One Day in Milan: The Perfect Milan Itinerary for First-Timers

For so long, travelers thought that Milan was nothing more than Italy’s busy, boring business capital. Somehow, they overlooked the fact that Milan is actually bursting with vibrant culture, mouth-watering cuisine, brilliant art and architecture, rich history, and of course, incredible shopping. And so, foolishly, they neglected to spend at least one day in Milan, exploring everything that Lombardy’s bustling capital city has to offer.

But you? You don’t have to make that same mistake.

If you’ve decided to visit Milan, then you’ve made the right choice. Now, only one question remains: How should you spend one day in Milan?

With only one day in Milan and so much to do, you need to be strategic with every move. Will you shop until you drop? Seek out Milan’s hidden gems? Visit art museums? Or will you try to fit everything in, with just 24 hours?

Believe it or not, one day will be just enough time to get a feel for the fast-paced city life, eat some delicious food, see Milan’s most beautiful sights, and go shopping!

I’ve even added aperitivo recommendations around the city for when you need to rest your feet and enjoy the Italian art of dolce far niente!

And then, you can be on your merry way to Lake Como. How’s that sound?

So without further ado, here’s the perfect Milan itinerary! This post includes everything you need to know to spend a perfect 24 hours in Milan.  

Where to Stay in Milan

With only one day in Milan, it’s important to choose a centrally located hotel within walking distance of everything you want to see. There’s no time to waste on the trams and trains!

During my day in Milan, I decided to stay at the Hotel Dei Cavalieri, which is just steps away from the Piazza del Duomo and a subway station. Our room was spacious and comfortable, the staff was very accommodating, and the view from the hotel’s rooftop bar is gorgeous.

Overall, I recommend staying at the Hotel Dei Cavalieri. Click HERE to book it!

However, some other reasonably priced, centrally located hotel options are:

• UNA Maison Milano
• NH Collection Milano President

You can find more great deals on Milan accommodations here!

Anyway, once you arrive in Milan, head straight to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, it’ll be time to explore Italy’s fashion and design capital!

The Best Things to Do in Milan in One Day

#1 Take a Guided Walking Tour

To make the most of your 24 hours in Milan, I recommend booking this 6-hour guided walking tour. That way, you’ll see all of the city’s important places, learn the history behind them from an expert guide, and get skip-the-line access to Da Vinci’s world-famous masterpiece, The Last Supper!

I chose the Best of Milan Experience and I think it was the best possible way to see Milan in such a short amount of time. The tour started early in the morning, at 9:30 am, and was jam-packed Milan’s very best. And once it was over, there was still plenty of time left to explore the rest of Milan’s highlights (like the Pinacoteca di Brera), enjoy an aperitivo on the canals of Navigli, and a beautiful dinner.

Taking this walking tour will immerse you in the city’s hustle and bustle. You’ll learn a lot about the city, experience some hidden gems you’d likely never discover otherwise, and learn about everything you see from an expert guide.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR WALKING TOUR!

#2 Visit the Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo

To kick off your day in Milan, you should start off at the Piazza del Duomo (or Duomo Square) to see the iconic Duomo di Milano (or the Milan Cathedral).

By far, the Duomo is the city’s most impressive structure, and that’s partly because it took six centuries, thousands of workers, and tons of pink-tinged white marble from Lake Maggiore to complete the cathedral.

And on top of all that, the Duomo is absolutely gorgeous. Colorful tiles, stained-glass windows, and ornate stone pillars line the inside, meanwhile hundreds of statues, gargoyles, and religious figures all adorn the cathedral, inside and out.

Today, the Duomo is Italy’s largest Gothic complex and one of the world’s largest churches in the world.

*Visiting the Duomo is included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend!

Duomo Wardrobe Tips

You won’t be able to go inside the Duomo unless your shoulders and knees are covered – and this is always the case when you visit any important religious monument in Italy.

In the summer, I always recommend wearing a long flowy dress or skirt, and bringing a light scarf along everywhere you go to cover your shoulders whenever necessary.

Duomo Rooftop

The most spectacular way to experience the Duomo is on its rooftop… especially at sunset! Take in the stunning Milan skyline, get up close to the intricate marble work, and look down at the busy Piazza del Duomo below.

This website lists all of your rooftop ticket options. You can also book a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket to learn more about the city’s skyline and the iconic monument.

