milan tour and travel

The Best Tours in Milan

Milan is Italy’s ultra-stylish fashion capital, and also home to some of the country’s most celebrated art, architecture, and historical sites. After visiting the famous Duomo and da Vinci’s Last Supper, explore the medieval Sforza Castle, admire the world-famous La Scala opera house, skip the line at Milan’s famous galleries, and explore local neighborhoods on a city tour. Then wind down with a day cruising across the calm waters of beautiful Lake Como. Our tours let you see the best of Italy’s most fashionable city.

Uncover the best of Milan from the Last Supper to the shores of Lake Como

20 Tours Found

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Da Vinci's Last Supper and the Duomo: Milan in a Half Day Tour

Combine Milan’s top attractions with a walking tour to see Brera, Sforza Castle and the Galleria

Skip the Line Last Supper Tour in Milan

See da Vinci's iconic painting close-up with guaranteed tickets included

La Scala Theatre and Museum Tour in Milan

Skip the line into the world-famous opera house and museum with a local guide

Milan's Duomo: Cathedral, Baptistery and Terraces Tour

See the best views of Milan from the top of the city's great basilica

Milan Private Walking Tour

Get in touch with Milan's roots and famous sites with the help of a local, private guide

Day Trip from Milan to Lake Como

Private transfer from Milan and luxury boat tour of Lake Como included

Idyllic Lake Como Day Trip from Milan with Boat Tour

Escape the city for a day of epic scenery and quaint towns along Italy's most famous lake

Skip the Line Brera Gallery & Neighborhood Tour in Milan

Stroll through Milan's historic neighborhood and visit its palatial art museum with a local guide

Duomo and Sforza Castle Guided Tour in Milan

Join a local guide to see two Milan icons in half a day, with epic views from the basilica terraces

The Last Supper Skip the Line Tour in Milan

Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece on this guided tour

Full Day Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano from Milan Tour

Experience Italy and Switzerland’s majestic mountain towns and cruise Lake Como

Indulgent Pizza and Gelato Making Class in Milan

Learn the tips and tricks for making your own authentic creations of two of Italy’s beloved foods

Ultimate Milan Small Group Tour by E-Bike

Effortlessly cycle past the Sforza Castle, Piazza Gae Aulenti, the San Lorenzo columns, and more

Historical Guided Tour of Milan and Last Supper

Get up close to Leonardo’s masterpiece, explore Piazza dei Mercanti, and admire the iconic Duomo!

Milan Cooking Class: Pasta and Gelato

Savor an unforgettable Italian culinary experience with a local market tour, pasta making & more!

Top Attractions in Italy

Doge's Palace Tours | Rome Tours | Colosseum Tours | Vatican Tours | Colosseum Underground Tours | Colosseum Arena Floor Tours | St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tours | Pompeii Tours from Rome | Rome Catacombs Tours | Palatine Hill Tours Rome | Rome Forum Tours | Trevi Fountain Tours | St Mark's Square Tours | St Mark's Basilica Tours | Murano & Burano Island Tours | Trastevere Rome Tours | Pompeii Tours | Capri Tours | Amalfi Coast Tours & Activities | Cinque Terre Tours | Accademia Tours | Florence Duomo Tours (Santa Maria Del Fiore) | Statue of David Tours | Pisa Tours | Florence Dome Climb Tours | Uffizi Gallery Tours | The Last Supper Tours | Milan Duomo Tours | Lake Como Tours | Florence Cooking Classes | Florence Food Tours | Mt Etna Tours | Sicily Tours | Raphael Rooms Tours | Sistine Chapel Tours

OUR BEST SELLING TOURS AT A GLANCE

Most Popular Tours

Ultimate palace of versailles tour from paris.

Breeze past the lines for the palace and gardens with a friendly English speaking guide

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, and St. Peter's Basilica

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour through the Gladiator's Gate

Walk in the footsteps of gladiators on the Colosseum floor and see the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

St. Mark’s Basilica & Doge’s Palace Half-Day Tour with Gondola Ride

Explore St. Mark's Square's most iconic attractions with skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, St.Peter's Basilica, and more!

Privileged Entrance Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Skip the line at the Colosseum, plus Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, and more!

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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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Milan is Italy's city of the future, a fast-paced metropolis where money talks, creativity is big business and looking good is an art form.

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The Last Supper

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Aiming to be a place of dialogue between people and world cultures, Milan's Museum of Culture, housed in the ex-Ansaldo factory, has an ambitious remit…

Triennale di Milano

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At the age of 24 Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli had inherited not only his family fortune, but also his mother’s love of art. After extensive travels in which…

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Arco della Pace

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Dominating Via Sant'Andrea is the baroque facade of the Palazzo Morando Attendolo Bolognini, home to the Bolognini family until 1945. The personal…

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This church dates from the 13th century, when its ossuary was used to bury plague victims from nearby San Barnaba hospital. It was rebuilt in rococo style…

Casa Museo Boschi-di Stefano

Milan’s most eccentric museum of 20th-century Italian painting is crowded in a 1930s apartment that still has the appearance of the haute-bourgeois home…

Orto Botanico

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Museo Civico di Storia Naturale

This grand neo-Romanesque building houses Milan's natural history museum, complete with dinosaurs, fossils and the largest geology collection in Europe…

Arena Civica

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San Lorenzo Columns

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Fuorisalone

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Milan Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Milan. We've got 293 adventures going to Milan, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 39 days. The most popular month to go is September, which has the largest number of tour departures.

250+ Milan tour packages with 2,577 reviews

In-depth Cultural Explorer Christmas & New Year +1

Milan & Lake Como - 3 Days/ 2 Nights

"He has great knowledge of history and background of places we covered, and most importantly he ensured everyone was having a great time." Sonam, traveled in September 2019

• €100 deposit on some dates

In-depth Cultural Family Coach / Bus +1

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

"The Italian lakes scenery and towns where we stayed are magnificent." susan, traveled in April 2018

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Alps By Bernina Train & Northern Lakes - 6 Days

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Enchanting Waters: Discovering the Lakes of Italy, Self-Drive

"Hotels were exquisite, and suggested activities were lovely. Gorgeous scenery, and fantastic locations." Laurie, traveled in April 2024

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Escorted Tour of Northern Italy Lakes Region: from Milan to the Alps

"We enjoyed the tour itinerary. There was no time at end of the day to do other than: shower, eat a meal, and go to bed for an early start the next day." Mike, traveled in September 2019

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What people love about Milan Tours

Our guide, Ned, was great. The hotel Meininger was clean and comfortable in a college dormitory way, but not very friendly. I asked to reduce the centrally controlled thermostat because I sleep better when it’s cooler, and they said no. The hallways are not air conditioned at all. The rooms get hot during the day and the air conditioning won’t stay on without the key in the slot. I’d rather pay a few dollars more and adjust the temperature to my own needs. The tour has lots of walking but it was enjoyable to see Milan’s highlights. Lake Como was gorgeous scenery, perfect weather, and we had enough time for a nice meal in Bellagio and a drink in Varenna. The train ride back to Milan was standing room only, and hot and stuffy, followed by a long wait in line at the taxi stand. I’d rate the tour guide higher than the accommodations. I suppose that the name of the tour agency (Italy on a Budget) should give a warning that all is not going to be first class.

Cosmos Italian Lakes tour was great. Our tour director, Firenzia, did a terrific job. A few minor criticisms -- some of the hotels were not centrally located; the restaurant for the excursion to the mountain top in Switzerland was not very good. Otherwise, a really excellent trip.

Excellent choice of places to visit. Tour Leader Chiara was fantastc. Nino the Driver was also very professional and friendly. Would recommend this tour to all my friends and acquaintances.

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MILAN TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

My Milanese friends are proud of their city, and they have every reason to. Milan is one of the greatest cities in Europe, with its intricate Duomo and an even more elaborate history. My other Italian friends, however, describe it as a little bit “un-Italian.” I couldn’t understand what that meant prior to our trip.

Upon arrival in Milan, however, we sensed it right away. Milan was our eighth destination in Italy, and it seemed inherently different from the other cities we set foot in. We couldn’t put a finger on it at the time; it just felt different. But different is not a bad thing.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING MILAN

Milan is considered Italy’s second city. But in various points of history, it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire (286–402), the Duchy of Milan (1395–1796), and the Kingdom of Lombardy Venetia (1815–1859). It has also been devastated several times: in 452, when Attila the Hun invaded; in 539, when the Goths recaptured the city after a long siege; and more recently, during World War II, when it was a target of many Allied bombings. The city was rebuilt and got back on its feet in the decades that followed.

Today, while Rome remains the capital of modern-day Italy, Milan serves as the nation’s financial, commercial, and industrial center. And oh, it’s also one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Perhaps this is why Milan feels divergent. It’s easy to imagine the whole of Italy the way it is portrayed in Hollywood films — romantic, rustic, laid-back. It’s where you could see yourself living la dolce vita . But that’s not always the case. While the other Italian cities put their old towns, frayed buildings and bygone-era treasures front and center, Milan generally feels very contemporary. Sure, heritage sites abound in parts, but the atmosphere is relatively modern. Like most business hubs and global cities, Milan is a living, breathing, bustling metropolis, home to over 8.2 million (including the surrounding municipalities).

Here are other things you need to know:

• Location : Milan is the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region. Coordinates: 45°28′01″N 09°11′24″E.
• Time Zone : UTC+1 (Central European Time). Rome is 7 hours behind the Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia; and 8 hours behind Japan. However, daylight saving time is in effect from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October, which puts it at UTC+2, only 6 hours behind PH, SG, and MY.
• Language : Italian. Most signs have English translations.
• Currency : Euro (EUR, €). €1 is roughly USD 1.18, SGD 1.61, PHP 57.23 (as of August 2020)
• Modes of Payment : Many establishments accept credit cards, but most still prefer cash.

WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN

Best areas to stay in milan.

Milan is composed of nine boroughs, each made up of several districts (quartiere). As in any other major tourist destinations, the closer you are to the center of the city, the higher the costs.

I asked my friends living in Milan for the best areas for tourists to stay, and these are their recommendations depending on your budget.

These districts are located near main points of interests so accommodation rates are generally expensive:

• Centro Storico, the city’s historic core. It covers the Duomo di Milano and the surrounding blocks. Expect big hordes of tourists.
• Porta Nuova, the new Milan. It’s a modern, fashionable district with lots of dining and shopping options.
• Brera, dubbed artists’ neighborhood. Close to both the Centro Storico and Porta Nuova. Close to Sforza Castle and Sempione Park.
• Central Station Area, the blocks fronting Milano Centrale, best for those whose itinerary involves visits to other destinations in Italy.

On the other hand, the following districts may not be centrally located but very accessible. These are also relatively budget-friendly:

• Chinatown, near Garibaldi Station, Sempione Park, and Porta Nuova. Lots of Italian and Asian restaurants and fast food.
• Porta Venezia, best known for the 19th century gate, a long shopping street called Corso Buenos Aires, and diverse ethnic communities.
• Citta Studi, the student quarter. Probably the most affordable part of the city because it caters mostly to students. Close to the central station but far from the historic center.

Of course, there are exceptions. If you’re lucky, you can find relatively inexpensive apartments even in the city center.

Here are other options!

TOP MILAN HOSTELS

Here are the top hostels in Milan, as scored by Agoda customers.

