Milan is an incredible city, known for its fashion, art, and rich history. From stunning architecture to world-renowned museums, the city offers more than enough to fill your days. But what if you only have one day?
Don’t worry—you don’t need weeks to enjoy Milan. With this self-guided walking tour—or, even better, our expertly curated Best of Milan Tour—you can make the most of every moment in this unforgettable city. If you’re time-strapped, the tour is your shortcut to Milan’s highlights—without the stress of planning or waiting in long lines.
Dreamy Start: A Castle in the Park
To start your exploration of Milan, you can’t miss the Castello Sforzesco and Sempione Park. Castello Sforzesco dates to the 15th century – today you can wander the courtyards on your own, but if you have some time, it houses excellent museums. You’ll find the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Musical Instruments, both of which give you a peek into Milan’s rich culture and heritage. For art history lovers there is the last Pietà Rondanini of Michelangelo – his final, incomplete masterpiece.
If you’d rather grab a bit of fresh air, take a walk through Sempione Park that surrounds the castle. Surprisingly you’ll find the hustle and bustle of the city muffled down here.
Once you’ve taken a bit of a walk, it’s time for a caffè, wouldn’t you say? Head into the nearby neighborhood of Brera to grab a specialty coffee at Cafezal Torrefazione. Cafezal is a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own coffee. In 2019 they were recognized as one of the best cafes in the whole EU and they serve as a cozy place for a quick break.
If you don’t have time to explore all the museums here, don’t worry—our guided Best of Milan Tour includes key highlights and historical context so you won’t miss a beat.
Castello Sforzesco houses many of Milan’s museums and art collections. Photo Credit: Henrique Queiroz da Silva
Brera: An Art-Filled Pause
No self-guided tour of Milan would be complete without a visit to the Brera neighborhood. Brera’s charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and artistic atmosphere will make you fall in love with the city.
Here’s where you will find the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses an impressive collection of paintings from Italy and beyond. If you’ve got at least an hour and a half, try to reserve a quick visit to the Pinacoteca – you won’t regret it.
Beyond art, Brera is also known for its trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. This is also a perfect time to grab some lunch!
Some highlights of Brera you shouldn’t miss:
- The Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)
- Quaint boutique shops selling unique Italian goods
- Vibrant outdoor terraces, perfect for people-watching
- Stylish cafes and pastry shops for a midday treat
Elegant Brera is one of Milan’s most elegant and chic neighborhoods. Photo Credit: Danielle Jensen
Piazza del Duomo: The Center of It All
After you’ve had your lunch, it’s time to stroll down to Piazza del Duomo. On your way to see the famous Duomo of Milan, you might want to peek into the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
While of course, Starbucks is not exactly Italian, the coffee house decided to open a local roastery right in the heart of Milan to win over locals. It’s a beautiful location, and inside it is much more than just a cafe. You can take a tour of the roastery and learn about the history and art of coffee-making, or simply enjoy a cup of your favorite blend.
Just a few steps away, you’ll enter the impressive Piazza del Duomo and lay your eyes on Milan’s historic Duomo church.
Milan Cathedral
The Duomo is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan, featuring a unique blend of white marble and pink Candoglia marble. The outside decoration of the cathedral boasts an impressive collection of over 3,500 statues. Even more impressive, the Duomo is the fifth-largest cathedral in the world.
Lines can get long here—another reason why our guided tour is a smart choice if time is tight. With skip-the-line access, you’ll be at the top of the Duomo in minutes instead of waiting in the square.
Short on Time? Take Our Tour Instead.
If you’re trying to see Milan in a single day, don’t leave it to chance.
Our Best of Milan Tour is tailor-made for travelers who want to experience the city’s top sights—without the hassle of lines, tickets, or guesswork. You’ll get expert storytelling, skip-the-line access to the Duomo and the Last Supper, and a thoughtfully paced itinerary that includes everything from historical landmarks to Milan’s elegant fashion arcades.
Whether you’re on a tight schedule or just want the most rewarding experience possible, our tour helps you unlock Milan’s best—with zero stress and maximum impact.
