Milan has become one of the most popular weekend trip destinations in Southern Europe. With an air of luxury, magnificent architecture, museums and art that ooze culture, and – the draw for many – regular cheap flight routes, it’s not surprising that many tourists want to explore the stradas of Milano.
With some great day trips around Milan to fit into a weekend itinerary, you might wonder if you can spend one day in Milan and still see all of the best of the city. The good news is yes, and with this handy guide, you’ll find everything you need to spend the perfect day in Milan.
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Is One Day in Milan Enough?
Yes – one day in Milan is enough to explore the city’s most popular attractions. In just one action-packed day, you can visit the Duomo, see Da Vinci’s Last Supper, sample famous Italian cuisine, visit museums, and more. This guide contains a detailed itinerary for one day in Milan so you can really make the most of your time!
If you have longer or want to dive deeper into things to do in Milan, you could easily enjoy a weekend or long weekend in the city. However, you can still use this guide to get inspiration for your trip or use the itinerary at a slower pace to enjoy your time at leisure.
What is Milan Best Known For?
Ask anyone what they know about Milan and you’ll hear plenty of variations of fashion, style, and design. Some of the world’s most famous luxury fashion brands, such as Prada and Versace, were founded or are based in Milan. You can see nods to fashion and luxury around the city.
Milan’s most iconic landmarks are the Duomo – the largest church in Italy, the San Siro – the famous football stadium shared by A.C. Milan and Internazionale, and Da Vinci’s Last Supper. You can read all about visiting these famous attractions in one day in this guide.
How to Get to Milan
Milan sits in the north of Italy, close to the border with Switzerland. If you’re travelling to Milan from another city in Italy, you may arrive by train, but it’s most likely that you’ll land in one of Milan’s three airports – Bergamo, Malpensa, or Linate. You’ll be happy to hear that all three airports are well connected to Milan’s centre by bus and rail links – yes, even the low-cost airport!
For airports with long transfer times (it takes roughly one hour to get from both Bergamo and Malpensa airports to Milan), I normally recommend researching your transport options in advance to avoid any stress or delays. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Milan’s airports have multiple bus options (Malpensa also has a train). Going both to and from Milan, I walked straight onto a bus, and the drivers were extremely helpful. Single tickets to and from any of Milan’s airports cost around €10.
Milan’s airport buses arrive and depart from Central Station (Milano Centrale). From here, it’s an easy metro ride into the centre of Milan.
How to Get Around in Milan
Milan is a fairly big city, and a lot of its attractions are quite spaced out. Luckily, the city is well connected, with a great metro network and other public transport routes. The metro can take you to pretty much all of Milan’s main attractions, such as the Duomo, the San Siro, Parco Sempione, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, as well as key transport hubs like Milano Centrale.
You’ll also find tram and bus networks in Milan, however, I found that the metro was the easiest to navigate.
If you’re spending one day in Milan, you’ll want to use the metro a lot to jump between attractions and save you time and hassle. Luckily, you can buy a 24-hour transport ticket (valid on the metro, tram, and bus) at the ticket machines. For around €7, you’ll have unlimited use of Milan’s public transport network for your day in Milan. This is also great if you choose to stay a little outside of Milan’s centre to save some money on your trip, as you won’t have to spend any extra money to get to your accommodation.
If you’re spending a little longer in Milan, you can also buy a 72-hour public transport card, which is also great value for money.
The Best Things to Do in Milan in One Day
With just one day in Milan, you probably can’t squeeze in all of the best things to do in Milan – but you can do your very best to cram in all the best of Milan in a day! Here are a few suggestions of things you could get up to in Milan, and depending on how relaxed or action-packed you want your day in Milan to be, you can decide what to add to your itinerary.
Duomo di Milano and the Centre
Arguably the most popular attraction in Milan is the grand Duomo di Milano. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world, and so tall you’ll have to crane your neck to take it all in.
In front of the Duomo is a large plaza where you can appreciate its size and grandeur. You can also walk all around the church to see it from all angles. Entrance to the Duomo is available for a fee – you can choose to enter the cathedral, the rooftop, or both. You might also enjoy a guided tour of the Duomo if you want to dive deeper into the history of this spectacular church.
The cathedral is spectacular, but if you’re an architecture lover like me, I would prioritise the rooftop. You can get up close to the spires and intricate details of the building, as well as explore the rooftop and see views over Milan.
Book your Duomo di Milano tickets today to skip the queues!