• Ostello Bello Grande. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ostello Bello. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Babila Hostel & Bistrot. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hostel Colours. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Combo Milano (Navigli). Check Rates & Availability! ✅

We were able to snag the last room at New Generation Hostel Brera in an area between Brera and Porta Nuova, close to metro stations. From here, most of the stops on our itinerary were easily accessible on foot and by metro.

TOP BUDGET HOTELS & APARTMENTS

Here are the top apartments and budget hotels in Milan, as reviewed and ranked by Agoda guests.

• Bronzino House. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Teodora B&B. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Monocase Milano. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Room Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ai Suma Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Serendipity Apartments – Duomo. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Milan Hotels!

How to get to milan.

Milan is primarily served by two airports: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN) .

• Malpensa Airport (MXP) , the largest airport in the region and the second busiest in Italy (next only to Rome Fiumicino Airport. It’s 60-90 minutes away from the city center, depending on your mode of transportation.
• Linate Airport (LIN) , smaller airport in the Milan metropolitan area, serving mostly European airlines. Located east of the city center, it can be reached after a 45-minute bus ride.

However, two nearby airports may also used to conveniently reach Milan: Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) in Bergamo and Parma Airport .

Malpensa Airport to Milan City Center

The Malpensa Airport has two passenger terminals that are far apart, so make sure you know which one your flight will be using. Aside from the taxi, you have two main public transportation modes to choose from:

• By Train: Both terminals have a railway station. Both the Malpensa Express and Trenitalia (Regionale Trenord) can take you to the city center. Travel time: 54 minutes. Fare: 13€.
• By Bus: An Autostradale bus leaves for Milan city center every 15-20 minutes from 6am until around midnight. Travel time is 50-60 minutes. Fare: 8€, one-way; 14€, roundtrip.

Linate Airport to Milan City Center

Unlike Malpensa, Linate Airport does not have its own train station. The best way to reach the city from here is by bus. Here are your options:

• Air Bus: Bus bound for Milano Centrale (Piazza Luigi da Savoia) every 30 minutes from 6:30am-11:30pm. Travel time: 25 minutes. Fare: 5€.
• Starfly: Runs from Linate Airport to Milano Centrale every 20-30 minutes from 6:10am-11:30pm (6:30am-10pm on weekends). Travel time: 25 minutes. Fare: 5€.
• Bus 73 or X73: This is the cheapest but slowest option. These are public urban buses (ATM) that can take you to San Babila metro station (close to the Duomo). Buses are plenty; there’s one every 10 minutes from 6:05am to 12:55am. But there isn’t much space for luggage. You can purchase a ticket on the bus. Travel time: roughly 50 minutes. Fare: 2€.

Milan has two main railway stations. Both located within the city center, these are not too far apart: only 5 minutes by metro or 20 minutes by foot. Regardless, it’ll be best to know which station is closer to your hotel.

• Milano Centrale , as the name suggests, is the central station. It lies northeast of the city center. It is Europe’s largest railway station. (It’s also the grandest of all the stations I have seen.) It is the primary gateway for international tourists because most trains crossing the border use this station.
• Milano Porta Garibaldi , situated north of the city center, it is Milan’s busiest station as far as commuter traffic is concerned. Trains operating here are mostly domestic.

From Other Italian Cities

If you’re on a bigger tour around Italy, you can easily reach Milan from Florence, Venice, Rome, and other Italian cities by train. There are multiple trains a day.

There are two high-speed train companies in Italy: the state-owned Trenitalia and the privately owned Italo. Both use dynamic pricing (much like airlines). This means that fares are not fixed. They change over time. If you don’t have fixed plans yet, you can book on the same day, but expect to pay more for your seat.

Usually, the fare is between €35 and €45. But you can find fares that are as low as €14.90 if you book way in advance.

From Other European Cities

If you’re coming from other cities in Europe, the fast option is usually flying. But railway options are also available. There are day trains and overnight trains, depending on where you’re coming from.

• PARIS TO MILAN. You can take the high-speed train (TGV) to Milan. Travel time: 5h40; Full fare is 113€, but you can score cheap tickets if you book in advance.
• NICE TO MILAN. You can board the TER/SNCF train, which entails a transfer in Ventimiglia at the French-Italian border. Travel time: 5 hours, 20 minutes. You can also catch a Thello train, which can take you directly to Milan. Travel time: 4 hours, 50 minutes. Fare: as low as 15€.
• MONACO TO MILAN. From Monte Carlo, you can take the direct Thello train to Milano Centrale. Travel time: 4 hours, 30 minutes. Fare: as low as 15€. Another option is the TER/SNCF train, which makes a transfer in Ventimiglia.
• ZURICH TO MILAN. Take a EuroCity train to Milan. Travel time: 3h26. Full fare can go as high as 80€ but advance reservation can go as low as 29€.

Search for Train Tickets Here!

How to get around milan.

Milan is generally flat, so it’s easy to get from Point A to Point B on foot. For short distances, we usually walked. We even tried it to get from Porta Nuova to the Duomo. It’s also a great way to see the city and discover a local cafe or shop.

By Public Transportation

For medium and long distances, you can rely on Milan’s public transportation system, which is run by an agency called ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi). It operates a network of buses, trams, and metro.

To help you navigate, download the ATM Milano Official App ( Apple iOs | Google Android ). Then, on the journey planner, enter your destination and it will tell you what route to take to get there and how much to pay.

Milan’s public transportation system is fully integrated, which means one ticket can be used on multiple transportation options. For example, you can use the bus and then the tram using the same ticket. How much to pay depends on how many zones you will be crossing. Milan’s map is divided into nine fare zones. The city center is in a zone called Mi1-Mi3.

But don’t worry; the city center, where most of the attractions are located, is within the same zone (Mi1-Mi3).

How much is the fare?

The minimum fare is 2€. Each fare zone you cross incurs an additional 0.40€.

Here are the types of ticket you can purchase:

• Single ticket: 2€ (valid for 90 minutes)
• 24-hour ticket: 7€
• 3-day ticket: 12€
• Carnet (booklet with 10 single tickets): 18€

A single ticket is valid for 1 metro ride, 1 suburban train ride (within the urban area only), and unlimited tram and bus rides within 90 minutes of your ticket’s validation. To be clear, once you have used it to take the metro, you cannot use it again for another metro ride but you can still take as many bus or tram rides as you like within 90 minutes of your ticket’s validation.

How to validate tickets?

The validity period of your ticket starts as soon as you validate your ticket. Here’s how to validate:

• Bus / Tram: Insert your ticket into the box (usually yellow or orange) which will stamp the date and time.
• Metro: Validate it at turnstiles as you enter the station. Even if you’ve used the same ticket on a bus or tram before, you must still validate it on the metro.

You should keep your ticket throughout the duration of your journey. Do not lose or damage it. Spot checks are done sometimes. If you’re caught without a validated ticket, you will be fined.

Where to buy tickets?

Single tickets are available at ticket machines at metro stations.

The other tickets and passes can be purchased at authorized tobacco shops (tabacchi, usually with a capital T sign), bars, and newspaper stands.

By Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus

If you like getting comfortable aboard a sightseeing bus, you can also do so in Milan. CitySightseeing Milano’s HOHO bus has three lines scribbled around the city and can take you to key attractions like the Sforza Castle, Scala Theater, and the Basilica of Saint Ambrose.

As usual, there is free wi-fi access and a multilingual audio guide which will give you information about each stop. Available in 24-hour and 48-hour versions. You can book in advance with Klook!

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

MILAN TOURS

Free milan walking tour.

We booked with Walkabout Tours . For roughly 3 hours, a guide will take you around Milan’s historic center, stopping at some interesting structures along the way. Because it’s a guided tour, you’ll have a better appreciation of each site. Note that it’s a sightseeing tour, so you won’t be stepping inside most of the stops (with a few exceptions). If you wish to enter, you may return to those after the tour.

Here are a few of the key stops:

• Duomo di Milano, the city’s most iconic landmark. More info below.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a massive shopping arcade and the oldest shopping mall in Italy.
• Church of San Nazaro in Brolo, constructed in 382 and houses some relics of the Apostles.
• Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, another ancient church best known for its walls filled with real human skulls from the medieval times.
• Statale University (University of Milan), one of the largest in Europe and has a long, colorful history.
• La Scala Theater, one of the world’s most important ballet and opera venues.
• Merchants Square, built in the 13th century. It was the center of Milanese life at the time.
• Business Square (Piazza Affari), fronting the Palazzo Mezzanotte building, the headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange.

It’s FREE, in theory. But you are expected to tip the guide. How much you should tip depends on how much you liked the tour. I usually tip 5€ to 10€. But I add more if the tour is exceptional.

Although it is free, you are encouraged to register beforehand. You can do that here .

Operating days: Monday-Sunday Meetup point: Duomo Square, in front of the 900 Museum. Look for a YELLOW umbrella. Meetup times: 10:00 am Daily (Additional 3pm tour on Saturday) Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Duomo di Milano

The Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) took several centuries to finish construction and is the largest church in the country. Simply put, it is beautiful with its Italian Gothic style. Groundbreaking began in 1386 under the supervision of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. You’ll see the various influences and styles, and even personal vision of the many architects that took on the project of building the cathedral throughout the centuries.

Many parts of the cathedral are open to tourists. Inside you’ll find baptisteries, crypts, an archaeological area, and a museum. The rooftops are also accessible by lift and by stairs. But entrance fees are collected for some of them:

• Duomo (Cathedral) Hours open: Daily, 8am-7pm Entrance fee: 3€
• Rooftops Hours open: Daily 9am-7pm Stairs access: 10€ Elevator access: 14€ Fast-track/skip-the-line elevator access: 23€
• Crypt of St. Charles Hours open: Monday-Friday 11am-5:30pm, Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 1:30pm-3:30pm FREE entry
• Duomo Museum & Church of St. Gottardo in Corte Hours open: Thursday-Tuesday, 10am-6pm Closed: Wednesdays Entrance fee: 3€
• Archaeological Area (Baptistery of San Giovanni Alle Fonti) Hours open: Daily 9am-7pm Entry: Duomo Pass Lift Required
• Archaeological Area (Baptistery of St. Stephen) Hours open: Daily 9am-6pm FREE Entry

You can save a bit by purchasing combination tickets.

Although it’s possible to be mesmerized by it on your own, joining a tour will make you appreciate the details of this mammoth of a church, its history, and its architecture.

✅ JOIN A GROUP TOUR!

Milan Food Tour

Italy isn’t just about its beautiful architecture, art, and history, the country is also a foodie haven. And the same is true for Milan. Walk around the Brera District to eat some of the best food in the city. Your guide will interject tidbits and insights about the food you are eating. Some of the food you’ll sample are risottos, cream rolls, and parmigiana.

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Da Vinci Tour

If Bernini had Rome and Michelangelo had Florence, Leonardo Da Vinci had Milan. The renowned Renaissance man spent 17 of his most productive years in Milan. You can see some of his masterpieces throughout the city, including the following:

• Sforza Castle – which houses Da Vinci’s frescoed ceiling of Sala delle Asse.
• Santa Maria delle Grazie – a church and convent, where you can find the Last Supper.
• Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – which showcases various sketches Leonardo da Vinci.

You can do your own independent tour of these sites. For more info, check out the information about the individual attractions here .

