How to Visit the Top Places in Milan in One Day!

The interior of this grand shopping arcade, a Milan Bucket List essential, boasts a stunning glass dome ceiling and intricate architectural details. Illuminated storefronts elegantly line the walkway, offering an unparalleled shopping experience.

I’ve been lucky enough to live in Italy during my college years and have visited Milan several times. On my last trip, I packed a whirlwind visit to Milan with my husband and mom before heading over to stunning Lake Como. If you’re on a tight schedule like we were, you’ll want to hit the top spots efficiently.

The must-see sites I recommend are the Duomo di Milano, The Last Supper, Sforzesco Castle, and dinner along the Navigli Canal. With limited time, figuring out tickets, transportation, and an efficient itinerary can feel overwhelming.

I’ll show you the top places to see in Milan in one day. I’ll also share my tips to overcome common challenges like scoring tickets to The Last Supper and navigating the city.

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Let’s Get Into What To See In Milan In One Day!

Getting Around Milan

Explore Milan in one day with our detailed map, featuring a curated walking route. Discover six iconic stops: The Last Supper, Parco Sempione, Castello Sforzesco, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Duomo di Milano, and the vibrant Navigli District.

Milan is a walkable city, and for this itinerary, you can reach most locations on foot. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes! For places that are a bit further away, the metro is your best option. Milan’s metro system is fast, easy to use, and connects you to all the key spots in the city.

To make things even simpler, consider purchasing a 24-hour transportation pass. This pass costs less than €10 and can be used on the metro, buses, and trams.

You can buy it at kiosks located at metro entrances, and it’s also valid for getting to the city center from the airport or train terminal when you arrive in Milan.

Google Maps is very reliable in Milan for navigating public transport or even walking routes. If you find yourself lost or in a hurry, services like Uber and Lyft are also available to get you back on track.

Also see: Is Milan Worth Visiting + 5 Reasons It Will Surprise You!

Stop #1: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

Start your journey with one of the most iconic and revered artworks in history—Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this UNESCO World Heritage site has been carefully preserved for over 500 years.

This masterpiece is a true cultural treasure, embodying both artistic brilliance and historical significance. Despite centuries of wear, restoration efforts have sought to maintain its beauty, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

Tickets are notoriously hard to secure, so planning ahead is essential. They are released in 3-month segments and sell out fast—so once your preferred dates are available, book immediately through the official website.

Tickets are very affordable at just €15, but note there are no refunds or changes allowed. You’ll need to select a time slot, and you won’t be admitted if you’re more than 15 minutes late. To preserve the artwork, there are specific rules listed below.

– Visits are strictly timed, giving you just 15 minutes to admire the painting.

– No bags, selfie sticks, food, or drinks are allowed (lockers are available on-site).

– The site is closed every Monday.

Seeing The Last Supper in person is an unforgettable experience, so plan accordingly to make the most of your visit!

Also see: Milan Bucket List: 25+ Ultimate Things To Do

Stop #2: Parco Sempione

Take a pleasant 15-minute walk from The Last Supper to Parco Sempione, Milan’s stunning city park. It’s completely free to explore and offers a peaceful escape within the city.

Start by visiting the impressive Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at the park’s entrance. This remarkable monument took 31 years to construct and is crowned with a bronze “Sestiga”—a chariot drawn by six horses led by the goddess Minerva.

It was created by the artist Abbondio Sangiorgio. It’s a must-see and makes for a great photo stop!

As you wander through the park, enjoy the serene pond, lush greenery, and various art sculptures scattered throughout. Parco Sempione is also the perfect scenic route to your next destination, Castello Sforzesco.

Also see: The Ultimate 3 Days In Milan And Lake Como Itinerary!

Stop #3: Castello Sforzesco

Step into history at Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century fortress once home to the powerful Sforza family. This impressive castle has a large central courtyard and another that wraps around it in a square shape.

The beautiful grounds feature ponds, a water fountain, and plenty of charming stray cats peacefully minding their own business.

The castle’s courtyard is free to explore, while entrance to the museums is free every first and third Tuesday of the month starting at 2 PM, as well as every first Sunday of the month. Outside of these times, the admission fee is €5.