Duomo Aperitivo Tip

As to be expected, a lot of the bars and restaurants offering views of Duomo are tourist traps and, therefore, not the best example of Italian cuisine. However, for a snack and aperitivo with great views of the cathedral Il Bar in Piazza Duomo is the better choice out of the bunch and not as wildly expensive as others.

#3 Window shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Opened in 1877, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest (and most beautiful) shopping malls.

And since Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, there’s no way you can leave without stopping by for a stroll and some window shopping (at the very least)… Especially since the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located in the very center of the city – just a few steps away from the Duomo, in the Piazza del Duomo.

Prada, Versace, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the luxurious shops you can expect to find inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall. 

*Visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend!

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Aperitivo Tip

Hard to find in busier parts of Milan, but a true gem in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Ristorante Galleria, which has been in the same hands for 50 years. Not a cheap option, but if you plan to stay for a meal, the food is excellent.

#4 See the Piazza della Scala

The Piazza della Scala is an impressive, historic pedestrian square in the center of Milan. It is connected to Milan’s main square Piazza del Duomo, via the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II passage.

Within this piazza, you will find La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) and a massive statue of Leonardo da Vinci.

If you’re really clever, you’ll book tickets well in advance to see a show at La Scala Opera House. Nothing would be a sweeter cherry on top of a perfect day in Milan than going to the opera at renowned La Scala.

Piazza della Scala Aperitivo Tip

When in Milan you have to try gelato and Grom II is definitely the spot to do it. It is just around the corner from Piazza della Scala so grab your choice of flavor and sit in the piazza to people-watch.

#5 See the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

From the outside, the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore seems very modest and unassuming. But on the inside, it’s anything but!

On our Best of Milan Experience tour, we stopped here for a bit to check out the church’s gorgeous murals, and to learn about its history. This 16th-century church, which was one of the most important Benedictine convents in Milan, is absolutely stunning, and it was one of the highlights of our tour. 

When in Milan, don’t miss this church! Compared to the Duomo, it’s smaller and much less crowded, yet its colorful frescoes, woodwork, and architecture will make you wonder why more people aren’t flocking to visit! Plus, it’s free to enter.

*Visiting this incredible church is included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend!

Chiesa di San Maurizio Aperitivo Tip

Some say the best panini in Milan is at Panini de Santis. Located just a few steps away from the church, it really is a hidden gem. The selection is amazing and there is true artistry that goes into creating your sandwich here. Definitely stop here for a light lunch or snack!

#6 Check out the Castello Sforzesco

In the 15th century, the Sforza dynasty built its iconic red-brick Castello Sforzesco atop the remains of a 14-century Visconti fortress. During the Renaissance, the Sforza ruled over all of Milan from Castello Sforzesco, and today, its tower and surrounding walls still stand tall over the city.

This important piece of Milan’s history is one you shouldn’t miss – and if possible, you should take a guided tour like this one.

While there, walk around the castle grounds, relax near the fountain, do some people-watching, and then take a stroll through nearby Parco Sempione, enjoy the gardens, and see the Arco della Pace.

*Visiting the Castello Sforzesco is included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend!

RELATED POST: How to take a Self-Guided Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

#7 See The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

During your time in Milan, perhaps the most important thing to see is the world-famous masterpiece The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci.

It’s absolutely mind-blowing.

Even if you’re not super into art, I promise, there’s no way you won’t appreciate the history and technique behind this legendary piece of art, which is carefully displayed inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Note: It’s nearly impossible to get tickets to see The Last Supper on your own. They are always sold out. The tour companies get first dibs, and that’s why it’s so important for you to book a tour of Milan that includes entry to see this incredible work of art by Leonardo da Vinci.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your ticket to The Last Supper, because you’ll be totally bummed if you miss out. This express tour is a fantastic option to get a private experience on a smaller group tour.

*Seeing The Last Supper with skip-the-line access is included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend!

Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper Aperitivo Tip

A surprising gem next to one of the biggest tourist spots in Milan is Bar Le Grazie. Despite being the closest to Santa Maria delle Grazie they don’t seem to have capitalized on the tourism, it remains locally charming with good coffee, juices, and Italian desserts.

#8 Walk down Via Montenapoleone

As you stroll through Milan, make sure to walk down Via Montenapoleone.

This street is one of Milan’s most luxurious shopping streets, filled to the brim with fancy cars, stylish locals (and maybe even some models and celebrities), and of course, world-renowned designer boutiques like Dior, Hermès, Valentino, and Salvatore Ferragamo.

Whether you have a big budget to blow, or you just want to window shop, this street is a fashion lover’s paradise.

In Italy’s fashion capital, this chic street is one you can’t miss.

Via Montenapoleone Aperitivo Tip

Of course, this is the place to get some serious people-watching in, and there is no better place to do it than Pasticceria Cova. It’s popular with locals and tourists, so prepare for crowds, but it’s worth it for excellent Italian coffee and tiramisu. The Pasticceria was founded in 1817 and retains an old Milanese fashion industry vibe.

#9 Explore the Brera District

Next up is the Brera District of Milan, which is an absolute must for any art fanatic!

Brera, the city’s Bohemian-style artistic district, consists of many galleries, artisans’ workshops, and little shops selling art supplies. Important museums and cultural centers, such as the Pinacoteco di Brera, the Braidense National Library, and the Museo Astronomico are also there.

But in addition to the area’s unrivaled art scene, the Brera District is a gorgeous, historic neighborhood that offers some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, old architecture, and shopping, of course! Take some time to simply wander and get lost in this stunning, historic district.

Brera District Aperitivo Tip

There are a lot of great options in this area so you will be spoiled for choice, but a top pick is definitely La Prosciutteria. Stop here for one of the best charcuterie trays in Milan, sip an Aperol spritz, and enjoy the historic surroundings. Veggie options also abound, with a delicious selection of cheeses and crackers.

#10 Stop by the Pinacoteca di Brera

If you have some extra time in the Brera District, then make sure to visit Pinacoteca di Brera. This amazing gallery, housed inside a 19th-century monastery, is one of Italy’s largest art galleries.

The Pinacoteca di Brera was founded in 1809 by Napoleon I, and it contains one of the best and largest collections of Italian paintings the world over. Paintings you won’t want to miss inside the Pinacoteca di Brera include The Kiss (18590 by Francesco Hayez, the Brera Madonna (1472–74) by Piero della Francesca, and The Marriage of the Virgin (1504).

If you have extra time, the Braidense National Library and the Museo Astronomico are right next-door.

Pinacoteca di Brera Aperitivo Tip

Stumble across Borgonuovo 26 and you won’t be disappointed, there is a real homely feeling about this restaurant – and the service is excellent. Simple, delicious food and a great wine list make it worth stopping here for a meal!

#11 Visit the Navigli District

Here’s a hidden gem for you! Did you have any idea that Milan has waterways? In fact, Venice isn’t the only Italian city featuring picturesque canals!

After exploring the city’s highlights, make sure to wrap up your day in the charming Navigli District. This lesser-known area of Milan is home to lots of boutiques, art, great restaurants, and some of the city’s best nightlife.

A favorite local pastime is to come to Navigli on a summer evening to relax, stroll the canals, and enjoy an aperitivo or two at a restaurant’s outdoor patio. An absolute must during your 24 hours in Milan!

Navigli District Aperitivo Tip

Il Principe dei Naviglia is a fantastic spot for a lovely dinner over canal views. This place is popular with locals and can get really busy, so try to book ahead. If you stop here during a weekday, there’s a great business lunch for just €13 – a bargain in such a popular place!

Staying More Than 1 Day in Milan?

One day in Milan is the perfect amount of time to experience the city’s highlights, but I can give you one great reason to stay longer than 24 hours: Lake Como.

Taking a day trip to luxurious Lake Como from Milan is the most budget-friendly way to visit this serene lake and its quaint hillside towns. And it’s also handy if you’re short on time, like I was!

If I were you, I would plan on spending an extra night in Milan so you can rise early, take the train to Como, and spend a whole day exploring towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.

This blog post explains exactly how to take a self-guided day trip from Milan to Lake Como, including which trains to take, how to use the ferries, and what to do when you’re there.

If you prefer to simplify even further there is a great day tour to Lake Como from Milan which also includes time in Bellagio to eat, drink and explore.

OTHER ITALY POSTS:

• How to take a Self-Guided Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan
• A Quick Guide to Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, and Como
• The Best Places to Eat in Rome
• Two Days in Venice: The Perfect Itinerary
• Tuscany in One Day: Siena, San Gimignano, and Pisa
• Is a Gondola Ride in Venice Worth it?
• Hiking in Cinque Terre: A Day Trip from Florence
• Riding Vespas through Tuscany: A Must Do!

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Have you been to Milan before? Did you spend more than one day in Milan? Overall, what did you think of the city? Was Milan definitely worth visiting? Or not so much?