But for a better understanding and more insights about Da Vinci’s life in Milan and his masterpieces, consider joining a guided tour. If you book with Klook, you also get fast-track access to the Last Supper , one of the most famous artworks of Da Vinci.

Lake Como Tour

Lake Como is another destination in the Lombardy region. But because it’s only 1.5 hours away, Milan is the usual jumpoff point for many visitors. If you’re staying in Milan, you can visit Lake Como on a day trip.

In Lake Como, you’ll see the stunning villas and gardens while cruising the lake. Get a glimpse of how the elite lived during your trip. If the views look familiar, then you might have seen it while watching Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. After the cruise, you’ll visit the quaint town of Bellagio. This part of the tour will take you back in time as you walk on its cobblestone streets and old buildings.

It is possible to visit Como by public transportation. The most convenient way to reach the town is by train. You can catch one from Milano Centrale and alight at Como S. Giovanni Station. Alternatively, you can board a train departing from Milano Cadorna and get down at Como Nord Lago.

For convenience, you can also book a tour via Klook.

La Scala Theater Museum

Opened in 1778, La Scala Theater is one of the most significant ballet and opera venues in the world. For operatic artists, being able to perform here is the ultimate goal. Housed in the same building is a museum that showcases the greatest artists and performances that graced the theater. You’ll also see valuable memorabilia.

You can purchase a ticket to the theater museum in advance via Klook!

Navigli is a neighborhood south of the city center and was named after a network of interconnected canals. It also has a number of churches including two basilicas: Basilica di San Lorenzo and Basilica Sant Eustorgio.

But nowadays, the area is most popular as a nightlife destination with restaurants, bars, and clubs along the canal. A great way to experience the magic of this district is by joining a food and wine tour, which will introduce to you some regional wines and local appetizers and the stories behind them. It’s a great way to spend the evening in Milan!

✅ JOIN THIS TOUR!

Other Milan Attractions

Here are other places to visit in Milan.

• Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) – a 15th-century citadel that has been transformed into a complex of museums and art galleries!
• Sempione Park , a landscaped parkland next to the Sforza Castle with stop-worthy structures like the Arco della Pace (Arc of Peace).
• Poldi Pezzoli Museum – This elegant mansion houses a private gallery that showcases beautiful pieces by Mantegna, Botticelli, and Guardi, among others.
• Galleria d’Arte Moderna – If you are interested in art, this gallery has artworks from the 18th and 19th centuries by masters like Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Édouard Manet.
• Cimitero Monumentale – This attraction has a history that dates back to 1866.
• Santa Maria Presso San Satiro – This church near the Piazza del Duomo has beautiful interiors.

For more details and other options, visit this page: PLACES TO VISIT IN MILAN!

DAY TRIPS FROM MILAN

Aside from Lake Como, other destinations in Italy and neighboring countries can be easily accessed from Milan. If you have limited time to explore the country, you can visit any of these on a day tour.

We created a separate post for it here: DAY TOURS FROM MILAN!

SAMPLE MILAN ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 4-day 3-night Milan itinerary that you can use to make your own. We indicated a cost breakdown and a total budget estimate at the end.

We didn’t include the airfare in the total budget because the fare depends highly on where you’re coming from. Also, many travelers visit Milan as part of a grander Euro trip. In that case, you can simply insert this into your bigger European or Italian itinerary.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & PORTA NUOVA 01:00 pm – Arrival at Milan Airport 01:30 pm – Lunch, 10€ 02:30 pm – Bus to city center, 8€ 03:30 pm – Buy 3-day pass, 12€ 03:50 pm – Transfer to hotel 04:15 pm – Hotel check-in, freshen up 05:30 pm – Metro/tram to Porta Nuova 06:00 pm – Explore Porta Nuova 07:00 pm – Dinner, 15€ 08:00 pm – Walk around 09:00 pm – Metro/tram to hotel 09:30 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 2 – DUOMO & NAVIGLI 09:00 am – Tram/metro to Duomo 09:20 am – Take exterior photos of Duomo 10:00 am – Free Walking Tour, tip: 5€ – Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 01:30 pm – Lunch, 10€ 02:30 pm – Duomo Tour with Fast Track Lift Access, 25€ 05:30 pm – Tram/metro to Navigli 06:00 pm – Walk around 07:00 pm – Dinner, 20€ 09:00 pm – Tram/metro to hotel 09:30 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 3 – ALL ABOUT DA VINCI 07:00 am – Metro to Arco della Pace 07:30 am – Parco Sempione 09:00 am – Sforza Castle, 10€ 11:00 am – Lunch, 10€ 12:00 nn – Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie), 15€ 02:00 pm – Tram to Duomo 02:30 pm – Bibilioteca/Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, 15€ 05:00 pm – FREE TIME, buy souvenirs 07:00 pm – Dinner, 15€ 09:00 pm – Tram/metro to hotel 09:30 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 4 – DEPARTURE 08:30 am – Pack up 10:30 am – Early check out, leave bags – Settle tourist tax, 12€ 11:00 am – Early lunch, 10€ 12:00 pm – Leave for airport/station, 2€ + 8€ Bus fare if going to the airport

If you’ll spend 35€ per night per person on accommodations, this itinerary will set you back around EUR 330 (USD 389, SGD 532, PHP 18,900) per person excluding airfare, travel taxes and shopping expenses, but including a bit of allowance to make up for possible incidental purchases and price movements.

If you really want to see LAKE COMO or any other Italian destination, you can replace DAY 3. If you have more days, you can simply add a day and squeeze it in.

Again, we didn’t include airfare in the computation because it highly depends on where you’re coming from. Many Milan visitors are also on a larger Euro trip and arrive from another European city.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

• Find a hostel that allows you to cook or heat your food. This way, you don’t have to eat out for each meal! You can hit the grocery and shop for ingredients and prepare your own.
• Avail of FREE entry to museums. Some museums allow free access on specific days and time. For example, although the Sforza Castle grounds are open to everyone at no cost, the museum requires an entrance fee. But if you show up at 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month (as of this writing), you can enter for free. Schedules may change though so please double check.
• Join FREE Walking Tours. There are a number of FREE guided tours in Milan. Yes, it’s FREE but the guides rely on tips so if you like their service, feel free to give them an amount that you think is fair.
• Don’t dine anywhere near touristy spots. These overpriced restaurants cater primarily to unsuspecting tourists. Walk for 10 minutes or so into the deeper alleys and you’ll find small cheaper places where locals eat.
• Tap and fountain water is potable. They’re safe to drink. It’s just a matter of taste for most people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MILAN

Do i need a visa to visit milan.

Italy is part of the Schengen agreement. If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you will need a Schengen Visa to visit Milan. If Italy is the only country you are going to visit or if you’re traveling to multiple countries but staying in Italy the longest, you will need to apply for a visa via the Italian Embassy.

For more information about how to get a visa from the Italian Embassy, READ: ITALIAN SCHENGEN VISA!

Is Milan safe?

Milan is generally safe.

But like any big cities, there are some areas where you should be extra careful. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams exist so keep an eye on your belongings and don’t let your guard down.

What scams are common in Milan?

Like other major cities in Europe, scams are prevalent in Milan. Here are just a few of the most rampant:

• String bracelet scam. A random person will approach you and give you a a bracelet and tie it around your wrist. They will claim it’s a gift, but you’ll find out soon enough that it comes with a steep price. Don’t accept anything from strangers, especially at touristy spots!
• Pickpocketing. Most common at touristy places and crowded public transportation. Make sure you keep your wallet in hard to reach parts of your body/clothes and always be vigilant.
• Overcharging restaurants. In many Italian cities, it is normal to be served bread after taking a seat at a table and be charged for pane e coperto , which is totally legal. But some establishments will also serve appetizers or drinks that you didn’t order that you might immediately assume complimentary, but will show up on your bill later. Hence, when picking a restaurant, check online reviews first.
• Helpful stranger scam. This usually happens when you’re using the ticket machines at the metro or train station. Because it can be a bit confusing to figure out how it works at first, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the ticket vendo. Sometimes, a random good samaritan will offer a helping hand, but they’re usually after your money. If it happens, be wary, mind your valuables, and politely say no. If they insist, walk away.

When is the best time to visit Milan?

The shoulder months of April, May, and September are ideal periods to visit Milan because of the cool, pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices (at least compared to the summer months). In general, spring and fall seasons are great, but note that there is a higher chance of rain in October and November.

Like in other countries in Europe, high season is from the summer months of June to August. This is when the crowds are at their thickest and prices at their highest. If you want fewer people, this isn’t the best time to visit.

How much is Milan tourist tax? Is it included in hotel bookings?

Milan collects city tax from tourists, usually between €3 and €5, depending on the star rating of the hotel.

It’s often NOT included in the booking and has to be settled upon hotel check-in or check-out.

What is the tipping policy in Milan?

Tipping is not expected in Milan. It is appreciated but not really expected.

At restaurants, the “tip” usually takes the form of something else (service charge, bread, etc.) and is already included in the bill. No need to tip more unless you really enjoyed the service.

At hotels, you can tip €1 per bag for porters or €1 per day for hotel chambermaids.

In taxis, tips are not expected.

Is tap water in Milan safe to drink?

Yes, it’s safe to drink. It’s just a matter of taste.

What type of power plug / socket is used in Milan?

Electricity Info : 230 volts, 50 Hz. Common sockets are Type F, which also accept plugs that have two round pins (C and E).

2020 • 8 • 28

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MILAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Introduction to milan travel.

Italy’s second largest city is where old meets new, and where modern Italian fashion, design and food are on show to the world. Milan’s historic center is found in the area around the Piazza del Duomo. This magnificent Gothic cathedral dominates the city skyline and is an emblem of Milan.

From here, the streets radiate out and you’ll find the epicenter of Italian fashion on the Via Montenapoleone  in the Quadrilatero d’Oro. Walk through the Brera district and on to Parco Sempione where the Castello Sforzesco is home to countless Renaissance (without the crowds you’ll find in Rome or Florence). And of course, Milan was home to Leonardo da Vinci. The master left his mark throughout the city – from the canals of the Navigli district to the Duomo itself.

What to see in Milan

Milan is for history and art lovers, foodies and shoppers. While it doesn’t have the immediate beauty of some of Italy’s other famous cities, it makes up for it with fresh takes on old traditions. Milan is where you’ll find modern Italy – looking to the future but always paying respect to her glorious past. Listen to our podcast episode – Milan highlights – to hear all about the must-see sights of Milan and for more ideas read our 3 day Milan itinerary .

Galleria Emmanuele II

Last supper painting, castello sforzesco, bosco verticale, la scala theater, navigli district, san siro stadium, untold milan.

Culture, food, fun, fashion and design. Milan has it all. We love uncovering Milan’s hidden secrets. Here you’ll find cutting edge modern design next to ancient manuscripts and quirky bars alongside historic stalwarts. It’s the best of modern Italy.

Read more about Untold Milan

Milan ACCOMMODATION guide

Milan is a major financial and business hub as well as a tourist destination. There are hundreds of accommodation options but you should check your travel dates against major events like Milan Fashion Week when rooms sell out quickly. Check our guides to discover the best places to stay on your trip to Milan.

milan hotels

Vacation rentals in milan, milan tours and tickets.

Information on skip the line tickets to the major attractions, the best tours of the city and unique activities that are sure to make your trip memorable.

