What to do in Milan in 1 day? Whether you’ve got a quick layover or a short city break, this 24-hour Milan itinerary covers the best things to do in Milan, mixing must-see attractions with local food tips, hidden gems, and the ultimate aperitivo experience. Ready to make the most of your day in the city of design, fashion, and risotto? Andiamo!

How to Get to YellowSquare Milan from the Airport

1. From Malpensa Airport (MXP)
   
   • Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale (€13, 50 min)
   • Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Lodi TIBB (4 stops, €2.20)
   • 5-minute walk to YellowSquare Milan
2. From Linate Airport (LIN)
   
   • Bus 73 to San Babila M1 (€2.20, 25 min)
   • Metro Line 1 (Red) to Duomo, then Line 3 (Yellow) to Lodi TIBB
3. From Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY)
   
   • Shuttle bus to Milano Centrale (€10, 50 min)
   • Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Lodi TIBB

For schedules and updates, check Trenord and ATM Milano.

Morning: Duomo di Milano & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

• Visit the Duomo di Milano
  – Climb to the rooftop terraces for panoramic views (€15-20 with lift)
  – Metro Line 3 (Yellow) from Lodi TIBB to Duomo (5 stops, €2.20)
  

• Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
  -Free entry, perfect for photos and spinning on the bull mosaic for good luck

🎟️ Book your Duomo ticket here

Midday: Lunch in Navigli and a Canal-Side Walk

• Next stop on your 24-hour Milan itinerary is the Navigli district, famous for its canals, bridges, and street life.
  -From Duomo: Metro Line 3 (Yellow) to Porta Romana, then Tram 9 to Porta Genova
  -Enjoy a relaxed walk along the canals, check out small boutiques, art galleries, and street performers

Where to Eat: Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda (Local Tip)

• 📍 Via Vigevano, 11 – Navigli District
• What to order:
  
  • Cotoletta di Maiale (crispy pork cutlet)
  • Risotto alla Milanese
  • Get the House wine (“vino della casa”) – usually best price and very good!
    
• Cost: Around €15-20 per person

This is your YellowSquare Italian Super Tip™ — a real local spot hiding in plain sight.

Afternoon: Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione

• 🏰 Visit the castle courtyard (free) or the museums (€5)
• 🌳 Chill at Parco Sempione like a true Milanese with a gelato

After lunch, head to Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione for a cultural and relaxing afternoon.
🎟️ Plan your visit to Castello Sforzesco

Evening: Aperitivo Time – Two Great Options

• Wrap up your Milan day trip with the most local tradition: aperitivo.

Option 1: Aperitivo at YellowSquare Milan

• 📍 At YellowSquare Milan, Via Serviliano Lattuada, 14
• Aperitivo discount from 8pm to 9pm every day! International and local vibes, chill with us!
  See what’s on at YellowSquare
  

Option 2: Aperitivo at Casa Tua Osteria

• 📍 Via Lodovico Muratori, 10 – 10-minute walk from YellowSquare
• Cozy and budget-friendly
• Drinks + bites from €7-9
  Check Casa Tua Osteria on Google Maps

Bonus Hidden Gem: Fondazione Prada

• 📍 15-minute walk from YellowSquare or Bus 65 to P.ta Lodovica
• Contemporary art & design in a former distillery
• Don’t miss Bar Luce, designed by Wes Anderson
• Entry from €15, free outdoor spaces
  Explore Fondazione Prada

Practical Tips for Your Day in Milan

• Get a day pass (€7.60) for unlimited metro and bus rides
• Use YellowSquare lockers if you’re checking out early
• Stay hydrated and fuel up with coffee to keep your energy high

Milan can surprise you even in just one day. With this 1-day Milan itinerary, you’ll hit all the highlights, taste local flavors, and still have time to relax and soak up the city’s unique vibe. Come back anytime or explore more tips on our YellowSquare blog.

Have a good one 🙂

Did you know that there are so many things to see and do just a short distance from Milan?

I’m sharing my experience as a solo traveler at Lago di Como, along with some ideas for other day trips on my bucket list that I’ve already researched.

So, let’s go to it! My day trip experience from Milan.

Before starting my trip, I warmed up with a morning walk and a coffee with a friend. At 8:00 AM, I left Porta Romana and walked to Castello Sforzesco. I love morning walks, and since it was July, the sun was already warm but still pleasant—perfect for a day trip.

