Milan Itinerary – Everything you should know about Milan – 19th is the best!!

Milan….

……………. The City of Possibilities.

…………………….At least, that’s how I see Milan……………………..

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There are literally hundreds of novels, plays, movies, shows, and stories about Milan. Every single one of them revolves around just how unique this city of modern art and architecture melds with the old and ancient. Romances and dramas, intrigues and spy thrillers, fantasies, and – I am sure – sci-fi films flood the internet movie databases.

So you can see, a trip to and around Milan is bound to get you sidetracked and off on side missions. There you are, head down to Piazza della Scala, your left eye drawn to Teatro alla Scala, your right somehow trying to stare at Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele…and then you forget all about your plans to walk through Brera!

So, a good travel itinerary is not just about touring a city and hitting the best spots and activities. It is also about planning how you are going to do it. A one day trip to Milan is different from spending three days in Milan if you intend on touching on all the things to see and do in Milan. After all, Milan is the second largest city in Italy after Rome, but so different from the Eternal City that you can’t just walk through it as you would Rome.

My plan is to create a guide that lets you go through Milan like a boss with a travel planner in your pocket. From how to get around Milan, where to stay, the best places to grab awesome photos, and food, the language spoken, and even whether or not to carry an umbrella!

👇 P.S: In case you are Speed-Running through Italy – I don’t recommend it – here are the best places to visit in Italy in a short trip! 👇

Here are all the things to see and do in Milan

1. Milan Cathedral

Opened in 1965 after the ground was broken in 1386, this is a modern-day Gothic Cathedral, symbolic of how Milan fuses the modern with the old. And it goes further; there are Baroque, Renaissance, and Neo-classical influences in the architecture as well, making the Milan Duomo truly representative of fusion.

Seating over 40, 000 people at a go, the church rises 100+ meters into the air, making the Duomo Terraces one of the best places to be if you thinking of catching the city’s skyline with your camera or phone. Lastly, the gargoyles, spires, sculptures, and narrow stairs you have to climb to see all that splendor up there, or the interior’s frescoes, stained windows, and statues!

As the number one on a list of all the things to see and do in Milan, there is a Duomo Website where you can purchase tickets depending on your pleasure. You can go for the ‘Terrace Access Only’ ticket, the ‘Duomo Terraces Museum’ tickets, ‘Combined’ tickets, etc. Plus, there are a number of guided tours you can opt for at a slight cost.

2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

One minute away from Milan Cathedral is the grandest shopping mall I have ever witnessed and definitely well deserving among a list of all the things to see and do in Milan!

Here is also host to some of the greatest Italian shopping brands, including Gucci, Armani, and Prada itself, where Prada opened its first shop. It is a glass and steel arcade complete with beautiful paintings, glass roof, and tiled floors.

The only downside – downsides – to Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II are the crowds…and the hit on your wallet. It might be free to enter, but it also means that not only are the crowds legion in number, but also that most of them were like me…you know, more about the window shopping than the shopping.

3. Palazzo Reale di Milano

Just 2 minutes from Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II is this ancient palace where no one really knows when it was built, only that it gained prominence in 1805 under Napoleon I when he made Milan the Kingdom of Italy’s Capital.

Home to Milan’s most illustrious ruling families, it is also home to over 1500 artworks from all over Europe. This means Spanish works, French works, Napoleonic, the Savoys, Austrian, and Milanese as well.

If you are planning on a tour with all the things to see and do in Milan, a trip here is definitely worth your time. An interesting element to the building is the Sala delle Cariatidi, the Hall of the Caryatids. This hall is a massive ballroom filled with statues and was created by the Austrian Hapsburgs due to their love for balls! Plus, there are several guided tours you can opt for at a slight cost.

4. Teatro alla Scala

PS: Shorts and sleeveless T-shirts are not allowed through.

Opened in 1778, this place is both an art museum and an art school, housing paintings, statues, costumes, and musical scores on sheets.

