Milan is best known as one of the world’s fashion capitals, but there’s so much more than great shopping. I’m here to tell you everything you need to create the best Milan itinerary!
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Italy, Lombardy, and Milan… oh my!
Time for a quick breakdown:
- Italy is comprised of 20 regions.
- Lombardy is a region located in northern Italy.
- Lombardy is made up of 12 provinces.
- Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is the most popular province for tourists.
- After Rome, Milan is the second largest Italian city.
You are in Europe AND you are in Italy, AND you are in Lombardy, AND you are in Milan!
(In the US this would be like… North America, then the United States, then the state of New York, and then the city.)
I'm so excited, let's skip right to it!
Now that you understand exactly where you are, let’s figure out everything you need to create the best Milan itinerary!
When is the Best Time to Visit Milan, Italy
BEST: The best time to visit Milan, Italy is in April, May, September, and October. This is when you will find the best weather for shopping and exploring. In the fall it is the best season for wine tasting in Italy.
WORST: The summer months of July and August are very hot, expensive, and quite busy. Avoid visiting Italy in the summer if you can.
How to Get to Milan, Italy
Airport:
Milan has three main airports. If you want a direct flight, you will probably fly into the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) because it’s the largest international airport in Milan.
If you are taking a flight within Italy then you will fly into the Linate Airport (LIN), which is closest to the city center. Milan is about 4 miles (or 7 kilometers) away from LIN.
The third airport is Bergamo (BGY) which is located outside of Milan, but it might be worth checking to see if you can get a much cheaper flight.
Airport Transfer:
From the airport, you can take public transport to get to the city of Milan OR you can use a shared direct transfer.
This air-conditioned coach bus is $10.70 and takes you directly to Milan City Center.
Taxi:
Taxis run from the Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan city center.
The taxi ride from Milan Airport to the city center is approximately 31 miles, takes approximately 40 minutes, and costs between $140.00 – $180.00. This is the FASTEST way to get from the Airport to Milan City Center.
Train Station:
Take one of the direct trains from the Milan Malpensa Airport (Terminal 1) to Milan city center (stop Milano Cadorna).
The train ride from Milan Airport to the city center takes approximately 38 minutes and costs approximately $15.00.
Bus:
You can take a direct bus from the Milan Malpensa Airport to Milan city center.
The bus ride from Milan Airport to the city center takes approximately 50 minutes and costs between $4.00 – $17.00. The bus is the CHEAPEST way to get to Milan City Center from the Airport.
Cruise Ship:
I got to visit Milan when I took an MSC European Cruise. Once you’re at the cruise port, you can take a bus, train, or taxi to Milan. It’s about a 2-hour and 30-minute ride.
Are you thinking about cruising around Italy too? CLICK HERE to read my MSC Cruise Review with all the details!
Car Rental:
Are you planning to rent a car when you’re in Italy?
IMPORTANT NOTE: Much like in the city of Pisa, Italy, it is not recommended to drive because of limitations in the city center. Milan is walkable, but you might want to rent a car so you can explore outside of the city center or take a day trip to see more of Italy.
PRO TIP: check with your credit card when you rent a car because some of them offer insurance coverage.
PRO TIP: Where to Store Your Luggage in Milan
The good news is if you arrive before it’s time to check into your hotel, or if you’re passing through on your way to another city, you have options for luggage storage in Milan.
Use Bounce to store your luggage because they have TONS of locations throughout the city. You get up to $10,000 in luggage protection and free cancellation if your plans change and you no longer need the service.
The cost is about 5 euros per bag and it’s worth it to have the freedom to walk around without worrying about your bulky suitcase.
Since your luggage will be stored in a private room at a local business, I suggest you use TSA-approved luggage locks to be extra safe.
Are you ready to get packing for your trip to Milan, Italy? CLICK HERE to read about How to Pack a Suitcase That Saves You Money!
How to Spend 1 Day in Milan, Italy
Is 1 day in Milan enough?
You know that Italy is a large and amazing country, so you’re probably trying to figure out what to see in your limited time. Do you need to know how to spend 1 day in Milan?
Here are all the “must-see” things to do in Milan for your one-day itinerary.
Include Piazza del Duomo in your Milan Itinerary
LOCATION: Piazza del Duomo – P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
If you only have time to see one area then this is it! This city square ranks #3 out of 1,721 things to do in Milan, Italy. It is where you can see the Duomo di Milano (the largest church in Italy) and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (an incredible high-end shopping area). It’s free to walk around Piazza Duomo to window shop and appreciate the architecture in the beautiful city.