DUOMO tickets and tours

Half day city tour, last supper tickets and tours, milan food tour.

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This City Is Italy’s Capital of Fashion and Finance — What to See, Eat, and Do

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Milan.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

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Best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Rome, Florence, Venice: They’re the classic trifecta of an Italian whistle-stop tour, right? Somehow, Milan manages to fall off the itinerary, especially for a lot of first-time visitors to Italy. But if you’ve been keeping this most cosmopolitan European city in the “maybe next time, if we have a few more days” category, it’s time to redraw your travel map.

Italy’s capital of fashion and finance, Milan is rightly associated with wealth and style — its sharply dressed residents may make you want to accessorize just a wee bit more thoughtfully. But there’s nothing superficial about this city, which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and has been a touchpoint of some of the most important events in European history. “Milan is an invigorating, bustling metropolis that resembles Berlin, Paris, and New York in its international elements,” says Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International . “It’s very different from other cities in Italy, yet doesn’t compromise on any of its Italian style and authenticity.”

With one foot proudly fixed in an illustrious past that includes ancient ruins, majestic cathedrals, and art-filled museums, Milan is also the best place to experience anything and everything that’s modern in Italy, from innovative art and fashion to exciting new hotel openings and 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some of our experts’ favorite places and experiences in the city — proof that if you miss Milan, you’re truly missing out.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Walk the roof of the Duomo. The rooftop terraces tour of the Duomo of Milan offers an up-close look at this architectural marvel and a bird’s-eye view of the city below. 
• Shop (or just gawk) along Via Monte Napoleone. Even if you can’t afford to make a purchase on one of Europe’s priciest streets, it’s fun to window-shop at Gucci, Fendi, Versace, and a host of others. 
• Eat classic Milanese cuisine. Breaded veal cutlets fried in butter, ossobuco, and risotto with saffron are some Milanese mainstays, and they taste best at a traditional eatery like Trattoria Trippa.
• Bar-hop along the Navigli. Milan’s much-loved nightlife corridor is popular for a reason. It’s still one of the best areas — in Milan or anywhere — for bar-crawling and people-watching. 
• Sleep in a stylish new hotel. A crop of new hotels, each sleeker than the next, opened in 2023 or are on tap for 2024, including one of our favorites, Casa Baglioni. They only add to Milan's collection of top-rated luxury accommodations ,

Related: 29 Most Beautiful Places in Italy 

Courtesy of Portrait Milano

Best Hotels 

Portrait milano.

Gary Portuesi , a T+L A-list travel advisor with Authentic Explorations , says this Lungarno Collection property is “one of the best new hotels we have seen open up in Italy (in 2023).” Effortlessly contemporary and design-forward, the fashion district hotel is located in the historic Piazza del Quadrilatero, and, per Portuesi, is quickly becoming “the place to be.”

Hotel Principe di Savoia

The grandest dame in a city full of them, the Principe di Savoia evokes Belle Epoque glamor. London-based luxury travel writer Nicole Trilivas calls the hotel’s Presidential Suite, with its private indoor pool, “outrageous. It’s like the ancestral penthouse of a duke with a taste for the theatrical, with working fireplaces, swirling frescoes, and mahogany and marble galore. Even the most jaded jet-setter will be impressed.”

Casa Baglioni

Portuesi says this newest Baglioni hotel “captures the highly stylized Milan of the 1960s.” With just 30 rooms and suites, many with views over the inviting Brera district, the hotel retains a homey, albeit very stylish feel. “We also love the spectacular 360 view over the city from its rooftop bar,” says Portuesi. 

Related: 22 Amazing Family-run Hotels in Italy — From Mountain Inns to Seafront Palaces

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Architecture Tour

The modern Milan skyline towers over other Italian cities, and an architect-led tour is the best way to appreciate its daring and innovative skyscrapers and urban projects. Try Guiding Architects for a private tour, which can be customized to your interests. 

Terraces of the Duomo 

Whether you get there by stairs or elevator (the latter costs a few euros more), walking among the rooftop spires of the largest church in Italy is a singular experience and a humbling lesson in engineering and ingenuity. Book an early time slot to beat the crowds, and don’t miss the Gothic, stained-glass illuminated cathedral interiors. You can buy tickets on the Duomo website . 

Teatro alla Scala 

La Scala is synonymous with performing arts in Milan, and even if you can’t take in a ballet, opera, or orchestral performance here, it’s still a thrill to see the theater interiors on a tour. Bono says a guided tour of the theatre and museum is “a must for music lovers.”

QC Termemilano

Take a spa break in a remarkable setting  — a bubbling thermal pool built amid the ruins of 6th-century brick walls. In the busy urban setting of Porta Romana, the QC day spa is a tranquil haven of water, heat, and steam. In the most Milan of manners, there’s even a sauna built into a vintage old tram car.

Via Monte Napoleone

It’s a shame to visit Milan and not pay your respects at its temples of high fashion, most of which can be worshiped on Via Monte Napoleone. If you don’t scratch your fashion itch on this very expensive stretch of retail real estate, try Corso Buenos Aires, Via Torino, or Via Dante.

“Every time I go to Milan,” says Trilivas, “I visit the flagship Fornasetti atelier, which showcases art and home goods based on the artwork of post-war Milanese artist Piero Fornasetti. It’s a whimsical dream.” A suite at the Mandarin Oriental Milan is dedicated to the artist. 

A pair of handmade Italian leather shoes is the best souvenir you can bring home from Italy, and this is a hill I’ll die on. Find them, along with exquisite accessories, at this gorgeous bottega for women’s items. There are also Velasca menswear locations in the city. 

Best Nightlife 

Sip your negroni sbagliato at this old-school bar where it was invented. Bar Basso may be resting on its historic laurels a bit and service can be indifferent, but it’s still a classic Milan watering hole for a heady cocktail or two. 

Located within the Fondazione Prada cultural complex, this cheerful bar and cafe was designed by director Wes Anderson and evokes his delightful brand of quirkiness. “It’s a must-stop after visiting the museum,” says Portuesi, “and the panini are really good!” Be sure to play a round of pinball on a vintage machine.

The two remaining canals among a former network of important commercial waterways, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are today lined with bars and restaurants and offer Milan’s best aperitivo scene. Grande is jumping on both banks and is the more colorful of the two, while Pavese is a quieter scene.

Trattoria Trippa

Bono heads to this Porta Romana stalwart for its warm, vintage vibe and to be welcomed like a local. “The menu is filled with all the classic dishes you can enjoy in this city, such as ossobuco, risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta alla Milanese, and more,” she says. 

It may be set in Milan’s busy Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe, but Ronin is all about Japanese cuisine and subculture, with an izakaya bar, a Japanese grill, and private karaoke rooms. Portuesi and his team are fans of Ronin’s “Italian spin on sushi.”

Osteria Brunello

According to Portuesi, this casual, modern osteria in the buzzy Porta Garibaldi area is a wee bit upscale but worth seeking out for its “excellent wine list and amazing cotoletta Milanese and mondeghili,” a Milanese specialty of meatballs fried in butter. 

Because there are so many trade fairs and conferences in Milan, you may have to plan your trip based on hotel availability, which will be scarce when there’s a big event in town. Portuesi recommends his clients visit in May and October when the weather is pleasant, and that they avoid the Milan Fashion Weeks in February and September, as well as the Salone del Mobile (furniture fair) in April. 

Despite its northern location, Milan's summers can be sweltering, especially in July and August, when the city is also very crowded. If you can abide by cold, often rainy, foggy weather, the months of December to March (apart from Christmas and Fashion Week) will see the thinnest crowds and lowest hotel prices.

Related: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Italy

Bono’s clients often begin or end their trips to Italy at Milan Malpensa Airport, the largest international hub in northern Italy. Flights from within Europe or the U.K. may also use Linate Airport, which is closer to the city center, or Orio al Serio International Airport near Bergamo. 

From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express train connects to points in the city center and costs €13. Taxis from Malpensa to the center will cost about €110 for up to four people. 

Milano Centrale is the city’s largest railway station, with trains heading to and from the rest of Italy, as well as France and Switzerland. 

querbeet/Getty Images

From Milano Centrale station, you can access the comprehensive public transportation network of trams, buses, and subway lines that serve the city. Milan is flat and well-suited to walking or biking, but it’s big, and distances from one point of interest to another can be several miles. Taxis within the center, for example from Milano Centrale to the Duomo, run about €8-€10. As in other Italian cities, taxis in Milan cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands, or ranks, which are generally located near tourist areas. 

We strongly recommend against driving a rental car in Milan’s congested center, where you’ll be either sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, looking for scarce parking spaces, or dodging pedestrians, bicyclists, and rumbling trams. If you pick up a car in Milan for a longer tour in Italy, plan to head out of the city in the morning, when everyone else is headed in. 

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Milan Travel Guide

Our Milan travel guide is the ultimate resource for anyone planning to visit one of Italy’s most stylish and cosmopolitan cities. Milan is a hub of fashion, art, and culture, and with our guide, you’ll have access to all the information you need to make the most of your trip. From the stunning Gothic cathedral of the Duomo to the world-famous La Scala opera house, we cover the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. We’ll also provide insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore in Milan, as well as insights into local customs and traditions. Whether you’re interested in high-end shopping, world-class museums, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city, our Milan guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.

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Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

While Milan (Milano) may not be the first city a tourist thinks of when planning a trip to Italy , it has more than its share of attractions, not to mention history. For all its workaholic reputation as the money and business center of Italy, it's a city with an influential past and a rich cultural heritage.

Consider that St. Augustine was baptized in a basilica that stood at what is now Piazza del Duomo; artists Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, the composer Verdi, the great tenor Enrico Caruso, and designer Giorgio Armani all lived and worked here; Toscanini conducted regularly at La Scala; Napoleon was crowned (actually, he crowned himself) inside the Duomo; Mussolini founded the Fascist party here; and the entire fashion world looks to Milan's catwalks twice a year for the season's cutting-edge styles.

All this history, not to mention the considerable wealth generated by its favored commercial position, has left Milan with an abundance of art, cultural, and architectural treasures for you to enjoy.

The large Piazza del Duomo in front of the cathedral is Metro hub, and you'll find plenty of things to do near the Duomo. In tiny Piazza dei Mercanti, you will feel as though you've stepped back into the Middle Ages as you stand beneath the stone market arcade in front of the 13th-century Palazzo della Ragione.

Jump forward several centuries to enter the elegantly domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, facing the Duomo. Walk through it to emerge in front of the world's most famous opera house. It's all within a five-minute walk. You'll find these and more of the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions in Milan.

1. Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)

2. leonardo da vinci's last supper, 3. browse in the galleria vittorio emanuele ii: luxury shops and elegant cafés, 4. castello sforzesco, 5. pinacoteca di brera, 6. see an opera at teatro alla scala, 7. sant'ambrogio, 8. cimitero monumentale, 9. san maurizio and the archaeology museum, 10. spend an evening in naviglio, 11. santa maria presso san satiro, 12. poldi-pezzoli museum, 13. museo bagatti valsecchi, 14. leonardo da vinci national museum of science and technology, 15. parco sempione.

