Travel tips for a great stay in Milan:

• ✈️ Book your flight to Milan (best prices)
• 🚊 Book your train tickets for Milan
• 🚌Milan Malpensa Airport transfer (rated 4.5 by travellers)
• 🏨 Best hotels in Milan (most popular with travellers)
• 🏖️See all the activities to do in Milan

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

Get the Milan City Pass for maximum discounts on your attractions 

Find out more 

Visit Milan: our Top 10 not to be missed

Even if you only have one day, here are the 10 places and experiences not to miss if it is your first time in Milan.

If you are short of time, get your tickets and hop aboard the Milan City Sightseeing bus (hop-on/hop-off bus with free wifi and audio guide, even for children). You will see the main points of interest (refundable up to 24 hours before).

1. See the Duomo di Milano, the famous Gothic cathedral 

The Duomo is the symbol of Milan… a bit like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its construction began in 1386 and spanned nearly six centuries, which explains its mix of architectural styles, dominated by Gothic.

With its Candoglia white marble façade, its 135 spires and more than 3,000 carved statues, the cathedral immediately impresses the visitor. Inside, you will discover monumental stained-glass windows, some dating from the 15th century, telling biblical scenes in dazzling colours. The atmosphere is both grandiose and solemn. Don't miss climbing up to the Duomo terraces afterwards (on foot or by lift). From there, you can admire the spires and gargoyles up close, and above all enjoy a panoramic view of all of Milan, as far as the Alps on a clear day if you are lucky.

Good to know: entry to the cathedral is paid and access to the terraces requires an additional ticket. So, to avoid the long queues, especially if you want to visit Milan in 1 day, it is best to book your skip-the-line tickets online.

Wandersand tip: Opposite the Duomo, you have the Rinascente, the Italian department store, equivalent to Galeries Lafayette in France. This is the moment to sit down on the rooftop terrace to admire the cathedral from another angle. The ideal place to sip a spritz or have lunch with a piatto di pasta al dente. 

2. Explore the Royal Palace of Milan

The former residence of the Dukes of Milan, the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) is today one of the city's largest cultural centres. Located right next to the Duomo, it charms as much by its elegant architecture as by the richness of its temporary exhibitions. Its vast, carefully restored rooms host major international art retrospectives every year, ranging from classical painting to contemporary installations. Wandering through the Royal Palace means both diving into the history of Milan and discovering masterpieces from around the world.

3. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 

Linking the Duomo to La Scala, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Europe. Built between 1865 and 1877, it is named after the first king of Italy after unification. Its architecture is spectacular: an immense glass roof in the shape of a Latin cross, a glass and iron dome rising to 47 metres, and colourful mosaics representing the continents and the signs of the zodiac.

Nicknamed the "drawing room of Milan", the gallery is much more than a place to pass through: it is a symbol of Milanese elegance and refinement. You will find some of the greatest Italian and international luxury houses, such as Prada, Gucci or Louis Vuitton, as well as historic cafés such as Caffè Biffi, founded in 1867.

If you come to visit Milan in 1 day, here is a tradition not to be missed: visitors must place their heel on the bull shown in the floor mosaic and spin around to ensure luck and prosperity. So why not give it a try?

In any case, even without shopping, the gallery remains an essential passage to admire its grandiose architecture and feel the chic atmosphere of Milan.

4. Go to the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses

Opened in 1778, the Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. For more than two centuries, it has welcomed the greatest opera singers, conductors and dancers, making Milan a true capital of classical music. Legendary artists such as Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti or Giuseppe Verdi (many of whose works premiered here) have contributed to its international fame.

Even if you don't attend a performance, the visit to the La Scala museum is well worth the detour. You can discover a rich collection of stage costumes, instruments, paintings and portraits tracing the history of opera and theatre. During the visit, you may be able to take a discreet look at the auditorium, with its famous red boxes and its majestic chandelier.

Good to know: the museum is open every day (except on performance or rehearsal days). If you want to enjoy an unforgettable evening, book your seats several weeks (or even months) in advance, especially for major performances.

