27 Things to do in Milan (2024): Best places to visit – travel guide for Milan

Milán co navštívit

Wondering what to visit in Milan? Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Milan, plus practical information on accommodation, prices, food and other useful tips.

Table of Content
  1. Why visit Milan?
  2. Things to do in Milan: Best places to visit
  3. Things to see and things to do around Milan
  4. Where to stay in Milan
  5. Things to see in Milan – Map
  6. Car rental in Milan
  7. Prices and food in Milan
  8. What food to try in Milan?
  9. When to visit Milan?
  10. Practical information about Milan
  11. The best booking resources for visiting Milan
  12. More information about Italy
  13. Summary: Best things to do in Milan

Why visit Milan?

Milan is different from other Italian cities that lie further south. Milan has a typical Italian atmosphere mixed with a modern western feel. That way, unlike in Rome, you can count on the bus to arrive at the right time.

Milan is the perfect blend of history and modernity. It is the capital of Lombardy and the city has much to offer even to those who are not so keen on historical monuments.

If you want to see a cathedral that will make your chin drop, shop for original pieces in local boutiques or take a trip to the most beautiful lakes in the Alps, Milan is the perfect holiday destination for you.

Quick Travel Guide for Milan

Where booking is mandatory or recommended: Duomo di Milano (long queues), Da Vinci’s Last Supper (reservations required weeks or months in advance)

Where to stay: Hotel AMEDIA (modern hotel at a good price), Hotel Ritter Hotel Ritter (quiet hotel in the centre), B&B Hotel Milano Ornato (budget accommodation with good accessibility)

How to get from the airport to the city centre: The most popular means of transport from Malpensa or Bergamo Airport are air-conditioned buses (with wifi, seat and luggage space at the bottom of the bus). Other options are taxis and the Malpensa Express trains from Malpensa Airport.

How to get around the city: To get around the city, you will most often use the metro, buses and trams. The best way to pay for shipping is with a contactless card, or. multi-day ticket.

Things to do in Milan: Best places to visit

Milan is not a city full of monuments like Rome or Florence. Still, it is definitely worth seeing. Set aside at least 2-3 days for sightseeing, as Milan will entertain you with its contrasts, magnificent sights and the skyscrapers of Porto Nuova.

Check out the most beautiful places and things to do in Milan:

Duomo Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo

The Cathedral of the Nativity, or Duomo, is the main reason most tourists come to Milan. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the world (it can hold up to 11,000 people) and took over 600 years to build.

Milan Cathedral / Duomo / sightseeing, things to do in Milan

It will amaze you (really amaze you) with its paintings, 3,500 statues, 135 towers, 5 bronze doors and stained glass windows.

The Duomo dominates the Piazza del Duomo, which is surrounded by other beautiful buildings (we’ll show you more in a moment).

Milan Cathedral / Duomo / sightseeing, things to do in Milan

During your visit to the cathedral, you can climb to the roof. And it’s not just any roof. It’s probably the nicest roof you’ll ever walk on. Among the magnificent towers and with a view of Milan.

This was our best experience in Milan. And it was worth every euro!

Milan Cathedral / Duomo / sightseeing, things to do in Milan

How to visit the Duomo in Milan

The Duomo di Milano is a religious building, where you must enter with reverence and keep your shoulders and knees covered and remove your headgear. It’s up to the staff to let you in even if you don’t follow the rules.

There are several types of tickets to choose from to visit the Duomo di Milano. The most popular is the combination ticket which includes entry to the cathedral, the terraces, the archaeological site and the Duomo Museum.

Full admission is 20 € and 10 € for children 6-17 years old. With the use of the lift, the entrance fee is 25 € and for children aged 6-17 years 12,50 €. Children under 5 years of age and disabled children with an accompanying person are admitted free of charge.

The cathedral is open daily from 9:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:10).

The Duomo is one of the most visited monuments in Milan and the queues are long. For this reason, we booked our tickets in advance. We didn’t wait in line and went straight to the entrance, which is located on the left side of the cathedral (it is the entrance to the terraces, where you then go down into the cathedral).