Inside, you’ll find plenty of art and history, including Michelangelo’s final, unfinished sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà. This gorgeous masterpiece is a highlight of the museum and adds to the museum’s grand collection.

Also see: Affordable Milan Budget Breakdown For A 3 Day Trip!

Stop #4: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The next stop is just a 14-minute walk from Sforzesco Castle, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-see destination and the ultimate spot for shopping in Milan.

This stunning 19th-century arcade, made of glass and ironwork with intricate mosaic floors, is one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world. Its soaring 47-meter-high ceilings make it a true architectural marvel.

Inside, you’ll find luxury stores like Prada and Louis Vuitton, charming cafes, a gelato shop that crafts your ice cream into beautiful flower shapes, and even the Leonardo3 Museum, an interactive experience showcasing Da Vinci’s genius.

Also see: Visiting Leonardo3 Museum: The World of Leonardo da Vinci!

Stop #5: Duomo di Milano

Next up, just steps away from the Galleria, is the Duomo di Milano—arguably the most beautiful cathedral in the world. This stunning masterpiece took nearly 600 years to complete and features over 3,400 statues both inside and out.

I highly recommend getting tickets that allow access to the interior, rooftop, and underground archaeological site. These tickets also let you skip the line, saving valuable time. Inside, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking stained glass windows, towering pillars, and intricate paintings.

Don’t miss the rooftop experience, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Milan and see the incredible architectural details up close, including the flying buttresses that support this magnificent structure. It’s truly a must-see!

Also see: Visiting Duomo di Milano? Here’s What You Need To Know!

Stop #6: Navigli District

End your day at Milan’s charming Navigli District, easily reached by taking the #2 tram from the Duomo (25 minutes away). This picturesque canal area is perfect for a relaxed evening.

Start by strolling along the waterways, where you’ll find boutique shops for some last-minute shopping or cozy cafes and pubs to unwind. For dinner, settle into a traditional trattoria and enjoy classic Italian dishes or aperitivo, a true Milanese tradition.

Finally, no visit to Italy is complete without gelato—grab a scoop (or two, no judgment here!) to sweeten the end of your day.

Also see: Milan VS Rome: Which One Is Better To Visit In Italy?

Where To Stay In Milan!

Best Modern Hostel: Located in Milan’s lively center, this hostel offers affordable, stylish accommodation. With stylish rooms, free WiFi, communal lounges, and 24/7 front desk service, it’s a cost-effective option for experiencing Milan’s vibrant culture and nightlife.

Best Hotel with View: Located next to Milan’s Duomo, this hotel offers Milanese sophistication with its designer rooms, exclusive experiences, gourmet dining, and top-notch wellness facilities. It provides a luxurious and intimate stay for travelers seeking an unforgettable Milan adventure.

Best Family Vacation Home: Experience luxury in Milan’s center near the iconic Duomo. These exquisite apartments offer privacy with high-end hotel services, perfect for families or groups. Ideal for indulging in Milan’s fashion, art, and cuisine with the comfort of home in a prime location.

Final Thoughts-

Milan maybe just a quick stop on your Italian adventure, but with this itinerary, you’ll leave having experienced the best of the city. If you’ve followed along, that’s six iconic stops in a single day—talk about efficiency! Share the top Milan site you can’t wait to see in the comments below.

Happy exploring!

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What Are My Recommended Resources For Planning A Trip?

When planning my trip, I use my trusted trio of CheapOair, Viator, and Booking.com to provide a comprehensive solution for everything I need.

CheapOair is a go-to resource for affordable flight tickets. With its extensive network of over 600 airlines, it offers a wide array of choices, enabling you to easily compare prices and select the best deal that suits your budget and travel schedule.

Viator on the other hand, is an excellent platform for booking tours and activities. It provides access to thousands of sightseeing tours, attractions, and events in over 1,500 locations worldwide. It ensures you don’t miss out on the unique experiences each destination has to offer.

Booking.com is your reliable partner for accommodations. With over 28 million listings including hotels, apartments, and hostels, you can find the perfect place to stay that fits your budget and preference.

Together, these platforms make trip planning convenient, cost-effective, and fun. They ensure you have everything you need, from flights and accommodations to activities – at your fingertips.

Check Out My Resources Page For All My Recommended Travel Tools!

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