DURATION
2 to 3 days
To explore the must-see sights and main neighbourhoods.
BUDGET
€500 to €900 per couple
For 3 days and 2 nights.
NOT TO BE MISSED
The Duomo
The cathedral and, above all, its incredible rooftop terraces.
WHEN TO GO
Apr. to June
Sept. and Oct. too. We had sunshine and mild temperatures in May.
Our tip
Book The Last Supper first if it is one of your priorities, then book your visit to the Duomo. Plan the rest of your itinerary around these two bookings.
Booking link for Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
Booking link for a visit to the Duomo cathedral and its rooftop terraces
What to do in Milan: our ideas for sightseeing and outings
This list is in no particular order: it brings together places we visited and activities we tried. There is something for everyone, from art, neighbourhoods and architecture to football and foodie stops.
Pick and choose according to your interests and how much time you have, without trying to fit everything into three days.
Our map of all the places to visit
We’ve marked all the places listed on a map. It should help you locate the various monuments, museums and neighbourhoods, then group nearby sights together for your visits.
A quick guide to using the map: select a place to open its information panel. Each number corresponds to the details below. Neighbourhoods are marked with a reference point.
1. The Duomo and its rooftop terraces
The Duomo is Milan’s Gothic cathedral and the city’s must-see sight. You’re bound to come across it during your stay anyway.
Construction began in 1386 and continued for several centuries. With its spires, sculptures and marble in pale and pinkish shades, it’s one of the historic centre’s must-see landmarks.
There are 5 areas you can visit:
- The cathedral interior, where you can admire its vast columns and the light streaming through its colourful stained-glass windows.
- The rooftop terraces, where you can walk among the sculpted spires with Milan at your feet (access by stairs or lift)).
- The Duomo Museum, where you can take a close look at the cathedral’s original statues and stained-glass windows.
- San Gottardo church, where you can see a fresco of the Crucifixion attributed to the school of Giotto.
- The archaeological area, where you can step back into the 4th century as you explore the remains of an ancient baptistery beneath the Duomo’s forecourt.
We recommend arriving early, ideally with an early-morning time slot, to keep waiting time to a minimum. In our guide to Milan’s Duomo, we explain the different ways to plan your visit.
Our recommendation is still to head up to the rooftop terraces. We think this is the part to prioritise if you have to choose.
We thought they were magnificent: you can see the sculptures up close, walk among the spires and enjoy panoramic views over Milan.
During our stay, we chose a combined ticket that gave us access to the cathedral, rooftop terraces, museum, archaeological area and San Gottardo church.
The standard combined ticket covers the cathedral, rooftop terraces, museum and San Gottardo church.
Inside, you’ll find tall columns, vaulted ceilings and large stained-glass windows. Then, if you’d like to extend your visit, the Duomo Museum houses sculptures, stained glass and objects relating to the cathedral’s history. It is in the Palazzo Reale, next to the Duomo, and opened in 1953. The museum and San Gottardo church are closed on Wednesdays.
To enter the cathedral, make sure you wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
The archaeological area requires a different ticket or a supplement, but we don’t think it’s essential to visit.
Which ticket should you choose?
To help you choose, here are the three options. For a first visit, we recommend the combined ticket with an audio guide and priority access.
📌 Please note: the cathedral’s terraces are very popular! Book one of the tickets below in advance for a wider choice and a time slot that suits you.
Which option should you choose?
The different options at a glance.
Terraces only
To explore the Duomo’s rooftop
- Access to the terraces
- Access via stairs or lift, depending on the option
- Entry to the cathedral interior not included
- €16 via the stairs and €18 via the lift
Cathedral + terraces
For a comprehensive first visit
- Cathedral interior and terraces
- Museum and San Gottardo church
- Optional audio guide
- €22 via the stairs or €26 via the lift
Guided tour of the Duomo
To understand the cathedral
- Guide and tickets included
- Access to the terraces
- Around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the option
If you only want to visit the interior, you can choose the cathedral ticket without terrace access. Access to the museum and archaeological area depends on the option selected. For a guided tour, make sure you check the language of your chosen time slot: tours in French are available, but not all options offer the same languages.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
The Last Supper, one of the masterpieces to see in Milan, is in the refectory of the former convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Leonardo da Vinci painted it directly onto the wall.
A standard adult ticket costs €15, and viewing time is limited to 15 minutes to help preserve the work. Booking is compulsory all year round.
Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot with your ticket and proof of identity. If you are late, you may be refused entry. For a guided tour, follow the meeting instructions sent by the tour provider.
📌 If there are no tickets left for the dates of your stay, opt for a guided tour, as places are reserved for guides.
3. Sforza Castle and its museums
The Sforza Castle stands at the end of Via Dante, the main shopping street leading from the Duomo area. This fortress, which has been transformed over the centuries, offers a chance to explore Milan’s heritage before heading on to its more modern neighbourhoods.