Milan Cathedral / Duomo / sightseeing, things to do in Milan

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery

The Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery is the oldest still functioning shopping centre in Italy, located to the left of the Duomo.

what to see in Milan / where to go in Milan / Milan sights

The luxury and luxury of this place literally oozes. It is the hub for the oldest boutiques and restaurants in the city, spread over 4 floors. Even if you don’t plan to shop, head here to admire the glass dome and interior architecture.

The gallery is passable and accessible 24/7.

Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Milano)

The Royal Palace has the seat of Milanese government for centuries. Today it is a cultural centre where you can enjoy a variety of exhibitions and displays, more than 1500 of which are held here every year. You will also enjoy the magnificent interior with a wide staircase.

The Royal Palace is also home to the Duomo Museum, which is included with a combined ticket to the Duomo di Milano.

Palazzo Reale di Milano / things to do in Milan
  • Price: full admission to the Royal Palace in Milan is 15 €, for students 15-24 years old 13 €, for disabled 10 €. If you are visiting Palazzo Reale di Milano with children aged 6-14, the entrance fee is €10 for adults and €6 for children.
  • Tickets: Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Opening hours: except Mondays, open daily 10:00-19:30. On Thursdays the opening hours are extended until 22:30.
  • How to get in: The Royal Palace lies to the right of the Duomo.

Read: Itinerary for Milan in 2 days

Museo del Novecento

And again, we won’t go far. Between the Royal Palace and the Duomo, you can go to the Museo del Novecento.

The museum includes 400 works of art from the 20. century, mostly by Italian artists. But you will also find international artists such as Warhol and Kosuth.

What’s more, the museum offers a great view of the Duomo.

  • Price: admission to the Museo del Novecento is €5 and a reduced admission of €3 for 18-25 year olds, over 65s and disabled people with an escort. Children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge.
  • Opening hours: the same as Palazzo Reale di Milano
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo

Piazza Mercanti

Piazza Mercanti is a historic square near the cathedral that was once the commercial and governmental centre of the city.

If you want to soak up the medieval atmosphere and admire the beautiful buildings, you should definitely come here. It’s a little hidden, but that’s the charm of it.

Piazza Mercanti Milan

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

The Last Supper mural by Leonardo da Vinci from 15. century is one of the greatest works of art in the world. It is located on the left side of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci

How to visit The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci:

Full admission is 15€ and reduced 2€ for youth 18-25 years old. You can buy a ticket must be booked in advance for a specific day and time. This is well in advance, because tickets are sold out weeks and months in advance.

Available dates are announced 3-4 months in advance. If tickets are sold out, another option is
a guided tour
.

You can come and see the painting every day from 8:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:45). Inside, you have 15 minutes to see the painting – the painting is no longer in good condition, so they have limited the visitors to 1000 people per day.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Admission is free.

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Milan

Sforza Castle (Sforzesco)

Sforza Castle is one of the most beautiful monuments in Milan. The castle was built in 15. century and is one of the largest citadels in the world. It hosts various collections including art, antique furniture and musical instruments. The highlight is Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture of Rondanini’s Pieta.

You can walk around the complex for free or visit the museum for a small fee.

Sforza Castle Milan

Admission and opening hours of Castello Sforzesco

The castle grounds are free to explore, but you must purchase a €5 ticket for the museums (reduced rate of €3 for 18-25 year olds and over 65s). Free admission is the first Sunday of every month and every first and third Tuesday of every month after 2pm. an hour. Tickets can be bought on the spot, there are no long queues.

The complex is open daily from 7:00-19:30. The museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00-17:30 (ticket office closes at 16:30).

Read: Itinerary for Milan in 3 days

Park Sempione and Arco della Pace

Behind Sforza Castle is the largest park in Milan – Sempione Park. There are plenty of benches, ponds, toilets and refreshments. An ideal place to relax.

Park Sempione Milan

It also houses the Museum of Design and Art, the Branca Tower overlooking Milan, and an aquarium.

Sempione Park is open daily from 6:30-21:00 during the summer season. Opening hours may be shortened during the low season.

