Is Milan Worth Visiting? Here’s What We Think
If you’re wondering whether Milan is worth visiting, our answer is yes.
We first visited Milan as a day trip from Zurich, and honestly, we were excited to see it for ourselves finally. It had always felt close enough to visit, but somehow we had never actually made the trip. We knew about the Duomo, the Fashion District, Navigli, and the mixed opinions people seem to have about the city.
Some travelers love Milan. Others say it’s overrated or not worth more than a few hours. After visiting, we understood both sides a little better.
Our first impression of the Duomo was that it was definitely busy. There were crowds, long queues, people taking photos everywhere, and sellers trying to get your attention. If we had only stayed in that part of the city, we probably would have left with a very different opinion.
But that wasn’t the Milan we ended up enjoying most.
We spent the day walking between neighborhoods, stopping in Brera for longer than planned, wandering through the Fashion District even though we weren’t shopping, and ending up by the canals in Navigli later in the day. By then, Milan made much more sense to us.
What surprised us most was how much there was to do beyond the famous landmarks. The Duomo may be what brings most people to Milan, but it was the mix of neighborhoods, food, architecture, and everyday city life that made us want to keep exploring.
In this guide, we’ll show you what Milan is actually like, who we think will enjoy it most, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth adding to your Italy itinerary.
Our Top 3 Hotel Picks in Milan, Italy:
- Best Luxury: Portrait Milano
- Best Mid-Range: Urban Hive Milano
- Best Budget: Ostello Bello Milano Duomo
Our Quick Take
If someone asked us whether Milan is worth visiting, we’d say yes, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
We wouldn’t choose Milan over Rome for ancient history, Venice for romance, or Tuscany for countryside scenery.
But that’s not really what Milan is trying to be.
We enjoyed Milan because it gave us a different side of Italy. We could visit one of the country’s most impressive landmarks in the morning, spend the afternoon wandering through different neighborhoods, and end the day with an aperitivo by the canals.
It’s also one of the easiest Italian cities to visit for a weekend, thanks to its walkability, public transport, and excellent train connections.
If you’re looking for a city break with good food, interesting neighborhoods, culture, and plenty to do in one to three days, Milan is absolutely worth considering.
What Milan Is Actually Like
Milan Is Not What Most Travelers Expect
Before our first visit, we weren’t really sure what kind of city Milan would be.
We knew about the Duomo, fashion, and all the debates online about whether Milan is worth visiting, but beyond that, we didn’t have a clear picture in our heads.
After spending a day there, we understood why people have such different opinions. Milan doesn’t give you everything at once.
Around the Duomo, you’ll find huge crowds, tour groups, and people taking photos from every angle. Then ten minutes later, you’re walking through Brera, where people are sitting outside cafés, and the streets feel completely different. A little later, you’re in the Fashion District looking at storefronts that probably cost more than your entire travel budget.
That constant change was one of the things we found most interesting about Milan.
Before visiting, we expected a city built around a handful of famous attractions. Instead, we found ourselves enjoying the time between the attractions just as much.
Why Some People Love Milan and Others Don’t
We think a lot of opinions about Milan come down to what people expect before they arrive.
If you’re hoping for the same experience you’d get in Venice or Florence, there’s a good chance you’ll leave disappointed.
But if you’re open to Milan being its own thing, the city starts to make a lot more sense.
One of the reasons we enjoyed Milan was that it never felt like we were spending the entire day in the same place. We’d leave the crowds around the Duomo, end up in Brera, walk through the Fashion District, stop in Parco Sempione, and finish the day in Navigli. Every few hours, it felt like we were seeing a different side of the city.
Looking back, that’s probably why our opinion changed throughout the day.
If we’d spent our entire visit around the Duomo, we probably wouldn’t be writing this article.
The Milan we enjoyed most was the one we found after leaving the square behind and starting to explore.
Reasons Milan Is Worth Visiting
After spending time in Milan, we completely understand why the city has so many fans.
Not because every attraction is world-famous or because every street is beautiful.
