One Day in Milan: 17 Incredible Things To Do in Milan, Italy in 2025
Last Updated on: 8th June 2025, 01:55 pm
I first visited Milan on a quick stopover between a visit to Grandchamp Monastery in Switzerland and the canals of Venice. To my surprise, this modern, sleek Italian city stole my heart. Though I only had one day in Milan, it turned out to be one of my most memorable trips ever. Milan may be known as Italy’s fashion capital, but beyond the designer windows in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, lies incredible history, art, culture and yes, churches. From the incredible Duomo, or Milan Cathedral, to da Vinci’s Last Supper, to the Brera Gallery, the Opera House, and and the beautiful Castello Sforzesco: Milan is a modern city layered with history and hidden gems.
Quick Guide to Spending One Day in Milan, Italy
| 📍 Category | 🔗 Recommendation | 💬 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Don’t Miss | Milan Cathedral + Rooftop Ticket | Skip the line & enjoy city views from the rooftop terraces. |
| 🎨 Must-See Art | Last Supper + Milan Walking Tour | One of my life’s most moving art experiences. Book early! |
| 🏨 Where I Stayed | Ostello Bello Milano Duomo | Private rooms + lively vibe steps from the Duomo. \$ |
| 🏨 Best Value Hotel | B&B Hotel Milano Aosta | Right by Milan Centrale for easy train access. \$\$ |
| 🚇 Getting Around | Buy a Milan City Card | Includes 3 days public transport + museum access. |
| 💼 Travel Insurance | SafetyWing Travel Insurance | My go-to for COVID coverage & EU requirements. |
The first time I went to Milan, it was by accident, a stopover I would have rather not had between Switzerland and Venice. Perhaps I should have known I would fall in love with Milan! It turned out there was so much to do in Milan – it remains one of my very favorite cities in Italy, a close second only to Venice, another city easily explored in one day!
Even if you only have one day in Milan, you can experience the best of what this amazing city has to offer.
I spent 24 hours in Milan in 2019 and saw almost everything in this guide! So I guaruntee you that with a bit of planning, it’s possible to take in many of Milan’s top sights and get a taste of Milan’s high-fashion culture and Northern Italian cuisine even with only one day in Milan!
To help you make the most of your short time in Milan (or longer if you can swing it!), I’ve put together this detailed guide on the best things to do in Milan how to spend the perfect day in Milan exploring this underrated hidden-gem of an Italian city.
One Day in Milan: How to Spend the Morning
1. Visit the Piazza del Duomo and The Milan Cathedral
📍: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: On the Official Milan Duomo Website and Ticket Center (adjacent to the Cathedral): Adults €22 (Cathedral + Museum + Rooftop via stairs), €26 (Cathedral + Museum + Rooftop via elevator); €36 (Cathedral + Museum + Skip the Line Rooftop via Elevator). Children (6–11) €14–€17; Under 6 FREE
🕰️: Daily, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:10 PM)
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the morning light filtering through the stained glass windows.
After waking up and grabbing a declicious Latte Machiatto (if you like coffee with lots of delicious milk!), your first stop in the morning needs to be the Piazza del Duomo – the square overlooked by Milan’s famous Cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Milan and home to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of Northern Italy’s main attractions.
This gothic masterpiece is not just the largest church in Italy (St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City is larger, but it’s technically in another country), but it also showcases some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen, from its marble façades to the stunning glass windows.
A guided tour of the Milan Duomo is a great option, offering insights into its rich history, which dates back to the 15th century. The rooftop tickets are a must; climbing to the top or taking the elevator reveals a breathtaking view of Milan, making it a perfect place to grasp the city’s scale and beauty.
When you face Il Duomo in the Piazzo del Duomo, there is a ticket office off to the right. It was a very modern, organized Cathedral ticketing operation. However, the lines in the summer are very long. Consider buying your ticket ahead of time!
I chose a combination ticket that allowed me one entrance into the Cathedral, climbing to the rooftop (yes! I chose the stairs!) and entrance to the Duomo Museum. If you enjoy religious art and artifacts, then I highly recommend not skipping the Duomo museum!
The Duomo Museum gives a chance to get up close and personal to some of the statuary of the cathedral – to really see it all in detail!