On the other side of the park, the imposing Arco della Pace towers majestically. It is about a quarter of an hour’s walk from Sforza Castle without stopping.

Arco della Pace Milan

Biblioteca Ambrosiana

Do you like beautiful art? Don’t miss the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in the city centre, just a short walk from the Duomo. Inside, you can admire works by Leonardo da Vinci and Titian, which are housed in magnificent spaces and are worth seeing in their own right.

Full admission to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana is €15, €10 for students and youth 15-18, €5 for children 6-14 and €13 for seniors. For tickets, click here.

The gallery is open daily except Wednesdays from 10:00-18:00.

Church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

The Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is the hidden jewel of Milan. From the outside it looks inconspicuous, but inside it hides beautiful and well-preserved frescoes that decorate the walls and footprints. Many of these frescoes were painted by artists who followed the teachings of Leonardo da Vinci.

Church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

The church is nicknamed “the Sistine Chapel of Milan”. It originally served as a Benedictine convent for daughters of noble families who decided to dedicate their lives to God.

Church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
  • Price: the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is free of charge.
  • Opening hours: the church is open daily except Mondays from 10:00-17:00.

Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)

Now you might be wondering if one of the tips is the cemetery in Milan. The Cimitero Monumentale is literally an open-air museum covering 250,000 square metres.

And it might be the place that surprises you the most when you visit Milan. A large collection of Italian statues, Greek temples, obelisks and a small version of Trajan’s Column.

Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

Once through the main entrance, you will enter the “Hall of Fame”, where hundreds of Italy’s most famous architects, athletes, actors, journalists, musicians and others are buried. Among the most impressive tombs are the white sculptural tower representing the life and death of Christ, the pyramid built for the Bruni family, and several statues representing the Last Supper. A map showing the sites can be found at the main entrance.

Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

All visitors are treated with reverence and respect and just walk quietly through the cemetery.

Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

You can find a map with marked points of interest at the main entrance. The cemetery is open daily except Mondays from 8:00-17:30 and on Sundays until 18:00.

Read: Itinerary for Milan in 1 day

Milano centrale

The Milano Centrale building is the main train station in Milan. At the same time, it is Europe’s largest train station, which impresses from the outside as well as from the inside. If you are travelling from here, arrive early to get your bearings.

Milano Centrale

Brera neighbourhood

Milan has some really beautiful neighbourhoods. But Brera is the most charming. Located near the Duomo, it’s recognisable by its cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses with stained-glass shutters and lively atmosphere.

You can just stroll around or sit in one of the cafes.

Brera Milan

La Scala

La Scala is the world-famous opera house that has been the focal point of Milan since its foundation in 1778.

Many well-known opera artists from all over the world have appeared in the opera. You can see the beautiful interior of La Scala during an evening performance or during a regular tour.

Opposite the theatre is a small park with a statue of Leonardo da Vinci in the middle.

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

The National Museum of Science and Technology is the largest science and technology museum in Italy. Here you will find exhibits ranging from transport and energy to the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, to whom the museum is dedicated.

It’s a great tip for a visit with kids as it includes lots of interactive exhibits. However, adults will also enjoy it, because there is a lot to see here with lots of interesting information.

Admission and opening hours

Full admission is €10 and reduced admission is €7.50 for children and young people aged 3-26 and seniors over 65. The museum is open daily except Monday at the following times: Tuesday to Friday 9:30-17:00 and at the weekend 9:30-18:30

Accommodation in Milan 😴

milán ubytování
B&B Hotel Milano Ornato

Cheap and comfortable hotel with good accessibility

milán ubytování
Hotel Ritter

Quiet 3* hotel in the centre, just 5 minutes from the metro

Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery

The famous art gallery Pinacoteca di Brera includes some of the greatest works from the 13th century. to 20th century. The gallery building is a work of art in itself. In addition to the collection, you can walk through the beautiful garden full of sculptures or see for yourself how the paintings are restored.

Art Gallery Pinacoteca di Brera Milan / Museums in Milan

Admission and opening hours Pinacoteca di Brera

Full admission to the gallery is 16,50 €, reduced admission is 11,50 € for youth 15-18 years and students, 6,50 € for children 6-14 years and 14,50 € for seniors over 65 years.

