Do you solely have at some point in Milan? Well, don’t fear—we now have you lined. Our One Day in Milan Itinerary covers the very best of town, from historic landmarks to nice locations to eat. Make probably the most of your day with us.
Milan is a metropolis the place outdated meets new, and there’s a lot to do in at some point. From Gothic cathedrals to purchasing streets, visiting Milan by no means disappoints.
Imagine beginning your day with the Duomo di Milano, wandering by way of the Brera District, and ending your day with an aperitivo by the canals of the Navigli District. Whether you’re an artwork lover, fashionista or foodie, Milan has one thing for everybody. Let this be your information to navigating Milan’s cultural, historic, and fashionable wonders.
Why Us?
We’ve been to Milan a number of instances and people journeys allowed us to dig deeper and discover out what makes Milan particular and most significantly what’s value seeing, doing and consuming.
In this information, we’ll cowl every part you’ll want to know to benefit from at some point in Milan (whether or not you’re staying in a single day or simply visiting for the day).
We’ll begin with an in depth at some point Milan itinerary you’ll be able to comply with precisely or take the very best bits and create your personal. Then, we’ll cowl some logistics, like getting across the metropolis, the place to remain (for those who’re overnighting), and another tricks to make your journey as clean as potential.
Our objective is that, by the tip of this information, you’ll have every part you’ll want to plan an unimaginable day in Milan.
Start Your Day at Piazza del Duomo
Start your Milan journey by planning to go to Piazza del Duomo, the center of town. This sq. isn’t solely start line but additionally a doorway to a few of Milan’s most stunning sights. Get there early to benefit from the sq. with out the crowds as a result of because it will get later and later, the place actually fills up.
The centerpiece of Piazza del Duomo is the gorgeous Duomo di Milano, Italy’s largest Gothic cathedral, which took six centuries to construct. This magnificence is roofed in statues and gargoyles, which is spectacular, however be sure to don’t miss exploring the rooftop terraces for a panoramic view of Milan.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of many world’s oldest and most gorgeous purchasing malls. This elegant construction, with its glass and iron roof, homes high-end boutiques and charming cafes, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely morning stroll.
Visiting the Duomo di Milano
Visiting the Duomo di Milano, also called the Milan Cathedral, encapsulates the true spirit of Milan. This is the largest cathedral in Italy and the third on the earth, and it’s a masterpiece of Gothic structure. As you enter, you’ll be amazed by the massive nave and the sunshine filtering by way of the stained-glass home windows.
The Duomo isn’t just in regards to the inside. The rooftop terraces provide a unique view of town and of the cathedral itself. The particulars, the statues, and the spires are higher seen from up shut. For the very best expertise, guide the primary entry to the terraces to keep away from these pesky crowds. The stairs to the rooftop will price 9 EUR and are fairly a exercise, and the carry will price 14 EUR.
Remember to decorate accordingly. Your shoulders and knees should be lined or you’ll be denied entry. A lightweight scarf and a protracted costume or pants will do the trick.
Whether you are taking the steps or the carry, it’s value it for the views and to see Milan from above.
Exploring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Just steps away from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invitations you to a world of luxurious and magnificence. Opened in 1877, this shopping center isn’t solely one of many oldest but additionally some of the stunning on the earth. Its glass and iron roof, together with the gorgeous mosaic flooring, make it a feast for the eyes.
Inside the Galleria, you’ll discover high-end designer shops like Prada, Versace, and Louis Vuitton, providing an opulent purchasing expertise. Even if purchasing isn’t in your agenda, the Galleria is an ideal place for window purchasing and soaking within the opulent ambiance.
Don’t overlook to partake within the native custom of spinning on the bull mosaic for good luck. And for those who’re within the temper for a culinary deal with, Ristorante Galleria has been serving glorious meals for over 50 years. Whether you’re right here for the purchasing, the structure, or the meals, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-visit spot.
Morning Stroll Through Historical Squares
Once you’ve seen the Piazza del Duomo, take a stroll by way of Milan’s historic squares. These squares are stunning and filled with historical past. Start with Piazza della Scala, the place the well-known La Scala Opera House is situated.
Then head to the Castello Sforzesco, a Fifteenth-century purple brick fort. This spectacular constructing is dwelling to a number of museums and is surrounded by the beautiful Parco Sempione, so that you get historical past and rest in a single go. Walking by way of these squares is like going again in time, each nook reveals a chunk of Milan’s previous.
They are shut to one another, so you’ll be able to stroll between them. Most of those sights are inside strolling distance, making it straightforward to discover town on foot. This tour will show you how to get to know Milan higher and gives you loads of picture alternatives.