Behind Castello Sforzesco, we stopped at a café for a coffee. It was my first time in this area, and I found it very lively, with a university vibe, lots of cute cafés, and people already jogging or working out in the morning.

Martesana pastry shop
It’s actually more of a pastry shop, but perfect for a sweet treat with a good coffee.

After breakfast, I said goodbye to my friend and set off on my solo day trip from Milan. Getting to Como was super easy, and now I’ll tell you how my day went.

1. Como
Why visit?
A stunning place less than an hour from Milan. Como offers a mix of lake and mountains, with Christmas markets in winter, breathtaking views in autumn, and plenty of outdoor activities in summer, like boat rides, water sports, or simply relaxing in the sun. There are also amazing restaurants.

Cosa vedere?
Lungolago di Como, perfetto per una passeggiata.

Basilica di San Fedele

Duomo di Como, un capolavoro gotico.

Funicolare per Brunate, con vista spettacolare (6€ A/R).

Instead, I decided to go hiking! Walking is one of my passions, and I think it’s the best way to explore a new place.

It’s pretty easy to find the trail even without Google Maps. There are signs starting from the Duomo leading to the trail entrance. The difficulty is low, but it’s all uphill. After walking around the town and the lake, it can be a bit tiring but totally doable.
Duration: 1h30
Distance: 3km (6km if you walk back down)

On the way up, I saw a family of wild boars—my first time seeing them! I was alone and a little scared because people say that mother boars can become aggressive to protect their babies. But in the end, if you respect them and don’t do anything, they stay calm.
At the top, I was starving, so I stopped at the first place I found for a big plate of pasta. Only after that did I finally enjoy the well-deserved view from the lighthouse. In the end, the real reward isn’t just the food, but the moment when you stop, breathe, and take in the place you’ve reached.

Fun facts
George Clooney owns a villa on Lago di Como.
Como is famous for its high-quality silk production.

How to get there from Porta Romana
-Tram: Take Tram 9 from Viale Tunisia to Milano Centrale (10 min, €2.20).
-Train: From Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (40 min, €5-8 one way).
-Walk: From the station to the city center (10 min).
-Total travel time: ~1 hour (by train, but the enjoyment and coming back it the entire day – I went at 10:00am and ame back at 8pm in Milan)
-Round-trip transport cost: ~€15-20

As said before, near Milan there are many places to visit and easy to get to. For the next time you go to Milan, it is definitely worth taking 1 day to do a day trip.

2. Pavia – Culture, history, and good food
Why visit?
Pavia is a university town with a relaxed atmosphere and a historic center full of medieval and Renaissance monuments. Perfect for a stress-free cultural trip.

What to see
Ponte Coperto, the city’s symbol.
Duomo di Pavia, with one of the largest domes in Italy.
Castello Visconteo, home to Pavia’s Civic Museums.
Certosa di Pavia, one of the most beautiful monasteries in Italy (free entry).

Fun facts
The philosopher Descartes studied in Pavia.
The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe (1361).

How to get there from Porta Romana
Metro: Take M3 (yellow) from Repubblica to Milano Rogoredo (5 min, 2.20€).
Train: From Milano Rogoredo to Pavia (30 min, 5-7€ one way).
Walk: From the station to the historic center (10 min).
Total travel time: ~50 min
Round-trip transport cost: ~14-18€

3. Lago d’Iseo and Monte Isola – Nature
Why visit?
Less touristy than Como and Garda, Lago d’Iseo offers incredible landscapes. Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe, is perfect for a day of walks and good food.

What to see
Monte Isola, a car-free island ideal for biking and walking.
Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola, with breathtaking views.
Lungolago di Iseo, great for an aperitivo at sunset.

Fun facts
In 2016, artist Christo created “The Floating Piers,” a floating walkway on the lake.
Monte Isola is famous for its traditional cured meat, “Soppressata di Monte Isola.”

How to get there from Porta Romana
Metro: Take M3 (yellow) from Repubblica to Milano Centrale (2 min, 2.20€).
Train: From Milano Centrale to Brescia (50 min, 7-10€ one way).
Local train: From Brescia to Sulzano (30 min, 3€).
Ferry: From Sulzano to Monte Isola (5 min, 5€ round trip).
Total travel time: ~2 hours
Round-trip transport cost: ~25-30€

4. Vigevano – Renaissance history
Why visit?
Just minutes from Milan, Vigevano is an elegant town with one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, perfect for a cultural day trip.