Free entry on the first Sunday of every month – booking is required
in advance here
.

Pinacoteca di Brera is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30-19:15.

Brera Botanical Garden

The Brera Botanical Garden is a perfect oasis of greenery in the bustling centre of Milan. Take a walk among the plants, in the arboretum of trees or enjoy a moment of peace on one of the benches.

Botanical Garden Brera Milan

Entrance to the botanical garden is free. There is a small seating area and free toilets. Open daily except Sunday 10:00-18:00 (off-season opening hours may be reduced).

Navigli district

A little bit of Venice in Milan? Yes, there are canals in Milan too. There are exactly two – Navigli Grande and Navigli Pavese. Especially the Navigli Grande canal should not be missed. Yes, there are canals in Milan too. There are exactly two – Navigli Grande and Navigli Pavese. Especially the Navigli Grande canal should not be missed.

The Navigli district was once a system of canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Today, it is one of Milan’s liveliest neighbourhoods, frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Around Navigli Grande, artists exhibit their paintings, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants and vintage shops.

Navigli Grande Milan

Try traditional Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese or osso buco. Most of the better restaurants open around 7pm. If you arrive early, go for an aperitivo, a small snack with a drink.

Navigli Grande Milan

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest churches in the city, built in the 4th century by the patron saint of Milan, Saint Ambrose. It impresses from the outside with its red brick exterior. Inside, it hides beautiful frescoes.

  Basilica of St Ambrose Milan
  Basilica of St Ambrose Milan
  • Price: free admission
  • Opening hours: the Basilica is open for visitors from Monday to Saturday from 7:30-12:30 and 14:30-19:00 and on Sundays from 8:00-13:00 and 15:00-20:00.

San Siro Stadium

If you’re a football fan like Petya, the San Siro stadium should definitely be on your list of things to see in Milan.

what to see in Milan / where to go in Milan / Milan sights

San Siro Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in Europe, home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. It can accommodate up to 80,000 people. Experiencing a football match in Milan is an unforgettable experience.

You can use the stadium also visit during the day tour – You’ll walk through the famous tunnel, see the changing rooms, pitch and press room and visit the museum to learn more about the local teams.

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

The Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa isn’t spectacular like other Milanese churches, but it’s still one of the most powerful experiences you’ll get. It is famous for its small side chapel, the walls of which are decorated with human skulls and bones.

The church is a short walk from the Duomo and admission is free (they accept donations).

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa Milan / things to see in Milan

Gardens of Indro Montanelli

The Indro Montanelli Gardens and Park is located between Milano Centrale Station and Milan’s historic centre.

They house a natural history museum, the Dugnani Palace and a series of trails with seating. In addition, there are several snack bars where you can go for a meal or a coffee.

Directly opposite the Natural History Museum you will see the distinctive Arco di Portaluppi. If you like beautiful architecture, I recommend going through the gate and continuing past the beautiful buildings that are located in the Porta Venezia district.

Arco di Portaluppi Milan

A little further afield you can visit Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s design villa.

Villa Reale a Corso Buenos Aires

Another interesting place in the Porta Venezia district is the Villa Reale, home to the Museum of Modern Art. Behind it is a beautiful, peaceful garden.

Villa Reale Milan

The bustling Corso Buenos Aires winds through the Porta Venezia district, lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings.

Porta Venezia Milan

Piazza Gae Aulenti

Porta Nuova serves as a contrast to the historic centre of Milan. This modern neighbourhood is the epitome of modern Milan – skyscrapers, luxury apartments and corporate offices that define Milan as Italy’s city of the future. The entrance to Porta Nuova is Piazza Gae Aulenti.

Porta Nuova Milan

You can sit in the grass, have a delicious ice cream at Venchi and see the interesting architecture, including the Bosco Verticale, a sustainable apartment building with lots of greenery.