• 16. Triennale di Milano (Palazzo dell'Arte)

17. Sant'Eustorgio

18. indulge your inner fashionista, 19. pirelli hangar bicocca, 20. civica galleria d'arte moderna (modern art gallery), 21. porta nuova, where to stay in milan for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to milan, map of tourist attractions & things to do in milan, milan, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do near milan.

The massive Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente , which the Milanese call just "Il Duomo" is among the world's largest (it holds up to 40,000 people) and most magnificent churches, the ultimate example of the Flamboyant Gothic style. It was begun in the 14th century, but its façade was not completed until the early 1800s, under Napoleon.

The roof is topped by 135 delicately carved stone pinnacles and the exterior is decorated with 2,245 marble statues. The dim interior, in striking contrast to the brilliant and richly patterned exterior, makes a powerful impression with its 52 gigantic pillars. The stained-glass windows in the nave (mostly 15th-16th centuries) are the largest in the world; the earliest of them are in the south aisle.

Highlights include the seven-branched bronze candelabrum by Nicholas of Verdun (c. 1200) in the north transept, the 16th-century tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, and the jeweled gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo in the octagonal Borromeo Chapel leading off the crypt. Behind the high altar, the choir has deeply carved panels, and misericords under the seats.

In the south sacristy is the treasury with gold and silver work dating from the fourth to the 17th century. A walk on the roof of the cathedral is an impressive experience, offering views across the city and extending on clear days to the snow-covered Alps. (An elevator ascends all but the last 73 steps to the platform of the dome).

At the front of the Duomo, near the central doorway, you can descend under Piazza del Duomo into the foundations of the Basilica di Santa Tecla (fourth-fifth and seventh century) and the fourth-century baptistery, Battistero di San Giovanni alle Fonti , which were discovered during the construction of the Milan Metro system.

Ticketing Tips : There's a bewildering variety of tickets, with options both for the attractions included and for the length of wait time. In short, you pay the least to wait the longest. You will want to avoid "Queue 1" by purchasing tickets ahead of time online , but you may still need to wait up to a half hour in "Queue 2," which is located just to the right of the entrance.

If you're not booking online, it's still a good idea to take a peek at the options before you go — there are ten ticketing choices offering access to various areas individually or in combination, so it can get overwhelming trying to decide on-the-spot with a long queue behind you.

If you're short on time, you can get tickets separately to visit the roof (terrace) only, including "skip the line" options. You can choose between taking the stairs or the lift, but note that even if you pay extra to ride the elevator to the top, you will still have to descend via the stairs.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, Milan

The Gothic brick church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the Corso Magenta, was begun about 1465, and its massive six-sided dome in the finest Early Renaissance style was designed by Bramante, one of Italy's most influential Renaissance architects.

The church - and adjoining refectory, which holds Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper - were badly damaged in World War II, and during the repair work, old sgraffito paintings in the dome were brought to light. At the end of the north aisle is the Baroque chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie, with an altarpiece of the Madonna.

But the reason most tourists visit Santa Maria delle Grazie is to see da Vinci's most famous work, painted on the refectory wall of the former Dominican monastery. The Cenacolo Vinciano , as it is called here, was painted on the wall in tempera between 1495 and 1497.

Instead of earlier static representations of Christ's last meal with his disciples, da Vinci presents a dramatic depiction of the scene, which was quite novel and marked an important new stage in the development of art. The painting, which had already begun to flake off before the destruction of part of the room left it exposed to weather, has been restored several times, a process which will probably never be fully completed.

Entrance is limited and restricted to those with advance-timed tickets. An easy way to see this and the other most famous sites in Milan is on a Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with da Vinci's The Last Supper . This 3.5-hour walking tour takes you to several key attractions and includes admission to La Scala and an entrance ticket to see The Last Supper.

Author's Tip: Before your visit, you will need to buy your ticket online , which will have a set entry time. You will need to arrive well before your assigned time — at least 30 minutes — to avoid forfeiting your spot.

Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2, Milan

Forming one side of Piazza del Duomo and opening on the other side to Piazza della Scala , the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877. It was then the largest shopping arcade in Europe, with a dome soaring 48 meters above its mosaic floor.

Marking the beginning of modern architecture in Italy, today it stands as a splendid example of 19th-century industrial iron and glass construction. And it's still a beautiful, vibrant place where locals meet for lunch or coffee in its elegant cafés and browse in its luxury shops. It is so much a part of local life that the inhabitants of Milan refer to it as "il salotto" (the salon).

Address : Piazza del Duomo, Milan

The Castello Sforzesco, held by the Visconti and the Sforza families who ruled Milan from 1277 to 1447 and from 1450 to 1535 respectively, was built in 1368 and rebuilt in 1450. The 70-meter Torre de Filarete is a 1905 reproduction of the original gate tower.

The Castello houses the Musei del Castello Sforzesco , a series of museums, one of which features sculpture. The collection includes the Pietà Rondanini , Michelangelo's last masterpiece, brought here in 1953 from the Palazzo Rondanini in Rome.

Other museums feature a collection of decorative art, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, a collection of musical history, and an armory of weapons and medieval armor.

The picture gallery includes paintings by Bellini, Correggio, Mantegna, Bergognone, Foppa, Lotto, Tintoretto, and Antonello da Messina. Between the two rear courtyards of the Castello, a passage leads into the park, originally the garden of the dukes of Milan and later a military training ground.

Address: Piazza Castello, Milan

The Renaissance Palazzo di Brera, built between 1651 and 1773, was originally a Jesuit college, but since 1776 has been the Accademia di Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts). Along with a library and observatory, it contains the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's finest art museums.

Much of the art was acquired as churches closed or were demolished, and the museum is especially strong in paintings by northern Italian masters. As you enter through the courtyard, you'll see an 1809 monument to Napoleon I by the sculptor Canova.

Notable among 15th-century pictures are works by Mantegna ( Madonna in a Ring of Angels' Heads and Lamentation ). The Venetian masters are represented by Giovanni Bellini ( Lamentation and two Madonnas), Paolo Veronese, Titian ( Count Antonio Porcia and St. Jerome ), and Tintoretto ( Finding of St. Mark's Body and Descent from the Cross ), and portraits by Lorenzo Lotto and Giovanni Battista Moroni.

The Lombard masters, disciples of Leonardo da Vinci, are well represented, as are artists of the Ferrarese school. Correggio of Parma is represented by a Nativity and an Adoration of the Kings . Artists of the Umbrian school include Piero della Francesca ( Madonna with Saints and Duke Federico da Montefeltro ) and Bramante (eight frescoes Christ of the Column ).

The most famous picture in the gallery is Raphael's Marriage of the Virgin (Lo Sposalizio) , the finest work of his first period. Outstanding among foreign masters are Rembrandt (portraits of women, including The Artist's Sister ), Van Dyck ( Princess Amalia of Solms ), Rubens ( Last Supper ), and El Greco ( St. Francis ).

It's not all old masters - you'll also find works here by Picasso, Braque, and Modigliani, too. Most visitors miss the Brera's little secret: the Orto Botanico di Brera , a charming garden in one of its inner courtyards, a hidden oasis of exotic trees, pools, and flower beds with a 19th-century greenhouse.

Address: Via Brera 28, Milan

Considered the most prestigious opera house in the world, Teatro alla Scala has rung with the music of all the great operatic composers and singers, and its audiences - the theater seats 2,800 people - are known (and feared) as the most demanding in Italy.

The season begins in early December and runs through May, but tickets are often difficult to come by. The best way of getting tickets is through your hotel concierge, but it's worth checking at the box office.

In the same building is the Museo Teatrale alla Scala , where you'll find a collection of costumes from landmark performances and historical and personal mementos of the greats who performed and whose works were performed at La Scala, including Verdi, Rossini, and the great conductor Arturo Toscanini.

If there is not a rehearsal in progress, the museum offers access to see the inside of the opera house itself, one of the world's grandest.

Address: Piazza della Scala, Milan

The church of Sant'Ambrogio was founded in 386 by St. Ambrose, who was born in Milan and is the city's patron saint. The present church is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, built in the 12th century around the choir from an earlier ninth-century church.

There's a lot to see here, beginning with the large portico, also from the ninth century, and the atrium, whose carved stone capitals and portal rank it high among Europe's best examples of the Romanesque period.

Inside, be sure to see the pulpit with late Romanesque carving, and the richly carved 4th-century Stilicone sarcophagus underneath it. The casing (paliotto) of the high altar is a masterpiece of Carolingian art made in 835 at either Milan or Rheims. It's easy to miss the mosaic dome of the original 4th-century Sacello di San Vittore, accessed through the last chapel on the right.

Address: Piazza Sant'Ambrogio 15, Milan

With all of Italy's magnificent architecture and art from Ancient Greek and Roman, medieval, and Renaissance eras, it's easy to forget that Italy also has some outstanding examples from the Art Nouveau period, known here as Stile Liberty.

Cimitero Monumentale, near Stazione Porta Garibaldi rail station, is an outdoor gallery of Art Nouveau sculptures, many by noted Italian sculptors. Behind a monumental and flamboyant striped marble portico, these monuments mark the tombs of Milan's rich and famous from the late 1800s through the mid-20th century. A map in English helps you find the most outstanding examples.

Address: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, Milan

To many, the interior of the church of San Maurizio is the most beautiful in Milan. Built in the early 1500s as the church for a convent of Benedictine nuns, the entire interior is covered in frescoes of biblical scenes.

Not only are these by some of the best Lombard artists of the 16th century - principally Bernardino Luini and his sons - but the colors of the paintings are as vivid as if they'd been painted yesterday. The long nave is divided into two sections, the rear one reserved as the nuns' choir.

The extensive monastery was built over the ruins of the Roman circus and portions of the Roman walls, all now part of the Civico Museo Archeologico (Archaeology Museum), where you can see these excavated remains of Roman Milan.

Along with the ancient history of Milan, you'll find Greek, Etruscan, and Roman finds from elsewhere in Italy, including sculptures in stone and bronze. Particularly good are the third-century sculpture of Maximilian, a bronze head, and a female statue with folded drapes.

Address: Corso Magenta 15, Milan

For the young people who frequent the canal-side cafés and music clubs, Naviglio is one of the top things to do in Milan at night. Although it's the most active in the evening, go in the daytime for the boutiques and artists' workshops, and for the restaurants and frequent festivals held here.

In April, the neighborhood along the canal is filled with flowers for the Festa Di Fiori , and the Festa del Naviglio brings concerts, processions, crafts, and an antique market. Barges along the canals are decorated in mid-June for the Sagra di San Cristoforo (Festival of Saint Christopher) , and the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano Giuseppe Verdi performs about 50 concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons at the Auditorium di Milano.

Address: Corso San Gottardo, Milan

From the outside, this church on a shopping street not far from Piazza del Duomo seems relatively small and unimpressive. Step inside to see that it is quite grand, its majestic, deep, vaulted sanctuary stretching into an apse that's nearly the length of the main part of the church.

Or is it? Keep your eyes on it as you walk forward, and watch as it melts into an almost completely flat wall behind the altar. It's all an optical illusion, a very clever trick played by the architect Bramante to give grandeur to a church with only a limited space.

Address: Via Torino 9, Milan

An elegant old patrician house is the setting for this art museum, which originated in the 19th century as the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio. Highlights are paintings by Botticelli, Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, Guardí, and other artists, as well as jewelry, silver, bronzes, porcelains, Etruscan pottery, armor, and weapons.

