8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts
Last updated on January 27th, 2026.
Milan is one of those cities that you will either love or you won't.
A city teeming with life, lights and luxury, it’s one you shouldn’t dismiss when putting together your Italy itinerary.
Whether you plan on spending a week or a weekend in Milan, these Milan travel tips will come in handy.
Ideal for first-time visitors to the city, these tips include visitor as well as insider advice.
An sizzling hot destination for your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
8 best Milan travel tips
1. Do book any Milan tour tickets in advance
Like other major cities across Italy, Milan is no exception when it comes to long lines and waiting times.
Because of this, booking a skip-the-line tour is one of my top Milan travel tips. Doing this will make a big difference to your Milan trip.
The city’s most famous attraction is the Duomo di Milano.
A building that dates to the 14th century, the church took almost 6 centuries to complete. The largest church in Italy, the Duomo di Milano stands at 108m (354ft) tall and 92m (302ft) wide.
If, like us, you book the Milan Cathedral and rooftop tour, you’ll get an up-close view of the 135 spires. Inside and out, the Duomo’s Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles immediately hit you the second you lay eyes on it.
While its facade is undeniably eye-catching, its interior matches its grand outer coating. Worth every cent, don’t miss your chance to step inside the Duomo when in Milan.
To make your Milan trip more memorable, consider checking into one of these Milan hotels with a Duomo view.
Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), Piazza del Duomo
Other tours I advise booking in advance in Milan include:
- Da Vinci’s Last Supper tour
- La Scala Theatre and museum tour
- Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) entrance ticket (with digital audioguide)
➡️ Visiting the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? Check available tickets for sporting events.
2. Do buy the Milan 24-hour transport ticket
During our 48 hours in Milan, we racked up an average of 22,000 steps every day. But, whenever the opportunity presented itself, we hopped on any form of public transport whenever we could.
One of my top Milan travel tips, buying the 24-hour ticket can be very good value. One ticket cost €7 ($6.85/£6.10)* and included 3 zones in Milan. We made the most out of our ticket, jumping from metro to tram and then onto the bus.
You can buy the 24-hour ticket from any metro station office, machine or in selected shops. Look out for the ‘biglietteria’, which means ticket shop/office.
3. Don’t stop at the first restaurant/bar in Piazza Duomo
In a big city like Milan, you won’t be surprised to find restaurants catering to tourists.
But, unlike in Venice, you won’t see many waiters standing outside vying for your custom. Instead, Milan is a little more discreet.
This isn’t to say that tourist restaurants don’t exist.
In tourist spots like Piazza Duomo, you’re likely to find a few and prices may be a little higher. Check out the menus outside for any ‘menus of the day’ or to see if they’re printed in several languages.
Map: Milan travel tips
4. Do try a Milanese classic/s
Instead, just minutes’ walk from the Duomo are dozens of good options and ones that suit every budget.
Our first choice for lunch was a small restaurant called A Santa Lucia. Recommended by a good friend that lives in Milan, we were disappointed to find that it was fully booked.
Admittedly, we should have known better. We book for restaurants and trattorias 90% of the time to avoid disappointments like this.
Eventually, we settled on a restaurant not far from the Duomo called Al Cantinone.
Good for the location
While I’d like to tell you that Al Cantinone solely serves Milanese or regional dishes, I’d be lying. The menu has a good selection but it also has plates from other Italian regions.
We did order typical Milanese dishes of Ossobuco alla Milanese con risotto giallo and Risotto all’Amarone. Very satisfying and thoroughly delicious, we left feeling full and energized. Prices are mid-range at Al Cantinone, the service is fast and the portion sizes are generous.
Our top pick for a truly authentic Lombard restaurant is Al Garghet. Located outside the city center, it serves traditional dishes in a rustic setting.
Quick bite in Milan
If you’re visiting Milan on a budget, and looking for a quick and delicious bite to eat, head to Spontini. For a more in-depth guide to Milanese cuisine, you may want to consider joining a fun food tour in Milan.
This pizzeria serves large slices, fresh from the oven and still steaming hot when handed to you.
