27 Best Things to do in Milan, Italy: Top Places to see

Milán co navštívit

Wondering what to visit in Milan? Check out our travel guide with tips on the best things to do and see in Milan, Italy. Also included is practical information on transport, accommodation, prices, food and other useful tips.

Why visit Milan?

If you want to experience the true Italian atmosphere, don’t go to Milan. On the other hand, you can feel the Swiss influence, which means that unlike Rome, you can count on the bus to arrive at the right time.

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

Milan is the capital of Lombardy. It is lively and the city has something to offer even to those who are not so keen on historical monuments.

Things to see in Milan – Map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of Milan with tips on sights and attractions to visit. 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.

Things to do in Milan: The most beautiful places and attractions

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.

Check out the most beautiful places and sights to visit in Milan:

Dumo 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
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 is one of the best experiences Milan has to offer. And worth every euro.

How to visit the Duomo in Milan:

The Duomo is a religious building, where the dress code – covered shoulders and knees – must be observed. The entrance fee includes access to the Duomo, the Duomo Museum, the archaeological site and the rooftop.

Most visitors head for the roof and the cathedral.

  • Price: full admission to the Duomo is €16.50 and €9.50 for children aged 6-17. With the use of the elevator, the entrance fee is 22 € and for children 6-17 years 12 €. Children under 5 years of age and disabled children with an accompanying person are admitted free of charge.
  • Tickets: Click here to purchase tickets in advance. If you plan to visit only the roof without the cathedral, tickets are available at this link.
  • Opening hours: 9:00-19:00 (last entry 18:10)

The stairs are narrower but easily navigable. If you pay extra for the lift, there are a few more stairs to climb. The entrance to the elevator is located at the back of the cathedral.

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

How to skip the lines for the Duomo:

The Duomo is the most visited monument in Milan and the queues can be long (even in low season). And not only to enter the cathedral, but also when waiting for the elevator or when entering the roof.

  • Buy your tickets online. Click here to purchase tickets in advance. Just scan the code from your mobile phone on the spot (or you can print the ticket). You only book a day, not a specific time, so you can come at any time during the cathedral’s opening hours.
  • Come early in the morning. The best time to visit is early in the morning until 10:00 am, before the biggest crowds have gathered. There are also smaller queues during the week and off-season, when there are generally fewer visitors to Milan.
  • Walk. If you don’t have health limitations, I recommend walking up. The queues for the lift are much longer.

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery

The Vittorio Emaniele 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.

You can buy a ticket to the rooftop and enjoy the view of Milan.

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.

Palazzo Reale di Milano / Sights 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.

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. The museum also 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 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 less busy than the square in front of the Duomo (and there are fewer pigeons :).

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

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Gothic-Renaissance church that houses one of the world’s greatest works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th-century mural of the Last Supper.

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

How to visit The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci:

  • Price: full admission is 15 € and reduced 2 € (18-25 years).
  • Tickets: Click here to book a specific date and time for your visit. Inside, you have 15 minutes to view the painting.
  • Opening hours: you can come and see the painting every day from 8:30 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:45).

Just as there are queues to the Louvre for the Mona Lisa, there are queues to the church for the Last Supper. The painting is not in good condition anymore, so they limited the limit of visitors to 1000 people per day. Especially in high season, it is therefore reservation is necessary.

If you’re going to Milan on a Friday or weekend, book now (even in low season). Tickets are sold out several months in advance (free dates are announced 3-4 months in advance).

Are the tickets for your date sold out? Another option is guided tour.

Sforza Castle (Sforzesco)

Sforza Castle is another beautiful monument to visit in Milan. The castle was built in 15. century and is one of the largest citadels in the world. The site is currently home to 12 museums, including works by da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Sforzesco Castle Milan / Sights in Milan
  • Price: the castle grounds are free, but you have to buy a 5€ ticket for the museums (reduced rate of 3€ for 18-25 year olds and over 65). Admission is free every first Sunday of the month and every first and third Tuesday of the month after 2 pm.
  • Tickets: Ticket to Sforza Castle in Milan can be booked in advance online.
  • Opening hours: The resort 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).

