Milan Travel Guide
Milan is recognized worldwide as one of the four design and fashion capitals of the world. It’s also a business hub, as the location of Italy’s stock exchange and third wealthiest EU city (after Paris and Madrid).
As the second-largest city in Italy (and home to the second-largest airport in the country), it’s a popular destination for travelers as it’s easy to get to.
But Milan has a lot for travelers to see and do beyond fashion. The city used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire and was an influential city during the Italian Renaissance. There’s the beautiful Milan Cathedral and Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture. Then there’s Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church. In short, Milan has no shortage of history and culture to bask in.
While it’s no Rome or Florence, Milan is still worth a few nights (maybe longer if you’re looking to enjoy the glitzy, fashionista side of the city).
This travel guide Milan travel guide to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this fashion-forward metropolis.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Milan
1. Visit the Duomo
With over 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors, Milan’s cathedral is the largest church in Italy and the third-largest in the world. It’s not surprising that it took over 500 years to complete, with construction starting in 1386 and finishing in 1965. Be sure to admire the view from the top; it’s one of the best (and my favorite) in the city. Access to the cathedral and museum is 8 EUR while adding access to the archaeological site and rooftop costs 14 EUR if you take the stairs and 16 EUR via elevator. Skip the line tickets with access to the terrace start at 30 EUR.
2. Relax in Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is Milan’s most famous city park, a vast oasis of green space spanning over 40 hectares (99 acres). Designed in the 19th century emulating English romantic gardens, the park is home to a number of interesting sites. The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most popular places to visit. The Civic Aquarium is housed inside the last remaining pavilion from International Exposition of 1906. You can take the elevator at the Torre Branca (Branca Tower) to see the city from 108.6 meters (354 feet) high. The Arena Civica dates back to 1807 and is still used for musical, sporting, and other events. You’ll also find Triennale di Milano (a design and art museum), Branca Tower, and a handful of bars and cafes scattered around the park. This is a tranquil place to wander for hours or to sit and have a picnic in the grass. The entire park also has free Wi-Fi if you need to get connected.
3. Explore Sforzesco Castle
Built in the 15th century, this castle was one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th-17th centuries. It houses 12 museums and a vast archive of artifacts. Two noteworthy museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, with its armory and tapestry collection, and the Museum Pietà Rondanini, which includes Michelangelo’s last completed sculpture (Rondanini Pietà, completed in 1564). The castle entrance is free, but admission to all of the museums costs 5 EUR. If you’d like an audio guide, it’s an additional 5 EUR. A three-day museum pass for all the museums is 12 EUR.
4. Admire the Last Supper
This 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece resides in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is often just referred to as The Last Supper Museum. The Last Supper, completed around 1498, is remarkably well preserved and historians still haven’t solved all its mysteries. You must book a reserved 15-minute time slot, with tickets going on sale 2-3 months in advance. As one of the most famous paintings in the world, tickets sell out almost as soon as they go on sale, so this is definitely one to plan ahead for. Tickets cost 15 EUR while guided tours with Get Your Guide start at 45 EUR.
5. Watch some football
If you’re a football (soccer) fan, book yourself tickets to a match at San Siro stadium. Milan is home to two of the world’s best football teams: AC Milan and Inter Milan. Games are super lively and a great way to connect with locals. With a capacity of 80,000 spectators, this is the largest stadium in Italy and where the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will take place. Tickets start at 20-30 EUR. When matches aren’t taking place, you can take a guided tour of the stadium and visit the museum for 30 EUR.
Other Things to See and Do in Milan
1. Take a walking tour
One of the best ways to get to know Milan is to walk around it with a local. You’ll get your bearings, a history lesson, and see the main highlights as you explore. For free walking tours, check out Citywalkers. Theirs are the best, in my opinion. Their tours cover the main sights and are perfect for budget travelers. Tours last a few hours. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.
If you’re looking for more in-depth tour of the Last Supper and Duomo, check out Take Walks. They run the best paid tours in the city.
2. See Leonardo’s Horse
Located in the Piazella Dello Sporto, Leonardo’s Horse is one of the world’s largest bronze equine statues. Created by Nina Akamu in the 1990s, the design is based entirely on Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches from when he was commissioned by the Duke of Milan Ludovico il Moro in 1482. da Vinci was meant to create the world’s largest bronze horse statue dedicated to the Duke’s father, Francesco, but it was never completed. The horse stands over 24-feet tall and weighs 15 tons.
3. Roam the flea markets
While Milan is renowned for its high-end fashion and designer labels, it is also home to its fair share of flea markets. Fiera di Senigallia, the city’s most popular and retro flea market, sells disco gear and comic books, among many other treasures while Papiniano (near Fiera di Senigallia) is known for shoes and houseware. If you time your visit for the end of the month, Antiquariato sul Naviglio is a good place to go antique hunting (it happens on the last Sunday of the month).
4. Visit Pinacoteca di Brera
Opened in 1809 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the main art galleries in Milan. It contains works from Raphael, Mantegna, Rembrandt, and other masters from the 13th-20th centuries. Its most famous artwork is Mantegna’s Lamentation of Christ (painted 1305), a dramatic painting that shows Jesus lying in rigor mortis on a mortuary slab. Admission is 15 EUR, which gives you unlimited access to the museum for three months.
5. Wander Idroscalo Park
Idroscalo Park is centered on Idroscalo Lake, a man-made lake that was originally created in the 1920s as a seaplane airport. Today, the lake and surrounding park offer a green escape from Milan’s concrete jungle. It was my favorite spot for relaxing with a book and people watching. There are plenty of places for kayaking, rowing, sailing, cycling, hiking, and having a picnic. During the summer, there are evening performances in the park featuring everything from modern dance to live orchestras. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and lounge away the afternoon.
6. Walk along Corso Magenta
In the northwestern part of Milan, this street is home to elegant cafes, shops, and Baroque palaces. It’s a beautiful street to wander and gives you an awesome sense of “being in Italy.” The Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent, which houses The Last Supper, are here.
7. Tour the canals
Surprised to hear that there are canals in Milan? Well, there are — two to be exact. Based in the Navigli district, these canals offer a unique perspective of the city and are best enjoyed during the summer months when you can take a lazy boat trip (or even a Venetian gondola). Be sure to check out Boffalora sopra Ticino village or the stately villas of the Robecco sul Naviglio area. The Navigli district is a quiet neighborhood and makes for a restful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
8. Wander the Giardini della Guastalla
Known as the Gardens of the Guastalla, these are some of the oldest gardens in Milan. The gardens date back to the 16th century and have been open to the public since the early 1900s. Amongst the tall stemmed plants and blooming flowers, you’ll find a fish bath filled with carp and redfish, marble statues, and an area to play bocce. There are various sculptures throughout the gardens and I loved all the different kinds of trees. There are beeches that have been around for hundreds of years, along with walnut and maple trees. It looks like something out of a painting! Giardini della Guastalla is located near the Duomo. Admission is free.
9. Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
If you are looking to do some serious shopping or even just window shop, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Named after the first king of Italy, it was built in the 19th century and is the oldest shopping center in the city. The gallery connects the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala and has a four-story arcade and iron-and-glass roof that took 12 years to construct. It’s home to fashion giants such as Prada and Gucci, as well as some of the oldest cafes and restaurants in Milan. Buy yourself a 12 EUR coffee and watch as the Milanese high society passes through.
10. See a performance at Teatro alla Scala
Opened in the late 18th century, this is one of the most influential opera and ballet theaters in the entire world. Many famous operas have debuted here, including Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Tickets to a performance range from 18-260 EUR (though be forewarned that you can’t see much from the cheapest seats). You can also take a one-hour guided tour of the gorgeous historic building for 30 EUR while a visit to the museum is 12 EUR.
11. Learn something new at Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
This interactive museum is the largest science museum in Italy and you could easily spend hours here. I literally did. There’s so much to do! It’s located in an old convent and has everything from exhibits on Da Vinci’s inventions to space exploration. The Leonardo da Vinci Galleries take you through his education, work, and multiple inventions using multimedia displays and 170 models. In the Fragility and Beauty area, you’ll get to see some of the most remote places on earth through a variety of satellite imagery, linking earth and space. There are whole exhibitions dedicated to different types of transportation, including rail, tunnels, and ships, and air. And that’s only the beginning of what you can explore. It’s especially fun for anyone traveling with kids. Admission is 10 EUR.
12. See contemporary art at Pirelli HangarBicocca
This industrial plant on the outskirts of Milan has been turned into an impressive contemporary art space. Covering over 15,000 square meters (161,458 sq ft), there are a couple of permanent exhibitions, but most are temporary exhibitions by upcoming and leading contemporary artists. There’s also a cool bistro on site, serving dishes made with seasonal produce and fantastic cocktails. Admission to the art space is free, though booking a time slot online in advance is recommended. Guided tours are available on Saturdays and Sundays for 8 EUR.
How to Stay Safe in Milan
Milan is a safe place to visit as violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime you’ll face, so you should be vigilant around Central Station and the area around the Piazza Duca D’Aosta. Definitely don’t leave valuables in the open and watch your bags, purses, and phones. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe (especially on public transportation).
Avoid Parco Sempione at night, especially if you’re alone. The same goes for the Arc of Peace.
Scams here are rare but they do happen and you can read about some common travel scams to avoid by clicking here.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the safety standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more specific safety tips, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you advice that I can’t.
If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Milan
Milan has lots of great hostels and hotels. You can use this article to help you figure out the best neighborhood to stay in for your trip. Some of my recommended places to stay in Milan are:
Milan Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – 36-60 EUR per night
- Hostel private rooms – 142-160 EUR per night
- Budget hotels – 120 EUR per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 50 EUR per night
- Airbnb apartments – 70-80 EUR per night
Food
- Street food – 3-10 EUR
- Sit-down restaurants – 15-40 EUR
- Fine dining – 80 EUR
- Casual take-out places – 6-15 EUR
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 10 EUR
- Beer – 5-6 EUR
- Cappuccino/latte- 2 EUR
- Bottled water – 1.50 EUR
- Groceries for a week – 40-60 EUR
Milan Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 75 EUR Per Day
On a backpacking budget, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do mostly free activities like enjoying the parks and visiting the castle. If you want to drink more, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.
Midrange – 155 EUR Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room. You’ll be able to eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a paid walking tour.
Upscale – 255 EUR Per Day
On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!
Milan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Italy so it’s not the easiest place to save money. However, it’s not impossible either. Here are some ways to save money in Milan so you don’t break the bank when you visit:
- Don’t eat in Station Square – The restaurants around here are tourist traps and are vastly overpriced. Head a few blocks outside of this area for authentic and less expensive food.
- Redeem hotel points – Get a hotel credit card and use the points when you travel. Most cards come with 1-2 nights free for signing up, and there’s nothing better than free accommodation. This article will help you get the basics so you can start earning points right away and have plenty for your trip.
- Avoid the taxis – Taxis are expensive here (the base fare is 7 EUR and then it’s around 3 EUR for each additional kilometer). Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget.
- Take the Radiobus – Radiobus is an on-request (via app or the atm.it website) minibus network that runs from 10pm-2am to provide safe and reliable night transportation. Tickets start at 2.20 EUR for three zones, making this an affordable way to get around at night instead of taxis.
- Do some cheap shopping – If you don’t want to miss out on the fashion experience, head to the Brera District for some less expensive but trendy boutique stores. It’s the best place to shop on a limited budget.
- Get a city pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, the Milan City Pass can give you discounts/free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. A one-day pass costs 14 EUR, a two-day pass costs 21 EUR, and a three-day pass is 23 EUR.