5. Stroll through the Brera district

The Brera district is arguably one of the most charming in Milan. With its cobbled lanes, colourful façades, small craft shops and cafés with a bohemian atmosphere, Brera has managed to keep an intimate atmosphere despite its popularity. It is a place where you like to wander with no particular aim, simply to soak up local life.

At the heart of the district is the famous Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most important art galleries in Italy. It houses masterpieces by great painters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Bellini or Mantegna. Even if you don't have time to go in, the atmosphere around the palace and the adjoining botanical garden is worth the detour.

Wandersand tip: Brera is also an excellent place to take a lunch break or have a coffee on a terrace. In the evening, its wine bars and little restaurants make it a lively place, enjoyed as much by locals as by visitors.

6. Explore the sublime Sforza Castle 

If you come to visit Milan in 1 day or more, don't miss the Castello Sforzesco, one of the most imposing monuments in Milan. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, it served both as a defensive fortress and a princely residence. With its great towers, massive walls and immense courtyard, it commands respect from the entrance.

Today, the castle houses several museums and art collections. You can admire works by Leonardo da Vinci (who worked for the Sforza family) and Michelangelo's famous last unfinished masterpiece, the Rondanini Pietà. The site also includes galleries of musical instruments, decorative arts and archaeology. For a more in-depth visit, allow at least two hours.

Even if you don't want to visit the museums because you are short of time, access to the inner courtyards is free, and they are well worth the detour. The place is also an excellent starting point for reaching Sempione Park, located right behind the castle.

7.  Go to Sempione Park, the green lung of Milan

Located right behind the Castello Sforzesco, Sempione Park is the largest green space in central Milan and an essential place to take a break in the middle of a busy day. Created at the end of the 19th century, this 47-hectare park is designed in the English style, with wide paths, lawns, ponds and centuries-old trees. As you walk, you will come across sculptures, the Triennale palace (dedicated to design and contemporary art), the Acquario Civico and, at the end of the vista, the Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch erected in honour of Napoleon.

It is a perfect place to rest, eat an ice cream on a bench, watch Milanese people jogging or simply enjoy a moment of calm before resuming your visit.

8. Admire Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper 

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) is one of the most famous works in the world. Painted between 1494 and 1498, this monumental fresco is in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, about a fifteen-minute walk from the historic centre.

The work depicts Christ's last meal with his apostles and stands out for its realism and innovative composition. Unfortunately, the experimental technique used by Leonardo made it fragile: it has undergone several restorations over the centuries, but remains a breathtaking masterpiece.

⚠️ Booking compulsory: visits are limited to small groups of 15 minutes to protect the fresco. Tickets are generally booked several weeks, or even several months, in advance, especially in high season.

Wandersand tip: if you haven't managed to get a ticket, there are guided tours combining the Duomo, the historic centre and the Last Supper, often with reserved access. Perfect if you want to visit Milan in 1 day.

9. See the Navigli district with its emblematic canals

With its canals lined with restaurants, bars and galleries, the Navigli district is one of the liveliest in Milan. In the evening, the streets come alive and offer a warm atmosphere. It is also one of the Milanese's favourite places to meet up with friends. We love it especially for its bohemian atmosphere, a postcard-perfect spot with music in the background. Perfect for tasting the dolce vita by the water.

10. Enjoy a Milanese aperitivo to live the dolce vita

It is impossible to visit Milan without trying the aperitivo, a true institution. Order a Spritz, a Negroni or a glass of vino bianco with a few grissini, pomodori, formaggi and mozzarella. Ideal for savouring the Milanese art of living.

Visit Milan in 1 day: the perfect itinerary 

To help you plan your stay, here are a few tips to make the most of your visit to Milan. 

Morning: Visit the historic heart of Milan

Start your day at Piazza del Duomo, the central and liveliest square in Milan. The first thing that catches the eye is of course the Duomo cathedral, an impressive Gothic masterpiece, and its square full of pigeons. Take the time to visit the interior, with its immense colourful stained-glass windows. If you can, then climb up to the Duomo terraces: the panoramic view of the city is breathtaking.

On leaving the Duomo, cross the square to enter the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, nicknamed the "drawing room of Milan". A few minutes' walk from the Galleria is La Scala, one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world.

Lunch: taste Milanese flavours

After this busy morning, it is time for a gourmet break.

