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Explore Milan, Italy: A Comprehensive 1-Day Itinerary

Milan, Italy

1 days

Milan cathedral at sunrise
Vintage tram passing nearby the arch of peace
Vittorio Emanuele II gallery
Unicredit tower on the Gae Aulenti Square
Parco Sempione and the Filarete tower

About Milan, Italy

Experience the allure of Milan, Italy's fashion and financial hub. This cosmopolitan city is a blend of historical architecture and modern skyscrapers. Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano, a grand Gothic cathedral, and marvel at Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Shop in the world's oldest active shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or explore the high-end boutiques in Quadrilatero della Moda. Enjoy an opera performance at La Scala, one of the world's most famous opera houses. Indulge in Milan's culinary scene, from traditional Milanese risotto to innovative fusion cuisine. Milan is not just a city, it's an experience that combines art, culture, fashion, and food in a uniquely Italian way.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Heart of Milan

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Duomo di Milano, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Explore the stunning architecture and intricate details of this magnificent structure. Don't forget to climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Italian lunch in the heart of the city. Try some of the local specialties like risotto alla Milanese or ossobuco. The city is known for its rich and diverse culinary scene, so you're in for a treat.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Here, you can shop for high-end Italian brands or simply admire the beautiful architecture. Afterwards, visit the La Scala Opera House, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

Dinner

For dinner, explore the Navigli district, known for its vibrant nightlife and food scene. Enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the many restaurants lining the canals. Try some traditional Italian pizza or pasta, paired with a glass of local wine.

Evening

End your day with a stroll along the Navigli Canals. The area comes alive in the evening with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, beautiful views, and perhaps a gelato to round off your day.

Attractions in Itinerary (4)

Duomo di Milano

1
Duomo di Milano

One of the largest cathedrals in the world, this iconic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete.

Attractions
Monuments
Religious Sites
Architecture
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

2
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

One of the world's oldest shopping malls, housed within a four-story double arcade in central Milan.

Attractions
Shopping
Architecture
La Scala Opera House

3
La Scala Opera House

One of the world's most famous opera houses, hosting a variety of performances from ballet to opera.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Navigli Canals

The Navigli Canals are a system of interconnected canals in Milan. They are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering scenic views, boat tours, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The surrounding neighborhood is known for its bohemian vibe, with numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Attractions
Tours
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese

A classic Milanese dish, Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy, saffron-infused risotto dish that is a staple in Milanese cuisine.

Ossobuco

Ossobuco

Another traditional Milanese dish, Ossobuco is a slow-cooked veal shank, typically served with a side of Risotto alla Milanese.

Cotoletta alla Milanese

This is Milan's version of the breaded cutlet, made with veal and typically served with a lemon wedge.

Panettone

Panettone

Panettone is a traditional Italian Christmas cake that originated in Milan. It's a sweet, yeasty bread filled with dried fruit and citrus zest.

Cassoeula

Cassoeula

A hearty winter dish, Cassoeula is a stew made with pork meat and cabbage, a staple in Milanese cuisine.

Negroni Sbagliato

Invented in Milan, Negroni Sbagliato is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail, replacing the gin with sparkling wine.

Polenta

Polenta

Polenta is a common side dish in Milan, made from cornmeal and can be served creamy, or allowed to cool and then baked, fried, or grilled.

Mondeghili

Mondeghili

Mondeghili are Milanese meatballs, traditionally made from leftover meats and served as an appetizer.

Pizzoccheri

Pizzoccheri

Pizzoccheri is a type of pasta, made with buckwheat flour and served with potatoes, cabbage, and cheese, a popular dish in northern Italy, including Milan.

Campari

Campari

Campari is a famous Italian aperitif, originating from Milan. It's a bitter liqueur, often served with soda or in cocktails.

Torrone

Torrone

Torrone is a nougat-like confection, typically made of honey, sugar, and egg white, with toasted almonds or other nuts, and usually shaped into either a rectangular tablet or a round cake. It's a popular sweet treat in Milan.

