One Day in Milan itinerary – What to do in Milan in 24h
While you could easily spend several days—or even weeks—exploring all the nooks and crannies of this gorgeous metropolis, sometimes you have to make the most of limited time. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
I recently spent several days in Milan, diving deep into its iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and culinary delights. I’ve carefully curated this one-day itinerary to offer you the crème de la crème of Milanese experiences.
Every moment is thoughtfully planned to provide you with the best of what Milan has to offer in just 24 hours.
Is 1 day enough for Milan?
You can get a good taste of Milan and its highlights with even just one day, just be prepared for a packed itinerary.
To truly enjoy the city and its vibe I recommend two or three days in Milan. If you have more time in Milan, you can use it to enjoy more leisurely meals and aperitivos, plus explore the wider area on day tours.
Read next:
1 day in Milan Itinerary
3 days in Milan Itinerary
5 days in Milan Itinerary
Best day trips from Milan
One day in Milan itinerary
To make the most of your short stay, consider booking a walking tour or a tram tour. These guided experiences offer insightful commentary and whisk you through the city’s highlights in no time.
You’ll get the best value with this walking tour which includes tickets to the Duomo and the Last Supper.
Ready for a whirlwind adventure through Milan? Let’s get started!
Morning – Milan essentials
8:00 AM: Piazza Duomo & Duomo di Milano
Start your day in the heart of Milan, where you’ll find the iconic Duomo di Milano cathedral towering over Piazza Duomo. This Gothic masterpiece, built over six centuries, is not just a jaw-dropping structure but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside, you’ll be greeted by stunning frescoes, radiant stained glass, and an archaeological site beneath, showcasing remnants of early Christian baptisteries and an ancient Roman city.
But wait, it gets even better! The highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be the climb to the rooftop. Skip the line and join this guided tour, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, and join this combo tour combine your Duomo visit with a city walking tour and The Last Supper.
Book your Duomo tour incl. rooftop ticket
Book your combo tour of the Duomo & Last supper
10:00 AM: Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Next, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Duomo, you’ll find one of Milan’s most bizarre yet fascinating churches—San Bernardino alle Ossa. Trust me, this eerie gem is a must-see.
As you step inside, take a detour to the right and behold the ossuary chapel. This small, square room is both creepy and fascinating, its walls decorated with human skulls and bones. These remains are artfully arranged in niches, corners, and doorways, creating a hauntingly beautiful display.
These bones probably belonged to patients from the Brolo Hospital, once dedicated to treating leprosy, as well as to individuals moved from 17th-century cemeteries that were shut down. The skulls encased in boxes above the entrance are believed to be those of condemned souls.
If that wasn’t spine-chilling enough, look up to see a ceiling frescoed by Sebastiano Ricci, a Venetian Baroque maestro.
11:00 AM: Piazza Mercanti
Continue your journey to Piazza Mercanti, a medieval hub surrounded by some of Milan’s architectural marvels. This square houses the Palazzo della Ragione and Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, not to mention the Gothic-style Loggia degli Osii.
Historically, Piazza Mercanti served as the bustling center of the city’s medieval markets.
11:30 PM: Teatro alla Scala
La Scala is the crown jewel of opera houses! Since 1778, this theatre has graced the world with performances by legendaries like Giuseppe Verdi and Maria Callas. Still one of the globe’s most prestigious theaters, La Scala continues to draw crowds for grand evening performances.
Join this guided tour of the theatre and its museum or snag a ticket for a luxurious night out and enjoy a performance in the evening.
12:30 PM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
End your morning at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade named after Italy’s first king, Victor Emmanuel II. As one of Europe’s oldest and most glamorous shopping malls, it’s filled with high-end boutiques, bustling restaurants, and a mosaic floor by Giuseppe Verdi.
Make sure to spin three times on the bull of Turin’s family jewels for good luck—a tradition you’ll find impossible to resist. Plus, if you’re a Leonardo Da Vinci enthusiast, don’t miss the Leonardo3 interactive exhibition. It’s your chance to dive into his inventions and book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
Afternoon – Views and art
1:00 PM: RoofTop della Rinascente for lunch
Enjoy your lunch eye-to-eye with the spires of Duomo Cathedral while soaking in panoramic views over Piazza Duomo. The views are to die for, and there’s a huge selection of tasty dishes for you to choose from.
Now, don’t let the posh setting fool you—this is a food court where you can grab a cheap pizza margherita from a chain or splurge on a juicy steak.
2:00 PM: Pinnacoteca Brera
Next up, immerse yourself in art history at the Brera Art Gallery, established in 1776. This gallery boasts a jaw-dropping collection of masterpieces from legends like Raphael, Tintoretto, Rembrandt, Titian, and Rubens, spanning from the 13th to the 20th century.
Snag your tickets in advance to dodge any lines. Housed in a stunning building designed by Francesco Maria Ricchini and Giuseppe Piermarini, the gallery’s architecture is as impressive as the art it contains.
Alternative option: Not that interested in visiting this gallery? Just slow down your tempo and squeeze in a coffe. If you’re well ahead of the schedule and like to be on the move, you might choose to hop on the etro and visit the Bosco Verticale.
3:30 PM: Santa Maria delle Grazie & Last Supper
Head over to Santa Maria delle Grazie church to take in one of the most iconic frescoes of all time, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. This masterpiece, painted in the late 15th century, captures the exact moment Jesus drops the bombshell that one of his disciples will betray him.
