Milan, like many other Italian cities, has a rich history and culture. 24 hours in Milan wouldn’t be enough time to see all of the museums there.
One day in Milan sounds impossible, but you can explore this beautiful Northern Italian city if you’re there on a really quick visit.
However, Milan’s most popular attractions and landmarks are all located within a few blocks of each other. It’s possible to see a lot of Milan in one day, but it’s not likely that you’ll have time to see everything.
Still, even if you’ve only got 24 hours in the capital of the Italian region of Lombardy, you can’t afford to miss any of these must-see attractions.
Milan Itinerary: One Day in Milan, Italy
Here’s our guide on how to visit Milan in one day, featuring the city’s best and most famous attractions.
1. Breakfast at a local café
Start early and have breakfast the Italian way. You’ll most likely find bakeries and cafés in the city center, so you won’t have trouble filling up before your morning tour of Milan.
The typical breakfast here is any kind of coffee and a pastry, usually brioche filled with chocolate, jam, or pistachio cream.
You can enjoy a sit-in breakfast, or you can order takeaway and bring it to your first Milan destination, as most locals would, at the Plaza del Duomo.
This is a perfect way to start your one-day Milan itinerary.
2. Piazza del Duomo
A visit to Milan’s world-famous Duomo complex is an absolute must if you only have one day in the city.
The front view of the Milan Cathedral can be seen from this majestic and imposing square, complete with pigeons, which is one of Milan’s most recognizable images.
For the full Duomo Complex experience, purchase your tickets well in advance.
Consider purchasing a skip the line pass if you have just one day in Milan to spare. If you value your time and money, this is a worthwhile purchase.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
You’ll have to wait until 9 AM to enter the Duomo, so take a stroll around the surrounding area first.
Explore the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping destination in the heart of Milan. It’s the best place in Milan to buy a pricey souvenir from the likes of Prada, Versace, Gucci, Armani, and many other Italian fashion brands.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, built in 1867, houses a stunning mosaic depicting Italy’s various cities. With its stunning glass ceiling and ornate architecture, the Galleria is a beautiful place to take a stroll.
4. Duomo di Milano
One day in Milan is not complete without a visit to the most iconic symbol of this Lombard city.
Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, or Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano is the most famous church of Milan.
The cathedral, dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary, was completed over several centuries. A guided tour of this popular Milan attraction typically includes the following steps:
• Interior of the Cathedral
With its ornate columns and incredible Italian marble floors, the interior of Milan’s Duomo is every bit as impressive as it appears from the outside.
Please note that there is a strict dress code requiring knees and shoulders to be covered.
• Rooftop
With its intricate carvings and stunning beauty, it’s well worth the 250 steps it takes to get to the top. You’ll also enjoy unique views of the complex and surrounding areas from here.
An elevator ride to the roof is available for an additional fee if you prefer to avoid climbing.
• Archaeological Site
There is an impressive archaeological site beneath the Duomo. Long before the Duomo, there were plenty of other buildings in the square – which you can explore.
• Duomo Museum
This museum has been home to statues and artifacts for hundreds of years, as well as the Church of San Gottardo in Corte.
5. Piazza della Scala
Following your exploration of the Duomo Complex, you should take a short walk to the Piazza della Scala. You can take a quick look at the statue of Leonardo Da Vinci and also catch a glimpse of Milan’s famous opera house from this square.
If you have a passion for the theatre and can get an early start on your day, you may be able to squeeze in a visit to the interior of the La Scala Opera House.
6. Lunch
In the Duomo and La Scala areas, you won’t run out of nice restaurants to choose from. However, Milan’s food scene is much more than just pizza and pasta, so don’t be afraid to branch out for lunch.
The cuisine of the region is known for its hearty dishes, many of which feature meat as the primary ingredient.
For a change, try risotto alla Milanese (risotto with saffron) or ossobucco (slow-cooked beef shin). Alternatively, you can opt for a piadina – an Italian flatbread filled with a variety of fresh ingredients.
7. Castello Sforzesco
From Piazza della Scala, you can walk to the Castello Sforzesco in a matter of minutes. This authentic medieval castle, with thick walls and room for a moat, is located right in the center of modern Milan and belongs to the best castles to visit in Northern Italy.
If you have only one day in Milan, you may not have time to visit all of the museums in the castle. It’s a good thing that the grounds are open to the public. And if you’re at all interested in history, we suggest reading up on the Dukes of Milan, whose power struggles rival anything on Game of Thrones!
8. Parco Sempione
After your time at Castello Sforzesco, you should be headed to Parco Sempione (Simplon Park), one of Milan’s most picturesque green spaces.
In the spring and summer, when the park is awash in bloom, it’s a delightful mix of shady walking paths and sunny grassy fields.
The 19th-century Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) which marks the Porta Simpione (Simplon Gate) is one of Milan’s iconic symbols.
9. Brera Neighborhood
Make your way through the cobblestone streets and art galleries of Milan’s Brera neighborhood, which is often referred to as the “Montmartre of Milan.”
The Pinacoteca di Brera (the city’s largest museum), as well as numerous boutiques and restaurants, can be found in Brera, which is located north of the Duomo.
The Braidense National Library is another must-see attraction here, housed in the imposing Palazzo di Brera. It houses historical, literary, theological, and legal publications, as well as a collection of illuminated choral works.
10. Last Supper
Located in Milan’s Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, Leonardo da Vinci’s mural of The Last Supper (c. 1495–1498) depicts the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
The painting features Jesus with the Twelve Apostles, specifically the moment after Jesus announces that one of his apostles would betray him, as it is told in the Gospel of John.
The Last Supper is one of the world’s most recognizable paintings. Despite its monumental simplicity, the scene’s composition is masterful, and the strength of its impact is derived from the stark contrast between Christ and the disciples’ facial expressions. It’s a must-see for art lovers.
Before you leave for Milan, make a reservation for a third-party tour of The Last Supper. Third-party companies sell tours and while they are significantly more expensive than the base price, they usually include a guide who explains some of the histories behind the work — and more importantly, they allow you to access the painting without having to plan months in advance.
11. Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of the city’s oldest churches, is just a five-minute walk from Santa Maria delle Grazie. This church’s earliest surviving structure dates to the 4th century AD. The current Romanesque church was built over an older church dating back to the 11th century when it was first constructed.
The tomb of Emperor Louis II and the remains of three saints in glass coffins can be found in the crypt within the church complex.
12. Via Monte Napoleone
Take a stroll down Via Monte Napoleone after you visit Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio.
As one of Milan’s most fashionable streets, it’s full of high-end automobiles, fashionable residents (and perhaps some models and celebrities), and of course, world-renowned boutiques like Dior and Hermès.
There’s something for everyone on this street, whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for a little retail therapy. If you have only one day in Milan, you can quickly buy souvenirs here to bring home to your family and friends.
13. Canals of Milan
Take the Metro (costs €2) to Navigli from the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. The Navigli district is a network of interconnected canals in and around Milan that is ideal for a stroll, drinks, and dinner.
As the sun sets, do as the Milanese do and head to the Navigli district for a well-deserved aperitivo.
Forget happy hour; numerous bars specialize in “appy hour” — or aperitivo hour — throughout Navigli’s picturesque canal network. It’s not just about the drinks; when you order one, you’ll be given access to a selection of light snacks.
After that, choose one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner — the best way to conclude your one day in Milan.
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