Milan
Visited in December 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Metropolitan City of Milan
- Population
- 1.4 million
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Milan Malpensa (MXP)
- Coordinates
- 45.46°N, 9.19°E
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Overview
Milan is Italy's business and fashion capital, a city that keeps its best side slightly hidden. Behind sober façades lie courtyards, private gardens and some of the country's finest art.
Allow time for the big three of the Duomo, The Last Supper and La Scala, then slow down. Evenings start with aperitivo in the Navigli or Brera, and the lakes and mountains are an easy train ride away.
Things to see
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Photo: Jiuguang Wang, CC BY-SA 3.0 Milan Cathedral
A forest of marble spires that took six centuries to finish. Walk across the roof terraces among the statues.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Leonardo da Vinci, Public domain The Last Supper
Leonardo's fresco in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie is seen in small timed groups, so book well ahead.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Marco Pagani, CC BY 3.0 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
A glass-roofed 19th-century arcade of cafés and boutiques linking the Duomo square with La Scala.
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Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sforza Castle
A huge brick fortress housing museums that include Michelangelo's last, unfinished sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
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Photo: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 3.0 Pinacoteca di Brera
A superb gallery of Italian painting, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Mantegna.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Flavmi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Aperitivo in the Navigli
Join locals for a spritz and snacks beside the canals in the early evening.
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Photo: John Picken, CC BY 2.0 Opera at La Scala
Even a restricted-view seat at the world's most famous opera house is worth it; daytime tours show the museum and auditorium.
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Photo: Luca Casartelli, CC BY-SA 2.0 Day trip to Lake Como
Trains reach Como or Varenna in about an hour, and ferries link the lakeside villages.
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Photo: Darsheni, CC BY-SA 3.0 Explore Porta Nuova
The modern skyline of glass towers includes the Bosco Verticale, apartment blocks covered in trees.
Where to stay
Brera
Cobbled, artistic and central, with plenty of restaurants. A good first choice.
Hotels in BreraNavigli
Lively at night around the canals, better for those who want bars on the doorstep.
Hotels in NavigliCentrale
Practical and good value near the main station, with direct airport trains.
Hotels in CentraleDuomo
Right in the centre for sightseeing, though pricier and quieter at night.
Hotels in Duomo
Getting around
The Metro and trams cover the city well, and you can tap a contactless card at the gates. The centre is compact enough to walk between most sights.
The Malpensa Express train reaches Cadorna or Centrale in around 40 to 50 minutes. Linate airport is closer and linked by Metro line M4.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are mild and bright. Summers are hot and humid, and many locals leave in August. Design Week in April and the fashion weeks fill hotels fast, while winters are cold and often foggy.
Plan your trip to Milan
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.