As the Duomo sits in the heart of Milan, it’s a great starting point to explore the centre of the city. Here are a few spots to see around the Duomo:
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – a grand arcade with many designer shops
- La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) – the world-famous Italian opera house
- Palazzo Reale di Milano – an art gallery housed in a former palace with a grand history
Parco Sempione & Castello Sforzesco
Like a few of its European neighbours (Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels certainly springs to mind), Milan’s city park houses the city’s triumphal arch, Arco della Pace, as well as several sculptures and a museum.
However, Parco Sempione sets itself apart by hosting the medieval Sforzesco Castle within its grounds. With a history dating back to the 15th century, the museum now offers a place to explore multiple areas of Italian and international history and culture.
Of course, the defining feature of any park is the green space it offers. Parco Sempione has plenty of space to both roam and relax and several food kiosks and bars as well.
Parco Sempione is the perfect way to slow down your day in Milan, and spend some time exploring nature and culture together.
Read Next: The 12 Best Things to Do in Lake Como
Bosco Verticale
One of the more unique things to do in Milan, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) is a modern housing development consisting of two tower blocks covered with trees and plants. The innovative project has provided a boost to Milan’s biodiversity and created an interesting spectacle in the centre of the city’s bustling business district.
Although most of us can probably only dream of seeing the apartments housed inside Bosco Verticale, the main attraction is the exterior and they are spectacular to see from the neighbouring BAM Tree Library park.
Visit a Museum in Milan
Milan is certainly not lacking in museums. With a strong influence on world fashion, art, and design, it’s no surprise that they can be explored extensively across the city. Here are just a few museums in Milan to check out:
- Museo del Novecento – Italian 20th-century art museum with amazing views of the Duomo
- Leonardo3 Museum – Celebrating the works of the iconic Italian artist, Leonardo da Vinci
- Fondazione Prada – Contemporary art and design space curated by Prada heir
- Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum – Large science museum with scientific works from Da Vinci
- Museo del Resorgimento – History museum exploring the interesting era of Resorgimento in Italy
Da Vinci’s Last Supper
During his time living in Milan, Leonardo da Vinci created some of the city’s most iconic works. Easily the most famous of all is The Last Supper – a religious mural depicting the Last Supper of Jesus and the apostles. The painting was installed in the Santa Marie delle Grazie convent in the late 1400s, as commissioned by the Duke of Milan at the time, and the original work is still housed there to this day.
Visits to The Last Supper are controlled, so as to protect this incredibly fragile piece of art. Batches of tickets are only released every three months and are highly sought after. You can make your visit easier by booking a guided tour of The Last Supper. Tickets are available much closer to the time (although they do still book up quickly), giving you more flexibility, and you’ll also have a guide to explain the historical significance of The Last Supper and answer any questions. What’s more, you could combine your tour with a walking tour of Milan and delve further into the history and culture of this amazing city.
Book your Last Supper guided tour now!
The Last Supper + Walking Tours
Try a Cooking Class
If you’re looking for something to make your one day in Milan a little more special, try out a cooking class where you’ll have the chance to make some traditional Italian delights. From pizza to pasta, tiramisu to creamy gelato, you can learn recipes from the locals that you’ll be desperate to try out again after your trip ends. Plus, you get to enjoy your delicious Italian homecooked meals at the end!
Suggested One Day in Milan Itinerary
I’ve taken you through some of the best things to do in Milan, but it can be hard to know how to structure your day to make the most of it! With just one day in Milan, you’ll really want to be organised to fit as much as possible in. Luckily, I’ve put together this suggested one-day in Milan itinerary which you can follow and tweak to your interests!
Morning
Start your morning with a pistachio croissant for breakfast. It’s specific, but just trust me on this one! They are available in countless bakeries or patisseries, so grab one on the way, or outside the Duomo, which is your first stop of the day.
You’ll visit the Duomo first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds – it’s no surprise that Milan’s most famous landmark gets busy fast. You can admire the cathedral from outside, and then climb up to the rooftop (entrance opens at 9 am). I recommend booking your tickets in advance so you have a time slot to enter.
After a great time at the Duomo, it’s time to explore more of Milan’s centre. Head across the street to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II where you can admire the designer boutiques, and even do a little shopping. After, take a wander around the surrounding streets, admiring the architecture as you go.
