticket on a guided tour.

Yes, if you book a ticket on a guided tour of Milan or a walking tour of Milan with Last Supper access you’ll be able to see the painting. We booked one of these the day before and got tickets with no issues, so it’s perfect for the last-minute dot com travellers! You can book your ticket here .

There’s definitely a sense of occasion created by The Last Supper. There’s the small groups you’re split into. The stringent security measures in place. The shadowy gloom of the location where the painting is located – so that it isn’t damaged by the light any more than it is already. All of these things add to the intrigue and the suspense of seeing it up close.

It would be tricky for anything to live up to that. As someone who studied History of Art at university, I’m not going to say I was underwhelmed by the painting. For me, it is one of those iconic pieces of art that’s always going to be magical to see in the flesh. But I’m sure not everyone will feel the same as that. So just manage your expectations is all.

Shopping in Milan

Is Milan worth visiting for the shopping? You’re probably speaking to the wrong person…

I’ve already mentioned that Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. I mean, that’s cool and all, but unfortunately, I’m not really into fashion… and I’m certainly not into expensive designers. However, when you type ‘shopping in Milan’ into Google there are lots of guides on all the go-to shopping destinations in the city. People are super excited about shopping in Milan!

The main shopping street in Milan is known as Montenapoleone and it’s home to a number of those familiar names such as Gucci, Valentino and Prada. It’s also where you’ll find lots of Italian leather goods if that floats your boat. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t all that interested.

As I mentioned I travelled to Milan with Ryanair, so this was very much a budget trip. You also know what they’re like when it comes to their baggage policy – I definitely had no extra room for stuffing my suitcase with designer shopping splurges!

When I travel somewhere I actually want to see the city, not just spend my time wandering around the shops. I could do that anytime, right? So in a nutshell, shopping on holiday isn’t really for me, and I think the prominence of that in Milan impacted my enjoyment of the city as a whole.

The hotel was only OK

I mentioned above that I didn’t really love the hotel we stayed in. We booked the Best Western Plus Hotel Galles and it definitely wasn’t awful… it was just a bit meh.  

I remember looking at the pictures before we arrived thinking it looked quite nice and, in fact, it gets four stars on Booking.com. It even has a swimming pool for goodness sake!

But I just remember pushing open the door to our hotel room when we first arrived and just feeling this sense of underwhelm. I don’t know what it was… everything just felt a bit old-fashioned and tired. So it was fine, but definitely not something to get excited about. Even the pool didn’t win me over because it was so crowded you could hardly get a look in!

The other thing I didn’t like about the hotel was the district. It was in the heart of the shopping district which would be great if that was what you were into, but we weren’t. It also meant that there weren’t that many restaurants close by for dinner in the evening. I just remember being starving and pounding the streets looking for somewhere to eat.

Definitely not what you want to be doing when you’re exploring a new city!

The cat café was closed

Remember I said that some of the reasons I didn’t enjoy Milan were entirely self-inflicted? Well, here’s another one. There’s a cat café in Milan called Crazy Cat Café . I love cat cafes, as you can probably tell from this post I wrote about the amazing cat café in Edinburgh. I saw this cat café mentioned in a blog about Milan or something and was immediately like: we have to go.

So we did. We traipsed all over town to get there… only to find that it was closed. Yes it turns out that the only day of the week the Crazy Cat Café is closed on is a Monday, and that was the day we decided to go. The emotional devastation was real.

So don’t be like me. Check the opening hours and don’t go to the cat café on a Monday.

If you’re asking yourself ‘is Milan worth visiting?’ then one of the big reasons has to be the food. There isn’t much in the world that beats Italian food, right? I remember I spent ages daydreaming about all of the delicious pasta, wine, pizza and tiramisu I was going to eat when I was in Milan.

 And I did. I had a few lovely meals when I was there – with the gnocchi eaten al fresco at Lake Como being the runaway winner. However, I also had a couple of disappointing meals or times when I felt like we ended up in a restaurant just because we were hungry or there was nothing else close by.

Basically, it all boiled down to not doing enough research about good places to eat near the hotel or the locations we were visiting. More on that below…

Not doing enough research

There’s a photo of me and my friends sitting on the outward leg of our lovely Ryanair flight, and we’re all clutching a pocket-guide to Milan book or similar. I can’t remember if we all bought them at the airport but even if we hadn’t, I probably hadn’t read much about what was good to see and do in Milan beforehand – at least since we’d decided where we were going and booked the flights.

What I’m basically saying is: we weren’t prepared for the trip. We hadn’t done enough research. We hadn’t done enough planning. In short, we were winging it. And while I’m quite happy to do this most of the time I felt like, with Milan, a little more preparation might have been a good thing. Even a nice restaurant recommendation could have swung it!

It’s all good being a fly by the seat of your pants person when it all works out. Sometimes you can even stumble on a great place done a side street that you’d never have been on if you’d planned everything out. But, on the flipside, sometimes it means that you can come away from a city feeling like you haven’t seen the best of what it has to offer. And the reason for that is your own lack of planning. That’s my regret about Milan.

A bad hair day (or week)

This one comes with a warning – this is nothing to do with Milan at all. However, I remember I got my hair cut just before this holiday and I HATED it. It was too short and dark and I just remember really not liking it the whole trip. So when I look back on the photographs of Milan that’s all I see: this horrible haircut that I didn’t like.

As I said, it’s nothing to do with Milan, but it’s definitely something I’ve learned from. Now I like to get my hair done a couple of weeks before I go on holiday to allow it to ‘settle’ and look how I want it to look. And there we go, the most random reason not to like Milan!

Have you ever had a bad haircut before you went on holiday? Tell me it’s not just me.

And therein concludes my review of Milan in Italy. So the big question is: what have you decided? Is Milan worth visiting or not? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Share this:, 10 responses to “is milan worth visiting an honest review”.

Hi Lucy, thanks for the refreshingly honest review. It makes a change from the usual “Of course you should visit (insert city name here) it’s the greatest place in the world” reviews I’m used to.

Thanks! It’s funny, some cities you just don’t click with and Milan was one of those for me. Have you been before?

Thanks for this Lucy, an enjoyable read even if I wasn’t going to Milan (I liked the totally random bit about how your bad hair experience affected your trip: worthy of an essay in itself!) but I am going because I need a quick break and I really want to see Italy and it’s the only Italian place that Ryanair flies to from my nearest airport, Ireland West. Actually to Bergamo, which sounds lovely itself and I’ll likely stay overnight there. I’ve checked out other lists of Things to See in Milan and every one of those lists was so predictable and made it sound..not hugely thrilling: various churches, the Opera house, all the swanky shopping and of course THE painting. I know there’s probably lots to see and do outside of what’s on those lists. So thanks for the tip about the canals and the neighbourhoods around there. Also the info on getting to Lake Como on public transport. It was a good read.

Hehe what can I say, bad hair days are a thing! I would love to go back another time when it’s warmer (and without a bad haircut) to see it again with fresh eyes, I would definitely love to spend more time exploring the villages near Lake Como as we didn’t have too much time there. But yes I know what you mean, a lot of the lists are quite generic – I like looking for the things I know I’ll enjoy on a trip, not just tick off the list of sights. Thanks for a lovely comment.

Thanks Lucy, great honesty and useful review which is refreshing. Heidi B

Thanks so much Heidi!

many of the reasons why you didn’t like the city too much are really very personal, if you ever return to Milan the advice I can give you, as I live there, is to prepare well. there are SO MANY museums, places to visit, both in the most historic part of the city and in the newer areas. Piazza Gae Aulenti and the entire Isola neighborhood have many hidden gems. plus Milan is fantastic due to its proximity to Lake Como. it is also located less than an hour from both the “Sacro Monte Di Varese” and Lecco (and therefore from some beautiful ski resorts such as Barzio). but yes, Milan is still full of defects

This is accurate, and it was a lesson learned in terms of being more organised when planning for trips. But every experience is personal, right? There are definitely lots of things I didn’t see, which is probably part of the reason why I didn’t connect with the city on this particular occasion. Maybe if I went for a return visit I would change my mind! That’s definitely happened with other places 😄

I am flying in to Milan June 2024 for 3 days before heading south and keep trying to be excited about it. I also am not really about fashion or expensive designer items, and honestly keep looking at trips out of Milan. I really appreciate your honesty!! Flying in to Malpensa we will already be nearly to Lake Como…I have a suspicion I’ll end up there. Again, thanks for the great information!

Thanks for reading! Well you’re already doing better than I did by travelling in the summer, much better the freezing cold of March. I would totally agree on day trips though. Lake Como is somewhere I’d like to experience without a hat and coat! I’m sure you’ll have a great time if you do what works for you 😄

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8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts

Last updated on June 3rd, 2024.

Milan is one of those cities that you will either love or you won’t.

A city teeming with life, lights and luxury, it’s one you shouldn’t dismiss when putting together your Italy itinerary.

Whether you plan on spending a week or a weekend in Milan, these Milan travel tips will come in handy.

Ideal for first-time visitors to the city, these tips include visitor as well as insider advice.

An sizzling hot destination for your Italy bucket list , use this post to help plan your Italy trip .

8 best Milan travel tips

Do book any milan tour tickets in advance.

Like other major cities across Italy, Milan is no exception when it comes to long lines and waiting times.

Because of this, booking a skip-the-line tour is one of my top Milan travel tips. Doing this will make a big difference to your Milan trip.

The city’s most famous attraction is the Duomo di Milano .

A building that dates to the 14th century, the church took almost 6 centuries to complete. The largest church in Italy, the Duomo di Milano stands at 108m (354ft) tall and 92m (302ft) wide.

If, like us, you book the Milan Cathedral and rooftop tour , you’ll get an up-close view of the 135 spires. Inside and out, the Duomo’s Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles immediately hit you the second you lay eyes on it.

While its facade is undeniably eye-catching, its interior matches its grand outer coating. Worth every cent, don’t miss your chance to step inside the Duomo when in Milan.

To make your Milan trip more memorable, consider checking into one of these Milan hotels with a Duomo view .

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), Piazza del Duomo

Other tours I advise booking in advance in Milan include:

• Da Vinci’s Last Supper tour
• La Scala Theatre and museum tour
• Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) entrance ticket (with digital audioguide)

Do buy the Milan 24-hour transport ticket

During our 48 hours in Milan, we racked up an average of 22,000 steps every day. But, whenever the opportunity presented itself, we hopped on any form of public transport whenever we could.

One of my top Milan travel tips, buying the 24-hour ticket can be very good value. One ticket cost €7 ($6.85/£6.10)* and included 3 zones in Milan. We made the most out of our ticket, jumping from metro to tram and then onto the bus.

You can buy the 24-hour ticket from any metro station office, machine or in selected shops. Look out for the ‘ biglietteria ’, which means ticket shop/office.

Don’t stop at the first restaurant/bar in Piazza Duomo

In a big city like Milan, you won’t be surprised to find restaurants catering to tourists.

But, unlike in Venice, you won’t see many waiters standing outside vying for your custom. Instead, Milan is a little more discreet.

This isn’t to say that tourist restaurants don’t exist.

In tourist spots like Piazza Duomo, you’re likely to find a few and prices may be a little higher . Check out the menus outside for any ‘menus of the day’ or to see if they’re printed in several languages.

Map: Milan travel tips

Do try a Milanese classic/s

Instead, just minutes’ walk from the Duomo are dozens of good options and ones that suit every budget.

Our first choice for lunch was a small restaurant called A Santa Lucia. Recommended by a good friend that lives in Milan, we were disappointed to find that it was fully booked.

Admittedly, we should have known better. We book for restaurants and trattorias 90% of the time to avoid disappointments like this.

Eventually, we settled on a restaurant not far from the Duomo called Al Cantinone.

Good for the location

While I’d like to tell you that Al Cantinone solely serves Milanese or regional dishes , I’d be lying. The menu has a good selection but it also has plates from other Italian regions.

We did order typical Milanese dishes of Ossobuco alla Milanese con risotto giallo and Risotto all’Amarone. Very satisfying and thoroughly delicious, we left feeling full and energized. Prices are mid-range at Al Cantinone, the service is fast and the portion sizes are generous.

Our top pick for a truly authentic Lombard restaurant is Al Garghet. Located outside the city center, it serves traditional dishes in a rustic setting.

Quick bite in Milan

If you’re visiting Milan on a budget, and looking for a quick and delicious bite to eat, head to Spontini. For a more in-depth guide to Milanese cuisine, you may want to consider joining a fun food tour in Milan .

This pizzeria serves large slices, fresh from the oven and still steaming hot when handed to you.

A Santa Lucia, Via San Pietro All’Orto, 3 Al Cantinone, Via Agnello, 19 Al Garghet, Via Selvanesco, 36 Spontini, Via Santa Radegonda, 11

Do visit the lesser known churches

It’s no secret that I love visiting the churches, like those in Treviso , in Italy. Size or its popularity bears no difference. To me, they’re like free art museums, each one unique to the next.

Milan is no different to other Italian cities in that you’re sure to find a church just minutes’ away. Aside from the Duomo, the city has plenty of other historical churches that’ll leave you speechless. One of my top Milan travel tips, note down some of the churches in the city and enjoy a free tour in the process.

One of many

Tucked away just off the busy shopping street of Via Torino is the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro.

It’s easy to miss if you’re not necessarily looking for it. Built in a Renaissance architectural style, the church dates to the 15th century.

A spectacular sight awaits inside, courtesy of the work of Italian architect and painter Donato Bramante. One of the earliest examples of Trompe-l’œil, the ‘apse’ (semi-circle by the altar) looks real but is in fact painted.

We visited the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro on a Sunday morning when mass was taking place. If you prefer not to observe mass, visit on another day. It closes at 12pm on Sundays but re-opens at 3.30pm.

As always, check the website for the most up-to-date opening times.

Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, Via Torino

Visiting the churches in Milan would easily constitute a 1-day itinerary. If this interests you, make a note of the following places:

• Basilica di San Vittore al Corpo, Via San Vittore, 25
• Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Segreta, Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo
• Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Francesco da Paola, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 30
• Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, Piazza Santo Stefano
• Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, Piazza Santo Stefano

Don’t stay in the center of Milan

Milan is defined by more than just the Duomo and the surrounding shopping district. The city has dozens of vibrant neighborhoods to explore and places you can experience life as a local.

We stayed in a nearby neighborhood called NoLo, or north of LOreta. Filled with independent cafes, bars and restaurants, it has an upbeat energy and plenty of friendly locals.

NoLo is a great neighborhood in Milan and one we found to be very affordable. I list other Milan neighborhoods and areas probably best avoided in the city in is Italy safe to visit ?

Explore Navagli

Another area south of the center worth visiting is Navigli. With its hipster vibe, Navigli’s cobbled streets are lined with art galleries and vintage shops. At its center are the twin canals, with plenty of drinking and dining options on either side.

The church that houses The Last Supper painting (Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie) is also outside the center. By car, it takes around 38 minutes while it’s approximately 1 hour by public transport.

Easily one of my top 3 Milan travel tips, be sure to venture away from the Duomo.

Time permitting, you may also be interested in venturing completely outside the city. Lake Como is around 1hr and 40 minutes away, and visiting Lake Como from Milan makes a fabulous Milan day trip .

Do visit Milan iconic hotspots

When it’s time for aperitivo in Milan, you’re spoiled for choice with options.

But, if you’re looking to drink and relax in a Milanese iconic institution, head to Bar Basso. Opened in 1947, owner Giuseppe Basso wanted a place where locals could come and relax with a cocktail.

It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Bar Basso would become a household name.

By accidentally mixing prosecco (instead of gin) with Campari and red vermouth, bartender Mirko Stocchetto had created the Negroni Sbagliato. Translated as ‘wrong Negroni’, the drink became an instant hit.

A Milanese icon

Needless to say, Bar Basso serves glass upon glass of its infamous cocktail. With its neon red sign (at night) and plenty of character, consider coming here for aperitivo.

Prices are on the higher side (because of its backstory), but it’s one of the most unique spots in Milan. Drinks come with a side order of focaccia, chips and olives, which almost makes up for the price.

Speaking of food, Milan is home to another creation called the apericena.

Bar Basso, Via Plinio, 39

Do try an apericena

Of all my sojourns around Italy, the most generous place we’ve ever had aperitivo is in Sicily .

A drink typically arrives with a side order of nuts, chips, focaccia, olives and much more. Though tempting as it is to eat everything, there won’t be any room left for dinner.

To counter this, in the north, the Milanese have created their own solution: apericena.

Essentially, it combines the drinks part with several plates that constitutes a dinner. Having apericena also benefits travelers visiting Milan on a budget.

Every place that serves apericena will naturally differ as to what dishes they offer. Many bars in Milan offering the concept of apericena are typically cocktail bars. Make a note of the following places if you’re also keen to try it:**

• Bar 35 Food & Drinks, Via Panfilo Castaldi, 35
• Memà Cafè, Largo Fra Paolo Bellintani, 2
• Kilburn – Cocktail Bar, Via Panfilo Castaldi, 25
• Mint Garden Cafè, Via Felice Casati, 12
• Frank Milano, Via Lecco, 1/A
• Nhero Milano, Via Felice Casati, 44

What are your thoughts on these Milan travel tips? Will they help you organize your trip to the city? Let me know in the comments below.

*Prices correct at time of travel **Details correct at time of publishing

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

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66 thoughts on “ 8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts ”

I do like to visit Milan, but since I’m missing the Italian vibes, it’s definitely not my favorite city in Italy. A couple of years ago, I spent two weeks there learning Italian and enjoyed visiting all the wonderful art museums. Also, I love the proximity to the mesmerizing Lakeland in the north. Milan proves that you don’t need to love a city to keep coming back 😀

You are so right! It’s a city you either like or you don’t. But the connections to the lakes and other cities makes it worth visiting

Milan looks like a beautiful city, I would love to visit there someday. Your tips are really very helpful.

Thank you, I’m glad you think so 🙂

Oh, I love getting insider tips 😉😬! Milan is such a beautiful city. I would love to visit this place someday😍. Thanks for the tips 🙂.

I really hope you do one day!

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My Pretty Travels

Milan: Solo Travel Guide for One day

Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by

The first time that I visited Milan was back in 2014: I had planned a beautiful solo trip among other cities such as Brescia, Padova and Venice and I had decided to spend one day visiting the world’s fashion capital. Since then I revisited the town for one day in Christmas of 2016 and two days during the summer of 2018.

Is it worth visiting Milan for one day?

To be honest, I was very excited about my first solo trip. It is Italy’s second biggest city, and I thought that there were so many things to see and do.

Italians however don’t share the same love . When I said to my friend that I am going to Milan , he asked “ What are you going to do there? There is nothing to see or do !”. I argued that this is not true and he challenged me to prove him wrong. I opened my Lonely Planet Guide Book and started skimming all the pages about Milan. I arrived at the sad conclusion, that yes, there are some famous landmarks, but let’s be honest, there are not so many things to do .

Since then I have visited Milan other two times, once for attending a Christmas Party and once for spending a weekend solo and explore the city a bit more.

The answer to the question “ Is it Worth Visiting Milan? ” is very complicated. It depends on your hobbies, your expectations and from a list of other things that I am going to analyze in the paragraph below.

Milan at a glance

Let’s find out together why it’s worthing visiting Milan and what to expect from your trip:

• You should know that Milan is the capital of Lombardy and Italy’s second biggest city .
• It is also called the “ fashion capital ” and if you love fashion or if you are passionate about shopping this is the place for you!
• It also called “ the business capital ” of Italy. The job market is good here, there are a lot of companies and let’s say if you were an Italian businessman you would be based here.
• The city is famous for its aperitivo , for its risotto alla Milanese and the “ cotolettta alla Milanese .” But I am going to prepare you: the locals don’t eat a lot. That means that the portions are small and there is a lot of healthy/vegetarian/vegan food. I liked Milan, but I left the city hungry!
• Is it expensive? Yes, it’s a little bit more expensive than Rome.
• The weather is a bit dull , it rains a lot and is colder than Rome.
• For me, Milan is an excellent destination for solo female travelers : I traveled solo the first and last time in Milan, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Milan in one day? 8 top-rated tourist attractions   

#1. duomo of milan .

The Duomo of Milan is the symbol of the city and should be the first stop of your itinerary. Before you enter, take some beautiful photos in front of the Cathedral, in Piazza Duomo . If you are not afraid of pigeons, you can even try to feed them!

As Milan is becoming a very famous tourist destination, the queues to enter the cathedral are becoming huge . If you don’t fancy waiting in the line under the rain or the grey skies, I strongly advise you to purchase your tickets in advance.

You can buy the tickets for Milan’s Duomo online  from this link or by choosing one of the options below.

♦ EXTRA TIP : Don’t skip the Duomo’s Terrace ! Buy the ticket online and get up to the top of the cathedral where you can get a magnificent view of the city.

#2. Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II

If you are done with the Duomo, you will find on your left hand the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II : this classy, elegant shopping arcade was built in 1865-1877, and if you love shopping, you can find brands like Prada , Gucci , etc.

During Christmas time, Swarovski put up a fabulous Christmas tree with crystals .

Did you know that in Milan the traditional Christmas tree is actually made of 10,000 SWAROVSKI crystals? Oh yes 😎 . . . . . #christmastree #milan #swarovski #luxury #seetoshare #whatitalyis #beautufulplaces #bucketlist #italy #instatravel #travelblogger #greektravelblogger #passionpassport #wanderlust Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Dina Drk ✈ Travel (@dina.drk) στις 15 Δεκ, 2017 στις 1:36 μμ PST

 ♦ Extra tip : On the floor of Galleria Vitorio Emanuelle you will find a bull: if you put your heel in the hole, in the place of the bull’s testicle and spin around… it will bring you good luck… seriously!

#3. Teatro alla Scala: Milan’s Opera House

If you love opera, or if you are seeking a unique experience in Milan you should visit the famous opera house . Try to book tickets in advance and of course, get dressed up!

#4. Castello Sforzesco

Milan has a castle, and this is castle Sforzeso. It was build in the 15th century and is one of biggest fortresses in Europe .

#5. Leonardo’s Da Vinci Last Supper

You’ll probably know of The Last Supper, one of the most famous paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci. The good news is that it is in Milan, at Santa Maria delle Grazie. The bad news is that if you are a last-minute traveler, you will not see this: you must book tickets in advance , ideally two weeks before.

#6. Pinacoteca di Brera

I didn’t visit the place but if you are an art-lover is a must. There you will find some excellent artwork by Ticiano and Raphael!

#7. Navigli District

Navigli District is one of the most beautiful and romantic neighborhoods in Milan! In Navigli District, you can find a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars and the good thing is that is not a tourist hot spot, locals go there too.

I enjoyed my cocktail there but unfortunately I didn’t have my camera with me.

#8. Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is Milan’s biggest park. I am allergic to pollen (ouch!), so I admired it from far away. If it’s a sunny day, take your favorite book and enjoy Parco Sempione.

Final thoughts about Milan

I liked the city a lot, and I highly recommend it for spending a weekend, max. three days . Take it easy, see the most famous landmarks, do some shopping (shopping in Milan is much better than shopping in Rome ) have an aperitivo at Navigli or a lovely dinner. The city has an excellent public transport system & it is clean and safe. Therefore, Milan is   female   solo traveler approved! 

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BEST of Milan in One Day (Most Complete Itinerary & Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 18, 2023

Are you thinking of visiting Milan for a day and wondering if it’s worth it and what to see and do in Milan in one day ? This guide and suggested 1-day itinerary will help you make the absolute most of your short visit to the city. Find out!

We have been to Italy so many times and visited so many amazing Italian cities . Yet somehow it took me years to finally get to Milan, and it surprised me beyond expectations! Milan is full of some amazing treasures, but you have to make some effort to escape the main tourist routes in order to truly appreciate it…

I have to admit that it wasn’t love at first sight, but if you take the time to look deeper, you will discover that Milan has so much more to offer than it looks on the surface!

Just like many first-time visitors, we only had one day in Milan. But because we visited the city by invitation of in LOMBARDIA regional tourism board and went with amazing local guides, we discovered so much more than just the ‘must-see’ places.

So in this post, I share the best tips and experience-based suggestions on what to see and do in Milan in one day , including all the top sights and tourist attractions, but also a few hidden gems and local areas that will make your visit so much more special. Find out!

Visiting Milan for a day? These are the top experiences you have to book in advance:

• Duomo Cathedral + Rooftops (must-do).
• Da Vinci’s The Last Supper (highly recommended).
• Lake Como Day Trip (if you have an extra day outside the city).

Yes, there are many amazing museums in Milan, nice parks to visit, and lots of stores where you can admire all the latest fashion trends… But unless you have more than one day in Milan, you will probably not want to waste half of your time queuing at a museum or shopping at some of the world’s most expensive boutiques…

So this is my no-nonsense guide to the best things you can see and do in Milan in one day. It’s definitely not a complete guide to Milan – there is no way to see it all in such a short time. However, if it’s your first trip and you want to see the best of Milan in a day , then look no further.

This is the most complete guide that will bring you to some of the nicest places in Milan, not just the main landmarks, but also some modern and trendy areas, as well as some quirky hidden gems. Keep in mind that if you want to do everything from this itinerary in one day, it will be a long busy day, but it’s definitely doable.

Good to know: At the bottom of the post, you can find an overview of this 1-day itinerary , a map featuring all the places mentioned here, as well as the suggested walking route . We also share some practical tips to help you make the best out of your day in Milan.

TIP: If you are visiting Milan for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide. This is one of the most complete and best-rated city tours that covers the main, must-see attractions in about 3 hours.

Based on our experience, here’s what I recommend to see and do in Milan in one day:

Piazza del Duomo & Duomo Terraces

No trip to Milan would be complete without seeing the Cathedral, Duomo di Milano , an impressive gothic masterpiece that took several centuries to complete. To many, seeing the Duomo is the main and only reason to visit Milan.

As you will see in this post, there is so much more to Milan than just its famous cathedral. But yes, it’s the main landmark of the city. So no matter how much (or little) time you have in Milan, Piazza del Duomo is one place you don’t want to miss.

If you are visiting in high season, it will likely be very busy inside the cathedral. Its exterior is just as impressive as the interior, so if you have just one day in Milan, in the past I would have told you to skip it. However, now that they introduced ticketed entry, you can book timed slots for a visit. So if you plan well, you can see both – the interior of the Duomo as well as its rooftops.

No matter which option you choose – the cathedral and/or the terraces , then be sure to get your tickets in advance . Alternatively, you can also opt for this highly-rated tour that includes skip-the-line tickets . Yes, it costs a bit more, but if you want to get the most out of your day in Milan, then it’s definitely worth it.

Must-see! Whether you visit the cathedral itself or not, make sure not to miss  Duomo’s Terraces . With its 135 towers and spires and over 2000 decorative marble statues, the rooftops of Duomo are a sight to behold.

The views from the top are amazing: not only do you have Piazza del Duomo and the whole of Milan under your feet, but you can even see the mountains in the distance. But the most impressive sight is the close-up of the towers of the cathedral that you can explore via a system of interconnecting stairways on the roof.

There are two ways to get to the rooftops of Duomo – by staircase or by elevator. You can get the tickets for either of the two options here . The price difference isn’t big and the elevator will save you some time and energy. We took the elevator.

TIP:   Beat the crowds and visit Piazza del Duomo first thing in the morning . It’s also the only time to get some pictures of the cathedral without the crowds. The terraces are open from 9 AM every day. In November, we could just go in without any queue. However, it is much busier in the high season, so make sure to book your tickets in advance and arrive really early . I’d say no later than 7.30-8 AM so that you also have some time to walk around the Duomo square as well as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II before the groups flood the place.

Insider tip: One of the nicest views of the Duomo can be found on the 7th floor of La Rinascente shopping center. There are several restaurants and cafes here, and you can enjoy a meal or a quick coffee with Duomo rooftops as the most magnificent backdrop.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , Italy’s oldest and probably the most exquisite shopping mall, is a major landmark you have to tick off your list when visiting Milan. The impressive 19th-century glass-topped gallery has always been a place to see and to be seen, the meeting point for the Milanese bourgeoisie.

Inside you’ll find several cafes and restaurants, some as old as the gallery itself. As you drink your morning coffee at Biffi or Savini, try to let it sink in that these restaurants have been here since 1867 – more than 150 years. Who knows, maybe you’re sitting at the same table as Verdi, Puccini, Charlie Chaplin or Frank Sinatra…

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a busy shopping arcade where you’ll also find some of the most expensive fashion boutiques of the world. Brands like Louis Vuitton or Prada have their flagship stores here, all with the same elegant black billboards and golden letters – obligatory uniform standard for any business in this gallery.

However, unless you just won the lottery, I’d leave the pleasures of shopping for another time. Also, you don’t want to waste too much time if you have just a day in Milan. Instead, admire the beautiful building, stunning detailed mosaics on the floors, and maybe have some tea or coffee – just to be able to see one of the historic restaurants.

TIP: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is just next to the Duomo and doesn’t require more than 5-10min of your time. So if you can try to visit the gallery before you head to the Duomo and the Terraces. In the morning you can have the whole gallery to yourself, whereas during the day you’ll have to squeeze your way between the tour guides with their umbrellas, inevitable selfie sticks, and impatient locals trying to make their way through the crowds…

Insider tip: Since recently, it’s also possible to visit the rooftops of Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle. However, based on the reviews, I think it’s ok to skip it if you only have one day in Milan.

La Scala Opera

As you walk from Piazza del Duomo all the way to the northern end of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll arrive at the smaller town square, Piazza della Scala . This square with the statue of Leonardo da Vinci in the middle is a bit underwhelming, especially compared to the beautiful places you just came from. The main reason to be here is Teatro all Scala.

Dating back to 1778, Teatro alla Scala , aka the ‘Temple of Opera’, is one of the most famous theatres in the world. It may not look like much on the outside, but its interior is very impressive; its history – even more. Some of the most famous operas and composers are linked to La Scala, including Gioachino Rossini and Giuseppe Verdi to name just a few.

I’m not really sure what to recommend to you in terms of visiting La Scala, especially if you only have a day in Milan. There were rehearsals on the day when we visited, so we could only see a part of the theatre, watch the stage from a small balcony through a glass window, and visit the tiny La Scala museum.

Due to rehearsals, no pictures were allowed inside the theatre. It was interesting and another box ticked, but at the same time, it was a bit disappointing not to be able to visit the theatre properly and see it in all its glory.

There are official guided tours of the theatre and the museum on some afternoons. By that time there are no rehearsals and you can actually admire the theatre. So if La Scala is on your bucket list, you may have to plan your day in Milan differently and make sure it works for your itinerary (more information and tickets here ). In that case, make sure to book in advance as La Scala is one of the most popular places to visit in Milan.

It is also possible to visit La Scala with an organized tour with a local guide: at 1 pm or at 2.30 pm . There are also tours that visit several landmarks in Milan including the theater, e.g. this tour visits the Duomo and La Scala .

Insider tip:  If you have just one day and don’t want to adjust your whole Milan itinerary just to be able to see La Scala, you can also try to get tickets for the opera itself (you can find the opera calendar here ). Seeing an opera at La Scala must be one of the most amazing experiences you can have in Milan!

Brera & Braidense National Library

One of the nicest neighborhoods in central Milan, Brera used to be an artsy, bohemian district. Nowadays it’s a more upscale part of town with a good mix of history, modern design, fashion, countless shopping, and dining options.

With lively cafes and restaurants, Brera comes to life in the evening. But if you want to see and do everything I recommend in this one day Milan itinerary, you’ll likely find yourself in Brera around noon.

With a variety of restaurants, you will have no difficulties finding a good place for lunch in Brera. Alternatively, wait just a bit longer – I have a really nice recommendation for lunch a bit further down the road.

Not to be missed is the Brera Academy which shares the same building with Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s largest museum of art, astronomical observatory, and  Braidense National Library .

Insider tip:  If you have just one day in Milan, you won’t have much time for the museum, observatory, or the adjacent botanical gardens, however a visit to Braidense library doesn’t require more than a few minutes, so don’t miss it. This 18th-century library is one of the most beautiful libraries in Italy, a real hidden gem in Milan.

The library is open daily except on Sundays (more info here ) and the entrance is free. Keep in mind that as a visitor you can only see the main room and you are not allowed to take close-up pictures of the books.

After visiting the library, stroll the streets of Brera in the direction of Sempione Park, your next destination not to be missed in Milan. On the way, pass Piazza Carmine with the 15th century Santa Maria del Carmine Church.

Sforzesco Castle & Sempione Park

Castello Sforzesco is a huge castle built on the remains of a 14th-century fortification. To tell you the truth, I never even heard of this castle before my visit to Milan, yet it’s a very impressive citadel, and definitely worth a visit.

Sforzesco castle now houses several art museums and another beautiful library. However, you would need at least half a day to visit even a small part of it. If you want to visit inside, you can find more information and book your ticket here .

Even if you only have one day in Milan, you can stroll through the grounds of the castle, admire the beautiful fountain, Fontana di Piazza Castello , and maybe even venture to the adjacent Sempione park.

One of the main landmarks of the park is Arco della Pace, Arch of Peace. It looks very much like Arc de Triomphe in Paris. So if you have the time, you can walk to it. Alternatively, take your time to explore the grounds of the castle a bit more.

Insider tip: Have lunch with a view at  Triennale Design Cafe . It’s located on the top floor of the modern Italian design museum  La Triennale di Milano . You won’t find many tourists here, the food is really good, and the views are well worth a short walk from Castello Sforzesco.

The Last Supper or…

At this point, you have seen the main highlights of the old city, so it’s  time to decide where you want to spend the remaining half a day in Milan!

If you rather stick to the traditional landmarks of Milan, you could now head to Cenacolo Vinciano, where you can see one of the most famous paintings in the world, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci . However, don’t expect to just arrive there and see the painting – the tickets are sold out months and months in advance. You can check availability for your travel dates here .

Alternatively, book one of the guided tours that include skip-the-line tickets for Leonardo’s The Last Supper . The organizing companies pre-book tickets in advance and therefore have much more availability even on short notice.

TIP: Take a look if there is any availability for this great and highly-rated 3-hr Milan walking tour with a local . It includes the Duomo Rooftop visit and the Last Supper tickets. If you have just one day in Milan, this tour is a great way to get to learn more about the city with a local guide. We love tours with TakeWalks and try to do at least one in every city we visit. They are always amazing and always offer something unique. The only problem is that their Last Supper tour only runs a few times a week, so it might not always fit into your itinerary… In that case, see if you can do one of their tours in other cities in Italy – highly recommended!

Afterwards, you can continue with the last step of my suggested Milan one day itinerary and visit Milan Canals (see below). If you still rather stick to the old town, you can visit one more museum (pick one from all the places mentioned above) or visit a really special church.

In that case, I recommend San Bernardino alle Ossa , best known for its bone chapel. In fact, if you want to visit this chapel, you should probably go there right after you visit the Duomo – it’s in the same area and will save you quite some walking.

… or Porta Nuova District

If you want to get to know different facets of Milan, I recommend that you spend the afternoon far from the main tourist areas. I loved seeing this other side of Milan! It was such an eye-opening experience that made me realize how little I knew of this fascinating city and how diverse it actually is. There is so much more to Milan than the Duomo and the old town. Read on!

Porta Nuova district is a brand new upcoming area in Milan. If you feel fit enough you can get there on foot, walking via Sempione Park (1,5-2km, 20-30min walk from Sforzesco Castle). Alternatively, take a metro to Garibaldi FS station.

If you walk, you’ll pass Porta Garibaldi and walk Corso Como – a nice fashionable area with shops, bars, and restaurants. 10 Corso Como Café is apparently one of the most sought-after restaurants in Milan, but based on the reviews and the prices I’m not sure I’d recommend eating there. Maybe just stop for a drink or a quick look inside. It’s a really nice place, one of those tiny hidden gems of Milan that you would just pass without noticing, so take a look inside the hidden passage leading towards the restaurant.

Just a few blocks further you’ll come to Piazza Gae Aulenti . It’s a new modern area surrounded by glass skyscrapers and some stunning samples of modern architecture.

It’s really hard to believe that this is the same Milan you visited just an hour ago! It feels as if you’re in some huge city in Asia or in the Middle East… In fact, Milan Unicredit Tower was designed by César Pelli, the same architect who built the famous Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and many other famous skyscrapers all over the world.

Take a walk through this new modern district of Milan. There are so many fine pieces of modern architecture!

One of the new landmarks of Milan, Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale , won several awards including the  International Highrise Award (2014) and the Best Tall Building Worldwide (2015). The so-called Vertical Forest is a very innovative type of sustainable residential buildings that will impress even if you know nothing about modern architecture.

The whole Porta Nuova district is really unique and well worth seeing, even if you only have one day in Milan. This is a very different part of the city than the old center. But it gives you a much better image of what Milan is truly about.

City Life Area

Another brand new place to be in Milan is the City Life  residential area. With a new shopping center, cinema, restaurants, kids’ playgrounds, and lots of residential buildings this is probably more a place for the locals or those who are staying in Milan for a few days.

We managed to squeeze a short visit here during our day in Milan, but if you are running out of time, you can probably skip this area. On the other hand, it’s here that you find local modern Milan at its best…

The main highlight for me was the colorful modern sculpture by Pascale Marthine Tayou. It’s called Coloris and is located just near the Tre Torri area. If you like modern art and unusual places, then you may want to check it out.

To get here, you have to take a metro to Tre Torri station.

Navigli – Canals of Milan

Did you know that Milan has canals?! I had no idea!

The Navigli neighborhood, famous for the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals is one of the areas you really have to see in Milan, even if visiting for just a day. It has such a nice vibe and is probably my favorite of all the places that we visited in Milan.

We kept the best for last and visited Milan Canals in the evening. With picturesque canals surrounded by colorful buildings, lots of restaurants and bars, as well as small boutiques and art stores, Navigli is bound to become one of the main attractions in Milan. The whole area has a very cozy local feel and it’s a great lively place to be no matter the season.

Stroll along the canals, explore them by boat, get a drink at one of the many outdoor terraces, or have dinner at one of the local restaurants… Dinner suggestion – try risotto alla Milanese con midollo – a traditional local dish in Lombardy region.

Navigli is a wonderful place to end your day in Milan and fall in love with the city. It will leave you wondering why you came to Milan for just one day and planning another trip very soon…

READ ALSO: Traditional Food of Lombardy

One day in Milan – itinerary

Here is my suggested one day Milan itinerary in a nutshell . The times are just for your reference, based on our experience. We visited in November so it was much less busy than in summer. On the other hand, the days are much longer in summer, so long waiting times are offset by more daylight hours, allowing you to see and do just as much.

Here’s our suggested Milan one day itinerary:

• 7 am. Start with a cup of coffee and a croissant at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery or one of the local cafes in central Milan.
• From there it’s just a short walk to Plazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – explore both before the crowds come in.
• 9 am. Visit Duomo Terraces and potentially also the Cathedral itself (get the tickets for the terraces or for the Cathedral + terraces in advance and note that in high season you may need to stand in line well before it opens).
• Time for another coffee – try one of the historic cafés in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• 10.30 am. A quick visit to La Scala .
• Brera & Braidense National Library .
• Stroll through the grounds of Sforzesco castle .
• 12.30 pm. Lunch at Triennale Design Cafe (alternatively have lunch in Brera before heading to Sforzesco castle).
• 2 pm. Head to Porta Nuova district OR go and see Leonardo’s The Last Supper ( pre-booking is mandatory!). We took a metro to Porta Nuova, but the walk isn’t far either.
• City Life area (not a must if you are short on time).
• 4-5 pm.  Navigli – Canals of Milan. You’ll need to take a metro to get here. This is a nice area to have dinner as well.

Below, you can find a map of this 1-day Milan itinerary and practical tips for your visit. Read on!

Walking map

The old city center of Milan is not very big, so you can see and do quite a lot in one day. On the other hand, some great neighborhoods are a bit further away, off the beaten tourist tracks.

The good news is that Milan’s public transport network is cheap, easy, and efficient, so it makes it possible to venture out a bit outside the main tourist areas and see different facets of the city, even if you only have one day in Milan.

To help you plan your day in Milan, I created this map with a suggested walking route to give you a better idea of where all these places are located and how to best plan your time.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to stay

If you can, stay close to the city center , but more importantly close to a metro station. I recommend staying for at least 2 nights, so you have one full day to see the best of Milan.

Keep in mind that accommodation in Milan is very expensive (and not just by Italy’s standards). So the sooner you book, the more choice you have, and the better the price you pay.

Here are some of the most popular hotels in the center for different budgets:

• €€€€€+ NH Collection Milano President
• €€€€€ Room Mate Giulia
• €€€€ The Corner Duomo
• €€€ Worldhotel Cristoforo Colombo
• €€ WorldHotel Casati 18
• € Hotel Nettuno

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and accommodations in Milan. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

Practical tips for visiting Milan

• Use public transport . The 24hr ticket cost us just 5 EUR and made it possible to explore so many different areas of Milan in a day.
• If you are arriving in Milan by plane, you should know that the airports are located quite far from the city center. Here you can book airport transfers from Malpensa airport , and here – Linate airport transfers .
• Milan is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Italy, so try to book all your tours and tickets in advance . It will save you lots of time and frustration. We personally use and recommend the Get Your Guide website for ticket/tour bookings because they have the best customer service and the most flexible cancelation policy.
• Pack  comfortable walking shoes  – you will be walking a lot.
• If you can, visit Milan in the lower season . It was lovely and not busy at all when we visited in November – perfect for sightseeing. Here you can find more information on what it’s like to visit Italy in November .
• Don’t just go to Milan for a day and leave without exploring the nearby lakes – you’d be missing so much. Lake Como is less than an hour by train and is a perfect day trip from Milan . Don’t miss Bellagio , Varenna , and Como town ! Also Lake Garda is less than 2hrs away from Milan. The lakes are well worth it to be included in any Italian itinerary; also charming and quiet if traveling off-season.

READ ALSO: Lake Como Travel Tips & Useful Info & Best Things to Do in Lake Como

One day in Milan is just enough to scratch the surface and get a taste of the city. I am confident that this suggested itinerary will help you get a good idea of what Milan is all about and will make you want to come back for a longer stay next time. We’re definitely going back for more!

As I’m updating this article, I have to add that we did in fact return to Milan to explore it further. Below, you can find our guide to all the top spots in the city. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Milan

Disclosure: I visited Milan with the Lombardy tourism board, but as always all opinions are my own. This is the most complete one day Milano itinerary you can find. It is 100% based on my personal experience visiting all the best places in Milan in one day, following the best recommendations by the locals.

More tips for your trip to Italy:

• Where to go: Best Places to See in Italy
• What to eat & where: Authentic Italian Food by Region
• Rome: Best Things to Do in Rome &  Tips for Visiting Rome & Where to Stay in Rome
• Venice: Best Things to Do in Venice & Tips for Venice Gondola & 1 Day Venice Itinerary
• Verona: Best Things to Do in Verona
• Tuscany:  Best Towns in Tuscany  &  Tuscany Itinerary
• Florence: Best Things to Do in Florence & Florence 1-day Itinerary
• Siena: Best Things to Do in Siena & Siena Cathedral
• Amalfi Coast:   Capri Island  &  Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Where to Stay on Amalfi Coast
• Naples: Best Things to Do in Naples & Best Day Trips from Naples & 1 Day in Naples
• Cinque Terre: One Day in Cinque Terre & Cinque Terre Travel Tips
• Off the beaten path:  Emilia Romagna & Trentino
• Bucket list: San Marino & Best Places in the Dolomites
• Hiking:   Best Hikes in the Dolomites & Val di Fumo
• … for more destinations and detailed guides, please see our Italy travel guide .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

European cities – itinerary suggestions for the first visit:

• 1 day in Amsterdam
• 1 day in Barcelona
• 1 day in Paris
• 1 day in Madrid
• 1 day in Lisbon
• 1 day in Edinburgh
• 1 day in Glasgow
• 1 day in Manchester
• 1 day in Liverpool
• 1 day in Reykjavik
• 1 day in Rome
• 1 day in Salzburg
• 2 days in London
• 2 days in Rome
• 2 days in Amsterdam
• 2 days in Barcelona
• 2 days in Salzburg
• 2-3 days in Krakow
• 3 days in Amsterdam
• 4 days in Rome
• 4 days in Paris
• 4 days in Amsterdam
• … for more places, please see our  destinations guide .

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Europe

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Thursday 25th of May 2023

Hi Jurga, I'm travelling with a friend and we just found your blog in time for Milan. We decided to pay out for the Duomo, the Terraces, and Museum and were blown away - Excellent suggestion. Nothing else could top that. We followed several other suggestions and were not disappointed. Thanks for sharing your travels. Now I have to check your blog for Lyon and Paris.

Saturday 27th of May 2023

Glad to help, Helen. You can find quite some info about Paris on our blog, indeed, but not Lyon. I especially recommend that you check our 4-day Paris itinerary as it has a lot of useful info about so many amazing sites. Even if you have less (or more) time, you'll find plenty of tips that you can use. Have a great trip!

Sunday 14th of May 2023

Hello Jurga Thank you for all this info. We will be in Milan in late Sept this year we fly in in the afternoon and hope to go to lake como by train the next day. We would also like to travel to Cinque Terre before coming back to Milan for our last night. Very busy end of holiday trip do you think we can manage it in the short time (4 nights). Thanks again

Monday 15th of May 2023

Hi Vicki, I guess it is possible, but you will need to plan really well. Plus, you won't see much of each area, just a few of the highlights at best. Traveling by train from Milan to Lake Como is easy, but then Cinque Terre is completely the other way and - by train - it's 6-7 hours trip between the two. So you'll spend so much time traveling around and not much time sightseeing. Just an idea - if you absolutely want to see both areas. Stay in Milan so that you don't have to pack/unpack and change hotels. Explore some of the city on the day when you arrive and then take a day trip to Lake Como (with a tour or by train+boat) on one day and a day trip to Cinque Terre (with a tour to make the most of your day) on the next day. You'll probably see more that way and it will be a bit more relaxing. Otherwise, skip Cinque Terre and stay in Lake Como longer. Have a great trip!

Gayoung Lee

Thursday 28th of April 2022

Hi, Thank you so much for your information. I am going on the 10th of May. So, it is much help. After visiting here, I will share my experience.

Friday 29th of April 2022

Have a great time in Milan! And yes, feel free to come back to our blog after your trip and share how it went - it can help other readers too.

Monday 11th of January 2021

Thank you, Madam ! Milan - very sophisticated but very romantic too !

Thursday 14th of January 2021

Yes, indeed, Milan is a very unique city in Italy. Truly one of a kind.

Tuesday 28th of January 2020

Hi Jurga, Thanks for the great tips and recommendations. I'll be visitng Milan in March and hoping to go to all mentioned places. Just for clarification, is it better to go around with a guider or just go free and easy on my own?

Hi Asyraf, you don't really need a guide if you follow this itinerary. However, you should get the tickets for Duomo terraces in advance, but you don't need a guided tour if you don't want to. If you are planning to see 'The Last Supper' painting, then it's also essential to book in advance. IF you want a tour guide to show you around the most important places, check out this guided tour. It takes about 3 hours and covers all the main highlights. You can then afterwards explore the city further on your own. It's really up to you how to visit Milan and a lot depends on your interests, time, and budget. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

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January 6, 2023 By Lyndsay

3 Days in Milan: A Complete Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

• 1.1 Day 1 in Milan
• 1.2 Day 2 in Milan
• 1.3 Day 3 in Milan
• 2 How to Get to Milan
• 3 How to Get Around Milan
• 4 What to Pack for a Trip to Milan
• 5 Tips for Visiting Milan, Italy
• 6.1 What is the best time to visit Milan?
• 6.2 Are 3 days enough for Milan?
• 6.3 What should I not miss in Milan?
• 6.4 Is Milan cheaper than Rome?
• 7 Where to Go After Milan
• 8 How to Spend 3 Days in Milan: Wrap-Up

This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.

Want to know the best way to spend three days in Milan, Italy? This guide is for you!

