8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts

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Last updated on September 11th, 2024.

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

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.

Outside Duomo di Milano - Milan travel tips
Outside the iconic Duomo di Milano
Inside Duomo di Milano - things to know before visiting Milan
Inside the stunning cathedral

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:

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.

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.

Duomo di Milano by night - Milan travel tips cover
Duomo di Milano by night

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

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.

Ossobuco alla Milanese Al Cantinone - best things to eat in Milan
Ossobucco alla Milanese con risotto giallo
Risotto all Amarone - Al Cantinone Milan
Risotto all Amarone at 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.

Spontini pizza - Milan travel tips
Enjoy a hot slice at Spontini — Milan travel tips

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

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.

Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro
The false apse inside Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro — Milan travel tips

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

Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Don’t miss the incredible Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan

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

Don’t stay in the center of Milan

Milan is defined by more than just the Duomo and the surrounding shopping district. The city has dozens of vibrant neighborhoods to explore and places 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 in Milan and one we found to be very affordable. I list other Milan neighborhoods and areas probably best avoided in the city in is Italy safe to visit?

Pink tram - NOLA area in Milan
A pink tram passing through the NoLo area in Milan

Explore Navagli

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.

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.

8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts 1
Outside Bar Basso
Inside Bar Basso Milano
Inside the legendary bar — Milan travel tips

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

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.

Aperitivo Bar Basso - things to know before visiting Milan
Enjoy more than the standard aperitivo when you try 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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66 thoughts on “8 Milan travel tips: insider do’s and don’ts

  1. Renata says:

    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 😀

    • Lisa says:

      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

  2. Anam says:

    Oh, I love getting insider tips 😉😬! Milan is such a beautiful city. I would love to visit this place someday😍. Thanks for the tips 🙂.

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