Milan Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Milan

Milan’s great landmarks sit close together in the centre, alongside stylish districts that reward slow exploring.

• Duomo di Milano — The city’s vast Gothic cathedral, crowned with a forest of spires. Climb to the rooftop terraces for close-up views of the pinnacles and the city.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — A grand 19th-century glass-roofed arcade beside the Duomo, lined with cafés and boutiques.
• The Last Supper — Leonardo da Vinci’s celebrated mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visits are strictly timed, so book as far ahead as possible.
• Teatro alla Scala — One of the world’s most famous opera houses, with a museum telling the story of its great performers.
• Sforza Castle — A mighty Renaissance fortress housing several museums, including Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà, next to Sempione Park.
• Brera — A charming, artistic district of cobbled streets, galleries and the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s leading art collections.
• Navigli — Historic canals lined with bars and restaurants, especially lively at aperitivo time in the early evening.

Best time to visit Milan

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the most pleasant seasons, with mild temperatures that are ideal for walking and for day trips to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore. Gardens and café terraces come to life, and the city’s cultural season is in full swing.

Summer is hot and can be humid, and in August many Milanese go on holiday, so the city is quieter and some shops and restaurants close for a break. Winter is cold and can be foggy or damp, but it brings the opera season at La Scala, Christmas lights and the festive atmosphere of early December, when the city celebrates its patron saint, Sant’Ambrogio.

Milan is a major events city. Fashion weeks and the international furniture and design fair in spring attract huge numbers of visitors, and accommodation fills quickly on those dates. If you want a calmer stay, check the events calendar before booking, and remember that popular sights such as The Last Supper need reserving well ahead in any season.

Getting from the airport

Milan Malpensa Airport is the city’s main international airport and lies about 50 km northwest of the centre, so allow enough time for the transfer. It has two terminals, T1 and T2, linked by a free shuttle and by train.

• Malpensa Express train — Trains run from stations at both terminals to Milano Cadorna in around 40 minutes, and to Milano Centrale in around 50 minutes, stopping at Porta Garibaldi on the way. This is usually the fastest and most reliable option.
• Airport buses — Several coach services link Malpensa with Milano Centrale in around 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic, and can be convenient if you are staying near the main station.
• Taxi — Official white taxis wait outside the terminals. The drive to the centre typically takes 45–60 minutes, and longer at peak times.

Check whether your ticket needs validating before boarding, as inspections are common on Italian trains. Milan is also served by other airports, so always confirm that you are arriving at Malpensa before planning your transfer.

Where to stay

Milan is well connected by metro and tram, so staying anywhere central keeps the main sights within easy reach. Prices and availability are strongly affected by fashion weeks and trade fairs, so it pays to book early for those dates.

• Centro Storico (Duomo) — In the heart of the city, within walking distance of the cathedral, La Scala and the Galleria; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Brera — Romantic and artistic, with galleries, boutiques and restaurants on cobbled streets; great for couples and culture lovers.
• Navigli and Porta Genova — Canal-side districts with lively bars and a relaxed atmosphere; suits travellers who enjoy evenings out.
• Porta Nuova and Isola — A modern area of striking skyscrapers and green spaces, with a creative neighbourhood feel in Isola; good for business travellers.
• Around Milano Centrale — Very practical for the airport train and day trips across Italy, with many hotels, though less atmospheric than the centre.

Travel tips

• Book The Last Supper early — Visitor numbers are limited and tickets for Leonardo’s masterpiece are released in batches and sell out fast. Plan this first and build your itinerary around it.
• Enjoy aperitivo — The early-evening aperitivo is a Milanese ritual: a drink accompanied by snacks, often served in bars from around 6 pm.
• Getting around — The metro, trams and buses are efficient, and contactless bank cards can be used at metro gates. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot.
• Eating and tipping — Restaurants may add a small cover charge (coperto). Tipping is not expected, though rounding up for good service is appreciated.
• Safety — Milan is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets around the Duomo, on the metro and at Milano Centrale, and be wary of street sellers who approach tourists.
• Entry requirements — Check passport, visa and entry rules for your nationality with official sources before you travel, as requirements can change.