Not much to talk about here, save that music lovers are thrilled at the performances here, especially when watching the ballet. In any case, you should be hungry right about now, so the few minutes spent here are worth it both for the experience and the wait.

5. Obicà Mozzarella Bar – Duomo

Outdoor seating and a terrace are available with the most fantastic, close-up view of the frontal façade of the Duomo!

Gets popular with the crowds right around 1-2 pm, but that’s also because everyone else went with something close to my itinerary. The crowds drop right around 11 am, 3 pm, and 8pm, so maybe plan your lunch or supper around these hours.

And yes, the evenings get crowded as well because of the Duomo’s view.

6. Backdoor 43

Don’t judge! I know my people and it’s not a stretch to think we would prefer a drink over lunch by the Cathedral.

This spot is only 22 minutes away by train and the trains from the Duomo to here run every 15 minutes.

A really awesome bar, it is sadly really small in size with but 3 stools for patrons to sit on. Guests can book a spot for 1 hour at a go and the space comes with a bathroom as well. One interesting difference to Florentine Wine Windows is that Milanese style wine window is really narrow and small. Plus, even if you try to sneak a peek through you find the bartender has a mask on!

7. The Horned Madonna of Portinari Chapel

Built in 1460, this chapel with the weirdest depiction of the Madonna is right next door to your debauch and just right to assuage your conscience.

The bas-relief, beautiful dome, incredible frescoes, and ornate marble are just side-jobs. Most people come here for the fresco of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus with horns!

There is a great legend revolving around the painting, complete with some lore and perhaps real history. The story goes that a Dominican Inquisitor going among Cathars in Milan, saw a group of Cathar heretics worshipping the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Knowing they were being deceived, the friar offered up a piece of the Holy Sacrament, demanding the imposter worship Jesus in turn. Exposed, the devil fled from the scene, hence the fresco.

Fellow reprobates, do not be deceived. The truth lies in the wine!

8. The Wall of the Dolls

Conceptualized by Jo Squillo, the installation is right next to the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Ticinese district, on the Via Edmondo de Amicis before you get to Corso di Porta Ticinese. It is dedicated to women, a statement against violence towards women. Apart from the eerie dolls, there are poems, newspaper and magazine cutouts, flowers, songs, and posters dedicated to women who have experienced violence and or murder in Italy.

9. Ambrosiana Library and Picture Gallery

Ahem, let’s forget about those fallen reprobates and get back to the mainline story…

Founded in 1607, this library houses the original artworks and collections of Federico Borromeo, including Caravaggio’s The Basket of Fruit, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Portrait of a Musician, Raphael’s The Cartoon for the School of Athens, andTitian’s famous Adoration of Magi. Try for any of the guided tours at a slight cost.

More than that, the 1100+ drawings include works on mechanics, manuscripts, and many more subjects under the Sun. and a listing on the list of all things to see and do in Milan, the gallery is an important part of Milan’s culture separate from the art and architecture were are more familiar about.

10. Parco Sempione

A beautiful garden complete with walking, jogging, and biking paths, a water pond, Arc della Pace, the Ponte delle Sirenette, and museums of design and culture, this is certainly deserving of inclusion among all the things to see and do in Milan.

Plus, the Torre Branca offers a commanding view of Milan from its height.

What makes this an even more awesome addition to your itinerary is that as a final tour spot for your day, you can enjoy a walk around the 116 acres of garden paths, or go to Torre Branca with a gelato in hand – easily purchased close by – and watch the city below as evening draws close.

11. Castello Sforzesco

PS: Museums and Exhibitions cost a ticket

Ideally should be visited before Parco Sempione as it is there you want to draw a close on day one, but it should not matter as it is all the same people.

Originally opened in 1360, the Sforzas in the 15^th century refurbished an old castle into the fort we see today. Today, it is mostly famous for being the iconic representation of what medieval fortresses of the period looked like. Even so, don’t let those holes confuse you: they are for scaffolding for when construction crews do maintenance work, not the remnants of siege fighting.

