Milan: The Complete Guide

Milan holds the distinction of being either Italy’s second or, according to some, its primary city, depending on who you ask. Although Rome serves as the administrative capital, Milan stands as the nation’s financial epicentre, housing Italy’s stock exchange and positioned in the prosperous and industrious northern region.
In several aspects, Milan bears a stronger resemblance to cities like Paris or London than to other Italian counterparts. It’s a city with a business-like demeanour, embodying a work-hard, play-hard ethos. While Rome takes on the role of the political capital and the seat of government, Milan is the driving force behind Italy’s commerce, where critical deals are brokered.
Milan has always held significant importance, having been occupied by successive powers. Like many pivotal cities, it has undergone numerous reconstructions. Consequently, it may lack the medieval, informal charm characteristic of other Italian towns, causing it to be occasionally overlooked as a tourist destination.
However, in reality, Milan has much to offer to visitors. The city is vibrant and teems with attractions, making it an excellent springboard for exploring other destinations in northern Italy, such as Lake Como and the Alps. It’s an ideal location for a short city break or an extended weekend getaway, as well as a starting point for a dual-centre vacation.
Milan’s allure extends beyond designer fashion and furnishings, although these are significant draws for fashion-conscious tourists. Many of Milan’s pleasures are accessible without breaking the bank. You can sit at a café outside the magnificent Duomo and observe the well-dressed crowd, engage in some enjoyable window shopping, or explore the city’s museums and galleries housing remarkable works of art. For a simpler pleasure, ascend to the rooftop of the Duomo and relish the serenity and the panoramic view spanning from the city to the mountains. Additionally, the Brera and Navigli (canal) districts offer inviting settings for evening strolls.
This complete guide to Milan will lead you to some of the finest spots in the city, covering not only the prominent landmarks but also exploring modern and trendy districts along with some charming hidden gems. Keep in mind that completing the entire itinerary in a single day will make for a packed and bustling schedule, but it’s certainly achievable.
Top Tip for Visiting Milan: If you have a single day to spend in Milan and aim to maximize your experience, opting for a walking tour led by a local guide could be an excellent choice. This great Milan city tour, lasting approximately 3 hours, provides a comprehensive guide to the must-visit attractions!
Visiting Milan for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Milan on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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25 Best places to See in Milan
This complete guide to Milan not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Milan and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Duomo Museum, Milan

Location: Museo del Duomo di Milano, Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Mon - Tue - Thu - Fri - Sat - Sun: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Closed on Wednesdays Last ticket at 6:00 pm. Last entry at 6:10 pm| Price: €10 includes admission to the Duomo | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Duomo Museum, Milan
Palazzo Reale di Milano

Location: Palazzo Reale di Milano, Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Monday: from 2.30 p.m. onwards. Tuesday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Saturdays: from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. | Price: €17.00 | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Palazzo Reale di Milano
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)

Location: Milan Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: 9am-7pm | Price: From €16 to €33 | Website | Skip the Line Tickets Available! | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Location: Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Piazza Pio XI, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Pinacoteca: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm. Library: Monday to Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. | Price: Adults: € 15 | Website | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Teatro alla Scala

Location: Teatro alla Scala, Via Filodrammatici, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Website | La Scala Theater and Museum Tour with Entry Tickets | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Teatro alla Scala
Museo Poldi Pezzoli

Location: Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm Tuesday: closed | Price: Adults: € 14 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Museo Poldi Pezzoli
San Bernardino alle Ossa

Location: San Bernardino alle Ossa, Piazza Santo Stefano, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Monday to Friday: from 7:30 am until 12:00 pm (noon) and from 1 pm until 4 pm Saturday and Sunday: from 7:30 am until 12:00 pm (noon). | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting San Bernardino alle Ossa
Orto Botanico di Brera

Location: Orto Botanico di Brera, Via Brera, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Mon-sat working days, 10:00am to 6:00pm (1st April to 31st October) Mon-sat working days, 9:30am to 4:30pm (1st November to 31st March) | Price: Free | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Orto Botanico di Brera
Palazo Imperiale, Roman Imperial Palace

Location: Palazzo Imperiale di Massimiano, Via Brisa, Milano, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Palazo Imperiale, Roman Imperial Palace
Museo Bagatti Valsecchi

Location: Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, Via Gesù, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Wednesday: 1.00pm until 8.00pm Thursday - Sunday: 10.00am until 5.45pm Monday and Tuesday closed. | Price: €12.00 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Location: Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Corso Magenta, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Civico Museo Archeologico, Milan

Location: Civico Museo Archeologico, Corso Magenta, Milano, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.30 | Price: Adult: €5.00 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Civico Museo Archeologico, Milan
Pinacoteca di Brera

Location: Pinacoteca di Brera, Via Brera, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8.30am-7.15pm (last entrance at 6pm) Closed: every Monday | Price: € 16 Adult | Website | Pinacoteca Art Gallery and Brera District Guided Tour | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Pinacoteca di Brera
San Lorenzo Basilica

Location: San Lorenzo, Basilica di San Lorenzo, Milano, Corso di Porta Ticinese, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8 am until 6:30 pm. Sunday: from 9 am until 7 pm. | Price: Free entry, Capella di Sant'Aquilino: € 2 | Distance: 1.0km
Visiting San Lorenzo Basilica
Castello Sforzesco