What we liked was the combination of things Milan offers. You have the Duomo, historic neighborhoods, great food, aperitivo culture, impressive architecture, and some of the easiest day trips in Northern Italy.
Here are the main reasons we think Milan is worth adding to your itinerary.
Brera Was Our Favorite Neighborhood
If we had to pick one neighborhood that kept pulling us back during our time in Milan, it would be Brera.
We originally walked into the area on our way to somewhere else and expected to spend maybe half an hour there. Instead, we found ourselves coming back later the same day and then returning once more before leaving Milan.
That’s usually a pretty good sign.
Brera isn’t home to Milan’s biggest attractions. In fact, if someone had asked us what we were planning to see there, we probably wouldn’t have had a good answer. We just kept walking.
We’d wander down one street, spot another that looked interesting, stop for a coffee, and then continue exploring without much of a plan.
Some of our favorite moments in Milan happened here simply because we weren’t trying to get anywhere.
That’s also why we’d recommend spending some time in Brera even if your itinerary is short. If you’re only visiting the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and The Last Supper, you’re missing a side of Milan that feels very different from the city’s biggest attractions.
Milan Has Some of the Best Aperitivo Culture in Italy
Before visiting Milan, we knew aperitivo was a thing. We just didn’t realize how much it was part of everyday life.
We noticed this most in Navigli.
When we first walked through the area earlier in the day, it was fairly relaxed. A few hours later, it felt like half the city had arrived. Outdoor tables were filling up, people were standing along the canals chatting with friends, and it suddenly became much harder to find an empty seat.
What stood out to us was how many locals seemed to be there.
It didn’t feel like an area that only existed for tourists. A lot of people looked like they were simply stopping by after work for a drink before heading home.
Even if you’re not interested in Milan’s nightlife, we’d still recommend experiencing aperitivo at least once.
Milan Feels More Local Than Rome, Venice, or Florence
One thing we noticed quite quickly in Milan was that life didn’t seem to revolve around tourists.
Of course, places like the Duomo were busy, but once we moved beyond the main sights, Milan felt more like a city people happened to visit rather than a city built around visitors.
On the metro, we were surrounded by students and commuters. Around lunchtime, cafés filled up with office workers. In the evening, people met friends for aperitivo before heading home.
That might sound like a small thing, but it gave Milan a different feel from some of Italy’s most tourist-heavy destinations.
We never had the impression that the city was putting on a show for visitors.
Instead, it felt like we were dropping into a city that was already busy with its own daily routine.
For some travelers, that’s exactly why Milan stands out. You’re not just visiting attractions. You’re getting a glimpse of everyday life in one of Italy’s largest cities.
Milan Is Perfect for a Short City Break
One thing we appreciated about Milan was how easy it was to explore.
We spent most of the day walking between major sights like the Duomo, Brera, the Fashion District, and Sforza Castle without constantly checking public transport routes or worrying about how to get from one place to the next.
Even if you’re only visiting for a weekend, it’s easy to fit a lot into a short amount of time.
Living in Zurich, that’s one of the reasons Milan appealed to us in the first place. It’s close enough for a day trip, but there’s also enough to keep you busy for two or three days if you want a more relaxed pace.
For most travelers, we’d say Milan works best as a one- to three-day destination. That’s enough time to see the highlights, explore a few neighborhoods, and enjoy the city’s food and aperitivo culture without feeling rushed.
The Fashion District Is Worth Seeing Even If You Don’t Shop
Before visiting Milan, we assumed the Fashion District would be one of those places we’d walk through once and then move on. Instead, we ended up spending much longer there than we’d expected.
Neither of us was planning to buy designer clothes, luxury handbags, or anything remotely expensive. We were really just curious to see what one of the world’s most famous fashion districts looked like.
What surprised us was how enjoyable it was to wander around, even without stepping inside a single store.
We found ourselves stopping to look at window displays, admiring the architecture, and watching people come and go from boutiques we’d only ever heard about online. It felt completely different from the busy streets around the Duomo, despite being only a short walk away.