What to see
Piazza Ducale, designed by Bramante.
Castello Sforzesco di Vigevano.
Museo della Calzatura, perfect for fashion lovers.

Fun facts
Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the city’s architectural projects.
Vigevano is considered the capital of luxury footwear.

How to get there from Porta Romana
Tram: Take tram 9 from Viale Tunisia to Milano Porta Genova (15 min, 2.20€).
Train: From Milano Porta Genova to Vigevano (35 min, 5€ one way).
Total travel time: ~1 hour
Round-trip transport cost: ~14-15€

These destinations are all easily reachable by train from Milan and with a friendly budget under 60€ for the day.

Enjoy this one! =)

Desta vez, queremos sair do caminho mais tradicional e começar explorando o vibrante distrito de Porta Romana, em Milão. Não dá para completar essa experiência sem provar alguns dos melhores gelatos da cidade enquanto nos aproximamos do centro histórico e de seus monumentos. Aqui estão três gelaterias imperdíveis, cada uma oferecendo sabores e experiências únicas.

Confira nossa página do Gelatour para mais detalhes e para embarcar nessa descoberta com novos amigos: Gelatour YellowSquare Milão.

Vamos descobrir as 3 melhores gelaterias para visitar em Milão.

1) Gelateria PiccoLina

Localizada na Via Orti 17, a Gelateria PiccoLina é um verdadeiro achado, conhecida por seu processo artesanal de fabricação de gelatos. Este local aconchegante oferece uma variedade deliciosa de sabores feitos com ingredientes de alta qualidade, tornando-se um dos favoritos entre moradores e turistas.

Por que recomendamos?

• Sabores autênticos: Experimente gelatos italianos tradicionais com um toque moderno, desde sabores clássicos até opções inovadoras.
• Ingredientes de qualidade: Comprometimento com o uso de ingredientes frescos e naturais, sem aditivos artificiais.
  Ambiente acolhedor: O espaço íntimo é perfeito para saborear seu gelato.

Distância do YellowSquare Milão: Aproximadamente 10 minutos a pé.
Google Maps

Instagram: @piccolinagelateria

2) Gelateria Porta Romana

Localizada no Corso di Porta Romana 126, esta gelateria é famosa por sua ampla seleção de sabores e texturas cremosas. Sua localização estratégica faz dela uma parada ideal durante suas explorações pela cidade.

Por que recomendamos?

• Grande variedade: Oferece uma ampla gama de sabores para agradar todos os gostos.
• Opções veganas: Gelatos veganos de alta qualidade para atender a todas as necessidades alimentares
• Localização conveniente: Perto de pontos turísticos importantes, ideal para uma pausa refrescante.

Distância do YellowSquare Milão: Aproximadamente 15 minutos a pé.
Google Maps

Instagram: @gelateriaportaromana

3) Ciacco. Gelato Senz’altro

Localizada na Via Spadari 13, Ciacco é conhecida por seus sabores inovadores e compromisso com ingredientes naturais. Esta gelateria é especializada em gelatos sem aditivos, garantindo um sabor puro e autêntico.

Por que recomendamos?

• Sabores inovadores: Cardápios atualizados regularmente com combinações criativas e sazonais.
• Ingredientes naturais: Foco em gelatos sem aditivos, destacando o sabor autêntico de cada ingrediente.
• Localização central: Situada no coração de Milão, perfeita para recarregar as energias durante seu tour pela cidade.

Distância do YellowSquare Milão: Aproximadamente 20 minutos a pé ou um curto
Google Maps
Instagram: Ciacco. Gelato Senz’altro

Agora que você conhece os melhores lugares para um gelato em Milão, pode se gabar com seus amigos por saber onde encontrar o verdadeiro sabor italiano. Na próxima vez que alguém for para Milão, você será o guia oficial do gelato! 🍦

01) Hangar Bicocca:

Ex capannone industriale, ospita mostre d’arte moderna e istallazioni fisse come “I Sette Palazzi Celesti” di Kiefer

02) Parco Sempione e Arco della Pace:

Il parco a ridosso del Castello Sforzesco, sorge sull’antica Piazza D’Armi, finito il suo utilizzo militare, si iniziò a piantumare la zona e a trasformarla a partire dall’800. L’Arco Della Pace nei pressi del parco è invece stato iniziato per celebrare la pace del Congresso di Vienna, con la conquista di Milano da parte degli austriaci, l’arco venne completato con una piccola beffa nei confronti dei francesi (precedenti occupanti di Milano), le sculture sulla sommità dell’arco, vennero posizionate in modo da dare le spalle alla Francia 

03) Vigna di Leonardo:

Regalata dal Duca di Milano Ludovico il Moro a Leonardo come ringraziamento per i servigi svolti in città, sorgeva fuori dalle mura cittadine, nei pressi di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Durante l’invasione, i francesi si accanirono particolarmente nel quartiere, in quanto sede di ville e abitazioni di persone di spicco della corte ducale.  Analizzando i resti ritrovati in loco, si è riusciti a “ricostruire” la tipologia e varietà delle piante originali e rimetterle in sede. Di pregio anche il contesto del palazzo (Atellani) che ospita all’interno del suo giardino la vigna

04) Cavallo di Leonardo:

Ricostruzione degli anni ’90 sui disegni di Leonardo del cavallo facente parte del monumento equestre in onore di Francesco Sforza. Leonardo riuscì solo a fare dei bozzetti e una prima scultura in gesso che venne usata dai francesi come bersaglio per i fucili durante l’invasione e distrutta. Purtroppo non è stato valorizzato in una zona centrale ma messo in periferia all’ippodromo.

05) Darsena:

Originariamente il porto commerciale della città, finché funzionante, era tra i dieci porti commerciali più importanti d’Italia. Caduto in disuso con la chiusura e interramento dei Navigli, è stata restaurata e riaperta in epoca recente come museo.

06) Chiuse Leonardesche:

A differenza di quanto detto da diverse guide locali, Leonardo non progettò I navigli (già esistenti) ma progettò e perfezionò il sistema di chiuse che consentivano la regolazione del livello dell’acqua e i lavori di manutenzione dei canali. I Navigli percorrevano originariamente tutta la città di Milano e la Lombardia, creando una rete di viabilità già in epoca antica che ha facilitato gli spostamenti commerciali della città, nonché il trasporto delle pietre necessarie alla costruzione del Duomo

07) Villa Invernizzi:

Chiunque abiti a Milano è passato almeno una volta a sbirciare il giardino di questa villa, la sua caratteristica particolare sono i fenicotteri che lo abitano, decisamente pittoreschi nel contesto urbano

08) Cimitero Monumentale:

Luogo di sepoltura delle personalità più illustri, è un luogo sicuramente suggestivo per le sue sculture

09) Biblioteca e Pinacoteca Ambrosiana:

Raccoglie opere prestigiose di vari artisti e il Codice Atlantico, ovvero la raccolta di scritti e schizzi autografi di Leonardo Da Vinci.

Curiosità: la biblioteca ospita una teca con una ciocca di capelli appeartenuti a Lucrezia Borgia, figlia di Papa Alessandro VI

10) Abbazia di Chiaravalle:

Non lontano da Milano sorge una splendida abbazia dell’ordine cistercense fondato da San Bernardo di Chiaravalle. Il complesso sorse in una zona paludosa e disabitata, bonificata poi dai monaci che si insediarono. Nella zona si creò presto un borgo dato l’aumento di lavoro agricolo e di allevamento di bestiame, quest’ultimo portò una sovrapproduzione di latte che costrinse I monaci ad ingegnarsi per la conservazione di quest’ultimo, perfezionando la stagionatura dei formaggi e portando così a creare il Grana Padano.

Caratteristica la colonna intrecciata all’ingresso del chiostro e la maestosa torre a base ottagonale chiamata anche in modo scherzoso e affettuoso: Ciribiciaccola

Combo altri due consigli —->

Palazzo Clerici: residenza urbana del marchese Clerici è uno stupendo palazzo barocco del ‘700 affrescato tra gli altri anche da Tiepolo 

Palazzo Galimberti: Uno dei massimi esempi di arte Liberty a Milano, vale la pensa vederli da vicino le soluzioni razionali tipiche del modernismo, eccessi barocchi e forme neoclassiche intorno ai palazzi e la città.