Important Travel Tip for Italy: Be sure to bring and wear clothing that covers your arms and legs fully if you want to visit churches in Italy and the Milan Duomo inside. Italy (and Greece) is one of the countries that is very picky about modest dress to enter churches. I carry a light, crepe scarf to cover my shoulders in churches if I want to wear a tank-top on hot days!
Walking around the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll also find the Statue of Leonardo da Vinci, paying homage to the genius who left a significant mark on the city.
One more note from Cate: In many of the big Cathedrals in Europe, there will be a seperate area or line for worshippers to enter a section of the Cathedral for prayer and devotion. In the Duomo, this is the aisle to the left as you enter and does give you a good viethis area, w of the whole church. There are strictly no photos allowed in this area. There are usually guards at the entrace also assessing dress code even more strictly than for tourists (see above).
While I was in Milan, I actually received some surprising news about a child I had fostered (I was a foster parent for quite a few years in my 20s). I was a bit shaken, and ended up deciding I needed to spend some time in quiet prayer. I used the prayer entrance to do so. I tell this story because, as a tourist who loves Cathedrals, it’s important to understand that these are still living, real, churches that people need – even Mennonites like me! – for prayer and connection to God.
At the same time, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to use these areas and still admire the church from within them. If you are on an absolutely strict budget, and otherwise wouldn’t see the Cathedral, I don’t think it’s wrong to enter through the prayer section, only please respect not taking photos and that others around you are there because they need prayer and silence.
2. Wander the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
📍: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (Adjacent to the Duomo)
🎟️: Free to wander!
🕰️: Open 24/7; individual shop and restaurant hours may vary
Tip: Visit in the early morning or late evening for a quieter experience and beautiful lighting for photos.
A short walk from the Duomo, you’ll enter the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
This is more than just a shopping arcade; it’s an architectural masterpiece with a glass-vaulted arcade.
What you’ll see here includes luxury retailers and historic cafes set against the backdrop of exquisite frescoes and mosaic floors. It’s a visual treat, and window shopping here is an experience in itself.
There’s no cost to wander through the Galleria, making it a perfect follow-up to the Duomo!
3. Enjoy Breakfast at the Caffè at Pasticceria Marchesi
3. Pasticceria Marchesi
📍: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, 20123 Milano MI, Italy (Just behind the Galleria)
🎟️: Pastries and coffee range from €5–€15
🕰️: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tip: Try the classic panettone if visiting during the holiday season.
Located within the Galleria, Pasticceria Marchesi is one of Milan’s most storied cafes.
Here you can find a quintessential Italian breakfast experience. Sip on a rich espresso or a cappuccino paired with freshly made pastries in an elegant setting. Expect to spend around €10-€15 for coffee and a pastry. This historic establishment offers a taste of Milanese sophistication and tradition, and offers great people-watching options!
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly Milanese breakfast option, although not quite as classic of an experience, you can pop just behind the Galleria and look for coffee shops on the roads surrounding Piazza Duomo.
4. Visit the La Scala Museum and Opera House
📍: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy (A short walk from the Galleria)
🎟️: Museum: Adults €9; Reduced €6; Under 12 FREE
🕰️: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM); Closed on major holidays
Tip: Check the schedule in advance; attending a performance is a memorable experience.
If you are a classical music lover in any way – I highly recommend taking the time to check out the La Scala Opera House & Museum while you are in Milan for one day!
Rick Steves lists this attraction in Milan as his only “must visit” for the city – and I have to agree with him, it was probably my favorite 2 hours I spend when I was in Milan for one day!
A fun fact about me is that I was a classical music major (in harp performance) before embarking on my ministry career. Naturally, I was enchanted the second I walked to the La Scala Museum in because there was a beautiful historic harp right there!
Aside from the harp, The Opera House Museum was a really magical insight into the world of opera – the composers, costumes, set design. The museum is immersive, yet small enough that you don’t get bored. The best part, of course, is getting to peek into the Teatro La Scala itself!
If you are in Milan during the production season, I highly recommend seeing if you can score tickets to see the opera in the evening. But visiting the Opera House Museum is a close second!
Late Morning in Milan: Experience Milan’s Best Art and Culture
After your immersion in Milan’s beauty and culture by visiting Milan’s Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – it’s time to wander a bit further afield in Milan!
The late morning is the best time to explore Milan’s incredible art scene – most importantly, to see the works of Leonardo DaVinci! Your first stop will be seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Next, the famous Brera Art Gallery.
If Renaissance art and artists are less your thing, you can also use the late morning to enjoy the highly interactive Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science!
5. ✨ Santa Maria delle Grazie & Da Vinci’s Last Supper (MUST DO in Milan!)
📍: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: For the official website***: Adults €15 | Reduced €2 (EU citizens aged 18–25) | Under 18 FREE (with accompanying adult ticket).
Note Bene: The tickets on the official website release once per quarter. My experience is that they sell out the same day they release for the entire quarter. If you want to try and get a ticket that way – do try! You may get lucky! But don’t shy away from paying for a group tour! I promise you it’s really worth it and you’re much more likely to get last-minute tickets.
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:45 PM) | Closed Mondays, January 1, and December 25
Tip: Visits are limited to 15 minutes. Advance reservations are mandatory and should be made well ahead of your visit.
Even if you only have one day in Milan, no visit to Milan is complete without seeing one of the world’s most famous paintings, Da Vinci’s Last Supper, housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery.
Booking a guided tour well in advance is the best way to ensure you get to witness this masterpiece, as tickets on the Italian website sell out very quickly due to the painting’s immense popularity and the strict time slot entry to preserve it.
No print or postcard could ever compare to seeing this extraordinary, luminous painting in it’s full size and glory – and hearing the story behind it. The entire scene almost moves before you, and you can truly begin to appreciate innovation behind it and the absolute masterpiece that is Da Vinci’a Last Supper.
Also: don’t neglect looking behind you while you are in the room with the painting! The fresco on the other wall is also fascinating and beautiful in its own right!
Seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper in person was a highlight of my year. You only get 15 minutes in the refectory where it is painted, and those 15 minutes are some of the most memorable of my life.
You might ask whether a $50+ ticket is worth it: it is! Just trust me on this one!
Book your Last Supper Ticket at Guided Tour NOW before they sell out! —>>>>
6. Visit Milan’s Incredible Art Museum – the Pinacoteca di Brera
📍: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: Adults €15 | Reduced €10 | EU citizens aged 18–25 €2 | Under 18 FREE | Free admission on the first Sunday of each month (reservation required). See the official website of the Pinacoteca de Brera for more information.
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM) | Closed Mondays and December 25.
Within the trendry Brera district of Milan, the Pinacoteca di Brera is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Even if you aren’t a huge art fan, the Brera Gallery is truly one of the very best things to do in Milan.
Founded by Napolean Bonaparte of all people and housing masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, and others, the gallery is a treasure trove of Italian art. One of it’s most famous paintings is The Supper at Emmeus by Caravaggio depicting the moment the disciples recognized Jesus after his resurrection when he broke the bread at Emmeus.
Entry to the Pinacoteca di Brera is €15 fo regular tariff or €10 for reduced tariff.
The Brera is a great place to escape the heat if you visit Milan for one day in the Summer like I did!
Book a Guided Tour of the Pinocoteca di Brera + a walking tour of the neighborhood, this one has 4.9 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! ——>>>>
7. Visit the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
📍: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: Adults €10 | Reduced €7.50 (seniors, students, children) | Under 3 FREE
🕰️: Tuesday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM | Closed Mondays
If you don’t fancy too much art in one day in Milan – then the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is an excellent choice for your mid-morning activity! One of the coolest things to do in Milan, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is accessible by tram or metro (Sant’Ambrogio station).
The museum presents an extensive exhibition on da Vinci’s inventions and contributions to science. Many of its exhibits are hands-on, making the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology one of the best things to do in Milan if you are there with children!
Afternoon in Milan: Take in the Flavors and Colors of Milan
Once you have enjoyed Milan’s best art and culture above through a tour of the La Scala Opera House, seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, or visiting the Brera Gallery or the Da Vinci Museum – it’s time to have lunch and explore Milan’s fashion legacy!
No trip to Milan is truly complete without understand the important role Milan has played in the world fashion scene. If you aren’t so much a fashion enthusiast (as I am not), you can skip these things to do in Milan and head to the late afternoon activities which involve more art, culture, and churches!
8. Enjoy Traditional Milanese Cuisine for Lunch
As lunchtime approaches, indulging in traditional Milanese cuisine at a local trattoria is a great way to experience the city’s culinary delights. Dishes like Risotto alla Milanese or Ossobuco are both delicious and an introduction to the local culture and history.
Many trattorias in the city center offer these classic dishes, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes dining alone or with companions an enjoyable experience.
Some of my recommended trattorias to try are:
Trattoria Milanese: Via Santa Marta, 11, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Known for its authentic Milanese cuisine since 1933
- Famous for their risotto alla milanese and cotoletta alla milanese
- Cozy, traditional atmosphere with vintage decor
Antica Trattoria della Pesa: Viale Pasubio, 10, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
- Established in 1880, it’s one of Milan’s oldest restaurants
- Specializes in classic Milanese dishes like ossobuco and mondeghili
- Features a charming courtyard for outdoor dining in warmer months
9. Explore Milan’s Colorful Fashion Legacy
Post lunch it’s a great idea to visit to the so-called “Fashion Quadrilateral”, near the city centre. This area showcases Milan as the fashion capital of Italy.
The Fashion Quadrilateral is home to boutiques and showrooms of the world’s leading fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton, making it a great place for window shopping or a little splurging!
Even if shopping is not on your agenda, the area’s beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere are worth experiencing!
10. View Modern Art and Fashion at the Fondazione Prada
📍: Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milano MI, Italy (in the vibrant Tortona/Vigentino district, south of the city centre)
🎟️: Adults €15 | Reduced €10 (students, seniors, 65+) | Under 18 FREE
🕰️: Wednesday, Friday–Sunday 10:00 AM–7:00 PM; Thursday & Saturday open until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the courtyard spaces are beautifully lit, then enjoy a drink at Bar Luce (Wes Anderson–designed café, open 8:30 AM–8:00 PM) followed by dinner at the Torre restaurant (Wednesday–Sunday evenings) .
A metro ride to Lodi T.I.B.B. station brings you to Fondazione Prada.
The Fondazione Prada is a contemporary art space designed to provoke and inspire. The exhibitions are cutting-edge, showcasing international artists and thought-provoking themes, often featuring fashion (of course!) as well as incredible modern art. It’s also in a really lovely neighborhood which a lot of folks don’t take time to see in Milan!
11. Cool off with Incredible Italian Gelato
After all of the incredible things to do in Milan and sightseeing, it’s time for a delicious Italian Gelato!
When searching out excellent, authentic Gelato in Italy and other places, look for shops without tons of flavors on offer and for Gelato not piled with toppings. Small Gelato shops with just a few flavors are often much higher quality!
If you’re willing to splurge on possibly the best gelato of your life, head to Cioccolatitaliani. If it’s a chain, but utterly delicious! Order one of the Specialty Cones such as one I had featuring Strawberry Gelato, Peruvian Dark Chocolate Gelato, Marshmallow, and the whole bottom of the cone was filled with melty milk chocolate. I
You can find Cioccolatitaliani at Via S. Raffaele, 6, 20121 Milano MI, Italy – a quick walk from Il Duomo Cathedral!
Late Afternoon: Green Spaces and Historic Sites
After your early afternoon in Milan enjoying lunch, fashion, and Gelato it is time to relax and explore Milan’s history. The most important thing to do in Milan that is left in your day is to visit Sforzesco Castle!
From there, consider stopping by two of Milan’s most incredible churches before ending your day in Navigli!
12. Relax at Milan’s Parco Sempione
📍: Piazza Sempione, 20121 Milano MI, Italy (right behind Castello Sforzesco and leading up to the Arco della Pace)
🎟️: Free to enter!
Optional: Torre Branca viewpoint – Adults €6 (cash or booking in advance recommended)
🕰️: Park open daily from June–September: 6:30 AM–10:00 PM, May: to 9:30 PM, October–April: 6:30 AM–9:00 PM
Torre Branca: Wed & Sun 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 4:00–6:30 PM
Tip: Stroll in the early evening to experience golden-hour light across the Arco della Pace, then climb Torre Branca at sunset—perfect for panoramic Milan photos.
Adjacent to the Castello Sforzesco, your next stop in Milan, Parco Sempione offers a serene environment to relax after a day of exploration.
The park, being the largest in the city, is a great place for a stroll, with landmarks like the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) providing a beautiful backdrop. Parco Sempione is also a great option for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, even if just for a short time.
13. A Glimpse into Milan’s Past: The Sforzesco Castle
📍: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: Adults €5 | Reduced €3 | Under 18 FREE | Free admission on the first Sunday of each month
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) | Closed Mondays
Tip: Don’t miss Michelangelo’s unfinished “Rondanini Pietà” housed within the castle.
Sforzesco Castle is one of the most important things to do in Milan if time permits in your one day in Milan.
Sforzesco Castle was initially built in the 14th century as a fortress by the Visconti family. The Castle was later extensively renovated and expanded by Francesco Sforza in the 15th century, becoming the seat of the Duchy of Milan. The castle underwent another significant restoration in the late 19th century by architect Luca Beltrami, which restored much of its Renaissance appearance.
Visitors to Sforzesco Castle should prioritize seeing two key attractions. First, the Sala delle Asse, a room decorated with frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci, featuring an intricate design of intertwined trees and vines on the ceiling and walls.
Buy your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to Sforza Castle Here —>>>>
Second, the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo’s final and unfinished sculpture, housed in the castle’s Museum of Ancient Art. This incredible sculpture, one of my favorites I’ve ever seen, shows Michaelangelo’s late style and is one of the most moving statues he created.
14. Marvel at two of Milan’s most incredible Churches: Basilica Sant’Ambrogio and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
📍: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: Free entry.
🕰️: Monday to Saturday, 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Sunday, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Check the official website for mass times (either to attend – or to avoid
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is one of Milan’s oldest and most significant churches.
It was founded in 386 by St. Ambrose, the city’s patron saint. The current Romanesque structure dates mainly from the 11th-12th centuries.
Its facade features a large portico with arches supported by pillars. The interior is notable for its raised presbytery over a crypt.
The church houses several important artworks. These include the golden altar by Vuolvinio and the 4th-century Stilicone sarcophagus. The basilica also contains the remains of St. Ambrose in the crypt.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
📍: Corso Magenta, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎟️: Free entry
🕰️: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM | Closed Mondays
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is often called Milan’s “Sistine Chapel”. It was built in the early 16th century as part of a Benedictine convent.
The church is divided into two sections: a public church and a hall for the cloistered nuns. Both areas are covered in stunning frescoes. These were painted by Bernardino Luini and his sons in the mid-16th century.
The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ and various saints. The church’s organ, dating from 1554, is one of the oldest in Milan. Despite its relatively plain exterior, San Maurizio’s interior is a masterpiece of Renaissance art.
Evening: Milan’s Vibrant Nightlife and Culture
After a full day exploring Milan, the best way to spend an evening is relaxing and enjoying an aperativo and dinner in the Navigli district.
15. Wander around the Navigli District and it’s Canals
📍: Naviglio Grande & Naviglio Pavese, Navigli District, 20143 Milano MI, Italy (20 minutes south of Piazza del Duomo; walk from Porta Genova Metro station)
🎟️: Free to explore the canals and quayside.
Optional: Boat tours along Naviglio Grande are a great way to get to know the area and rest your feet!
🕰️: District open 24/7. Best experienced in early evening (around sunset) when aperitivo culture begins—shops & galleries close ~20:00; restaurants & bars open until midnight or later
Tip: The canal lights and live music come alive just after dusk—perfect timing for a stroll before settling down for a drink or dinner.
The Navigli district of Milan is renowned for its canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The Navigli district is the perfect place for an aperitivo, Milan’s celebrated happy hour tradition.
Bars along the canals offer a great selection of cocktails accompanied by an array of complimentary snacks, making it a great way to sample different Italian dishes in a social setting.
Taking a stroll along the canals is also a great way to digest Milan’s local beauty and the architecture that lines the waterways.
To reach Navigli from central Milan, take the Metro Green Line (M2) to Porta Genova station. From there, it’s a short walk to the Navigli district, known for its picturesque canals and vibrant atmosphere.
16. Enjoy Dinner by the Canals and try Milan’s amazing cuisine!
One of the very best things to do in Milan, whether you are there for one day or more, is to enjoy a delicious dinner along the Navigli canals!
For a memorable dining experience in Navigli, consider visiting El Brellin or Taglio.
El Brellin, situated in the most beautiful 18th-century building along the Naviglio Grande, offers traditional Milanese cuisine with a modern twist and boasts a beautiful canalside terrace.
Taglio is a trendy bistro-style restaurant on the Naviglio Pavese. Taglio serves a fusion of Italian and international dishes using local, organic ingredients and overlooks the canal.
17. Head to the Teatro alla Scala: A Night at the Opera
If you happen to be in Milan during Opera season, concluding your day in Milan with a performance at Teatro alla Scala is the perfect way to end spending one day in Milan.
La Scala is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and it’s an unmissable thing to do in Milan to see an opera or ballet there!
Booking tickets in advance is crucial, especially for high-profile performances. The interior of La Scala, with its opulent red and gold décor and stunning acoustics, is unforgettable. Note that evening performances have a dress code – so make sure to bring your finest dresses and suits with you to Milan to blend in with the crowd at the Opera!
How to Get to Milan, Italy
When planning your one day in Milan itinerary, it’s important to consider how you’ll get to Milan, Italy. Fortunately, Milan is well-connected to other major Italian and European cities, making it easy to include in your travel plans. This is how I ended up in Milan for one day in 2019 – I used it as a rest stop between visiting Switzerland and Venice!
There are also frequently flight deals between the U.S. and Milan since it has one of the larger airports in Europe!
Milan’s Three Airports: Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo
One of the most convenient ways to reach Milan is by air. There are plenty of flights serving Milan’s airports daily – it’s one of the busiest air-hubs in Europe!
Milan is served by three airports: Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport, and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport.
Malpensa is the largest and handles the majority of international flights. It is located about 50 km from Milan city center and thus takes around an hour to get from the Malpensa airport to Milan. There is a very convenient Malpensa Express train – the fastest option – or an inexpensive airport shuttle bus available.
Milan Linate Airport is closer to the city center, only about 7 km away, and primarily serves domestic and European routes. You can take a public bus, or an airport shuttle bus to get to central Milan from Milan Linate Airport.
Bergamo Airport is located further from Milan, again about 50 km similar to Malpensa airport, but is a popular choice for budget airlines like Ryanair.
Getting to Milan by Train
If you prefer to travel by train, Milano Centrale train station is the city’s main railway station. High-speed trains connect Milan to other major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples, as well as international destinations such as Paris, Zurich, and Munich. Traveling by train can be a scenic and efficient way to reach Milan for your one day in Milan.
The Milano Centrale train station is also almost one of the coolest things to do in Milan itself! The architecture is amazing and it tells such a story from Milan’s fascist past.
Note that I find trains in Italy to be some of the most affordable and most comfortable of any major European country! Use the offical website, TrenItalia, to book at great prices!
Arriving to Milan by Bus
Another option is to arrive in Milan for your one day in Milan by bus. Several bus companies, including Flixbus and Eurolines, offer routes to Milan from various European cities. While bus travel may take longer than other modes of transportation, it can be a budget-friendly choice for your one day in Milan experience.
I have taken a Flixbus before from Trentino, Italy where I walked a beautiful Italian pilgrimage trail to Venice, Italy in order to take a flight out of Venice airport! It was surprisingly comfortable and actually offered great views of the countryside!
Getting Around During Your One Day in Milan
Once you’ve arrived in Milan, you’ll want to maximize your time exploring Milan’s top attractions.
Public Transportation in Milan
| 🚇 Option | 🎟️ Details | 📍 Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Milan City Card | Includes free public transportation for 3 days + access/discounts at top attractions | Buy online here » |
| 1-Day Travel Pass (Biglietto Giornaliero) | Unlimited metro, tram & bus rides until midnight | At metro stations (ticket machines), newsstands, or via the ATM Milano app |
| Single Ride Ticket | €2.20 for 90 minutes across metro, tram & bus | Same as above—metro machines or app |
| Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | Tourist-friendly route with narration; €24–€30/day | Book your ticket here » |
Tip: The Milan City Card is ideal if you’re seeing both the Duomo and Last Supper or visiting multiple museums in one day—it saves money and time.
Fortunately, Milan has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to navigate during your one day visit.
The Milan Metro is the most efficient way to get around the city center. With four lines and 113 stations, the Metro can quickly connect you to popular destinations like the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Brera District.
Single tickets on the Milan Metro are valid for 90 minutes and can be used on the Metro, buses, and trams. I recommend buying a day-pass for your one day in Milan so that you can easily and quickly hop on and off the metro, buses, and trams throughout Milan without worrying about new tickets and your tickets expiring!
You can also purchase a Milan City Pass if you plan to be in Milan for one day or more – it comes with 3 days of free public transportation, and access to lots of the best things to do in Milan recommended in this guide!
If you prefer to stay above ground, Milan’s extensive tram and bus network is a great option. Trams are particularly charming, offering a scenic way to explore the city’s historic streets during your one day in Milan itinerary.
Lastly, there is a Hop-on Hop-off bus available in Milan if you want one of the easiest ways to get around Milan with some narration and no worries about navigation!
Walking in Milan
For a more leisurely approach to your one day in Milan, central Milan is also very walkable. Many of the main attractions, such as the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, are located within a short walk of each other, allowing you to soak up the city’s atmosphere as you explore on foot during your one day in Milan adventure.
Several neighborhoods in Milan are particularly suited for walking. The historic center around the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco offers a high concentration of architectural marvels that are best seen by walking.
The trendy Brera district, known for its art galleries and boutiques, and one of the best art museums in Europe, features charming cobblestone streets.
For a more contemporary experience, the Porta Nuova area showcases modern architecture, while the picturesque Navigli district, with its scenic canals, provides an excellent setting for evening strolls and dining.
You can also consider a walking tour in Milan. I absolutely love taking walking tours, especially when I have limited time in a city like one day in Milan or I am a solo traveler in Europe!
Where to Stay in Milan: Fabulous Hostels & Historic Luxury
Even if you are only visiting Milan for one day, Milan is a great city to stay in at least overnight! There are so many beautiful hotels and budget-friendly hostels in Milan. See my favorites in this guide of where to stay in Milan!
Budget Accomodation in Milan: Ostello Bello Hostel
Ostella Bello Milano Duomo and their other location right near the Milan Central Station are both great hostels that I loved staying at when I went to Milan. There are private and dorm rooms, as well as a great little bar / restaurant, and lovely outdoor space. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again and I highly recommend it!
Mid-Range Hotels in Milan
B&B Hotel Milano Aosta is only steps from the Milan Central station as well, so it’s a great place to stay if you are visiting Milan for one day. This mid-range hotel has excellent reviews!
Splurge Hotels in Milan
In my opinion the best splurge hotel in Milan is the Chateau Monfort – Relais – a beautiful, 5 star design hotel in central Milan. This is closest to the fashion district, but still very close to the Central Station and surprisingly affordable for how beautiful it is!
Search for affordable, and refundable, hotels in Milan here —>>>>
Other Beautiful Places to Visit in Northern Italy
🏔 Trentino (Cammino San Vili Pilgrimage) – A week-long journey through alpine landscapes and spiritual trails in Northern Italy.
🔗 Pilgrimage in Italy: The Cammino San Villi
⛪ Verona – A smaller UNESCO city bursting with historic churches like Basilica di San Zeno and Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia.
🔗 4 Beautiful Churches in Verona, Italy
🎨 Padova (Padua) – Ideal for a day trip from Milan or Venice, rich with art, sacred sites, and medieval charm.
🔗 One Day in Padua: 13 Best Things To Do
🛶 Venice – Overflowing with churches, canals, and high-culture—best enjoyed on a one-day plan that sidesteps the crowds.
🔗 One Day in Venice: 12 Unforgettable Things To Do in One Day
Author Bio
Cate Michelle is a researcher in religion and health and an avid traveler, especially to Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals. She is working on her PhD in Theology at KU Leuven in Belgium and has a goal of seeing all of the worlds greatest spiritual and religious sites. She loves helping people plan the perfect trips that are meaningful and spiritual. When she’s not traveling or researching, she is an avid figure skater and harpist.
More Travel Resources from Sacred Wanderings
💳 Best Travel Credit Cards:
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