Best Things to Do in Milan: Travel Guide for a One Day Exploration

Style, art, and flavor collide in Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, financial powerhouse, and a city that surprises beyond the catwalks. Start your adventure with Lombardy wine tours, where you can taste bottles from vineyards just outside the city before diving into Milan’s mix of history and modern flair. Even if you’re here for just one day, the city makes a big impression, from sipping an espresso under the glittering glass dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to standing face-to-face with Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Milan blends centuries-old elegance with cutting-edge design, making every piazza, museum, and café feel like its own discovery.

What are the best things to do in Milan?

Marvel at the magnificent Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is the star of the city skyline and one of the best things to do in Milan. All those spires and statues make it look like something straight out of a fantasy film. Step inside and you’ll feel the hush of centuries past, but the real magic is up on the rooftop. Whether you climb the stairs or take the easy route with the elevator, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over Milan’s rooftops, the Alps in the distance on a clear day, and a front-row seat to the Duomo’s intricate details.

Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right next to Piazza del Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II blends grand 19th-century architecture with the buzz of Milanese life. Its soaring glass dome, elegant mosaics, and polished shopfronts make it more than just a place to shop, it’s where locals and travelers slow down for a perfect espresso, enjoy a plate of pasta, or people-watch under the arcades. Even if you’re not here for luxury labels, the energy alone is worth the stop.

Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is one of those works that stays with you long after you’ve seen it. Housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it’s a piece of art history that feels almost alive when you’re standing in front of it. Tickets sell out fast, sometimes weeks ahead, so plan ahead if you want this on your Milan itinerary. The visit itself is brief, but the detail, scale, and atmosphere make it unforgettable.

Explore the timeless Brera district

Brera is where Milan shows off its artsy, romantic side. Stroll its cobbled streets and you’ll pass little artisan shops, cozy wine bars, and the kind of trattorias that make you want to linger all afternoon. The Pinacoteca di Brera is the crown jewel here, packed with masterpieces, but the real magic is in the neighborhood’s slow pace and warm atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to mix a bit of art, a good meal, and a lot of people-watching.

Enjoy an opera at Teatro Alla Scala

La Scala isn’t just an opera house, it’s a Milanese icon. Step inside and you’ll be surrounded by red velvet, golden balconies, and the kind of atmosphere that’s been hosting world-class performances for over two centuries. Even if opera isn’t your thing, a peek inside (or a backstage tour) is worth it just to feel the weight of its history and it’s also one of the best things to do in Milan.

Explore Castello Sforzesco

In the heart of Milan, Sforza Castle transports you to another era, without the armored knights. This imposing Renaissance fortress isn’t just for history buffs: it’s a great opportunity to wander through its courtyards, art-filled rooms, and shaded walkways. And after a healthy dose of culture, Parco Sempione is ideal for a leisurely stroll, an impromptu picnic, or simply a moment to catch your breath before diving back into the city.

Wander around the Navigli Canals

No trip to Milan is complete without a wander through the Navigli district. These canals, once shaped by Leonardo da Vinci’s engineering genius, now set the stage for some of the city’s best evenings. By day, it’s a charming stroll past vintage shops and art studios; by night, it turns into a lively hub where wine bars, trattorias, and Negroni-fueled conversations spill out onto the streets.

Admire the mosaic-tiled Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

One of Milan’s oldest churches, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is a quiet masterpiece that takes you far from the city’s fast pace. Step inside and you’re greeted by golden mosaics, Romanesque arches, and an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. It’s a short detour from the usual Milan highlights, but if you’re into architecture, history, or just finding a peaceful corner in the city, this spot is pure gold.

Walk through the Arco della Pace

Close to Sempione Park, the Arco della Pace is a grand marble arch that feels like Milan’s own little victory monument. Adorned with detailed neoclassical sculptures, it’s a great spot to snap a photo, relax on the grass, or just watch the city go by. Far less crowded than the Duomo, it’s a quiet gem that adds a touch of elegance to your Milan wander.

Urban winery vibes in the heart of Milan

If you think wine tasting is only for the countryside, Cantina Urbana will change your mind. This is Milan’s first urban winery, right in the lively Navigli district, where grapes meet city vibes. Step inside and you’ll find stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, and clay amphorae, all working together to create unique wines without leaving the city. During the experience, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how their wines are made, taste them straight from the source, and pair each glass with local cheeses and cured meats.

What are the best things to do around Milan?

Discover Italian football culture at San Siro Stadium

If you love sports, you’ve got to see San Siro Stadium. Home to A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, it’s where football legends are made and rivalries come alive. Take a tour, step into the locker rooms, walk through the tunnel, and imagine the roar of 80,000 fans, it’s Milan’s passion at full volume. Even if you’re not a huge football fan, the sheer scale and energy of this place will leave you buzzing.

Discover Monza’s royal charm

30 minutes from Milan, visit Monza Italy for a refreshing change of pace with its grand Royal Villa, lush parklands, and lively historic center. Known worldwide for the Monza Formula 1 circuit, the city blends adrenaline with elegance. Stroll through Monza Park, the largest walled park in Europe, before grabbing an aperitivo in one of the stylish piazzas.

Explore Pavia’s iconic streets

Only about 21 miles from Milan, visit Pavia Italy and swap the city buzz for centuries-old streets and riverside tranquility. Once a Lombard capital, Pavia charms with its medieval towers, bustling piazzas, and the majestic Certosa di Pavia just outside town. Stroll through historic lanes, browse local markets, and linger over a glass of wine as the Ticino River drifts by.

Wander through the medieval charm of Bergamo

Just under an hour from Milan, Bergamo is your perfect city break within a city break, also don’t forget to visit Bergamo wineries. The historic Città Alta sits high above with cobbled streets, Renaissance palaces, and cozy cafés that seem made for lingering over a cappuccino. Down below, the modern Città Bassa buzzes with shops and piazzas. Take the funicular up, wander the Venetian walls for panoramic views, and let the slower pace wash over you, it’s a refreshing contrast to Milan while keeping all the Italian charm.

Visit Bergamo Italy, during your trip and uncover the best of the country!

Good to Know before visiting Milan