Milan Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Before visiting Milan, we weren’t quite sure what to expect.
Most people we’d spoken to treated it as a stopover between Lake Como and Venice rather than a destination worth dedicating real time to. So we expected to see the Duomo, walk around for a bit, maybe have lunch, and then feel ready to move on.
That didn’t really happen.
We arrived early, which turned out to be the right call. Our first stop was the Fashion District, and at that hour, it was really beautiful. There was hardly anyone around, just long, empty streets, immaculate storefronts, and the occasional delivery van. It felt like we were seeing a completely different side of Milan before the city properly woke up.
By the time we reached the Duomo, the city had definitely woken up. The square was packed, the lines were growing, and walking around started to feel more like weaving through people than actually sightseeing. The cathedral is worth seeing, and we’re glad we stopped. But after a look around, we were ready to move on.
That ended up being a good decision.
The more we explored beyond the main tourist area, the more Milan started to make sense to us. Not every part of the city is immediately charming, and it doesn’t have the same historic feel as Florence or Venice. But for a short Northern Italy city break, we found it much more interesting and easier to enjoy than we expected.
This Milan travel guide is focused on the planning side of the trip. You’ll find practical information on
- where to stay,
- how many days to spend in Milan,
- the best time to visit,
- typical costs,
- getting around the city,
- what to book before your trip,
- easy day trips,
- and the mistakes we’d avoid if we were visiting again.
If you’re looking for a full list of attractions, we have a separate guide covering the best things to do in Milan. This article is focused on the planning side of the trip, so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying the city once you arrive.
Our Top 3 Hotel Picks in Milan, Italy:
- Best Luxury: Portrait Milano
- Best Mid-Range: Urban Hive Milano
- Best Budget: Ostello Bello Milano Duomo
Milan at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of the essentials for planning a trip to Milan.
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lombardy |
| Main Airport | Milan Malpensa (MXP) |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Italian |
| Best Time to Visit | April–June and September–October |
| Recommended Stay | 2-3 days |
| Daily Budget | € 100-150 ($ 110-170) budget / € 180-300 ($ 200-340) mid-range / € 350+ ($ 400+) luxury |
| Walkability | High |
| Public Transport | Excellent |
Is Milan Worth Visiting?
Yes, Milan is worth visiting.
In fact, it ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our Northern Italy trip.
Most people we’d spoken to treated it as a stop between Lake Como and Venice rather than a destination worth dedicating real time to. Even when researching the city, we came across plenty of opinions saying Milan was skippable compared to other places in Italy.
After spending time there, we think that’s a mistake.
Why Milan Divides Travelers
Part of the problem is expectations. Many people arrive expecting another Florence and leave disappointed when they find modern office buildings, luxury boutiques, and busy business districts mixed in with the historic sights.
We also think a lot of visitors don’t see the best parts of Milan. If your trip consists of Milano Centrale, the Duomo, and a train to Lake Como, it’s easy to understand why the city doesn’t leave much of an impression.
We enjoyed the Duomo, but by the time we got there, the square was packed. The crowds, tour groups, and endless selfie sticks made it one of the busiest places we visited in Milan. We were glad we saw it, but we were even happier once we started exploring the rest of the city.
What We Loved About Milan
What surprised us most was how different each neighborhood felt.
We started the day in the Fashion District before most people were awake. The streets were almost empty, delivery vans were making their rounds, and for a while, it felt like we had the entire area to ourselves. We’re not luxury shoppers, but we still enjoyed walking around and getting a glimpse of that side of Milan.
Brera was where Milan really clicked for us.
After the crowds around the Duomo, the atmosphere felt completely different. We spent much longer there than we originally planned, wandering through side streets, stopping for coffee, and simply enjoying the area without feeling like we needed to rush to the next attraction.
Later that evening, we headed to Navigli.
We liked the neighborhood during the day, but it was a completely different experience once aperitivo hour started. The canals were lined with people, bars were filling up, and the whole area felt much livelier than it had a few hours earlier. If there’s one place we’d specifically recommend visiting in the evening, it’s Navigli.
Our Honest Opinion
For us, Milan got better as the day went on.
We enjoyed the Duomo, but it wasn’t the highlight of the trip. What we ended up remembering most were the places in between: walking through the Fashion District early in the morning before the crowds arrived, spending time in Brera without any particular destination in mind, and ending the day in Navigli as the neighborhood became busier and more lively.
That’s why we think Milan is worth visiting.