Include visiting the Duomo di Milano in your Milan Itinerary
LOCATION: Duomo di Milano – P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
It might surprise you that a church ranks #1 out of 1,721 things to do in Milan, Italy, but once you see Milan’s Cathedral you will understand why.
I have seen some of the most amazing churches in the world and this one is just captivating! (True Story: We almost missed our ride back because we wanted “just one more picture”.)
You will be overwhelmed when you see the size of the Dumo Cathedral because it’s one of the largest churches in the world. If you have time to take a guided tour of the inside or the rooftop, you should check it out.
It’s amazing to be able to go to the rooftop terrace for the panoramic views of Milan, but tickets sell out quickly so make sure you get them in advance.
Include Shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in your Milan Itinerary
LOCATION: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
You know that Milan is one of the top 3 fashion cities in the world so you better expect some amazing shopping opportunities. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is architecturally stunning!
You can expect to find tons of luxury brands here. It would make sense since Italy is home to high-end designers like Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabanna.
PRO TIP: Visit Milan in February or September to experience fashion week.
This fashion enthusiast worked up an appetite while drooling over the all that Louis Vuitton so we had some lunch on the top floor of the shopping mall. We caught the best views of the Milan Cathedral from the glass windows while we ate the most amazing pizza.
Just for Fun:
While you’re at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, check out the Good Luck Mosaic Bull in the middle of the Galleria floor.
The Milanese tradition is if you place your right heel on the bull’s testicles and spin around three times without falling your wish will come true or you will have good luck.
Add "see famous paintings" to your Milan Itinerary
LOCATION: Santa Maria delle Grazie – Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
One of the top tourist attractions in Milan is Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting Cenacolo (better known as The Last Supper). Da Vinci’s Last Supper is inside a UNESCO World Heritage site, Santa Maria delle Grazie.
PRO TIP: Make sure you adhere to the dress code for entering religious buildings in Italy. Cover your knees and shoulders, and no hats or sunglasses inside.
Much like visiting the Mona Lisa in Paris, this is a popular tourist attraction, so make sure you get your tickets to see the Last Supper in advance. You can’t just walk up that day and expect to see it.
How to Spend 2-3 Days in Milan, Italy
If you only have 1 day in Milan, then make the Piazza del Duomo Square your priority. If you can spend 2-3 days in Milan then explore more places outside the city.
Check out these suggestions for unique and fun things to do in Milan.
Add the Hop-on Hop-off Bus to your Milan Itinerary
If you are spending a few days in Milan then you should definitely use the hop-on hop-off bus tours to get around the city and see all the major attractions (without needing a car).
In Tips for Your First Time in Rome, I mentioned how we used the hop-on hop-off bus. It was a great option for getting around the city, finding great spots for shopping, and seeing cool restaurants to check out.
There are ticket options for 24, 48, or 72-hour passes.
Mondo Milan Museum for the Sports Lover's Milan Itinerary
Location: Museo Mondo Milan – Via Aldo Rossi, 8, 20149 Milano MI, Italy
If you are a football fan then you will enjoy the Mondo Milan Museum. The history of the A.C. Milan is shown through memorabilia, videos, and trophies.
Plan to spend about an hour visiting this specialty museum and enjoy learning about different football teams.
If you want more football fun, make sure you also check out the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, also known as San Siro Stadium. It’s the largest stadium in Italy!
Villa Necchi Campiglio for the Architect Lover's Milan Itinerary
Location: Villa Necchi Campiglio – Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
If you love residential architecture, like I do, then take the time to visit this villa. You can experience a guided house tour, which includes viewing the home, artwork that’s displayed throughout as mini art galleries, and the beautiful gardens and pool.
Plan to spend about 1 hour touring Villa Necchi Campiglio.
Castello Sforzesco for the Castle Lover's Milan Itinerary
Location: Sforzesco Castle – Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
The Sforzesco Castle is a short walk from the Piazza del Duomo Square.
If you love exploring castles, are interested in being in the same space as Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci were, and you like castle grounds and gardens then you will enjoy taking a guided tour of Sforza Castle.
Spending 2-3 Days in Milan with the Pass City Card
If you can spend 2-3 days in Milan then you should consider getting the Pass City Card. It includes skip-the-line tickets to popular attractions and museums, access to the hop-on hop-off bus, and other public transportation.
I love using city cards like this when I have time to research all the options before I travel. It’s worth it if you want to see several popular destinations and plan your time well!
