Spending one day in Milan is a great thing to do. There are many activities and things to see in this Italian city.
Milan is amazing. It is one of the best cities in Italy. So you have to visit it!
But where to go if you have 24 hours in Milan? In this article, I'll show you how to make the best of your day in the city.
Table of Contents
How to get to Milan?
Milan is a large city that is very easy to get to. You can go by airplane, train or bus.
Airplane
Going to Milan by airplane is one of the most popular ways to reach the city. Also, it is the most convenient way if you are coming from a country farther away from Italy.
The main airport in Milan is Milan Malpensa Airport. After Rome, it is the busiest airport in Italy.
From there, you can take a train to the city center. This is the fastest journey to the city. Also, there is a bus, which is cheaper. But the bus journey takes longer than the journey by train. Besides that, you can take a taxi.
Another airport in Milan is Milan Linate Airport.
From Milan Linate Airport, you can get to the city center of Milan by public bus. The journey takes about 30 minutes. Also, you could go by taxi, which takes about 20 minutes.
Train
The train is another convenient way to travel to Milan.
If you are coming from within Italy then this is the best way to travel to the city. There are many high-speed trains in Milan, which makes going here very fast.
But for international travel, you can also take the train. There are many trains that go from neighboring countries to the city of Milan.
For example, there is a direct train from Paris to Milan. This journey is about 7 hours.
Another example of a train journey to Milan is from Zürich. This train ride takes about 3.5 hours.
It's very convenient to travel by train if you're one day in Milan. That's because the train station is close to the city center.
Bus
Traveling to Milan by bus is often cheaper. But it also takes much more time than traveling by airplane or train.
There are many international bus companies that have routes to Milan. You can go anywhere in Europe by bus.
Also, you can take an overnight bus to cover large distances while you are sleeping.
Getting around in Milan
To get around in Milan you have several options.
First, you can walk almost anywhere in Milan as most of the famous sights are within walking distance. Walking is great if you're one day in Milan, as it allows you to see more of the city.
But if you want to move around faster or in a more convenient way than on foot, there is a good public transport network.
There are four metro lines, many trams, and buses that can take you anywhere.
Where to stay in Milan?
Milan has some very lovely neighborhoods. For example, the Brera district is great to be!
But if you are only one day in Milan I recommend staying as close to Milan Cathedral as possible. This makes it easier to make the most out of your 24 hours as you are near everything. Besides that, staying near to the cathedral is an amazing experience.
A complete itinerary for one day in Milan
Let's discover Milan in one day!
Morning
See Milan Cathedral
In the morning I recommend going to Milan Cathedral first.
The cathedral is the most famous sight in Milan. It is a beautiful cathedral in the middle of the city with amazing architecture. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Italy. For that reason, you should definitely see it if you're 24 hours in Milan.
Because of its beauty, it is also a great place for photography! There are many angles to choose from!
What's interesting about the cathedral is not only how it looks. The history of the place is very interesting as well. The city started the construction in 1386, but with some last details, the cathedral was ready in 1965.
Moreover, it is one of the largest churches in the world, which is fascinating!
When you arrive at Milan Cathedral, you first end up at the square in front of it. The name of the square is Piazza del Duomo. From here, you have a wonderful view of the front of the cathedral.
But, you can also get inside it and see the interior. This interior is beautiful. There are many artworks. Moreover, it is impressive to see how large the church is from the inside.
Another great thing to do at the cathedral is to go to the rooftop. You have one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Milan here. Furthermore, you'll also see the beautiful decorations of the church from up close!
Visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next to Milan Cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is a beautiful covered passage with many luxury brand stores. Go here to see the newest trends or even buy something!
Also, there are restaurants and cafes here that are luxurious. Furthermore, there is even a hotel inside the gallery! This is one of the best hotels in Milan.
It is an impressive passage to see and going here is definitely a must for your one day in Milan!
Piazza Della Scala
The Piazza Della Scala is another beautiful square. It connects to the Duomo square via the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
There are many interesting buildings here, such as the opera house. From the square, it is lovely to see the architecture of the buildings surrounding it.
Also, you'll see a monument of Leonardo da Vinci in the center of the square.
Have a coffee at a cafe with a view of Milan Cathedral
Inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you find a cafe where you can stop for a delicious coffee with a view.
What's great about this place is that you can drink coffee here with a view of the cathedral! This is a glamorous experience for your one day in Milan! Furthermore, it is very fitting with the vibe of the city.
Also, Italy is famous for its coffee so that's great to experience as well.
Go shopping
You can't leave Milan without shopping. The city is famous as a fashion capital of the world! All major luxury brands are here.
If you follow this itinerary for 24 hours in Milan, you already went to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There, you can shop at one of the stores. But there are many more places that are great for shopping.
The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the busiest shopping street of Milan. You'll find here lots of large international brands.
Another street that is great for shopping is Via Torino!
Afternoon
Have lunch in the Brera neighborhood
After doing all these things in the morning, it is time for lunch.
The Brera neighborhood is the art district of Milan. The atmosphere is amazing. You'll find here many museums that are great to visit.
Also, there are plenty of restaurants in this part of Milan. So you have a lot to choose from for lunch! That's why I'd recommend going to this neighborhood in the afternoon. If you are looking for a delicious sandwich then go to Crocetta Panini d’Autore 1982.
Visit the Sforza Castle
Before Italy was one country there were many smaller city-states. These had their own rulers. And as a ruler, you need a castle!
The Sforza Castle was the castle of the rulers of Milan. It's one of the most fun activities in this itinerary for one day in Milan.
It is very close to the cathedral so you can walk there.
Nowadays you can walk through the castle and the castle grounds. Furthermore, there are several museums inside the castle complex that are very interesting.
Go to the Parco Sempione and Arco della Pace
After visiting the castle you can go to the Parco Sempione. You'll love this if you like nature. This is a beautiful city park that is a perfect place to sit down or to walk through.
It is next to the Sforza Castle so going here is very easy.
The nature in this park is great to see. Furthermore, there are also plenty of statues that make the experience at the park better.
At the other side of the park, you find the Arco della Pace. This is a triumphal arch that looks amazing. There are many beautiful details.
See the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
If you know a lot about art, then you know that you can find the Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan. This is a great thing to end the afternoon of your 24 hours in Milan with.
This artwork is very famous and shows the last dinner of Jesus and his disciples. You find it on a wall inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Seeing this impressive artwork is one of the best things to do in Milan.
Keep in mind that you have to book your tickets for the Last Supper Museum far in advance. That's because there is a limited number of tickets available.
Evening
Have dinner at the Navigli neighborhood
There are many amazing restaurants in Milan. A great neighborhood in Milan is Navigli. This part of Milan is famous for its canals with lovely shops, restaurants, and other venues next to it. Also, many celebrities go there!
The Naviligi area is very charming and the restaurants are very trendy. Whether you like pasta, pizza or any other dish, you will find a restaurant you like here! This is a great place to finish your 24 hours in Milan!
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i love this city people