Inside are several museums, including the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Antique Art, and the Picture Gallery Museum. Most of the time will be spent walking and seeing the 18 different collections housed here.

PS: Spending extra on the audio ticket or tour just might be a wise move on your part.

12. Brera District

Assuming you ended your day at Parco Sempione, then starting off the day in Brera District is absolutely how you need to kick off your itinerary of all the things to see and do in Milan.

Brera District is to Milan what Milan is to Italy.

There are antiques stores and fashion boutiques side by side competing for your attention. The restaurants are upscale, complete with cobblestone streets, balconies filled with floral plants and pots, palazzos with courtyards, and a host of art galleries and schools. Plus, the 3^rd Sunday of every month sees an open air market where stalls sell jewelry, antiques, glassware, and other crafted wares.

It is the most chic neighborhood in Milan, and the most welcoming and beautiful in my mind. The fact that you can obtain really fashionable and high-quality stuff – especially from non-famous brands – is all the more attractive to me.

PS: some streets here are roughly paved, so wear comfy shoes.

13. Darsena di Milano

The Naviglio Grande and the Canals meet here, and the city council went the extra mile in building and refurbishing the bridges across the waters here. Today, they are a favorite spot for people walking and sightseeing. Plus, there are quite a number of restaurants in the area, bars, cafes, and beer gardens, to say nothing of the antique markets hosted on weekends apparently.

Enough said. Discover more of the neighborhood on your own. Plus, if on a boat, some offer guided tours at a slight cost.

14. Navigli

The Navigli are the streets flanking the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese. They also have an awesome history as it appears these neighborhoods were what Milan us to rise economically. There are casa di ringhiera and washhouses where cloth dyers would make their trade, supporting their homes and the city.

Today, apart from sightseeing and guided tours of the district, it is the boat rides that draw people here, and the antique markets of course. Plus the bike rides along the River Adda. A fun place to be and definitely one of the places to be on your second day of all the things to see and do in Milan.

15. Da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Really not much to say here, save that if you went all the way to Milan and didn’t take the time to see this you really missed out.

The only downside is that the ticket allows you just 15 minutes to see one of the most iconic scenes of the Bible from the Renaissance period. They let groups of about 18 at a time through and even then, they have to manage the crowds in this way.

Please, keep the flash on your camera or phone off.

16. Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

More of a ‘must see’ place than an ‘all the things to see and do in Milan’, this church has the most fantastic array of paintings and frescoes you can imagine. Built in 1518, it, like much of Milan, is a fusion of styles, in this case, Baroque and Renaissance.

Apart from the fantastic images on the walls of the Church, it is the fantastic history behind this church that makes it included on my list of all the things to see and do in Milan. It started off as a Convent and is now the Civic Archaeological Museum.

Audio and guided tours will go a long way toward explaining what you see.

17. Cimitero Monumentale di Milano

Christian graves compete for space with Greek temples and obelisks. There are life-sized and life-like sculptures all over the cemetery, exquisite works one and all. Most of the graves here belong to the rich and famous among the Milanese people, and going through the walkways is like a walk through the who’s who of Milan’s history.

Watch out for the bronze version of the Last Supper that was dedicated by the Campari Family, and perhaps opt for a tour guide to tell you more stories about what you encounter.

18. Piazza Gae Aulenti

Just head for the fountain at the Piazza and you will get it.

The square is already in a hip neighborhood, one that comes with many shops and bars.

Really though, the square is symbolic of Milan’s pursuit of modernity and transformation. For one, you have UniCredit Tower, visible from ‘far’ off Bergamo, and Bosco Verticale as well, itself looking as if a building over-run by centuries of plant growth. You might not need a guided tour for a deep dive into the stories behind these buildings, but I loved the fact that they dedicated the Piazza to a woman, something you don’t see every day in Italy.

19. Dipping in the QC Termemilano

This is a famous wellness center that attracts enough crowds that they open every day of the week. The saunas and pools are located in a former tram depot underground. They have light fixings that make the entire place glow in an inviting blue, where all you see are baths, geysers, and even a waterfall.

The cream on top is the underground museum sheltering archeological remains from the Roman times. The columns to the side look like the ancient waterways and aqueducts and you cannot help imagine that the water you are relaxing in has already toured most of the country before coming to you. This place was a small detour on my journey towards discovering the best things to do in Milan and the fact that just 70 euro or so accorded me a day-long spa experience was worth the listing.

Best Day Trips from Milan

⬇️ Read here for the full detailed list ⬇️

1. Lake Como 🟰 54 miles away with fantastic waters and water sports will keep your day trips from Milan occupied.
2. Lake Garda 🟰 1 hour away for if the crowds around Lake Como are too big.
3. Lake Maggiore 🟰 55 miles away and the gorgeous island of Isola Bella.
4. Bologna 🟰 1 hour away for its culture and history make for a fulfilling day trip from Milan.
5. Cremona 🟰 1 hour away by train and a surprisingly cultural place most people never heard of
6. Pavia 🟰 43 minutes away and its winding river’s calming presence
7. Brescia 🟰 36 minutes away from Milan, the hundreds of race cars that set off from here to Rome in May may not be enough for you, but the Roman ruins definitely will fill your day trip from Milan
8. Camogli 🟰 2 hours away by train but a seaside adventure is definitely well worth the trip
9. Varese 🟰 1 hour away by train and a ‘Garden City’ truly deserving of inclusion in this list of all the things to see and do in Milan.
10. Turin 🟰 45 minutes away, 4^th largest city in Italy, first capital of the Kingdom of Italy, and filled to the brim with history, culture, and places to see.
11. Verona 🟰 1 hour+ away and romantic home to Juliet’s Balcony.

Best Restaurants in Milan

1. Langosteria

• via Savona
• Monday to Sunday, 6 pm – 12 am

2. Erba Brusca

• Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 286
• Monday to Friday, 7: 30 – 11 pm
• Sunday and Saturday, 12 – 3 pm, 7: 30 – 11pm

3. Gastronomia Yamamoto

• via Amedei, 5
• Tuesday – Saturday, 12:30–2:30 pm, 7:30–10:30 pm

4. Sidewalk Kitchens

• Via Bonvesin de la Riva, 3
• Opens Daily, 8 am–4 pm, 6–11:30 pm

5. Propaganda Alimentare

• via Accademia, 56

• Monday – Friday, 7pm – 12 am
• Sunday – Saturday, 12:30–3 pm, 7 pm–12 am

Dishes to Try out in Milan

1. Minestrone Milanese, said to slow aging and keep you fit. Controversy surrounds its origins, with Ligurians claiming they got there first…anyhow, get the recipe and try it at home.
2. Ossobucco, a specialty Lombard meat cuisine
3. Cassoeula, a pork and cabbage stew whose recipe you can grab from many Milanese cooking classes
4. Gorgonzola, an ancient cheese made from un-skimmed cow milk
5. Trippa alla Milanese, another authentic Milanese recipe for tripe popular among ‘peasants’

Places to Stay in Milan

1. Canova Hotel
2. 21 House of Stories Città Studi
3. Hotel Dei Cavalieri Milano Duomo
4. NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels
5. Hotel Da Vinci

F. A. Q.s ( note #23! )

1. Where is Milan?

In Lombardy, north of Italy. Some Districts, like the Ticinese district, are fairly popular among night crowds but also are hotspots for drug dealing. Purchase travel brochures from train stations and airports for more information. Others like Chinatown, Duomo, and Centrale are more dangerous because of pickpockets. Connect with the help desk at your hotel, and research the hotel’s area first!

2. Is it safe to walk around freely?

As safe as anywhere else. Practice common sense and good travel sense. Don’t be embarrassed about walking around with a fanny pack.

