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: Starting 2025, US citizens and other visa-exempt nationalities will need an ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years).
