Milan was never on my Italy list until I booked a cheap flight there by accident. Three days later I understood why locals consider it underrated. The Duomo rooftop views are better than any cathedral I have climbed in Europe, and The Last Supper lived up to the hype – though only because I booked tickets two months in advance. The Navigli district for aperitivo (€10 for a spritz and unlimited buffet food) became my evening routine. Milan lacks the obvious charm of Rome or Florence, but the fashion, the food, and the genuine Italian atmosphere without tourist hordes made it one of my favourite European city breaks.
Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital. Unlike Rome or Florence, it’s a working city first – fashion weeks, design fairs, and business conferences drive much of the tourism. The main attractions cluster around the Duomo and can be covered in 2-3 days.
Main Attractions
Duomo di Milano
Gothic cathedral that took 600 years to complete. The marble facade has 3,400+ statues and 135 spires. The rooftop terraces offer city views – take the elevator (€14) or stairs (€10).
Hours: 8am-7pm daily
Entry: Cathedral free, rooftop €10-14, full access pass €16-25
Tip: Book rooftop tickets online to skip the queue
The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Only 30 people allowed in every 15 minutes – book weeks or months in advance.
Tickets: €15 + €2 booking fee
How to book: Through the official museum website or authorized tour operators
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
19th-century shopping arcade next to the Duomo. Glass-vaulted ceilings, mosaic floors, luxury brands. Local tradition: spin on your heel on the bull’s testicles in the floor mosaic for luck.
Castello Sforzesco
15th-century fortress housing several museums including Michelangelo’s final sculpture. The adjacent Parco Sempione is good for a break from sightseeing.
Museum entry: €5 (free first Sunday of month)
Navigli District
Former canal district now lined with bars, restaurants, and vintage shops. Best for evening aperitivo. The Sunday antique market along the canals is worth visiting.
Teatro alla Scala
One of the world’s premier opera houses. Tours available, or book tickets for performances (starting around €40 for balcony seats, though top performances sell out quickly).
Neighborhoods
- Duomo/Centro: Historic center, main sights, expensive shopping
- Brera: Art galleries, upscale restaurants, Pinacoteca di Brera museum
- Navigli: Canals, nightlife, aperitivo culture
- Isola: Former industrial area, now trendy with street art
- Porta Nuova: Modern architecture including Bosco Verticale (vertical forest towers)
Costs
Daily Budget
| Level | Per Person |
|---|---|
| Budget | €80-100 |
| Mid-range | €150-200 |
| Luxury | €300+ |
Accommodation
| Type | Per Night |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | €35-60 |
| Budget hotel | €80-120 |
| Mid-range hotel | €120-200 |
| Luxury hotel | €250+ |
Food
- Street food/pizza slice: €3-10
- Lunch at restaurant: €15-25
- Dinner: €30-50
- Aperitivo (drinks + buffet): €8-15
Transport
- Single ticket (90 min): €2.20
- 24-hour pass: €7.60
- 48-hour pass: €12.80
Transport
Metro: Four lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow, M5 purple) cover main tourist areas. Runs 6am-midnight (until 1:30am Sat).
Trams: Historic trams on surface routes. Same ticket as metro.
From airports:
- Malpensa (MXP): Malpensa Express train to Centrale/Cadorna (€13, 50 min). Buses also available (€10, 60 min).
- Linate (LIN): Bus 73 to city center (€2.20, 25 min) or taxi (€25-30 fixed fare).
- Bergamo/Orio al Serio (BGY): Bus to Centrale (€6-10, 60 min).
Best Time to Visit
- April-May, September-October: Best weather (18-25°C), fewer crowds
- June-August: Hot (30°C+), many locals leave in August
- November-February: Cold, rainy, but lower prices and no crowds
Avoid: Fashion Week (late Feb, late Sept) unless you want inflated hotel prices
Culture Tips
Aperitivo: Pre-dinner drinks (6-9pm) often include a buffet with the price of a drink. Navigli has the best options.
Coffee: Drink espresso standing at the bar – sitting costs more. Don’t order cappuccino after 11am (breakfast drink only).
Dress code: Milan is fashion-conscious. Smart casual expected at restaurants and bars.
Tipping: Not expected but rounding up is appreciated.
Closed Mondays: Many museums close Mondays. Check before visiting.
Visa
US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian citizens: No visa for stays under 90 days. Passport must have 3+ months validity beyond departure date.
ETIAS: From late 2026 (delayed from original 2025 date), US citizens and other visa-exempt nationalities will need an ETIAS authorization (€20, valid 3 years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Milan, Italy?
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID card. From late 2026, visa-exempt visitors will need an ETIAS authorization (€20, valid 3 years). Your passport must have at least 3 months validity beyond your departure date. Always check current requirements before booking.
What is the best time to visit Milan?
The best time to visit Milan is April-May and September-October when temperatures are pleasant (18-25°C), crowds are smaller, and hotel prices are moderate. June-August is hot (30°C+) and many locals leave the city in August. November-February brings cold, rainy weather but lower prices and no crowds. Avoid Fashion Week (late February and late September) unless you want the atmosphere, as hotel prices inflate dramatically during these periods.
What currency does Milan use?
Milan uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, shops, museums, and hotels. However, some smaller cafes, bars, and traditional establishments prefer cash or have minimum card amounts. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. Standing at a bar for coffee is cheaper than sitting down, and espresso should be consumed standing for the local experience.
How much does it cost to visit Milan?
Milan is moderately expensive. Budget travelers can manage on €80-100 per day (hostel dorms €35-60, street food, public transport). Mid-range travelers should budget €150-200 per day (hotels €120-200, restaurant meals €30-50, attractions). Aperitivo offers excellent value at €8-15 for a drink plus unlimited buffet food. Metro tickets cost €2.20 for 90 minutes. The Last Supper entry is €15 but must be booked months in advance.
Is Milan safe for tourists?
Milan is generally very safe for tourists. Crime rates are low, though standard precautions apply in crowded areas and on public transport where pickpocketing can occur. Watch your belongings at tourist spots like the Duomo and Centrale train station. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be aware of common scams. The city has excellent healthcare facilities. Emergency services can be reached at 112. Milan is considered safer than Rome for tourists.
How do I book tickets for The Last Supper?
The Last Supper requires advance booking, often 2-3 months ahead, especially in peak season. Book through the official museum website (Vivaticket) for €15 plus €2 booking fee. Only 30 people are allowed in every 15 minutes for a strict 15-minute viewing. If official tickets are sold out, authorized tour operators offer packages (more expensive but include guided tours). Do not leave this to the last minute as walk-up tickets are virtually impossible to obtain.
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