Milan in a Day: What to Do With 24 Hours

Milan doesn't have the obvious tourist charm of Rome or Florence, but it rewards a day visit more than most people expect. The Duomo is extraordinary, the Last Supper is one of the most significant paintings in the world, and the city's style and energy are entirely its own. One day gives you the major hits plus a sense of the city.

Getting In and Out

Milan has two main airports. Malpensa (MXP) is around 50 minutes from the city centre by train; Linate (LIN) is 30 minutes by bus or taxi. Orio al Serio (BGY), used by Ryanair, is about an hour away. Central trains arrive at Milano Centrale, which is on the Metro. High-speed trains from Rome take around 3 hours.

Morning

The Duomo is the starting point. Milan's Gothic cathedral took nearly 600 years to build and the result is overwhelming: the facade, the interior with its 52 pillars, and the rooftop terrace (accessible via stairs or lift) are all remarkable. The rooftop walk, with the spires and statues at eye level and the Alps visible on clear days, is one of the best urban experiences in Italy. Book the rooftop ticket in advance.

From the Duomo, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the 19th-century iron-and-glass shopping arcade adjacent to the cathedral. It connects to the Piazza della Scala, where La Scala opera house stands. The opera house museum is good; performances require booking far in advance.

Afternoon

Leonardo's Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie requires advance booking: this is not optional. Slots sell out weeks ahead. It's a 15-minute Metro ride from the Duomo. The painting is in a deteriorating state due to the experimental technique Leonardo used, and the viewing time is limited to 15 minutes, but it's still one of the great experiences of visiting Milan.

Lunch in the Brera neighbourhood, northwest of the centre. It's one of Milan's most pleasant areas: art galleries, good restaurants, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's top art museums (Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna).

Evening (if time allows)

The Navigli district, in the south of the city, is Milan's canal quarter and the hub of its evening scene. The canals are modest compared to Venice or Amsterdam, but the bars and restaurants along them are excellent. The aperitivo culture here is the thing: a drink before dinner that comes with substantial snacks.

What to Skip

Quadrilatero della Moda (the fashion district) is interesting to walk through but time-consuming if you're window-shopping expensive brands. Worth a 20-minute walk if you pass through, not a destination.

Lake Como day trips from Milan are popular but take most of the day if you want to actually see the lake rather than just arrive and leave. Better as a separate overnight.

Milan grows on you. Our Milan guide covers the fashion, food, art, and logistics for a longer stay.