Known as the Italian capital of fashion and design, Milan never fails when it comes to setting trends. The streets of this northern Italian metropolis boast beauty and offer a sublime mix of historical and contemporary architecture with the imposing Duomo Cathedral at the centre of it. Wide avenues, picturesque cobblestone alleys, canal promenades and high-tech developments intersect one another. You would need at least a week to explore properly all of the city’s great sights and hidden gems, but if you plan it right, one day in Milan could be a great start.
What’s the best time to visit Milan?
Milan has a continental climate, which means cold and grey winters and hot and humid summers. Sunshine is rare from October to February, so better pick the warmer months. Given the city’s location in the Po Valley, summers can be unbearably hot with no wind at all. Therefore, if you cannot stand strong heat, skip July and August. That’s also the time of the year with the biggest tourist crowds. Ideally, the best months to visit would be May and September.
TIP: Need a transport from/to an airport? Pre-book your transfer with Welcomepickups. They offer the cheapest prices and most comfortable ride along with the possibility to pre-order essential travel products.
A few facts about Milan
- Milan is a city in northern Italy and the second-most populous city in the country. It is recognized as the world’s fashion and design capital, being a host to Milan Fashion Week and Milan Furniture Fair.
- Milan is an important art, commerce, education, entertainment, finance, healthcare, media, research and tourism centre and one of the wealthiest cities in the EU.
- Milan houses many museums and art galleries that boast some of the most important works in art history, including the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
- The two famous Italian football teams, A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, play their matches on San Siro stadium.
One Day in Milan Itinerary
Store your luggage: LuggageHero allows you to store your luggage for as long as you want to. If you are there only for a day, or waiting for a check-in, this sounds like a perfect option!
You only have one day in Milan? Then you’d better make it count! This guide to one day in Milan takes you on an itinerary that highlights the best sights and activities in the city, including La Triennale di Milano, Teatro alla Scala and the famous Piazza del Duomo. All you need to do is get yourself there!
Start Your Day With A Visit to The Duomo cathedral and Piazza Duomo
Check in your hotel and visit the The Duomo Cathedral – one of the most impressive Gothic style cathedrals in the world and the highlight of Milan attractions. It is a masterwork of architecture that leaves an indelible impression on everyone who visits. For visitors exiting the Metro or coming from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the thousands of elaborately carved spires and statues, which resemble a marble forest, are an amazing sight. The Duomo in Milan is the biggest and most ornate Gothic structure in Italy!
Reach the Piazza Duomo square early in the morning to enjoy the cathedral’s imposing facade in the vast square without huge crowds Climb the cathedral rooftop for a stunning city view and more impressive carving closeups. However, expect long lines at any time of the year or purchase a skip-the-line pass.
Visit The Opera Theater La Scala
Do not miss to chance to see Italy’s most famous opera theater where Verdi, Puccini, and other notable composers had their works presented for the first time. Many of the greatest singers from around the world have appeared at La Scala and it is one of the leading opera and ballet theaters globally. The opera is home to the renowned La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet, La Scala Theatre Orchestra, and the Filarmonica della Scala orchestra. The theater also has its own school, known as the La Scala Theatre Academy (Italian: Accademia Teatro alla Scala), which offers specializations in music, dance, stagecraft, and stage management.
Check out Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Right next to the Piazza Duomo, you’ll find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest and most luxurious Italian shopping mall, a temple of high-end shopping and outdoor cafes. Built in 1877, the gallery is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy.
The finest facade details, soaring iron-and-glass dome and floor mosaics make it an incredible place to walk around. To avoid bad luck in life, find the bull mosaic in the centre of the gallery, put your heel in the bull’s groin and turn backwards three times.
Stroll Via Dante
Via Dante Exceptional pedestrian area linking Castelo and Duomo and a place with lots of fantastic restaurants and store. Via Dante is a beautiful walking route in the historic center of Milan, and it won’t take you long so if you have one day in Milan, it’s a perfect choice. Check it out and have breakfast at the nearby Rosebymary or just sit for a bit in any of the cafe’s, drink your morning espresso and people watch. A great place for those interested in shopping, since the street is lined with fashion retail stores.
Visit the Brera neighborhood
Brera is an artsy neighborhood and one of the trendy areas of Milan. It’s famous for its fashionable cafes and restaurants, cobblestone streets and hip designer stores. You’re probably hungry by now and luckily in the Brera neighborhood you have plenty of choice. Pick one of the restaurants or trattorias along the street and order one of the traditional Milanese specialties: ossobucco (cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine and broth) and risotto alla milanese (saffron-gilded risotto). After lunch, head to Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s well known painting gallery. Its collection of works includes several of the greatest masterpieces in art history.
Explore Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
If you’re looking to make the most of your time in Milan, then you’ll want to add Sempione Park to your list of must-visit destinations. Located in the city’s popular district of Brera, this green space is an oasis where you can enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in one of the most stunning views of Milan that you can find—the famous Castello Sforzesco Castle will leave you in awe! Castello Sforzesco is the medieval castle that used to be a home of the Sforza family, the Dukes of Milan. Today, the castle houses numerous museums and art collections. However, since you’re limited by time, you can just explore the castle’s grounds, since they are free of charge,
Visit La Triennale
One of the most iconic museums in Milan is La Triennale di Milano, a design and art museum housed in Palazzo dell’Arte in Parco Sempione. The extensive permanent collection showcases the history of Italian design, but the museum never fails to impress with its ambitious temporary exhibitions. La Triennale is based in Palazzo dell’Arte, the former seat of the Istituto Nazionale d’Arte (INA). It was founded by artist, designer and architect Piero Puricelli. The museum has been operating since 1933, when it was opened as a response to Italy’s first National Biennial of Art with the goal of promoting and disseminating Italian contemporary art on an international level.
Spend the night in Navigli
Located around the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals, Navigli is an area packed with trendy bars, restaurants and cafes. Whether you’re into restaurant dining, or you just want to eat delicious cheese and salami platter at La Prosciutteria Milano Navigli (this is a must try!), you’ll find plenty of choices. If you want to explore Milano further, for dinner try Da Giacomo or Le Banque, a restuarant where you can stay and party after! If you opt for cocktails, there’s no better Italian classic than Aperol Spritz. Rita & Cocktails is a popular spot with premium beverages created entirely from natural and fresh ingredients. Looking to party? There are plenty of choices in Milan, but we suggest Alcatraz!
Where to stay in Milan?
AMABILIA SUITES
2 Passaggio Duomo, Milan City Centre, 20123 Milan, Italy
Amabilia Suites is situated 100 m from Duomo Square, features free WiFi throughout the property. The property is 300 m from Palazzo Reale, 400 m from La Scala and 700 m from San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. Guests can enjoy city views. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the guest house rooms include a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
PRESTIGE BOUTIQUE APARTHOTEL – Piazza Duomo
1 Piazzetta Pattari, Milan City Centre
PRESTIGE BOUTIQUE APARTHOTEL -Piazza Duomo. Located in Milan, near San Babila Metro Station, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and Duomo Square, PRESTIGE BOUTIQUE APARTHOTEL -Piazza Duomo features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet, bathrobes and a hairdryer. A fridge is also provided, as well as a kettle and a coffee machine. Popular points of interest near the apartment include Duomo Milan, Duomo Metro Station and Montenapoleone Metro Station. The nearest airport is Milan Linate Airport, is only 8 km away
Ostello Bello
Via Medici 4, Milan City Center
Ostello Bello is a charming, centrally located hostel, only a short walk to Duomo Cathedral. It offers an affordable stay in both private rooms and dormitories. The hostel features colorful decor and three furnished terraces with hammocks.
Day trips from Milan
Milan is truly an amazing city, and what is there to say about Italy that hasn’t been said already? You really should explore this beautiful country as much as you can. Day trips from Milan are an excellent way to do that.
Lake Como
Lake Como is situated at the foot of the Alps, so prepare yourself for some amazing photo opportunities. The town of Como is a pretty little place with lots of luxurious villas right next to the lake. Don’t miss out on the lake cruise because it’s really something special to observe the Alps from the boat. After that take a stroll enjoy what a true Italian town and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. You’ll love every minute of this!
The Alps
Since they’re so close, why not head to the mountains? The Alps will take you to the border with Switzerland and to the picturesque town of Lugano. It too is positioned on a shore of a lake, and its cobblestoned streets are absolutely beautiful. Don’t forget to taste some world-famous Swiss chocolate – there are plenty of shops where you can buy something, but sitting for a cup of hot cocoa or coffee in extremely elegant coffeehouses is just as nice.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is an extremely famous part of Italian coast comprised of five serene and immensely beautiful villages which are all a part of a national park and of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is this area. Keep in mind, they cannot be reached by car – it’s either train or boat. A cruise of this part of Italian Riviera is available, which is a great way to admire the way the villages were essentially carved into the rock.
Venice
The fabled city of Venice is just three hours’ drive away, so if you haven’t visited it yet it’s a great choice for your day trip from Milan. Enjoy its world-famous canals, ride a gondola, and visit Piazza San Marco. There is so much history wherever you turn that you will simply be amazed how this relatively small city can offer so much. For all of you who haven’t been here, this day trip is a must!
Verona
Verona, the city of love. The setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this ancient Roman city has a lot to offer. From the Roman Arena to the balcony which allegedly belonged to the real Juliet, i.e. the woman who inspired Shakespeare. Don’t forget to visit Lago di Garda, a beautiful lake which even ancient Romans used as a summer getaway.
Extra tips for visiting Milan
– Milan Metro is cheap and reliable, but most of the sights and attractions are walking distance.
– There is a strict dress code at the religious sites requiring shoulders and knees to be covered.
– Coperto (a service fee) is included in the price in bars and restaurants, so no extra tips are needed.
– If you need someone you can rely on while in this city, just contact Welcome. They offer a variety of services, know everything there is to know about Milan and will be there for you whenever you need them.
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Anca B.
Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).