Not because it has the most famous attractions in Italy, but because it offers something different from many of Italy’s other cities.
If you’re planning a Northern Italy itinerary, we’d absolutely give Milan at least two days. The city rewards travelers who explore beyond the obvious sights, and that’s where we found the side of Milan we enjoyed most.
How Many Days Do You Need in Milan?
One of the most common questions when planning a trip is how many days to spend in Milan.
Before visiting, we assumed one day would probably be enough. After spending time in the city, we’d recommend staying a little longer if your itinerary allows it.
Milan in One Day
One day in Milan works if you’re short on time or using the city as a stop between other destinations in Northern Italy.
You’ll have enough time to see the major highlights, enjoy a good meal, and get a feel for the city. The downside is that the day will feel fairly packed, and you’ll spend most of your time moving from place to place.
If Milan is only one stop on a larger Italy itinerary, one day can work.
Milan in Two Days
For most first-time visitors, this is what we’d recommend.
Two days give you enough time to see the main attractions without rushing through everything. It also allows you to experience different parts of the city rather than spending your entire trip around the Duomo.
We think this is the sweet spot for most travelers.
Milan in Three Days
If you have three days available, we’d keep two days for Milan itself and use the third day for a day trip.
One of Milan’s biggest strengths is its location. Places like Lake Como, Bergamo, Verona, Lake Garda, and Turin are all easy to reach by train, making them excellent additions to a Milan itinerary.
Three days is ideal if you want to use Milan as a base for exploring more of Northern Italy.
Our Recommendation
For most travelers, we’d recommend spending two days in Milan.
It’s enough time to experience the city without rushing and gives you a much better sense of Milan than a quick stopover ever could.
If you have a third day available, even better. That’s when Milan starts to work particularly well as a base for exploring the rest of Northern Italy.
Best Time to Visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan is usually spring (April to June) or fall (September to October).
During these months, temperatures are generally comfortable, outdoor dining is in full swing, and walking around the city is much more enjoyable than during the peak summer months.
That said, there’s no bad time to visit Milan. The best season really depends on what you’re looking for.
Spring (April to June)
If we were planning another trip to Milan, we’d probably choose spring.
Temperatures are usually mild, the city feels lively without being overwhelmingly crowded, and it’s comfortable to spend long days exploring on foot. Many outdoor cafés and restaurants are busy again, and you’ll often find people sitting outside well into the evening.
Spring is also a great time for day trips to places like Lake Como before the summer crowds arrive.
Average temperatures: 55-77°F (13-25°C)
Summer (July to August)
Summer is the busiest and hottest time of year in Milan.
While temperatures often climb above 86°F (30°C), what surprised us most was how warm the city felt once we were surrounded by concrete, stone buildings, and very little shade. Spending an entire afternoon sightseeing can become tiring much faster than many visitors expect.
The upside is longer days and a lively atmosphere, but if you’re visiting in July or August, we’d recommend planning indoor attractions or longer lunch breaks during the hottest part of the day.
Average temperatures: 77-91°F (25-33°C)
Fall (September to October)
Fall is another excellent time to visit Milan.
The summer heat starts to fade, crowds become more manageable, and temperatures are still pleasant enough for walking around the city. September in particular often feels very similar to summer, just with slightly fewer tourists.
If you’re looking for a balance between good weather and manageable crowds, fall is hard to beat.
Average temperatures: 57-82°F (14-28°C)
Winter (November to March)
Winter is the quietest season in Milan.
You won’t get perfect sightseeing weather, but you’ll usually find lower hotel prices and fewer crowds around major attractions. December can be particularly nice thanks to Christmas lights, holiday markets, and seasonal decorations throughout the city.
If your main goal is sightseeing rather than spending time outdoors, winter can be a surprisingly good option.
Average temperatures: 37-54°F (3-12°C)
Milan Fashion Week
If fashion is one of the reasons you’re visiting Milan, consider planning your trip around Milan Fashion Week.
The event takes place twice a year, usually in February and September, and brings designers, models, journalists, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world to the city.
Even if you don’t attend any shows, you’ll notice a different energy around the Fashion District, along with more events, pop-ups, and noticeably higher hotel prices.
If you’re not interested in fashion, it’s worth checking the dates before booking your accommodation, as prices can rise significantly during this period.
Where to Stay in Milan
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference in your trip.