- Skip the bread – Some restaurants charge you extra for the bread or breadsticks on the table but won’t tell you about it until the bill comes. If you’re on a tight budget, decline the bread.
- Buy a transit pass Since taxis are so expensive in the city, a transit pass can save you a ton. All the buses and metros are on the ATM network that you can access with one pass. A one-day pass will cost you 7.60 EUR and a 3-day pass is 15.50 EUR. You can even buy a group of 10 rides for 19.50 EUR.
- Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is my favorite way to get familiar with a new city while learning lots of interesting history in the process. Citywalkers is a great, budget-friendly option. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
- Stay with a local – Make a local friend and get a free place to stay by using Couchsurfing! This is the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips. Just remember to send your requests early.
- Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
How to Get Around in Milan
Public transportation – Milan’s public transportation is run by the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) and uses the same ticketing system across all modes of transportation (bus, tram, subway). The network works on a fare zone system, with zones 1-3 covering virtually all the places that travelers will want to go. A 90-minute ticket for zones 1-3 costs 2.20 EUR, on which you can use any method of transportation.
For zones 1-3, the 24-hour pass is 7.60 EUR while a 72-hour pass is 15.50 EUR. You can also purchase a 10-ride pass for 19.50 EUR.
Radiobus tickets (a night bus service) starts at 2.20 EUR and runs from Milan to neighboring towns.
You can use the ATM app to purchase tickets or buy them at the metro station.
Milan’s subway system is the fastest and easiest way to get around town. There are four lines, and they cover most of the main attractions.
If you’re going to or from the airport to the city center, the Malpensa Express train is a great way to zip in and out of town to catch your flight. A one-way ticket costs 13 EUR.
Taxi – Taxis are expensive, with a base fare of 7 EUR and cost another 2 EUR per kilometer. Skip the taxis here as they add up fast!
Ridesharing – Uber is available here, but it isn’t cheap. Stick to the bus and subway if you can.
Bike rental – Milan is the most bike-friendly city in Italy, home to over 220 kilometers (137 miles) of bike lanes. Bikemi is the bike sharing system in the city. You can use a bike for as little as 4.50 EUR for a day with unlimited two-hour rides.
Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. You won’t need one for the city, but having a vehicle for day trips might be helpful. That said, I wouldn’t rent a car here unless you’re an experienced driver as Italian drivers can be a bit aggressive. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars.
When to Go to Milan
The summer months (June to August) are sunny and hot, with daily averages hovering around 29°C (84°F). This is the most popular time to visit, so the city is lively but it’s also busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.
The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Milan, from April-May and then September-October. You’ll avoid peak tourism season and the weather is still warm. The average temperature in May is 22°C (71°F) while in October it’s 18°C (62°F). There are interesting events in the city around this time too. The Giro d’Italia bike race happens during May and the MITO Milano Turino Music Festival is in September. If you’re into auto racing, the Millemiglia happens in May and the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Italy in September.
Temperatures cool off considerably from November to March, with lots of fog. There are a lot fewer tourists in Milan during these months, but there are many events happening. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F). The Sanremo Music Festival (a traditional music festival) and Carnival celebrations all happen in February. There are a lot of festivities around the holidays with Christmas Markets and New Year’s concerts and celebrations.
If your biggest reason for visiting Milan is for its shopping and fashion, Fashion Week takes place twice a year (autumn/winter and spring/summer) and is a big deal. I have never been, as it’s not really my thing, but the celebrations are legendary. You need to book accommodations far in advance as the city fills up during this time and everything becomes a lot more expensive.
Milan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
- Trainline – When you’re ready to book your train tickets, use this site. It streamlines the process of booking trains around Europe.
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
- FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!
There’s a lot of free information online but do you want to spend days searching for information? Prob not! That’s why guidebooks exist.
While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.
I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go.
Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!
Milan Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Italy travel and continue planning your trip:
