Why Visit Milan?
Milan commands global attention as Italy's economic powerhouse and fashion capital, where haute couture houses anchor elegant shopping districts and the business-first reputation masks a city rich in Leonardo da Vinci's genius, Gothic splendor, and aperitivo culture. The Duomo di Milano stuns as one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, its white marble facade adorned with 3,400+ statues and 135 spires, while the rooftop terraces put visitors eye-level with flying buttresses and offer Alps views on clear days. Next door, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II's glass-vaulted arcade hosts Prada's flagship and historic Caffè Camparino where the red aperitif was invented.
Yet Milan's greatest treasure requires booking months ahead—Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper fades gracefully in Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory, with up to 40 viewers admitted at a time for strictly timed 15-minute slots. La Scala opera house stages world premieres in its red-and-gold interior, while Brera's cobblestone streets hide art galleries, the Pinacoteca's Caravaggio collection, and bohemian cafés. Fashion Week (February/September) sees the Quadrilatero d'Oro's Via Monte Napoleone boutiques buzzing with editors and models, though outlet shopping at Serravalle offers designer deals.
The Navigli canals district transforms at aperitivo hour (6-8pm) when $11 Aperol Spritzes come with lavish buffets, and vintage markets line the waterways on Sundays. Modern Milan innovates at Fondazione Prada's art complex and Porta Nuova's vertical forests. Football fans worship at San Siro stadium for Inter or AC Milan matches.
With efficient metro, walkable center, and Lakes Como/Maggiore day trips just an hour away, Milan delivers sophistication, style, and Northern Italian excellence.
What to Do
Milan Icons
Duomo & Rooftop Terraces
One of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals took six centuries to complete. Cathedral sightseeing tickets start from about $11–$15 for tourists; rooftop tickets are around $21 and a combined cathedral + rooftop pass is about $28 for adults. Prayer-only access is free via a separate entrance. Book online to skip lines. The rooftop puts you among 135 spires and 3,400 statues, with Alps views on clear days. Go early morning (9am opening for tourists) or late afternoon for best light. The terraces get crowded midday. Allow 90 minutes total. Modest dress required—shoulders and knees covered.
The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano)
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory is Milan's most sought-after ticket. Up to 40 people are admitted per 15-minute slot. Tickets ($16 full price, plus booking fees that bring the total to around $18+) must be reserved 2–3 months ahead on the official website—they sell out quickly. If tickets are sold out, try authorized tour operators ($54–$86 including skip-the-line and guide). The mural is fragile and fading, but seeing it in person is unforgettable. Arrive 15 minutes early or you forfeit your slot. Reservations are mandatory for all visitors.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Italy's oldest active shopping mall (1877) is an elegant glass-vaulted arcade connecting the Duomo to La Scala. Free to wander and admire the mosaics and architecture. Prada's flagship is here, along with luxury boutiques and historic cafés. Spinning on the bull's testicles in the floor mosaic is said to bring good luck. Caffè Camparino invented the Campari cocktail—expect $9–$13 for drinks at the bar. For people-watching without the premium, grab gelato and sit on the Duomo steps instead.
Art & Culture
Brera Art Gallery & District
Pinacoteca di Brera houses one of Italy's finest art collections with works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna. Entry is $16 (free first Sunday of each month). The gallery is manageable in 90 minutes–2 hours. The surrounding Brera district is Milan's bohemian heart—cobblestone streets, art galleries, vintage shops, and aperitivo bars. Wander Via Brera and Via Madonnina for boutiques and cafés. Thursday evenings the area comes alive with locals meeting for drinks before dinner.
La Scala Opera House
One of the world's great opera houses with a season running December–July. Performance tickets range from $27 (upper galleries with obstructed views) to $216+ for orchestra seats—book months ahead on the official website. The La Scala Museum ($13) offers a peek inside when there's no performance, showing costumes, instruments, and backstage glimpses. If you can't get opera tickets, try a ballet or concert. Dress code for evening performances is smart—jackets for men, elegant dress for women.
Sforza Castle & Sempione Park
This massive 15th-century fortress houses several museums ($5–$11 entry to museums; courtyards free). Michelangelo's unfinished Rondanini Pietà is the highlight. The castle grounds are pleasant for strolling. Behind it, Sempione Park offers green space, the Arco della Pace triumphal arch (free), and locals jogging or picnicking. The park connects to the Design Museum (Triennale) showcasing Italian design. Allow 2–3 hours for castle and park. Go in the late afternoon to catch golden hour at the arch.
