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

Hotels in Milan are pricy, but convenience is key. Choose a hotel in the heart of the Centro Storico, so you can walk everywhere. There's no time to waste!

I always stay at the Hotel Dei Cavalieri, just steps away from the Piazza del Duomo and a subway station. In my experience, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, the staff is accommodating, and the view from the hotel's rooftop bar is gorgeous.

However, I also recommend UNA Maison Milano and Tivoli President Milano Hotel. They're both reasonably priced (by Milan's standards, that is), nice, and centrally located.

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 (including a lunch break). 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 The Last Supper.

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.

MADDY'S TAKE: I thought the Best of Milan Experience was the best possible way to see Milan in such a short amount of time. My tour started at 9:30 AM, included free time for lunch mid-way, and covered all of Milan's highlights (including the Duomo di Milano and Castello Sforzesco).

After the tour, I still had time to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, have an aperitivo on the canals of Navigli, and enjoy a traditional Milanese dinner. Perfetto!

2. Visit the Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo

To kick off your day in Milan, start at Piazza del Duomo (or Duomo Square) to see the iconic Duomo di Milano (or the Milan Cathedral). Note: The Best of Milan Experience I recommend will take you there.

The Duomo is Milan's most impressive structure – partly because it took six centuries, thousands of workers, and tons of pink-tinged white marble from Lake Maggiore to complete it.

But also, the Duomo is gorgeous. Colorful tiles, stained-glass windows, and ornate stone pillars line the inside, while hundreds of statues, gargoyles, and religious figures adorn the cathedral, inside and out.

Today, it's Italy's largest Gothic complex and one of the world's largest churches.

Duomo di Milano Tips

• What to wear: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Duomo. Dress accordingly! Ladies, on hot summer days, I recommend wearing a long and airy dress or skirt, and bringing a light scarf along to cover your shoulders whenever necessary.
• Rooftop access: From the terrace, you'll see Milan's skyline, get up close to the intricate marble work, and look down on the busy Piazza del Duomo below. You can book a guided skip-the-line Duomo interior and terrace tour or buy the Combo Lift ticket for €26 to go on your own. Closed on Wednesdays.
• Aperitivo tips: Many restaurants/bars with Duomo views are tourist traps. Expect high prices and low quality. Serious about finding authentic Milanese cuisine? Go on this Milan foodie walking tour! Or, wander beyond the city center to Osteria Brunello; it’s cozy, classy, and their saffron risotto (Risotto alla Milanese) stands out among stiff competition!

MADDY'S NOTE: Tickets to the interior (but not the terrace) of the Duomo are included in the Best of Milan Experience walking tour I recommend.

3. Window shop at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, so a little window-shopping (or proper shopping!) is in order.

Opened in 1877, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest (and most beautiful) shopping malls. The grand architecture and collection of luxury boutiques here are unparalleled.

MADDY'S TIP: Hungry? Authentic Italian and Milanese food is tricky to find in the heart of the Centro Storico – especially in tourist-packed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The historic Ristorante Galleria is the exception.

4. See the Piazza della Scala

The Piazza della Scala is an impressive, historic pedestrian square in the center of Milan. It's 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.

MADDY'S TIP: 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 the renowned La Scala.

5. See the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

From the outside, the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is modest and unassuming. But on the inside? It's anything but!

During my Best of Milan Experience tour, we stopped to check out the church's gorgeous frescoes, woodwork, and architecture. This 16th-century church – one of Milan's most important Benedictine convents – is stunning, uncrowded, and a total hidden gem. Plus, it's free to enter.

MADDY'S TIP: Some say Panini De Santis makes the best panino in Milan! Lucky you, it's just a few steps away from Chiesa di San Maurizio.

6. Check out the Castello Sforzesco

In the 15th century, the Sforza Dynasty built the iconic red-brick Castello Sforzesco atop the remains of a 14th-century Visconti fortress. During the Renaissance, they ruled over Milan from Castello Sforzesco. 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! A guided tour is included in the Best of Milan Experience, otherwise consider this standalone guided tour of Castello Sforzesco.

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

READ MORE: How to take a Self-Guided Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan

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.

9. Explore the Brera District

Next up is the Brera District, Milan’s bohemian, artsy neighborhood. It's filled with charming cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s best architecture, bars, and restaurants. It's the kind of place you wander through, get lost in, and fall in love with.

Take your time strolling past old architecture, people-watching at sidewalk cafés, and popping into the little shops that give Brera its character.

MADDY’S TIP: If you have extra time (unlikely on a one-day itinerary!), consider a quick visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera. Housed in a 19th-century monastery, it’s one of Italy’s top art galleries, home to masterpieces like The Kiss by Hayez and the Brera Madonna by Piero della Francesca.

10. Visit the Navigli District

Here's a hidden gem for you! Did you know Milan has waterways? In fact, Venice isn't the only Italian city featuring picturesque canals!

After exploring the city's highlights, 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.

I love spending warm evenings in Navigli – relaxing, strolling the canals, and enjoying an aperitivo or two al fresco. This is an absolute must during your 24 hours in Milan!

MADDY'S TIP: Il Principe dei Navigli is a fantastic spot for dinner with canal views. This place is popular with locals and can get really busy, so try to book ahead!

Have More Than 1 Day in Milan?

One day in Milan is the perfect amount of time to experience the city's highlights, but Milan rivals Florence for the best home base for day trips! Here are my three favorite day trips from Milan:

• Lake Como (Bellagio, Varenna, Boat Cruise): Want to see luxurious Lake Como in one day? You can either book a guided day trip to Lake Como, which includes Bellagio, Varenna, and a scenic boat cruise – or check out my guide on how to take a self-guided day trip from Milan to Lake Como.
• Bernina Red Train, Swiss Alps and St. Moritz: Have you heard of the Bernina Express (or the Red Train)? From Milan, you can experience “the world's most beautiful train journey” through the Swiss Alps and explore the charming mountain town of St. Moritz.
• Alba, Piedmont Winery, Grinzane Cavour Castle: Escape into Piemonte’s rolling hills for Barolo tastings, a stroll through historic Alba, and a guided visit of the UNESCO-listed Grinzane Cavour Castle.