When I was living in London I decided to go to Milan to buy a handbag (as you do). Clearly I was making too much money at the time. A friend and I ended up popping over to Milan for a couple of days. While handbag-shopping played a major role in our trip; we also did some quality sight-seeing on our free day. Here are my top things to do in Milan in one day.
Where to stay in Milan
I recommend staying within the original city walls circling the city centre. Staying within this ring of roads – Via Carducci, Via Senato, and Via Francesco Storza – allows you to walk almost everywhere. I recommend the Ibis Styles Milano Central for great value for money and convenience.
Things to do in Milan in one day
The Duomo
The Duomo di Milano is something special, it is completely ostentatious and unapologetic. If you can manage it, go up onto the roof of the cathedral. The views of the city are fantastic, and you can see how this amazing building was constructed. However, if you afraid of heights, you might not want to be up this high.
Another small note of caution: be a little bit cautious on the Piazza del Duomo. Like all tourist attractions, the large square in front of the cathedral can attract pickpockets and touts.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
To the north of the Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – an impressive arched galleria with many expensive shops. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s worth visiting simply for the architecture.
If you are in the market for a handbag, the Milanese shops go from the sublime to the ridiculous. Designer garb that costs a fortune to tourist tat that costs nothing, but wouldn’t last a month. So, either go with a designer in mind, or just stick to sightseeing!
Architecture
Italy does cathedrals and basilicas really well – Milan is no exception. For those interested in religious architecture like me, then head to these lovely examples. In the south, Basilica di Sant’Eufemia and Santa Maria Presso San Celso (with an amazing multisided turret at the top). To the east, the fantastic 4th century Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore. To the north – San Simpliciano, Santa Maria del Carmine, and San Marco. And to the west St Pietro in Gessate. And don’t forget the Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. You won’t get to all these places in a day, but they are worth noting.
Love architecture? Then you’ll love my architectural tour of Prague!
Contemporary Art
To the north-east, is the Padiglione D’Arte Contemporanea, showcasing the latest contemporary art. Alongside the Galleria D’Arte Moderna, a beautiful 18th century palace and fine art gallery. These two galleries are well worth the tram ride.
A bonus is that they sit on the edge of the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli public gardens – which are just fabulous to wander around whilst eating gelato. Nearby is the Milan Natural History Museum also. Take the M1 metro line to Palestro to reach this area of cultural enrichment.
For up to date information on Milan, check out the official tourist website – Tourismo Milano
Sforza Castle
Castello Sforzesco, in the north-west, is a tourist must-do. A medieval fortress holding a museum of medieval treasures inside. To the east of the fortress is Pinacoteca di Brera, a chic Napoleonic palazzo housing a selection of art from Northern Italy.
Food to try in Milan
You must try the Risotto alla Milanese – a rich saffron based Milan speciality. It’s not often that you get to really taste the subtlety of saffron, but this risotto showcases it beautifully. If you don’t mind veal, then I recommend the Saltimbocca. Also, don’t come to Milan on a diet, there are gelato shops on every corner!
Things to do in Milan in one day
I’ll be honest, I don’t think Milan ranks in my top places to visit in Italy, but I did enjoy my visit. As you can see, there is plenty of things to do in Milan in one day, and much more if you can extend your visit. I’ve tried to group sights together so that you can get the most out of your day in Milan. The food, like in most places in Italy, is exceptional. And the modern art and ancient architecture give you plenty of interesting sights to visit. I recommend a long weekend in Milan, as there is definitely more than one days worth of gelato to eat!
And do you know what, I never even got that handbag I went for! I didn’t find anything that took my fancy. Oops!
Check out our adventures in Southern Lake Garda or Naples for more Italy inspiration!
Please get in touch via my contact page above, or on twitter, if you need any itinerary planning advice!
All photos (except when stated otherwise) & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Fuji Finepix.
It’s been too long since I last visited and I don’t remember seeing so much as you in one day. I would love to see that castle, it looks really spectacular and unique.
We visited Milan at the end of a 6 week trip and I was so exhausted we did not see much. Of course we did the Duomo square and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II but did not get inside the Duomo. It was a good thing we had a great hotel to enjoy. And there was lots of great food close by. I would love to visit the Sforzesco Castle. Milan is a direct flight from Toronto so easy to use as a gateway. We know we will go back.
We missed Milan on our last trip to Italy, and totally regret it. I am dying to see the Duomo square and Santa Maria Presso San Celso. Thank you for this excellent list, I’ll be saving it away for when I go back to Italy (hopefully soon!).
The religious architecture in Milan is stunning – the Duomo is so grand! You’ll love it!
It’s funny that you traveled to another country for a purse. I’ve never thought to do something like that. I would certainly eating all the gelato and exploring all the beautiful sites. I love ancient architecture. Milan looks lovely. Did you find your perfect purse? I didn’t see it in the photos. 🙂
I’ve just edited the post to let people know! I didn’t find the bag I was after so didn’t buy one in the end! Funny huh!
If I can ‘do’ rome in 3 days, Milan might be accessible in one but it would be a shame. I’d love to visit and try all that gelato too!
Haha, no big city can be ‘done’ in 3 days. But this is a good jumping off point for a visit to Milan. There’s more gelato to eat, after all!
I visited a friend in Milan last year and had a great time. SO many people skip it. We were so busy over those four days. Eat all the gelato.
The Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II look incredible! I would really like to see the Last Supper, and eat lots of gelato of course!
It always seemed like Milan was good for one day. So many other places in Italy to go. Great list
I’ve been to Milan so many times en route to Switzerland, but never spent much time there – an obvious disservice to this vibrant city. That Duomo and Galleria are both so ornate and beautiful, I’m sure I’d spend hours there. And of course I’d eat Risotto Milanese every day. 😉
Good tip about watching out for pickpockets! I’ve always seen a ton of photos of The Duomo, but defs didn’t know there were other fanastic things to do/see like the Sforzesco Castle. Would for sure love to try the risotto too and of course, gelato. Gosh you’re making me wanna book a flight over there right this second!
Sounds like there’s quite a bit to do in milan, the duomo and san siro are my only real motivation to go but maybe i’ll have to pay a visit soon. I guess you’ll have to go back for that handbag!
LOL yeah, I never did go back for that handbag… nowadays I don’t have such a frivolous income!
Don’t do what we did at the duomo and join the queue for worship… oops.