Milan Travelers Recommend

Like many large cities, Milan can be a challenge during the hottest months of summer, and it takes a bit of planning to enjoy the highlights in comfort. Do as the Milanesi do and divide your time between the city center and cooler coast and countryside. Here are a few ways to experience the best of Milan in summer, even when temperatures soar.

• Don’t swelter in the heat outside: Choose a skip-the-line tour of the Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper for priority entry.
• Avoid getting footsore with a long walking itinerary, and instead zip through the city on a Segway or rickshaw tour.
• See Milan’s highlights via a breezy, open-top bus on a hop-on hop-off city tour.
• Cool the palate with a gelato master class (and tasting!).
• Avoid touring during the hottest hours of the day, and instead explore Milan’s trendy Navigli district in the evening.
• Sample the best vintages from the cool hills of Lombardy and Piedmont with a wine-tasting tour in the countryside.
• Catch a sea breeze on the coast with a jaunt to the picturesque Cinque Terre.
• Head to cooler climes with a day trip to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore.
• Escape to the refreshing Alpine peaks with a train ride on the Bernina Express as far as St. Moritz.
• Experience Milan’s famed nightlife, when temperatures drop but the clubs and bars heat up.

A full Milan experience can be had in just three days if you plan an itinerary with tours that combine the sights, culture, and adventures of northern Italy. Here are our top ideas for how to spend your time, including how to visit the mountains, coast, or Italian lakes in one day.

Day 1: Milan’s Top Attractions

Start your day with a viewing of Milan’s most revered attraction, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Book a visit with a guide to hear about the painting’s history and restoration during your visit to see the 15th-century mural, on display inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Skip-the-line or combo tours are a popular way to cover more sights in a shorter time. If you’re interested in cultural landmarks, take a guided tour to learn about the architecture and significance of Duomo di Milano and La Scala opera houses, within walking distance of each other. Then spend the evening with a food and wine experience such as a walking tour of the Brera district, a wine-tasting session of Lombardy wines with a sommelier, or a food, beer, or wine tour of the Navigli district.

Day 2: Shopping, Cooking, and Aperitivo

Italy is known for its fashion and cars, so don’t miss a chance to shop for discounts on Italian designer labels like Armani, Fendi, and Gucci at the Serravalle Designer Outlet or drive a Ferrari around a racetrack outside Milan. Back in the city, go exploring on a bike or Segway tour—you’ll cover more ground than you would by walking but still enjoy being outside to see sights such as Castello Sforzesco, Piazza della Scala, Piazza del Duomo, and Colonne di San Lorenzo. End the day with a cooking lesson, during which you’ll learn how to make Italian cuisine with a local chef and then enjoy your creations for dinner. Alternatively, opt for a more relaxing experience with an evening spa treatment that includes pre-dinner snacks and wine, known in Italy as aperitivo.  

Day 3: Into the Countryside

Milan offers proximity to some of northern Italy’s top destinations, which can be reached on a day trip from the city. Mountain lovers can head north for a train ride through the Swiss Alps on the Bernina Express, stopping in the resort town of St. Moritz. Closer to the city, discover the beauty and elegance of Lake Como on a tour that includes a boat ride on the lake, or head to the Italian Riviera on a day trip to Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed series of five villages perched on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. To the east, visit the canal city of Venice to see sights such as St. Mark’s Basilica.

Chic Milan is famous for its fashion industry, but this cosmopolitan city offers much more than cutting-edge couture. Home to one of the most striking Gothic cathedrals in Europe, a world-famous opera house, and Leonardo’s iconic The Last Supper, Milan offers more than enough to keep any art-and-architecture aficionado happy. Gourmands can get their fill by dipping in to the city’s vibrant food scene, from trendy street food to Michelin-starred restaurants packed to the gills with elegant Milanesi until the late hours. The city can also serve as a convenient jumping-off point to explore farther afield with day trips to Venice, the Cinque Terre, Lake Como, or the Bernina Express train into the Alps. From culture to cuisine, here are some of our top picks and experiences in Milan.

Leonardo da Vinci's famous Last Supper is a popular sight in Milan, but tickets sometimes sell out months in advance due to the time limit for each visit. Don't miss your chance to view the beautiful fresco—see your skip-the-line options below.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

Those who want to simply make sure they get their 15 minutes with The Last Supper can buy a stand-alone skip-the-line entrance ticket. It's nearly impossible to get a same-day ticket, so it's important to reserve your spot ahead of time. You'll be given a specific entry time, so don't be late. Some ticket packages include a city guide or book about the fresco itself, which can be picked up on site.

