Are you planning a one-day trip to Milan and wondering how to spend it? These top things that we recommend doing and the suggested one-day itinerary will help you make the most of your short visit to the city.

Milan is a wonderful city that is considered one of the world’s fashion and design capitals, as well as a financial hub. It’s also packed with culture, architecture, and things to do. I, Reanna, visitedand loved the city. It’s so clean and easy to navigate. Over the years, more and more things have popped up to see and do in Milan, making it such a great city for a weekend getaway.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support, as this is how we keep our content free. 

It’s a small city, so even if you just have 1 day, you’ll manage to see a lot of it.

In this post, we’ll be sharing our best tips and suggestions on what to see and do in Milan in one day. Including all of the top sights and tourist attractions, but also a few hidden gems to make your visit so much more special.

Read on for how to have the best Milan day! In this one-day Milan itinerary, we will show you how to make the most of your time in Milan. Including where to visit, plus some handy travel tips to make this your best city break yet.

In a hurry? Here is our quick guide to visiting Milan, Italy!

How to get here: Milan has three airports, with Milan Malpensa (MXP) being the largest and best connected.
What language is spoken? Italian
What currency is used? The Euro
Where to stay: If you only have one day, we recommend staying in the centre. NH Collection Milano Touring is a great option for this!
When to visit: April – May, when the city is warming up, but the crowds still haven’t arrived yet

Why visit Milan?

Milan is a vibrant city in northern Italy. Bursting with culture, mouth-watering cuisine, wonderful art and architecture, rich history and, of course, amazing shopping – it is known as the fashion capital of the world, after all. From its iconic landmarks to its bustling streets filled with stylish boutiques and bustling cafés, Milan is a wonderful place to spend the day, exploring its enchanting streets and uncovering hidden gems. Not to mention Milan Fashion Week and the Milano Film Festival.

Our Milan 1-day must-visit spots and practical tips for your visit.

Is Milan worth visiting?

Yes! Milan has so much to offer from fashion to art to history. It is the perfect city to visit if you are short on time. Milan for one day is an ideal trip away.

Can you see all of Milan in one day?

Yes, you can easily see most of Milan’s highlights in one day as long as you plan it properly beforehand. Milan isn’t a huge city, and when compared to ones such as Rome or Florence, it doesn’t have a ton of tourist sites to see, meaning you can spend one day in Milan, which is completely doable.

If you have more time in Italy but don’t want to spend longer than one day in Milan, then we recommend splitting your time between Lake Como, Torino, or Verona. Each spot isn’t too far from Milan, and two combined make for a great weekend away.

When is the best time to visit Milan?

The best time to visit Milan, in our opinion, is during shoulder season (preferably Spring: March-May). However, there are pros and cons to visiting most times throughout the year.

Summer in Milan

Summer is one of the most popular times to visit this lovely and historic city. But, if you choose to visit Milan during the summer, expect prices to be higher and tourist crowds to be dense.

Autumn in Milan

Autumn in Milan is a great time to visit. The temperatures will be lower (so bring a jacket for the evening), but the prices will also be lower. It is also when all of the major takes place. Men’s Fashion Week, Fashion Week, Women’s Fashion Week, the Milano Jazz Festival, and the Milan Grand Prix, to name a few. However, this does mean that it is a busy time of the year to spend a day in Milan.

Winter in Milan

Winters in Milan are quite cold; however, there will be fewer crowds, and the prices of hotels will be lower. If you opt to visit during the winter, then be sure to bring some jumpers and a coat with you and expect cold temperatures.

Spring in Milan

Spring in Milan is the best time to visit. It offers the right balance of sunshine and colder days. Because of this, it won’t be too busy, and you’ll be able to explore at your own pace. Prices will also still be lower than peak season.

Before we dive into our one day in Milan itinerary with the top spots to see, here’s a handy map to help you locate them all:

The best way to travel around Milan if you just have one day

Public transport in Milan is efficient, easy to use and relatively cheap. Plus, it runs until late, a big bonus if you’re interested in exploring the local bar scene in Milan. Despite the city having great transport links, if you are staying in the centre, it’s most likely that you’ll only use it to get to the airport during your one day in Milan.

Milan is a small city, and if you are only spending one day in Milan, then the best way to see it is by walking around the city. We always love to walk around a city instead of getting public transport about; it’s such a great way to get to know the city, and you’ll often find little hidden gems and picturesque streets that you wouldn’t find if you drove or took public transport about.

If you don’t have long or aren’t able to walk, fortunately, Milan boasts a budget-friendly, user-friendly, and reliable public transport system. Making it ideal to visit even if you have a limited timeframe.

You can also get the Milan Pass, which costs £75 for 48 hrs. This provides you with access to museums, including La Scala and Duomo pass, ATM public transport system, and more than 40 stops on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and discounts at shops, restaurants, beauty salons and more. The value totals us to over EUR 300. I think things like this are so beneficial if you’re only visiting a destination for one or two days as it pushes you to see

Must see places and things to do in Milan

Whilst Milan doesn’t have quite the sites that Rome or Venice do, it still has plenty to see and do and certainly enough to fill a day in Milan. Let’s dive into our 1 day Milan itinerary, including all of the must-see spots in Milan!

Stop 1. Enjoy a coffee and pastry

When you think of Italy I bet you think of pizza, pasta and gelato and whilst they are a huge part of Italy’s famous cuisine, so is coffee. Italians love their coffee, and a typical breakfast in Milan consists of a coffee and a pastry – otherwise known as a Brioche or Cornetto.

In Italy, it’s also not the norm to drink coffee with milk any time of day except for in the morning. Traditionally Italians enjoy a cappuccino before 11am and an espresso in the afternoon so the morning is the ideal opportunity to grab yourself a coffee and pastry and watch the world go by. Luckily, there are tons of bakeries and cafes to choose from.

A day in Milan might not be tons of time to explore the city. But, it’s just enough to get a feel for it and see quite a few of the highlights that Milan has to offer! We hope that you’ve enjoyed our Milan one-day itinerary.

Stop 2. Take a walking tour – A must-do for one day in Milan

With only one day in Milan, a great way to see the city is by joining a walking tour.

On a walking tour, you’ll learn all about the city, be taken to some spots that you wouldn’t otherwise know about and learn some important facts. Depending on what you’re interested in specifically, there are many different ones that you can choose from to suit your interests, including a fashion walking tour and an evening one.

Stop 3. Piazza del Duomo & Duomo Terraces – don’t miss this during your 1 day Milan itinerary

You can’t possibly visit Milan without spending some time admiring Piazza del Duomo, the bustling square at the heart of the city, which is dominated by the magnificent Duomo di Milano, the city’s iconic cathedral.

This historic square is the hub of the city and always has a lively atmosphere. One of the highlights of visiting Piazza del Duomo is climbing the stairs to the top of the Duomo Terraces. You can walk around the intricate spires and sculptures that fill the cathedral’s rooftop.

From the top, take in the breathtaking views of Milan’s skyline and the surrounding landmarks. The Duomo Terraces is an unforgettable experience for you to appreciate the architectural beauty of the cathedral up close while enjoying panoramic vistas of the bustling city below.

It can get really busy so it’s a great idea to book your tickets beforehand, you can do so here.

Stop 4. Enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Duomo

As you can imagine, this area is extremely popular for restaurants and bars as it’s such a touristy area.

Whilst it’s probably not the best spot to sample authentic Italian cuisine, it does have a wonderful view. Stop here and enjoy an aperitif or an Aperol spritz, a glass of wine or an espresso whilst you admire the incredible views.

Stop 5. Enjoy some window shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

After visiting Piazza del Duomo and stopping for your aperitivo, head to The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Found adjacent to the Duomo in Milan. It is Italy’s oldest shopping gallery (and most beautiful) and is home to brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior and Prada, plus some luxurious cafés and restaurants.

The beautiful shopping gallery is home to a magnificent glass dome that makes the whole spot feel elegant. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is well worth a visit during your day in Milan.

If you’re looking to book tours or tickets then here are some of the top recommended ones:

Stop 6. Admire Da Vinci’s The Last Supper

Visiting the world-famous masterpiece, The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is an extraordinary experience that immerses visitors in the art and history of Renaissance Italy.

This iconic painting, located in the refectory of the church, depicts the poignant moment of Jesus Christ sharing his last meal with his disciples before his crucifixion. As one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most renowned works, seeing this painting in real life is an incredible experience.

Due to the limited number of visitors allowed each day booking in advance is required. Make sure to book as soon as you know that you’re going to visit as tickets are always sold out. This ensures that the spot doesn’t get too crowded around the painting and gives you time to learn about its historical significance and the techniques employed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Additionally, visitors can explore the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its stunning architecture and rich artistic heritage.

Stop 7. Learn about fashion and history at Palazzo Morando

It wouldn’t be a trip to Milan, the fashion capital, without learning about the city’s designs. Head to Palazzo Morando to learn all about Milan’s rich history. Located in the heart of the “Quadrilatero della Moda” fashion district, on the very central Via Sant’Andrea. Built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 18th, it is characterised by its Baroque style and hosts the Costume Moda Immagine collection as well as a gallery of busts, Chinese Gallery and countless paintings depicting historic views of Milan.

Stop 8. Walk Through Brera District

This boho-chic part of the city is filled with cobbled streets, small courtyards, designer boutiques, art galleries and countless restaurants, making it well worth a visit. It’s one of the most picturesque places. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch or brunch. It feels really different to the rest of Milan, so if you have time, then we definitely recommend having a little wander around the streets here.

Stop 9. Explore Castello Sforzesco

Originally built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the castle has served various purposes throughout its storied past, from a fortress to a residence for Milanese rulers.

Today, Castello Sforzesco houses several museums and art collections, offering visitors a glimpse into Milan’s past through its impressive architecture and fascinating exhibits. From its imposing towers and fortified walls to its sprawling courtyards and lush gardens, the castle remains a cherished landmark and a testament to Milan’s enduring legacy.

Parts of the castle are free to visit, including the courtyard. However, to visit the full castle, onsite museum and art collection, you can book a ticket online beforehand.

The road from the front of the castle walls to Sempione Park is also free and gives you a lovely glimpse of the castle from the outside, which is ideal if you’re visiting Milan on a budget!

Final thoughts on spending one day in Milan

Milan is a wonderful city that’s the fashion capital of the world! It’s surprisingly small and walkable and can actually be explored in one day, making a weekend away here perfect. We hope our top 9 things to do and Milan itinerary will help you to plan your trip!