The Duomo di Milano is one of the most visited monuments in Italy and an unmissable highlight of any trip to Milan. In this practical guide, you’ll find all the essential information on how to visit the Duomo di Milano, avoid long queues, and make the most of your experience at this world-famous cathedral.
Is the Duomo di Milano worth a visiting
Absolutely. The Duomo is not only one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy, but also one of the most stunning Gothic buildings in the world. Its elaborate façade, countless spires and statues, and magnificent stained glass windows will leave you in awe — just like they did us.
Walking along the terraces and rooftop of the Duomo was our best experience in Milan, offering spectacular views of the city and a close-up look at the cathedral’s intricate details. The interior is equally breathtaking and well worth exploring.
How to get to the Duomo?
The Duomo is located in the very heart of Milan, dominating the historic Piazza del Duomo.
You can easily reach the cathedral on foot or by public transport. The closest metro station is Duomo (lines M1 and M3), which is located right next to the cathedral. Several bus and tram lines also serve the area, and I recommend hopping on one of the iconic orange trams, which have been running through Milan’s streets for over 100 years.
If you are travelling by car, keep in mind that parking near the Duomo is almost impossible. It’s better to leave your car in a parking garage outside the centre and continue by metro or tram.
What is the entrance fee to the Duomo di Milano?
We bought our tickets to the Duomo in advance and chose the combined ticket (terraces + cathedral interiors), but you can also purchase separate tickets for just the terraces or only the cathedral interior.
The most popular option is the combination ticket, which includes the cathedral, terraces and rooftop, archaeological site, and the Duomo Museum. The price of the combined ticket varies depending on whether you choose to take the stairs or the elevator to the rooftop.
- Entry to the cathedral without terraces: from €10
- Entry to the terraces without the cathedral: from €16
- Combined ticket – cathedral + terraces: €26 for adults, €13 for children aged 6–18
- Free admission for children under 5 and disabled visitors with an accompanying person (with valid disability card, collected at the info point)
Full admission to the cathedral, including the roof and archaeological site, costs €26 and €13 for children aged 6 to 18. Children under 5 years of age and disabled children with an accompanying person are admitted free of charge.
We recommend booking tickets online in advance, especially for the combined option. We booked our tickets for 9:00 am and even then there was already a long line of people (and that was in September), so I can’t imagine how crowded it gets later in the day.
What are the opening hours of Milan Cathedral?
The Duomo di Milano is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00, with the last entry at 18:10. When booking online, you can choose your preferred entry time in advance.
How does the Duomo di Milano tour work?
The entrance to Milan Cathedral depends on what part you plan to visit.
If you want to visit the terraces, the entrance is on the left side of the cathedral. First, you’ll find the entrance for the stairs, and a bit further along is the entrance for the lift up to the terraces.
Note: If you haven’t booked your tickets in advance, you will need to purchase them at the ticket office, located on the right side of the cathedral in the Royal Palace wing. We recommend coming as early as possible in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid long queues. After buying your ticket, you will still need to wait in a security line before entering.
At the entrance, your ticket (printed or mobile) will be scanned and you will pass through a security check.
From there, you will climb the stairs or take the lift to the terraces, where you can walk around the perimeter. You then climb a few more steps to reach the rooftop.
When you finish exploring the terraces, you descend the stairs directly into the cathedral interior. A staff member will scan your ticket again before you enter the cathedral, which also gives you access to the archaeological site.
The combined ticket includes the Duomo Museum, located in the Royal Palace (closed on Wednesdays). You simply show your ticket at the museum entrance — usually there are no long queues.
Time needed: Allow around 2 hours for the cathedral and terraces, or 3 hours if you also plan to visit the museum.
If you plan to visit only the cathedral, the entrance is on the right side of the cathedral and is clearly marked.
What to wear at the Duomo di Milano?
Remember that the Duomo di Milano is still an active religious building, so a dress code applies: shoulders and knees must be covered, and hats should be removed. Admission staff may refuse entry if clothing is deemed inappropriate.
Also, I recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good grip, as the marble floors can be slippery.
Practical tips for visiting the Duomo di Milano
Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your visit to Milan Cathedral:
- Buy your tickets in advance – Booking tickets online will save you a lot of time and help you skip the long queues, especially during high season.
- Dress modestly – As the Duomo is an active place of worship, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid wearing hats inside.
- Explore the terraces – Don’t miss the terraces of the Duomo di Milano, as they offer some of the best panoramic views of Milan.
- Respect the silence – If you visit during a church service, stay quiet and respectful. Silence your phone and avoid loud conversations.
- Allow enough time – The Duomo di Milano, its terraces, the archaeological site, and the museum deserve at least 2–3 hours of your time.
- Come early or late – To avoid the biggest crowds and to get the best light for photos, plan your visit for early morning or later in the afternoon.
- Be prepared for security checks – There are security screenings at the entrances, and large luggage or backpacks are not allowed.
- Wear comfortable shoes – There are many steps and uneven marble floors, especially on the rooftop terraces.
- No food or drinks – Eating and drinking is not permitted inside the cathedral.
This was our tips and experiences to visit Duomo di Milano. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below.
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Summary: Duomo di Milano FAQ
The Duomo di Milano is the cathedral church of Milan, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most famous Gothic churches in the world, known for its ornate details and impressive scale.
You will find it in Piazza del Duomo, the main square of Milan.
Construction began in 1386 and continued for almost six centuries, with finishing touches completed in the 20th century.
Yes, there is an entrance fee, depending on which areas you wish to visit. The combined ticket is the best option if you want to see the cathedral interior, the rooftop, the archaeological area, and the museum.
The cathedral is easily reached by metro (line 1 or 3 to Duomo station), as well as by bus or tram.
Photography without flash is allowed inside the cathedral, but the use of flash, tripods, or drones is strictly prohibited.