Due to its delicate state, daily visits are limited and tickets are hotter than a Milanese summer day. Opting for a guided tour may be pricier, but it’s your best bet to secure a spot—just be sure to book well in advance.
Maximize your visit by joining this walking tour that includes tickets to the Duomo and The Last Supper.
Book your Last Supper tickets
Book your walking tour with Duomo & Last Supper tickets
Alternative option: If snagging tickets to The Last Supper proves impossible, or if you’re not particularly keen on seeing the famous fresco, you might want to visit the Labirinto di Pomodoro, Mudec or Armani/Silos on your way to Navigli instead.
Evening – Parks and canals
5:00 PM: Sforzesco Castle
Ready for some history? Visit the Castello Sforzesco, a structure with a resume that includes stints as a military fortress, a palace, and even a prison.
Today, it’s a top tourist destination in Milan thanks to its eye-catching architecture and intriguing past. Exploring the exhibits or just meander through the grounds before heading into the park.
5:30 PM: Sempione Park
Sempione city park connects Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace. Spanning nearly 400,000 square meters, it’s one of Milan’s largest green spaces. Enjoy spacious lawns, tree-lined paths, and picturesque gardens perfect for relaxation.
Sit down for a coffee at one of the bars or climb up Branca tower for more views of Milano.
6:30 PM: Arco della Pace
Venture to the Arco della Pace, perched on the edge of Parco Sempione and opposite Castello Sforzesco. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte to celebrate the French victory at the Battle of Marengo, this white marble arch designed by Luigi Cagnola is truly a sight to behold!
Stroll along Via Mario Pagano through the park to reach the Via Pagano Via Canova tram stop. Hop on tram 10 and head to your final destination, Navigli Pavese. Get off at either Via Vigevano V.Le Gorizia or Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio.
7:30 PM: Apericena in Navigli
Cap off your day by diving into Milan’s vibrant aperitivo culture, but with a twist—welcome to apericena! It’s like aperitivo on steroids, with giant cocktails and endless buffets. Trust me, you won’t need dinner after this feast.
The evening will morph into night as everyone at the bar gets a bit tipsier and a whole lot merrier. For the ultimate experience, head to Naviglio Pavese.
For the best experience join this aperitivo and street food tour or combine sightseeing with an aperitivo on this sunset bike tour.
Book this aperitivo and street food tour
Join this fun sunset bike tour.
Where to stay in Milan
For the most convenient and enjoyable stay in Milan, base yourself in the historic city center or the trendy Brera neighborhood.
Both offer central locations with easy access to numerous attractions, as well as a diverse array of restaurants and bars. If you’re traveling by train or hauling lots of luggage, it might be wise to stay near the central train station.
Casa Baglioni Milan – BOUTIQUE LUXURY
With just 30 rooms and suites, plus a top-notch restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Claudio Sadler and an exquisite wine cellar, Casa Baglioni stands out as one of Milan’s newest 5-star hotels.
Matilde Boutique Hotel – CENTRAL AND BEAUTIFUL
Matilde Boutique Hotel strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, evident in every refined detail—from its elegant decor to its modern amenities.
Galleria Vik Milano – STAY IN AN ART GALLERY
More than just a luxury hotel, Galleria Vik Milano doubles as a private gallery. Located inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, it features unique furniture and design elements that offer an artistic experience alongside your stay.
Is Milan worth visiting?
Milan is a gem brimming with historic landmarks, rich culture, and a lively cosmopolitan vibe that makes it a must-visit. From the iconic Duomo di Milano to the legendary fresco, The Last Supper, Milan offers a feast for the eyes and soul.
While you’re in Milan, dive headfirst into its history and architecture, explore an array of museums and galleries, splurge a little (or a lot) on shopping—after all, it is the fashion capital—and indulge in superb dining and vibrant nightlife. Plus, Milan is a fantastic base for day trips from Milan to nearby lakes, mountains, and charming towns.
Getting to Milano
The best way to reach Milan is by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport. From here, you have several options to zip into town: buses, taxis, or trains.
For ultimate convenience, hop on the Malpensa Express, which whisks you from the airport to downtown Milan every 30 minutes in just about 40 minutes. Alternatively, shuttle buses offer a slower but still reliable ride into the city.
If you prefer rails over wings, Milan’s central train station boasts excellent connections to major Italian cities as well as destinations in Switzerland and France.
Getting around Milan
Navigating Milan is a breeze with its superb public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, the metro, and trains. Throw in a plethora of taxis and Uber drivers, and you’re all set.
Trams aren’t just a mode of transport—they’re a scenic adventure! Milan’s extensive tram routes offer a convenient, efficient, and budget-friendly way to explore the city while soaking in the sights.
The Metro is another fantastic option, providing quick and comprehensive coverage of nearly all areas in Milan. Fast and reliable, it’s a commuter’s best friend.
Best time to visit Milan
Milan dazzles no matter when you visit. For the best weather, spring and autumn are ideal, although be prepared for a bit of a crowd.
Winter, while less popular, transforms the city into a magical wonderland. Summer, especially August, is surprisingly quiet but can get scorching hot.
Planning a trip to Milan?
From the rich art and history to the modern innovations and delightful culinary experiences, explore the many facets that make Milan a truly remarkable destination.
Before you head off, make sure to check out our Milan travel guides!
