The best itinerary for one day in Milan (from a local)

Planning your dream holiday to Italy and only have one day in Milan?

As a local who’s lived in Milan for 29 years and shown the city to many friends and colleagues, I know exactly how to make the most of your time.

This is the perfect itinerary to help you see the best of the city in just 24 hours.

In this post, I’ll take you through my favorite spots—from the iconic Duomo and Castello Sforzesco to the artistic Brera district, Teatro alla Scala, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and a sunset stroll through the Navigli district.

This guide is packed with tips and a detailed map so you can explore Milan like a local, hit all the highlights, and get a true feel for the city—all in just one day.

One day in Milan: itinerary and map 

This itinerary covers all the must-see spots in Milan, including the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, Brera, and Gae Aulenti. The best part? You can visit all these places on foot, soaking up the city as you go.

After exploring the city center, hop on the metro to visit Santa Maria delle Grazie and the iconic Last Supper. From there, take public transport again to head to the Navigli in the evening for dinner or a classic Milanese aperitivo.

You’ll also find a map here with all the highlights, the walking route, and my favorite spots to eat!

Morning

Duomo

Our itinerary kicks off at Milan’s most famous landmark: the Duomo di Milano.

I recommend starting your day here early in the morning, around 8 or 9AM, to enjoy the peaceful, almost empty square before the city wakes up. By 10AM, the crowds start rolling in and it becomes the busiest spot in the city. 

The Duomo is a stunning Gothic cathedral that’s not only the heart of Milan but also a masterpiece of architecture. Construction began in the 14th century, and it’s still a work in progress to this day. 

The exterior is decorated with over 3,400 statues and 100 gargoyles. Don’t expect to only find the usual statues you’d find in a church though, here you’ll find a dragon, a tennis racket, a boxing team and even the statue that inspired the Statue of Liberty!

Since you only have one day in Milan and time is limited, you can consider skipping the interior and heading straight up to the rooftop terraces. Plus, when you come back down, you’ll pass through part of the cathedral on your way out, so you’ll still get a glimpse inside!

The views are unbeatable: on clear days you can even see the Alps in the distance and you’ll also get a look at the intricate spires and statues from up close, including La Madonnina, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary perched on the highest spire.

Everyone in Milan loves her, she’s one of the symbols of the city!

👉 Duomo terraces tickets

To truly enjoy the Duomo’s rooftop terraces, a guided tour is the way to go.

You’ll uncover fascinating history, hidden gems, and quirky statues you’d probably miss on your own (there are some real characters up there!).

If a guided tour isn’t your thing, no worries!

You can grab tickets and explore the terraces on your own—just make sure to get skip-the-line tickets so you don’t waste any precious time.

There are two ways up: stairs or elevator. Honestly, take the elevator—it’s quick (just one minute!) and only a few $ more. It’s so worth it, especially since you’ll be walking all day, so save your energy for exploring the city!

Both for the guided tour and the standard tickets, make sure to book your tickets in advance—those magical sunrise and sunset spots sell out super fast!

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Now it’s time to explore the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade that links Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. 

It’s one of my favorite spots in Milan—the architecture, with its soaring glass dome and intricate mosaics, is absolutely breathtaking. Even if you’re not into luxury shopping, just walking through here is an experience you won’t want to miss.

At the center of the Galleria, you’ll find a fun local tradition: spinning three times with your right heel on the mosaic of a bull’s private parts for good luck! 

The bull represents Turin, or Torino, which means “little bull” in Italian 🐂
There are four mosaics here, symbolizing Milan and the three former capitals of the Italian Kingdom: Rome (the female wolf), Florence (the flower) and Turin (the dancing bull). 

By now, you might need a little break, especially if you skipped breakfast for an early start. 

I recommend stopping at Marchesi, an iconic Milanese cafè and pastry shop inside the Galleria, for a coffee or tea and some tasty treats. It’s the perfect spot to recharge.

La Scala 

At the end of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II you’ll find Piazza della Scala, another beautiful and historic square in Milan, with Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses. 

Even if you’re not planning to see an opera or ballet, you can still visit it with a guided tour. It lasts about an hour and a half, so I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you want to go inside, depending on your schedule.

It’s absolutely breathtaking, but you might want to skip it if you don’t want to rush the day or you’re not a big theater fan.  

Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione

After exploring Piazza della Scala, the Galleria and Piazza del Duomo, your next stop is going to be Castello Sforzesco. 

To get there, walk through Via Dante, a pedestrian street lined with shops and cafés, where you’ll get a stunning view of the castle as you approach. 

It’s about a 10-15 minute stroll from Piazza del Duomo to the castle, and trust me, it’s worth taking your time!

Castello Sforzesco is a medieval fortress that used to be home to the powerful Sforza family. There are several museums inside, but since you’ll be a bit short on time, I’d recommend you skip them.

Instead, wander the castle’s courtyards and admire the outer walls (it’s free). 