Porta Nuova Milan Bosco Verticale

Colonne di San Lorenzo

Do you like ancient Rome? If you’re feeling fancy, the Colonne di San Lorenzo is about 10 minutes from St Ambrose Basilica. These are a series of ancient Roman columns dating from the end of the 2nd century. They once lined the main road of Roman Milan (the ancient name of Milan).

Accommodation in Milan 😴

ubytování milán
Hotel AMEDIA

New 4* hotel with good access to the centre

ubytování milán
Hotel San Siro

Modern hotel near San Siro Stadium

Things to see and things to do around Milan

Bergamo

Bergamo is located near Milan in Lombardy. Thanks to Milan, Bergamo is overlooked by many tourists. And although it has been growing in popularity in recent years, it is still an authentic city that will literally delight you with its friendly and warm atmosphere.

Bergamo is famous for its labyrinth of medieval streets in Città Alta and the lively atmosphere in Città Bassa.

Things to do in and around Milan
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleoni Chapel

There’s plenty to see in Bergamo – the Venetian walls from the 16th century, the Rocca di Bergamo fortress, the Duomo di Bergamo, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Cappella Colleoni church with its intricate marble facade.

Just wander through the narrow streets with small shops and enjoy the medieval architecture and the view from the walls. Città Alta is easily walkable in a couple of hours.

Read more about Bergamo in a separate article.

Lago di Como

Lago di Como is a beautiful alpine lake, famous for its fjords. Don’t miss a visit to one of the viewpoints for a breathtaking view of the lake, or visit one of the magnificent lavish villas, which are full of flowers and greenery.

Its shape resembles an inverted letter Y and at its heart lies the famous town of Bellagio, known as the “pearl of Lago di Como”.

The town is definitely worth seeing, but I personally recommend visiting Varenna, a town of Roman origin. It has a quieter atmosphere and will also absolutely charm you like it did us.

From Milan train station you can get to Como on the western end of the lake – a ticket costs €5 and the journey takes 40 minutes. You can buy Milan – Lago di Como tickets online.

From Como there are boats to Bellagio and Varenna. The drive takes 2 hours and the views of the lake in the grip of the Alps are breathtaking. You can book your Lago di Como boat tickets online.

Read our detailed guide to Lago di Como.

Lago di Maggiore

Lake Maggiore is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. You can find it an hour northwest of Milan. You can get here by regular trains from Milan Station.

things to see in and around Milan

Buy a ticket to the town of Arona (towards Domodossola), which is a great starting point for exploring. A ticket from Milan to Lago di Maggiore costs €6.40.

In Arona you can enjoy the lake combined with the snow-capped mountain peaks and walk to the pedestrian zone with excellent restaurants and bars.

Just 5 minutes away by boat is the medieval fortress of Rocca Angera (Borromeo Castle), which you will have a great view of from Arona. You can admire the local period frescoes and the largest toy museum in Europe with an exhibition.

All Lago di Maggiore boat ferries can be booked in advance online.

From the fortress, you can take a boat back to Arona or sail to the island of Isola Bella (1 hr 20 min), which belongs to the Borromean Islands with Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Isola Bella is famous for its garden with rare exotic plants and beautiful flowers. In front of the garden is an ancient Baroque palace with works of art, tapestries, sculptures and mosaic grottoes.

The island of Isola Bella is famous for its garden with rare exotic plants and beautiful flowers. In front of the garden is an ancient Baroque palace with works of art, tapestries, statues and mosaic grottoes.

Isola Bella / things to do near Milan
Isola Bella

From Isola Bella you can reach Isola Madre in 25 minutes and Isola dei Pescatori in another 20 minutes. All the islands are definitely worth a visit. From Lake Isola Bella, you return to Milan via Stresa (ticket costs €9.90), which also runs in the evening.

From Lake Isola Bella, you return to Milan via the town of Stresa by train (ticket costs €8.60), which also runs in the evening.

On the way to the Borromean Islands you can get off at the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso, which is set right in the rock. The views of the monastery from the lake are spectacular.

