Milan Travel guide
Milan is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals, but it also has a wealth of interesting museums and things to see and do.
In our Milan guide, you will find all the necessary information to plan your stay in the capital of Lombardy and make the most of your holidays, be it for a weekend or for longer.
Recommend stay- 2-3 days
Brief Overview
Milan is not always love at first sight. It’s best known as the financial hub and economic driver of the country, and it’s traditionally considered by the unsavvy tourist as second best when visiting Italy after Rome, Florence and Venice. Yet, it’s Italy’s most cosmopolitan city and, as one of the world’s capitals of fashion and design, Milan boasts the best in haute couture and furniture stores, is heaven on earth for designers, a hipster’s hotspot and a gourmets’ paradise.
Forward-looking, fast-changing, business-oriented, Milan isn’t exactly old style Italy either, but offers visitors the best of both worlds. On the one hand, an ultra modern city dominated by skyscrapers. On the other, a centro storico with quaint cobblestoned streets bustling with cafés, boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and elegant neoclassical palazzi.
Milan is the only Italian city that doesn’t depend on tourism. Indeed, all Italy looks up to it for its rich mix of attractions.
Best time to visit
Best Time for Sightseeing & Outdoor Activities: For sightseeing and outdoorsy activities, one has to choose the comfortable and welcoming months of April, May, June, July, September, and October. The weather around these months is pleasant to take up any adventure activities.
Best Time for Museum Buffs: Museums are one of those places which welcome tourists all year round. However, to beat the crowd and travel in tranquillity, one can prefer all the months except the peak seasons of May-June and September-October, as the lines in the museums are jam-packed. As the museum buffs spend significant time at their place of interest, it is advisable to beat the unnecessary tourist crowd.
Best Time for Honeymooners: The spring months of March-April and the autumn months of September and October are considered the off-season for honeymooners as the city already sees a lot of crowds and festivities. The winter months can be a blessing for couples looking for affordable honeymooning. However, the months of May, late October, and November are also suitable for honeymooners.
Best Time for Budget Travellers: The winter months of November-February and August are some of the seasons that see a relatively less tourist influx in Milan. It is the best time for budget travellers as the accommodation rates get slashed significantly, and the airline fares are cheaper too. Even though the weather may not be welcoming, it is amicable for your pockets. Also, every season has its charm if you see it!
Best Time for Shopaholics: Throughout the year, Milan sees a lot of tourists who simply come to the city to buy themselves the best designer clothing, apparel, etc. However, the month of August is not preferred for shopaholics as the local shop owners close their shops for summer vacations
Things to see and do
Duomo Milan Cathedral
No visit to Milan is complete without a visit to the iconic Duomo. Seeing it, and heading inside, is easily one of the best things to do in Milan that you can’t miss.
Taking hundreds of years to complete, it’s totally beautiful and the largest church in all of Italy (and the fourth largest in the whole world).
Once inside, make sure to look just left of the altar, for one of the most famous art pieces in Milan. It’s Saint Bartholomew Flayed that was created in the 16th Century by Marco d’Agrate.
fterwards, pop up (in the lift or stairs) to the top of the Duomo itself. It’s a totally epic experience and you can book this rooftop Duomo ticket to get right to the top. You’ll get a totally different perspective of the Duomo and a gorgeous view over this area of Milan.
£15 / 17 Euro is a bargain.
Sforzesco Castle
Built around 500 years ago, Sforzesco Castle was once the biggest citadel in all of Europe and commanded a great deal of power.
Nowadays, you can still pop into the main court area and see this magnificent castle that’s pretty easy to walk to from the Duomo (about 15-minute walk).
Once here, pop inside and see some of the exhibitions and artefacts, too. It’s well worth a gander, especially if you get one of those rainy days. Entry to the castle grounds and park are FREE but to climb the walls and museums it is around 5 Euros.
Afterwards, stroll through Sempione Park and take a wander. It’s a vast and gorgeous respite from the city streets.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Another one of Milan’s most iconic sights to see, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is right next to the Duomo and a must-visit (even for 15-minutes) when exploring Milan.
Being the oldest (and some would say the grandest) mall in all of Milan, it’s a stunning place to visit that’s so impressive.
Inside, you’ll find lots of luxury shops and some high-end eateries, too.
If you want those “instagram” photos, make sure you go around 6am or 11pm and you will have the mall to yourself.
Branca Tower
Nestled in Sempione Park, the Branca Tower is really easy to visit when you’re already exploring Sforzesco Castle.
Now, don’t expect some medieval tower, it’s actually a huge iron tower that was built almost 100 years ago and still stands proudly overlooking Milan.
Tickets are usually around 6 Euro (or so) and, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Milan if you want some gorgeous views. You see, on a crisp and clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps in the far distance.
La Scala Opera
Built centuries ago, seeing a show at La Scala is one of the best things to do in Milan if you love the opera. Not only that, the theatre is stunning and also has a gorgeous museum to explore some of the histories of this special place.
Now, if you want tickets to the opera, ballet, or a tour, then book these tickets well in advance. This way, you’ll gain access to the theatre and its museum, too.