On the other side of the castle, you’ll find Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest and most popular park. Don’t forget to check out the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at the far end of the park, a stunning neoclassical monument.

Lunch

Milan is full of incredible places to eat, but here are a few of my personal favorites in this area:

• Luini: you’ll need to walk 10-15 minutes for this one but it’s a Milanese tradition, so I have to mention it.
  
  Luini sells panzerotti— small fried calzone with different fillings. The classic is tomato and mozzarella, but they even have sweet ones! They even offer vegan options now.
  
  There’s no seating, but it’s perfect if you want something cheap, delicious, and on the go. It was my go-to spot when I was in school!
• Obicà mozzarella bar: this spot is all about mozzarella, especially Mozzarella di Bufala, Stracciatella, and Burrata, straight from southern Italy. They also have a great selection of pasta, pizza, meat, fish, and plenty of veggie options too.
• Il Lughino: a fantastic and delicious vegan spot! Perfect if you’re curious to try classic Italian dishes in a vegan or vegetarian way.
• U Barba Bottega Genovese: typical Ligurian food so think pesto, focaccia and farinata. They’ve also got some vegetarian and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone.
• If you’re in the mood for pizza, try Pizzium (their vegan pizza margherita is excellent!) or Da Zero

Afternoon

Brera

The first stop after lunch is Brera, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Milan. 

It’s a charming and romantic part of the city, filled with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, cozy cafes, art shops and a bohemian vibe.

Here you’ll meet a more intimate side of Milan, very different from Duomo’s crowds or the skyscrapers you’ll visit later. 

Brera is the artistic district of Milan, with the Brera academy and Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s best art galleries, with masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael. 

There’s no need to plan an itinerary here, just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. My favorite streets are probably Via Fiori Chiari, Piazza del Carmine and Via Madonnina, but do try and get lost for a bit and explore the area! 

While you’re around here, you have to try the tiramisu at Spun. Tiramisu is a classic (and delicious) Italian dessert, and this one is amazing. A friend of mine works there, so I can personally guarantee the quality! Unfortunately they have no vegan options yet, but they’re lactose and gluten free.

Piazza Gae Aulenti 

From wherever you are in Brera, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to our next stop: Piazza Gae Aulenti. 

This area is one of Milan’s most modern and striking, with sleek glass skyscrapers creating a dramatic contrast to Brera’s charming old-world vibe and cobblestone streets.

I love it here because you get the best of both worlds—futuristic towers and the beautiful Biblioteca degli Alberi park right below. It’s the perfect spot to relax for a bit, surrounded by both nature and cutting-edge architecture.

Don’t miss Bosco Verticale: two towers with tons of plants and trees that create a “Vertical Forest”.

On your way there from Brera, you’ll pass Eataly—ideal for a snack or some foodie shopping—and stroll along Corso Como, one of Milan’s trendiest streets. Don’t miss 10 Corso Como, a cultural hotspot founded by Carla Sozzani, the former Vogue director. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee and check out the stunning bookshop!

Santa Maria delle Grazie – Leonardo’s The Last Supper 

The Last Supper is the masterpiece you absolutely can’t miss while in Milan. 

It was painted by Leonardo da Vinci on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and captures the iconic moment of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. Seeing it up close is truly unforgettable.

👉 The Last Supper tickets

Tickets sell out super fast, and it’s become almost impossible to get them.

You’ll need to book months in advance, and trust me, trying to buy them from the official site can be a real nightmare.

A guided tour costs a bit more but honestly, it’s way easier to book, usually has more availability, and saves you a lot of stress. Plus, you’ll experience it with a local guide who’ll explain the history and details, giving you a much more interesting experience.

Alternatives if you can’t find tickets for the Last Supper

If you can’t find tickets (maybe your trip is a bit last-minute), don’t worry! There’s so much to do in Milan, here are some fantastic alternatives I love:

1. Discover Milan’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture
   One of Milan’s hidden gems that tourists often miss is its beautiful Stile Liberty (Art Nouveau) architecture. Head to Porta Venezia to explore some incredible buildings, like Casa Galimberti. It’s such a unique side of Milan, and you can find more details here.
2. Go shopping
   For high street brands, check out Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Torino, and Corso Buenos Aires. If you want a luxury experience, head to Via Monte Napoleone and the nearby streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda. Even if you’re not into designer brands, the area is so beautiful and elegant that it’s worth a stroll.
3. Visit a museum
   Milan has plenty of amazing museums to choose from, but my favorites are Museo del Novecento, Museo Triennale, and Fondazione Prada.

Evening

Navigli and Darsena 

Before dinner, it’s time to explore one of my favorite parts of the city: Navigli, Milan’s canals. 

This district is full of charm, the canals creating a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere. The two main canals are Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, but there are actually 5 of them. 

They date back to the 12th century and were originally designed to transport goods—Leonardo da Vinci even helped with their design!