Guided Skip-the-Line Tours at The Last Supper

To learn more about The Last Supper during your visit, choose a guided tour. These come with skip-the-line access, and you'll also be accompanied by a guide who can provide details about the artwork, the location of the fresco, and the man who created it. For a VIP experience, book a private after-hours visit to see the fresco without any crowds. These tours last about 40 to 60 minutes.

Combo Tours

Combining a skip-the-line visit to see The Last Supper with another experience in Milan is a wonderful way to experience more of this busy and fashionable city. The options for additional stops include the Sforza Castle, the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, and the Ambrosiana Art Gallery. You can also choose to pair a Milan walking tour with your time at The Last Supper.

Temperatures bottom out in Milan in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty to keep you busy in the Italian capital of fashion and design. Between world-class museums, luxury boutique shopping, and easy access to the nearby Alpine peaks, here are our top suggestions for enjoying Milan in winter.

• Explore the Swiss Alps by rail with a train ride through the most spectacular peaks on the Bernina Express.
• Stay warm while taking in city highlights on a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour.
• Get a good look at Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper during the quiet low season.
• Experience opera history by visiting La Scala, where some of Italy’s most famous arias have been performed.
• Take in the city’s cathedral from top to bottom with a Duomo terrace and underground tour.
• Warm up with a bit of vino during a guided wine tasting, paired with samples of local cheeses and charcuterie.
• Connect with locals during a home cooking class, and learn how to prepare traditional Milanese dishes.
• Prepare for the holidays with a day trip to the famous Christmas markets in Switzerland.
• Go bargain hunting at the Serravalle or Foxtown Designer Outlet.
• Spend a few hours admiring the masterpieces in the Brera Museum, the most important art collection in the city.

Milan's location in northern Italy makes it a convenient base for getting out of the city and over to the region's collection of picturesque lakes, from Como to Garda. Here are a few of the best lakes to visit on a day trip from metropolitan Milan.

Lake Como — 32 miles (51 km) from Milan to Como

The shores around wishbone-shaped Lake Como have enticed visitors since Roman times. You’ll find mountains, grand hotels, and villas surrounding the water, plus the opportunity for a  funicular ride that runs up to Brunate for stellar views over the lake and the Italian Alps. Hop around to Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio by boat, and see Lake Como's treasures in a day.

How to Visit

Como is the closest lakeside town to Milan. Choose a Lake Como day trip that includes coach or train transport to avoid the hassle of parking, gain knowledge from your tour guide, and still enjoy free time for a waterfront stroll or a boat ride. Services from Milano Centralo shuttle you to Como or Varenna.

Lake Maggiore — 37 miles (59 km) from Milan to Sesto Calende

The waters of Lake Maggiore sweep south from Switzerland into Italy, meandering their way into the record books as Italy’s longest lake. From the grand hotels of Stresa to the cobbles of Canobbio, the lake’s towns all have their charms, but it’s the tiny Borromean islands that are Lake Maggiore's biggest draw. Hop on a boat at Stresa and aim to visit all three.

How to Visit

Book a full-day tour from Milan by coach that includes a two-hour boat cruise, or relax on the hourlong train from Milano Centrale to Stresa, where ferries offer frequent trips to other lake towns and islands.

Lake Garda — 81 miles (131 km) from Milan to Desenzano del Garda

A diverse landscape surrounds vast Lake Garda—between the southern olive groves and the wild northern waterfronts, the scenery is all shingle shores and harbor towns, offset by bobbing boats and mountains. Within easy reach of Milan and Venice, the lake is an area of hiking, watersports, and historical towns.

How to Visit

Choose a day trip from Milan that combines an outing at Lake Garda and a boat tour with time in nearby Verona, or head to the transport hubs of Desenzano or Peschiera del Garda by train, then switch to a ferry to visit Sirmione and beyond.

With two days in Milan, you can spend one day discovering the historical and cultural attractions in the historic city center and another on activities that highlight more of the city and other essential Italian experiences. Here are a few ways to plan an itinerary that suits your interests.

Day 1: Milan’s Top Sights

Morning: Begin by viewing Milan’s most revered attraction, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Book with a guide to hear about the painting’s history and restoration during your allowed 15-minute visit, or opt for a combo walking tour and skip-the-line ticket to see additional Milan sights.

Afternoon: Discover Milan’s culinary culture on a food walking tour of the Brera district or a beer-tasting tour in the Navigli district. For a culture fix, opt for brief tours of the Duomo di Milano and La Scala opera house.

Night: Wine enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy a sit-down wine-tasting session with a sommelier to learn about the varietals of Italy’s Lombardy region, while a walking tour of the Navigli district allows you to fuel up on appetizers and wine as you explore.