Where to stay in Milan

  • B&B Hotel Milano Ornato: Cheap, comfortable hotel a short walk from the tram station, with parking and 24/7 reception
  • Hotel Ritter: A quiet hotel on the edge of the centre, with easy access to the Sforza Castle, the Duomo or the Brera district, 5 minutes by metro, 24/7 reception.
  • B&B Hotel Milano San Siro: A pleasant hotel right next to the San Siro Stadium with parking and a few minutes from the metro station
  • Hotel AMEDIA: New 4* hotel with good access to the centre and parking

Accommodation in Milan 😴

milán ubytování
B&B Hotel Milano Ornato

Cheap and comfortable hotel with good accessibility

milán ubytování
Hotel Ritter

Quiet 3* hotel in the centre, just 5 minutes from the metro

Read our Milan accommodation guide for more tips and practical information on where to stay in Milan (budget accommodation, airport and sightseeing connections, map).

Things to see in Milan – Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of Milan with tips on things to do and best places to visit in Milan. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in my guide to Milan, Italy. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

Car rental in Milan

Are you planning to rent a car locally? It’s very simple. At Rentalcars.com you fill in the necessary details and present your ID card upon collection. The price also includes insurance and free cancellation. You can pick up your car at the airport.

Prices and food in Milan

You’ll pay around €20 for a meal in a cheap restaurant and around €80 for a 3-course dinner for two. The prices of basic foodstuffs are as follows:

  • Milk 1 l – 1,43 €
  • White bread 500 g – 2,27 €
  • Eggs 12 pcs – 3,53 €
  • Cheese 1 kg – 13,82 €
  • Chicken breast 1 kg – 10,30 €
  • Bananas 1 kg – 1,88 €
  • Water 1,5 l – 0,47 €
  • Potatoes 1 kg – 1,44 €

For food, try the panzerotti at Luina Bakery just outside the Duomo. The dough is reminiscent of langos and they are filled both sweet and savoury. It costs around 3 €.

The best food can be found in the restaurants where the locals go. Away from the main sights, in the backstreets. Traditional cuisine can be tasted in the trattorias.

A renowned area for food is Chinatown. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the Arco della Pace. You can also take the orange tram line 10, which runs through the area and stops at Arco della Pace and Chinatown. In particular, take a stroll down Via Paolo Sarpi, the main pedestrian street of Chinatown.

And I can’t forget the market in Milano Centrale, where you can get a little bit of everything.

See the map for some tips on great restaurants.

Porta Nuova Milan Bosco Verticale

What food to try in Milan?

If you’re coming to Milan, you’ll want to enjoy traditional Milanese cuisine. Here is a shortened list of dishes you can try:

  • Risotto alla Milanese: This creamy risotto with saffron is an iconic Milanese dish that is often a favourite with tourists.
  • Ossobuco: Try this tender braised veal shank, which is often combined with risotto alla Milanese.
  • Cotoletta alla Milanese: crispy veal schnitzel fried until golden brown
  • Panettone: A sweet, fluffy pastry filled with raisins and candied citrus peel, mainly associated with the Christmas season, but some patisseries offer it all year round.
  • Pizzoccheri: A hearty dish of buckwheat pasta, potatoes, cheese and vegetables from the nearby Valtellina region
  • Mondeghili: Milanese meatballs, which are made from leftover meat (mainly beef) and then fried
Risotto alla Milanese and Ossobuco
Risotto alla Milanese and Ossobuco

Most Milanese restaurants are open through lunch and don’t reopen until after 7pm. hour (excluding tourist areas). In the meantime, you can enjoy an aperitivo, which is available in many bars and cafés. These are snacks and small dishes with a cocktail or other drink.

A popular cocktail is the Negroni, which is composed of gin, Campari and sweet vermouth.

For more inspiration, check out the Lombardy guide.

There are green water fountains all over the city, so you can refill your bottle anywhere.

Brera Milan

When to visit Milan?

In general, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Milan. On the other hand, Milan is in high season and some places can be crowded. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect in Milan throughout the year:

Spring (April to June): pleasant weather with blooming flowers and greenery is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s also peak tourist season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices, especially around Easter.

Summer (July and August): summer is when most events and festivals take place in Milan. The days are long for exploring the city and an evening aperitif. On the other hand, it can be hot and humid, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 °C.