Sempione Park

The Parco Sempione is the largest park in Milan and houses the Sforza Castle, the aquarium, the Triennaler di Milano (Museum of Design and Art), the Branca Tower with a great view of Milan, the library and several cafes. Just across the park from Sforza Castle is the Arco della Pace.

Wondering where to go in Milan on warm days? Make sure you go to Sempione Park and have a picnic by one of the lakes.

Church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore a.k.a. the hidden gem of Milan. A place that will literally amaze you with its 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 of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, source: Carlo Dell’Orto

The church is nicknamed “the Sistine Chapel of Milan”. It was built in Renaissance style in the 16th century and originally served as a Benedictine monastery for daughters of noble families who decided to dedicate their lives to God.

Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)

Despite being a cemetery, the site is literally an open-air museum covering 250,000 square metres. A large collection of Italian statues, Greek temples, obelisks and a small version of Trajan’s Column.

things to see in Milan / Milan attractions
things to see in Milan / Milan attractions

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.

Among the most impressive tombs are a white sculptural tower representing the life and death of Christ, a pyramid built for the Bruni family and several statues representing the Last Supper.

You can find a map with the marked locations at the main entrance. The cemetery is open daily except Mondays from 8:00-18:00.

Milano centrale

The Milan Central Station building is stunning inside and out. It is also Europe’s largest train station. If you’re travelling from it, you’d better arrive early to find your train on time.

What to see in Milan / Where to go in Milan / Milan travel guide

Brera neighbourhood

Brera is a beautiful Renaissance quarter east of Sempione Park. You’ll recognise it 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. Or admire the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine.

Brera district Milan / what to see in Milan

Teatro Alla Scala

Teatro Alla Scala is a world-famous opera house that has been a focal point of Milan since its foundation in 1778. Many famous opera artists from all over the world have appeared at the opera house. If you want to see the interior of La Scala, including the museum and temporary exhibition, you canbuy a ticket in advance for €13.50.

Many well-known opera artists from all over the world have appeared in the opera. If you want to see the interior of La Scala Theatre, including the museum and the temporary exhibition, you can buy a ticket in advance.

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.

  • Price: admission is 10 € and reduced 7,50 € for children and youth 3-26 years and seniors over 65 years.
  • Tickets: Click here to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Opening hours: 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

Another technical museum dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci can be found in the square by La Scala Opera House. Adults and children alike are sure to enjoy both places. Choose according to what you have on the way. You can book your ticket online again.

Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery

The famous art gallery Pinacoteca di Brera includes some of the greatest works from the 13th century. to 20. 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
Art Gallery Pinacoteca di Brera Milan / Museums in Milan
  • Price: admission to the Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery is €16.50, €11.50 for young people aged 15-18 and students, €6.50 for children aged 6-14 and €14.50 for people over 65.
  • Tickets: Click here to book your tickets.

Navigli and Milan’s canals

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.

sights in Milan / what to see in Milan

During the summer months, boats leave here at regular hourly intervals. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent villas of Robecco Sul Naviglio or the village of Boffalora Sopra Ticino, the rectory of Bernate Ticino or the staircase of Villa Clerici to Castelleto di Cuggiono.

There are three routes in total. In addition to boating, you can also experience a cruise in a real Venetian gondola.

The Navigli district is a young Milanese neighbourhood where it’s alive. Just wander around, admire the windows of local boutiques or grab an aperitivo and blend in with the locals (it’s more touristy on weekends).

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, St. Ambrose. It is worth a visit especially for its beautiful architecture and frescoes. It is accessible free of charge.

what to see in Milan / Where to go in Milan / Milan in Italy
what to see in Milan / Where to go in Milan / Milan in Italy
  • Price: free admission
  • Opening hours: the Basilica is open for visitors from Monday to Saturday from 10:00-12:00 and 14:30-19:00.

San Siro Stadium

When I asked Péti what places I should include in Milan, his first answer was “San Siro” (he is a football fan).

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, which can seat 80,000 people. Experiencing a football match in Milan is an unforgettable experience.

You can also see the stadium during regular guided audio tours .

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 Guastalla

The Guastalla Gardens date back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest gardens in Milan. It is a short walk from the University of Milan and a quarter of an hour from the Duomo. The gardens are freely accessible.

Guastalla Gardens Milan / things to see in Milan

Piazza Gae Aulenti

The opposite of classic Milan? This is the modern Piazza Gae Aulenti, which opened in 2012.

The square is lined with skyscrapers, shops, cafes, restaurants, clubs. I recommend coming here in the evening, when the fountains in the square light up with colour.

Piazza Gae Aulenti Milan

Things to see and things to do around Milan

Bergamo

In Bergamo you will find one of the airports for Milano. If you fly with Ryanair (and in most cases you do), you will arrive in Bergamo. The centre of Bergamo can be reached in a short while by public transport, so it would be a shame not to take The centre of Bergamo can be reached in a short while by public transport, so it would be a shame not to explore the old town, or Città Alta. It’s definitely worth it.

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

Venetian walls from 16. 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 that’s home to many opulent villas (including George Clooney’s). Its shape resembles an inverted Y and at its heart lies the famous town of Bellagio, nicknamed 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 themedieval 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?

  • Hotel Flora: This accommodation is located in a pleasant and quiet street just 3 minutes from the train station and a few steps from the metro station (4 stops to the Duomo).
  • Hotel Palazzo delle Stelline: This hotel is located in a former monastery on the edge of the historic centre, next to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie with the painting of the Last Supper. Lots of sights within walking distance (e.g. Duomo 15 minutes walk). Cadorna Train Station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away for train connections to Malpensa Airport.
  • Hotel Ritter: This hotel is located right on the popular Corso Garibaldi. Garibaldi Station is a 10-minute walk away (for the train to Malpensa Airport), Sforza Castle, Pinacoteca di Brera, Sempione Park or a 20-minute walk through the beautiful Brera district to the Duomo.
  • Hotel Nuovo: A budget hotel just 200 metres from the Duomo, offering simple but clean and perfectly adequate accommodation with good access to the station.
  • Acca Palace A four-star sustainable hotel at a great price and with excellent access to the city centre. The metro takes 7 minutes to the station and a quarter of an hour to the Duomo.
  • eco Hotel Milano:An eco-friendly and sustainable hotel just a few steps from the metro station. It has great value for money.

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).

How to get to Milan?

For a detailed description of the routes to Milan by car, see the article on Lago di Como.

By air to Milan

Milan is very well connected to many major European cities including Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Vienna, London and others. You can choose from 3 airports:

  • Bergamo Airport (BGY) – Bergamo Airport is located northeast of Milan on the outskirts of Bergamo.
  • Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Malpensa Airport is located northwest of Milan.
  • Linate Airport (LIN) – this airport is the closest, in the east of Milan

How to get from Bergamo Airport to Milan city centre?

From Bergamo Orio Al Serio Airport you can get to Milan by regular bus for €10. I recommend to buy your airport – Milan ticket online so you don’t have to find the ticket window at the airport.

Once you start filling in the date, the system will automatically offer you a return ticket. You enter an approximate departure time, but it doesn’t matter if you arrive later. Buses run more frequently according to the number of flights. If you can’t fit in one, you can take the next one.

You’ll get off at Milano Centrale Station, where you’ll board the train for your return journey to the airport. There is space for shuttle buses from airports around Milan.

How to get from Malpensa Airport to Milan city centre?

Malpensa Airport is conveniently accessible by direct buses for €10. I recommend order tickets in advance . You don’t have to look for anything on site, just scan the code and get on the bus at the exit. Just like at Bergamo Airport, you get off at Milano Centrale Station, where buses then leave back to the airport.

As with Bergamo Airport, you will get off at Milano Centrale Station, where buses then depart back to the airport.

The fastest way to get from Malpensa Airport to central Milan is by train, the Malpensa Express. Tickets cost 13 €. You have a choice of two lines – choose according to where your accommodation is located:

  • Malpensa Airport to Centrale Station via Garibaldi Station – 54 minutes (a few minutes less at Garibaldi Station)
  • Line from Malpensa Airport to Cadorna Station – 37 minutes

You can also choose a taxi – the flat rate is 95€ (taxis are white). Uber’s in Milan, too.

How to get from Linate Airport to Milan city centre?

Linate Airport is the closest airport, so commuting distances are usually the shortest. At the airport, you can take the Airbus bus to Centrale Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

Another popular option is the local bus 73, which stops right outside the Duomo (1 hour journey).

Transport and public transport around Milan

In Milan, you can travel by metro, tram or bus. The fastest and easiest way to get around the city is by metro. It is divided into 4 lines and 2 of them stop at the Duomo.

Milan Metro Map
Milan Metro Map

All types of transport use the same ticketing system. The whole area in and around Milan is divided into fare zones (similar to London).

The basic ticket costs €2.20 and gives you 90 minutes of unlimited travel in fare zones M1-M3 (zones are colour-coded on the metro map above). Children up to 14 years of age travel free of charge.

In addition to the basic ticket, you can also purchase tickets for longer periods:

  • 1 day for 7,60 €
  • 3 days for 13 €
  • pass with 10 tickets for 19,50 €

Tickets can be purchased via the ATM app or at the metro station.

Paying by card for public transport in Milan

As in London, you can pay in Milan with a contactless credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, VPAY). That way, you only pay for what you actually drive. At the same time, you don’t have to buy paper tickets or download an app.

It works simply:

  • Orange turnstiles are designed for contactless card payments. You can find them on buses and in front of the metro entrance. You hold your card to the orange turnstile and it registers where you are leaving from.
  • When you exit, you put the card back on the orange turnstile (only at the metro) and the amount you have actually travelled is deducted. Always insert the card in the metro, even if the turnstile is free to exit.
  • In Milan, you can pay contactlessly on all metro lines (including non-city lines) and on the 56, 70 and 73 buses, which are equipped with contactless orange turnstiles.

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.

For traditional dishes, be sure to try their Risotto Risotto alla Milanese, Cassöeula (pork with vegetables), Minestrone alla milanese vegetable soup, Costoletta alla Milanese cutlet. For more inspiration, check out the Lombardy guide.

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

When to visit Milan?

The most ideal months to visit are April-May and September-October. It’s pleasantly warm and the hot summer sun doesn’t scorch you as you stroll through the city.

On the other hand, Milan sees the fewest tourists in winter. Flights and accommodation are cheaper.

Milan transport

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 it in almost any store for a few tens of crowns if needed.

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 guide and tips on sights to visit 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

LOMBARDY: For more tips and practical information on where to stay in Milan, read our guide on where to stay in Milan (budget accommodation, airport and sightseeing links, map).

In Lombardy you will find other beautiful places 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.

ROME: Rome is one of the most popular cities in Europe. Here’s a list of the best things to see in Rome. Build your 3-day Rome itinerary and see how to save in Rome. Find out all about the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.

VENICE: In the article What to visit in Venice we bring you tips on the most beautiful places and other useful tips.

VERONA: Check out the best places to visit in Verona (including useful information on entrance fees and opening times). Also included is a guide with additional tips (transport, accommodation, food, Verona Card). The Verona in a day itinerary will help you plan your route.

Read even more tips on travelling in Italy.

Summary: What to see and do in Milan

Why visit Milan?

You won’t get the true Italian atmosphere in Milan. On the contrary, you can feel the Swiss influence.
But if you want to see a cathedral that will make your chin drop, shop for original pieces in local boutiques or flea markets, 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 sights to visit in Milan?

The Duomo is a place that no one can 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.

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