Day 2: Activities and Experiences

Morning: Fashion lovers don’t want to miss the chance to find discounts on Italian designer labels like Armani, Fendi, and Gucci with a trip to the Serravalle Designer Outlet, an elegant shopping complex outside Milan. If you’re more into cars than clothes, discover the power of an Italian vehicle with a Ferrari racing experience.

Afternoon: Explore Milan on two wheels with a Segway tour or bike tour, which lets you cover more ground than you would on foot and enjoy the fresh outdoor air as you pass by sights such as Castello Sforzesco, Piazza della Scala, Piazza del Duomo, and Colonne di San Lorenzo.

Night: Learn how to make Italian cuisine with an evening cooking lesson, where you’ll prepare a meal with a local chef and then enjoy your creations for dinner with your fellow classmates. For something more relaxing, book an evening spa experience that includes pre-dinner snacks and wine, known in Italy as an aperitivo.

With a walkable historic center and major attractions within easy reach of each other, Milan is not hard to see in just one day. From remarkable architecture to culinary delights to one of the most famous paintings in the world, here are our top ideas to help you make the most of your limited time in the city.

Morning: The work of Da Vinci

Start your day with a viewing of Milan’s number-one attraction, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The 15th-century mural is on display inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, where visitors are allowed just 15 minutes to look at it before moving on for the next group. By booking a visit with a guide, you’ll gain insight into the painting’s history and restoration attempts. Alternatively, combine your visit with a walking tour of Milan’s other sights to cover more ground in one tour. If you prefer to explore Milan at your own pace, opt for a hop-on hop-off tour.

Afternoon: Cultural interests

Depending on your preferences, you can spend the afternoon exploring Milan’s culinary scene or cultural attractions. Foodies will want to embark on a food walking tour of the popular Brera district, where you can sample prosciutto, cheese, and other items, or perhaps go beer-tasting in the Navigli district. Alternatively, explore the city’s two major landmarks—the Duomo di Milano and La Scala opera house—on short guided tours that introduce you to the architecture and significance of these two sites, which are located within walking distance of each other in Milan’s historical center.

Night: Epicurean experiences

It’s all about food and wine when evening rolls around. Both wine aficionados and novices will enjoy a sit-down wine-tasting session with a sommelier, who talks about the varietals of Italy’s Lombardy region, but if you’d prefer to explore on foot, opt for a walking tour of the Navigli district that includes stops for appetizers and wine. For a more immersive experience, an evening cooking lesson gives you the chance to make your own Italian meal with the help of a local chef, and then enjoy your creations for dinner with your fellow classmates.

Hailed as the fashion and commerce capital of Italy, Milan combines masterpieces of medieval art and architecture with the hip energy of a trendsetting city. It’s also an ideal hub for exploring the landscapes of northern Italy. Here's how to make the most of your visit to this sprawling, stylish hub without paying luxury prices. 

Visit Treasure-Filled Churches

You don't have to buy museum tickets to see some of Milan's best art. The city’s most prized piece—The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci—is on display at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, and the enormous Milan Cathedral (Duomo) is filled with thousands of sculptures. Both have only a small entrance fee to step inside, while guided tours and skip-the-line tickets can help you save time and delve deeper into the artwork.

Take a Walk

Much of Milan’s historic center is best explored on foot, and it doesn't cost a thing to soak up the magnificence of Cathedral Square (Piazza Duomo) or the glitzy ambiance of boutique-lined Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Bike and Segway tours are other options for covering even more ground in a wallet-friendly way.

Catch a Hop-On-Hop-Off-Bus Tour

If you're not keen on navigating Milan's public transit system, there are other ways to get around while still avoiding pricey taxi rides. Hop-on-hop-off-bus tours are a flexible and user-friendly option to access top sites on your own schedule, while affordable group city tours offer a bit more structure and commentary.  

Shop the Outlets

Milan is one of the world’s most fashionable cities, so if you don't want to head home without some made-in-Italy products, score quality name brands for less at suburban outlets such as Serravalle or FoxTown across the border in Switzerland. Outlets and factory stores are an Italian open secret for dressing well at discounts of up to 70 percent. 

Visit Lake Como for Less

If a lakeside villa isn't in your budget, you can still experience the serene beauty of Bellagio, Monterosso, and other coastal villages on an affordable day trip to Lake Como or the Cinque Terre. Shared coach tours are a great way to fit in these picturesque destinations without the expense of overnight hotels or private transport.

Winters can be long in Milan, and the city blooms both figuratively and literally with the first balmy days of spring. Locals gather in the city’s lush parks for a walk by day and in chic outdoor cafés and bars for an aperitivo come sunset. Here are the best ways to enjoy Milan as it comes to life in spring.