The courtyards are free to enter. You can extend your visit by exploring the museums, particularly to see Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà. Leonardo da Vinci also worked for the Sforza court and decorated the Sala delle Asse, which is currently closed to the public for restoration.
If you’d like to visit the museums, you can book your ticket with a digital audio guide.
To plan your visit, take a look at our guide to Sforza Castle.
4. La Scala opera house and its museum
La Scala is one of the world’s great opera houses. Just a short walk from the Duomo, it’s worth a stop even if you’re not planning to see a performance. Its museum explores Milan’s musical heritage through the history of the theatre and the composers and performers who have shaped it.
Access to the boxes for a glimpse of the auditorium, which we think is the most interesting part of the visit, depends on rehearsals, performances and events. We recommend checking whether you’ll be able to see the auditorium on your chosen day.
The guided tour of the museum and theatre lasts about an hour.
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a 19th-century covered arcade. We admired its vast glass roof, dome and floor mosaics. Even if you’re not here to shop, we recommend walking through the arcade as you explore the historic centre.
The arcade houses restaurants and luxury shops, including Prada and Armani. Needless to say, we didn’t buy anything there. We simply walked through the arcade from Piazza del Duomo to La Scala.
Our tip: we went back to the arcade very early the next morning, before the shops opened and the crowds arrived.
A good time to enjoy its architecture in peace.
If you’d like to round off your walk through the arcade with an exhibition, Fondazione Prada’s Osservatorio is located inside. It’s a separate space from the main site on Largo Isarco described below.
6. The narrow streets of Brera
After a delicious meal, as is so often the case in Italy, we wandered around Brera. We loved exploring its narrow streets and admiring the colourful façades of the Milanese houses. This neighbourhood is best explored on foot and offers a pleasant break between the main sights on your trip.
We recommend setting aside some time here for a stroll, a coffee or lunch. If you enjoy guided tours, the option in the next section combines the neighbourhood with the Pinacoteca di Brera.
7. The masterpieces of the Pinacoteca di Brera
Among Milan’s museums, the Pinacoteca di Brera is a good choice if you want to devote part of your stay to Italian painting. Its collection includes works by famous painters such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Hayez. Set aside enough time for a proper visit rather than squeezing in a quick stop between neighbourhoods.
To help you choose between this collection and the other galleries, take a look at our selection of museums in Milan. The guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Brera neighbourhood combines the main works with a walk through the narrow streets.
8. The Navigli at aperitivo time
For us, a stroll along the water here is a must, with an atmosphere quite different from the grand monuments of the centre. We recommend following the canals and taking the time to admire the shops and façades lining the water.
When planning your late afternoon and evening, make this neighbourhood your last stop: you can stay for an aperitivo or dinner rather than heading straight back towards the Duomo. You’ll find our recommended pizza place in the area below.
To explore the canals from the water, there’s also a boat trip with aperitivo. It lasts around 50 minutes and includes a drink and snacks. It’s a short outing along the city’s canals; leave some time for a stroll along the banks too.
9. Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the natural starting point for exploring the main monuments in central Milan. Step back to take in the cathedral’s façade, then look out for the Galleria, Palazzo Reale and Museo del Novecento, all nearby.
We recommend coming back at a different time of day: the light and atmosphere change considerably. The square is free to explore, although the monuments around it each require their own ticket.
10. A break in Sempione Park
Behind Sforza Castle, Sempione Park offers a chance to take a break in green surroundings. Walk through it to the Arco della Pace, the grand arch at the end of the vista. This free walk fits easily into a day in the centre after visiting the castle.
You can also visit the Triennale, on the edge of the park, which we cover below. We recommend taking this walk in fine weather and saving the museums for the hottest hours of the day or rainy days.
11. The columns and Basilica of San Lorenzo
This is another place to visit that offers something different from Milan’s other sights. The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore dates from late antiquity, between the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th century. It is one of Milan’s oldest churches. Dedicated to Saint Lawrence, it was built using materials salvaged from Roman monuments.
In front of the church, you will find the sixteen columns of San Lorenzo. Within the complex, the Sant’Aquilino chapel preserves ancient mosaics among its treasures. We recommend this free stop on the way to the Navigli: it is a chance to discover Milan’s ancient heritage without taking a long detour.
12. The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
With its large atrium and two bell towers, Sant’Ambrogio rounds off your exploration of Milan’s churches and religious heritage. This basilica is associated with Ambrose, the city’s patron saint, and is a lovely place to discover Romanesque architecture.
We recommend combining it with a visit to the Museum of Science and Technology, which is close by, especially if you are visiting Milan as a family.
13. The frescoes of San Maurizio
At San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, frescoes cover the walls and vaults. This church on Corso Magenta is worth a stop if you enjoy Renaissance art and places that are easy to miss from the street.
Opening hours depend on volunteers and may occasionally change, so check on the day of your visit. We recommend this detour between the castle and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Admission is free.
14. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana lets you explore more of Leonardo da Vinci’s work through pages from the Codex Atlanticus. The collection also includes paintings by great masters, including Caravaggio. It is a cultural visit worth considering if you enjoy the history of ideas as much as the artworks themselves.
With so many museums in Milan, we help you compare their collections in our guide to Milan’s museums.
15. The Museum of Science and Technology
The Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci is very different from the art galleries. Here you can discover Leonardo’s inventions and work, as well as transport, energy and space exploration. It is an ideal activity if you are visiting Milan as a family.
We recommend setting aside several hours for this visit. Bear in mind that some experiences, such as going inside the submarine (you can see the exterior with your museum ticket), require a separate booking and should not be confused with general admission.
16. The Museo del Novecento
The Museo del Novecento, housed in the Arengario on Piazza del Duomo, focuses on 20th-century art. We recommend this modern art museum if you prefer 20th-century works to Renaissance collections.
Its proximity to the cathedral makes it easy to fit into your itinerary for the city centre. You’ll also find this museum in our selection of cultural attractions. Tickets with a smartphone audio guide are available; check what’s included and the download instructions.
17. Exhibitions at the Royal Palace
The Palazzo Reale hosts major temporary exhibitions next to the Duomo. How appealing you’ll find this cultural attraction depends on what’s on. Check the advertised exhibition before setting aside time for a visit.
Prices and ticket options vary depending on the exhibition. We cover the palace and how to visit it in our article on the Royal Palace of Milan. Be careful not to confuse it with the Duomo Museum, which is also within the palace complex.
18. Contemporary art at Fondazione Prada
At Fondazione Prada, you can discover another side of the city through contemporary art and architecture. Its main site occupies a former distillery transformed by Rem Koolhaas’s studio OMA, combining old buildings with contemporary structures.
It’s south of the city centre, so plan a separate trip there. Our guide to Fondazione Prada in Milan will help you plan your visit. The ticket offered is for the Milan site on Largo Isarco; the Osservatorio in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a separate space, and admission depends on the ticket option you choose.
19. The Monumental Cemetery
In Italy, cemeteries are places to stroll and explore, much like open-air sculpture museums. The funerary monuments, mausoleums and Famedio offer an insight into Milan’s history through its artistic heritage. Entry is free.
To learn about the monuments and the families who commissioned them, you can take a guided tour lasting around 1 hour 30 minutes. The fee covers the guide’s services, as entry to the cemetery is free.
To plan your visit, take a look at our guide to the Monumental Cemetery.
20. A foodie stroll through Chinatown
Around Via Paolo Sarpi, Chinatown brings a different feel to your stay, with shops, little places to eat and the chance to stroll through a lively neighbourhood. This walk through the northern neighbourhoods pairs well with a visit to the nearby Monumental Cemetery.
We recommend this area for a change of scene from the centre’s grand landmarks and a different choice of food stops. For streets to explore and ideas for things to see, take a look at our guide to Milan’s Chinatown.
21. Porta Nuova and Isola, around the Bosco Verticale
To discover Milan’s contemporary architecture, head to Porta Nuova, Piazza Gae Aulenti and the neighbourhood of Isola. The towers, public spaces and Biblioteca degli Alberi park offer a contrast to the historic centre.
The two towers of the Bosco Verticale, covered in greenery, are residential buildings. You can admire them from outside. We recommend saving this walk for an extra day or combining it with a visit to the Monumental Cemetery.
22. The Fashion Quadrilateral
The street Via Monte Napoleone and the surrounding streets make up the Fashion Quadrilateral. Here you’ll find the major luxury fashion houses, their window displays and a few beautiful palazzi. A stroll through this shopping district is enough if you’re visiting out of curiosity rather than to shop.
The area is close to Brera and San Babila. We recommend this detour if you’re interested in fashion, before heading back to the neighbourhoods where you’ve planned your other visits.
23. San Siro, for football fans
For football fans, a visit to San Siro stadium deserves a dedicated slot in your itinerary. The home of AC Milan and Inter offers a tour of the museum and certain areas of the stadium. Accessible areas may vary depending on matches, concerts and activities taking place that day.
The stadium is in western Milan, and the M5 line is one way to get there. Allow half a day including travel time, rather than squeezing it in between two visits in the centre. The tour ticket does not include admission to a match.
24. The ossuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa
Just a few minutes from the Duomo, San Bernardino alle Ossa houses a chapel with walls decorated with human bones. This short, unusual visit can round off your walk through the historic centre.
We recommend considering the nature of the place before going in, especially with young children.
25. Piazza Mercanti
The Piazza Mercanti, or Merchants’ Square, is one of the stops on our walking tour. Close to the Duomo, its buildings recall medieval Milan. This historic square offers a contrast to the vast cathedral square.
We recommend stopping here on your way to Via Dante and the castle. It’s a free stop that’s easy to fit in, with no booking needed.
26. Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions at the Leonardo3 museum
The Leonardo3 museum, at the entrance to the Galleria on the Piazza della Scala side, showcases Leonardo’s inventions through models and interactive displays. This look at Leonardo’s inventions fits easily into a day in the historic centre.
