Milan is a major city in northern Italy and the capital of Lombardy. You can visit any time of year; however, spring and fall usually bring the most pleasant weather for exploring. If you’re interested in specific events—like Milan Fashion Week, held twice a year in February/March and September/October—plan your trip around those dates. Milan also shines for culture and design. In this guide, you’ll find quick tips for must-see places if you only have a short time—of course, the city offers much more if you can stay longer.
Many international flights land in Milan and often at better fares than other Italian gateways. Therefore, if you’re passing through, set aside at least one day to see this metropolis’s top sights.
1-day Milan itinerary: Map
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
There’s no better starting point than the iconic Duomo di Milano. This landmark captures Gothic artistry as well as the city’s religious and cultural heritage.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead and buy tickets online. Advance purchase helps you skip the long, tiring lines that form at peak times.
With tickets in hand, you can spend more time admiring the stained glass, grand sculptures, and the cathedral’s atmosphere—without losing precious minutes in line. If you don’t want to go inside, simply enjoy the magnificent exterior and snap photos in the square.
📍 Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI
👉 Book your ticket for the Milan Cathedral
Lunch at Terrazza Aperol
We had lunch at Terrazza Aperol, right by the Duomo inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The view is the star here: you can look over the square and cathedral while you eat.
As you’d expect, the house specialty is the Aperol Spritz—hugely popular in Italy, especially in warm weather. Besides drinks, the menu offers tasty Italian bites, pasta, and pizza. For lunch, ask for an outdoor table to enjoy the best views; for drinks only, you’ll stand at the bar.
The vibe feels modern and upbeat, and there’s often live music, which makes the experience even better. It’s a great spot to relax with friends or family and enjoy a sunny afternoon or an easy evening in Milan.
Because it’s so close to the Duomo and the view is fantastic, it gets busy—arrive early, as they don’t take reservations.
It isn’t cheap: an Aperol costs around €20 and mains run €15–€25. Nevertheless, the view is incredible, and we felt it was worth it.
📍 Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 20121 Milano MI
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next to the Duomo, stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—famous for mosaics, luxury boutiques, and classic cafés.
Don’t miss the “Lucky Bull” mosaic on the floor near the entrance to Prada. Tradition says that if you place your right heel on the bull’s testicles and spin three times, you’ll have good fortune—so why not try?
📍 Address: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
Visit the Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. At an impressive 2,300 square meters, it’s the largest in Europe and the only European flagship where beans are roasted on-site. You can watch the roasting and brewing process, then taste curated selections from around the world—an immersive experience for all the senses.
📍 Address: P.za Cordusio, 3, 20123 Milano MI
Sforza Castle
This impressive Renaissance fortress houses several museums and galleries, and its gardens are perfect for a break.
When we visited, we wandered the park and soaked up the sunshine. It was a Saturday, and a small market had popped up on the far end (opposite the main entrance). We bought delicious artisanal sweets—the pistachio cream was our favorite!
📍 Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI
👉 Book your ticket: Milan: Sforza Castle Entry Ticket with Audio Guide
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
If time allows, visit the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see The Last Supper, da Vinci’s masterpiece. We skipped it on this route to enjoy more time at the castle park on a beautiful day; however, it’s an excellent addition if you have a bit longer.
Remember to reserve well in advance. Daily visitor numbers are limited and demand is high.
📍 Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano MI
👉 Book your ticket for The Last Supper
More Tips to visit Milan
Short on time? Consider a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. It stops at major attractions and, as a result, saves a lot of time.
👉 Book here: Milan: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Audio Guide
Where to Stay in Milan
On Booking.com you’ll find many options. Below are well-rated, well-located picks from 5-star to budget-friendly stays.
5⭐ Palazzo Cornalia, Hotel Principe Di Savoia and Galleria Vik Milano – Townhouse Galleria
4⭐ Room Mate Giulia and Hotel The Square Milano Duomo – Preferred Hotels & Resorts
3⭐ Lancaster Hotel, Delle Nazioni Milan Hotel and Hotel Milano Castello
2⭐ Hotel Delizia, Hotel 26 and Hotel Fioralba
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
First Time in Italy? Essential Travel Tips You Must Know
Val di Mello: The Perfect Alpine Escape Near Milan
Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
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