• Take advantage of the warmer temperatures to savor the view from the spectacular rooftop terrace of Milan Cathedral (Duomo).
• Beat the summer crowds to ponder Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in relative peace.
• Join the foodie fun at alfresco restaurants and cafés with a food-and-wine tour in the trendiest neighborhood in the city.
• Bask in the warm spring sunshine from an open-top bus with a hop-on hop-off tour.
• Enjoy the lavish villa gardens lining Lake Maggiore in full spring bloom during a day trip.
• Get outside with the rest of the sun-starved Milanesi and tour the highlights by bike.
• Take the first beach break of the season with a jaunt to the picturesque fishing villages of the Cinque Terre.
• Admire the city and surrounding countryside of Lombardy and Piedmont from above with a hot-air-balloon ride.
• Experience the spring abundance even in urban Milan with a visit to the local market followed by a cooking lesson.
• Update your wardrobe for the season with a shopping tour of the most fashionable boutiques in Milan.

Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, “The Last Supper,” is one of Milan's top attractions. But with only 15-minute visits allowed, you'll be looking for other things to do nearby. Luckily, the fresco is in a church that's close to several other sights.

Learn more about da Vinci at the Museum of Science and Technology.

Italy's largest science and technology museum features models made from the Renaissance man's invention sketches. There are seven sections of the museum, some of which are hands-on and geared toward kids, so it's an excellent spot for a family or private tour.

Check out one of Milan's oldest churches, the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio.

This church was consecrated in the fourth century by Milan's patron saint, St. Ambrose. There are two bell towers, which is unusual for a church, and inside you’ll find gorgeous mosaic artwork from the fourth to eighth centuries.

Relax with the locals in Parco Sempione.

One of the best places to take a break from city life in Milan, the wonderful green space of Parco Sempione sprawls out behind the Castello Sforzesco. Museums line the park, but the main appeal for locals and visitors alike is the grassy lawn surrounded by rows of trees that help you forget you're in the middle of a busy city.

Visit the former seat of the ruling Sforza family at the Castello Sforzesco.

This once imposing castle houses several museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Musical Instruments, and a collection of Egyptian artifacts. Visitors can see the castle's historic battlements and guard chambers with a guided tour, and there are also family tours to keep kids interested.

Explore the history of Italian design at the Triennale Museum.

Jump forward in time after seeing “The Last Supper” to immerse yourself in the excellent collection of contemporary art and design at La Triennale. Located on one side of Parco Sempione, the building also contains a spacious cafe and a reference library.

Milan may be best-known for its chic fashion and design, but lovers of art and architecture won’t be disappointed by the wealth of masterpieces in the city’s many world-class museums. From Caravaggio to Kandinsky, there’s a treasure trove to be discovered in Milan’s spectacular collections. Here are our top picks.

Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera)

One of Italy’s most important collections of medieval and Renaissance paintings, housed in the baroque 17th-century Palazzo di Brera, includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Admire these dazzling works, and then explore the tony boutiques and cafés in the surrounding Brera neighborhood.

How to Visit: Join a walking tour of Brera that includes skip-the-line tickets to the gallery to visit both the neighborhood and its star attraction.

Sforzesco Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

This medieval fortress houses a number of important galleries and museums to peruse. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini in the Museum of Ancient Art and the Pinacoteca’s collection of works by Titian and Bellini. The castle is also home to the Museum of Applied Arts, Museum of Musical Instruments, and Egyptian and Prehistoric collections.

How to Visit: Opt for a skip-the-line tour of this vast complex, or join a private tour to access restricted areas of the castle including the crenellated ramparts and the covered Ghirlanda passage.

Leonardo3 Museum (The World of Leonardo da Vinci)

Kids and curious adults enjoy seeing the more than 200 interactive machines and working models based on designs by Italy's greatest luminary, Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibit includes a digitized version of the entire Codex Atlanticus and The Last Supper, as well as a number of the inventor’s unique musical instruments.

How to Visit: Leonardo3 is one of the city museums included in the Milano Card pass, and you can explore the museum independently or with an audio guide in English.

Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana)

True Leonardo aficionados won’t want to miss seeing the largest surviving collection of his notes, the Codex Atlanticus. Portions of the 12-volume masterpiece of handwritten text and sketches are on rotating display in the library’s Sala Federiciana and adjacent Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

How to Visit: Combine a visit at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana with a private or small-group walking tour of Milan’s nearby highlights such as the cathedral (duomo) and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

20th-Century Museum (Museo del Novecento)

Leave the Renaissance masters behind when you visit the Museo del Novecento, home to an important collection of 20th-century art. Admire masterpieces by modern iconoclasts such as Picasso, Modigliani, Matisse, and Kandinsky in the Palazzo dell’Arengario, just steps from Milan’s Duomo, or pop in to see a temporary exhibition of contemporary art, photography, or design.

