What to see in Milan Italy – Highlights – Italy Milano

Best things to see and do in Milan – Italy in 1 Day

Milan – Italy’s capital of fashion.

However, besides this find so much more in Milan. This really has something for everyone from museums to shopping and fashion to nice food and amazing coffee.

There are so many things to do & see. So what to see if you only have 1 day time. Below you will find the hightlight , the must -see atttractions in Milan – Italy.

What is the Climate & the best time to visit Milan – Italy

In the summer it can get hot and humid and winters are cold and foggy, so the best time to visit is Spring and Autumn.

For me, Spring – April – May, is the best time to visit Milan. The weather is mild and sometimes pleasantly warm but not too hot and you have less tourists during this time. In Autumn, September- October, its still warm but you can expect some rain during this period .

Try to avoid August, not only is it one of the hottest month in Milan and it can get really humid, but furthermore also a lot of shops might be closed. It is the vacation month of the locals (Italians). They are trying to avoid this weather and going on vacation somewhere else.

Getting Around

Depending on where you are staying
In the Urban Area itself you can just walk. Its a nice city to walk and you will find a lot of attractions close to each other.

To get to the Urban Area of Milan take the metro. Its really the easiest option.

The best ticket options are : ( We took the Milan City Pass, as it was the best optin for us)

Milan City Pass: unlimited access to public transportation( metro, bus, tram) within the Urban Area and Discounts for certain attractions/ museums. Price per person : 13,50 Euro ( 1 Day ) // 19:00 Euro ( 2 Days )// 21 Euro ( 3 Days)

1 Day or 3 day ticket: valid for 24h or 72h. Price per person: 7,60 Euro ( 1 Day ) // 13,00 Euro ( 3 days)

Children up to 10 years travel free in all public transportation in Milan -Italy

• Prices & Tickets are subject to change to better check on the website for the newest rates

What Language do they speak in Milan?

Italian is the official language of Milan and the rest of the country in Italy. However, most of the people speak English as well. Especially in the tourist areas. Furthermore, you will also hear some people speak Milanese which is a dialect of Italian in the Lombard, Milan region

What Currency do they have / do they accept ?

Euro is the currency of Italy. There are a lot of exchange places at the airport, train stations or banks. Moreover, almost all the places accept credit cards.

Conversions change so better check the current exchange rate. I usually have an conversion app like Xe on my phone so I can check quickly.

At the moment US Dollar and Euro are almost 1 to 1 : 1$ (USD) = 0.95 EUR

Tipping in Milan – Italy

Its its not mandatory, but most people leave a 10 % tip. Some restaurants charge a fixed “Coperto” service charge or serivce tax per person. So check the bill if service charges are already included in the bill.

Beautiful Must – See Places – Highlights for 1 Day

Here are some of the highlights you can enjoy in a short period of time .

Milan Cathedral – Duomo di Milano

Dress Code: If you want to access the Duomo, keep in mind to wear appropriate cloth.Meaning, no bare shoulders , covered knees and remove your headgear.

Is it free to enter ?
Well its free for prayer and worshipers, but also only in certain areas. If you want to see the full Duomo its chargeable.

So if you want to enter, and I definitely would recommend you to go at least to the Rooftop, below yousome ticket options :

Duomo Ticket options & prices

They have different options of tickets (prices & timing are subject to change, better check on the official website)
• Individual ticket prices – Rooftop Only
• Combination tickets

Rooftop: (open from 9:00 – 19:00, everyday)

*Rooftop by stairs: 10 Euro per adult
*Rooftop by lift: 15 Euro per adult
*Rooftop Fast Track – by lift : 24 Euro per adult // ( only on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 10:00 – 16:10)

Combination Duomo Pass ( access to cathedral, archaeological area, duomo museum, Church of San Gottardo and the Rooftop). This ticket is valid for 3 days. Open from 9:00 – 19:00, everyday. The museum is closed on Wednesdays

*Duomo Pass by stairs: 15 Euro per adult *Duomo Pass by lift: 20 Euro per adult *Duomo Pass – Fast Track: 28 Euro per adult // (only on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays from 10:00 – 16:10)

We took the Fast Track- Duomo Pass as it was only 8 Euros more than the Duomo Lift Pass. It really saved us some time and I didnt want to take the stairs 🙂

Even through we went in the morning, which is usually the time when its not so crowded, there was already a queue. So we took the Fast Track- Duomo Pass as it was only 8 Euros more than the Duomo Lift Pass. It really saved us some time and I didnt want to take the stairs 🙂

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just opposite of the Duomo you can find Italy’s oldest covered shopping arcade – Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It was build in 1865 – 1877 to connect Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. The arcade is covered with glass and an iron dome. The floor has colorful mosaics representing some of the cities in Italy .

Try to find the Mosaic of Torino the “ Little Bull”. There is a legend that, when you step with your right foot on the bull and spin 3 times with your eyes closed, you will have good luck.

Nowadays a lot of luxury shopping boutiques, fine restaurants and cafes ( like Cafe Biffi – founded in 1867) are in here. Surprisingly, you can also find McDonalds there. But have a look at the inside decoration ..Completely different than any McDonalds I have seen before.

If you are planning to enjoy a coffee in one of the nice little cafes, check the menu for the prices first. I paid more than 7 Euros for one Cappuccino. Just keep in mind that in a lot of restaurants service charges and/ or table service is added to the bill .

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci

Tram 16: (Monte Velino – San Siro Stadium ) Stop : S. Maria della Grazie

Probably one of the most known and famous paintings in the world. “ The Last Supper “ by Leonardo Da Vinci ( between 1495 – 1497) . The paining is huge, its 640 cm x 880 cm.

If you want to see the painting you must book a visit in advanced. They only allow small groups ( around 30-35 ) for 15 min each.

Normal ticket prices : 15:00 Euro per adult Opening time : closed on Mondays, other days from 8:15 – 19:00 ( prices and timings are subject to change, so check the official website)

Teh Audioguide was not available during the time I went, but the museum had an official App inorder to get more information.

The painting is in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which was established in 1463 – 1492. The church itself is not very WoW and really unspectacular compared to other churches in Milan – Italy .

Other activities / places you can visit during the day:

Nearby Place to visit:

• San Bernardino alle Ossa ( only 500 m from the Duomo)
o A small but unique church in Milan, which is not for everyone as the interior decoration is made of human skulls and bones
• Piazza Mercanti ( only 250 m from the Duomo)
o This square, which is one of the most beautiful ones in Milan, was the center of the city during the Middle Ages.
• Teatro alla Scala ( only 300 m from the Duomo)
o One of the most famous Opera houses in the World
o Close by at the Piazza della Scala you will find a large statue of Leonardo da Vinci
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana ( only 400 m from Duomo)
▪ Museum and Art Gallerie which also contains a lot of sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. Famous for its Library.