Even if shopping isn’t part of your Milan itinerary, we’d still make time for the Fashion District.
You don’t need to spend any money to enjoy it. Sometimes it’s simply an interesting place to walk around and experience a side of Milan that’s difficult to find anywhere else in Italy.
Milan Is an Excellent Base for Northern Italy
One of Milan’s biggest advantages is its location.
Even if Milan isn’t the main reason for your trip, it’s an easy place to include in a Northern Italy itinerary. Cities like Bergamo and Verona are within easy reach, and Lake Como is one of the most popular day trips from Milan.
We’d also recommend looking beyond the obvious choices.
While Lake Como gets most of the attention, we have a soft spot for Lake Orta. It’s one of the places we still recommend most often to friends and family, and it’s well worth considering if you’re looking for a quieter alternative. You can read more in our Lake Orta Travel Guide.
At the same time, we’d avoid making the mistake of treating Milan as nothing more than a base.
We’ve come across plenty of itineraries where people stay in Milan but spend every day somewhere else. After visiting ourselves, we think that’s a missed opportunity.
Milan has more than enough to justify at least a day or two of your trip before heading off to places like Lake Como, Verona, Bergamo, or Lake Orta.
Reasons Milan Might Not Be Worth Visiting
As much as we enjoyed Milan, we can also understand why it isn’t everyone’s favorite city in Italy.
Some of the criticism the city receives is fair. It just depends on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip.
Here are a few reasons why Milan might not be the right destination for everyone.
It Doesn’t Feel Like Classic Italy
If you’re picturing narrow medieval streets, colorful houses, tiny piazzas, and historic buildings around every corner, Milan might not match the image you have of Italy.
Parts of the city are modern. You’ll come across office buildings, wide roads, apartment blocks, and business districts alongside famous landmarks like the Duomo.
That’s one of the reasons Milan divides opinion so much.
Some travelers expect another Florence or Venice and leave disappointed because Milan offers something completely different.
We actually enjoyed that contrast.
It made Milan feel different from the other Italian cities we’d visited, but we also understand why it isn’t everyone’s first choice.
If classic Italian scenery is your top priority, there are probably better destinations to start with. But if you’re happy to swap postcard views for a city with interesting neighborhoods, great food, and a more local feel, Milan has a lot to offer.
Around the Duomo Can Feel Overwhelming
The Duomo is one of the main reasons people visit Milan, so it’s no surprise that it’s also the busiest part of the city.
When we were there, Piazza del Duomo was packed. Tour groups were following umbrellas through the square, people were queuing to enter the cathedral, and street sellers were constantly trying to get people’s attention.
That doesn’t mean you should skip it.
The Duomo is absolutely worth seeing, but we’d recommend visiting as early as you can. Not only are the queues shorter, but the whole area feels much calmer before the crowds build up.
If you’re wondering whether Milan is safe to visit, we cover common scams, neighborhoods to know about, and practical safety tips in our Is Milan Safe? guide.
One thing that surprised us was how different the rooftop felt from the square below. Even though there were still plenty of visitors, it never felt nearly as hectic once we were up there.
If the Duomo is your first stop in Milan, don’t assume the rest of the city will feel the same. Some of our favorite neighborhoods had a completely different pace.
Milan Isn’t Instantly Charming
We can see why some people leave Milan wondering what all the fuss is about.
Unlike cities such as Venice or Florence, Milan doesn’t immediately hit you with postcard views around every corner. There are plenty of ordinary streets, modern buildings, and busy intersections that feel more like a working city than a tourist destination.
For us, Milan wasn’t a city that impressed us in the first hour.
It was a city we appreciated more as the day went on.
The more time we spent exploring, the more we understood why people enjoy coming here. Not because every street was beautiful, but because each part of the city had something different to offer.
If you’re only stopping for a couple of hours on your way to Lake Como, you might leave wondering what makes Milan so special.
Give it a full day or two, though, and there’s a good chance you’ll come away with a different opinion.
Accommodation Can Be Expensive
One thing that did surprise us was the cost of hotels.