Here is what’s included in the pass:
- 48-hour or 72-hour public transport ticket (if option selected)
- 48-hour or 72-hour Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket (if option selected)
- Duomo Cathedral and terrace (Skip-the-line entry ticket)
- Leonardo 3 exhibition (Skip-the-line entry ticket)
- La Scala Theatre and Museum (Skip-the-line entry ticket)
- Ambrosiana Art Gallery (Skip-the-line entry ticket)
- Skip-the-line entry ticket to Casa Milan (AC Milan headquarters and museum)
- Science and Technology Museum (Skip-the-line entry ticket)
- Map of Milan with useful tourist information
Hey! Maybe you’re thinking, “Dang Andrea, you know ALL THE GOOD TRAVEL TIPS!” GREAT NEWS… you can SUBSCRIBE with your email to get notified of new posts so you never miss a thing!
Food Tours in Milan, Italy
Taking a guided tour is the best way to taste Italian cuisine, while you experience Italian culture, and learn how locals live. It’s a safe way to get around when you have no idea where you’re going, and the language barrier is no longer an issue.
If you’re spending more than 1 day in Milan, check out one of these great food tours from a local guide! Since there are over 100+ food tour options here are 3 different types to inspire you to add one to your Milan itinerary.
Add a Cooking Class to your Milan Itinerary
This 3-hour long homemade Pasta, Ravioli, and Tiramisu Cooking Class is a perfect way to create unique memories.
You will learn how to make an authentic Italian 3-course lunch or dinner. Then you get to enjoy it with some wine.
You will love having a personal chef welcome you into their home in Milan, Italy. (Don’t worry, they speak English.)
Add a Wine Pairing Experience to your Milan Itinerary
I did a wine tasting in Paris and I’ve never been the same. If you enjoy wine then you HAVE to take part in wine tastings in Northern Italy.
You will enjoy 4 local wines paired with 4 carefully selected amous bouches during this incredible wine-pairing experience.
This is a good place for an indoor option when you are tired from walking or if the weather isn’t great.
Add a Pastry Tour to your Milan Itinerary
Let’s be honest… I’m mostly here for the food. Have you ever tasted hot cocoa that changed your life? I have and that’s why I’m telling you that you need to try a pastry tour in Italy.
During this 2.5-hour pastry tour, your tour guide will take you off the beaten path to try amazing pastries in Milan!
Expect to learn a little about the food culture of Milan, some baker’s secrets, and taste food and drinks filled with Italian deliciousness.
PRO TIP: If you want to join one of these fun food tours, get your tickets in advance because they are likely to sell out.
Where to Stay in Milan, Italy
If you can spend a few days in Milan then you should stay right in the heart of the city. Do you want to see the #1 ranked hotel in Milan, Italy? It’s the Hotel Spadari Al Duomo and it’s located at Via Spadari,11, 20123 Milan Italy.
Hotel Spadari Al Duomo is a perfect location and the hotel is breathtaking. They are known for their exceptional breakfast, complimentary Prosecco, and mini-bar drinks.
Are you looking for a different price point? Here are all your hotel options for Milan, Italy.
Do you need help figuring out the best option for your hotel in Milan? You should read Top 5 Things You Need to Know When Finding a Hotel!
Day Trips From Milan, Italy
Visiting major cities is a lot of fun but do you want to know about some great options for day trips from Milan? If you have a 3+ day Milan Itinerary then you should definitely add other Italian cities and European cities to the trip.
The options I’m telling you about below are the best day trips with an organized tour that provides transportation from/to Milan. You can also visit these places on your own if you want to take the high-speed train and do all the planning!
Lake Como, Lugano, and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan
The Lake Como, Lugano, and Bellagio Boat Tour is a perfect day trip from Milan. It is one of the top picks for day trips because this unforgettable experience lets you see two countries in one day.
While you’re on your way to the departure location, you will enjoy commentary from your tour guide about landmarks and landscapes you see along the way.
See the Swiss Alps in the Swiss town of Lugano. You will have free time to check out the city and explore the nearby charming towns. That’s where you will start the boat trip to reach Bellagio. You will once again have free time for exploring, eating, and shopping.
The last stop on the walking tour is the City of Como where you can see the gothic cathedral and get lots of photos in this picturesque town.
This tour is a full 11-hour day and includes a bus ride, a boat ride on beautiful lakes, a water taxi, and a walking tour. This Lake Como day trip has everything!
Florence and Pisa Day Trip from Milan
If seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa is on your bucket list, this is the day trip for you. For this Milan day trip, consider taking a direct train because it will be much faster, but if you aren’t comfortable planning that, take this guided tour.