Now it’s time to join a tour to visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The Santa Maria delle Grazie church is a little out of the centre, so jump on the metro or take an easy 20-minute walk through the beautiful streets of Milan. If you book a walking tour with your Last Supper visit, you’ll end up back in the centre of Milan in time for lunch.
Afternoon
If you want to fit as much as possible into your 24 hours in Milan, I recommend lunch on the go from one of Milan’s many pizza slice takeaways. Try a traditional pizza slice, focaccia, or branch out to a different Italian classic, a panzarotto. A great central option is Ciao Pizza Milano.
Keep the cultural immersion going with a visit to a museum after lunch. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art and design, history, classical art, or science and technology, there’s something in Milan for you. Jump back to my mini museums in Milan list to see a selection.
After a couple of hours in a museum (or two), spend the rest of your afternoon in Parco Sempione. Make sure you spot the Arco della Pace! You could visit the Sforzesco Castle, explore the green space, or grab a drink at Bar Bianco in the park.
Evening
When you’re ready for some dinner, find a nice restaurant for Italian food, or join a cooking class and make your own! For a great dinner near the Duomo, try Pino in Duomo – and get the pistachio pizza! Enjoy a few after-dinner drinks to end the evening in Milan. In the centre, head to a terrace around the Duomo for incredible views. If you aren’t too tired, head out to the bustling Navigli district (an easy 15-minute metro ride from the centre) to enjoy drinks along the canal. You could even book an evening canal cruise around Navigli.
Top Tip: Visit Bosco Verticale when you first arrive or leave Milan, as it’s really easy to visit from Centrale Station! Add this to the morning of your one day in Milan itinerary, or visit it the next morning before you leave!
More Things to Do in Milan
If you plan to spend more than one day in Milan or feel that you could add some more activities to your itinerary, here are a few more things to do in Milan.
QC Termemilano
Milan is home to a multi-sensory spa experience that has become hugely popular due to its unique offerings, including a cinematic thunderstorm pool. Relax in a traditional spa, swim in outdoor pools, or try out one of the immersive sensory rooms, and you’ll leave QC Termemilano with truly unique memories. The only challenge will be to not spend the entire day here!
QC Termemilano is open daily from early until late (meaning you could enjoy a spa experience under the stars!). Check out their website for more details and booking.
San Siro Stadium
The shared ground of two football powerhouses is one the most iconic stadiums in Europe, if not the world. The San Siro stadium is home to A.C. Milan and Internazionale, as well as hosting multiple European and World Cup games over the years – and plenty of iconic concerts too!
The stadium lies a little outside of the centre, but can still be easily reached by metro. This is a bucket list activity in Milan for football lovers, and all the info you need for a museum visit and stadium tour can be found on the San Siro website.
Top Tip: Check out the stadium schedule before your trip and you may be able to book tickets to watch a match at the San Siro! Do note that there will be few or no matches during the summer months as the football season ends around May/June.
How to Take a Trip from Milan to Como
One of the most popular things to do in Milan is to take a day trip to Lake Como. Unfortunately, with one day in Milan, you won’t have time to squeeze in a visit to this beautiful alpine lake, but if you’re spending a weekend in Italy, it’s a great idea to spend a day in Milan and one day in Lake Como – you could even extend this to two days in Lake Como if you want to explore a bit more.
You could plan a day trip to Lake Como on your own, or book a guided tour – see some options below:
Where to Stay in Milan
When spending a day in Milan you might arrive and leave on the same day, but if you need a place to rest your head, here are a few great options for where to stay in Milan.
Meliá Milano is a 5-star hotel with a fairly humble price tag. Just a 15-minute metro ride from the centre, it’s the perfect way to indulge in a little of Milan’s luxury without the price of central hotels. Meliá is where I stayed on my trip to Milan and I couldn’t recommend it more. The staff were friendly and efficient, the hotel was gorgeous, and the room was spacious and fresh.
For a truly special stay in Milan, stay at the Galleria Vik Milano, which is housed inside the famous shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You’ll get to experience the ornate gallery in a way few else can.
And for those on a budget, Madama Hostel & Bistro comes highly recommended. With stylish interiors, easy access to the centre, and beds from less than £50 a night, this is a great option for visiting Milan on a budget.
For either one day in Milan or as part of a weekend trip, you’ll be ready to explore this beautiful Italian city after reading this guide. For more day trip inspiration, check out this guide to the Best Day Trips from Brussels by Train, and What to Do in One Day in Rotterdam.