Compared to many other cities in Italy, accommodation in Milan can be quite expensive, especially if you want to stay in central neighborhoods like Brera or near the Duomo.
Prices can climb even higher during major events such as Milan Fashion Week or Design Week, so it’s worth checking your travel dates before booking.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay right in the city center.
Milan’s public transport is excellent, so staying a little further out can save you a fair amount of money without making it much harder to get around.
We’d still say Milan offers good value for a city break, but it’s worth factoring accommodation costs into your budget, especially if you’re comparing Milan with smaller cities elsewhere in Italy.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, we’ve put together a detailed guide to the best areas and hotels in Milan to help you choose the right base for your trip.
Is Milan Worth Visiting for First-Time Visitors to Italy?
We think this really comes down to how much time you have.
If you’re visiting Italy for the first time and only have about a week, we’d probably spend that time in places like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Those are the cities most people picture when they dream about their first trip to Italy, and for good reason.
That doesn’t mean Milan isn’t worth visiting. It just means we’d save it for when you have a little more time.
If you’re planning a 10 to 14-day itinerary, we’d definitely include Milan.
It offers something completely different from Rome, Florence, or Venice, and we actually think that’s what makes it such a good addition. Spending a couple of days in Milan before heading to places like Lake Como, Bergamo, or Verona adds a nice contrast to a classic Italy itinerary.
For us, Milan isn’t the city we’d recommend starting with.
It’s the city we’d recommend adding once you’ve seen some of Italy’s classic highlights.
And once you do, there’s a good chance you’ll be glad you didn’t skip it.
Is Milan Worth Visiting for One Day?
Yes, absolutely.
In fact, our first visit to Milan was just a day trip from Zurich, and we never felt like we were struggling to fill the day. Quite the opposite.
Milan is surprisingly easy to explore on foot, and many of its biggest attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can start at the Duomo, walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, spend some time in Brera, continue to Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione, and finish the day in Navigli.
Will you see everything? No.
But you’ll see enough to understand what Milan is all about.
If you have the chance, we’d still recommend staying for at least one night. Seeing the city change throughout the day, especially around aperitivo time, was one of our favorite parts of the experience.
If you’re planning a visit, we’ve put together a detailed One Day in Milan Itinerary as part of our Things to Do in Milan guide, including timings, practical tips, and everything we’d prioritize ourselves.
How Many Days in Milan Do You Need?
For most people, we’d recommend spending two days in Milan.
That’s enough time to see the city’s biggest attractions, explore a few different neighborhoods, and enjoy aperitivo without feeling like you’re constantly rushing from one place to the next.
1 Day in Milan
One day works surprisingly well if you’re short on time.
You can visit the main sights, get a feel for the city, and still have time to explore beyond the Duomo. If you’re planning a bigger Italy itinerary, Milan is one of the easiest cities to enjoy in a single day.
2 Days in Milan
If it’s your first visit, we’d choose two days every time.
That gives you time to see the highlights at a more relaxed pace, spend longer in neighborhoods you enjoy, and experience Milan from morning through aperitivo.
3 Days in Milan
Three days lets you slow down even more.
You can visit museums, explore neighborhoods that aren’t on every itinerary, or simply enjoy the city without feeling like you need to tick off attractions all day.
4+ Days in Milan
If you have four or more days, we’d use Milan as a base for exploring Northern Italy.
Lake Como is the classic choice, but Bergamo, Verona, and Lake Orta all make excellent day trips. We’ve covered our favorite options in our Milan Travel Guide.
Milan vs Other Italian Cities
If you’re deciding between Milan and another Italian city, the right choice really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| City | Better For | Milan Is Better If… |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | Ancient history and iconic landmarks | You prefer modern cities, shopping, and shorter city breaks. |
| Florence | Renaissance art and architecture | You enjoy fashion, design, and exploring different neighborhoods. |
| Venice | Romance and unique scenery | You want easier logistics and a city with more variety. |
| Bologna | Food-focused trips | You want more attractions and a bigger city. |
| Lake Como | Scenery and relaxation | You’d like to combine city life with day trips. |
Milan vs Rome
For a first trip to Italy, we’d still recommend Rome.