Piazza della Scala
Piazza della Scala is an enthralling sq. that homes the world-famous La Scala Opera House. This historic theatre, courting again to 1778, has seen performances by a number of the biggest artists on the earth. A go to to La Scala is a should, whether or not you’re an opera fanatic or just respect gorgeous structure.
The opera home additionally has a museum that gives excursions, supplying you with a deeper perception into its wealthy historical past. Be certain to guide your tickets prematurely, as La Scala is among the hottest attractions in Milan. If you’re fortunate, you would possibly even catch a rehearsal or a efficiency.
While you’re within the piazza, take a second to admire the huge statue of Leonardo da Vinci. This sq. can also be dwelling to the Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana, a grand Nineteenth-century financial institution constructing that provides to the realm’s historic appeal. Enjoy some gelato from Grom II and bask in some people-watching as you soak within the ambiance.
Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
Next, let’s head to the Castello Sforzesco, a Fifteenth-century fort that’s a chunk of Milan’s historical past. Built by the Duke of Milan, it’s been modified over the centuries and now has a number of museums inside. You can go to the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum of Egyptian Art, and the Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory. Here, you’ll find items like Michelangelo’s final work, the Rondanini Pietà.
The ticket is included within the go to, and it prices €5. It’s a good suggestion to purchase tickets on-line to keep away from the strains. You can even stroll across the fort’s gardens free of charge and benefit from the views. The courtyard is a good place to sit down and take in the ambiance.
Next to the fort is Parco Sempione, a giant public park the place you’ll be able to take a stroll or have a picnic. The park has stunning views and landmarks just like the Arco della Pace. It’s additionally a pleasant solution to get to the Porta Nuova District, which is a good place to chill out earlier than persevering with your Milan journey.
Midday Art and Culture Tour
As the clock strikes 12, dive into Milan’s artwork and tradition. Start with Santa Maria delle Grazie and see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. This is a must-see, and it’s a must to guide prematurely because it’s tremendous well-liked. We will cowl that intimately under.
After The Last Supper, head to the Brera District, the creative quarter with cobblestone streets. This is the place you’ll discover the Pinacoteca di Brera, Italy’s most necessary assortment of medieval and Renaissance artwork. The galleries, cafes, and charming streets are the proper place to get misplaced in Milan’s creative soul. Consider reserving a strolling tour to discover the Brera District in-depth and acquire insights from professional guides.
Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage website and residential to some of the well-known work on the earth, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Painted between 1495 and 1498, it’s 15 meters by 29 meters and exhibits the second Jesus tells his disciples that considered one of them will betray him.
Seeing The Last Supper is a must-do on any journey to Milan, however it requires some planning. Entry is proscribed. Tickets are bought in 15-minute time slots for about 25 individuals and value 15 Euros plus a 2 Euro service charge. They promote out months prematurely, particularly throughout the summer time. So we suggest you guide as far prematurely as potential.
If you’ll be able to’t get tickets, an incredible possibility is to hitch a guided tour. They usually embody assured entry and are very informative in regards to the portray. This is the most suitable choice in case you are reserving on the final minute. Just remember that it is going to be dearer than simply getting a ticket by yourself. But, in truth, that is one thing you don’t need to miss, so we really feel it’s positively value the additional money.
Whether you guide months forward or go for a guided tour, seeing The Last Supper is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Brera District
Art lovers and people who need to expertise the bohemian aspect of Milan should cease by the Brera District. Famous for its cobblestone streets and creative vibe, Brera is a treasure trove of galleries, cafes, and boutiques to find.
At the center of the district is the Pinacoteca di Brera, with Italy’s largest assortment of medieval and Renaissance artwork. Inside, you’ll discover masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. The Pinacoteca shares the constructing with the Brera Academy, the Braidense National Library, and the Museo Astronomico, so you’ll be able to have a cultural overdose in a single go.
As you stroll round Brera, you’ll discover streets stuffed with artwork studios and small outlets. The vitality is nice, and it’s the proper place to sit down again and really feel the creative aspect of Milan. Whether you go to the Pinacoteca or simply stroll round, Brera will forged its spell on you.
Lunch Break in Brera
After the morning’s artwork and tradition, deal with your self to lunch within the Brera District. Brera is legendary for its good meals and full of life ambiance, and it has many eating places that go well with all tastes.
For correct Italian meals, go to Casa Fiori Chiari the place you’ll be able to have a lightweight pizza crust with high quality substances. If you like a much bigger meal, Locanda alla Scala has a fantastic inside backyard and a menu filled with Italian dishes. For a lunch with a twist, Coraje has a Mediterranean and South American fusion menu, excellent for a glamorous lunch.
Italian Food Recommendations
When in Milan, indulging in conventional Milanese dishes is a should. Trattoria del Ciumbia in Brera is a superb alternative for sampling native favorites akin to yellow rice, cutlet, mondeghili, and cassoeula. These hearty dishes provide a real style of Milanese delicacies.
If you might be on the lookout for natural choices, Bioesserì has natural pizzas made with stone-ground flours and naturally leavened dough. An awesome alternative for health-conscious eaters who don’t need to quit on taste.
Another good one is U Barba Bottega Genovese, which serves DOC Ligurian delicacies. Here you’ll be able to strive pesto-seasoned testaroli and Ligurian focaccia. Whatever you’re within the temper for, Milanese or one thing completely different, Brera has all of it.
Once you’ve eaten, give in to the temptation of some purchasing in Milan’s well-known streets. Milan, being Italy’s trend capital, provides an opulent purchasing expertise. Two of the very best locations to buy are Via Montenapoleone and Via Torino. Whether you’re on the lookout for high-end designer boutiques or a mixture of worldwide and native outlets, these streets have all of it.
Start your purchasing on Via Montenapoleone, a part of Milan’s trend quadrilateral. This avenue is legendary for its luxurious outlets and delightful ambiance. Here, you’ll be able to see the most recent collections from Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Even for those who’re simply window purchasing, the pleasure of strolling by way of this high-end district is value it.
Then head to Via Torino, a busy avenue with a extra inexpensive purchasing expertise. This avenue is filled with worldwide manufacturers and native Italian outlets for all tastes and budgets. For stylish trend, souvenirs, or simply the pleasure of being within the midst of the motion, Via Torino is the place to be.
Via Montenapoleone
Via Montenapoleone is the epitome of luxurious purchasing in Milan. As a part of the Quadrilatero della Moda, this avenue is dwelling to flagship shops of main luxurious manufacturers akin to Dior, Hermès, and Valentino. Walking down Via Montenapoleone looks like stepping right into a trend journal, with elegant window shows and trendy buyers at each flip.
This avenue attracts trend fanatics and celebrities from across the globe, drawn by its upscale ambiance and unique boutiques. If you’re a fan of excessive trend, that is the proper place to search out the most recent tendencies and timeless items. Even for those who’re not planning to purchase, the expertise of window purchasing in such a prestigious setting is well worth the go to.
For a break from purchasing, go to Pasticceria Cova, a historic café recognized for its scrumptious pastries and glorious people-watching spot. Sit again with a cappuccino and benefit from the view of Milan’s fashionistas going about their day.
Via Montenapoleone isn’t just a purchasing vacation spot; it’s a glimpse into the glamorous world of Milanese trend in Italy’s trend capital.
Via Torino
Via Torino provides a vibrant purchasing expertise that’s accessible to everybody. This bustling avenue is a favourite amongst each locals and guests, and it’s recognized for its various vary of shops. From well-liked worldwide manufacturers to distinctive native boutiques, Via Torino has one thing for each shopper.
As you stroll down Via Torino, you’ll discover a mixture of stylish trend, equipment, and footwear. This avenue is ideal for these seeking to replace their wardrobe with the most recent kinds or discover a particular reward to take dwelling. The full of life ambiance and fixed buzz make purchasing right here an thrilling expertise.
In addition to purchasing, Via Torino is a good place to discover Milan’s city tradition. The avenue is lined with cafes and eateries the place you’ll be able to take a break and revel in a espresso or a fast chew. Whether you’re on a purchasing mission or simply having fun with town’s vibe, Via Torino is a must-visit spot in Milan.
Evening Relaxation by the Canals
As the day winds down, head to the Navigli District, Milan’s canals. This space is legendary for its nightlife, boutiques, and canals, so it’s the proper spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing and purchasing.
At night time, Navigli comes alive with bars, eating places, and dwell music venues alongside the canals. Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are the 2 major canals within the district, with good views and a stunning ambiance for a night stroll.
Whether you need to have a quiet dinner or expertise Milan’s nightlife, Navigli has all of it. The district has a particular mixture of historical past, tradition, and modernity that’s beloved by each locals and vacationers.
As the solar units, the reflections on the canal waters create a magical setting that’s excellent for unwinding and soaking within the Milanese spirit, paying homage to the sweetness discovered at Lake Como.
Aperitivo in Navigli
A go to to Milan wouldn’t be full with out experiencing the normal Milanese aperitivo. This pre-dinner ritual includes having fun with a drink accompanied by a wide range of mild snacks, and Navigli is among the greatest locations to indulge on this pleasant custom.
In Navigli, many bars provide aperitivo promotions the place you pay a set value for a drink and revel in a buffet of appetizers. This is an ideal solution to chill out and socialize whereas sampling native delicacies. Whether you like a traditional spritz or a classy cocktail, the aperitivo tradition in Navigli offers a pleasant finish to your day.
As you sit on a restaurant’s out of doors patio in Navigli, you’ll have the prospect to soak within the vibrant ambiance, watch the world go by alongside the canals, take pleasure in good meals and nice drinks, and soak up picturesque views. The aperitivo expertise in Navigli is actually unforgettable.
It’s the proper solution to wrap up your at some point in Milan, particularly for those who plan to go to Milan only for a short while.
Practical Tips for Visiting Milan
For an ideal day in Milan, you’ll want to plan forward. Creating the proper Milan itinerary will benefit from your time on this metropolis. Milan’s public transport is nice and environment friendly so you will get round simply. Save this put up to your telephone and use Google Maps to search out your method round. Consider taking a day journey to close by locations like Lake Como for a budget-friendly and time-efficient solution to discover extra of Northern Italy.
When in Milan:
- Book your lodging asap for those who plan on staying the night time as town is pricey.
- Stay close to Milano Centrale or Piazza del Duomo to get round simply and to the principle sights.
- Consider the three airports in Milan: Milano Malpensa, Bergamo Orio al Serio, and Milano Linate. Milano Linate is the one closest to town heart.
And don’t overlook tipping isn’t anticipated in Milan because the service cost is already included within the invoice. But rounding up the invoice or leaving small change is all the time appreciated. Now you’re prepared on your day in Milan!
How to Get Around Milan
Getting round Milan is simple. The major methods are on foot, by tram, or by metro. For longer distances, the metro is the quickest and most effective. A 90-minute ticket prices €2.20, and a 24-hour ticket prices €7.60.
Milan’s public transportation community, which incorporates trams and buses, can also be nice for getting round. The tram is especially helpful for areas indirectly served by the metro. If you’re staying close to Milano Centrale, you will get to town heart and different sights by bus, tram, or metro.
You can even purchase your tickets on-line or by way of the ATM Milano app. This will prevent time and provide the greatest routes and schedules. With a little bit of planning, you’ll discover that getting round Milan is each straightforward and satisfying.
Where to Stay in Milan
Where you keep in Milan could make all of the distinction. For comfort and transport hyperlinks, keep within the Milano Centrale space. This space has nice connections to trains and planes, so it’s an incredible base from which to discover town. If you might be on the lookout for extra solutions, be certain to take a look at our article on The 13 Best Luxury Hotels in Milan, Italy.
If you need to keep nearer to the principle sights, search for lodges close to Piazza del Duomo. Some good choices are:
- Hotel Dei Cavalieri: Close to the Duomo and a subway station close by to get across the metropolis.
- Hotel Milano Scala: Central location and good rooms.
- NH Collection Milano President: Near the Duomo and fashionable facilities.
Staying within the heart of Milan means you’re by no means removed from the motion and may stroll to most of the metropolis’s major sights.
Wherever you select to remain, guide early, as Milan is pricey. By reserving prematurely, you’ll have extra choices and may discover a place that fits your funds and magnificence. Whether you need luxurious or funds, Milan has one thing for everybody.
Frequently Asked Questions
To safe tickets to see The Last Supper, it’s greatest to guide properly prematurely or be a part of a guided tour to make sure entry. The recognition of the attraction limits tickets and makes them fast to promote out.
The greatest solution to get round Milan in at some point is to make use of town’s public transportation community, such because the metro, tram, and buses, to effectively go to the principle sights.
You ought to keep within the Milano Centrale neighborhood or close to Piazza del Duomo for straightforward entry to transportation and main sights. Both areas are well-connected and handy for exploring Milan.
You can expertise a Milanese aperitivo by visiting the Navigli District, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink and light-weight snacks earlier than dinner.
No, tipping isn’t anticipated in eating places in Milan. Service costs are usually included within the invoice, however rounding up or leaving small change for distinctive service is appreciated.
The Last Word
In simply at some point, Milan provides a wealthy tapestry of experiences that mix historical past, artwork, trend, and culinary delights. From the Gothic splendor of the Duomo di Milano and the magnificence of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the creative treasures of the Brera District and the colourful nightlife of the Navigli canals, this itinerary ensures you see the very best of Milan in a single day.
Whether you’re visiting for the primary time or rediscovering town’s appeal, this Milan itinerary offers an ideal steadiness of sightseeing, rest, and cultural immersion. So, pack your luggage, plan your day, and prepare to fall in love with Milan, considered one of Italy’s most enchanting cities.