Amaro Ramazzotti

Amaro Ramazzotti is a popular Italian digestif, first concocted in Milan in 1815. It's a blend of 33 herbs and roots with a complex, bittersweet flavor.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Milan, Italy, is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September and October). During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, and the city is less crowded with tourists. These seasons also coincide with the Milan Fashion Week, which is a major event in the city. However, if you're interested in skiing, the winter months (December to March) would be ideal as the Italian Alps are just a short distance away.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 6

Sat

Epiphany

March 31

Sun

Easter Sunday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday

April 25

Thu

Liberation Day

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

June 2

Sun

Republic Day

August 15

Thu

Assumption of Mary

November 1

Fri

All Saints' Day

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

St. Stephen's Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Milan's public transportation system, ATM, is extensive and efficient, connecting all parts of the city. It includes buses, trams, and the Metro (subway). Tickets can be purchased at stations, kiosks, and online.

Taxis are readily available throughout Milan. They can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands, or booked in advance by phone or app. Always ensure the meter is running to avoid overcharging.

Ridesharing services such as Uber are available in Milan. They can be a convenient option, especially if you're unfamiliar with the city or don't speak Italian. However, availability can vary and prices can surge during peak times.

Milan has a bike-sharing program called BikeMi. Stations are located throughout the city, and bikes can be rented for a small fee. This is a great way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time.

Many of Milan's attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. Walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Renting a car can give you the freedom to explore Milan and the surrounding areas at your own pace. However, driving in Milan can be challenging due to heavy traffic and limited parking. Additionally, the city center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) where non-residents' vehicles are not allowed during certain hours.

Milan's central train station, Milano Centrale, is one of the largest in Europe and offers connections to other Italian cities and international destinations. Within the city, the suburban train service, known as the Passante Ferroviario, can be a quick way to get around.

Renting a scooter can be a fun and efficient way to get around Milan. Scooter-sharing services like Helbiz are available. However, this option is recommended for experienced riders only, as Milan's traffic can be intense.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+1

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;

Drinking waterYes, but some opt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type FPower socket type L

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Milan, Italy as a first time visitor

1

Milan is located in the northern part of Italy, and it is the country's second most populous city.

2

The official language is Italian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

3

The currency used in Milan is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments.

4

Milan has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June to August) can be hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 95°F (24°C to 35°C). Winters (December to February) are cold and damp with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 45°F (-2°C to 7°C).

5

Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it is appreciated. A tip of 10% is considered generous.

6

Milan is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1).

7

Milan has a well-developed public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro system. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for 90 minutes.

8

Taxis can be expensive in Milan. It's recommended to use public transportation or walk when possible.

9

Milan is known for its fashion and design industries. The city hosts several international fashion weeks throughout the year.

10

Milan is also a major center for the performing arts, with numerous theaters and live music venues.

11

The city is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.

12

Milan's cuisine is rich and varied, with specialties including risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and panettone.

13

Milan has a smoking ban in all public places, including bars and restaurants. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.

14

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Most places stay open until 2am or later.

15

It's customary to greet people with a handshake. Close friends and family members often greet each other with a kiss on both cheeks.

16

Shops in Milan often close for a few hours in the afternoon, usually from 1pm to 3:30pm.

17

Milan is a busy city and can be quite noisy, especially in the city center. If you're a light sleeper, consider bringing earplugs.

18

The city has a tourist tax which is usually included in the hotel bill. The amount varies depending on the type of accommodation.

19

Milan's tap water is safe to drink and is of high quality. However, bottled water is readily available if you prefer.

20

It's important to dress respectfully when visiting churches and other religious sites. This often means covering your shoulders and knees.