Milan, Italy, is a city that begs to be explored. Full of incredible food, stunning city views, and high-end fashion houses; Milan has so much to offer its visitors.

However, with so much to see and do, it can be tough to know where to visit, especially if you are only there for a short amount of time.

This is one of those great Italian cities perfect for a quick getaway all year round.

Thankfully, to help plan out this Italian itinerary, I asked Lowri from Many Other Roads for her ideas, too!

From sightseeing and cultural attractions to shopping and food, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your 3 days in Milan.

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The Ultimate 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

A long weekend is the perfect amount of time for visitors wanting to see the very best of Milan.

To help you make the most of your trip to the fashion capital of the world, this 3 days in Milan Itinerary makes sure you see the very best places around the city.

Day 1 in Milan

Head up to the top of il duomo di milano.

Few places in the world can rival the sheer beauty of Piazza del Duomo in Milan.

This stunning square is home to some of the most iconic architecture in Italy, including the magnificent cathedral.

Start your 3 days in Milan by visiting one of Italy’s most iconic religious sites, the awe-inspiring Duomo di Milano.

The Gothic cathedral is considered one of the largest churches in Italy.

Marvel at its intricate detailing, spires, and stained-glass windows before strolling around Piazza del Duomo and soaking up the vibrant city atmosphere.

Fun Fact : It took almost 600 years to complete the church! Construction began in 1386 and only finished in 1965. Also, the beautiful cathedral has more than 3,400 statues all around its outside.

This is one of the most popular places to explore when visiting Milan. Planning a morning tour is a good idea to avoid crowds, especially in the summer.

As this is a religious building, ensure you wear appropriate clothing (your shoulders and knees are covered), or they will not let you in, even if you’ve booked in advance.

If you’re interested in learning more about the church’s storied history, you can also visit the nearby Museum of the Duomo.

It houses an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork related to the cathedral’s history.

Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of this building.

Do some luxury window shopping at the Galleria

After exploring Il Duomo, you must head to the Galleria next door.

Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was built between 1865 and 1877 to celebrate the Unification of Italy.

When it opened, its 48-meter-high glass dome was the largest shopping arcade in Europe.

Today, the glass and iron structure symbolizes Italy’s modern architecture.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has become such an integral part of local life that it’s been nicknamed “il salotto” (the salon).

It is easy to see why – with its exquisite design, luxurious shops, and inviting cafés, it is truly an experience like no other.

Insider Tip : In the center of the Galleria are four mosaic emblems on the floor, representing Milan, Florence, Rome, and Turin. For good luck, you’ll need to spin with heels together over a very particular spot on the symbol of Turin–you’ll know when you see it. Although you’ll see people trying various ways to complete this, the correct way, as it was explained to me by a native Milanese, is you need to complete one full rotation without pushing yourself with the other leg.

Stop for lunch at Panzerotti Luini

Once you’ve finished exploring these famous landmarks in the middle of Milan, grab a quick lunch at Panzerotti Luini before jumping on the metro.

This bakery is famous for its sweet and savory panzerotti turnovers.

Opened in 1888, the shop is still family-run, and the secrets to its panzerotti are closely guarded.

Choose from the classic fried panzerotti, baked or sweet, all with a variety of fillings, or choose from their selection of other delicious baked goods.

Once you’ve enjoyed this Milanese meal, head to a museum of choice!

Take your pick of Milano museums

What better way to spend an afternoon than visiting some of Milan’s iconic galleries and museums?

From the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to an impressive collection of Italian art, to the Museo del Novecento, which houses works from the 20th century, you can find centuries’ worth of art and artifacts here from around the world.

Depending on your interests, these are some of the top museums in the city you should consider adding to your itinerary:

• Pinacoteca di Brera
• Museo del Novecento
• Leonardo3 Museum
• Galleria d’Arte Moderna
• Fondazione Prada / Prada Museum
• Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano

Stop for a coffee break at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery

I know what you’re thinking–did Lyndsay actually just suggest I visit a Starbucks in Italy?!

Yes. Hear me out!

I’ve now visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in New York City and Milan, and it’s a very cool experience–especially if you love all things coffee.

This is different from your typical American Starbucks.

The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan is the first of its kind in Italy, and it’s a unique way for Starbucks to bring its coffee to a country with a strong coffee culture.

Opened in 2018 in the city’s former post office and stock exchange, the Roastery is a multi-sensory experience that celebrates coffee with artisanal craftsmanship, immersive experiences, and exclusive small-batch Reserve coffees.

You can taste different brewing methods, watch baristas handcraft drinks, and even purchase exclusive merchandise.

It won’t in any way replace the country’s incredible coffee culture; instead, it feels more like the Roastery is an albeit trendy homage to Italian coffee.

Visit the Navigli canals

To end the first of your 3 days in Milan, visit the Navigli.

You will find only a few landlocked major European historic cities, like Milan. In the late 12th century, the town started digging its own river.

These man-made canals reached Lake Maggiore, which connected with the backbone of Europe’s commerce at the time, the Rhine River.

This network of waterways introduced Milan to the rest of Europe and allowed it to thrive as a major city.

However, the canals were filled in and paved over to accommodate the city’s growth over the years. All that’s left of this massive network are the Navigli.

Today, it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists, especially at night.

As you stroll along the canal, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely meal or glass of wine.

Day 2 in Milan

See leonardo da vinci’s the last supper painting.

To start your second day off, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to witness The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most iconic paintings in history and one of the best things to do in Milan.

This 15th-century mural depicts Jesus among his twelve disciples, depicting the Biblical scene from Matthew 26:17-30.

Make sure to book tickets in advance as it is a popular tourist attraction and can be sold out months in advance. Plan on spending at least an hour here, seeing one of the famous Renaissance painter’s most well-known works.

Walk through La Vigna di Leonardo

Just around the corner from the Last Supper, you can find Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard, La Vigna di Leonardo, at Casa degli Atellani.

While he was painting the famous Milanese artwork, the Duke of Milan gave him the vineyard as a gift.

Observe Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

If you can’t get tickets to see The Last Supper , you can visit the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio instead.

As one of the city’s oldest churches and founded by Milan’s patron saint, it was initially known as the Basilica Martryum. It was built at a location where numerous martyrs were buried.

When you visit today, you’ll see a stunning Romanesque-style church from the 12th century, admire the pulpit with a late Romanesque carving, and the 4th-century sarcophagus below.

Explore Milan’s history at Castello Sforzesco

Initially built in 1368 and then rebuilt in 1450, Castello Sforzesco was home to the ruling family of Milan. The Visconti family was in power and residence from 1277 to 1447, while the Sforza family took over later, from 1450 to 1535.

As you enter, you’ll pass under the 70-meter Torre de Filarete, a reproduction from the early 20th century of the original gate tower.

Today, the castle-fortress houses the Musei del Castello Sforzesco, a series of museums that feature sculptures like Michelangelo’s last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini, artworks by masters like Bellini, Tintoretto, and Lotto, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, musical history, and medieval armor.

You can purchase entry to the castle with an audio guide and explore the grounds at your own pace. Or, if you don’t have time for a full tour, you can still see inside the castle’s courtyard for free.

This courtyard is a passage between Piazza Cairoli and Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest park.

Take a break from the city in Parco Sempione

Behind Castello Sforzesco is Parco Sempione. Designed in the English style in 1888, walk or bike around the park’s 95 acres to escape the city for a moment of nature.

The park is full of winding pathways perfect for walking, jogging, or simply taking in the scenery.

Parco Sempione’s entrance, on the opposite side of the park from the castle, stands the Arco della Pace (Peace Arch), devised by architect Gio Ponte in 1933.

This impressive structure towers high above the park. It provides spectacular views of Milan and even the Alps on a clear day.

Observe tombs and sculptures at Cimitero Monumentale

If you explore the rest of The Purposely Lost, you will rarely find me encouraging you to visit a cemetery. However, the Cimitero Monumentale is genuinely incredible.

This peaceful resting place is also an open-air museum with extravagantly decorated tombs and mausoleums that date back to the 19th century.

Many of the tomb sculptures were designed by famous artists; you can easily spend hours here observing the art.

Walk around the modern BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano

The Bosco Verticale, located in the new Porta Nuova District of Milan, is a sight to behold.

This pair of residential towers are adorned with over 900 trees, making it one of the most iconic sights in the city.

The Biblioteca degli Alberi, or “Library of Trees” public park at the foot of the Bosco Verticale, features over 135,000 plants.

Explore this new development area on foot, popping into the shops you see and stopping to admire the fountain display.

Catch a performance at Teatro alla Scala

No 3-day visit to Milan is complete without visiting Italy’s most famous opera house – Teatro alla Scala.

If you happen to be visiting during one of the theatre’s world-renowned productions, you’ll be in for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From Rossini to Verdi, this 18th-century theatre premiered operas from some of the most famous composers of the time.

Today, it offers a range of performances, from operas and ballets to concerts, as it has for centuries.

You can find their performance schedule and purchase tickets on their website.

However, a visit to Teatro alla Scala is a must, even if you’re not an opera fan. The theatre’s incredible architecture and rich history are sure to impress.

You can book a tour of the theatre to see inside the impressive landmark any time.

Day 3 in Milan

Take a guided walking tour in the morning.

As a tour guide, I always recommend you take a walking tour of any new city to learn more about its history and get a local’s perspective.

This free guided walking tour of Milan will introduce you to the city’s most historical landmarks, from Piazza del Duomo, Piazza degli Affari, Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo, and Piazza Mercanti.

Remember, since this is a free walking tour, you must tip your tour guide for a well-done job!

Window shop in the Quadrilatero d’Oro

Shopping in Milan is an experience like none other. As the fashion capital of Europe, it’s no surprise that the city offers a wide variety of stores and boutiques to explore.

If you want to indulge in some serious shopping, head to the Quadrilatero della Moda.

This high-end shopping and fashion district boasts some of the most famous Italian and international designers, with their luxe shops lining the four main streets–Via Montenapoleone, Corso Venezia, Via Manzoni, and Via della Spiga.

Here, you’ll find all the top Italian designer brands like Gucci, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and many more.

Exploring the world-renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro is a must for anyone visiting Milan.

Remember, casual browsing inside the shops is not welcome when visiting this designer shopping street–unless you’re also dressed to impress and prepared to drop a pretty penny.

Otherwise, you can admire the eye-catching window displays as dramatic as the fashions themselves.

Fun Fact : Every autumn, Milan designers showcase their latest collections at Milano Moda Donna–Milan Women’s Fashion Week–just like NYC’s Fashion Week, one of its best fall festivals.

​​Visit the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

Yes, it’s time to head to another church!

Tucked away on a quiet street directly next to the much larger Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, inside Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa, you’ll find one of the eeriest sites in Milan–the Ossuary Chapel.

The inside is decorated with thousands of human skulls and bones dating from as far back as the 12th century.

Although a hospital and cemetery were initially built next to the Basilica, they were soon overflowing, and an ossuary was established to continue collecting the remains of the deceased.

Human bones are artfully arranged to cover the walls entirely.

Skulls are placed to form crosses with other bones providing additional details and decorations, all leading up to the “Triumph of Souls and Flying Angels” fresco by Sebastiano Ricci from 1695 that decorates the ceiling.

It’s a genuinely chilling example of art and history.

End your last night in Milan with dinner at Diana Garden – Bar & Restaurant

For your last dinner in Milan, head over to visit Diana Garden – Bar & Restaurant.

This hidden gem in the middle of Milan is the ultimate spot to relax over a cocktail in the city.

This secret garden bar boasts an impressive selection of Italian cuisine and cocktails and is the perfect spot for your last evening in this historic city.

Be sure to take some time afterward to wander through the lush gardens before heading back to your hotel for the night.

How to Get to Milan

Milan has two international airports, Milan Linate Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport.

Linate is easy to access from the city center by taking the newly opened M4 metro line directly to the airport, or you can take a taxi.

Malpensa is Milan’s largest airport and is further out of the city center; you’ll need to take a train to the airport or book a private transfer.

You can find direct trains to and from Malpensa to the Milano Centrale train station. 

If you’re flying with a budget airline, you’ll probably be using Bergamo’s Orio al Serio International Airport. 

Your best bet is to take one of two bus options to Milan.

The Autostradale Terravision Bus or the Orio Shuttle will make the one-hour drive directly from Bergamo airport to the center of Milan. 

Otherwise, you can take the train. You’ll first need to take a public bus or taxi from the airport to the Bergamo train station and then the train from Bergamo to Milano Centrale.

If you’re traveling to Milan from somewhere in Italy, you can take the train.

Trenitalia/Trenord and Italo trains both service the major Milan central train stations.

Milano Centrale is a huge train station, most famous for its stunning architecture, or you can use Milano Porta Garibaldi.

How to Get Around Milan

Getting around the bustling city of Milan is easy and convenient, even without a car , thanks to its extensive public transportation network.

The city is entirely walkable, and the public transit system makes it easy to get around.

The Milan Metropolitana covers the city’s most important points, with five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) that can take you to many of the major destinations in the city center and to the suburbs outside the city.

However, the trams and buses will give you access to many more neighborhoods in Milan’s city center than can be reached by metro. 

To use the metro system, you can purchase tickets at ticket machines in the metro stations or use the ATM Milano app. 

My favorite app to navigate Milan’s entire public transport network is called Citymapper. 

What to Pack for a Trip to Milan

Knowing what to pack for your stay is essential when planning a three-day trip to Milan.

The city can be pretty cold during the winter months from December to February– you might even encounter snow .

A warm jacket, comfortable boots, and a nice coat for evenings out will ensure that you stay warm and cozy throughout your stay.

If you plan on spending time outdoors during these months, also bring a hat and gloves for extra protection against the cold.

The weather is much more pleasant during the spring, summer, and fall.

A light jacket or sweater will keep you comfortable during the day, while a pair of sandals or flats are perfect for exploring the city.

No matter what time of year you visit Milan, make sure to bring an umbrella in case of rain.

Tips for Visiting Milan, Italy

Check to see if a restaurant closes after lunch – In Italy, many restaurants (and even some tiny stores) close in the afternoon due to riposo, Italy’s siesta .

Restaurants often shut around 2:30 or 3 p.m. and reopen for dinner at 7 p.m.

This also means that there are no early meals in Milan.

Although a few eateries are open for business in this window, you’ll have to wander for a bit to find them. They’re usually only available to cater to tourists.

However, since Milan is the most cosmopolitan of the country’s cities, you’ll find more restaurant options between lunch and dinner in the afternoon.

To be on the safe side, check the hours of any restaurants you definitely want to eat at, and even make a reservation if you can.

Purchase a Milan sightseeing pass to save money – Especially if you love visiting museums and landmarks while you’re on a trip, I recommend you purchase the Milan Pass .

This pass includes discounts to dozens of the city’s biggest museums, restaurants, and other attractions around the city and free entrance into several landmarks I’ll mention in this Milan itinerary.

You can read more about the Milan Pass here .

Keep these apps on your phone to help you get around – Citymapper is my go-to software for learning how to navigate a new city’s transit system.

The free app will show you the stations and lines and when, where, and how to go from one location to another.

It also works in several of my other favorite places worldwide, including New York City , Venice , and Rome .

Google Maps is also essential to have on your phone.

When you’re connected to wifi, you can download your map of Milan offline to keep it with you even when you don’t have service, and it’s great for saving recommendations–like everything in this guide!

3 Days in Milan: FAQs

What is the best time to visit milan.

The best times to visit Milan are in the shoulder seasons of summer–spring, and autumn.

These months offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal times to explore the city without having to battle through hordes of tourists.

You’ll also find that prices are more reasonable during these periods, giving you more bang for your buck when it comes to accommodation and attractions.

Another great time to visit Milan is in the winter. The days are short, and you’ll need to be bundled up due to the chilly temperatures.

However, if you’re looking for the best travel deals on hotels and airfare to Milan and can handle the cold, this is the best time to visit Milan for you. 

Although it’s a beautiful time to be in the city, the summer months of July and August are the busiest time for tourism in Milan, with long lines for attractions and high prices for accommodation.

This can be a real hassle if you’re not prepared for it, so it’s best to avoid these months if possible.

Are 3 days enough for Milan?