This is a separate museum from the National Museum of Science and Technology. We compare the two in our guide to Milan’s museums. Choose based on how much time you have and your interest in inventions.
27. Italian design at the Triennale
The Triennale Milano, on the edge of Sempione Park, is one of the museums to consider if you want to explore design and architecture in Milan. The Museum of Italian Design displays objects that tell the story of Italian creativity and industry.
28. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum collection
The Poldi Pezzoli Museum, near La Scala, brings together Renaissance paintings, arms and decorative art in a collector’s former home. We recommend this house museum if you enjoy varied art collections and more intimate settings.
It features in our selection of museums in Milan. Some YesMilano Pass options let you choose it as one of your included museums. Compare the price of the pass with the visits you actually plan to make, then check the app to see which bookings are required.
29. The trompe-l’œil at San Satiro
Inside Santa Maria presso San Satiro, near Via Torino, Bramante’s choir uses perspective to create an illusion of depth. This small church in the historic centre is easy to miss on a walk around the Duomo.
We recommend popping in as you walk between the Duomo and the San Lorenzo area, opening hours and services permitting. It’s a lovely complement to a cathedral visit without a long detour.
30. Our favourite places to eat in Milan
Discovering Milanese cuisine is part of the trip too: you can try risotto alla milanese, a cotoletta or an aperitivo, and mix things up with the pasta, pizza and ice cream we love so much in Italy.
Unsurprisingly, we ate very well in Milan! Here are the places we recommend, which you can work into your plans depending on which neighbourhood you’re in:
- Pasto, Laboratorio di pasta con cucina: a small pasta restaurant on Via Zecca Vecchia, near the Duomo. We thought the pasta here was delicious.
- Pizzium, Via Vigevano: one of our favourite pizza places, with fresh ingredients and handmade pizzas. A handy dinner option when you’re visiting the Navigli.
- Flower Burger, in the Brera area: Corso Garibaldi, 34. We really liked their plant-based burgers and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.
- OGGI Gelato Milano, now VERO: Corso Garibaldi, 60. We enjoyed the ice cream and its unusual flavours during our stay.
If you’d like to discover local specialities with a guide, a food walking tour of Brera combines exploring the neighbourhood with several tastings. Check which foods are included and let the provider know about any allergies or dietary requirements.
31. Discover the centre on a guided walking tour
When we visit a new city, we like to start with a free walking tour. We discovered these tours during our round-the-world trip and had never been disappointed.
We love the historical, cultural and architectural insights you get on a walking tour with a local guide. They also usually recommend good places to eat or have a drink. This walking tour of Milan helps you get your bearings in the historic centre before continuing to explore on your own.
The free walking tour
You can book a free walking tour on Civitatis. Booking is free, and the guide is paid through tips given at the end. The tour linked here is in English, lasts around 2 hours to 2 hours 45 minutes and takes in the sights of the centre from the outside, with no admission tickets included.
In Milan, our walking tour lasted around two hours. Here are the main stops on our route:
- The Piazza del Duomo, our meeting point.
- The Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo.
- The University of Milan.
- Back to Piazza del Duomo.
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- The Piazza della Scala.
- The Piazza Mercanti, the merchants’ square.
The guided tour including The Last Supper
If you’d like a tour that includes admission to a historic site, GetYourGuide offers a three-hour tour including The Last Supper and a walk through the city centre. The guide speaks English. The route starts at Santa Maria delle Grazie and takes in the castle, the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala, among other sights; admission to the interiors of the Duomo and La Scala is not included. If you choose this option, it replaces the separate booking for The Last Supper in our itinerary.
Practical information to help plan your stay
Bookings, budgeting and transport to consider for your stay.
- The Last Supper: book a tour with admission included. Choose this time slot first.
- The Duomo: book admission to the cathedral and rooftop terraces. Choose between the stairs and the lift.
- A walking tour: book the guided tour including The Last Supper, or choose the free walking tour.
- Trip length: 2 to 3 days.
- Costs during your stay: €500 to €900 for a couple for 3 days and 2 nights, sharing a room, including meals, local transport and several sightseeing visits. That works out at €250 to €450 per person when travelling as a pair.
- Train from Paris: allow around €100 to €300 per person for a return journey. SNCF Connect or Trenitalia.
- Flights from France: allow around €80 to €220 per person for return flights, excluding checked baggage. Add the cost of the transfer between the airport and Milan.
- Linate: take metro line M4 to San Babila in the city centre.
- Malpensa: Malpensa Express to Cadorna or Centrale, €15 for an adult single ticket.
- Bergamo: shuttle to Milano Centrale, around 1 hour. Our guide to the transfer.
- Getting around: explore the centre on foot and take the metro for longer distances. City transport ticket: €2.20. Fares and tips in the FAQ.
We stayed at INTOMILAN Galleria Duomo I Boutique & Design Aparthotel, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo. We appreciated our spacious room and the central location.