The Darsena is Milan’s ancient dock, now one of the city’s top spots for aperitivo. The atmosphere here really comes alive in the evening, with locals and tourists gathering by the water for drinks. I’ve spent countless weekend nights here with friends!

As you wander the canals, you’ll spot Milan’s traditional case di ringhiera, buildings with shared courtyards and balconies. A very famous spot is Cortile degli artisti, with many artists showing their work. 

Don’t miss Vicolo dei Lavandai—once a spot where clothes were washed. The name actually means “washermen alley” because in the 19th century, it was men who provided the laundry service!

Finally, find the stone bridge and make sure to cross it for the very best views, especially at night when the lights reflect beautifully on the water of the canals. 

Dinner 

After this long day, you absolutely deserve some amazing food and drinks—you’re in Italy, after all. Food is basically a national obsession (we take it very seriously), so I promise you won’t leave unsatisfied!

Start with a light aperitivo before dinner, or just grab a drink along the canals. My go-to spots are Mag, Rita and Gino12.

For dinner:

• Risoelatte: with locations near Duomo and Navigli, this spot serves up fantastic traditional Milanese food in a quirky, 1960s-style Italian setting with colorful decor and serious vintage vibes. I love it!
• Osteria Conchetta: it’s a bit of a stroll along the canal, but trust me, it’s so worth it! A local favorite for its amazing food, maybe less “Instagram-perfect” but you’ll get an authentic Milanese experience and feel like a local here!
• Officina 12: Right on the Naviglio Grande, with a stunning courtyard and a modern twist on traditional dishes. Meat lovers and vegetarians will both find something to enjoy.
• Enoteca Naturale: not only is the seasonal menu and wine list fantastic, but a percentage of the revenue goes to Emergency. Plus, the garden outside is one of the best in the entire city!

FAQs and tips for visiting Milan from a local

Is Milan worth visiting? 

In my opinion, absolutely yes!

That said, it really depends on your travel preferences. Milan is Italy’s most modern city, and some tourists are surprised by the fact that it’s not your typical small, romantic, picture-perfect Italian town. But honestly, that’s what makes it so unique!

I’ve written a detailed post about the pros and cons of Milan, so if you’re still on the fence, it’ll help you decide. If you know what to expect, you’ll have an amazing time and discover so many fascinating hidden gems along the way.

However, if your trip to Italy is focused on the south, it might not be worth traveling all the way up here just for one day—there’s a million other incredible things to do in central and southern Italy.

When is the best time to visit Milan?

Milan is great year-round. Shoulder seasons like spring and autumn are calmer, while summer is peak season with long, sunny days.

Winter in Milan can be cold and gray (around 0°-7°C), but the Christmas season is magical!

Just a heads-up: avoid August! Milan gets so hot and humid that most locals flee, and many shops and cafés are closed since everyone’s on holiday.

Is one day in Milan enough? 

It can be! One day in Milan might feel a bit rushed and you’ll most definitely have a busy day, but if that’s all the time you’ve got, go for it!

Ideally, I’d recommend spending 2 days in Milan (or 3 if you want to take a day trip to Lake Como or other destinations). But if you only have one day, you can still hit all the major highlights without any problems. 

You just need to prioritize what’s most important to you—if you want to visit a museum, you might need to skip a neighborhood or two, but that’s okay!

You’ll have an amazing time even with just one day in Milan, I promise!

How to get around Milan? 

For this tour, you’ll be able to reach almost everything on foot—Milan is such a walkable city, and many of the streets you’ll be exploring are pedestrian-only, so walking is the best way to soak it all in. You might need a couple of metro or tram rides to reach Navigli or the Last Supper, but nothing too far.

Public transport in Milan is super efficient and will take you anywhere you need to go. I wouldn’t recommend using taxis, though—they’re usually quite expensive.

As for directions, no need for fancy apps—Google Maps works perfectly and is super reliable for navigating Milan’s public transport system.

Where to stay in Milan? 

If you have one full day in Milan you will probably sleep here one or two nights.

I’d recommend staying inside what we call Cerchia dei Navigli, which is basically the city center. You can view it on Google Maps here.

That said, you don’t have to stay right in the city center. Milan is a safe city and if you want to save some money, all you need to do is make sure you are close to a metro station, so you can move around easily. 

What should I book in advance?

There’s one thing you absolutely need to book ahead of time: The Last Supper. 

Tickets are incredibly hard to come by even months in advance, so the moment you know your travel dates, book it! 

I’d recommend joining a guided tour—it’s a bit pricier, but it’s almost impossible to get tickets from the official website. Plus, the guide will share fascinating insights about the painting, making it totally worth it!

Two other spots to consider booking in advance are La Scala theater and the Duomo’s rooftop terraces.

Make sure to get skip-the-line tickets. They’ll save you so much time, especially if you’re squeezing everything into one day in Milan!

What should I know before visiting Milan?