Location: Castello Sforzesco, Piazza Castello, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Website | Sforza Castle and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini Tour | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Castello Sforzesco
Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan

Location: Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Via Palestro, Milano, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: from 10 am until 5:30 pm. Monday: closed | Price: Adults: € 5 | Website | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Galleria d'Arte Moderna, Milan
Parco Sempione, Milan

Location: Parco Sempione, Piazza Sempione, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 1.3km
Visiting Parco Sempione, Milan
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli

Location: Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Via Palestro, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 1.4km
Visiting Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia "Leonardo da Vinci"

Location: Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, Via San Vittore, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Friday: from 10 am until 6 pm. Saturday and public holidays: from 10 am until 7 pm. Closed: Every Monday, 24 and 25 December, 1 January | Price: Adults: € 10 | Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum Entry | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia "Leonardo da Vinci"
Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Location: Santa Maria delle Grazie, Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Price: From €21.00 | Website | Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper Guided Tour | Distance: 1.5km
Visiting Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper
Cimitero Monumentale

Location: Cimitero Monumentale, Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Distance: 2.7km
Visiting Cimitero Monumentale
Sant'Ambrogio

Location: Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: 10.00-12.00 / 14.30-18.00 | Website | Distance: 4.1km
Visiting Sant'Ambrogio
Chiaravalle Abbey

Location: Chiaravalle Abbey, Via Sant'Arialdo, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: from 9 am until 12 pm (noon) and from 3 pm until 5 pm Sunday: from 3 pm until 5 pm. | Price: Free | Distance: 6.5km
Visiting Chiaravalle Abbey
San Maurizio

Location: San Maurizio al Lambro, Cologno Monzese, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy | Hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Price: Free | Distance: 11.0km
Visiting San Maurizio
Best Time to Visit Milan
Milan, the vibrant capital of Lombardy in northern Italy, offers a rich blend of history, culture, fashion, and gastronomy. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Milan:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a fantastic time to visit Milan as the city awakens from winter and comes alive with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. This season is ideal for exploring Milan’s iconic landmarks, such as the magnificent Duomo di Milano and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Spring also brings cultural events and exhibitions to the city, including the internationally renowned Milan Design Week.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Milan, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as strolling through the picturesque Sempione Park or enjoying an aperitivo in one of the city’s many outdoor cafes. Summer also brings a variety of events and festivals to Milan, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and fashion shows. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Milan, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s cultural attractions, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Fall also offers opportunities for culinary experiences, such as sampling seasonal dishes like risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto) and ossobuco (braised veal shanks) at traditional trattorias and restaurants.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Milan is relatively mild compared to other parts of Italy, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with fewer tourists and shorter lines at popular attractions. Winter is also a great time to explore Milan’s shopping scene, with the city’s famous fashion boutiques and designer outlets offering discounts during the winter sales season.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Milan depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, shopping for high-end fashion, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Milan has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.
Average Temperatures in Milan
- January 10°C 49°F 7
- February 13°C 55°F 11
- March 18°C 64°F 10
- April 22°C 71°F 14
- May 26°C 79°F 17
- June 32°C 90°F 15
- July 35°C 96°F 15
- August 32°C 90°F 17
- September 27°C 81°F 15
- October 23°C 73°F 16
- November 15°C 58°F 21
- December 9°C 49°F 9
How to get to Milan
Flying to Milan
Milan boasts several airports to choose from. If you’re arriving via an international flight, you’ll likely land at Milano-Malpensa, situated approximately 50 km away from the city centre. Just outside Milan, you’ll find Milan-Linate, and around 40 km away is Il Caravaggio Orio al Serio, more commonly known as Milano-Bergamo Airport, which is a common choice for travellers flying with low-cost airlines. To reach the city centre from these airports, you have various transportation options available, including trains, buses, and taxis. For detailed information on how to get from the airports to Milan’s city centre, you can refer to the article mentioned.
Travelling to Milan via Train
If you’re interested in visiting other cities from Milan, you can easily do so by taking advantage of the high-speed train lines departing from the city’s train station. These trains can transport you to cities like Florence, Venice, or the capital of Italy, Rome.
Getting Around Milan
Milan Subway
The subway stands out as one of the swiftest and most convenient modes of public transportation, not exclusive to Milan but widely applicable in very large cities. There are currently 5 metro lines in Milan which operate daily from 5:40 am to 00:30 am. Look for the illuminated red and white “M” lampposts, which signify where there’s a metro stop.
– M1 (red metro): connects the town of Sesto San Giovanni to Bisceglie and Rho;
– M2 (green metro): connects Gessate and Cologno Nord (northeast of Milan) to Abbiategrasso and Assago (southwest area);
– M3 (yellow line): connects San Donato to Comasina;
– M5 (lilla line): connects San Siro (west of Milan) to Bignami (north of Milan);
– M4 (under construction): will connect Milan Linate airport (east) to San Cristoforo (west).
Milan Bus Network
The bus network in Milan is more than 80 lines strong, and it covers ground that the Metro does not. The bus lines have both numbers and names, with the names indicating which direction the bus is traveling (akin to the Metro lines). Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus.