How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Milan, Italy (2024)

Are you planning to spend one day in Milan? We have been to Milan countless times, and this is our ideal itinerary for a day in this bustling city.

Milan is Italy’s business and fashion capital with contemporary buildings, high-rises, and modern amenities. While the rest of Italy feels like its holding on to the past, Milan is a fantastic representation of present day Italy.

It’s the first city I visited in Italy over 12 years ago and well, I can’t say it was love at first sight. Seeing photos of Italy, you expect the entire country to have charming streets, colorful buildings, and ancient monuments on every corner.

Milan is the opposite of that. It’s grey, industrial, and surely not the romantic idea of Italy we all have in our minds. With that being said, after many years of visiting, I have fallen in love with Milan and look forward to a day or two in this city almost every year.

In this guide, we are sharing the best things to do with a day in Milan, our top restaurant picks, the best hotels, and tips to help you make the most of your time here.

Have more than a day in Milan? Check out our 2-day Milan itinerary.

Below is an overview of all of the sights included in this one day Milan itinerary. It’s a packed day, so be prepared for a lot of sightseeing and walking!

• Milan Duomo
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Scala Theater
• Brera District
• Sforza Castle
• Sempione Park
• The Last Supper & Santa Maria Delle Grazie
• Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
• Navigli Canals

Start off your day in Milan at the city’s main highlight: the Duomo di Milan. This imposing cathedral is the second largest in Italy, behind St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City, and towers over the grand Piazza del Duomo.

Built in a mix of Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic architectural styles, the Duomo was constructed between the late 1300s – 1900s, beginning in 1386. It took 600 years to build and was finished in 1965.

Before you head inside, take a moment to admire the intricate marble exterior. Marble was sourced from Candoglia near Lake Maggiore, over 100km (62 miles) northwest of Milan and was brought in on boats via manmade canals.

Over 3,000 statues flank both the exterior and interior of the cathedral. The tall spires, gargoyles, and exquisite sculptural details make this an architectural masterpiece.

Inside of the Duomo

The cathedral’s interior is more than just a church. It also includes an archaeological area and the rooftop terraces.

• Archaeological Area: Beneath the duomo are the remains of religious buildings, such as the Baptistery of San Giovanni, which dates back to the 4th century. Other ancient ruins include mosaics, bricks, and buildings from the Roman Empire.
• Rooftop Terraces: One of the highlights of visiting Milan is exploring the Duomo’s rooftop. Climb up 200+ steps or take the elevator for an extra cost and get an up close look at the church’s incredible spires, marble-work, statues, and gargoyles. The views of Milan’s skyline are also fantastic from the rooftop.

Back inside of the church, take some time to admire the beautiful stained glass windows dating back to the 15th century. Explore the altar and take a look inside the Crypt of St. Charles Borromeo, dedicated to the bishop of Milan in the 16th century. You can still see his body today inside of a glass coffin.

If you are interested, you can also visit the Duomo Museum, which preserves some of the church’s original statues, treasures, tapestries, original marble flooring, and paintings.

For the sake of time, we recommend skipping this and heading straight to your next stop instead.

Ticket Options

Tickets for Milan’s Duomo can be purchased 3 months in advance. In order to avoid waiting in long lines, book your tickets a few weeks before your visit to save time.

We recommend purchasing skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour. Here are a couple of options below:

• Book skip-the-line tickets for a self-guided tour of the cathedral and terraces.
• Book a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture from a local expert.

You can also buy your tickets directly from the official website here.

Tip: Major cathedrals in Italy require a certain dress code. Make sure to dress appropriately and to cover your knees and shoulders.

Practical Information: The Duomo is open from 9:00am – 7:00pm daily.

Located adjacent from the Duomo di Milano is a beautiful shopping gallery called Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This stunning arcade feels like a jewel box with its glass dome ceiling and mosaic floors.

Walk inside and you’ll find high-end designer stores, restaurants, cafes, and plenty of people taking selfies. It’s a great spot to do a bit of window shopping or enjoy a casual drink.

Bar & Cafe Recommendations

• Marchesi 1824: This 200-year-old pastry shop is one of my favorite places in Milan to get a cappuccino and brioche for breakfast. Order Italian style and drink your coffee at the bar. They also sell a variety of other pastries and confectionaries worth trying!
• Camparino: Grab a drink at this gorgeous bar and step back in time to the 1800s. Drinks come with a high price tag here, cocktails range from €13-€20 a glass, but you’re paying for the location and views.
• Terrazza Aperol: Calling all Aperol Spritz enthusiasts! Terrazza Aperol is located in the Mercato del Duomo on the upper floor of the arcade. The wait is usually pretty long to grab a table on the outside terrace overlooking the Piazza del Duomo and cathedral – but the views are worth it. Cocktails start at €15.