Milano is big Milano is beautiful Milano in the future.  when you first book your plane tickets to come to Italy Milano is in the plans. Of course, it is not Rome the beautiful and antique Rome.  but Milano has something of the future something I Vanguard that you really can not come across in any other place of the world. 

For he who steps foot for the first time in Milano, you should know you are landing in the playground of fashion, design, and all kinds of exciting events beyond your wildest dreams. In Milano, there is a week dedicated to quite anything. Design week, fashion week, architecture week – so many opportunities of meeting people and upgrading your skills and your life.

The Navigli, of course

When you are new to the city, one amazing area to get lost in is the Navigli. The Navigli is way more than simple canals surrounded by bars, restaurants, and clubs. First and foremost, they are an important part of the historical center of Milano. Little do most people know that in the past, Milano very much resembled Venice in that streets were linked with canals. Today, even though most of them have been destroyed, the area is still crossed by two canals that make the neighborhood cozy and friendly.

It is an amazing area to have fun in, whether you are hanging out with your partner, your friends, or your family. If you are a fan of vintage shopping, or if you like to grab a drink after a full day visiting the city, then this is the spot for you. Food tip: we strongly recommend having a bite at Pizzium, one of the best pizzerias around.

The Dome of Milano

Of course, this mini-guide of Milano wouldn’t be complete without the famous Dome of Milano. We know this is one of the top attractions in the city, and it looks fabulous from each corner of the Piazza del Duomo. You can even get on the rooftop to catch a glimpse of the grandeur of Milano – a cool spot for an Instagram sunset moment.

If you are a history and religion lover, we strongly recommend you to catch a  glimpse of the famous Leonardo da Vinci ‘Last Supper’ painting. It has been safely and jealously guarded by the city for ages, and it is truly an imposing part of the country’s culture that you would set your eyes on.

Shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

When you visit a city, bringing back souvenirs for family – and yourself – is a part of the deal. For this matter, another area that you would very well do to visit – especially if you are a shopping enthusiast – is the very elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. How can you not feel like a queen or a king taking a stroll between the luxurious restaurants and clothing shops nearby? 

Churches, please

In Milano, much like in any part of Italy, churches and basilicas are very much loved. As part of our selection, we would recommend a visit to Chiesa di Santa Maria Presso San Satiro, a church that dates back from the 9th century. It is located in the Centro Storico, as is Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. It is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Milano, and there is reason enough to regard this monument as one of the most famous in the world. It is gold, it is paintings, it is art and architecture all rolled into one. 

Fun fact: in this church, you will be able to enjoy a reproduction of the Last Supper painting. Then, close by, you can take a walk at The Palazzo Litta, an astounding baroque building from the 17th century. Your best bet to enjoy the city to the fullest is to lose yourself in the ancient architecture of this very avant-garde City.

Can a city be complete without a castle, though?

Despite its very artistic and design look at times, Milano still remains very much engraved in the past. It does not let go of its record nor of its gigantic history. A proof of this love for tradition and history is the Castello Sforzesco, one of the greatest pieces of evidence of the city’s power. In 2 or 3 hours tops, you can wander the Castle – absolutely for free. In the nearby park, you can come across a mini Arc de Triomphe that will teleport you to the elegant Paris, only a few meters away from the center of Milano.

Must-visit: the Monumental Cemetery

When you’re on vacation, the last thing that you would like to do is visiting a cemetery. However, catacombs, crypts, and cemeteries really boast a supernatural personality in Italy. We strongly recommend that you visit the Monumental Cemetery when you’re in Milano. No shady vibes, on the other hand, this is the very opportunity to enjoy Italian art from the 19th and 20th centuries. There are engraved and sculpted masterpieces all around, and the cemetery building itself is absolutely stunning.

Of course, you don’t have to do this on your own. If you would like to visit the city with a true local, you can always get a guided tour of the historical center or a ghost tour if you want to mix things up a little bit.  

So there you have it some of the very best places to visit get lost in and enjoy the finer things from the Italian culture. There are so many ways to visit Milano that it’s really difficult to end this article there. From luxury shopping to avant-garde design and buildings made from glass and concrete and wood, it is a city for the dreamer.

If you would like to get away from the city just for a day or two, Lake Como is a stone’s throw away. It is one of the most peaceful places you will ever find in your life, filled with blue, green, water, and mountains that surround you, your dreams, and your happiness.