- Duomo with rooftop access
- The Last Supper (with guaranteed admission)
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and more
- Led by a local expert guide
Cafes, Gallerias, and Milan’s Fashion District
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
To continue your self-guided tour of Milan, it would be hard to miss the elegant Galleria of Milan located to the left.
Even if the shopping might be out of budget, it’s worth a walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This stunning arcade, named after the first king of Italy, was built in the late 19th century by Giuseppe Mengoni.
The highlight of the Galleria is the central dome which is adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes. It depicts four continents of the world, while the floor mosaic below depicts the various coats of arms of the Kingdoms of Italy – Turin, Florence, and Rome, plus Milan. You might notice the bull of Turin – where visitors spin right on his genitals. This is because spinning three times is said to bring you good luck!
As you walk around, you’ll notice that the Galleria is home to some of Milan’s most luxurious shops, including Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Here, you can find the latest designer collections, but also peek into some delicious cafes – like Marchesi.
Marchesi
Marchesi is a historic pasticceria (pastry shop), originally located in the Sant’Ambrogio neighborhood. Due to their popularity, they opened a location in the Galleria. Here, you can enjoy a sweet pastry and coffee in a vintage and elegant atmosphere while watching the traffic of the Galleria pass by.
The Galleria is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery.
Navigli District: Perfect Mix of Past & Present
Once you’ve had your fill of the center, it’s time to head towards Milan’s famous canals, the Navigli district. This is the perfect place to head to for a delicious Milan aperitivo – a Milanese tradition you can’t miss.
To get there you’ll walk through Port Ticinese and pass by the ancient Colonne di San Lorenzo. These are a series of Corinthian columns from the 4th century. While originally just a collonade, today they outline a small piazza for the Basilica of San Lorenzo, creating a social space that fills during the evening.
Continue on and you will soon reach the Navigli.
The Navigli were once an even more extensive system of canals used to transport goods and materials throughout the city. Today the two main canals are lined with trendy bars and restaurants, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors.
Beyond wining and dining – you should keep an eye out for Navigli’s excellent art scene. The district is home to several art galleries and studios, where you can see works by local and international artists. Plus on your way down through Porta Ticinese, and at the end of the Navigli, you’ll catch lots of intriguing street art.
Where to Have Aperitivo in Milan
Truth is there are so many excellent bars in this area, but today we’ll share just two of our favorites:
Rita
A true Navigli tradition, Rita always offers a lively and warm atmosphere. In addition, they make some fantastic craft cocktails and offer a small selection of aperitivo snacks alongside.
Vinoir
Wine lovers should head over to Vinoir, a local natural wine bar. They offer a great selection of Italian small producers, and the staff is always enthusiastic about helping you find the perfect glass or better understand the wine.If you decide to keep exploring and try more of the great food Milan has to offer, consider a trip down to Erba Brusca. It is a bit far, so if it is getting late you may want to consider a taxi. If it is the weekend, be extra sure to call ahead a book a spot.
Erba Brusca
Erba Brusca is a hidden gem on the edge of the Navigli. It is a restaurant that lives and breathes sustainable food. They have an in house garden and choose local in-season ingredients, changing their menu weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Milan
How much time do I need to see Milan’s highlights?
If you want to experience Milan’s main sights—such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and Navigli—you can see quite a lot in one full day on foot. If you want to include museums or the Last Supper, consider booking ahead or joining a guided tour for skip-the-line access.
Is Milan walkable?
Absolutely! Milan’s center is compact, and most major attractions are within walking distance. Comfortable shoes are a must, and strolling from neighborhood to neighborhood is one of the best ways to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Duomo or Last Supper?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance—especially for the Last Supper, which often sells out weeks ahead. For the Duomo, advance tickets can help you skip the long lines and make the most of your day.
The truth is, Milan has so much more to offer beyond what you’ve seen today. We hope this self-guided tour gave you a memorable taste of the city’s highlights and left you inspired to explore further. If you’re eager to dive deeper into Milan’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems, be sure to check out our check out our Best of Milan tour, to make sure you check all the boxes of places to see in this beautiful city!