On the way to your next stop, walk through Piazza della Scala for a brief look at the Teatro alla Scala from the outside. This is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

If you’re keen on seeing the inside of the theater, you can visit the museum. Otherwise, try to snag seats at a show in the evening.

From Piazza della Scala, it’s about a 14-minute walk or 8-minute ride on the metro to your next stop.

Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle, was built as a defensive fortress in the 14th century. Later on, in the 15th century, Francesco Sforza expanded the fortress and turned it into a family residence.

Today, the building is used to host several museums, including the Museo Pieta Rondanini, Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Decorative Arts, Archaeological Museum, and many more. You could easily spend an entire day here exploring all of the museums.

With only one day in Milan, you have time to wander around the castle grounds and visit one museum. If you have to choose one, I recommend the Museo Pieta Rondanini to see Michelangelo’s final masterpiece.

Practical Information: Tickets cost €5 per person to visit all of the museums. Purchase tickets online to reserve a time slot and avoid the lines. The museums are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 5:30pm.

Parco Sempione, or Sempione Park, is a large public park located next to Sforza Castle. During the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the park is bustling with both locals and tourists.

Walk across the Ponte delle Sirenette (Sirens Bridge), check out the Arco della Pace, and enjoy a brief escape from the busy city center.

If you’re hoping for a quick lunch, then you can stop at the cafe or restaurant inside of Triennale Milano. This is a modern museum dedicated to Italian design.

There is a rooftop restaurant and two cafes to choose from.

The Brera District is Milan’s artsy and hip area, with small design shops and delicious restaurants. It feels local and authentic, which is why it’s my favorite area of Milan to explore.

We’ve eaten at several restaurants in this neighborhood, but there are two in particular that are perfect for lunch.

Stendhal Milano is charming bistro-esque restaurant with delicious food. Our go-to is the Green Tonnarelli with Veal Ragu but you really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes.

Antica Trattoria della Pesa is another neighborhood favorite. We enjoyed their tortelloni and Milanese risotto – a must-try when in Milan!

Stop by CREMA Alta Gelateria for a couple scoops of gelato. It’s rated one of the best gelato shops in the city.

If you want to shop (or window shop), this is the time to do it. There are plenty of small art galleries, clothing stores, and furniture stores to explore in the Brera district.

The high-end designer stores (Prada, Gucci, Valentino, etc.) are located on Via Monte Napoleone. I always enjoying browsing and discovering new and local Italian designers.

A couple of my latest discoveries are Ginori 1735, a gorgeous ceramics shop, and La Double J – a fun clothing and homeware store owned by an American living in Milan.

I recommend riding the tram to your next stop on this Milan itinerary. It’s about a 15-20 minute tram ride and walk to Chiesa di San Maurizio from the Brera district.

The Church of San Maurizio is a wonderful hidden gem. Step inside and you’ll see why it’s called the “Sistine Chapel of Milan.”

The interior walls and ceilings of this 16th century monastery and convent are entirely covered in vibrant frescoes by Bernardino Luini.

We’ve been here a few times and it’s rarely busy. Take your time to walk around and admire the detailed frescoes depicting religious and biblical scenes.

The church is attached to what used to be a women’s convent. Make your way to the back of the church to the Hall of Nuns where the nuns would attend mass in private.

For a €5 fee, you can visit the Archaeological Museum inside of the old convent.

Practical Information: The church is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 5:30pm. Entry is free.

Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and it is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Milan.

The Last Supper was painted between 1494-1498 inside of the monastery attached to Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. Instead of using traditional fresco techniques (colored plaster), Da Vinci painted directly on the wall.

Unfortunately, this caused the painting to start deteriorating within just a few years after completion.

Last Supper Tickets

It is imperative that you book your tickets well in advance. It’s nearly impossible to get last minute tickets. Ticket sales open up 3 months in advance, and you can either purchase directly through the website or book a guided tour.

• Self-Guided Tickets
• Guided Tour

Based on our experience, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with an expert who can explain the history and significance of both the church and the painting.

Later on, in the 15th-century, Leonardo da Vinci helped design a second canal called Naviglio della Martesana. This was built to connect Milan with the northern lakes, including Lake Maggiore and Lake Como.

This canal was also used to bring marble in from a town near Lake Maggiore to build the Duomo di Milano and other buildings in the city.

In the early 1800s, the final canal called Navilgio Pavese was completed. Today, you can visit the canals in the Navigli District, which has become a lively area with bars and other restaurants lining the canals.

For the best aperitivo experience, we recommend checking out one of these bars:

• Mag Cafe
• Iter
• Rita

Are you in the mood for Italian food or Lebanese food or Korean food? Milan has it all.

If you want to stay near the Navigli canals for dinner, then I recommend trying out li-sei deli, a delicious Korean restaurant. We loved the fried chicken wings.

Osteria Conchetta is a good Italian restaurant in the Navigli district serving Lombardy cuisine.