Absolutely! Milan is a city that can easily be explored in three days. This is a perfect amount of time to explore the city as you don’t have to rush to see all the attractions.

You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.

If you want to explore beyond the city limits, 3 days allows enough time for a day trip.

Popular destinations from Milan include the picturesque Lake Como, the stunning Dolomite Mountains, and Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet.

If you’d rather stay in Milan, 3 days is also enough to make the most of its food and bar scenes.

Spend your time exploring different neighborhoods, tasting delicious Italian dishes in trattorias and gelato shops, and having aperitivo in the evening.

Once you’ve had enough of walking around the city, take a boat cruise on the Navigli canals to see Milan from another perspective.

But no matter how long you decide to visit Milan , you are guaranteed the best city break in Italy!

What should I not miss in Milan?

Like many Cities across Italy and Europe, there is plenty of city highlights you can’t miss on your trip.

To make your 3-day visit to Milan unforgettable, here are the top activities you should consider doing:

👉 Visit the Duomo di Milano – this impressive cathedral is the symbol of Milan and one of the largest churches in the world! Climb the top for a stunning view of the city, or take a tour inside to discover its incredible art and architecture.

👉 Wander through Piazza del Duomo – this stunning square sits in the historic center of Milan. It features several impressive attractions, including the Duomo Cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping gallery, and fascinating statues. It’s also a great place to people-watch!

👉 Take a tour of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper – this world-famous painting can be seen with a guided tour. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance!

👉 Shop ’till you drop at the Quadrilatero d’Oro – Known as Milan’s Golden Triangle, this area is home to some of the most luxurious shops in the world. Whether you’re looking for designer goods or just window shopping, this is a great place to explore!

👉 Enjoy an opera at Teatro alla Scala – Milan’s iconic La Scala opera house hosts both traditional and contemporary performances throughout the year.

Even if you don’t have tickets for a show, you can visit the museum, take a guided tour of the building, and Piazza della Scala.

👉 Spend an afternoon in Parco Sempione – Milan’s beautiful park near the Sforzesco Castle offers a peaceful reprieve from the city.

Is Milan cheaper than Rome?

Generally speaking, Rome is a more expensive destination than Milan, mainly due to its high popularity among tourists – flight and hotel prices tend to be higher here than elsewhere.

Throughout the year, European budget airlines like Ryanair offer incredibly low fares to Milan compared to Rome, which often makes it a more budget-friendly option to book.

Visiting Milan is a great alternative for those looking for something more budget-friendly!

While it may not offer the same number of attractions as Rome, Milan still has plenty to see and do – from art galleries and cultural sights to shopping and delicious Italian cuisine.

Plus, you’ll be able to find more affordable accommodation options here than in Rome.

All in all, Milan can provide a cheaper getaway and a fantastic alternative to Rome.

Where to Go After Milan

After you finish your Milan 3-day itinerary, you can explore many other incredible Italian destinations!

After you finish visiting Milan, consider taking a trip to Venice .

This romantic city is known for its canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture.

Take a boat tour along the Grand Canal and admire the beautiful palaces that line its banks.

Visit St. Mark’s Square, explore the Doge’s Palace, or ride a gondola through the canals.

I have a complete guide on taking a day trip from Milan to Venice , as well as several other articles all about exploring the best things to do in Venice , if you want to learn more!

Of all of Italy’s beautiful lakes, Lake Como is just a short train ride away from Milan.

This stunning lake is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lush greenery, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The lake is dotted with picturesque villages where you can explore local culture, sample delicious Italian cuisine, and enjoy some of the best views in Italy–and Switzerland!

Verona is another must-visit destination after Milan.

Once you pass Lake Garda on the train coming from Milan, you’ll find yourself in the romantic city.

It’s home to stunning landmarks like Arena di Verona and Juliet’s Balcony from Shakespeare’s  Romeo & Juliet . 

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning stretch of coastline on the northern Italian Riviera that’s home to five colorful villages.

This area is known for its breathtaking views and hiking between the towns.

Spend time wandering the charming streets, taking a boat ride along the coast, and sampling some delicious seafood.

Turin offers a unique blend of culture and history.

This city is home to the Mole Antonelliana, an iconic structure that houses the National Cinema Museum and one of the largest collections of Ancient Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt.

Turin also has many art galleries, churches, and other museums to explore. 

How to Spend 3 Days in Milan: Wrap-Up

Milan is a modern, metropolitan Italian gem that offers its visitors so much value for money.

No matter what time of year you visit or what type of trip you want, Milan has something for everyone!

With this guide, you’ll have no problem filling your three days in Milan with exploration and adventure.

From the Duomo to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, there’s much to see and do in this incredible city.

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Milan Itinerary

Last Updated on December 5, 2023

by Hope Brotherton

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

For anyone who hasn’t done their pre-trip research, Milan can be an intimidating city to visit. But rest assured, we have the perfect Milan itinerary to make the most of your 2 to 3 days in Milan.

Milan is Italy’s bubbling and bustling northern metropolis. The capital of Lombardy in Northern Italy is packed with juxtaposing architecture, famous art galleries, eclectic culture and world-class shopping.

As the economic engine room of Italy, you may be fooled into thinking Milan is all business and no pleasure, but you’d be wrong. Milan is a city synonymous with style, and it’s home to famous foods like panettone. But there’s more substance to Milan than pastries and pumps.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Milan?

In order to do Milan justice, you’ll be debating about how many days to spend in Milan when you’re planning your next Italian adventure.

On the surface, Milan doesn’t have a mammoth list of must-see attractions compared to cities like Rome , Florence and Venice . That being said, there’s still plenty to see in Lombardy’s capital.

To visit the city’s main attractions like the Duomo, the Last Supper and Castello Sforzesco, 2 days in Milan will be plenty of time. If you only have one day in Milan then it won’t be enough to see all of the main attractions.

If you want to head to hidden gems, dive into a day trip or relax between attractions, then you’ll want to spend 3 days.

Getting to grips with Milan in 3 days is a cinch and you’ll be able to go beyond the must-see. Keep in mind that if you’re visiting Milan in winter , particularly in December, you may want to budget in enough time to explore Christmas markets and to enjoy winter activities.

If you’re short on time and debating between spending two to three days, neither decision will be wrong because you’ll be living la dolce vita either way.

Getting To and Around Milan

Milan is serviced by three airports: Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo.

Linate is the closest airport to the city centre but its flights are on the pricer end so it’s not a good option if you want to keep expenses down in Milan.

Milan Malpensa is the largest of the three. Here, international and domestic flights land, which makes it a popular choice. You can book bus transfers from Malpensa here.

If budget isn’t a consideration and you prefer a hassle-free journey, you can book a private transfer from the airport.

Finally, there is Milan Bergamo. While Bergamo isn’t technically in Milan, flights to and from are cheap and it has good transport links into Milan too. It is also very much worth spending a day in Bergamo itself if you have the time. You can book bus transfers from Bergamo to Milan here.

If you’re arriving into Milan by train, then you’ll probably pull into Milan Central Station in the heart of the city.

There are several large bus stations in Milan (including Lampugnano and Milan Central Bus Station), so make sure you know which one you need as they’re in different parts of the city. You can check bus and train schedules here.

The easiest way to get around Milan is via its metro. The network consists of 5 lines. The stop for Milan Central Station is Centrale FS (on the M2 and M3). The other stops you’ll likely need are Duomo (M1 and M3), Porta Genova FS (M2 for the Navigli district) and Conciliazione (M1 for the Last Supper).

If you’re not keen on the underground, then you’re in luck because Milan has an extensive network of buses, trains and trams too. We’d recommend using City Mapper to help navigate the bus and tram networks. If you’re planning on relying heavily on public transport, buy daily or 3-day tickets.

2 to 3-Day Milan Itinerary

In recent years, Milan has welcomed 10 million tourists each year. If you don’t want to get swept up with hordes of other holidaymakers, then you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your 2 to 3 days in Milan.

Day 1 – Duomo, Royal Palace & City Centre Highlights

Duomo di milano.

In order to escape the crowds of other tourists, you’ll need to hit the city early. The first place on your itinerary should be the city’s most impressive site: the Duomo (Milan Cathedral).

Situated in Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s most visible monument attracts flocks of visitors every day and is definitely one of the best things to see in the city.

Commissioned by Gian Galeazzo in 1386, you should aim to glimpse this gothic wonder before the break of day. Get there early to marvel over the marble, oggle at the spires, and snap your social shots without the crowds.

The Cathedral opens its heavy brass doors at eight o’clock sharp. If you’re planning on heading up to the rooftops, museum and other exhibitions, then grab yourself a combined ticket at the entrance or you can pre-book tickets here .

If you’re one of the first through the Duomo’s doors, you can wander through the stone columns, stare at the stained glass and take your time exploring every nook and cranny at your own pace.

A slow-paced wander around the cathedral should last one hour, which means you’ll be first in the queue to climb the 165 steps to the Cathedral’s roof. Make sure you’ve got some comfortable shoes on your feet for the winding climb.

Once at the top, take your time to soak in the views. Milan’s skyline is swamped with skyscrapers and ancient churches, which gives you a keen insight into the city’s contrasting features.

After you’ve descended the stairs head to the Duomo Museum, which is located in the Royal Palace. This Duomo-centric museum houses statues, paintings and tapestries from the Duomo. The museum gives visitors a sense of the Duomo’s history through the artefacts on display.

If you want to do the Duomo justice, expect to spend several hours here.

Royal Palace

After you’ve had your fill and finished up inside the museum, explore the rest of the Royal Palace also known as Palazzo Reale.

For centuries the Royal Palace housed Milan’s government. With its political roots in the past, it’s one of Milan’s beating cultural hearts.

The Royal Palace houses art exhibitions, which are rotated regularly. Before paying for an entry ticket, make sure to research which painters are being exhibited to avoid any disappointment.

On the odd occasion, the Royal Palace hosts free exhibitions too. When you’re buying tickets or reading information, train your eye to spot the word ‘ gratis ’ which means free in Italian.

Museo de Novecento

You may have already twigged but Milan is a city filled with museums, many of which are located in Zone 1 (the area around the Duomo).

One of these museums is Museo del Novecento. Situated inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario in Piazza del Duomo, Museo del Novecento is a museum dedicated to 20th-century Italian art and includes paintings by Pablo Picasso among many others.

Top Tip : If you enjoy visiting museums, try and plan your trip to coincide with the first Sunday of the month as entry into museums is free on this day. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

From there, head north from the Piazza del Duomo and you’ll find yourself under the covered arcades of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery houses designer stores, restaurants and cafes. While many of these shops and eateries will fall outside of your budget (there is a McDonald’s), you need to remember that you’re not there for a mooch. It’s time to soak in one of Milan’s most fascinating architectural structures.

The two arcades are shaped like a Latin cross and are covered by a spectacular glass and iron dome. The bright light pours in from above and makes for the perfect holiday photos.

Teatro alla Scala

After you’ve ambled around the arcade, walk on over to the Teatro alla Scala (also known as La Scala). Milan’s famous opera house looks a little unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled as some of Italy’s greatest operatic artists have performed here.

Before every performance, 140 gallery tickets go on sale as well as any last-minute tickets – just be sure to get in there quickly.

La Casa di Manzoni

The area surrounding the Duomo is always swamped with tourists (and for good reason), but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle walk north from La Scala and swing by La Casa di Manzoni.

The house was the birthplace of the famous Italian writer, Alessandro Manzoni. Visitors are invited to view the life and works of Alessandro Manzoni. Tours are offered in both English and Italian. You’ll leave this hidden spot a little wiser about one of Italy’s great writers.

If exploring the house of a famous writer isn’t your cup of tea, then there are plenty of museums in the vicinity to keep you entertained including Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (a Renaissance art museum), the Ambrosiana Library (located next door), Poldi Pezzoli Museum (a collection of paintings by the Flemish masters), and many many more.

To round off your day, head back to La Scala. If you’re trying to grab a ticket on the day, join the queue early. But if you’ve already reserved your seats, enjoy the delights that the Italian opera brings.

Day 2 – Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, the Last Supper & More

Basilica di sant’ambrogio.

If you’re planning a weekend in Milan, start your second day at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. This ancient church is located in the heart of Milan.

On its exterior, the church has brickwork of different origins with each one representing a new extension of the church’s architecture. During the 11th Century, the church was restored in the Lombard Romanesque style making its facade distinctive in comparison to the surrounding architecture.

The Basilica is free to enter, so make the most of it and wander through the atrium and crypts.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie

After you’ve wandered around the Basilica, head over to Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie the home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterful mural, the Last Supper.

The Last Supper decorates one of the walls of the refectory, Cenacolo Vinciano. Da Vinci first started working on the painting in 1495. It has been restored several times in the years since and successfully survived a bomb blast in WW2.

Tickets to the museum are booked in timed slots. Only a limited number of tourists are allowed to see the Last Supper at any one time, so tickets sell out fast.

Once you know when you’re going to be in Milan, book your tickets to avoid missing out as this is one of the top things to do in Milan for travellers. If you can’t get tickets, you can book a guided tour here that will include tickets.

Castello Sforzesco

After you’ve seen Leonardo’s masterpiece, head on over to Castello Sforzesco. Built as a fortress in the 14th Century, the castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan and one of the best museums in Italy.

The castle is home to several museums, including: The Museum of Ancient Art, Egyptian Museum, The Archaeological Museum of Milan and the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco as well as a few more.

To give Castello Sforzesco’s ground and museum the time it deserves, you’ll end up spending 2 to 3 hours here. You can pre-book tickets here .

Sempione Park

If the weather is glorious on your trip to Milan, then it’s time to grab a gelato and sit in Sempione Park – the park at the back of Castello Sforzesco. This large park is a slice of peace in a busy city.

As you wander through the park, you’ll see the Arch of Peace wherever you turn. It’s a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Pinacoteca di Brera

After you’ve relaxed in the calm of the park, pick up your feet and walk over to Pinacoteca di Brera. This former church and monastery was built by a religious order.

After they were banished, the church was transformed into a cultural venue. Now, it is home to a collection of fine art paintings.

Explore Navigli

After stomping around Milan for 2 days, spend your second evening in Milan in the Navigli district. The neighbourhood of Navigli is a system of interconnected canals that is filled with trendy bars, gourmet restaurants and riverside eateries. It is also one of the best places to stay in Milan if you’re after a more local vibe.

It is the perfect spot to watch the sun fall behind the skyline. As the day turns into night, lights twinkle on the dark canal waters and you can watch the world go by while you dine on traditional Italian aperitivo.

Plenty of bars charge between €7 to €10 for a drink and bring out sumptuous plates of food free of charge.

Avoid any tourist traps that serve meals geared towards tourists like spaghetti and meatballs or spaghetti bolognese. You can also organise a food tour or an aperitivo tour if you want somebody to guide you through the city’s cuisine.

Day 3 – Day Trip from Milan

If you’re spending 3 days, there are two ways you can spend your third day in Milan. The first is to race around the sites that you haven’t been able to fit into your 2 days and the second way is to spend your final day is by getting out of the city by going on a day trip.

Milan is well connected to its surrounding areas, so visitors are spoilt for choice.

A day trip to Lake Como is one of the most popular getaways from Milan. Though you could easily spend 3 or more days exploring the area, you can see the highlights within a single day.

You can grab a train from Milan to the town of Varenna in about 2 hours. If you don’t want to navigate the transit system on your own, you can also opt for an organised day tour .

From Varenna, you can hop on ferries to explore the iconic towns of Belaggio and Mennagio and maybe even squeeze in a villa visit! It’s a jam-packed day, but definitely doable.

There’s a good chance that you flew into Bergamo airport when you arrived in Milan and thought nothing of the town you were arriving to. Though it’s primarily used as an entry point to the Lombardy capital, the city of Bergamo is very much worth visiting and there’s a lot to do within the confines of a day.

You can reach Bergamo from Milan Centrale in about an hour. Alternatively, you can also book a guided day tour if that suits you more.

Once there, take the time to explore the Citta Alta, including the Botanical Gardens, the Duomo and the Campanone Tower. Wind your way down to the Citta Bassa along the UNESCO-listed Venetian walls and grab an aperitivo before heading back to Milan.

