If you’re planning a trip to Italy, then you should definitely visit the beautiful northern city that is Milan! Milan is often overlooked by other Italian cities such as Venice, Florence, and Rome, but there are so many reasons to visit Milan. If you’re flying into Italy, the Milan Malpensa Airport is the largest airport in northern Italy and international fares to and from that airport are cheaper comparatively. Milan is also a popular transport hub to popular Italian destinations such as Lake Como, Lake Garda, and the Dolomites. Additionally, you can easily get cheap train tickets to other northern Italian cities such as Verona, Padua, and Venice. All in all, Milan is a great city to visit and a good transport hub for visiting other Italian cities. If you’re strapped for time, the good news is that you can easily see a good bit of Milan in one day. Find out how to spend the perfect day in Milan!
How To Get To Milan
The best ways to get to Milan are by plane and by train.
By Plane
There are three airports in Milan: Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo (BGY) airports. Malpensa is the largest and busiest airport so you’ll most likely fly into MXP. From MXP, you can take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale, Cadorna, or Milano Porta Garibaldi, which are the main stations in Milan. The Malpensa airport is 31 miles (50 km) from Milan and the trip takes about an hour. This is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Milan from the airport as the ticket is around 14 euros.
By Train
Train travel is easy and cheap in Italy! I always recommend traveling by train in Europe when the journey is less than 6 hours. There are several train stations in Milan including Milano Centrale, Cadorna, and Milano Porta Garibaldi as mentioned above. You should book tickets to the station that is easiest to get to your first stop in Milan!
How to Get Around Milan
Milan has a great public transit system and the metro system is easy to use! The metro will get close to anywhere you’ll want to go. This one-day-in-Milan itinerary is also walkable so you could choose to walk or use the metro.
Tip: I always use Google Maps to find the best routes using public transportation.
Where to Stay in Milan
I recommend staying anywhere in central Milan (less than a 15-minute walk from the Duomo) or anywhere near a metro line. This would be the best option for a quick one-day trip in Milan as you won’t lose time getting from place to place. Check out great booking options below!
Booking.comThe Perfect Day in Milan
You’re going to start your day in Milan at the iconic Duomo of Milan! I recommend coming to the Duomo at sunrise as it is typically very crowded during the day. You’ll have an entirely different experience by coming first thing in the morning as you’ll be able to experience this beautiful cathedral in peace and serenity. Sunrise is also a great time to photograph the Duomo without crowds!
7:30 AM Breakfast at Marchesi 1824
After seeing the Duomo at sunrise, head to Marchesi 1824 for a delicious breakfast! There are multiple locations in Milan, but I suggest eating at the one near the Duomo, inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is Milan’s iconic pastry shop, serving customers since 1824! Be sure to try their famed selection of cappuccinos and pastries. Not only is the food delicious, but the interior is jaw-dropped. You’ll also get a panoramic view of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele from the windows of the cafe! If you love people-watching like me, then you’re going to love this spot.
9:00 AM Visit the Duomo
You’ve seen the outside of the Duomo, but now it is time to see the inside! The Duomo opens at 9 AM and I recommend going there right at opening time. You can purchase timed tickets in advance here, and there are several ticket types. I recommend the Duomo Pass Lift or the Duomo Pass Stairs. These all-inclusive tickets grant you access to the cathedral, archaeological area, rooftop, and museum and exhibitions. The only difference between the two passes is whether you want to take the lift up to the rooftop or the stairs (the stairs pass is about 5 euros cheaper).
Be sure to take your time at the Duomo as there is so much to see! The rooftop was absolutely worth it in my opinion as you get a close-up look at the beautiful architecture. Plus, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Milan.
Get Your Tickets to the Duomo
12:00 PM Lunch at Galleria Restaurant
There are so many great dining options around the Duomo that it is hard to choose from! Feel free to grab lunch at any establishment that catches your eye, but my suggestion is Galleria Restaurant. This family-run restaurant serves delicious Italian classics such as pasta and pizzas but also traditional dishes typical of Milan: ossobuco with risotto, Milanese Cotoletta, Risotto Milanese, and the other famous dishes of Milan.
2:00 PM See the Last Supper
Did you know that the Last Supper is in Milan? Yes, the original Last Supper! You can see the Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie which houses the Last Supper Museum.
The Last Supper Museum is only a 20-minute walk from the Duomo so it is easily accessible by foot. The museum is closed on Mondays and tickets to see the Last Supper are in high demand so you have to book online early in advance. The reservations open up three months in advance so try and get your tickets as early as possible. You can book a guided tour below for the Last Supper!
3:00 Afternoon drinks at Terrazza Aperol
After seeing the Last Supper, head back towards the Duomo for afternoon drinks at Terrazza Aperol. This lively rooftop bar offers a great view of the Milan cathedral and a great spot to enjoy drinks and small bites. Unfortunately, you cannot make reservations in advance so there might be a wait if it is busy.
4:30 Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a beautiful shopping arcade just next to the Duomo. It is Italy’s oldest shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan. There are many name brand stores here including Gucci, Prada, and Dior. Even if you’re not a shopper, it is still great to walk around the arcade to admire its beautiful facade.
6:00 PM Stroll through Piazza Della Scala
Piazza Della Scala is right on the other side of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This really is a quick stop since you’re already right there! The main feature of this square is the statue of Leonardo da Vinci in the center. This spot is also a great place to sit and rest for a bit if you’re tired.
7:00 PM Dinner in Brera neighborhood
Brera is a trendy and artsy neighborhood in Milan, and it is a great neighborhood to walk around! Explore the neighborhood and stop for a meal at the restaurant that catches your eye. It is the perfect way to end a day well spent in Milan!
Check out these activities and tours in Milan!
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