Textiles in the museum include Flemish and Persian carpets, tapestries, a large collection of hand-worked lace, and a very rare embroidery designed by Botticelli.

The house itself is worth seeing, as artworks and other collections are shown in a combination of room settings and gallery spaces; many of the rooms were redecorated in the mid-1800s to showcase the collections. Poldi-Pezzoli Museum is one of four houses that form the Circuito delle Case Museo di Milano, Milan Museum House Network, with admission on a single ticket.

Address: Via Manzoni 12, Milan

Several things make this an especially interesting place to visit. Two brothers in the 19th century spent their lives collecting furnishings and decorative arts to make the interior of their Renaissance palazzo look as it might have appeared originally.

Not only will you see a home of that era in a livable state, as opposed to just rooms of display cases and walls of paintings, but you can follow their collecting process through the excellent English signage. So you get to share a bit of the excitement of the chase amid the historical and artistic information about each piece.

Most of all, though, it's nice to see the furniture, tapestries, glassware, books, children's items, and paintings by Renaissance masters in a household setting. The museum is also part of the Circuito delle Case Museo di Milano, four distinguished houses accessed with a single ticket.

Address: Via S Spirito 10, Milan

Housed in a former Olivetan monastery, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology illustrates the history of science and technology from the work of early scientists into modern times. Of particular interest is the Leonardo da Vinci Gallery with working models of many of his inventions and machinery, created from da Vinci's drawings.

In the physics exhibits are apparatus used by Galileo, Newton, and Volta, and there are sections relating to optics, acoustics, telegraphy, transport, shipping, railroads, flying, metallurgy, motor vehicles, timekeeping, and timber. In all, more than 15,000 technical and scientific objects represent the history of Italian science, technology, and industry.

Address: Via St Vittore 21, Milan

The English-style landscape of Parco Sempione is a good place to rest your eyes after they've overdosed on stone and architecture, and to wander the curving pathways. Walkers, joggers, local office workers with their lunches, and parents with children in tow all enjoy the park. In the summer, concerts are held here.

At the entrance is the monumental Arco della Pace , Peace Arch, and towering high above the park is the Torre Branco , designed by famed architect Gio Ponte in 1933. On a clear day, views of Milan and the Alps are spectacular. If you like Art Nouveau, be sure to see the fanciful aquarium pavilion at the Via Gadio edge of the park.

Address: Corso Sempione, Milan

16 . Triennale di Milano (Palazzo dell'Arte)

The building beside Parco Sempione, constructed in 1933 to house the premier Italian design show, is a textbook example of Fascist-era architecture (the style is properly known as Stripped Classicism, but in Italy, it is almost always a product of the Fascist regime, whose leaders favored it).

But it works well as a showcase for art and design, and inside are always high-level shows and exhibitions, often international in scope. They can range from retrospectives of a great name in modernism, such as Andy Warhol or Gio Ponte, to examinations of the roots and themes of tribal art or even food design.

The permanent exhibitions at the Triennale di Milano (Palazzo dell'Arte) showcase Italian design, featuring the best Italian-designed products throughout the ages.

Address: Viale Emilio Alemagna 6, Milan

The Romanesque Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and its fine campanile was added a century later. The facade was not added until 1863. Look beyond the choir to find the Cappella Portinari, by Michelozzo in 1462-68, one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture. The frescoes are by Vincenzo Foppa.

Not far from Sant'Eustorgio is another church, San Lorenzo Maggiore , dating from the Early Christian period. Its Renaissance dome was added in 1574, but the mosaics in the chapel of St. Aquilinus are from the fourth century. In front of the church, the portico of sixteen Corinthian columns is the largest surviving monument of Roman Mediolanum.

Address: Piazza Sant'Eustorgio, 1, 20123 Milan

The Quadrilatero della Moda is Milano's high fashion shopping district, where the most famous Italian – and other – designers have their smartest shops. The four prime streets are Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia, lined with a succession of windows displaying the latest designs and fashion trends.

This is one of the most famous designer shopping streets in the world, right up there with the Avenue des Champs Élysées in Paris, and you'll see all the best names here: Prada, Armani, Fendi, Valentino, Missoni, Trussardi, and the rest. Remember that casual browsing inside the shops is not welcome unless you dress the part. Most tourists simply browse the eye-catching windows, where the displays are as dramatic as the fashions.

Each autumn, Milan designers – the cream of the international fashion houses – send their top fashion models out to strut down the catwalks at Milano Moda Donna, Milan Women's Fashion Week. It's the highlight of the fashion year, and although you can't get into the shows without credentials, it seems as though everyone in Milan becomes a fashion model for the week; it's a great time for people-watching.

In one of the most dynamic and popular of the arts neighborhoods emerging from former industrial districts, a former locomotive manufacturing plant has been converted into the Pirelli Hangar Bicocca , a center for contemporary art and cultural projects.

Changing temporary exhibitions fill two of the three galleries, while the third houses the dramatic permanent installation, The Seven Heavenly Palaces . A collection of concrete towers by the German artist Anselm Kiefer towers over visitors, and accompanying the exhibition are "Bubbles" with in-depth texts, videos, audio, and interactive events relating to the exhibitions or to contemporary arts.

Address: Via Chiese 2, Milan

Napoleon's residence when he occupied Milan, this palace facing the Giardini Pubblici was new when Napoleon commandeered it. Today, it retains its original stucco work and decorative details inside, which adds to its interest as a showcase for Milan's extensive collection of modern art.

The emphasis at the Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery) is on Italian art, from 19th-century Romanticism to post-impressionists, but the collections are far broader, with works by Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Rouault, Modigliani, Dufy, and Vuillard. There is an extensive group of Neoclassical sculptures by Canova and his contemporaries.

On the grounds are an English-style garden and a botanic garden, and adjoining it are the lawns, flower gardens, and playgrounds of the public gardens. Also adjoining the Giardini Pubblici is the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (Museum of Natural History) , where the biodiversity of the earth is shown in nearly 100 detailed dioramas. Especially strong is the paleontology section, highlighted by a spectacular pliosaurus hanging from the ceiling.

Address: Via Palestro 16, Milan

Once occupied by train yards and factories, the Porta Nuova is now Milan's stylish business district. Beautifully designed pedestrian areas are surrounded by towering modern architecture including the tallest building in Italy (the UniCredit tower) and the Palazzo Lombardia, which offers stunning views from an observation area on the 39th floor.

Tourists looking for high-end shopping and dining will want to head to the Corso Como, a bustling traffic-free street lined with cafes, restaurants, and plenty of luxury boutiques and name-brand shops. After shopping, use the footbridge to access the Piazza Gae Aulenti to admire its fountain.

While here, be sure to take a few minutes to admire the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), a pair of residential skyscrapers that are home to over 700 trees that grow from its plentiful terraces. Part of an urban forestry initiative in bio-architecture, the building uses special soil that allows the terraces to support the weight of these trees. Along with shrubs and flowering plants (over 2,000 species total), the buildings help to reduce the city's heat island and combat air pollution.

Big, sprawling Milan can be overwhelming when you look at a map. It's not nearly so daunting when you notice that most major things to do are within walking distance from the Duomo, itself Milan's prime attraction. And they line up conveniently, so walking to the outermost of them takes you past one or two others. These highly-rated hotels in Milan are close to the important tourist attractions:

Luxury Hotels :

• Steps from Piazza Duomo and medieval Piazza Mercanti, art-filled Hotel Spadari al Duomo has a contemporary décor.
• By contrast, Grand Hotel et de Milan is a historical classic. Between La Scala and the Monte Napoleone designer shops, it is convenient for both opera lovers and fashionistas.
• Park Hyatt Milan is right beside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, between the Duomo and La Scala opera house.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• On a quiet side street and with impeccable service, Gran Duca di York radiates an air of serenity, despite its location just off busy Piazza Duomo.
• The Square Milano Duomo is near a Metro stop, surrounded by restaurants and within easy walking distance of the Duomo; in good weather, enjoy the included breakfast on the rooftop terrace.
• In the same neighborhood, the rooms at Hotel Dei Cavalieri are contemporary in style, but in a heritage building; there's a rooftop terrace here, too.

Budget Hotels:

• The hospitable Antica Locanda Leonardo is near Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper, an easy walk to the science museum and historic San Ambrogio.
• With Metro connections to Piazza Duomo, about a 30-minute walk away, Hotel Berna is a five-minute walk from Centrale Station, terminus for service from Malpensa and Linate airports, and trains for Lake Como and all parts of Italy.
• Adjacent to the Public Garden and its museums, and a five-minute walk from the shopping strip of Corso Buenos Aires, Hotel Sanpi Milano is also a short walk to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's fashion district.
• Swiss Alps Day Trip: One of the best ways to see some beautiful mountain scenery near Milan is from the comfort of a train. The Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan offers a fabulous trip through the Bernina Pass to St. Moritz, including free time in Tirano and St. Moritz. This is a 12.5-hour day that includes transportation via coach from Milan to Tirano, where you will begin the rail journey. Spending a day at Lake Como is another popular excursion.
• Lake Como Day Trips: The Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan is a nine-hour trip that offers transport to Como, a guided walking tour of the town, and a Lake Como Cruise; in the summer, the tour also includes a stop in Bellagio. A slightly longer tour, the Italy and Switzerland in One Day: Lake Como and Lugano includes a cruise on Lake Como, with a stop in Bellagio, and then continues on to Lugano for an afternoon of exploring the sights or shopping.

Where to Go near Milan: Milan is well connected by train or car to the highlights of northern Italy. A short train ride brings you to within a short walk of the landing for boat excursions around beautiful Lake Como , which makes a perfect day trip from Milan .

For more lake and mountain scenery, Lake Maggiore is only a short distance north of Milan; an hour's train ride along its shore will bring you to Stresa, where a boat takes you to the fabulous palace and gardens of the Borromean Islands.

Places to Visit from Milan: Milan is the starting point for a rail or car journey through some of northern Italy's most historic and art-filled towns: the beautiful small city of Bergamo is on a direct rail line, and beyond it is Brescia , filled with ancient Roman sites and treasures. From here, it's a short train ride to Verona , home of the best-preserved Roman arena in Italy.

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Milan Private Tours and Experiences Hosted by Local Experts

Milan Da Vinci Tour with The Last Supper Painting Skip-the-Line Tickets

High Fashion in Milan Audio Guide: The Style Capital of Italy

Introduction to Milan Tour with the Duomo

Milan Couture Fashion Tour

Introduction to Como Audio Guide: From the Old Town to the Lakefront

Milan Duomo Tour with Rooftop Terrace Access

Milan Food Tour: Aperitivo in Navigli

Half-Day Lake Como Day Trip from Milan

Milan Food Tour: Northern Italian Traditions

Tour Milan with Laura, Art Historian

Italian Opera in Milan: An Essential History For Your Visit

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Sites and Insights: Lake Como Welcome Tour starting from Como

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Are you planning to visit Milan? We can help you. At Introducing Milan you'll find updated information about what to see , where to stay , or the best places to eat .

Milan Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• How to get to Milan
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• Two Day Itinerary

Milan is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals, but it also has a wealth of interesting museums and things to see and do.

In our Milan guide, you'll find all the necessary information to plan your stay in the capital of Lombardy and make the most of your holidays , be it for a weekend or for longer.

Tourism in Milan

Milan offers all the advantages of a large city , but it's relatively small , thus making it perfect to visit, as tourists can get to most of the city’s attractions and museums on foot.

Some of the city’s most beautiful attractions include the Duomo di Milano , an impressive Opera House , a striking castle , ancient churches, and a great variety of museums and art galleries .

For those who also want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life , you can hire a car or take the train to one of the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy, the Italian lakes . Its green hills and crystal-clear lakes make it a perfect summer destination.

Book your hotel in advance

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest checking out the link below, where you'll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed. You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Milan – Book online for the best rates guaranteed.

Thinking of visiting other cities in Italy?

If you are planning on exploring Italy, check out our travel guides for Rome , Venice, and Florence .

top activities

Como & Bellagio Day Trip + Cruise Two of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy are at the centre of this day trip to Como and Bellagio from Milan. Plus, we'll enjoy a boat ride.

Swiss Alps + St Moritz by Train You'll travel along one of the most fascinating train routes in the world , passing through the Bernina Strait , across the Swiss Alps and on to St. Moritz .

The Best Free Walking Tour in Milan Discover the secrets of an Italian city that combines history, fashion and architecture in equal parts on this free walking tour of Milan .

Train Trip to Venice & Verona This t rip to Venice and Verona from Milan is the perfect plan for visiting Piazza San Marco and discovering the beauty of Romeo and Juliet's city !

Milan Sightseeing Bus The open-top Milan sightseeing bus is the perfect way to discover all the main landmarks around the magnificent Italian city .

Day Trip to Venice Canals, gondolas, palaces, history, glory... on this day tour you'll discover by boat and foot the beauty of Venice, a truly unique city.

On this excursion from Milan, we'll visit Lake Como , one of the most amazing landscapes of northern Italy, and cross the border with Switzerland to Lugano .

Cruise on Navigli Canals with Aperitif On this boat ride along the Navigli canals , you'll sail through one of the most authentic areas of the city while having some delicious aperitifs !

Leonardo3 Museum Ticket Discover the world of Leonardo da Vinci , one of history's most influential artists and inventors . See unpublished reconstructions of his machines and paintings!

Lake Como, Lugano & Bellagio Tour This tour to Lake Como, Lugano and Bellagio from Milan we'll take you through the beautiful alpine landscapes of northern Italy and southern Switzerland .

Guided Tour of Sforza Castle Visit Sforza Castle , one of the most iconic monuments in Milan . On the tour you will discover the history of the building, and the various museums inside.

Navigli Canals Boat Trip On our  Navigli Canals boat trip , you'll explore a 12th-century canal system in Milan . We'll learn all about the history of the waterways with an audio guide!

Milan Duomo Rooftop & Cathedral Tour On this tour of Milan's famous Duomo , we'll explore the Cathedral as well as go up to the rooftop to see unparalleled views of the city . Don't miss out!

Secret Milan Bike Tour Join us on this bike tour through the lesser-known parts of Milan ! We'll cycle through areas rarely visited and to get a glimpse of the real Milanese life.

Shopping Trip to Serravalle Versace, Dolce & Gabanna and Prada are just some of the brands you will find at discounts of up to 70%. Save and stay stylish in Europe's biggest mall.

Teatro alla Scala Guided Tour Explore one of the world's most famous operas , and discover its secrets as well as a great collection of costumes, instruments, and works of art.

Milan Pass The Milan Pass offers you free entrance into many a variety of museums around the city and even includes unlimited public transport .

Last Supper Tour The Last Supper. Leonardo's masterpiece is so ingrained in our culture that a guided tour taking in the original is an essential visit in Milan.

Cinque Terre Day Trip Perched between mountains and the  Ligurian Mediterranean coast , you'll fall in love with the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites that make up  Cinque Terre !

Milan Guided City Tour Discover the charms of the capital of Lombardy on this complete guided tour of Milan. Admire the La Scala Theatre, the Duomo and da Vinci's Last Supper!

With your ticket to the  Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci , you'll visit the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the famous polymath .

Lake Garda and Verona Day Trip Live the passion of Romeo and Juliet in Verona with this Lake Garda and Verona Day Trip. During the tour, visit charmingly romantic spots such as Sirmione.

Segway Tour Want to see Milan in a different way? If you've never ridden a Segway before, this is your opportunity to discover the main attractions of Lombardy's capital

Florence and Pisa Day Trip On this day trip to Florence and Pisa from Milan , we'll embark on a journey to the heart of Tuscany . You'll fall in love with its art, history, and culture!

Looking for plans in Lombardy? This electric bike tour of Milan will take you to explore the main charms of the city, combining sport and tourism. Let's roll!

On this excursion to Monza and the Royal Gardens , we'll tour this city in Lombardy and visit the exterior of the important neoclassical palace.

Bergamo Tour The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Piazza Vecchia and many more monuments await us on this half-day tour to Bergamo from Milan .

Monaco + Nice Day Trip Join us for a day trip to Monaco and Nice from Milan to uncover two of the Blue Coast's most exclusive destinations full of opulence and unparalleled beauty !

Brera Guided Tour & Pinacoteca di Brera Ticket Works by Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tintoretto and other extraordinary artists await you in the Pinacoteca di Brera. Afterwards, you'll go on a guided tour of this

Guitars, American food , music , and a unique setting await at the Hard Rock Cafe Milan . You can have a drink, eat and enjoy some rock in the capital of fashion.

Fidenza Village Outlet Shopping Tour Huge discounts on internationally famous brands await you on this shopping tour of the Fidenza Village outlets from Milan – don't miss out!

Milan Guided Tour This Milan Guided Tour is ideal for exploring the historical centre , getting to know its main monuments and most important shopping streets

Saint Moritz Tour + Bernina Express Don't miss this  tour to Saint Moritz from Milan which includes  tickets for the Bernina Express . We'll explore the Swiss Alps on a dreamy route .

Astronomical Museum of Brera Ticket On this guided visit to the Astronomical Museum of Brera , you'll discover many interesting details about outer space . Discover the importance of this building!

5-day Northern Italy Lakes Tour + Bernina Express Discover the lakes of Northern Italy on this 5-day circuit through the landscapes of Lombardy and Piedmont. Plus, we'll ride the Bernina Express !

Como, Bellagio & Bellano Day Trip On this day trip to Bellagio and Bellano from Milan , we'll enjoy a lake cruise, explore historic villages and admire the landscape of the Pearl of Lake Como .

Cremona Excursion On this excursion to Cremona , we'll discover the city where the best violins in the world are made, its monuments, and its luthiers' workshops!

Lake Maggiore Day Trip Napoleon, Hemingway, Lady Dianna ... Why has Lake Maggiore captivated so many? Discover it on this day trip that includes a cruise of the Borromean islands .

Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour Planning a trip to Milan? If so, join this guided tour of Milan's Duomo Cathedral . A must-see spot in one of Italy's most stylish cities!

Let yourself be captivated by the beautiful alpine scenery of Switzerland with this tour to Interlaken from Milan on the Green Train of the Alps .

Milan: Walking Tour + The Last Supper Ticket Do you want to see the best of Milan in one day? On this tour, we'll see Leonardo da Vinci's  "The Last Supper"   and explore the city's most iconic monuments !

Bergamo and Lake Iseo Excursion On this excursion to Bergamo and Lake Iseo , we'll visit the largest lake island in Europe, explore the most beautiful villages, and see medieval monuments!

Monte Bianco & Courmayeur Tour Discover two of the gems of northern Italy with this full-day trip from Milan: Monte Bianco, the Italian side of Mont Blanc, and the village of Courmayeur .

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Guided Visit Discover one of the most iconic museums in Lombardy and learn about the brilliant mind of Leonardo da Vinci on our  Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Guided Visit in Milan .

Navigli Walking Tour Explore one of Milan's most beautiful districts with this Navigli Walking Tour. Discover the area's hidden charm as you walk past the unique Naviglio Grande.

San Siro Stadium Tour On this  San Siro Tour , we'll explore the  stadium that's shared by AC Milan and Inter , the two big football teams in the capital of the Lombardy region.

Milan Ghost Tour When the sun sets and nightfall takes over the city, the  ghosts  come out to play. Discover the dark, haunted stories on this nighttime tour of Milan. 

Lake Como Excursion On this excursion from Milan , we'll enter the Lake District , at the foot of the Italian Alps. You can visit Bellagio or Brunate .

Why read our Milan guide?

Introducing Milan is a guide created for travelers by travelers  trying to help you plan your trip in the best way possible . It'll help you to get to know the most interesting places in the city , which are the most famous dishes  and the best places to stay , or even the tricks you can use to save the most money while still enjoying your trip .

All the information in this guide has been updated in October 2022 , if you find anything which you think should be changed, please be sure to contact us .

Our travel guides

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Milan   Travel Guide

14 Best Things To Do in Milan

No visit to Northern Italy is complete without a visit to its powerhouse, Milan. Perfectly located in the Lombardy area of Italy’s lake region, Milan is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world and is Italy’s financial center. The city also

• All Things To Do

Milan Cathedral (Duomo) Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit La Rinascente , a department store off of Piazza del Duomo. On the seventh floor you’ll find La Rinascente Rooftop, a food hall with three dining venues, including a casual bar and cafe with awe-inspiring views of the Duomo! – Nneya Richards

If you only have time to see one sight in Milan, the Duomo should be it. Milan's Duomo is considered the largest and most unique Gothic complex in all of Italy, having taken about a half a millennium to build. And once you've spent some time at the Duomo, it's easy to see why it's considered a masterpiece. The exterior is dotted with thousands of intricately-carved statues (2,300, to be exact) depicting both religious figures and stories from the Bible, including Jesus' crucifixion. And its interiors are even more intricate. Inside you'll find a thousand more statues, sky-high marble columns, gilded ceilings, striking stained-glass windows and loads of paintings scattered throughout. The detail even goes all the way down to the floors, where you'll see geometric-patterned marble lined throughout.

The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo)

Leonardo da Vinci's famous 15th-century work, "The Last Supper" (or “ Il Cenacolo ” in Italian) lies inside Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Depicting the moment that Christ tells his apostles that one of them will betray him, the painting is immensely moving, especially considering what it's been through, including a flood and a World War II bomb raid. The painting has since been restored, but because of the technique da Vinci used (dry wall-painting), it continues to deteriorate.

Regardless of its condition, travelers still flock to the Santa Maria to bear witness to the painting's magnificence. And according to recent visitors, the painting truly is a masterpiece. Reviewers say "The Last Supper" was brilliant in person and urged travelers to take a closer look, as it's loaded with detail (each apostle at the table has a different expression). Some went so far as to say they became emotional standing in front of the painting. Though the mural is no doubt the main attraction here, travelers also suggested taking a long look around. In addition to the painting, it's the Santa Maria's pristine Renaissance architecture that helped the church earn the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only complaint among visitors? You don't have long to view the artwork (due to crowds, you can only visit it for 15 minutes before being ushered out). 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II free

Even if you can't afford to buy anything in this elegant shopping complex, it's still worth a peek for its stunning interiors. This galleria – built at the height of 19th-century belle époque – is a glorified shopping mall, housing high-end Italian designers from Prada to Gucci to Armani under its steel-and-glass arcade. Fun fact: This is the home of the original Prada store dating back to 1913 – you’ll even find the original register on display! You'll also find other shopping options, including lower-end clothing shops and bookstores rife with fashion literature. There are also a small handful of restaurants and cafes within.