Monza is the heart of the Italian Formula One, but there’s more to Monza than motorsport. If you’re in the mood for more attractions, I’d recommend visiting Duomo di Monza, Villa Reale, Ponte dev Leoni and the Chapel of Monza.

A day trip may seem slightly daunting but the train into Monza from Milan Central station takes 15 minutes and return tickets are pocket-friendly too.

Where to Stay in Milan

Lancaster Hotel  – This classically decorated hotel located in Milan’s city centre is the perfect base for exploring the city. They have a range of comfortable rooms available suitable for singles, couples, or families and a buffet breakfast available. 

Castello Guest House Milano  – An excellent high-end option, this is a fantastic place located in the centre of the city and within walking distance to many attractions. They have a number of rooms available that can accommodate couples or families. 

Queen Hostel  – This centrally-located hostel is one of the highest-rated in Milan. Perfect for budget or solo travellers who want to meet fellow travellers, they offer both private and dorm rooms with social common areas. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other options in Milan!

Whether you’ve marched around Milan in 2 days or sauntered around for 3, Lombardy’s capital has shops for the fashion-conscious, buildings for architecture aficionados or sites for historical enthusiasts. Wherever you end up visiting, you’ll enjoy your time in Milan.

Are you planning to visit Milan? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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Lake Como or Lake Garda: Which Italian Lake to Visit?

Is Sicily Expensive? A Guide to Prices in Sicily

One Day in Parma Itinerary: A Day Trip from Bologna

About Hope Brotherton

Hope is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Birmingham, England, she is passionate about budget-friendly travel and incorporating greener and more eco-friendly travel into her adventures. She keeps returning to Italy but loves to travel around any European country.

Great information to navigate through the city. Thank you!

I am currently planning some time in Milan, so thank you for the timely and helpful post. Will you be covering Bergamo soon? Thanks!

Glad you found this helpful! We’ve just published a Bergamo guide here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/bergamo-itinerary/

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Fearlessly Italy

2 Days in Milan – A perfect 2-day Milan itinerary

Not always included in classic Italy itineraries , many travelers don’t spend more than 2 days in Milan. Dubbed Italy’s Wall Street, often the city is a business destination. If you only have limited time, here is a full guide to how to enjoy 48 hours in Milan with suggestions on where to eat and where to stay.

At the end of the article, you will find our suggestions on where to eat close to the landmarks you are visiting and some hotels convenient for both price and location.

Less time available? Find out what to do in Milan in 1 day only !

Table of Contents

Is 2 days in Milan enough?

Two days in Milan is enough to visit all its most famous landmarks such as the Duomo, the Last Supper, and Castello Sforzesco. If you are into shopping, you can either stop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele near the Duomo or take a short walk to popular shopping streets such as Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia.

Is Milan worth visiting for a weekend?

Milan is a great city break for a weekend. Compact and vibrant, you can have a super exciting weekend in Milan.

Through its several airports, the city is very well connected with other European cities and capitals. You can find direct flights to Milan from cities like London, Edimburgh, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, Madrid, Brussels, and other Italian cities like Rome, Naples, Palermo, Bari, and Cagliari.

There are also several airlines that connect Milan to non-European countries so you have direct flights from Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Tunis, Marrakech, Cairo, and Tel Aviv. These are obviously more expensive, but if you want to plan a cool weekend that combines trendy shopping, cool aperitifs, and cultural sightseeing, Milan is definitely your destination.

Visit Milan in 2 days – Day 1

Start early with leonardo da vinci’s last supper.

Famous worldwide, the beautiful mural painting by Leonardo Da Vinci depicting the last meal Christ had with His Apostles is one of the best things to see in Milan in 2 days.

Located in the refectory of the UNESCO-listed Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, The Last Supper can be seen with prior reservation. Once there, you can only stay 15 minutes in the refectory where is the painting. After that, you will be led to the next room to carry on with your tour and let the next group in.

My suggestion is to book a guided tour so that everything will be arranged for you and your guide will tell you about the history behind the painting as well as the Dominican Convent where it is displayed.

Book your Best of Milan Tour with Last Supper Tickets and Milan Duomo Rooftop

Visit the Duomo

A stroll to the Duomo is a must for any first-timer planning their Milan 2-day itinerary. After you snapped the mandatory pictures of the cathedral’s facade, step inside and admire the grand interior.

You can also go up the rooftop and enjoy the city skyline from the beautiful terrace where once locals even used to organize their weekend picnics.

The ticket for the Duomo is 3€, to go up to the terraces 10 if you climb the stairs and 14 if you take the elevator. The fast-track ticket to the terraces with the elevator is 23€.

Go prepared and book your ticket online in advance! Milan Duomo and Rooftop Ticket or Fast-Track Ticket Milan Duomo and Terrace Guided Tour

Stroll around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Right next to the Duomo is the city’s “parlour”. Take a walk in the classic covered gallery, do some window shopping and grab a table at one of the historic coffee shops.

On the floor of the gallery, you will see a mosaic depicting a bull. According to the myth, making a rotation on top with your heel on the bull’s genitals will ensure your going back to Milan. This ritual is so appreciated by visitors that the mosaic is often under renovation.

Built between 1865 and 1877, the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is one of the world’s oldest shopping centers. Its charm and proximity to the Duomo make it a popular stop, so you are very likely to visit the gallery in your two days in Milan for a walk or a drink.

Duck into the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

After visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, you can make your way towards the Navigli canals either on foot or using tram n. 2, 3, or 4. Before reaching the Navigli, I suggest you stop at the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore.

The oldest church in Milan and one of the oldest in Italy, San Lorenzo Maggiore was built on the site of an early-Christian worship place and was consecrated in the early 5th century. It appears a fascinating mix of architectural styles from the Renaissance to the Baroque, even with Byzantine features.

Cruise the Navigli

The area of the Navigli, the canals that run along the Alzaia, Ripa del Naviglio Grande, Via Valenza up to Via Carlo Darwin, are a favorite area both day and night.

I suggest you get there in the afternoon so you can join a cruise along the canals or simply have a walk and enjoy the view, the shops and the bars and restaurants. The Navigli is famous for its nightlife, so you can stop here for an aperitif, dinner, and after-dinner drink.

Along the Navigli, you can also stroll around the stalls of the Mercato Comunale and shop for some local products. Or visit historic places such as churches and bridges.

Visit Milan in 2 Days – Day 2

Explore pinacoteca di brera.

Start early at Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s main art gallery. It showcases important masterpieces such as The Dead Christ and Three Mourners by Andrea Mantegna, The Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio, The Virgin with Child, Angels and Saints by Piero della Francesca, and The Finding of the Body of Saint Mark by Tintoretto.

You can devote as little as an hour and then carry on with the other sights planned for the second day of your itinerary.

• Address: Via Brera 28.
• Opening hours: Every day 8.30 am-7.15 pm. Closed on Monday, January 1st, and December 25th.
• Admission: 15€.

Pay a visit to the Sforza Castle

The historic residence of the powerful Sforza dynasty, Castello Sforzesco is an interesting and central landmark to include in your Milan 2-day itinerary. Inside, it hosts museums and exhibitions, so you can visit the castle outside and inside.

Built in the 15th century by the order of Francesco Sforza, today it is one of Milan’s symbols. As soon as you arrive, enjoy the majesty of the exterior architecture made with imposing gates, towers and a large courtyard.

Don’t leave before paying a visit also inside the castle. The same ticket will buy an entrance to the different museums such as the Archaeological Museum which includes one of the most important Egyptian museums in Italy, after the one in Turin.

You can also view the paintings of artists such as Canaletto, Mantegna and Correggio in the Pinacoteca, or a collection of sculptures, objects and masterpieces from the Middle Ages and Renaissance in the Museum of Ancient Art.

Take a stroll in Parco Sempione

Who doesn’t feel like taking a break and enjoying some greenery? Parco Sempione is a favorite city park easy to reach by metro (line 1-Red and 2-Green), tram and several buses. But if you are coming from Sforza Castle, you are already in the park.

What can you do in Sempione Park? Plenty. You can go walking, jogging, biking, or even playing basketball and volleyball on the dedicated courts. If you decided to visit Milan in 2 days with your family, the kids will love their playground with castles and swings. The park includes also an area for dogs, perfect for those traveling to Milan with their pet.

But that’s not all. Every day there are volunteer guides that organize tours to discover the species of plants living in the park, in summer there are plenty of concerts, the evening you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the bars scattered around the park.

Along with the Sforza Castle, inside Parco Sempione, you can also visit the other historic monuments such as the Branca Tower, the Civic Arena, Palazzo della Triennale, Arco della Pace, and the large Aquarium.

READ MORE: Milan Travel Guide – What to do and how to plan your trip

Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo Da Vinci

Once you are done with the Sforza Castle and the park, visiting Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia is a nice way to complete your Last Supper visit the day before. An all-round genius, if you are into science, exploring Leonardo Da Vinci’s discoveries is always worth it.

This museum is a celebration of science and technology. If you are a fan, don’t miss it.

• Address: Via San Vittore 21.
• Opening hours: in winter every day 9.30 am-5 pm (Saturday and Sunday until 6.30 pm), in summer every day 10 am-6 pm (Saturday and Sunday until 7 pm). Closed on Monday, December 24th and 25th, and January 1st.
• Admission: 10€.

Go shopping

Milan is famous for being Italy’s fashion city, so if you are into the new trends, take a stroll to the famous shopping streets and get ready to fork out good cash.

What is the main shopping street in Milan? There are many, obviously. Head to San Babila square: from there, the most famous Milan shopping streets branch off. Enjoy the shops lined up along Via Montenapoleone, the most popular and luxurious, Via della Spiga, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Sant’Andrea and Corso Buenos Aires among others.

What is Milan famous for shopping? The first thing that comes to mind is certainly fashion, so clothes, shoes and accessories of all sorts. In Milan, you will find the most luxurious and expensive brands, especially on the main shopping streets. But if you don’t want to break the bank, you will also see smaller shops off the main roads selling beautiful and probably more unique pieces.

What else should you buy in Milan? If you are looking for a touristy gift, around the popular landmarks, you will find the typical souvenirs such as magnets, keyrings, etc. If you are visiting Milan around Christmas time, Panettone is the typical cake. Should you decide to buy one, prefer bakeries to mass distribution stores.

Spend an evening at the Scala Opera House

Visit the famous Opera House La Scala where legends like Pavarotti and Maria Callas performed and where operas by Verdi, Puccini and Rossini among others were played.

You can visit the interesting museum of the opera house to see objects and documents of the artists and orchestra directors that at some point worked there.

Obviously, if you feel like spoiling yourself with an exclusive evening of beauty, music and art, you can book your seat at one of the concerts and operas. Check out the official website for the calendar .

Book your Teatro Alla Scala guided tour

Where to eat on your two-day Milan trip

Nerino Dieci Trattoria (Via Nerino 10) is a favorite among locals and a 10-minute walk away from Piazza Duomo, so very handy. They serve local cuisine, which makes it a good choice if it’s your first trip.

Also close to the Duomo, some 15 minutes walking, is Pizza AM (Corso di Porta Romana 83), inexpensive and one of the best pizza in Milan.

For a quick and delicious sandwich on the go, give All’Antico Vinaio (Via Lupetta 12) a try. It’s located between the Duomo and the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore so easy to reach by walking and a handy alternative for a fast-food-style lunch.

If you want to treat yourself to some fine Italian and northern Italian cuisine, head to Nabucco (Via Fiori Chiari 10) and VUN Andrea Aprea (Via Silvio Pellico 3), facing Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Between the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Navigli is Milan’s venue of the famous Roman restaurant Felice a Testaccio (Via del Torchio 4). Serving great Roman dishes , this is a fantastic option for dinner if you are hungry and don’t have time to get to the Navigli, where you can go later for an after-dinner drink.

Where to stay in Milan on a 2-day trip

We very much enjoyed our stay at Hotel delle Nazioni, not far from Milan’s Stazione Centrale. It was central, well-served by public transport, very clean, and inclusive of all the facilities we needed. All for a reasonable price. Click here to see rates and availability and to book .

• High-end. For a 5-star stay, check out names like Château Monfort – Relais & Châteaux close to the exclusive shopping streets and Park Hyatt Milano right in front of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
• Mid-range. If you are looking for great accommodation check out Palazzo Cornalia near the main train station, Hotel Pierre Milano , and Antica Locanda dei Mercanti not far from the city center.
• Budget. An easy option for smart and budget hotels in Milan is Starhotels Ritz and Aparthotel Meneghino .
• Cheap. For cheap accommodation in Milan, you might need to get a bit far from the city center. Some options include Ostello Bello Grande hostel, Camere delle Rose near the Navigli, and B&B Giolì in the Porta Vittoria area.
• Apartment. If you prefer to book an apartment, some good options close to the city center are AHD Rooms and Casa 50 .

Get around Milan

Since you are staying only 2 days in Milan, all the major landmarks are pretty much easy to reach on foot. More so if you book a hotel in the city center.

If you are staying out of the historic center or you don’t want to walk much, you can opt for the local public transport service, ATM. Milan has a pretty widespread and well-organized network of buses, metro, and trams. You can download their app and purchase and show the tickets from your smartphone.

For Milan city center, you can buy tickets covering the areas M1, M2, and M3. The single ticket for these zones costs 2€ and is valid for 90 minutes, the daily ticket is 7€, the 3-day ticket 12€, and the carnet with 10 single tickets 18€.

• Tip: Buy a Milan Pass City Card to enjoy discounted admissions and a 48-hour public transport ticket.

Is Milan a walkable city?

One of the best things about Milan that makes it a great destination for a short 2-day trip is that it’s very walkable. In only one day, I visited the Duomo, walk around the neighborhood, wandered around the Sforza Castle, saw The Last Supper, and enjoy an aperitif and a lovely dinner at the Navigli.

If you have two days and want to add more sites, you can always rely on public transport because it’s very efficient and will certainly help optimize your limited time.

READ MORE: How to plan a trip to Italy

Great tours and walks in Milan

Since you have so little time, you can consider taking some tours to see more places.

• Milan: Duomo and The Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour . This 3-hour tour will take you to Milan’s Duomo, to Santa Maria delle Grazie church to see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and to Castello Sforzesco.
• Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour . This small group tour lasts an hour and a half and includes a skip-the-line entrance to the Duomo and also access to the terraces and the archaeological area.
• Historical Walking Tour and The Last Supper Ticket . With this 3-hour tour, you will visit most of Milan’s historical landmarks including the Duomo, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, the Sforza Castle, La Scala opera theater, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

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One Week in Milan: The Perfect 7 Day Itinerary for Northern Italy

Milan is a destination everyone should visit at least once with a reputation for creativity, fashion, design, and history. The capital of Lombardy in Northern Italy, Milan is also the fashion capital of the world. One week in the city is the perfect time to tour all the must-see sights and the best of the surrounding regions. 

Milan is the second-most populous city in the country and the economic heart of Italy. It might be the workhorse of the north, but it’s so much more than industry and finance. Milan is the base for some of the world’s most prolific designers, world-famous artworks, and breathtaking monuments. Milan is also a great vantage point to Northern Italy’s most impressive scenery. Our guide will make sure you can tick a few more bucket list spots off your Italy travel list. 

From the Duomo to Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the manicured stores of Dolce & Gabbana, there’s something for everyone in our one-week guide to Milan. Let’s get into it. 

Table of Contents

Day 1: The Duomo, Trattorie Lunch, and The Natural History Museum 

First things first, it’s time to get to know the city that draws over eight million foreign visitors a year. That means exploring some of the most popular tourist hotspots before uncovering Milan’s hidden gems.  

If you’re planning to follow our itinerary, booking accommodation close to the Central Station will save you the most time and money when it comes to getting around. There are tons of hotels on booking.com nearby, starting from $50 a night and vacation rentals from $80. As Italy’s economic hub, Milan isn’t a cheap city. But it is easy to snap up deals on accommodation and attractions, especially if you visit outside the peak summer months. 

Getting around Milan is easy using the metro, bus, or tram. Start your first day with a visit to The Duomo. You’ll likely be familiar with this masterpiece of a cathedral before traveling to the city. With its pink marble facade, towering spires, and mesmerizing gold statue of the “la Madunina,” the Virgin Mary, it’s Milan’s most iconic sight. 