Basic Italian to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Ciao

Chow

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Arrivederci

Ah-ree-veh-der-chee

Leaving someone

Please

Per favore

Per fa-voh-re

Making a request

Thank you

Grazie

Gra-tsee-eh

Showing gratitude

Yes

Si

See

Agreeing with someone

No

No

No

Disagreeing with someone

Excuse me

Scusa

Skoo-sah

Getting someone's attention

I'm sorry

Mi dispiace

Mee dis-pee-ah-che

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

Parli inglese?

Par-lee in-gle-se

Asking if someone speaks English

I don't understand

Non capisco

Non ka-pee-sko

When you don't understand something

Where is...?

Dove è...?

Doh-veh eh

Asking for directions

Bathroom

Bagno

Bahn-yo

Looking for a bathroom

Help

Aiuto

Ah-yoo-toh

In an emergency

Food

Cibo

Chee-bo

Looking for food

Water

Acqua

Ah-kwa

Asking for water

Beer

Birra

Beer-ra

Ordering a beer

Wine

Vino

Vee-no

Ordering wine

Check, please

Il conto, per favore

Il con-toh, per fa-voh-re

Asking for the bill

How much does it cost?

Quanto costa?

Kwan-toh costa

Asking for the price

Good night

Buonanotte

Bwo-na-not-te

Saying goodnight

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Sweater or light jacket

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Scarf (for visiting religious sites)

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toothpaste

  • Toothbrush

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Deodorant

  • Razor

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Sunscreen

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Face mask

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash (Euros)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel guidebook for Milan

  • Italian phrasebook

  • Umbrella

  • Backpack or daypack

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs

  • Eye mask

Weather Conditions

When visiting Milan, Italy, it's important to be aware of the city's weather patterns to make the most of your trip. Milan has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 86°F (30°C). It's also the city's wettest season, so be sure to pack a raincoat or umbrella. The high humidity can make the heat feel more intense, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. In the winter months, from December to February, temperatures can drop to around 32°F (0°C). Snowfall is rare but possible, so if you're visiting during this time, pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. The fog can also be quite thick, reducing visibility, so be cautious when exploring the city. The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), offer milder temperatures and fewer tourists. During these periods, temperatures can range from 50°F to 71°F (10°C to 22°C). These seasons can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers or temperature changes, so it's a good idea to pack layers and always carry an umbrella. Regardless of when you visit, keep an eye on the local weather forecast to help plan your activities. For example, on hot summer days, you might want to visit indoor attractions like museums and galleries during the hottest part of the day. On cooler, rainy days, explore Milan's many cafes and shops. Remember, the weather shouldn't dampen your spirits or your experience in this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

12° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Milan, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's also a relatively dry month, so pack warm clothing.

February

13° / 0°

February is still quite cold, but temperatures start to rise slightly. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crowds.

March

18° / 4°

March sees the beginning of spring, with temperatures starting to warm up. However, it can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings.

April

22° / 8°

April is a pleasant month to visit Milan, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's also the start of the tourist season.

May

26° / 12°

May is a beautiful month to visit Milan, with warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. The city is in full bloom and the streets are bustling with activity.

June

30° / 16°

June is the start of summer in Milan, with high temperatures and long, sunny days. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy hot weather.

July

33° / 18°

July is the hottest month in Milan, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy hot, sunny weather.

August

33° / 18°

August is another hot month in Milan, with temperatures similar to July. It's a great time to visit if you enjoy the heat, but be prepared for occasional thunderstorms.

September

28° / 14°

September is a pleasant month to visit Milan, with temperatures starting to cool down. The city is less crowded than in the summer months, making it a great time to explore.

October

23° / 9°

October sees the start of autumn in Milan, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. It's a beautiful time to visit, but pack some warmer clothing for the evenings.

November

17° / 4°

November is a relatively quiet month in Milan, with cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. It's a good time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

December

13° / 0°

December is a cold month in Milan, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. It's a festive time to visit, with Christmas markets and holiday decorations throughout the city.

Did you know?

Did you know that Milan is the second most populous city in Italy, after Rome?

1 of 10

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