Keep in mind that your travel time to/from the destination is greater than the time you will spend exploring the cities. On the bright side, the ride is a great way to see the beautiful Tuscan countryside and learn more about Italy with the tour guide’s informative commentary.
You will have 1 hour of free time to tour Pisa and a little over 2 hours of free time to explore Florence.
Are you planning a day trip from Milan to Pisa? CLICK HERE to read about 19 Things to Do in Pisa, Italy!
Venice City Day Trip from Milan
Venice is a great place for a short trip from Milan. The coach bus only takes 3 hours to get there and then you have the rest of the day to explore the city.
This 14-hour Venice city highlights guided tour takes you to see the city’s top sights like San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge, and includes a boat ride.
Venice is a perfect place to enjoy lunch at some of the best restaurants that overlook the water. Did you even go to Venice if you didn’t take a gondola ride?!
Cinque Terre Day Trip from Milan
If you want to see one of the most beautiful cities in Italy then you should take a day trip to the charming town of Cinque Terre. It’s a popular destination to take a day trip and an ideal place to get some stunning pictures. It feels like you are in a movie when you see the medieval architecture and all the colorful homes.
Once again, you will start traveling by coach bus from Milan to Cinque Terre. Then, you will take a boat trip to La Spezia and then a train trip.
If you love scenic landscapes then you will love this 13-hour guided tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milan worth a day trip?
Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting Milan, Italy even if you don’t have enough time to stay overnight! If you’re only able to spend the afternoon in the square to see the main attractions, shop, and eat amazing food, you should make the trip.
What makes Milan unique?
Aside from being one of the best places for incredible shopping with the amazing fashion capital of Italy, the thing that makes Milan unique is that it is the most modern city in Italy. While Milan does have beautiful traditional architecture, it also has modern and contemporary architecture.
Are there public bathrooms in Milan?
There are some public bathrooms (known as the water closet) around Milan, but there is a small charge to use them.
It is typically between .50 and 1 Euro per person. If it is free then you should tip the attendant.
Of course, if you eat at a cafe or restaurant then you can use their restroom for free.
Is Milan walkable?
Yes, once you get to the city center Milan is walkable. You can take a taxi, bus, or metro to explore outside the city, but all the best things to do in Milan are within walking distance.
Are you heading outside of Milan to other parts of Italy? CLICK HERE to read the Ultimate Guide on How to Use the Metro Station in Europe!
Which one is better Rome or Milan?
As I mentioned, Rome is the largest city in Italy and Milan is the second largest city. Both are great choices.
If you have a limited amount of time and you have to decide between visiting Rome or Milan, then narrowing it down will depend on your goals.
Both cities have beautiful architecture and incredible food!
If budget is a big factor then keep in mind Milan has more shopping and it’s the most expensive city in Italy.
Rome has so much rich history. The city centre in both areas is walkable and has plenty of things to do. If it was my first time in Italy and I had to pick one, I would choose Rome over Milan.
Are you going to add a stop in Rome to your Milan Itinerary? CLICK HERE to read Tips for Your First Time in Rome Italy!
The Best Keepsake for Your Trip to Milan, Italy
I’ve got great news… I created a simple way to document your trip to Italy with a European-themed DIY travel activity journal.
Most of the work is already set up for you ahead of time. You just need to have a great time on your trip and fill in the blanks.
Here’s what you can expect to find in my ultimate travel journal activity books:
- Journal Pages – lined pages and journaling prompts to help get you thinking
- Activity Pages – themed travel games and activities to help pass the time during flights and drives
- Scrapbook Pages – attach photos and keepsakes like ticket stubs and mementos
The most important thing is to make the most of your experience by documenting your lasting memories for your travel legacy! Your travel journal scrapbook will be a treasured keepsake.
Tickets for Things to Do in Milan
I like to purchase my tickets in advance online so I have them all in an app on my phone. I book most of my experiences through Get Your Guide because they allow you to book in advance and cancel within 24 hours with NO FEES. I recommend experiences from them because they are the ones I use and trust! I especially love having skip-the-line tickets when I don’t have much time to linger.
If you want to try any of the activities I’ve suggested in Everything You Need to Create the Best Milan Itinerary, please purchase your tickets in advance because many of them have limited space and are likely to sell out!
If you liked Everything You Need to Create the Best Milan Itinerary, you might also want to read Tips for Your First Time in Rome, Italy.
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LET’S CONNECT: Which suggestions from “Everything You Need to Create the Best Milan Itinerary” are you adding to your list? Comment below!