Get off the subway at Duomo station and scale the stairs to the Piazza, where the Gothic Duomo will greet you. It costs just €2 to enter, and the queues will be worth it. Spend the morning marveling in the stained glass and statues and visit the terraces if the weather is nice. It costs €8 on foot and €13 to take the lift, but you won’t be disappointed. 

Be sure to walk around the outside of the Duomo before you leave. The facade is impressive from all angles, and you’ll get fantastic views of every side from Piazza Fontana and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you can pause for a coffee and some light shopping. 

During the week, a traditional Milan trattoria is the perfect place for lunch and an authentic Italian dining experience . These family-run restaurants offer affordable local specialties in a laidback retro setting. From the Duomo, you can take the metro to the Isola/Garibaldi neighborhood, which is chocked full of charming eateries. 

From here, you’re within easy reaching distance of the city’s best museums. Spend the afternoon perusing the Museo di Storia Naturale set in a spectacular city garden or the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, which houses an impressive art collection in an aristocrat’s house. Then, end your first day with a real Milanese Aperitivo. 

The people of Milan typically leave work around 6 pm to meet for drinks and snacks at the city’s numerous bars all year-round. From crisps and olives to buffet trays, you can fill up for less than €10 while nursing a bitter negroni or Aperol spritz. Enjoy the post-work buzz in the city and feel like a local for the night before heading to bed for an early start the following day. 

Day 2: The “Last Supper” and Parco Sempione 

Starting bright and early, you can take the metro line 1 just three stops from Milan’s central station to Conciliazione, changing at Cadorna, from which the Santa Maria Delle Grazie is just a five-minute walk. The Dominican convent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper” painting is housed in the basilica’s refectory. 

It can be a real hassle getting tickets, with your best bet being to book two months before or turn up on the day at around 8 am in the hope of snapping up an unsold agency ticket that’s been put back on sale at the ticket office. Visiting in the low season from October to May will give you the best chance of getting in. 

The “Last Supper” is one of the most celebrated paintings globally and with such monumental simplicity that it has become a colossal marker of Renaissance art. Each slot allows just 25 visitors to marvel at the vast masterpiece for 15 minutes. This is thought to prevent excess dust and dirt particles from accelerating the painting’s deterioration. 

After your visit, wander the small courtyard of the Basilica di Santa Maria Delle Grazie before heading to the Parco Sempione for the afternoon, another singular stop on the metro or a pleasant 15-minute stroll away. It is often referred to as Milan’s Central Park and is a sight to see in its own right, just like its New York counterpart. 

There’s a collection of buildings in different architectural styles which will all give you great views of the city. Check out De Chirico’s Fountain, and depending on the time of year, laze on the grass and soak up the sun. Grab a takeout pizza and enjoy an Al Fresco dinner while the sun sets over Milan. 

Day 3: Florence

Milan is a gateway into Northern Italy. With seven days to spare, you have more than enough time to branch out beyond the city limits and explore some of the surrounding regions. Both Venice and Florence are in easy reaching distance of Milan and equally fascinating cities with vastly different atmospheres from Milan’s urban vibe.  

Florence is the closer of the two, but as the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region , it feels a world away from Milan’s bustling streets. Romantic and irresistible, the Renaissance city is the perfect place to soak up world-class art, architecture, and food. 

Check out our five-day Florence itinerary for some ideas on how to spend your time in the city. From the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti to boat tripping down the Arno river, you could easily squeeze the best of what Florence has to offer into an enchanting day trip.

You can take the train directly from Milano Centrale, running every half an hour and taking just 1 hour 40 minutes on the fastest Frecciarossa and Italo services. Ticket prices start as low as €10 each way for the 190-mile journey, and the last train leaves Florence just before 10 pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy dinner at the Piazzale Michelango before heading back to Milan for midnight. 

Day 4: Brunch, the Teatro alla Scara, and Castello Sforzesco

Day 4 is deserving of a slow start—there are tons of cool brunch spots in Isola, the neighborhood near Garibaldi Station. Check out the Deus and Capra e Cavoli for artsy coffees and sweet treats or the iconic Sheraton Diana Majestic Hotel for an elegant mid-morning feast. 

Get back to the center in six stops on the metro line 3. On the opposite side of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II and its fancy shops and restaurants in the Piazza Della Scala. Here, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous opera theatres, the Teatro all Scala. 

You can enter in several ways and even book a guided tour to visit the Museo Teatrale all Scalla, documenting the history of opera. But the best way to take in the theatre in all its splendor is getting tickets to a performance. You can attend a matinee if you fancy spending the afternoon listening to the spectacular vocals of some of the country’s best singers or return for a magical evening performance. 

Depending on the time you have, you can finish the afternoon at Castello Sforzesco. This iconic sight was the home of Milan’s 15th-century rulers, and Leonardo Divinci once lived here while working on the “Last Supper.” The Castello now comprises several museums and galleries from Egyptian art to the history of musical instruments. Be sure to check out Leonardo’s Sala Delle Asse in the Museum of Ancient art, as well as Michelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini, his last masterpiece housed in its own museum.  

Day 5: Lake Como

With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third-largest but deepest lake in Italy and arguably the most iconic. Fringed with mansions and three cities on its banks, the vast expanse of water is a bucket list destination and worth visiting in Northern Italy . 

Just one hour by train from Milan’s Porta Garibaldi train station, Como is the largest city around the lake, and the charming streets are worth the haul enough without Como’s waters. Booking a boat trip is a must when visiting Lake Como, but private charters can be pricy. Hop on the water taxi for a budget but authentic experience, and see the picturesque village of Brunete, which offers excellent views of the lake. 

Enjoy lunch in Brunete, wander in and out of the souvenir shops and craft houses, and check out the surrounding villages by water taxi. The Basilica di Sant’Abbondio is worth visiting, as is the Porta Torre and the Old City Walls. Check out the Como Silk Museum if you have time and tour the Villa Olmo for some James Bond-style mansion elegance.   

The last train to Milan from Como San Giovanni leaves at around 10.30 pm, leaving more than enough time to enjoy dinner and drinks at Ristorante La Cucina di Elsa or the Grand Tremezzo Hotel. 

Day 6: Galleries and the Torre Branca

Back in Milan, there’s still lots left to see. The city has so much to offer in museums and galleries, and day six is perfect for exploring the best of Milanese art and artifact.

Check out the Pinacoteca di Brera, a magnificent palazzo used by Napolean with medieval and Renaissance masterpieces by the likes of Mantegna, Raphael, and Piero Della Francesca. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is just a 15-minute walk away, housing some of Davinci’s codexes and a Caravaggio fresco. And for where art meets science, be sure to visit the Museu Nazionale Della Scienza e Della Tecnologia. Dedicated to Davinci’s scientific contributions, the museum can be reached in less than 20-minutes on foot from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and has something for everyone.

A busy morning calls for lunch on the go between gallery visits. Milan is fantastic for street food, and you’ll find the most options in the Navigli area, or you can grab a pizza slice from Panzarotto or Spontini near Duomo Square. Treat yourself to an ice cream from Cioccolati Italiani after a day chocked full of cultural education before heading up the Torre Branca for the best city views. 

Milan’s answer to the Eiffel Tower is a dramatic iron structure located in Parco Sempione. You can take a lift to the scenic terrace, 108.6 meters from the ground, and take in the breathtaking, if not vertigo-inducing, panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Head to the trendy Porta Nuova district for dinner. 

Day 7:  Shopping and Navigli

No trip to Milan would be complete without reveling in the world-famous shopping scene. No matter when you’re scheduled to leave the city, be sure to fit in some morning shopping to pick up a souvenir, a gift for a loved one, or just to marvel at the magnificence of all the high-end stores. 

The Corso Buenos Aires is Milan’s high street shopping epicenter with over 350 stores, more than any other street in Europe. Look out for low season sales and keep your belongings close in the tourist-heavy crowds. For designer labels, check out Corso Como, home to 10 Corso Como, one of Milan’s best luxury boutiques, and the aptly nicknamed Fashion District, comprising Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga, Corso Venezia, and Via Manzoni. Here you’ll find the latest in prêt-à-porter collections and every name from Gucci to Armani.   

If you have time before bidding Milan farewell, the Milanese canals in the Navigli district are the perfect place to end your Northern Italian adventure. They are incredibly charming at sunset, and you’ll find good food and even better company in the locals who frequent the waterside trattorias. 

Is one week enough in Milan?

Milan is a large and diverse city, with so much to see. Still, it’s easy to squeeze a lot into city breaks, and Milan’s efficient transport systems make getting around hassle-free. One week is the perfect amount of time to see Milan and squeeze in some day trips to nearby cities and sights. You could spend months in Milan and not see it all, but in seven days you’ll get an excellent taste of the city and be able to explore all the most popular attractions. 

When is the best time to visit Milan?

June to August are the hottest in Milan, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees. But summer brings big crowds, with revelers making the most of the school holidays and blue skies. Prices soar, and attractions get booked up. This means the shoulder spring and fall seasons can be much more pleasant to visit the city. April to May and September to October straddle the tourist-chocked summer and offer relief from the sweltering midsummer temperatures. 

How much should I budget for one week in Milan?

Milan is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Italy . As the financial and business center of the country and the home of some world-renowned cultural and historic attractions, you’ll need a hefty budget to vacation in Milan. A cheap street food meal will set you back around €15, or $17, while a meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost closer to €25 per person, or $30. Most attractions have entry fees, and accommodation starts at around €50, or $60, averaging around €95 or $111. This means you can bag a cheap seven-day stay in Milan for about €800 or $1000, but if you’re after a more comfortable vacation, expect to budget around €1,200 or $1,400.

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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An epicenter of fashion, architecture, and culture, Milan is quite the metropolitan epicenter, attracting roughly 11 million visitors annually. And while attractions like the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper,” and the luxury shopping and fine dining certainly solidify the city’s status as a bucket list destination, they are not all it has to offer.

“By venturing off the beaten path and embracing under-the-radar hot spots and experiences, you'll unlock a side of the city that most tourists never get to see,” says chef and travel blogger Cherie Gonzalez . “From charming neighborhoods to culinary delights and breathtaking viewpoints, Milan is ready to reveal its best-kept secrets to those willing to explore beyond the obvious.”

If you, like everyone else, is aiming to pay a visit to this bustling Italian metropolis, try throwing your city guides and books out the window, and shoot for a more authentic experience. Rent a car and explore the outskirts of the city and nearby towns that aren’t as congested with tourists. Wander Milan’s smaller boroughs and take in the beautiful street art, small cafés, eclectic boutiques, and neighborhood art galleries.

Is seeing the Duomo and shopping the designer boutiques a good way to spend your time? Sure. But to truly take in the essence of a city or destination, you have to get away from the crowds. Ahead, travel agents and experts offer their insights on the best way to experience Milan.

Hit The Roof

You can’t go wrong with a view from the top and Milan is filled with rooftop bars and restaurants that allow you to people-watch and take in the sites from the above. Although one of the trendier spots in the city, an early evening drink or dinner at Terraza Duomo 21 will not disappoint. The third-floor hot spot gives you a front-row seat to all the action in Duomo Square, while you sip on classic Italian cocktails (this is the perfect place for your cliché Aperol spritz moment) and feast on indulgent local fare like tagliolini pasta with porcini mushrooms and fine black truffle or saffron risotto. At night, the restaurant comes alive with a live DJ.

Just across the way, a few minutes walk from the Duomo, The Dome is another great option. “This magical rooftop bar is certainly more fancy than other bars but is nonetheless one of the coolest places to sip on an aperitivo in Milan while enjoying a stunning view of the city,” says Louisa Loring, founder of food platform EatingAroundItaly.com . “The Dome is less affordable than a [neighborhood] like Brera, but you are paying a premium for the atmosphere, view, and experience. Indulge and enjoy. If not in Italy, then where?”

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For a cozier rooftop ambiance, try the Sky Terrace bar on top of the Hotel Milano Scala , which serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes and “biological” wines. While not especially large, this spot is ideal for a romantic sunset dinner or cocktail hour for two.

If you want to get out of the busy city center, head north to the Garibaldi district and try the luxe Ceresio 7 , which features two rooftop swimming pools, cabanas for lounging, craft cocktails, and a 360-degree view of Milan's skyline.

While certainly worth a visit, if you limit your Milanese art and culture experience to the aforementioned Last Supper or Andrea Mantegna’s “Lamentations Over The Dead Christ” in the Pinacoteca di Brera, you’re doing yourself a disservice. (Although it must be noted that the Pinacoteca’s location in Brera is a known “artsy” neighborhood with lots to take in — you’ll see it mentioned throughout this guide.) Try getting lost in lesser-known pockets of the city, where you’ll find smaller galleries and street vendors featuring works of local artists.

“For a unique cultural experience, head over to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Isola, easily reachable by Milan's reliable metro system,” says James Thai, founder of travel agency Exotic Voyages . “Known for its vibrant street art and trendy microbreweries, Isola offers an immersive blend of modern and traditional Milanese experiences. I recommend visiting the Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers that doubles as a 'vertical forest,' offering stunning city views. You can also visit the Villa Necchi Campiglio at the evening. It's a beautiful, lesser-known Art Deco mansion that hosts intimate concerts and exhibitions, allowing you to enjoy arts and culture in a less crowded setting.”

Gonzalez, and many of our other travel sources, also note the Navigli district as an art-filled hidden gem. “Nestled alongside picturesque canals, this bohemian neighborhood boasts a vibrant atmosphere, dotted with charming cafes, trendy boutiques, and lively bars,” she says. “Strolling along the canal promenade, you'll encounter a fusion of artistic expression, with street art adorning the walls and local artisans showcasing their crafts.”

Shopping & Local Attractions

In addition to eating, drinking, and taking in the local art scene, Milan has plenty of other extracurriculars to keep you busy. For starters, there’s of course the shopping. While Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires are all high-traffic areas known for their upscale boutiques and designer shops, Christian Miller, founder of travel platform Discover Italy , recommends neighborhoods like Porta Genova, which houses some of Milan’s oldest markets, including flea market Fiera di Sinigaglia . “This spot sells everything from clothes to antiques,” he says. “It's a great place to find unique and affordable items.”

For jewelry and premium antique or vintage shopping, Brera is perfect, thanks to stores like Urzì Vintage Selection and Gioielleria Milano Mercanti d'Oro dal 1910 .

While you’re in the neighborhood, take a walk through one of the area’s stunning gardens and parks. “Escape the city crowds and discover the Orto Botanico di Brera, a botanical garden located in the Brera district,” says Eoin Hamilton, co-founder of world hiking platform HiiKER . “This peaceful oasis offers a variety of plants and trees, as well as beautiful pathways for a tranquil walk. It's an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature.”

Another great place for a stroll is Parco delle Cave, located in the southern outskirts of Milan. “[This] is a reclaimed quarry area that has been transformed into a green space,” says Hamilton. “It offers walking and cycling paths, small lakes, and picnic areas. It's a peaceful retreat where you can relax amidst nature without venturing too far from the city center.”

Eat & Drink Like A Local

If the rooftop vibe isn’t your thing, there are (obviously) plenty of ground-level eateries to indulge in Milanese fare. Brera (again) is an ideal place to start. The area’s Piazza del Carmine is a favorite of Loring. “You can sit under one of the large umbrellas and indulge in great people watching before dinner (typically Italians sit down for aperitivo between 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.),” she says. “Brera is easy going and casual. Here you won’t be bogged down by tourist prices or poorly made cocktails.” While in the “small but idyllic square,” pick up some pasta to go from nearby eatery Sicilian Brera Wine & Food or sit down at the ultra chic Il Carminio (try the baked chicken).

Hamilton favors the Colonne di San Lorenzo, an ancient Roman square near the Basilica of San Lorenzo. “This area is popular among locals, especially in the evenings,” he explains. “You can enjoy a drink at one of the many outdoor bars, soak in the lively ambiance, and perhaps catch a street performance.” While here, grab a glass of wine at Cantina della Vetra or homemade ravioli at La Dogana del Buongusto .