As August is the traditional holiday month for Italians, some local businesses and restaurants may be closed, but the main attractions remain open.

Autumn (September to November): autumn is characterised by warm but pleasant temperatures, ideal for exploring the city (November can be a bit rainy). This is also the time of Milan Fashion Week.

Winter (December to March): winter sees the fewest tourists in Milan, which means less crowded sights and lower prices for accommodation and flights. The city is beautifully decorated during Christmas. If you love opera and theatre, the opera season at La Scala starts in December.
The weather is cold, foggy and sometimes drizzly. The snowfall is rather exceptional.

If you’re a fashion lover, consider visiting during one of Milan’s fashion weeks, which take place in February/March (autumn and winter collections) and September/October (spring and summer collections).

Milan guide

Practical information about Milan

Currency: euro (EUR)

Payment: For small purchases and payments, it is smaller to have cash with you, but otherwise you will pay by card in most places. Take a look at what fees your bank charges and what exchange rates are in order not to overdo it. We can recommend the World card from mBank for us. There are also plenty of ATMs in the city where you can withdraw cash if needed.

Electric socket: In Italy they use electrical sockets type C, F and L. Types C and F are compatible with most sockets in Europe and are widely used in northern Italy (including in hotels). L sockets are mainly found in older houses. If you are travelling from the UK or Ireland, you will need a socket reducer. In Italy, the electrical sockets used are types C, F and L. Types C and F are compatible with most sockets in Europe. Hotels and other tourist places have them too. Type L sockets are mainly found in older houses. It’s better to pack a reducer, but you can buy one in almost any shop for a few euros if you need it.

Language: The official language is Italian. In addition, many Italians here in the north speak English very well. We’ve never had a problem getting along here.

Safety: Milan is a safe city. However, in the past this was not the case and you should be more vigilant in some places. This applies to the central station or around the San Siro stadium, and at night avoid Sempione Park or areas that are not well lit. However, this was not the case in the past and you should be more vigilant in some places now. This applies to the central station or around San Siro Stadium, and at night avoid Sempione Park or areas that are not sufficiently lit.

The best booking resources for visiting Milan

Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.

Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.

If you are planning to rent a car in Lombardy, the best experience we have with Rentalcars.com which has the widest range at good prices. Insurance and free cancellation is a matter of course.

This was a travel guide and tips on the best things to do in Milan. If you have a question or want to share your experience in Milan, write in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Italy

MILAN: To help you plan your trip to Milan, we’ve created an itinerary for 3 days in Milan, including a map. Do you have less time? Check out the itinerary for Milan in 2 days or the itinerary for 1 day in Milan.

Here is a guide to transport in Milan. For more tips and practical information on where to stay in Milan, read our guide to accommodation in Milan (budget accommodation, airport and sightseeing connections, map). We have compiled practical tips for visiting the Duomo di Milano in a separate guide.

LOMBARDIA: There are other beautiful placesin Lombardy besides Milan. Just outside Milan is the Alpine lake Lago di Como. Or check out our 15 tips on what to see in Bergamo.

ITALY: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Italy.

Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.

Summary: Best things to do in Milan

Why visit Milan?

Milan is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, known for its contrast of modernity and history.
If you want to see a cathedral that will make your chin drop, shop for original pieces in local boutiques or take a trip to the most beautiful lakes in the Alps, Milan is the perfect holiday destination for you.

What are the most beautiful places and things to do in Milan?

The Duomo is a place you can’t miss when visiting Milan. A beautiful cathedral that has a rooftop with a fantastic view of the city. Explore the historic centre, the Brera district and head to Sforza Castle and Sempione Park with the Peace Arch. Or admire the beautiful churches and enjoy a match at the San Siro Stadium. For more tips on what not to miss in Milan, check out this article.

How long to visit Milan for?

Milan is not a city full of sights like Rome, Florence or Naples. It’s easy to walk around in 2-3 days and then spend the next days either soaking up the local atmosphere or taking a trip around Milan (we’ll give you some tips too, because it’s worth it). Check out our tips on what to see in Milan.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *