A perfect day in Milan
It might not be love at first sight with Milan, but spend a day here and I guarantee you’ll fall hard. The biggest city in northern Italy lacks the romance of Rome, Florence, and Venice, but has much to admire for history, art, and fashion lovers, from Gothic cathedrals and Old Master murals to designer store after designer store.
Milan is also Italy’s capital of commerce—a place where time is of the essence. Skip-the-line tickets and other time-saving perks are the standard, which works in your favor if you only have 24 hours to see the city. We took those into account—plus tons of Tripadvisor reviews—to create the below itinerary, which hones in on the highlights to ensure the perfect day in Milan.
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MORNING: A heavenly start to the day
Plan on a very early start—it’s the only way to beat the crowds at the Duomo di Milano. The third largest church in Italy (and the fourth largest in the world), the cathedral absolutely dwarfs St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Even so, it can get uncomfortably packed by mid-morning, so book tickets ahead of time for the earliest time slot available (most days that’s 8 a.m.) and choose the skip-the-line option just in case.
Once you’ve explored the cathedral interior, head up to the Duomo Rooftops to check out the 130 marble spires that top the building. Up there, you also have unbeatable views of the city skyline and the more than 3,400 statues that grace the church’s facade. Even if your time is limited, don’t skip this experience—you can add on a visit to the rooftops when you book your cathedral tickets. Pay a bit more and you can even take an elevator instead of the stairs.
Just a couple blocks north of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the grandest shopping arcades on the planet. The Belle Époque buildings themselves would be enough to make this one of the city’s top sites, but there are also the spectacular barrel-vaulted glass ceiling and the flagship locations of Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
DUOMO TOUR OPTIONS
- When you have just one day in Milan, every minute counts. On this 2.5-hour skip-the-line Duomo and rooftop guided tour, you’ll head straight inside and take an elevator (rather than the stairs) to the top, giving you more time to explore.
- You can definitely find the Duomo on your own. But if you want to see some of the lesser-known piazzas and tucked-away gardens in the surrounding area, opt for this three-hour private walking tour, which visits hidden gems around the Duomo.
- Couldn’t score tickets to see The Last Supper? Book this 45-minute express tour instead. You’ll enjoy fast-track entrance and learn all about the work and Da Vinci’s life from a knowledgeable guide.
AFTERNOON: A memorable lunch and an unforgettable “Supper”
If you’re starting to feel hungry, there are plenty of places to eat in and around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For the best sandwiches in Milan, try Cesarino. The chalkboard menu is intimidatingly long—I counted more than 40 options the last time I was there—but I recommend the Parma ham with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Order at the counter and enjoy your sandwich at one of the umbrella-shaded tables outside.
When you’re fueled up, walk a few blocks north to the Teatro alla Scala, better known to most English speakers as simply “La Scala.” It’s worth a visit just to tour the stunning interior, but if there’s a rehearsal or show going on, you might not see much. Better to get tickets to one of the many performances that take place here, from operas to ballets to symphonies.
A short walk away is the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art gallery housed in a 19th-century monastery. The Caravaggios and Raphaels are the big draws, but I was surprised to find my favorite work was Lamentation Over the Dead Christ, by the lesser-known master Mantegna. Painted in 1483, it features techniques like foreshortening that were new at the time and still look strikingly modern today.
Travelers say: “With all the great museums in Italy, this one seems to be a bit overlooked. It is quite fabulous—extensive collection presented in an interesting and educational way. Very well worth the visit.” —@M6581POsgd
Next, make your way to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to a mural the Italians call Il Cenacolo. To the rest of us, it’s known as The Last Supper. You have to make a reservation months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the holidays. If you’re having trouble finding tickets for when you’ll be in Milan, book a guided tour through a local company. They’ll get you right in and, though you’ll only get to spend 15 to 20 minutes with the painting, it’ll be well worth it for the chance to commune with one of the world’s great artworks.
If you can manage one more church, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is just a few blocks away. Originally built in the 4th century, it’s named for its founder, Saint Ambrose. Don’t miss the 9th-century altarpiece encrusted with gold and precious gems.
EVENING: A night on the town
If you managed to score tickets to a performance at La Scala for this evening, you’ll probably want to grab a bite before heading back to your hotel to change into your fanciest outfit. I recommend Piz, which has possibly the best pizza in Milan. There are just three choices on the menu (margherita, marinara, and bianca) and they’re all delicious. A plus: it’s a quick walk from The Last Supper.
For those not spending the night at the opera, reserve a table at Cantine Milano, where wine is front and center. At this highly rated restaurant, guests choose the bottle they want, then the staff suggests the best food pairings. Pick a Nebbiolo, for example, and you might be served truffle tagliolini with Parmesan fondue. The restaurant is located in the hipster haven of Isola, just north of the city center, so there are plenty of bars nearby where you can end the evening. Try The Botanical Club for cocktails made with limited-edition gins.
Know Before You Go
The summer months are hot and crowded in Milan, so it's a good idea to plan your trip for the shoulder season of April to May or September to October.
Most museums and galleries are closed on Monday, including the one exhibiting The Last Supper. Weekends tend to see the longest lines at the Duomo and other popular attractions, so try to time your trip for Tuesday to Thursday.
Tourist-oriented shops around the Duomo are usually open every day, but those in other areas are often closed on Sunday and reopen sometime Monday afternoon. Some also take a pause in the early afternoon, closing for an hour or two.
Duomo Area: If you have just a day in Milan, it makes sense to be walking distance from the must-see sights. A four-minute stroll from the Duomo, The Street Milano Duomo has more than its unbeatable location going for it. Tripadvisor readers also praised its innovative design and professional staff. Also getting rave reviews from readers is the nearby Hotel Spadari al Duomo, a chic boutique hotel.
Public transportation: Milan's subway system is a convenient way to get around the city. Two lines cross at the Duomo, making it easy to get to most other neighborhoods. A one-way ticket will set you back a couple of bucks.
By taxi: Hailing a taxi on the street has gotten easier in Milan, but you'll still have many pass you by before one actually stops for you. A better idea is heading to a taxi stand or asking your hotel to call one for you. The fare is determined by the distance you travel. As far as rideshare services go, Uber is available, but Lyft is not.
Airport transfers: From Milan Malpensa Airport, the cheapest way to get into Milan is a train called the Malpensa Express. You'll be in the center of the city in less than an hour. Taxis are also an option, but they can be extremely expensive. The other possibility is a car service, and Limousine Italy Milan gets high marks from Tripadvisor readers.