If you ask if a day in Milan is enough, the answer would be no. This Italian city has a lot to offer and seeing and enjoying everything in a day is not possible. There are museums to explore, cathedrals to visit, unique malls to shop at, and an array of restaurants to try in this city, which is also known as the fashion capital. However, this does not mean that you cannot include Milan on your short vacation if you have dedicated a day to this gorgeous destination during your Italian or European tour.
How to get into Milan?
Milan is accessible via a wide range of transportation. For the flyers, Milan has two major airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN).
From Malpensa, you can take the Malpensa Express train to Milan Centrale station, which takes only around 50 minutes. Milan Centrale is an important railway hub that connects major Italian as well as other European cities.
High-speed trains, also connect Milan to cities like Rome and Florence making it that much easier for you to get to this magnificent city.
Linate is closer to the city center, and you can take advantage of easily accessible buses and taxis to explore Milan from the road. Alternatively, long-distance buses and car rentals are available.
What is Milan Best Known For?
Milan, a city with unparalleled global stature is the leader in Fashion, Design, Architecture and so much more!
Milan has always seamlessly combined tradition and modernity and continues to do so even today. Milan hence enjoys attention from all over the world. Be it for Fashion, Architecture, Sports, or Food, Milan takes the cake in all.
Known worldwide for its significant role in the fashion and design industries, Milan is also home to the Quadrilatero della Moda(Fashion Square), a district known for its upscale stores and high-fashion boutiques.
Milan also organizes the esteemed Milan Fashion Week. Milan’s rich cultural legacy is exemplified by the moving artwork The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and the Gothic Cathedral, Il Duomo.
Two of its strongest teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan, are a testament to its passion for football. Some of the mot-to-miss features of Milan are Milan’s design at Salone del Mobile, the opera at La Scala, and delicious food centered around wine and risotto.
Here are some of the best things to do in Milan in one day:
1.Piazza del Duomo
If you only have time to see just one place in Milan, most people would suggest the Piazza del Duomo. One of the most striking buildings in the city, Piazza del Duomo is a Gothic-style cathedral, which is believed to have taken centuries to complete. While the cathedral is impressive from the outside, it is even more beautiful from the inside.
Earlier, there used to be a huge queue of visitors to get inside almost every day, especially during the holiday season. But guess what? Recently, they have introduced ticketed slots. This means you can plan your visit well and enjoy both the Duomo and the rooftops.
The Duomo terraces give you an incredible view of the 135 towers and spires that make for the roof of the cathedral. The view is surreal and amazing, and something that would remind you of your Milan visit for years to come.
Insider Tip : This location is a bit expensive. So, we suggest you plan your trip accordingly, but make sure not to miss this worth-it place.
2.Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
When you are in a new city for just a day, shopping is usually not on your itinerary. But this is not what we are aiming at by mentioning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in this list of things to do in Milan for a day. This 19th-century building is one of the oldest shopping malls in the city and one of the most stunning too. Complete with detailed mosaics, a glass-roofed gallery, and intricate designs, this shopping mall is no less than a museum. In the interiors of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are stores of some of the largest brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, etc. Shopping at the mall is extremely expensive and not really recommended unless you have the money to splurge. Instead, walk around the place visit one of the historical restaurants or cafes, and grab a snack or a drink while admiring the structure.
Insider Tip : As per a recent amendment, you are also allowed to visit the rooftops of the Galleria Vittorio. However, reviews suggest that it is ok to skip this if you have only one day in Milan.
Suggested Read: Best Places for all to enjoy Shopping in Italy
3.La Scala Opera
Although you may not have the time to watch an opera, a visit to La Scala Opera should be on your itinerary. One of the oldest and the most famous theatres not only in Italy but the entire world, La Scala Opera dates back to 1778. While the exterior of the building is quite plain and not very impressive, the interiors have a different story to tell. A guided tour is available in the afternoon, and it would help you to know more about the history of the place and some poignant performances as well. However, you need to book for the tour in advance.
Insider Tip : Check the Opera Calender and book the tickets for the Opera itself. This will save you time from readjusting your whole itinerary. Plus, this is probably the most amazing experience in Milan.
4.Castello Sforzesco
To be frank, you cannot explore the Castello Sforzesco completely if you only have a day in Milan. This 15th-century castle is home to the Dukes of Milan, who ruled the city before it became a part of Italy. The enormous castle is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and a huge museum. However, as you are short of time, visiting any of them would be difficult. Instead, choose to roam around the grounds of the castle (for free) and admire the beautiful architecture of this medieval castle. Check out the beautiful fountain, Fontana di Piazza Castello, which is an important part of the castle.
Insider Tip : Triennale Design Cafe is located on the top floor of the design museum Le Triennale di Milano. You may have your lunch here as the food tastes amazing and the views are a plus. Not many tourists come here.
Suggested Read: Best Art Galleries and Museums in Rome
5.Porta Sempione
If walking around the landmarks of Milan has exhausted you, take a breather at Porta Sempione, the most beautiful as well as the largest park in the city. Once a part of the Castello Sforzesco, the Porta Sempione welcomes you with the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), not too different from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The garden is filled with grassy fields, shaded walking paths, and beautiful, colorful flowers. Relax and give your legs the much-needed rest for some time, before you head to the next location
Insider Tip : This is away from the usual tourist crowd and a walk here offers a unique and lesser-known view of Italy.
6.Cenacolo Vinciano
Although you would not be able to see all the art works that Milan is famous for, there is one you must not miss. Head to Cencolo Vinciano to get your eyes on the large mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. The only problem is getting an entry ticket at the last moment is nearly impossible. All the slots are booked months before. So, if you have had some time planning your holiday, this is the one you need to book as soon as possible. Once you have the tickets, you can enter the place and have a look at the marvellous painting for 15 minutes without interruption. This is surely one of the most worthy things to do in Milan.
7.Brera Design District
It makes sense to end an eventful day in the city of Milan in the trendiest neighborhood, the Brera Design District. It is home to the Academy of Fine Arts, the 18th-century school of arts, which is the alma mater of several renowned artists. Moreover, Picacoteca di Brera, the largest art museum in Milan, is also located here. If you arrive early, do take time to visit the museum, the astronomical observatory as well as the Braidense National Library, which is beautiful and one of the unknown gems of the city. Once you take a quick tour of the museum, explore the neighborhood by walking on the cobbled streets. As the night sets in, Brera comes to life, and you get to enjoy its classic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and quaint cafes.
Insider Tip : Visiting the Braidence National Library will only take a few minutes of your time. We suggest you not miss this 18th-century beautiful library.
Suggested Read: Hidden Gems in Italy for your Ultimate Bucket List
Apart from visiting the above mentioned places, take time to enjoy the classic Italian dishes as well as a cone of the most famous Italian ice cream, gelato (one would definitely not be enough). A day’s tour in Milan would be exhausting but nothing less than exhilarating. Moreover, as soon as you are travelling away from the city, you would be making plans to have a longer holiday in this fashionable Italian city.
Where to eat during your one day in Milan?
Like the rest of Italy, Milan has a thriving food culture and its delectable cuisine. Even when you’re short on time, you can experience Milan through food. Check out these places to make the most of your day:
Breakfast – Panificio Pattini : Start your day with a delightful breakfast, and a traditional Italian bakery. This breakfast is enough to gather energy for a whole day of exploration.
Lunch at Da Vinci : Located in the Brera district, this tiny trattoria serves traditional Milanese cuisine. This bustling café is famous for its Rissoto.
Afternoon Gelato : Cioccolati Italiani. No trip to Italy is complete without gelato. Cioccolati Italiani serves some of Milan’s best gelato. This is as good as being perfectly sweet, creamy, and rich.
Dinner at Bruschetteria Os Club : This beautiful restaurant is recognized for its inventive bruschettas and a broad menu of Italian cuisine. It’s an excellent choice for a relaxing evening in a casual setting.
Evening Drinks – Terrazza Aperol : Evening drinks are a significant aspect of Italian culture. Finish your day at Terrazza Aperol, located right close to the magnificent Duomo. Enjoy a classic Aperol Spritz while admiring the church and city lights.
Truth be told, 24 hours in Milan doesn’t even scratch the surface of the marvel Milan is. There’s so much to see, so much to do, so much to eat, so much to marvel at. But, put aside the tourist’s regret and be sure to make the most of the wonderful city.