Milan is a fairly large city, but most first-time visitors end up staying in one of a handful of central areas. The good news is that getting around is easy thanks to the metro, so you don’t necessarily need to stay right next to the Duomo.
If you’re looking for more detailed hotel recommendations, take a look at our complete guide on where to stay in Milan. In this guide, we’ll focus on the best neighborhoods, who they’re best suited for, and how to choose the right area for your trip.
Brera (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If we were visiting Milan for the first time again, we’d probably choose Brera.
It’s central, walkable, and has a completely different feel from the busy streets around the Duomo. The neighborhood is filled with cafés, restaurants, small boutiques, and attractive side streets that are pleasant to wander through without a plan.
What we liked most was the location. We could easily walk to many of Milan’s main attractions while still feeling removed from the busiest tourist crowds.
The downside is that accommodation here tends to be among the most expensive in the city.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, and anyone wanting a central location with plenty of atmosphere.
Luxury: Bulgari Hotel Milano ($ 1,200+ / € 1,100+)
Mid-Range: Urban Hive Milano ($ 220-380 / € 200-350)
Budget: Brera Guesthouse ($ 120-200 / € 110-185)
Navigli (Best for Nightlife)
If food, bars, and aperitivo are high on your priority list, Navigli is worth considering.
The area is built around Milan’s canals and becomes particularly lively in the evening. Restaurants, wine bars, and outdoor terraces fill up quickly, especially during warmer months.
We enjoyed spending time here at night, but it’s worth remembering that staying in Navigli means you’ll be a little farther from some of Milan’s major attractions.
Best for: Nightlife, food lovers, and travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Luxury: Magna Pars L’Hotel à Parfum ($450–700 / €400–650)
Mid-Range: Art Hotel Navigli ($ 180-300 / € 165-275)
Budget: Combo Milano ($ 40-120 / € 35-110)
Centro Storico (Best for Sightseeing)
If your main goal is seeing Milan’s most famous attractions, staying in the historic center makes things incredibly convenient.
You’ll be within walking distance of landmarks like the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and several museums and churches.
The trade-off is that this is also one of the busiest parts of the city. During the day, the area can feel crowded and touristy compared to some of Milan’s other neighborhoods.
Best for: Short stays, first-time visitors, and travelers focused on sightseeing.
Luxury: Portrait Milano ($ 900+ / € 800+)
Mid-Range: Rosa Grand Milano ($ 220-400 / € 200-370)
Budget: Babila Hostel ($ 70-150 / € 65-140)
Porta Nuova (Best for Modern Milan)
Porta Nuova feels completely different from the historic center.
Instead of centuries-old buildings, you’ll find modern skyscrapers, wide streets, business districts, and contemporary architecture. It’s home to some of Milan’s most recognizable modern landmarks, including Bosco Verticale.
We were surprised by how much time we spent here. It’s not the Milan most people imagine before visiting, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
Compared to Brera, Porta Nuova feels more modern and less traditional. If Brera represents the Milan people’s picture in their heads, Porta Nuova shows where the city is heading.
Best for: Modern architecture, business travelers, and visitors looking for a different side of Milan.
Luxury: Palazzo Parigi ($ 800-1,400+ / € 750-1,300+)
Mid-Range: INNSiDE Milano Torre GalFa ($180–320 / €165–295)
Budget: B&B Hotel Milano Central Station ($100–180 / €90–165)
Milano Centrale (Best for Convenience)
The area around Milano Centrale Station isn’t the most charming part of Milan, but it’s extremely practical.
If you’re arriving by train, taking multiple day trips, or only staying for a night or two, the location can save a lot of time.
That said, if it’s your first visit and your budget allows it, we’d still choose Brera, Centro Storico, or Navigli over Centrale.
Best for: Short stays, train travel, and budget-conscious visitors.
Our Recommendation
For most first-time visitors, we’d choose Brera.
It offers the best balance of location, walkability, restaurants, and atmosphere while still being close to Milan’s major sights.
If nightlife is your priority, stay in Navigli. If you want modern architecture and a different side of the city, choose Porta Nuova. And if convenience matters most, Milano Centrale is hard to beat.
Getting Around Milan
Before visiting, we expected getting around Milan to be a little more complicated than it actually was.
Instead, we found it to be one of the easiest cities to navigate in Italy. Between the metro, trams, and walkable city center, we rarely had to think much about transportation at all.
Most major attractions are well connected, and even moving between very different parts of the city was surprisingly straightforward.
Tip: If you’re planning to use public transport frequently and visit several attractions, it may be worth comparing the different city passes available before your trip.
Metro
If you’re planning to use public transport in Milan, the metro will probably be your best friend.
The system is modern, easy to understand, and connects most of the areas that first-time visitors are likely to visit. We used it several times throughout our trip and never had any issues figuring out where to go.
If you’re staying outside the historic center, chances are you’ll rely on the metro quite a bit.
Trams
While the metro is usually the fastest way to get around Milan, the trams are much more memorable.
Some of Milan’s historic yellow trams have been running for decades and are almost an attraction in their own right. We ended up taking Tram 1, partly because we needed to get somewhere and partly because we wanted the experience.
Looking out the window as the tram rattled through different neighborhoods gave us a completely different perspective of the city than we would have had underground on the metro.
If you have the time, we’d recommend taking at least one tram ride during your trip.
Walking
Many of Milan’s most popular attractions are closer together than they appear on a map.
We walked between the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Brera, and several other sights without any problems. In fact, some of our favorite moments came while simply wandering between destinations rather than following a strict route.
That said, Milan is still a large city. If you’re planning to visit areas like Navigli or Porta Nuova on the same day as the city center, combining walking with public transport will save a lot of time.
Airport Transfers
Milan is served by three main airports, and each one has different transfer options.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Malpensa is Milan’s largest international airport and the one most long-haul travelers use.
The easiest way to reach the city center is usually the Malpensa Express train, which connects the airport with Milano Centrale and other stations in the city.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Linate is the closest airport to central Milan.
If you’re flying within Europe, this is often the most convenient option. The journey into the city is quick and can easily be done by public transport.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Bergamo Airport is used by many low-cost airlines.
Although it’s often marketed as a Milan airport, it’s actually located outside the city and requires a longer transfer. Airport buses are usually the simplest way to reach Milano Centrale.
Our Tip
Don’t stress too much about transportation in Milan.
Of all the Italian cities we’ve visited, Milan was one of the easiest to get around. A combination of walking, the metro, and the occasional tram ride was all we needed throughout our trip.
What to Book Before Your Trip
One thing that surprised us while planning our trip to Milan was how little actually needed to be booked far in advance.
Unlike cities where every attraction seems to require a reservation weeks ahead, Milan is fairly relaxed in that regard.
There are a few important exceptions, though.
The Last Supper
If seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is important to you, this is the one thing we’d recommend booking as early as possible.
We were surprised by how quickly tickets disappeared. By the time we started looking, many dates and time slots were already gone, which made planning around the visit much more complicated than we expected.
Because visitor numbers are strictly limited, Last Supper tickets often sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially during the busiest travel seasons.
If tickets appear sold out, it’s still worth checking again later. Additional availability sometimes gets released, and guided tours occasionally have access to tickets after the official website is sold out.
Duomo Rooftop
The Duomo itself is one of Milan’s most famous attractions, but for us, the rooftop was the highlight.
Walking between the marble spires and seeing the city from above was much more memorable than we expected. On a clear day, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
Unlike The Last Supper, Duomo tickets are usually easier to get, but booking ahead can save a lot of time during busy periods.
If you’re visiting during summer, weekends, or holidays, we’d recommend purchasing your tickets before arriving.
Airport Transfers
Milan’s airports are well connected to the city, so you don’t necessarily need to arrange transportation in advance.
That said, if you’re arriving late at night, traveling with a lot of luggage, or simply don’t want to deal with logistics after a flight, it can be worth organizing your transfer before you leave home.
This is especially true for Bergamo Airport, which is located farther from the city center than many first-time visitors expect.
Popular Restaurants
Milan has no shortage of restaurants, cafés, and aperitivo bars, so in most cases you can simply decide where to eat as you go.
However, if there’s a specific restaurant you’ve seen online or a place that’s become popular on social media, it’s worth making a reservation in advance, especially for dinner.
We found that many restaurants started filling up surprisingly early in the evening, particularly around aperitivo time and on weekends.
Our Recommendation
If you’re trying to decide what to prioritize, we’d focus on these two things:
- Book Last Supper tickets as early as possible.
- Reserve Duomo rooftop tickets if you’re visiting during a busy period.
Everything else is usually much easier to organize once you’re in the city.
Milan Costs: What to Expect
One of the questions we had before visiting was simple: Is Milan expensive?
The short answer is yes, but probably not in the way you expect.
Milan is one of Italy’s more expensive cities, particularly when it comes to accommodation. However, once we were actually there, we found many day-to-day costs surprisingly reasonable. Public transport was affordable, attraction prices were fairly standard for a major European city, and food costs varied enough that you could easily spend more or less depending on your travel style.
For most visitors, hotels will be the biggest part of the budget.
Hotels
Accommodation is where you’ll notice Milan’s reputation as a relatively expensive city.
Hotels near the Duomo, Brera, and other central neighborhoods tend to command a premium, especially during Fashion Week, major events, and peak travel seasons.
As a rough guide, expect to pay:
- Budget hotels: € 80-140 ($ 90-150) per night
- Mid-range hotels: € 160-320 ($ 180-350) per night
- Luxury hotels: € 400+ ($ 450+) per night
One way to reduce costs is by staying slightly outside the historic center. Milan’s metro system is excellent, so being a few stops away rarely feels inconvenient.
Restaurants
Food prices in Milan can vary dramatically depending on where you eat.
Around major tourist attractions, it’s easy to spend more than expected. Move a few streets away, however, and prices often become much more reasonable.
Typical costs include:
- Coffee: € 2-3 ($ 2-4)
- Breakfast pastry: € 2-4 ($ 2-5)
- Pizza or pasta: € 10-20 ($ 12-22)
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: € 25-50 ($ 30-55) per person
- Aperitivo: € 7-16 ($ 8-18)
One thing we appreciated was how easy it was to have a relatively affordable evening. A drink and aperitivo snacks often felt like enough after a long day of sightseeing, particularly during warmer months.
Transport
Getting around Milan is one of the cheaper parts of the trip.
We mainly relied on a combination of walking, the metro, and the occasional tram ride, which kept transportation costs low throughout our stay.
Typical costs include:
- Single public transport ticket: around € 2.20 ($ 2.50)
- 24-hour transport pass: around € 7.60 ($ 9)
- Airport transfers: € 10-15 ($ 10-20), depending on the airport and transfer method
Many visitors won’t need a taxi at all.
Attractions
Attraction costs can add up if you’re planning to visit several of Milan’s most popular sights.
Some typical prices include:
- Duomo Rooftop: € 17-27 ($ 18-30)
- The Last Supper: around €15 ($17) for standard tickets
- Museums and galleries: generally € 10-18 ($ 10-20)
The good news is that some of the best things to do in Milan don’t cost anything. Exploring neighborhoods, visiting public squares, wandering through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and simply walking around the city can easily fill a large part of your itinerary.
Sample Daily Budget
Budget Traveler
€ 100-150 ($ 110-170) per day
Includes:
- Budget accommodation
- Public transport
- Casual restaurants and cafés
- A few paid attractions
Mid-Range Traveler
€ 180-300 ($ 200-340) per day
Includes:
- Comfortable hotel
- A mix of restaurants and aperitivo
- Public transport
- Several attractions
This is where we think most first-time visitors will fall.
Luxury Traveler
€ 500+ ($ 570+) per day
Includes:
- Upscale hotels
- Fine dining
- Private transfers
- Premium experiences
Is Milan Expensive?
Compared to cities like Bologna, Verona, or Naples, yes.
Compared to London, Paris, Zurich, or New York, we didn’t find Milan particularly expensive.
For us, accommodation was easily the biggest expense. Everything else felt fairly manageable, especially when using public transport and mixing sit-down meals with cafés, bakeries, and aperitivo spots.
If you’re planning a mid-range city break, a budget of € 180-300 ($ 200-340) per person per day is usually enough for a comfortable trip to Milan.
Our Favorite Areas of Milan
One of the reasons we enjoyed Milan more than expected was how different the neighborhoods felt from one another.
Before visiting, we mostly pictured the Duomo, luxury shopping streets, and modern office buildings. Once we started exploring, we realized Milan is much more varied than that.
If you’re wondering what Milan is actually like beyond the major attractions, these are the areas that stood out most to us.
Brera
Brera ended up being our favorite neighborhood in Milan.
It’s one of those areas where we stopped checking maps quite so often and simply wandered around. The streets are lined with cafés, restaurants, galleries, and small boutiques, but what we liked most was that it never felt overly busy during our visit.
We found ourselves returning to Brera several times during the trip, whether for a coffee break, lunch, or simply because it was a pleasant place to walk around.
If we had to choose one neighborhood that best represents the side of Milan we enjoyed most, it would be Brera.
Navigli
Navigli is built around Milan’s canals, but what stood out to us wasn’t the canals themselves. It was the atmosphere.
During the afternoon, the area felt fairly relaxed. By early evening, it had completely changed. Restaurants filled up, people gathered along the water, and the neighborhood became one of the liveliest places we visited in the city.
If you’re planning to spend time in Navigli, we’d specifically make room for it in the evening.
Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova was probably the biggest surprise of the trip.
When people think of Italy, they usually imagine historic buildings and centuries-old city centers. Porta Nuova is almost the opposite.
The neighborhood is filled with contemporary architecture, wide pedestrian areas, and glass skyscrapers. It’s also home to Bosco Verticale, one of the city’s most recognizable modern landmarks.
We ended up spending much longer here than we’d originally planned because it felt so different from the rest of the city.
Fashion District
The Fashion District was another pleasant surprise.
We visited early in the morning, before most of the shops had opened, and the atmosphere was completely different from what we’d imagined. Instead of crowds and shopping bags, we found quiet streets, elegant buildings, and very few people around.
Even if designer shopping isn’t your thing, the neighborhood is worth exploring.
It’s one of the most recognizable parts of Milan and offers a glimpse into the side of the city that made it famous around the world.
Centro Storico
No first trip to Milan would be complete without spending time in the historic center.
This is where you’ll find the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and many of Milan’s best-known attractions.
It’s also where we encountered the largest crowds of the trip.
While we enjoyed seeing the major sights, we generally found ourselves spending more time in the neighborhoods beyond the city center. Still, it’s the obvious starting point for any first visit to Milan.
Which Milan Neighborhood Was Our Favorite?
If we had to choose just one neighborhood, we’d pick Brera.
Not because it has the most attractions, but because it was the area where we enjoyed spending time the most.
That said, what makes Milan interesting isn’t a single neighborhood. It’s the contrast between them. Within a relatively short distance, you can move from historic squares and centuries-old buildings to modern skyscrapers, canals, and some of the world’s most famous shopping streets.
That’s what made exploring Milan feel much more varied than we expected before visiting.
Best Day Trips from Milan
One of Milan’s biggest advantages is its location.
Some of Northern Italy’s most popular destinations are less than two hours away by train, making Milan an excellent base if you want to explore beyond the city itself.
These are the day trips we’d consider first.
Lake Como
Travel Time: 40-60 minutes by train
If it’s your first time in Milan and you only have time for a one-day trip, we’d choose Lake Como.
The lake is famous for its mountain scenery, colorful towns, and ferry rides between places like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. It’s also one of the easiest destinations to reach from Milan.
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, scenic views, and anyone wanting the classic Italian lake experience.
Bergamo
Travel Time: Around 50 minutes by train
Bergamo is often overlooked by international visitors, which is surprising once you see it.
The main attraction is Città Alta, the historic upper town surrounded by Venetian walls. Compared to Lake Como or Verona, Bergamo generally feels a little quieter and less touristy.1
Best for: History lovers, food lovers, and travelers looking for fewer crowds.
Verona
Travel Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Verona is famous for its Roman arena and its connection to Romeo and Juliet, but even without the Shakespeare connection, it’s a beautiful city to explore.
The historic center is compact, easy to walk around, and packed with attractive squares, churches, and restaurants.
Best for: First-time Italy visitors, history lovers, and couples.
Lake Garda
Travel Time: Around 1–1.5 hours by train
Lake Garda offers a different experience from Lake Como.
The atmosphere tends to feel more relaxed and resort-like, with lakeside promenades, beaches, and mountain views. Because the lake is so large, we’d recommend focusing on one town rather than trying to see too much in a single day.
Best for: Lake lovers, families, and travelers looking for a slower pace.
Turin
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by train
If you’d rather explore another city than a lake destination, Turin is an excellent choice.
Compared to Milan, it feels more historic and elegant, with grand squares, arcaded streets, and one of Italy’s best café cultures.
Best for: City lovers, food enthusiasts, and repeat visitors to Northern Italy.
Which Day Trip Should You Choose?
For most first-time visitors, we’d choose Lake Como.
It’s easy to reach, easy to explore, and offers a completely different experience from Milan itself.
That said, Bergamo is probably the destination we’d consider most underrated. If you’ve already visited Lake Como or prefer historic towns over lake scenery, it’s a fantastic alternative.
Milan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
After spending time in Milan, there are a few things we’d do the same and a few things we’d approach differently.
These aren’t major mistakes that will ruin your trip. They’re simply the small things we think make visiting Milan easier and more enjoyable.
Visit the Duomo Early
If the Duomo is high on your list, try to visit as early as possible.
When we arrived later in the morning, the square was already packed with tour groups, photographers, and long lines. The difference between early morning and midday can be significant.
You’ll get a much better experience, better photos, and generally spend less time waiting.
Book the Last Supper Early
If seeing The Last Supper is important to you, make that your first reservation.
Flights, hotels, and restaurant bookings are all much easier to find than Last Supper tickets. We learned that the hard way while planning our trip.
Don’t Judge Milan by the Station Area
Many visitors arrive at Milano Centrale and immediately form an opinion about Milan.
Try not to.
The station area is practical and convenient, but it doesn’t represent the city particularly well. Some of our favorite parts of Milan felt completely different from our first impression after arriving by train.
Leave Some Time Unplanned
Not every hour of your trip needs an itinerary.
Some of our favorite moments came while wandering between attractions, stopping for a coffee, or taking a random turn down a side street that looked interesting.
Milan isn’t a city where you need to rush from one landmark to the next.
Take a Tram Ride
Even if you don’t need one, take a tram at least once.
We ended up riding Tram 1 and enjoyed it far more than expected. It’s a simple way to see parts of the city you might otherwise miss, and it’s one of those small Milan experiences that sticks with you afterwards.
Expect More Modern Architecture
Before visiting, most of the images we’d seen of Milan focused on the Duomo, historic streets, and luxury shopping.
What surprised us was how modern parts of the city felt.
Areas like Porta Nuova are filled with contemporary architecture, skyscrapers, and modern urban spaces that look completely different from what many people picture when they think of Italy.
It’s one of the things that makes Milan stand out from cities like Florence or Venice.
Our Biggest Tip
If it’s your first time in Milan, don’t spend your entire trip checking off attractions.
Some of our favorite memories came from simply exploring different parts of the city, sitting down for an aperitivo, riding the trams, and seeing what Milan was like beyond the major tourist sights.
That’s where the city became much more interesting to us.
Mistakes to Avoid in Milan
Most of these mistakes won’t ruin your trip.
But after visiting Milan ourselves and reading plenty of other travelers’ experiences before our trip, these are the things we’d try to avoid if we were planning the visit again.
Treating Milan as a Stopover
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming Milan only deserves a few hours.
That’s enough time to see the Duomo and grab lunch, but it’s probably not enough time to understand why so many people enjoy the city.
If your schedule allows it, try to spend at least one full day in Milan. Two days is even better.
Staying Exclusively Around Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale is incredibly convenient.
It’s just not the part of Milan we’d choose to spend most of our time in.
Many first-time visitors arrive at the station, look around, and assume that’s what the city is like. In reality, neighborhoods like Brera, Navigli, and Porta Nuova feel completely different.
Use Centrale as a transport hub, not as your entire Milan experience.
Not Booking the Last Supper in Advance
This is probably the easiest mistake to avoid.
If The Last Supper is on your list, book it as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Waiting until the last minute can leave you with very limited options or no tickets at all.
Missing Aperitivo
Before visiting Milan, we thought aperitivo was basically happy hour.
It isn’t.
It’s a big part of the city’s culture and one of the experiences that makes Milan feel different from many other Italian destinations.
Even if you’re not interested in nightlife, it’s worth experiencing at least once.
Visiting Navigli Only During the Day
Navigli isn’t bad during the afternoon.
It’s just much more enjoyable later on.
If your itinerary only allows one visit, we’d save it for the evening when the neighborhood is at its liveliest.
Underestimating the Summer Heat
Many travelers expect warm weather in Italy.
What they don’t always expect is how intense Milan can feel in July and August. Long sightseeing days, busy streets, and high temperatures can become exhausting surprisingly quickly.
If you’re visiting during summer, start your days early and build in breaks during the hottest hours.
Trying to See Everything in One Day
Because Milan’s attractions are relatively spread out, it’s easy to underestimate how long things take.
We originally thought we’d move through the city much faster than we actually did. Between attractions, meals, public transport, and simply enjoying the neighborhoods, the day filled up quickly.
Instead of trying to see everything, focus on a handful of priorities and leave some room for flexibility.
The Biggest Mistake
If we had to choose one mistake to avoid, it would be comparing Milan to Florence, Venice, or Rome.
Milan isn’t trying to be any of those cities.
The travelers who seem to enjoy Milan most are usually the ones who appreciate it for what it is rather than what they expected it to be.
Sample Milan Itineraries
One of the things we struggled with before visiting Milan was figuring out how to structure our time.
Most sample itineraries either try to cram in too much or focus entirely on attractions. In reality, how you spend your time depends largely on how many days you have available.
Here’s how we’d approach it.
One Day in Milan
If you only have one day, focus on the highlights and accept that you won’t see everything.
A typical day might look like this:
- Morning: Duomo and city center
- Lunch: Central Milan
- Afternoon: One or two neighborhoods
- Evening: Dinner and aperitivo
The goal isn’t to see every attraction. It’s to get a feel for the city.
Best for: Stopovers, business trips, and travelers with limited time.
Two Days in Milan
For most first-time visitors, this is what we’d recommend.
Day one can focus on Milan’s major sights, while day two gives you time to explore beyond the city center and experience a different side of the city.
Two days feel much less rushed and give you time to enjoy Milan rather than simply move between attractions.
Best for: Most travelers visiting Milan for the first time.
Three Days in Milan
If you have three days available, we’d spend two days in Milan and use the third for a day trip.
One of Milan’s biggest advantages is how well connected it is to the rest of Northern Italy. Lake Como, Bergamo, Verona, Lake Garda, and Turin are all easy to reach by train.
This gives you the best of both worlds: enough time to explore Milan itself and enough time to see another destination.
Best for: Travelers using Milan as a Northern Italy base.
Looking for a Detailed Itinerary?
This travel guide is focused on planning your trip.
If you’re looking for a detailed attraction-by-attraction itinerary, including exactly what to see during one, two, or three days in Milan, check out our guide to the best things to do in Milan.
That’s where we break down the attractions, routes, and daily schedules in much more detail.
Which Option Would We Choose?
For most readers, we’d recommend two days in Milan.
It’s enough time to see the highlights, explore beyond the city center, and experience different sides of the city without feeling rushed.
If you have a third day available, that’s when we’d start looking at day trips.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Milan
Before visiting Milan, we weren’t entirely sure how much we’d enjoy it.
After spending time there, we’d happily go back.
Not because Milan has our favorite attractions in Italy, but because it offers something different from many of the country’s most famous destinations. It’s a city of contrasting neighborhoods, excellent food, aperitivo culture, and a mix of historic and modern architecture that we weren’t expecting before we arrived.
What we enjoyed most wasn’t a single attraction.
It was wandering through Brera without a plan, spending an evening in Navigli, taking the occasional tram across the city, and gradually discovering that Milan had much more personality than we’d given it credit for.
If you’re planning a trip to Northern Italy, we’d absolutely recommend giving Milan more than a quick stop between destinations.
Two days are enough to see the highlights. Three days lets you add a day trip. Either way, Milan ended up being one of the most pleasant surprises of our time in Italy.
FAQ
Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes. While Milan doesn’t have the same concentration of historic landmarks as Rome or Florence, we found it much more interesting than we expected. It’s a great destination for food, fashion, architecture, city life, and exploring Northern Italy.
How many days do you need in Milan?
For most first-time visitors, we’d recommend two days in Milan. That’s enough time to see the major sights, explore different neighborhoods, and enjoy the city without feeling rushed.
Is Milan expensive?
Milan is one of Italy’s more expensive cities, particularly when it comes to accommodation. However, we found food, public transport, and many attractions reasonably priced compared to cities like London, Paris, or Zurich.
Is Milan safe?
Yes, Milan is generally a safe city for tourists. As with any major city, it’s worth staying aware of your surroundings, particularly around train stations, crowded attractions, and public transport.
What is the best area to stay in Milan?
For most first-time visitors, we’d choose Brera. It’s central, walkable, and close to many of Milan’s main attractions while feeling noticeably calmer than the area around the Duomo.
Can you walk around Milan?
Absolutely. Many of Milan’s major sights are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center. For longer distances, the metro and tram network make getting around very easy.
Is Milan better than Rome?
They’re very different cities. Rome has more iconic landmarks and historic attractions, while Milan feels more modern and local. For most first-time visitors to Italy, we’d recommend Rome first, but Milan offers a completely different experience.
Is Milan good for first-time visitors?
Yes, especially if you’re planning a Northern Italy itinerary. Milan is easy to navigate, well-connected by train, and works well as both a city-break destination and a base for day trips.