But if you’ve already been to Rome or you’re looking for something more modern and less focused on ancient history, Milan is a great alternative.
Milan vs Florence
Florence is hard to beat if you’re dreaming of Renaissance art, historic streets, and classic Italian scenery.
Milan feels more contemporary, with fashion, design, and neighborhoods that each have their own character.
Milan vs Venice
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world.
Milan offers a completely different experience. It’s easier to navigate, easier to use as a base, and gives you a mix of history, food, shopping, and everyday city life.
Milan vs Lake Como
If you only have time for one, choose Lake Como for scenery and Milan for culture.
If you have the time, we’d honestly recommend combining both. They complement each other surprisingly well and make a fantastic Northern Italy itinerary.
What We Personally Liked Most About Milan
Looking back, it’s funny that the things we remember most aren’t necessarily the biggest attractions.
Of course, standing on the Duomo rooftop was unforgettable, but it’s the smaller moments that have stayed with us.
We still talk about how often we found ourselves back in Brera. We’d wander through a few streets, stop for a coffee, and somehow lose track of time without ever feeling like we needed to see the next attraction.
The Fashion District surprised us, too. We had absolutely no intention of buying anything, but we still spent ages looking into shop windows and admiring buildings we’d probably have walked straight past in another city.
One afternoon, after visiting Sforza Castle, we wandered through Parco Sempione and spotted turtles swimming near the water. It wasn’t something we’d planned or even expected, but it’s one of those random little memories that stuck with us.
And then there was Navigli.
By the time we arrived, almost every table along the canal seemed to be taken. We grabbed a drink, found a spot to sit, and watched the neighborhood get busier as the evening went on. Before heading back, we picked up a fridge magnet from one of the little souvenir shops nearby, and it’s still sitting on our fridge today.
When we think back to Milan, those are the moments that come to mind first.
Not because they’re the city’s biggest attractions, but because they made the trip feel like more than just another sightseeing checklist.
What We Didn’t Love About Milan
As much as we enjoyed Milan, there were a few things we didn’t love.
The first was the area around Milano Centrale.
It’s practical if you’re arriving by train, but we didn’t find it particularly inviting. Compared to neighborhoods like Brera or Navigli, it felt much busier and more functional than somewhere we’d choose to spend our time.
The crowds around the Duomo could also be a bit much.
That’s not unique to Milan, but there were moments when we were happy to leave the square behind and head somewhere a little quieter.
We also wouldn’t describe Milan as a city where every street is worth photographing.
There were plenty of ordinary roads, apartment buildings, and office blocks in between the famous sights. For us, that wasn’t necessarily a negative, but it’s something worth knowing if you’re expecting every corner to look like a postcard.
None of these things changed our opinion of Milan.
If anything, they just reminded us that Milan is a real city first and a tourist destination second. Once we adjusted our expectations, we enjoyed it much more.
How to Make Milan Feel Worth Visiting
We’ve read plenty of comments from people who say Milan wasn’t what they expected.
After visiting ourselves, we can understand why.
Most of the time, it isn’t because Milan lacks things to do. It’s because people only see a small part of the city.
If we were planning our first trip again, these are the things we’d do differently, or make sure not to miss.
Book the Duomo Rooftop
If you’re only planning to visit the cathedral from the outside, we’d seriously consider adding the rooftop to your itinerary.
Walking among the spires gives you a completely different perspective of both the Duomo and the city itself.
Spend Time in Brera
Don’t just walk through Brera on your way to somewhere else.
Slow down, wander through a few side streets, stop for a coffee, and let yourself explore without a plan. That’s when we enjoyed the neighborhood the most.
Visit Navigli at Aperitivo Time
If you only see Navigli during the middle of the day, you’re missing its busiest and most enjoyable time.
Try to visit in the late afternoon or early evening, grab a drink, and watch the canals fill up as people finish work and meet friends.