You can be lucky and find tickets at the last minute but this can be unusual. After all, it’s a world-renowned venue and demand is high!
Price: £25 / €28
Naviglio Grande (Darsena)
If you fancy a little slice of Venice, then the Darsena Canal is well worth going for a stroll. These waterways were created centuries ago and it’s one of the best things to do in Milan if you fancy a break from the historical sites (or to see something a little different).
After arriving, go for a stroll around the banks and stop off at the little cafes, bars and restaurants that line the route. Use this Google Maps link to find the best spots with all the little cafes.
Other must see attractions
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
- San siro Stadium
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Da Vinci’s last supper painting
- Cimitero Monumentale
Basilica of San Simpliciano
Getting around Milan
Taxi
There are many taxi stations in town and you can easily order a cab by phone or with an app. Not the cheapest way to get around but certainly convenient and pretty fast (in many areas taxis have a preferential lane to avoid queues).
Public Transport
Well organised, fast and quite economical. You can get anywhere within the city and outskirts. Check the ATM app for more information or Google Maps. Apart from walking, the metro is the best way to get around Milan.
There are many fees options you can choose from:
Biglietto Urbano – 1 way ticket to travel within the city, valid 90 minutes and costing 2 euros
Day ticket: 4.40 euros
Two-days ticket: 8.25 euros
Carnet – 10 tickets for a slightly cheaper price than if bought individually
Contactless credit card payments – subway stations accept credit cards so you don’t need to buy a ticket. Most buses and trams don’t. Where To Buy Tickets ATM, Azienda Trasporti Milanesi
Take the Radiobus at night if it’s late for public transport. You can travel safely and comfortably at night time within 14 districts. Check the website for more information – https://www.atm.it/en/ViaggiaConNoi/Radiobus/Pages/Radiobus.aspx
Rent a Bike
The number of sharing services multiplies by the day. Most require an online registration and a credit card. Pick your vehicle from your nearest location and leave it wherever you don’t need it anymore. A convenient way to get around.
You can even hire a scooter for the day – just be careful that Italians call small motorbikes, Vespa style, scooters. Ask for a monopattino instead.
Where to stay
Choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in the city is necessary for several reasons. Whether it is to stay close to the culture, or to be accessible to the attractions — there should always a good reason before finalising your locality.
- Pick Centro Storico if you don’t mind a lot of crowd or are looking for a glamorous experience.
- Brera is for those who wish to experience fashion first hand.
- Porta Nuova is perfect for those wishing to go through the wonders of ‘New Milan’.
- Chinatown is perfect for those travellers who don’t mind walking and are looking for something on a budget.
Top 5 Picks
Dining in Milan
Apart from being one of the most affluent cities of Europe, Milan has also been sought after for its iconic Milanese dishes that have been attracting tourists since centuries. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on during your trip to Milan:
1. Risotto alla Milanese
The delicious risotto finds it roots way back in Milan. Rice, cheese, beef, butter, white wine, and saffron are combined and baked together to form a delicious regional speciality. The staple risotto is often served alongside other Milanese food, and makes for an important part of their dinner.
2. Ossobuco
The word ‘ossobuco’ is Italian for ‘bone with a hole’; referring to the marrow hole of a cross-cut veal shank This particular delicacy combines meat, tomato, onion, greens, and carrots and is often eaten with a bread or risotto alongside. This sumptuous traditional dish is considered to be one of the regional favourites of the people.
3. Piadina
A distant cousin of the famous Quesadilla, the Piadina is a thin Italian flatbread that is enjoyed with meat and cheese. The bread, which is flaky as well as crunchy. is a local lunch time favourite that you simply shouldn’t miss out on!
4. Cotoletta alla Milanese
A signature dish of the city, Cotoletta alla Milanese is traditionally prepared with a veal cutlet, but you can find chicken variations of the same. The dish consists of a breaded “bone-in” veal cutlet, fried in butter, and cannot be missed when in Milan!
If you have pizza and pasta on your must-eat list on your trip to Milan, you’re going to be surprised at the variety the city has to offer. With a delectable spread unlike any other city in Italy, you can’t get around Milan without sampling from some of their innovative restaurants. If you’re wondering where to start, here are some of the most sought after restaurants that you should be heading to without further ado:
Getting to Milan
Fly to Milan
There are three major airports serving Milan: Linate, is the closest to town, while Malpensa and Orio al Serio both around 45 minutes away cater for intercontinental and low-cost flights.
All three city airports are served by an inexpensive shuttle service which I highly recommend. Buses leave approximately every 30 minutes and you can board them at the Central Station and in a few more spots in town on your way back.
Trains to Milan
Milan Central Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. Most long journey trains leave from here, including the Eurostar from Paris and London. Yes, Milan can be reached by train from London St Pancras via Paris Gare du Nord in 13h 26m for as little as 80 euros.
Book tours and Purchase Tickets
More Photos
Final thoughts
This Essential Milan Travel Guide has taken you through all you need to start planning a trip to Milan! You’ve got all the practical info sorted, and have started building a list of things to see and do, and another list of places to eat and drink.
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Other Italy Related Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to Italy:
Top 10 places to visit in Italy
We loved Milan! Make sure it’s on your list.
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