Here are some other restaurant options:

• Trattoria Masuelli San Marco| If you’re up for it, head to the other side of Milan to try some of the best Milanese Risotto in the city. This small trattoria serves traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Order the Ossobuco with the risotto – the meat pairs perfectly with it.
• Trippa Milano | This is a Michelin guide restaurant with a menu that changes daily based on whatever is at the market. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience with incredible food, book a table here.
• Ristorante Da Giacomo | Considered an institution, this is one of Milan’s most famous restaurants that celebrities often frequent – and for good reason. Your meal may come at a high price, but the fresh seafood dishes and pasta are top quality.
• Trattoria Madonnina | Go here if you want traditional, home-cooked Milanese fare.

Have more than one day in Milan? Check out our 2-day Milan itinerary for more ideas.

Otherwise, here are a couple of activities you can try squeezing into your day.

• Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio | Dating back to the 4th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It’s a quick visit and located near The Last Supper.
• Pinactoca di Brera | Located in the Brera District, this is one of the most important art galleries in Italy. The collection of art includes masterpieces by Bellini, Mantegna, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

One full day in Milan is enough time to visit the city’s highlights, such as the Duomo, The Last Supper, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Navigli Canals.

Your day will be busy and packed, so don’t expect much down time. If you have an extra day, check out our guide for 2 days in Milan.

Milan is also a great base for day trips to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Verona, Bolzano, Turin, and other northern Italian cities.

Tram: The tram is our favorite way to get around Milan, after walking. Particularly, Colin is obsessed with trams and takes any chance he can get to ride on one of Milan’s charming and historic trolleys. You can purchase tickets on board via contactless payment. We use our physical credit/debit cards or phones to pay.

Metro: Compared to cities like Paris or London, Milan’s metro system isn’t quite as comprehensive. We suggest taking the metro to get to and from the train station and to areas outside of the city center like the Navigli canals. You can purchase tickets at the ticket machine in the underground metro stations via card or cash.

A single 90-minute ticket on either the tram or metro costs €2.20.

Centro Storico: If you’re a first-time visitor to Milan, then we recommend staying in the Centro Storico, or historical center. This is the heart of the city, and you can walk to most sights.

Hotel options:

• Luxury: Rosa Grand
• Boutique: Crossing Manzoni or Room Mate Giulia
• Budget: B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio

Brera: For those who prefer a quiet, more local experience, then we suggest staying in the Brera district. This is an artsy neighborhood with a lot of great restaurants and shops. It’s our favorite neighborhood in the city.

Hotel options:

• Luxury: Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa
• Boutique: Vmaison Brera Milano
• Budget: Prestige Boutique Aparthotel – Montenapoleone

Milano Centrale: If you only have one night in Milan and you want to be close to the Milan Centrale train station, there are plenty of hotels nearby. We have stayed here and while it’s not the nicest neighborhood, it is convenient for getting in and out of the city by train.

Hotel options:

• Luxury: Excelsior Hotel Gallia
• Boutique: Residenza delle Città
• Budget: Household Settembrini

Malpensa Airport to Milan: Milan’s Malpensa airport is located 55km outside of the city center. There are a few ways to get to and from the airport:

• Train: The Malpensa Express Train is the easiest way to get to and from the Malpensa airport. The train departs from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport and stops at Milano Centrale, Milano Cadorna, and Milano Porta Garibaldi. You can find a map of the train route here. Trains leave twice per hour between 4:30am – 11:30pm, depending on the stop. Tickets cost €13 each way, or €20 for a round trip ticket that has to be used within 30 days of purchase. The train takes about an hour each way.
• Bus: The Malpensa Shuttle Bus takes you from Malpensa airport to Milan’s central station in a little over an hour. Tickets cost €10 one-way or €16 round-trip, making it a slightly more affordable option than the train.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi from the airport to Milan is the most expensive option. The fixed rate is €110 and it’s about an hour drive, depending on traffic.

Linate Airport to Milan: Milano Linate airport is the closest airport to the city and is about 8km from the center.

• Metro: Line M4 on the metro connects Linate airport with the center of Milan. Tickets cost €2.20 each way and the train runs daily between 6:00am – 12:30am.
• Bus: The airport bus takes you from the airport to Milano Centrale station. Tickets cost €7 each way and it takes 25 minutes.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi from the Linate airport is the quickest option and will cost on average between €50-€60 each way.

Bergamo Airport to Milan: The Milan Bergamo airport is located about 50km outside of the city center.

• Bus: The cheapest way to get between the Bergamo airport and Milan Centrale is via the Terravision bus. The bust departs every 30 minutes between 3:00am and 1:00am. It takes 50 minutes. One-way tickets cost €10 and round trip cost €18.
• Taxi: A taxi from the airport costs a little over €100 each way and can drop you off at your accommodation.