Whatever your budget, travelers say the mall's glorious architecture, beautiful paintings and intricate floor tiles are worth a quick visit. Recent visitors do warn that you should be prepared for crowds.

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Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

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Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Milan in early December, you’ll be enchanted by the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market at Piazza Castello. The four-day market celebrates the feast of Sant'Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan, with handmade crafts and local delicacies. – Nneya Richards

The former fortress and residence of Milan's most powerful rulers is now a campus for some of the city's best cultural institutions. It’s also one of Europe’s largest castles. One of the symbols of Milan, Castello Sforzesco, found less than a mile northwest of the Duomo , features a plethora of museums and galleries focusing on art and history. There's the Pinacoteca , or Picture Gallery, the Raccolta di Mobili , Furniture Collection, Museo delle Arti Decorative , the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museo Egizio , Egyptian Museum and so much more. There's also the Museo Degli Strumenti Musicali, which houses one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe. Many visitors find the admission price a bargain considering all of the museums on site. If you're short on time, travelers say you must visit the Museo della Pietà Rondanini, which houses Michelangelo's last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini.

Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore free

Located in the beautiful Corso Magenta area, the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Milan. Breathtakingly beautiful and adorned throughout with elaborate artwork, it is a must-see when in Milan. Dating back to the early 1500s, the former monastery of the church – once the most important female convent in Milan – is now the Civic Archaeological Museum. Considered somewhat of a hidden gem in Milan, the 16th-century frescoes are ornate, highlighting the importance of this church and monastery. You are able to visit both the public space and the private chapel for nuns. The stunning frescos tell wonderful stories – and gossip – of the 16th century, so if possible, request a guide or visit with an organized tour!

Visitors are consistently surprised by this church’s deceivingly humble exterior and often find it to be their favorite church in Milan. Many recommended pairing a visit to the Duomo with a stop here.

Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)

Nestled in Milan’s chic and artsy Brera District in Palazzo Brera, the Pinacoteca di Brera is on par with some of the best art museums in the world. Here you’ll find famed pieces from masters like Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Rubens. The gallery houses more than 400 works from the 14th to 20th centuries and was established in 1776 for the students of the Academy of Fine Arts (or Accademia di Belle Arti) to study. The Palazzo Brera complex dates back to a 14th-century convent and houses the Braidense National Library, the Botanical Garden and the Lombard Institute of Sciences and Letters, in addition to the Pinacoteca and the Academy of Fine Arts. During the summer, the Orto Botanico, a beautiful and fragrant garden behind the Pinacoteca, is open, offering welcome peace.

Recent visitors to the Pinacoteca found it to be a beautiful sanctuary with a truly impressive art collection worth the price of admission. Another aspect that visitors appreciate is the Pinacoteca’s connection to the Academy of Fine Arts, which lends to the charming authenticity of it as a “working museum” and art school. Travelers are particularly moved at seeing famed romantic Italian painting, “The Kiss” by Francesco Paolo Hayez, in person.

Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale di Milano) Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale di Milano) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is in a burgeoning neighborhood that includes the ADI Design Museum and Milan’s Chinatown. There are many great bars and restaurants, but you’ll want to make a reservation at Ceresio 7 to admire the illuminated cemetery from the restaurant’s rooftop. – Nneya Richards

It might seem strange to visit a cemetery during your vacation, but once you get a peek at the architecture of Monumental Cemetery, you'll see why it's considered such a must-visit site. Opened near the end of the 19th century, Il Cimitero Monumentale is filled with graves, yes, but also Greek temples, ornate obelisks and impressive, nearly life-like sculptures throughout. The cemetery is so decorative, travelers say it could easily double as an outdoor sculpture museum. The reason the cemetery looks as beautiful as it does is because parts of the cemetery were once exclusively reserved for the elites of Milan. So instead of rows of flat headstones, the near and dear of the departed adorned burial sites with, or turned them into, works of art. Travelers say it doesn't take long to run into some pretty moving graves (think: angels standing over plots, statues spread out crying over tombs), make sure to keep an eye out for the bronze "Last Supper" recreation, a burial site that belonged to a prominent Campari family. 

Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery (Biblioteca Ambrosiana) Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery (Biblioteca Ambrosiana)

The Biblioteca and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana holds a vast collection of artwork, most of which were donated by a single person. In the early 17th century, Italian cardinal and former archbishop of Milan, Federico Borromeo, gave the Ambrosiana Library, which he also founded, all of the drawings, paintings and statues he had personally collected throughout his life. The art housed in this 24-room gallery features works from masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci ("The Portrait of a Musician") , Caravaggio ("The Basket of Fruit") , Raphael ("The Cartoon for the School of Athens") , Titian ("Adoration of Magi") and Botticelli ("The Madonna del Padiglione") . The Ambrosiana also houses numerous other works spanning from the 17th to the 20th century as well as historical relics, including gloves that Napoleon wore at the historic Battle of Waterloo. 

Recent visitors leave the Ambrosiana impressed with its offerings, with many expressing feelings of gratitude that they were so close to so many masterpieces. Standout artworks for travelers include Caravaggio's "Basket of Fruit" and da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, a collection of 1,119 drawings that feature a variety of subject matter, from mechanics to manuscripts. Several recommended opting for the audio guide (which costs an additional 3 euros, or about $3.30) to enhance your experience. If you’d prefer a guided tour, plan your visit for a Saturday afternoon, when tours in English are available (for 25 euros, or about $27) at 3:30 p.m.

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I Navigli I Navigli free

Known for its canalside bars and restaurants, decorated bridges, galleries and cool concept stores, the Navigli is one of the most charming and picturesque parts of Milan. The Navigli refers to the streets that skirt the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, and it offers a glimpse into how the city transported cargo centuries ago. Can you believe that the Naviglio Grande once connected Milan to Switzerland? These waterways allowed Milan to grow and develop via trade. Architecture lovers will notice the banks of the Navigli filled with case di ringhiera , houses constructed around a central courtyard, as well as older washhouse structures with wooden beam roofs. 

Visitors love popping into the artisan shops in the Navigli, as well as the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. Combining a visit to Navigli and Darsena together is suggested given their proximity to each other. Boat tours are a fun way to navigate the area. But beware, if you have an aversion to mosquitoes, summertime in the Navigli will be extremely unpleasant. The Naviglio Martesana is popular for cyclists, who can bike about 20 miles along the canal to River Adda.

Darsena di Milano Darsena di Milano free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The best way to experience the Darsena or the Navigli is a nighttime stroll along the water with a gelato in hand. There are countless along the canal to try! – Nneya Richards

Experience a newly revitalized neighborhood in Milan exploring the docklands of the Darsena di Milano. Until the mid-1950s, Milan had a large shipping and cargo industry, and Darsena, an outlet port where the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals meet, was a major hub in the southwest of Milan. Renovated in 2015 in time for the Milan Expo, the old area has been brought back to life. Illuminated modern bridges connect the banks and open walkways are filled with people sitting taking in the views. This pedestrian area is ideal for bike riding along the canals as well. Restaurants, bars, traditional pubs, beer gardens and cafes can all be found in Darsena. On weekends, you can peruse vintage fairs and antique markets.

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) free

Adjacent to the Sforza Castle is Parco Sempione, the largest park in the city of Milan. English garden-style, Parco Sempione features walking paths, a small pond, picturesque bridges like the Bridge of the Little Mermaids (Ponte delle Sirenette), cafes and museums. Here you’ll find the Arco della Pace, which bears a striking resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in the Tuileries gardens in Paris. Another point of interest? Torre Branca, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city for just 6 euros (about $6.50). This gorgeous oasis in a city not known for its green spaces is Milan’s version of London’s Hyde Park or New York City’s Central Park. Parco Sempione spans 116 acres between Arco della Pace and the Castello. With great jogging and bike paths, Milanese flock to this park on sunny days and weekends. In the southwestern part of the park, you’ll find the Palazzo dell’Arte, home of the Triennale di Milano, a renowned museum dedicated to design and architecture.

At the northwestern gateway to the park, Arco della Pace stands in its Napoleonic glory, representing peace. And peace and respite is what you’ll find in Parco Sempione. Recent visitors enjoyed this verdant heart of Milan and found it a great place to take a gelato and stroll and people-watch. When visiting Milan during brutally hot summers, Sempione offers visitors cool shady spots with well appointed benches and quiet from the bustle of the city. 

Brera District Brera District free

With upscale restaurants and antique stores, fashion boutiques, cobblestone streets and stylish passersby, Brera is widely regarded as Milan’s chicest neighborhood. As the home of the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Academy of Fine Arts and many contemporary art galleries, Brera is known as a haven for creatives. Brera’s beautiful small streets, with plant-filled balconies and stunning palazzo inner courtyards, are a wonderful place to “get lost.” Every third Sunday of the month, except in August, Via Brera and Via Fiori Chiari become an open-air market with stalls filled with jewelry and beautiful crafts, glassware and antiques. Stop and have an espresso at one of Brera’s many bars that are frequented by Academy of Fine Arts students. You might end up having a conversation with the next Raphael!

You’ll want to dress comfortably when sightseeing around Brera; many of the neighborhood’s streets are paved with river rock, which can be rough on travel weary feet and heels. Recent visitors appreciated Brera’s small boutiques, which showcase independent designers and offer a reprieve from global brands like Fendi and Gucci that are stationed along popular Via Monte Napoleone. Travelers have called Brera the Milanese Montmartre or compared it to the Marais in Paris; yes, it can be touristy, but Brera is still an authentic neighborhood that maintains its charm.

Take a daytrip to Lake Como Take a daytrip to Lake Como free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Just as picturesque within the golden triangle of Bellagio, Varenna is a town in Lake Como with a more “locals” vibe – though it’s still packed in the summer, you’ll mostly see Italian tourists. – Nneya Richards

Northern Italy’s beautiful lake region, with water nestled among the Pre-Alps, is a welcome reprieve for Italians and visitors alike from northern industrial cities. Lake Como is arguably Italy’s most famous lake, especially popular with Americans thanks to part-time celebrity resident, George Clooney. This beautiful lake is dotted with incredible villas and iconic vistas of lush mountains dipping into blue waters. It's no wonder Lake Como is considered one of the best places to visit in Italy .

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Piazza Gae Aulenti Piazza Gae Aulenti free

Milan is always moving forward, and the Piazza Gae Aulenti, a modern hub jutting out of the formerly working-class, hip Isola neighborhood, is a testament to that. Even the name of the piazza, Gae Aulenti, honors the famed Italian female architect. There are several landmarks within the piazza worth checking out. 

Able to be seen from miles around – really, on a clear day you can see the building from nearby Bergamo – César Pelli’s UniCredit Tower is a silver marvel. Standing more than 750 feet, the UniCredit Tower is the tallest in Italy, and home to Italy’s biggest bank. Another beautiful landmark, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), are twin residential towers that are home to hundreds of trees and thousands of plants and shrubs that resemble the modern-day hanging gardens of Babylon. The buildings converge in the piazza around three large fountains, and serve as a futuristic highlight of Milan’s Porta Nuova district. Explore the beautiful gardens of the nearby BAM Tree Library, or the shops and bars of the pedestrian zone Corso Como. 

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