3. What months are best for visiting Milan?

Mosquitoes, especially in Summer plague the Navigli

4. Should I buy tickets in advance?

Some places insist you buy tickets in advance, not at the door. For example, to see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, you must book in advance.

5. Are photographs allowed in museums?

Yes. However, flash photography is not allowed in museums or places with paintings.

6. What is the best way to get around Milan?

Tram travel is simply the best and easiest way to get around Milan. It is very well developed.

7. Do I have to tip the waiter?

Tipping is not necessary in Milan.

8. Where are all these pink flamingoes coming from?

If you happen to see flamingoes flying about and want to see more, head over to Villa Invernizzi’s park.

9. When should I NOT travel to Milan?

The heat in August is horrendous, then add the crowds! Avoid Milan in August, most stores and restaurants are closed as owners head for cooler parts of the country and the world, but this is slowly changing, they gatta make the💸💸.

10. When SHOULD I visit Milan?

April – May; September – October. Crowds will still be there

11. I couldn’t buy tickets for that museum. Why?

If you are planning to go see some place, plan ahead well in advance. Call ahead even, to see about booking a ticket.

12. Where do you shop in Milan?

Piazza del Duomo, Corso Buenos Aires, Via Montenapleone, La Rinascente, Via Torino, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, and generally most districts

13. Where can I get lower prices for designer brands?

Avoid the more famous or popular districts

14. Is it legal to send stuff from Milan to somewhere outside the country? Yes.

15. How can I send items outside or within Milan?

DHL and UPS are the best services.

16. Why are people looking at me in contempt?

You are probably drinking a cappuccino after lunch…lol, its a thing in Italy but now the Italians are slowly accepting this misdemeanor. Locals would never be caught dead taking anything with milk before 11 am…

17. When should I tour the Duomo?

The Duomo at night is bound to be crowded beyond reason. The Duomo during the day is bound to be crowded beyond reason. Good luck.

18. There are so many museums, I cannot afford to see all of them

Museums are FREE on the 1^st Sunday of each month… you are welcome!

19. Are there any other places FREE to visit?

The Teatro alla Scala sells tickets at 25% off if there are un-bought tickets 1 hour before shows start

20. I only speak English.

English speakers have it easy in Milan because it is an international city.

21. I am hungry, but the restaurants all seem to be closed.

Restaurants in Milan close early.

22. What religion is practiced in Milan?

Christianity, but in all honesty, you won’t notice it in Italy, just inside the Vatican City. A good majority of Italians are pagans, I’m just saying it … funny considering the Pope comes from here …

23. Just in case, how does one say “I don’t speak Italian” in Italian?

Io non parlo Italiano … to be more bougie, say, non parlo italiano, che cazzo vuoi da me, ma vaffanculo, stronzo !!! (It’s a joke, don’t say this, not unless an Italian tries to break your balls 😄) – it means: I don’t speak Italian, what the fuck do you want from me, go f” yourself, a**hole!

24. What currency should I carry in Milan?

Euro. However, carry small amounts of cash on you, and try not to flash it around. Milan is a scam zone.

Here are 21 Scams in Rome & major Italian cities…and How to Avoid Them

25. Do they accept credit cards everywhere here?

Most smaller businesses and restaurants prefer cash, but they are slowly moving away from this

26. Do I need a VISA to tour Milan?

If you have a Schengen Visa, you don’t need a Visa to get around Milan. Otherwise, see your embassy for more information.

27. Do I need a Permesso di Soggiorno or resident permit to stay at a hotel?

No. Most will just ask for your passport to register you as it’s a requirement for accommodations in Italy, and most will check if you have a Schengen visa, if not, prepare for deportation!

If you have more days in Milan, here are 15 Best Day Trips from Milan NOT to MISS and if you have limited time to travel through Italy, here’s how you can Speed-Running Italy in 10 Days!

Watch out for more travel videos on my YouTube channel, here’s my ITALY TOP 10 PLAYLIST!

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