A Santa Lucia, Via San Pietro All'Orto, 3
Al Cantinone, Via Agnello, 19
Al Garghet, Via Selvanesco, 36
Spontini, Via Santa Radegonda, 11
5. Do visit the lesser known churches
It’s no secret that I love visiting the churches, like those in Treviso, in Italy. Size or its popularity bears no difference. To me, they’re like free art museums, each one unique to the next.
Milan is no different to other Italian cities in that you’re sure to find a church just minutes’ away. Aside from the Duomo, the city has plenty of other historical churches that’ll leave you speechless. One of my top Milan travel tips, note down some of the churches in the city and enjoy a free tour in the process.
One of many
Tucked away just off the busy shopping street of Via Torino is the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro.
It’s easy to miss if you’re not necessarily looking for it. Built in a Renaissance architectural style, the church dates to the 15th century.
A spectacular sight awaits inside, courtesy of the work of Italian architect and painter Donato Bramante. One of the earliest examples of Trompe-l'œil, the ‘apse’ (semi-circle by the altar) looks real but is in fact painted.
We visited the church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro on a Sunday morning when mass was taking place. If you prefer not to observe mass, visit on another day. It closes at 12pm on Sundays but re-opens at 3.30pm.
As always, check the website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, Via Torino
Visiting the churches in Milan would easily constitute a 1-day itinerary. If this interests you, make a note of the following places:
- Basilica di San Vittore al Corpo, Via San Vittore, 25
- Chiesa Parrocchiale di Santa Maria Segreta, Piazza Nicolò Tommaseo
- Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Francesco da Paola, Via Alessandro Manzoni, 30
- Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, Piazza Santo Stefano
- Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, Piazza Santo Stefano
6. Don’t stay in the center of Milan
When looking for where to stay in Milan, the city is defined by more than the Duomo and the surrounding shopping district.
The city has dozens of vibrant neighborhoods to explore and places where you can experience life as a local.
We stayed in a nearby neighborhood called NoLo, or north of LOreta. Filled with independent cafes, bars and restaurants, it has an upbeat energy and plenty of friendly locals.
NoLo is a great neighborhood to stay in Milan and one we found to be very affordable. I discuss Milan neighborhoods and areas in more detail (including where to avoid) in is Italy safe to visit?
Explore Navigli
Another area south of the center worth visiting is Navigli. With its hipster vibe, Navigli’s cobbled streets are lined with art galleries and vintage shops. At its center are the twin canals, with plenty of drinking and dining options on either side.
The church that houses The Last Supper painting (Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie) is also outside the center. By car, it takes around 38 minutes while it's approximately 1 hour by public transport.
Easily one of my top 3 Milan travel tips, be sure to venture away from the Duomo.
Time permitting, you may also be interested in venturing completely outside the city. Lake Como is around 1hr and 40 minutes away, and visiting Lake Como from Milan makes a fabulous Milan day trip.
7. Do visit Milan iconic hotspots
When it’s time for aperitivo in Milan, you’re spoiled for choice with options.
But, if you’re looking to drink and relax in a Milanese iconic institution, head to Bar Basso. Opened in 1947, owner Giuseppe Basso wanted a place where locals could come and relax with a cocktail.
It wasn’t until 1972, however, that Bar Basso would become a household name.
By accidentally mixing prosecco (instead of gin) with Campari and red vermouth, bartender Mirko Stocchetto had created the Negroni Sbagliato. Translated as ‘wrong Negroni’, the drink became an instant hit.
A Milanese icon
Needless to say, Bar Basso serves glass upon glass of its infamous cocktail. With its neon red sign (at night) and plenty of character, consider coming here for aperitivo.
Prices are on the higher side (because of its backstory), but it’s one of the most unique spots in Milan. Drinks come with a side order of focaccia, chips and olives, which almost makes up for the price.
Speaking of food, Milan is home to another creation called the apericena.
Bar Basso, Via Plinio, 39
8. Do try an apericena
Of all my sojourns around Italy, the most generous place we’ve ever had aperitivo is in Sicily.
A drink typically arrives with a side order of nuts, chips, focaccia, olives and much more. Though tempting as it is to eat everything, there won’t be any room left for dinner.
To counter this, in the north, the Milanese have created their own solution: apericena.
Essentially, it combines the drinks part with several plates that constitutes a dinner. Having apericena also benefits travelers visiting Milan on a budget.
Every place that serves apericena will naturally differ as to what dishes they offer. Many bars in Milan offering the concept of apericena are typically cocktail bars. Make a note of the following places if you’re also keen to try it:**
- Bar 35 Food & Drinks, Via Panfilo Castaldi, 35
- Memà Cafè, Largo Fra Paolo Bellintani, 2
- Kilburn - Cocktail Bar, Via Panfilo Castaldi, 25
- Mint Garden Cafè, Via Felice Casati, 12
- Frank Milano, Via Lecco, 1/A
- Nhero Milano, Via Felice Casati, 44
What are your thoughts on these Milan travel tips? Will they help you organize your trip to the city? Let me know in the comments below.
*Prices correct at time of travel
**Details correct at time of publishing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I do like to visit Milan, but since I'm missing the Italian vibes, it's definitely not my favorite city in Italy. A couple of years ago, I spent two weeks there learning Italian and enjoyed visiting all the wonderful art museums. Also, I love the proximity to the mesmerizing Lakeland in the north. Milan proves that you don't need to love a city to keep coming back 😀
You are so right! It's a city you either like or you don't. But the connections to the lakes and other cities makes it worth visiting
Milan looks like a beautiful city, I would love to visit there someday. Your tips are really very helpful.
Thank you, I'm glad you think so 🙂
Oh, I love getting insider tips 😉😬! Milan is such a beautiful city. I would love to visit this place someday😍. Thanks for the tips 🙂.
I really hope you do one day!
I have been to Milan over 15 years ago and this post has brought back a lot of old memories. I can't wait to revisit the place again and to see these fabulous places again
I'm happy to read that! I hope you come back again one day
This is super helpful. Thank you for these practical tips. I agree with you that it's best not to stay in the center of Milan because there are many other places to explore.
I would love to try an apericena. That's a great idea.
It is and quite unique to Milan 🙂
Great tips! I would love to take a spontaneous trip to Milan now after reading through this and seeing the beautiful sights.
Great, I'm happy to read that!
Milan isn't somewhere I've been to before, but it's on my ever growing list of places I want to visit. I always try to book tickets and things ahead of time for any location x
It makes a big difference and you won't be spending all your time in the lines 😀
Milan looks amazing! I always enjoy looking at the architecture there, so visiting the lesser known churches would help see more. And that pizza from Spontini looks delicious!
It's a great city to visit and with lots going on. And the pizza was divine!
Milan Cathedral Rooftop Tour sounds like a great choice for the first visit to Duomo. I can imagine Milan also has several smaller churches that are also gorgeous inside out. Good tip for not missing them while in the city. I will make sure to try the Apericena when I am in Milan.
You will enjoy it, it's a great concept!
I love this do/don't post! What a clever idea for a travel guide. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it 😀
Milan is one of those cities I always wanted to visit in Italy. So far I have been more south I hope to visit other parts of the country too. No matter where you go there is always beautiful churches and good food in Italy. These are great tips for our future visit and I will definitely bookmark this for myself.
Thank you Paula. I do understand, we have so many places to visit here!
I'd love to visit Milan for at least a month and just really soak it all in. There is so much beauty there.
That's a good idea and you can visit the surrounding areas too 🙂
Traveling to Italy is super high on my bucket list. Milan in particular is one of the places I would really like to see.
I'm glad to hear that! I hope you use these tips when you do visit 🙂
The Food Explora in me appreciates the food culture you highlight in this blog; the food looks so appealing, it is making drool. Milan looks like a beautiful city. You definitely sold me on adding it to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing.
You will enjoy the food in Milan Kevin, it's also great for cold weather!
I've been to Italy a few times but never made it to Milan. I know I should, Milan is a gorgeous city.
You definitely must the next time!
Great tips!
Thank you
Great tips on what to see and do in Milan. It's a great city. I had the opportunity to spend a few days in it. My favorite place is the stunning Duomo di Milano and Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa. But I didn't try apericena, so I have to back there!
You must come back, it's a delicious concept 😀
The Duomo di Milano is magical standing high and tall. I really could see myself visiting it someday. The food in Al Cantinone not only looks delicious but is also satisfying. Thanks for the suggestion about staying north of Loreta. I will consider that when I visit.