How to Visit: Join a walking tour of the highlights of Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, and pair it with a stop in the Museo del Novecento on the same square.

Casa Milan

Milan isn’t just fashion and art: Footie fans flock to Casa Milan, the headquarters of the city’s beloved football (aka soccer) club, AC Milan. Behind its futuristic facade embossed with the team’s colors, the AC Milan museum is home to interactive exhibitions highlighting the high points of the club’s history, memorabilia, and a Hall of Fame and Trophy Room.

How to Visit: Milan football tours include stops at Casa Milan and the San Siro Stadium,

With works including The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world's most famous artists, and his legacy remains strong in his former home of Milan. Follow in the footsteps of an art icon with a tour of da Vinci's Milan.

Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper

Few paintings are as globally renowned as The Last Supper, da Vinci's evocative interpretation of the biblical scene. Located in the UNESCO–listed Santa Maria delle Grazie church, the magnificent fresco is open to the public by guided tour only.

How to visit: Choose a private, small-group, or group tour; opt for skip-the-line access to avoid the long queues; or upgrade to a private VIP tour and enjoy a special after-hours visit.

Navigli District

Navigli is one of Milan's most atmospheric districts, with its scenic canals and lively cafés facing out over the waterfront. The neighborhood also has a fascinating link to the city's most famous artist—Leonardo da Vinci was the mastermind behind the design of the canal locks.

How to visit: Explore the Navigli District on a 2-hour walking tour, accompanied by a local guide.

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

The biggest museum of its kind in Italy, this site is crammed with interactive and innovative displays. Da Vinci fans can enjoy the exhibit devoted to the artist, where his most unusual drawings and inventions have been brought to life.

How to visit: Take in the highlights on a 2-hour guided visit, designed to engage the whole family.

San Sepolcro Church

Located on Piazza San Sepolcro in the heart of the city, San Sepolcro Church and its magnificent underground crypt were beloved by Leonardo da Vinci, inspiring him to place the church at the center of his map of Milan.

How to visit: Explore the church and crypt on a self-guided tour, accompanied by an audio guide.

Leonardo's Vineyard (Museo Vigna di Leonardo)

Located across the road from the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, Leonardo's Vineyard was gifted to the artist by the Duke of Milan and was his home while he worked on The Last Supper. It has since been transformed into a museum, offering visitors a chance to stroll around the vineyard and explore inside his former home, the Atellani Palace.

How to visit: Access to the house and vineyard is by guided tour only. Tours are often combined with a visit to the neighboring Santa Maria delle Grazie church to view The Last Supper.

Milan may be Italy's banking and fashion capital, but it's also well known for art. The city is home to one of Leonardo da Vinci's greatest masterpieces, as well as a number of impressive galleries and museums. Here are the top sites for art lovers.

The Last Supper — Milan's top art attraction

Leonardo's famous fresco is also famously fragile, so the number of visitors is strictly limited. Tickets sell out months in advance because of this, so booking a skip-the-line tour is one of the easiest ways to see the masterpiece.

Pinacoteca di Brera — Large collection of Italian paintings

The charming Brera district is home to the excellent Pinacoteca di Brera, which has one of the best collections of Italian paintings anywhere. See works by Raphael, Mantegna, Titian, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, and Bellini, as well as art by non-Italians such as Rembrandt, Hayez, and Rubens. Touring this museum with a guide means you won't miss the most important pieces.

Gallery of Modern Art (Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna) —Paintings from the 18th to 20th centuries

Milan's modern art gallery primarily has works from the 18th to 20th centuries, including pieces by Gauguin, van Gogh, and Manet, among others. It's housed inside an 18th-century royal palace.

Museum of the 20th Century — Italian and non-Italian modern art

The Museum of the 20th Century (Museo del Novecento) is exactly that—the entire collection is focused on works from 1901 to 2000. It's almost entirely Italian, with notable pieces from Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, and Mondrian serving as exceptions.

Triennale Design Museum — History of Italian design

The Triennale Museum in Parco Sempione offers a fascinating look at Italian design history, showcasing many beautifully designed household items. In addition to the permanent collection, the Triennale also features temporary exhibitions.

Milan hits its stride in the fall, when the city fills with fashionistas from across the globe for Fashion Week and mild temperatures keep the outdoor cafés and clubs packed with sophisticated urbanites far past midnight. If you’re planning an autumn trip to Milan, here’s how best to fill your days (and nights).

• Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to explore the city’s highlights on foot as part of a Milan walking tour.
• Admire the clear view across Milan to the Alpine peaks on the horizon from the rooftop terrace of Milan Cathedral (Duomo).
• Explore one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city and its flourishing culinary scene with a Brera food tour.
• Indulge in a relaxing soak at a chic urban spa, followed by a cocktail to toast the city’s aperitivo tradition.
• Duck out of a sudden fall rainstorm by taking in Milan’s top sights with a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour.
• Join the vibrant nightlife along Milan’s historic canals during an evening walking tour in the Navigli district.
• Imbibe some of the best regional labels with a wine tasting in a city enoteca (wine shop).
• Discover where those in the know shop on a fashion tour of Milan’s hottest boutiques.
• Escape the city with a day trip to Lake Como during the most picturesque season of the year.
• Pay homage to one of Milan’s most treasured local traditions by taking an aperitivo tour of the city.

Milan is not only easy to navigate without a car, it's easier than with one. The city imposes a pollution tax on all automobiles, including rentals, so it’s a good idea to take a bus or walking tour, or take advantage of the city’s excellent public transit. Here are your options.

Public Transit

Milan's public transportation options include the Metro, bus lines, and a few tram routes. All three use the same ticketing system, and the Metro's four color-coded lines serve nearly every part of central Milan. In areas not covered by the Metro, bus and tram lines fill in the gaps.

Walking and Biking Tours

The historic center of Milan is actually quite compact, making it easy to get around on foot or by bike. Walking tours are popular, covering the main sights within easy strolling distance of one another, or focusing on a certain neighborhood like the Navigli or Brera, both of which become more lively at night. Alternately, cover more ground by booking a bicycle tour or taking advantage of Milan’s bike-sharing program, BikeMi.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Tram Tours

Getting the lay of the land in an unfamiliar city is often easiest when you start a visit with a hop-on hop-off tour. Milan offers these tours on both open-top, double-decker buses and on vintage trams. In either case, you can ride the whole route in one go or disembark at any point to explore and then get back on the next bus or tram.

You may be surprised at how kid-friendly the cosmopolitan city of Milan is, with its chic, grown-up boutiques tempered by a fun medieval castle, city parks, and historic trams. Older teens enjoy the aperitivo scene, and even the youngest tots love the view from the cathedral’s rooftop. Here’s how to keep the whole family entertained in Milan.

Highlights

• Take in the city from above with a trip up to the rooftop observation terrace of the soaring cathedral (duomo) overlooking Milan. Older kids can take in the entire complex during a duomo tour, or you can opt for skip-the-line tickets directly to the roof for dazzling views of the city center.
• All aboard! Hop on a historic tram through the city center to ride past some of Milan’s most captivating neighborhoods and take in its monuments from a vintage early 20th-century car. This unique way to see the city is perfect for footsore kids (and adults).
• Conquer the castle. The 15th-century Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is home to a number of museums and galleries, but kids are primarily drawn to its round battlements and watchtower. Join a family-friendly castle tour to learn about the history and lore of Milan’s most famous fortress.
• Both kids and adults sometimes need a respite from the urban bustle and historic grandeur of Milan. Relax at Sempione Park adjacent to Castello Sforzesco, and take a jaunt to the top of the Torre Branca panoramic tower, or pop into the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens or Brera Botanical Garden in the city center.
• Older kids can do as the Milanese do and sip a (nonalcoholic) drink and nibble on finger food at one of the trendy spots in Brenta or the Navigli district during the lively evening aperitivo hour, a daily ritual in fashionable Milan.

A trip from Milan to Venice showcases two sides of northern Italy—while Milan has the shopping and the swagger, Venice is all about history and romance, with a tangle of canals and palazzi. Here's how to take your own day trip from Milan to Venice.

Things to Know

• Milan and Venice lie 168 miles (270 km) apart, connected by the fast Autostrada A4. By road, the journey takes up to three hours, but the train is slightly quicker and saves you the headache of parking. Be sure to hop off at Venezia Santa Lucia station, not Venezia Mestra, which is the last mainland stop.

• Day trips to Venice from Milan generally last about 14 hours, including travel and activities, so prepare for a long day.

• Aside from comfortable shoes—you'll do a lot of walking in Venice—change is also helpful to have. You'll need coins for any public transit, and spare change is especially handy if you find yourself wanting to hop on a traghetto boat to cross the Grand Canal.

• Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, affording you a stress free day of exploring.

Famously the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, romantic Verona is one of Italy's most impressive Renaissance cities. It's easy to visit on a day trip from Milan, and to help you find the perfect tour, here's a rundown of your options.

Day Trips

The most convenient and cost-effective way to visit Verona is on a full-day group tour, traveling by bus or coach from Milan. Most tours include a walking tour of Verona's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including attractions such as the ancient Roman amphitheater, Juliet's Balcony, and Lamberti's Tower, as well as photo stops at the villages around Lake Garda.

Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours mean you can maximize your time and check off multiple destinations with an expert tour guide on hand to make sure you don't miss anything. Discover the villages and lakes of northern Italy on a two-, three-, or four-day tour, or set out on an epic adventure to explore the Dolomites mountain range or the Italian Riviera coast. Most tours include accommodation, as well as selected meals, entrance fees, and activities.

Things to Know

• Verona is about 100 miles (160 km) east of Milan, a journey of about two hours by road.

• Day tours from Milan typically last between 12 and 14 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Be sure to bring your camera, comfortable walking shoes, water, and snacks for the trip.

• Multi-day tours typically include accommodation, some meals, and round-trip transport from Milan.

Milan is known for its fast-paced, fashionista vibe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find pockets of romance even in this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy its soaring views, historic neighborhoods, and solid wine game—all perfect for lingering gazes and strolling hand in hand. Here’s how to explore the romantic side of Italy’s capital of style. 

Admire the City from Above

Leave the urban bustle far below to take in the city from one of its lofty perches. The most famous scenic overlook is the rooftop terrace of the cathedral (duomo), in the heart of the city. Join a private tour with skip-the-line access to the roof as the sun sets over the rooftops. Less famous but equally spectacular, the Torre di Brenta observation tower in Sempione Park also offers sweeping panoramas, the ideal backdrop to a kiss.

Capture Your Love on Film

Milan has some of the most striking historic monuments in Italy, from the Gothic cathedral to the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Take advantage of the theatrical setting for a couple’s photo shoot with a professional photographer, snapping posed and spontaneous shots of the two of you in locations across the city.

Soak Away Your Cares

The stress of daily life can take its toll on a couple, so spend an evening relaxing in one of Milan’s most exclusive spas. Unwind in the hot tubs, pool, sauna, and steam bath while enjoying a light aperitivo of finger food and drinks. You’ll both come away rejuvenated.

An Aperitivo for Two

One of Milan’s most beloved rituals is the evening aperitivo, a happy-hour repast of finger foods and drinks. Grab a table for two in the city’s trendy Navigli neighborhood along the canal, or opt for a more upscale cocktail hour at a landmark wine bar in the center, and settle in for sips and nibbles.

Italy’s capital of cool is a center of fashion and design that’s famous for its nightlife. The Milanese work hard and play hard, meaning that the city’s restaurants, bars, and clubs are always full of revellers. Here are a few ideas for exploring Milan after sunset.

Experience Italy’s Aperitivo Capital

Segueing from work to play over drinks and finger food is a beloved ritual across Italy. Hailed as the birthplace of the aperitivo, Milan is the best place to experience this trendy pre-dinner cocktail crawl. On an aperitivo tour, you’ll discover the most popular bars and cafés in the fashionable Navigli and Brera districts, and relax with locals over drinks and nibbles.

Bright Lights, Big City

Milan shows its romantic side after the sun sets. Leave the guidebook behind on a night tour that covers the Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, when they’re theatrically-lit and crowd-free. Explore downtown on foot or via Segway, and learn more about local history and architecture from a guide.

Dinner and a Show

Paris isn’t the only European city famous for its cabaret. Maison Milano is Milan’s premier dinner theater and puts on burlesque, live music, and DJ sets during dinner service. After the show, the venue becomes a disco where you can dance until the early hours. Do bear in mind that this is one of Milan’s most popular nightclubs, so advance booking is recommended.

Soak Your Cares Away

The urban pace of Milan can be relentless, so spend an evening relaxing at one of the city’s spas. Unwind in the hot tub and sauna; recharge with an aperitivos; or indulge in a treatment. Reserve ahead of time as spaces are limited.

Milan may be best-known for its sophisticated fashion and design, but the city also draws gourmands with its proud culinary history and lively contemporary food scene. From traditional, saffron-laced risotto to trendy finger food, here are the old-school and too-cool-for-school dishes to try out in Milan.

Risotto alla Milanese

Saffron is, by weight, the world’s most expensive food; it’s only fitting that this creamy rice dish flavored with its precious strands is extravagant Milan’s most beloved recipe. With a bright yellow hue and rich, buttery flavor, risotto alla milanese is simple yet complex and calls for heirloom riso carnaroli to be considered authentic.

Polenta

Risotto alla milanese may be a dish for the wealthy, but humble polenta is also a Milanese classic. The city manages to take it upscale by serving the simple corn potage topped with creamy cheese fondue or rich meats like osso buco. It takes long, slow cooking to bring out the best in polenta, so search it out in a traditional trattoria.

Cotoletta alla Milanese

A staple found on menus across the city and also a straightforward dish to make at home, cotoletta alla Milanese is simply a cutlet of milk-fed veal, breaded and pan-fried in clarified butter. There are different schools of thought regarding the thickness of the cut and the presence of the bone, but the quality of the veal and precise frying time are universally considered the keys to success.