Our itinerary for 2 or 3 days
For a 2-day visit to Milan, we group the sights and neighbourhoods by area. If you’re staying for 3 days, choose between the north of the city and Lake Como.
Day 1
Duomo and rooftop terraces
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the cathedral and rooftop, with the golden Madonnina among the highlights. Then walk through the covered arcade, whose entrance is on the north side of the square.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Look for the mosaic bull beneath the dome. To get to Pasto, head back towards the Duomo, then towards Via Torino and Via Zecca Vecchia to the south-west, about a 10-minute walk away.
Pasta at Pasto
Our recommendation: Via Zecca Vecchia, 4, especially for lunch. After your break, head back to the arcade; its northern exit leads onto Piazza della Scala.
La Scala
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the museum and a look inside the auditorium, rehearsals permitting. Then continue along Via Verdi and Via Brera: the neighbourhood is very close by.
Brera
Leave time to explore the narrow streets and take a break on Corso Garibaldi. If you want to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and shorten your visit to La Scala.
Day 2
The Last Supper, the castle and the Navigli
From the area around Santa Maria delle Grazie to the canals.
More details →The Last Supper
Arrive 30 minutes before your time slot; you have 15 minutes to view the painting. Afterwards, head north-east towards Cadorna, then Piazza Castello, to reach the castle in 15 to 20 minutes.
The castle and Parco Sempione
Walk through the courtyards, which are free to enter, then go behind the castle to enter the park. Have lunch in the area. For San Maurizio, head back south towards Corso Magenta.
San Maurizio and Sant’Ambrogio
At San Maurizio, don’t miss the nuns’ choir. Continue south-west to Sant’Ambrogio, then head south-east towards San Lorenzo.
San Lorenzo
Stop at the columns. Then walk down Corso di Porta Ticinese towards the Darsena and on to the Naviglio Grande: the canals are about fifteen minutes away on foot.
Navigli
Find Vicolo dei Lavandai, then enjoy an aperitivo. Pizzium, at Via Vigevano, 33, is nearby for dinner. You can replace part of the walk with a boat trip.
Day 3
Milan or Lake Como: the choice is yours
Choose between exploring Milan’s neighbourhoods and a trip to Lake Como.
Monumental Cemetery, Chinatown and Porta Nuova
In the morning, explore the Famedio and the cemetery’s sculptures. Walk to Via Paolo Sarpi for lunch, then continue towards Porta Nuova, Bosco Verticale and Isola.
A day at Lake Como
Take an early train to Varenna, then travel by boat to Bellagio before returning to Milan. You can also book an organised day trip.
More informationThe itinerary in detail, day by day
During our stay, we spread our sightseeing over three days, with a free walking tour on the second day and a day cycling between the castle, The Last Supper, San Lorenzo and the Navigli. Our itinerary for visiting Milan in 2 or 3 days covers the essentials, then offers two options for the third day. The timings below are a guide to help you plan; your time slot for The Last Supper determines the order of visits on day 2.
Day 1: the Duomo, La Scala and Brera
Morning at the Duomo and on the terraces
We recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours for the cathedral and its terraces. Three details are particularly worth looking out for:
- The golden Madonnina: look out for this statue at the top of the main spire from the terraces.
- Saint Bartholomew Flayed: Marco d’Agrate’s sculpture in the choir area. Its depiction of the body is one of the Duomo’s most unusual details.
- The meridian line: a thin brass line set into the floor near the entrance, accompanied by the signs of the zodiac. This instrument marks solar noon.
Tickets: book the cathedral and terraces. If you are short on time, prioritise these two visits and leave the museum for another trip. When you come out, the Galleria is just north of the square.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then a break at Pasto
Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the Galleria. Beneath the dome, look for the mosaic bull, the symbol of Turin: this floor detail has given rise to the tradition of spinning on your heel. Entry to the Galleria is free; you can simply walk past the shops without going in.
For lunch, head back towards the Duomo, then go south-west towards Via Torino and Via Zecca Vecchia. Pasto, at number 4, is about a 10-minute walk away. We really enjoyed their pasta. After lunch, head back towards the Galleria and walk through it to Piazza della Scala.
A stop at La Scala
- In the museum, look out for: Franz Liszt’s Steinway piano in the Esedra room.
- The highlight: the view of the auditorium from the boxes, when rehearsals and the theatre’s schedule allow.
- Planning your visit: allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the museum. There is an admission charge; book a time slot if you choose a guided tour. The museum ticket does not include admission to a performance.
From La Scala, continue along Via Verdi, then Via Brera. The Brera district is just a few streets away.
End the day in Brera’s narrow streets
Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the neighbourhood. At Palazzo Brera, look for the statue of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker in the courtyard, a sight you could easily miss if you stay out on the street.
- If you visit the Pinacoteca di Brera: allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and make time in particular for Mantegna’s The Dead Christ, Raphael’s The Marriage of the Virgin and Hayez’s The Kiss. In that case, spend less time at the La Scala museum.