For a food market experience Mercato Metropolitano is the place to be. A food market that focuses on sustainability and local produce, “it offers a wide range of food stalls, restaurants, and bars where you can indulge in delicious and authentic Italian cuisine,” says Hamilton. “It's a great place to savor local flavors away from touristy areas.”

Push The City Limits

While it may sound counterproductive, achieving a more authentic experience may require you to get out of town, meaning exploring Milan’s outlying towns. To do this, you’re probably gonna need some chic wheels. Stay on theme and blend in with the locals by renting a reliable, luxe vehicle from a locally-based brand. Alfa Romeo , which is headquartered in Milan, is a great option. For easy travel and exploration, try the company’s new hybrid, the Tonale, which comes with a number of bells and whistles that a tourist (who may not be familiar with Italy’s driving culture and traffic signs), will appreciate. Think traffic sign recognition capability (TSR), an interactive navigation system, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

While we’re on the topic, Alfa Romeo’s museum in nearby Arese, which chronicles the brand’s iconic history in Milan, dating back to 1910, makes for a great visit and is only a 35 minute drive out of Milan. Sip on some Italian espresso from the on-site café while you learn about the company’s rich and varied journey in high-performance vehicles and race cars and see some of its most legendary models.

If you want to venture out a bit further, Hamilton recommends an hour-long drive north of Milan to Monte Barro, a small mountain range with hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. “It offers panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding countryside,” he says. “You can hike to the summit, visit the Barro Fortress, and explore the diverse flora and fauna.”

And for those game for an even longer road trip, try cruising through Turin. “The former first capital of Italy, this city boasts Baroque architecture, elegant shopping streets, a high concentration of Michelin-star restaurants, and the largest food market in Europe,” says Marco Scaglione, owner of tour company Meet Piemonte Tour Operator , based in Piedmont, Italy. “With the second-largest Egyptian Museum in the world and historic cafés serving traditional hot chocolate mixed with espresso coffee, Turin offers something for all ages.”

This article was originally published on July 15, 2023

22 Epic Hidden Gems and Non Touristy Things to Do in Milan, Italy

From lesser-known museums to the locals’ beloved cafes to quirky corners you can only discover when exploring the city on foot, I’m here to introduce you to the most incredible hidden gems and non touristy things to do in Milan.

Your bucket list and itinerary surely already include places like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione, and Pinacoteca di Brera, so here are 20+ attractions and activities that will help you experience Milan off the beaten path.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Looking for the top experiences in and around Milan? Check out these highly-rated tours and attractions: 1. Lake Como day tour or a wintertime Lake Como tour (a popular day trip) 2. St. Moritz (Switzerland) day tour with a ride on the Bernina Express train 3. Lake Garda and Verona day tour 4. Duomo di Milano: a cathedral & rooftop ticket or a full pass . 5. Da Vinci’s Last Supper guided tour .

Still haven’t booked your accommodation in Milan? Here are some highly-rated options: 1. Cà Bèla – Porta Romana (where I stayed) 2. Missori Suites (only a 5-minute walk from the Duomo) 3. Porta 92 Romana (only 2 Metro stops away from the Duomo) 4. Brera Prestige B&B (in the beautiful Brera district near the Sforza Castle)

Table of Contents

Hidden Gems and Non Touristy Things to Do in Milan, Italy

Take out-of-the-box tours.

You can always opt for a classic free walking tour of the city , but if you’re looking for alternative things to do in Milan, consider taking an unconventional one.

Some highly-rated options include:

• A patisserie tour , if you’re a pastry lover and a chocoholic
• A bike tour of Milan’s hidden gems

Visit the Courtyard and Museum of Bagatti Valsecchi

Housing pieces of Renaissance art and decorative arts collected by the Barons Fausto and Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is not as famous as other museums in Milan.

Located in the Fashion District (Quadrilatero della Moda) in the brothers’ luxurious family home, what caught my eye was actually the courtyard near the entrance to the museum.

From the Renaissance-style statues to the decorated well to the artistic pebbled floor, every detail makes it one of the most beautiful hidden places in Milan.

If you want to visit the museum, you can purchase your ticket here .

Visit Leonardo’s Vineyard at Casa Degli Atellani

Update: Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard is temporarily closed.

Right across from the UNESCO-listed Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper mural, you’ll find an enchanting 15th-century Renaissance gem.

Casa degli Atellani is a house gifted by Ludovico Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan during that time, to the Atellani family, whose members were his courtiers.

A few years later, the Duke granted Leonardo da Vinci the small vineyard in the house’s gardens.

Still used as a residence today, Casa degli Atellani is only partially open to the public, but you’ll get to see the lovely frescoes of the Zodiac Room, the study/library, and of course, the gardens and da Vinci’s vineyard.

I visited in winter in the afternoon, and it was a bit too dark, so I recommend coming in the morning to fully enjoy this landmark.

Both independent visits (with a digital audioguide) and guided tours take place at specific hours. You can book your ticket in advance (for a non-guided tour).

Look for the Chiuse DI Leonardo Da Vinci

In the Middle Ages, because Milan had no natural waterways, a network of artificial canals was built to connect the Lombardian city to nearby rivers.

The problem was that there were inevitable height differences between the canals, solved by a system of lifts for boats.

In the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci, who was not only a painter but also a brilliant engineer (to name a couple of his professions), came up with a new solution.

Using unique hydraulic technology and wooden locks & doors, he allowed the boats to overcome the height differences without needing the lifts.

Although not well-preserved at all, a few of these doors and locks can still be seen today on Via San Marco, a beautiful street in the area of Porta Nuova (known for the duo of buildings called Bosco Verticale – Vertical Forest).

Start Your Day at One of the Prettiest Hidden Gems in Milan: The Guastalla Gardens

The Guastalla Gardens (Giardini della Guastalla) might be overlooked by most international travelers, but if you choose to spend some time here, you’ll be rewarded with lovely scenery.

Founded in 1555 by Paola Ludovica Torelli, Countess of Guastalla, this park is one of the oldest in Milan, having only been open to the public since the 1930s.

With a Baroque-style pond, a few statues, and more than a dozen different plant species, these gardens are small yet utterly tranquil, perfect for a morning stroll, especially if you get to see beautiful fall foliage as I did.

Admire the Sinagoga Centrale

Right next to the Guastalla Gardens, you’ll see the Central Synagogue of Milan, the most beautiful one in the city.

Originally designed by architect Luca Beltrami and reconstructed after WWII ,  it was built at the end of the 19th century after the unification of Italy when Jews were finally allowed to live in Milan.

To take a tour inside, you need to contact  [email protected] , but even just marveling at its stunning exteriors is worth it.

Check out the Fontana Dei Tritoni

Milan is home to more than 70 fountains, and one worth seeing is the Fontana dei Tritoni.

Almost 100 years old, it resembles a temple, depicting two tritons holding a large shell, as well as two women – one representing “savings” holding a rounded piggy bank, and the other representing “charity” holding a fruit basket.

The unusual fountain is situated only two minutes from Via Brera or Gallerie d’Italia, so go check it out.

Discover Cool Concept Stores

Being a fashion capital, Milan is obviously known for its shops, with both internationally famous luxury brands and high-end local boutiques dominating the city’s streets.

What got me excited about visiting Milan was knowing that it’s also home to some exceptionally cool concept stores, some of which sell not only clothes but also perfumes, home decor accessories, and more.

A popular one is 10 Corso Como (which is definitely worth visiting), but since you’re looking for the hidden gems of Milan, I have to say that my favorite is the colorful Pop-Art-style Seletti, which isn’t big but is utterly photogenic.

Other spots to check out are La DoubleJ, Wait and See, and Fornasetti. They’re brilliantly decorated, making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Be Intrigued by the l.o.v.e. Sculpture

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in Milan, the L.O.V.E sculpture should be on your radar.

Located at Piazza degli Affari in front of Palazzo Mezzanotte (which houses the Italian Stock Exchange) stands a bizarre statue with a name that means  L ibertà,  O dio,  V endetta, and  E ternità  – Freedom, Hatred, Vengence, and Eternity.

By taking the Fascist salute and cutting off four fingers, the artist created a hand giving the middle finger, making a statement against the far-right movement.

Photograph Unique Historic Buildings

From Baroque to Renaissance to Art Nouveau, the architecture in Milan is diverse and intriguing, providing plenty of offbeat photo spots.

A stone’s throw away from La Scala opera house (Teatro alla Scala), you’ll see the 16th-century Casa degli Omenoni, known for the 8 man sculptures adorning its facade.

At the Porta Monforte neighborhood stands Casa Campanini, with its female statues and floral decorations. On Corso Garibaldi, you’ll find the beautiful Teatro Fossati.

Continue north to the area of Porta Venezia, home to gems such as Palazzo Berri Meregalli, Casa Guazzoni, Casa Galimberti, and Piazza Eleonora Duse.

If you appreciate northern Italian architecture as much as I do, you’re in for a treat.

Visit the Cripta DI San Giovanni in Conca

Originally built roughly 1500 years ago, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Conca is steeped in history.

It served, throughout the years, as the private church of the Visconti dynasty (ruler of Milan in the 13th-15th centuries), a monastery of the Carmelite order, and a Waldensian temple.

After so many remodelings and demolitions, it’s pretty remarkable to know that parts of it survived, even if these are only the apse and the intact underground crypt, which you can now visit free of charge.

Be sure to  consult the latest opening dates and hours .

Go Street Art Hunting

Beautiful street art always puts a smile on my face, so even though I haven’t seen a whole lot of it in Milan (because it’s scattered around the city), it’s worth looking for if you love it as much as I do.

You’ll find murals:

• On Via Giuseppe Balzaretti 4, adorning the facades of the headquarters of the picture-based  Toiletpaper magazine
• On Corso Garibaldi 111 (this is the Gucci mural, which changes from time to time)
• At the Giardino delle Culture
• On Via Brembo, as you walk towards Fondazione Prada
• In Milan’s Chinatown

Further away from the center, the area of Ortica is like an open-air museum with lots of colorful murals ( check out the local project’s IG account ).

Enjoy the Mercato Agricolo IL Buono in Tavola

When searching for places only locals go to, look for small neighborhood markets.

Each Tuesday in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio (near Navigli), takes place the Mercato Agricolo Il Buono in Tavola, in which you’ll find agricultural products (like fruit, cheeses, honey, and wines) from the region of Lombardy .

It’s a tiny market with only a few stalls, but if you’re already planning on exploring the area, you can add it to your Milan itinerary .

Stuff Your Face at Trattoria Milanese

In such a big city (and especially since it’s a tourist favorite), there are hundreds of places to eat. Covering almost every budget and cuisine, it’s not surprising that many of them are tourist traps (or just not that good).

That’s why I was thrilled to find Trattoria Milanese (Via Santa Marta, 11), a traditional restaurant established in 1933.

Hidden in a quiet alley in the historic center, it’s a perfect place to devour local dishes such as Risotto alla Milanese (risotto with saffron), Risotto al Salto , polenta, and other delicacies.

The menu also offers some non-regional dishes and plenty of vegetarian options.

I don’t know if the restaurant is as busy year-round as it was when I visited in December, but I still recommend making a reservation .

Check out Casa 770 (La Casa Del Rabbino)

Milan hides all kinds of curious spots, so here’s an extra quirky one for you.

In WWII, the Admor  (spiritual leader) of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement fled from Europe to the U.S. and lived in a house at 770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York. That’s where he also based the World Headquarters of Chabad.

After his death, his son-in-law (also known as the  Lubavitcher Rebbe ) expanded the movement tremendously, founding synagogues, schools, and health centers worldwide.

In homage to the Rebbe’s father-in-law, replicas of the house in Brooklyn were built across the globe, including one in Milan, the only one in Europe (that’s why Casa 770 is also known as The Rabbi’s House).

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind (well, almost) secret places in Milan, you can’t miss this New York-inspired building.

Grab a Cup of Coffee at Lesser-Known Cafes

Italian cafes and  pasticcerias  are my kind of paradise. Some are elegant, and some are cozy, and the coffee & pastries rarely disappoint.

As much as I like trying iconic historic establishments (even though they are mentioned in every travel guide), I also love coming across neighborhood cafes only the locals know.

A few charming spots to check out in Milan are Pasticceria Adolfo Stefanelli, Fiuri Milano – Flowers and Coffee, Dolci Memela, and Disigu@l Caffè (which was located near my accommodation in the area of Porta Romana).

Visit the Bagni Misteriosi

Translating to Mysterious Baths, the complex of Bagni Misteriosi consists of two public swimming pools, a 20th-century theatre, and even a restaurant.

In the summer, it’s possible to buy tickets to go for a swim and enjoy an aperitivo, while in the winter (when I visited Milan), it hosts Christmas markets and shows, and a part of it transforms into an ice skating rink.

You can  see what’s on the agenda on the official website .

Don’t Overlook the Ancient Lavoir of Navigli

I’ve heard mixed opinions about Milan’s canal district, Navigli, but I personally enjoyed roaming it, even on a cloudy day.

A unique little spot in Navigi you might not notice is the Ancient Lavoir (called Vicolo dei Lavandai/Alleyway of the Washermen) – the old public washhouse, which was in use until the 1950s.

Along with the flower shop next to it, I Fiori Nella Rete, you’ve got yourself one adorable corner.

Visit Palazzo Morando

Not too far from the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, you can visit a 16th-century palazzo that now houses Milan’s municipal Collection of Fashion and Costume.

Not many of the city’s historic palazzos are open to the public, so wandering through this landmark is a true privilege. Plus, it is completely free of charge and makes a great indoor activity in Milan !

Look for Hidden Art Galleries

Milan is such a wonderful destination for art lovers, with world-class museums such as Pinacoteca di Brera, Gallerie d’Italia, and GAM – Galleria d’Arte Moderna.

That said, you’ll also find small yet surprising independent art galleries and studios dotting the city. Along the Naviglio Grande (one of the canals in Navigli) and inside its hidden courtyards are several little galleries and shops like Pisati da Milano.

Other can be found in the neighborhoods of Brera and Porta Garibaldi, including Massimo Meda and Fabbrica Eos.

Admire Some Lesser-Known Churches

From the Duomo to Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore to Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, Milan is home to plenty of famous historic cathedrals and churches.

But if you wander freely through the city’s neighborhoods (my favorite activity), you’ll stumble upon other architectural gems, including Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli, Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Segreta, and Santuario di Santa Maria dei Miracoli presso San Celso.

If you’re looking for extremely bizarre spots, visit San Bernardino alle Ossa (in Piazza Santo Stefano), which has a small chapel adorned with bones and skulls. This was also the place that inspired the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Evora, a famous landmark in Portugal .

Discover the Cutest Bookshops

Even if you’re not an avid reader, you have to admit that bookshops are full of magic.

Some have become attractions for travelers from all over the world, including Livraria Lello in Porto , El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, and Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice.

In the heart of the center, you’ll find Libreria Bocca dal 1775, which was originally established in Turin . After having five different locations, this historic bookshop finally found its last home in Milan.

Within a 10-minute walk, you can get to Taschen, a unique place where books meet art, photography, and design, not just because of the decor but also because of the types of books you’ll find there and the mini art gallery on the second floor.

OTHER MILAN & ITALY GUIDES AND TRAVEL TIPS

If you loved these secret spots in Milan, read more about Italy and its northern regions:

• Turin or Milan
• Day trips from Milan in winter
• Best road trips from Milan
• Northern Italy road trip
• Northwest Italy itinerary
• Hidden gems in northern Italy
• Best places to visit in northern Italy in October
• Places to visit in Piedmont
• Things to do in Vicenza
• Places to visit in Central Italy
• Best road trips in Italy
• Piazzas in Italy
• Italy in winter
• Gifts for Italy lovers
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Italy travel quotes
• Hidden gems in southern Italy

Apart from experiencing Milan off the beaten track, you can also discover these:

• Hidden gems in Spain
• Hidden gems in Madrid
• Hidden gems in Mallorca
• Hidden gems in Barcelona
• Hidden gems in Valencia
• Hidden gems in Krakow
• Hidden gems in Portugal
• Hidden gems in Turin
• Hidden gems in Budapest
• Hidden gems in Puglia

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.