Aperitivi

Though Milanese cuisine has storied classics, today by far the city’s most popular dining ritual is the aperitivo—cocktails and finger food served through the dinner hour. The quintessential drink is the Spritz, accompanied by a selection of artisan charcuterie and cheeses, crostini with a variety of toppings, tramezzini (small sandwiches), and other nibbles.

Sushi

Milan is Italy’s capital of international cuisine, and sushi has become the city’s unofficial official dish. You can find classic, Peruvian, Brazilian, and other fusion varieties in chic eateries across the fashionable Brenta and Navigli neighborhoods, and many aperitivo spots also serve maki and other sushi-inspired bites as part of the cocktail spread.

Craft Beer

Italy’s craft beer movement, a close cousin of the aperitivo culture, was born in and continues to thrive in Milan. There are a number of microbreweries inside the city limits with tasting rooms and pubs, as well as hip beer halls crowded in the evenings with locals sipping innovative brews paired with the city’s ubiquitous finger foods.

The concept of aperitivo has become more common in Italy’s big cities in recent years, but not everyone really understands what it means to have a pre- or post-meal aperitif. Read on to discover how to experience this dining tradition in Milan.

Things to Know

Strictly speaking, the term aperitivo refers to any alcoholic beverage consumed before eating a meal and meant to trigger one's appetite. In practice, however, it typically means the pre-dinner ritual of a bar or restaurant serving an assortment of food that patrons get for free with the purchase of a drink.

It may sound like any old happy hour, but that's not quite the same thing. In Italy, drinks aren’t cheaper during aperitivo—in fact, they can be a little more expensive than normal—and the buffet is free. While it's easy (and totally acceptable) for diners to make a meal of happy hour in some countries, you're not supposed to stuff yourself at aperitivo in Italy. It’s meant to serve as a light snack and drink before dinner, and one of the best places in which to experience the tradition is Milan, a city that prides itself on its cocktail culture.

How to Go

Be on the lookout for bars and restaurants setting up for the evening (with lots of sidewalk tables in nicer weather) in popular neighborhoods such as Nagigli just south of the city center and the classy Brera district near the Duomo. Browse on your own or book an aperitivo tour to make sure you're getting the best possible experience.

Head out on an evening walking tour to scope out the possibilities and get recommendations from your guide, or choose a tour that specifically includes an aperitivo stop. It's even possible to relax over an aperitivo in the villa vineyard that was once owned and cultivated by Leonardo da Vinci himself.

Milan may be known as Italy’s capital of fashion and design, but this cosmopolitan city also has a number of beautiful green spaces that offer a relaxing break from the city’s relentless urban pace. From grand city parks to tiny private gardens, here are our top picks of the best in Milan.

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione)

Milan’s most popular public park, this expanse of green stretches from Sforzesco Castle to the Arch of Peace and houses the Triennale di Milano museum of art and design, the Arena Civica stadium, the city aquarium, and the Torre Branca panoramic tower. Most come, however, simply to stroll along the pretty paths, rest on the shady benches, and take a break from the surrounding bustle of Milan.

Leonardo’s Vineyard

Located just opposite the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent housing Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, this tiny plot of land tucked behind Casa degli Atellani was owned by Leonardo in the 15th century and has been recently restored and planted with the same variety of grape the artist grew to make wine more than 500 years ago. Tickets to the vineyard also include a tour of the Renaissance villa it is set behind, as well as the surrounding garden.

Indro Montanelli Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli)

This 18th-century garden in Milan’s Porta Venezia neighborhood offers inviting, wide paths crisscrossing geometric flower beds and is home to the Museum of Natural History and the planetarium. In addition to its lush grounds, the park includes a children’s play area and a butterfly oasis.

Brera Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera)

Tucked away in posh Brera, this botanical garden was established by Maria Theresa of Austria in 1777 and is now part of the University of Milan. In addition to its two 18th-century ponds, pavilion, observatory, and greenhouses, this private garden has a network of paths lined by meticulous flowerbeds, tinkling fountains, and quiet benches perfect for a rejuvenating break. Be sure to note the two towering ginkgo biloba trees, among the oldest of their species in Europe.

Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte Gardens (Giardini della Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte)

Just across the street from the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens and behind the neoclassical villa that today hosts Milan’s Museum of Modern Art, these small but pretty gardens are known locally as the Gardens of the Royal Villa and host over 50 species of plants. After admiring the gallery’s collection of 19th-century art, you can relax along the paths that wind around a small lake, passing footbridges and a small temple, all against the backdrop of the late-18th-century royal residence.