• For a good breakfast with cappuccino and pistachio croissant (a killer!), go to Aroma Napoletano
• Don't miss the Mercato Centrale Milano, for a lunch break on the go, or Eataly (the temple of Italian gastronomy)
• If you want to try a typical dish, opt for the saffron risotto alla milanese.
• Meat lovers will enjoy the cotoletta alla milanese, a crispy breaded cutlet.
• Otherwise, a good Italian pizza such as the Margherita will always do, with, for dessert, a gelato and a buon espresso!

You will find many restaurants and trattorias in Brera or around the Duomo. Otherwise, don't miss going to the temple of Italian food: Eataly 

Afternoon of your choice: Fashion Quadrilateral or cultural visits

Wondering where to go shopping in Milan? Let yourself be tempted by a visit to the famous Fashion Quadrilateral with its four emblematic streets: Via Manzoni, Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and finally Via Sant'Andrea. Perfect for finding the biggest Italian brands such as Gucci, Prada or Versace. For fashion lovers, we advise combining this visit with Fashion Week to enjoy the most beautiful shows. 

If you want something more authentic, then head to Brera, a district full of charm with cobbled lanes and colourful façades. Here, the atmosphere is more bohemian and artistic. You can wander in small shops, have a coffee on a terrace or visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses masterpieces of Italian art.

Finally, there is no shortage of options, here are a few ideas of visits to end this magnificent day in Milan : 

• the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale) of Milan, opposite the Duomo
• the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
• the Sforza Castle
• the sublime Villa Necchi Campiglio, with its typical Art Deco architecture
• the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
• the Navigli district, to be discovered on foot or by boat
• the San Siro Stadium, the place not to be missed for football fans (book your tickets here)
• the Monumental Cemetery, with its sculptures and the tombs of emblematic men, like an open-air museum (find out more)

FAQ : Visit Milan in 1 day

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

How to visit Milan in one day?

‍In one day in Milan, focus on the must-sees. Start with the Duomo and its panoramic terrace, then admire the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Continue with La Scala theatre and stroll towards the Brera district. In the afternoon, discover the Sforza castle and finish with an aperitivo in Navigli. This way, you get a complete overview of the city.

Is it worth visiting Milan?

Yes, Milan is worth the detour, even for a short stay. The city combines history, culture and modernity. Between its impressive Duomo, its museums and its lively districts, it offers a rich experience. Fashion and design lovers will also find what they are looking for. It is a vibrant metropolis that surprises with its energy.

Which area should you avoid in Milan?

Like any big city, Milan has less safe areas. The Central Station and its surroundings can be best avoided late at night. The Quarto Oggiaro district is also known to be less recommended. It is best to stay vigilant in poorly lit areas. Overall, the historic and tourist centre remains very safe.

What is the nicest district of Milan?

The Brera district is often considered the most charming. Its cobbled lanes, art galleries and bohemian cafés attract visitors. You can breathe in an artistic and friendly atmosphere. In the evening, the terraces and restaurants make it a lively place. It is an ideal spot to feel the Milanese soul.

What is the most beautiful place in Milan?

The Milan Duomo is arguably the most spectacular place. Its richly decorated Gothic façade impresses as soon as you arrive on the square. Climbing its terraces offers an unforgettable view of the city. The interior, with its colourful stained-glass windows, is just as majestic. It is the absolute symbol of Milan and a must.

What is the most luxurious district of Milan?

The Quadrilatero della Moda is the temple of luxury in Milan. This district brings together the boutiques of the biggest Italian and international fashion houses. Streets like Via Montenapoleone or Via della Spiga breathe elegance. It is the perfect place for high-end shopping. Even without buying, strolling here is an experience.

Which district to eat in in Milan?

Navigli is the ideal district for eating well in Milan. Known for its canals, it is full of trattorias, bars and typical restaurants. It is also the birthplace of the aperitivo, a must in the evening. You will find varied cuisine, from traditional to modern. Its lively atmosphere makes it a gourmet and convivial spot.

That's it, our article “Visit Milan in 1 day” ends here. We hope all these good addresses and activities help you plan your trip to this sublime region of Italy. All that's left is to wish you a great stay and plenty of good vibes 😎