- For a break: Flower Burger is at Corso Garibaldi, 34. At number 60, VERO is the OGGI ice cream shop we enjoyed.
Day 2: The Last Supper, the castle and the Navigli
An encounter with The Last Supper
The visit is short: rather than trying to take in every detail, focus on two aspects that make the work particularly interesting.
- The apostles’ reactions: on either side of Jesus, their gestures convey their response to the announcement of the betrayal.
- The perspective: the lines of the painting visually extend the refectory and draw your eye towards the centre.
- Planning your visit: booking is compulsory. Bring ID and arrive 30 min before your time slot. You have 15 min in front of the painting; allow around 1 h for the whole visit.
Choose a tour that includes a ticket for The Last Supper or the three-hour guided walk that includes it. The latter means you do not need to book The Last Supper separately. To continue on your own, head north-east towards Cadorna, then Piazza Castello: the castle is a 15 to 20 min walk away.
Sforza Castle and a break in the park
- The shorter option: spend 30 to 45 min in the free-to-enter courtyards, then 30 to 45 min in the park behind the castle.
- If you visit the museums: the Rondanini Pietà, Michelangelo’s final, unfinished sculpture, is one of the highlights. Allow 1 h 30 to 2 h, with a paid admission ticket, and cut back on the other stops.
- In the park: the Arco della Pace marks its north-western end. You can shorten this walk if you would rather spend more time in the museums.
After lunch in the area, head back south towards Corso Magenta to reach San Maurizio. Allow around 20 to 25 min from the Arco della Pace, or less if you have stayed near the castle.
San Maurizio and Sant’Ambrogio
These two churches fit neatly into the route towards the canals. Allow 20 to 30 min at San Maurizio and around 30 min at Sant’Ambrogio.
- San Maurizio: don’t stop at the section for the congregation. The nuns’ choir lets you discover the other part of the former monastic church and its paintings. Entry is free during visiting hours.
- Sant’Ambrogio: after a short walk south-west, look for the golden altar beneath the ciborium. This Carolingian treasure tells the stories of the lives of Christ and Ambrose.
- If you prefer science: the nearby Leonardo da Vinci museum deserves half a day. If you choose it, spend less time at the churches and in the park.
Then continue south-east towards the Columns of San Lorenzo, beside Corso di Porta Ticinese.
From San Lorenzo to the Navigli canals
A 15 to 20 min stop at the columns is enough if your main aim is to enjoy the evening by the canals. If you go inside the basilica, make the Chapel of Sant’Aquilino and its ancient mosaics your priority; allow time for this visit and note that access is separate.
Walk down Corso di Porta Ticinese towards the Darsena, then continue to the Naviglio Grande. The walk takes around fifteen minutes, following a straightforward route south.
- Don’t miss: Vicolo dei Lavandai, a little lane beside the Naviglio Grande where the old washing places still survive.
- For the evening: allow 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for a stroll and an aperitivo. Pizzium, Via Vigevano, 33, is our go-to pizza place in the area.
- If you choose the boat trip: the trip linked in the Top section lasts around 50 minutes and replaces part of the walk. When booking, take account of where and when you need to meet for boarding.
On our day out by bike, we visited the sights in this order: the castle, The Last Supper, San Lorenzo, Navigli. For your stay, keep your plans flexible around your time slot for The Last Supper. If day 2 falls on a Monday, swap the days around, as The Last Supper and the castle museums are closed.
Day 3, option 1: explore more of Milan
If you have three days in Milan, this day reveals another side of the city, with sculpture, food and contemporary architecture. You’ll mostly be walking, with the metro to shorten the return journey.
The Monumental Cemetery
- The Famedio: the building at the entrance houses the tomb of Alessandro Manzoni, among others.
- The Campari family monument: look out for its bronze sculptural group inspired by The Last Supper, a work that’s easy to miss in this vast cemetery.
- Planning your visit: allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes; entry is free. The cemetery is closed on Mondays unless it is a public holiday. The map helps you find the monuments without walking down every path.
A food stop in Chinatown
As you leave, head south-west towards nearby Via Paolo Sarpi. Allow around 1 hour for a stroll and lunch. The neighbourhood’s main draws are its shops and food: it makes a good stop between the monuments and the towers of Porta Nuova.
Porta Nuova and Isola
Head east towards Corso Garibaldi, then Piazza Gae Aulenti. Allow 20 to 25 minutes to walk from Chinatown. From there, you can walk between the following stops:
- Piazza Gae Aulenti: the heart of this modern district, centred on the UniCredit Tower.
- Biblioteca degli Alberi and Bosco Verticale: the park lets you get close to the plant-covered towers. These are residential buildings, so you can only admire them from outside.
- Isola: continue into the neighbourhood if you still feel like walking. Allow 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes for all these stops, which are free to see on this outdoor route; afterwards, you can catch the metro at Garibaldi FS.
Day 3, option 2: head to Lake Como
If you’re looking for things to do near Milan, you could spend this day at Lake Como. We suggest Varenna and Bellagio, two villages that are easy to combine thanks to the boat crossing between them.