See the Fashion District Even If You Don’t Shop
We almost skipped this part of Milan because neither of us planned to buy anything.
We’re glad we didn’t.
It’s an interesting place to wander around, even if your budget doesn’t stretch to designer boutiques.
Don’t Judge Milan by Centrale
Milano Centrale is convenient, but it isn’t the side of Milan we’d want people to remember.
If your first impression isn’t great, keep exploring. Some of our favorite parts of the city were only a short metro ride or walk away.
Don’t Use Milan Only as a Base for Lake Como
This is probably the biggest piece of advice we’d give.
Lake Como, Bergamo, and Verona all make fantastic day trips, but don’t make the mistake of spending every day somewhere else.
Give Milan at least a full day – or ideally two – and you’ll have a much better chance of seeing why so many people enjoy it.
Final Verdict: Is Milan Worth Visiting?
Yes, we think Milan is worth visiting.
Not because it’s the most famous city in Italy or because every street is beautiful, but it’s worth visiting because it offers something different.
When we first planned our day trip from Zurich, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. By the time we got back, we were already talking about what we’d do on our next visit.
For us, that’s usually a pretty good sign.
If your dream trip to Italy is all about rolling hills, medieval villages, and postcard views, Milan probably shouldn’t be your first stop.
But if you enjoy exploring cities, trying great food, discovering different neighborhoods, and experiencing a side of Italy that feels a little different from the usual highlights, we’d happily recommend adding Milan to your itinerary.
Would we visit again? Without hesitation.
FAQ About Visiting Milan
Is Milan Worth Visiting for Tourists?
Yes. Milan is well worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for more than Italy’s classic postcard destinations. It combines famous landmarks like the Duomo with excellent food, aperitivo culture, interesting neighborhoods, and easy day trips around Northern Italy. Most visitors only need one to three days to experience the highlights.
Is Milan Worth Visiting for One Day?
Yes. In fact, our first visit to Milan was just a day trip from Zurich, and we never felt like we were rushing. You can comfortably visit the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Brera, Sforza Castle, and Navigli in a day. If you have more time, we’d still recommend staying at least one night to experience Milan in the evening.
Is Milan Better Than Rome?
For a first trip to Italy, we’d recommend Rome. If you’ve already visited Rome or you’re looking for a more modern city with great food, fashion, and a different atmosphere, Milan is an excellent choice. The two cities offer completely different experiences.
Is Milan Better Than Florence?
If you’re dreaming of Renaissance art, historic architecture, and classic Italian scenery, Florence is the better choice. If you prefer fashion, design, shopping, and exploring a modern Italian city, Milan may suit you better.
Is Milan Overrated?
We don’t think Milan is overrated, but we do think it’s often misunderstood. Many visitors expect another Florence or Venice, but Milan offers a completely different experience. Going in with the right expectations makes a big difference.
Is Milan Expensive?
Compared to many other Italian cities, Milan is relatively expensive, particularly when it comes to hotels. Prices can increase significantly during events like Fashion Week and Design Week, but staying outside the city center is often a good way to save money.
Is Milan Good for Couples?
Yes. We visited Milan as a couple and thought it made a great city break. Between exploring Brera, enjoying an aperitivo in Navigli, visiting the Duomo rooftop, and trying different restaurants, we had no trouble filling our time.
Should I Visit Milan or Lake Como?
If you’re looking for beautiful lake views and a slower pace, choose Lake Como. If you prefer culture, architecture, shopping, and city life, Milan is the better choice. If your itinerary allows, we’d recommend combining both.
What Is Milan Best Known For?
Milan is best known for the Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, high-end fashion, design, and its aperitivo culture. It’s also Italy’s financial capital and one of the country’s best bases for exploring Northern Italy.
How Many Days Are Enough for Milan?
For most visitors, two days is the ideal amount of time. That’s enough to visit the major attractions, explore a few neighborhoods, and experience Milan beyond the Duomo. If you’re planning day trips to places like Lake Como, Bergamo, or Lake Orta, we’d recommend staying three to four days.