Great Ossama, I'm happy to hear that 😀
I know exactly where you have taken the picture of the pizza on the golden counter - I took practically the same since that counter is so pretty! I've spent two weeks in Milan learning Italian and the apericene were the highlight of the day. Close to where I stayed, they had this amazing buffet with your Aperol. I love Milan mainly for the great art scene - there are some truly fantastic art museums and exhibitions there. Also, it's a great hub when visiting other places in Italy.
I'm glad you also were there! I agree it's a great spot to photograph. The art scene is so interesting here and very unique!
I've been to Milano twice but I didn't really fall in love with the city. I found it expensive, and not very friendly. I did like the Duomo and the piazza around it but I do remember how expensive the restaurants around it were. Indeed, the best is to go for lunch or dinner on the streets away the main attractions. I didn't stay in the centre either and actually enjoyed the local area better than the very expensive shops fronts around the Duomo. I remember walking all over, so I didn't buy a transport card.
People do have mixed feelings about Milan so I understand. The surrounding areas are better I agree, the people can be hit or miss!
Milan looks like an amazing place to visit. One for the bucket list. I'm sure.
It is, I hope you visit one day
These places all look amazing. I've never heard of Duomo di Milano - what an impressive building! I'd love to check out these places in person. Great tips too!
Thank you! Yes, it's the most famous church here, and largest in Italy!
Because I've never been to Milan, I found this post quite useful. Pizza with cheese from Spontini looks delectable and filling. What I utterly admire about Milan is its architectural styles! The inside of Santa Maria presso San Satiro is beautiful, while the façade of the Duomo di Milano at night drew my eye. It looks like having a couple beers at Bar Basso is enjoyable as well. For my upcoming trips here, I'd definitely bookmark this information.
Thank you Maria, I'm glad you found this useful! I hope you visit Milan one day and visit these places on my list 🙂
Oh Spontini!! That looks like a delicious slice to me. I'd love to see the architecture in Milan.
It's delicious I highly recommend it 😀
Great travel tips for Milan! We actually visited the city this summer and were glad we had booked tickets for the Last supper well in advance. However we bought tickets for the duomo and the rooftop tour on the spot with some waiting time (took a while, but absoulutely possible). We also loved the newer parts of town and went for dinner in china town!
Wonderful Natascha! We didn't make it to Chinatown this time, but we will when we're next back 🙂
These tips will help me someday. I would love to see Milan in person so I will save this and add it to my bucket list.
Perfect! I hope you do visit one day
Good advice. I always find if you do the lesser known sites you often have a better experience. There are less crowds, and you end up with more time for additional sites. I also agree that it is important to try local cuisine, but authentic, not at the tourist traps. Sometimes just walking a block or two away leads you to where the locals eat.
Exactly! And you end up having a much better experience and for must less too 🙂
This is such a great post for traveling abroad. I've never been outside the US so this is so helpful and I would love to visit Italy one day soon!
I hope you come and visit us one day!
Thank you for these excellent ideas when visiting Milan! I love the mix of "must-see" attractions and activities blended with lesser known basilicas, restaurants, and experiences. Getting the 24 hour transport ticket sounds like it definitely pays off, too. As a real foodie, I appreciate your dining recommendations and would enjoy sampling Milanese cuisine (Ossobuco alla Milanese con risotto giallo - yum!) and especially the apericena. I am an art fan, too, so it would be cool to see the Trompe-l’œil in the cathedral by Donato. Simply stunning!
It is so stunning Jackie and 100% free too! You will love the Milanese dishes here 😀
There are so many good tips in this! Getting the transport ticket is a really good shout, especially because of the savings.
Thank you! Yes, it makes a big difference and can save you lots of money
Milan is an amazing destination with so many amazing places to see.
It really is
This is fantastic, I like how you break everything down & how easy of a read this is. I will keep all of these great tips in mind if I ever have the pleasure of visiting.
Thank you Luna! I hope you visit one day 🙂
These are all great tips. I'm a big believer in booking any trip well in advance, and of course, you have to sample the local food!
Thank you! I'm glad you find these useful 🙂