- In the morning: take a direct train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino, a journey of around 1 hour 05 minutes. Then walk down to the village and its lakefront, about ten minutes from the station. Allow around 2 hours for Varenna.
- In Varenna: don’t miss the suspended lakeside walkway degli Innamorati. If you’d like to visit a garden, Villa Monastero’s garden is in the village and has an admission charge; you can save the climb to Vezio Castle for a longer stay.
- At midday: take a boat to Bellagio, then have lunch in the village. The direct crossing is short, often around 15 to 20 minutes; check the Navigazione Laghi timetables to plan your outward and return journeys.
- In the afternoon: allow 2 to 3 hours for Bellagio, including a stroll along Salita Serbelloni and the lakefront. Then return to Varenna for your train to Milan. Buy your train tickets and leave some extra time between the boat’s arrival and your train’s departure.
- Our tip: stick to these two villages rather than adding Como and spending longer travelling. For gardens and attractions with admission charges, see our guide to Varenna and our guide to Bellagio.
Would you prefer an organised tour? The organised excursion featured below offers a day trip from Milan. It follows its own itinerary as an alternative to this self-guided route.
Where to stay in Milan: our favourite places
We spent a long time considering Brera Apartments Alla Scala as an alternative, as it is also very well located near La Scala. The advantage of an apartment is that it makes preparing your own meals easier. We haven’t stayed there: it was the other accommodation we considered.
A getaway to Lake Como
This excursion from Milan could fill your optional third day or be a reason to extend your stay. You’ll find details on getting there in our guide to travelling from Milan to Lake Como.
If you’d like to extend your stay in Italy, we recommend visiting Lake Como. We were enchanted by the beauty of the lake, its villages and the mountains. You can reach the town of Como from Milan in under an hour, but you’ll need more time to explore the other shores.
There are three ways to get there:
- By train: allow around 40 minutes from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, or just over an hour to Varenna-Esino. This is a convenient option if you want to explore the lake without a car.
- By car: we recommend comparing car hire deals in Milan with Discover Cars. For our trip in April, we found a car with Hertz for €50 for four days. That was the price of our booking, so it mainly gives you an idea of the good deal we found at the time.
- On an organised tour: you can book a day trip to Como, Bellagio and Lugano from Milan, including transport and a boat trip. This is an option to consider if you prefer to follow an organised itinerary.
Your questions before you go
Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes, we think Milan is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy cultural sightseeing and trips that combine landmarks, neighbourhoods and great places to eat. We enjoyed its range of museums, its food and its atmosphere.
The city has good connections to France, and low-cost flights can make a trip good value. Remember to compare the cost of the whole journey, though, as flying to Bergamo also means taking a shuttle to Milan.
Once there, you can choose from plenty of museums and art galleries, as well as The Last Supper and the Duomo. And, as is often the case in Italy, we love tucking into the pasta, pizzas and pastries. Our advice is simply to leave time for walks: if you only go from one ticketed attraction to the next, you won’t enjoy the neighbourhoods as much.
How many days should you allow?
We recommend two full days for the main sights and three days to include museums or other neighbourhoods. If you are visiting Milan in one day, prioritise the Duomo, the Galleria and a walk around the centre. The third day of our itinerary is optional; you could also spend it at Lake Como.
What can you do in Milan in one day?
For a first visit, we recommend the Duomo and its rooftop terraces in the morning, followed by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II next door. After lunch, choose between a walk towards Sforza Castle and Sempione Park, or a stroll around Brera. You can finish in the Navigli district if you still have time. If The Last Supper is your priority and you have managed to get a ticket, plan your day around your time slot and cut back on the other sights.
Which sights can you visit for free?
To explore Milan without paying for one attraction after another, enjoy the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Mercanti, the courtyards of Sforza Castle and Sempione Park. Walks around Brera, Chinatown and Porta Nuova, and along the Navigli canals, are also free. You can add the Monumental Cemetery and the frescoes of San Maurizio during opening hours. The castle museums and paid visits to the monuments are separate from these free-access areas.
When is the best time to visit?
We recommend April, May and June, or September and October for exploring Milan on foot and by bike. Summer can be hot, especially on the rooftop terraces and on long walks. July and August are still an option if you do not mind the heat; in that case, choose accommodation with air conditioning.
We went in May and enjoyed three days of sunshine and mild temperatures. We found it a lovely time of year for this long weekend.
Which airport should you choose?
Three airports serve Milan. We recommend checking where they are before booking, as transfer times and costs can make a difference on a short break.
- Malpensa: the Malpensa Express reaches Milano Cadorna in around 37 minutes from terminal 1, or Milano Centrale in around 50 minutes. An adult single ticket costs €15. Choose your arrival station based on your hotel's location, then continue by metro if necessary.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio: this airport is further away. We explain the transfer in detail in our article on the shuttle from Bergamo to Milan. Shuttle buses reach Milano Centrale in around an hour, depending on traffic. Budget around €10 for a single ticket. You can book your bus ticket in advance: you'll travel by air-conditioned coach, with luggage included.
- Linate: the M4 metro line takes you directly to San Babila in around 12 minutes. A city ticket costs €2.20 and remains valid for 90 minutes, allowing you to continue your journey within zones Mi1 to Mi3.
We recommend using a flight comparison site to compare airlines and all three airports. For our trip, we paid €40 return: a bargain for a city break!
How do you get there by train from France?
Travelling by train takes you straight into the city. From Paris Gare de Lyon, TGV INOUI trains run to Milano Porta Garibaldi. Allow a good part of the day for the journey, usually around 7 to 8 hours from Paris and 5 to 6 hours from Lyon, depending on the train you choose.
Matthieu chose this option to take part in a cycle race in Milan. It was the most cost-effective way to transport the bikes. The journey flies by as you watch the scenery go past, and the on-board Wi-Fi also lets you get some work done. If you're travelling with a bike, check your train's bicycle carriage policy before booking.
How do you get around?
To explore Milan on foot, focus on the historic centre, where several landmarks and neighbourhoods are close to one another. For longer journeys, we recommend the metro: Milan now has five lines, M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5. Cycling is another option we enjoyed, particularly on our third day.
The city also has buses and trams, though we tend to use these less when we travel. City tickets can be used on the different forms of public transport within the zones covered by the ticket.
| Ticket type | Adult fare | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| City ticket | 2,20 € | 90 minutes from first validation, zones Mi1 to Mi3. |
| Day pass | 7,60 € | 24 hours from first validation. |
| 3-day pass | 15,50 € | Three consecutive days of service, until services finish on the third day. |
We recommend choosing your pass based on the journeys you plan to make. If you are staying near the Duomo and doing plenty of walking, a few single tickets may be enough. The 3-day pass is not valid for a rolling 72-hour period, unlike the day pass, which does last 24 hours. Malpensa Express transfers and Bergamo shuttle services require separate tickets.
Can you use BikeMi bikes?
On our final day, we hired bikes to reach the places further afield on our list. We found cycling a practical way to cover this route. Milan has cycle lanes, but not on every street, so plan your route accordingly, particularly in areas with tram tracks.
We used BikeMi, the city's bike-sharing scheme, a bit like Vélocub in Bordeaux and Vélib’ in Paris. A subscription costs €4.50 for 24 hours or €9 for a week, with usage charges depending on the bike you choose and the length of your ride.
You can now register on the BikeMi website or app, then use the app to unlock a bike. On a standard bike, the first 30 minutes of each ride are included, after which it costs €0.50 for each additional half-hour, up to two hours. Electric bikes have different rates.
BikeMi is designed for short journeys: you must return the bike to a docking station and must not keep it for more than two consecutive hours. We recommend returning it before a long visit, then picking up another for the next leg of your journey.
Do you need a car?
For the sights covered in this article, we recommend getting around on foot, by metro or by bike. A car mainly adds the hassle of parking and navigating traffic. Hiring a car makes more sense if you are continuing your trip beyond the city; for Lake Como, the train is still a practical option.
How much should you budget?
Allow €500 to €900 for a couple for three days and two nights, sharing a room and excluding travel to and from Milan. That works out at €250 to €450 per person when travelling as a couple; for solo travellers, the room accounts for a larger share of the individual budget. To stay at the lower end of the range, compare accommodation options, choose a few paid attractions and make the most of the neighbourhoods, squares, park and castle courtyards that you can explore for free.
The official price of the standard combined Duomo ticket is €22 with stair access or €26 with lift access, while The Last Supper costs €15 for an admission-only ticket. These are not guided tour prices, which include additional services. Before buying a pass, compare what it covers with the visits you actually plan to make.
What can you do when it rains?
Choose a museum to suit your interests: Brera or the Ambrosiana for painting, the Science Museum for inventions and transport, Leonardo3 for a more compact visit, the Triennale for design or the Prada Foundation for contemporary art. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II also offers a covered place for a stroll. Stick to one major museum per half-day.
Which activities are best with children?
For a stay in Milan with children, we recommend alternating sightseeing visits with walks in Sempione Park or along the canals. The Science Museum and Leonardo3 may appeal to children who are curious about inventions. For the Duomo terraces, check the access conditions and rules on pushchairs before choosing your ticket. Consider your children's ages and sensitivities when deciding whether to visit the San Bernardino ossuary.
Which visits should you book in advance?
Book your visit to see The Last Supper first, then the Duomo and any guided tours you really want to do. Sort out your accommodation too, along with your transfer if you’re arriving in Bergamo. For the other museums, check the time slots, closing days and ticket conditions. Then leave some free time to explore the neighbourhoods and try our recommended places.
You now have our suggestions to help you decide what to see and plan your stay in Milan. You can leave us a message, a rating or any questions below, or get in touch on Instagram. We’ll be happy to reply!
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