Fashion & Aperitivo
Quadrilatero d'Oro (Fashion District)
The Golden Quad of Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni is high-fashion heaven. Window shopping is free and the architecture and storefronts are works of art. Unless you're dropping serious money, this is a look-don't-touch zone—Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani flagships line the streets. Fashion Week (late February and late September) sees celebrities and editors flooding the area. For actual shopping, head to Serravalle Designer Outlet (1 hour from Milan) for 30–70% discounts on past seasons.
Navigli Canals & Aperitivo
Milan's canal district comes alive at aperitivo hour (6–9pm) when bars offer $11–$13 drinks with lavish free buffets of pasta, pizza, salads, and snacks—basically a light dinner. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals are lined with bars and restaurants. Try Ugo or Rita & Cocktails for classic aperitivo. Sundays bring an antiques and vintage market (9am–6pm). The area gets packed on weekends—go weeknights or arrive by 6:30pm to snag a canal-side table. Very popular with students and young locals.
Porta Nuova & Modern Milan
Milan's futuristic business district showcases contemporary architecture, including the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) towers covered in trees and plants. It's free to walk through the pedestrian Piazza Gae Aulenti with its fountains and modern vibe—a stark contrast to historic Milan. The area has upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and shopping at the Corso Como concept store (10 Corso Como). Go at sunset to see the towers lit up, then grab dinner at one of the trendy restaurants around the plaza.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: MXP, LIN
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C | -1°C | 4 | Good |
| February | 13°C | 2°C | 5 | Good |
| March | 13°C | 4°C | 12 | Good |
| April | 19°C | 8°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 23°C | 14°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 16°C | 12 | Good |
| July | 29°C | 19°C | 11 | Good |
| August | 29°C | 20°C | 12 | Good |
| September | 24°C | 16°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 17°C | 9°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 12°C | 5°C | 3 | Good |
| December | 6°C | 2°C | 17 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: April, May, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Milan has three airports. Malpensa (MXP) is main international hub—Malpensa Express train to Centrale station costs $14 50 min. Linate (LIN) closer for European flights—buses to center $5–$9 Bergamo (BGY) serves budget airlines—buses $11 60 min. Milano Centrale is Italy's busiest station—high-speed trains from Rome (3h), Venice (2h30min), Florence (1h40min).
Getting Around
Milan Metro (M1-M5) is efficient and extensive. Single tickets $2 (90 min), day pass $8 3-day ticket around $17 (valid 72h). Trams (#1, #2) are scenic. The city is walkable in center—Duomo to Navigli is 25 minutes. Taxis expensive ($11–$22 short trips). Bike-share available but traffic is heavy. Avoid rental cars—ZTL zones fine tourists.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards widely accepted. ATMs throughout city. Exchange $1 ≈ $$1. Tipping: coperto (cover charge $2–$4) common, leave 5-10% for excellent service. Service charge may be included—check receipts.
Language
Italian is official. English spoken in hotels, fashion district, and tourist restaurants, but less common than Rome. Milanesi can be more reserved. Learning Italian basics (Buongiorno, Grazie) is appreciated. Menus have English in tourist areas. Fashion industry is international—English common there.
Cultural Tips
Book Last Supper months ahead—it sells out instantly. Fashion Week (Feb/Sep) hotels triple prices. Lunch 12:30-2:30pm, dinner 7:30-10pm. Aperitivo culture 6-9pm—$11–$13 drink includes buffet. Dress stylishly—Milanesi judge appearance. August sees locals leave (Ferragosto)—many places close. La Scala dress code: smart. Museums close Mondays. Sunday mornings are quiet.
Perfect 3-Day Milan Itinerary
Day 1: Duomo & Shopping
Day 2: Art & Culture
Day 3: Modern Milan or Lake
Where to Stay in Milan
Centro Storico (Duomo area)
Best for: Main sights, luxury shopping, high-end hotels, central location
Brera
Best for: Art galleries, bohemian cafés, aperitivo, cobblestone charm, romantic
Navigli
Best for: Canal-side aperitivo, nightlife, Sunday markets, trendy restaurants
Porta Nuova
Best for: Modern architecture, Bosco Verticale, business hotels, skyline views
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Milan?
What is the best time to visit Milan?
How much does a trip to Milan cost per day?
Is Milan safe for tourists?
What are the must-see attractions in Milan?
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Milan
Ready to Visit Milan?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
