10 BEST Things to do in Milan, Italy

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Looking for the best things to do in Milan, Italy? We’re here to help!

Not only is Milan one of the four fashion capitals of the world, it’s also home to incredible food, wine, and culture. Plus, it makes an amazing base for day trips.

But with so much to do, where do you start? Fortunately for both you and us, we’ve spent a lot of time enjoying everything Milan has to offer, so now we’re here with our guide to the top 10 things to do! If you’re planning a trip to Milan, you won’t want to miss this! 

Things to do in Milan, Italy

1. Explore Milan’s top sights on a walking tour

• Duration: 3 hours 
• Time: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm 
• Highlights: visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie, seeing Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, seeing La Scala opera house, Milan Cathedral, Sforza Castle, exploring the trendy Brera District 
• Inclusions: professional guide, skip-the-line entry to Santa Maria delle Grazie and Milan Cathedral, audio headsets, small group tour
• Rating: 4.5 stars (check 2,250+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Milan is famously the home of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting, and you just CANNOT visit the city without seeing it! We booked this tour because it included skip-the-line access to see The Last Supper and Milan Cathedral and it was also a fantastic introduction to the city.

We met our guide near the Duomo, and began the day by exploring this stunning Milan Cathedral. It took over 600 years to complete, but now that we’ve seen it for ourselves, we can safely say that all of that hard work was worth it!

It was so intricate, and our guide, Marika, taught us a lot about its rich history including the stunning statue of Saint Bartholomew, one of Jesus Twelve Apostles. 

We followed Marika through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a gorgeous 19th-century shopping arcade that’s truly a work of art in itself. Then, we got to see La Scala, which is a world-famous opera house, and went on to explore the Brera District. It’s a super picturesque area where the city’s artsy, Bohemian crowd hangs out, and after walking through it, we can totally see why they’d want to live there! 

The highlight of the day was, of course, seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. I can’t lie, we both felt a little smug as we breezed past the long queues and went straight inside! Finally seeing this painting in person was pretty surreal, and the perfect way to wrap up the tour. 

We highly recommend booking this tour for your first day in Milan, as we found that it was the perfect introduction to the city!

Check out the 1,600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

2. Learn how to make gnocchi, pasta, and tiramisu

• Duration: 3 hours 
• Time: 5 pm 
• Highlights: learning how to make ravioli, gnocchi, and tiramisu; small group class; tasting local wines; spacious, modern kitchen
• Inclusions: all ingredients and equipment, professional instructor, soft drinks, wine, full dinner
• Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

This Italian cooking class was one of the best things we did in Milan! Chowing down on tons of pasta and tiramisu is truly one of the best parts of any Italian vacation, and it gets even better when you throw wine into the mix.

We were welcomed to the class by chef Francesco with a glass of Prosecco, which always goes down well with us! Francesco quickly proved to be not only an expert chef, but a fantastic teacher. He was engaging, funny, and full of tips on how to improve our cooking techniques! 

We tackled the tiramisu first, as it needed time to set in the fridge before serving. We made the cream from scratch and learned how to assemble the layers correctly. It was so worth it, because let me tell you, it was a million times better than any store-bought version we’ve ever had! 

Next up, it was time to make gnocchi. Francesco taught us how to make perfect pillows of potato dough, and we also made ravioli from scratch, which was actually easier than I thought it would be. Better still, Francesco kept our glasses topped up with delicious local wines as we cooked.

We finished it off by sitting down to enjoy dinner together as a group, and it was honestly the best meal that we had in Milan. 

This class is ideal for anyone who loves Italian food – which is everyone, right? It’s a fantastic experience whether you’re young or old, or a total novice or a talented cook.

Book this popular tour in advance here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.

3. Visit the Swiss Alps by train

• Duration: 12 hours 
• Time: 7:30 am 
• Highlights: free time in Saint Moritz, scenic journey through the Alps on the Bernina Express Red Train, commentary on-board
• Inclusions: round trip transport from Milan, train ticket, English-speaking guide 
• Rating: 4.5 (check 850+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Milan is a charming city, but I promise that you don’t want to neglect the incredible day trips that it offers! This day trip took us over the border to the Swiss resort town of St. Moritz, and then we got to take a scenic train ride through the Alps. It was incredible!

We boarded our air-conditioned coach bright and early, and then rode through the Italian countryside until we crossed over into Switzerland. We also made a quick stop for coffee and admired the views of gorgeous Lake Como along the way. 

Once we arrived in St. Moritz, we had free time to wander around this luxurious alpine town. We snapped some photos and headed to a cute local cafe for a pastry – when in Switzerland, right?

Then, we boarded the bright red Bernina Express. The huge windows ensured that we got amazing views of the Swiss Alps the train wended its way through the mountains. We saw lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and sparkling lakes, which was just magical. The train even climbed up to 7,390 ft (2,253 meters), which is the highest point a locomotive can reach in Europe!

The day was even better thanks to our knowledgeable guide, Maria Christina, because she was super funny and added a lot of local color to our day. I won’t lie, it was a pretty long day, but it was 100% worth it!

Check availability and secure your spot on this tour here.

4. Cycle around Milan’s hidden gems 

• Duration: 3 hours 
• Time: 10 am 
• Highlights: exploring the Brera District, stopping at a traditional café for a treat, checking out Chinatown, visiting Corsa Cosmo 
• Inclusions: bike rental, local guide, helmet, bottled water 
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 800+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

We always really enjoy bike tours, so we thought that this hidden gems tour would be a fun and unique way to explore Milan.

It was so much fun to whizz around the city and check out both the city’s famous landmarks and its lesser-known corners. Our guide, Jordan, was super friendly and knowledgeable, and he really brought Milan’s history to life by sharing facts and juicy local legends! 

We pedaled past iconic sights such as the Duomo, the Arc of Peace, and the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, but the real magic happened when we ventured off the typical tourist track to explore the charming local neighborhoods.

As we cycled through the Brera District, we got a true taste of local Milanese life. We fell in love with the narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and quaint cafes. 

Of course, no bike tour is complete without a pit stop. We paused at a traditional café where we were able to buy a well-deserved treat!

This tour was so much fun, and the perfect way to see both the touristy and local sides of Milan. It was such a great introduction to the city, and we actually returned to a few of the neighborhoods we visited later on in the trip to explore them more in depth.

See a different side of Milan when you book this tour here!

5. Eat your way through the city

• Duration: 3 hours 
• Time: 10 am – 6 pm 
• Highlights: sampling food from across Italy, checking out local favorite food spots, drinking wine
• Inclusions: food tastings, beer or wine, bottled water, local foodie guide
• Rating: 4.7 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Why even go to Milan if you don’t eat as much food as humanly possible? So with that in mind, we consider this street food walking tour a total must-do. It was a fun way to explore the city and we got to eat so much delicious food!

We got to visit some of Milan’s trendiest neighborhoods with our guide, Marco, who shared insights into local life in Milan and taught us all about the city’s vibrant foodie culture.

What we loved the most about this tour is that we got to try specialties from all over Italy. From Venetian-style sandwiches to crispy Liguria-style focaccia and Sicilian pastries, we were well and truly spoiled on this tour. One of my favorite things we tried were the authentic cannolis, I’ll dream about them for the rest of my life!

It’s safe to say that we were stuffed by the end of this tour, so make sure that you arrive hungry. We also got a few wine pairings which complemented the savory bites perfectly. Marco also gave us some fantastic recommendations for even more restaurants to check out after the tour ended, which we also loved. 

This tour was not only the perfect way to experience Milan’s culinary culture, it was like a mini food tour of the whole of Italy!

Don’t miss out – book this food tour here and get FREE cancellation options!

6. Take a day trip to Lake Como

• Duration: 9 – 11 hours 
• Time: 8:30 am 
• Highlights: cruising across Lake Como, admiring luxurious lakefront villas, exploring the charming village of Torno, trying Swiss chocolate and swimming in Lake Lugano, funicular ride up to Monte San Salvatore, free time in Como and Lugano 
• Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round trip funicular tickets, chocolate tasting, boat cruise on Lake Como 
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Lake Como is the most iconic lake in Europe, so you just can’t pass up the chance to glimpse its epic beauty for yourself while you’re in Milan. I can confidently say that this full-day tour was one of the highlights of our trip! 

We met at the Piazza Duca D’Aosta train station, and bought our train tickets before hopping on a 40-minute train ride to Lake Como.

Once we arrived, the wow factor really kicked in as we took a boat cruise around the lake. Picturesque would really be an understatement here – Lake Como has the kind of natural beauty that you just have to see for yourself!

After the cruise, we took a peaceful stroll through the lakefront village of Torno. We instantly fell in love with its cobblestone streets and serene atmosphere, and every corner was postcard-perfect. Then we were off to Switzerland to explore the gorgeous city of Lugano.

The best part, though, was that we got to do a Swiss chocolate tasting, which was a real treat for a sweet tooth like me! Then, we finished the day on a high note with a refreshing dip in Lake Lugano, which was pretty incredible. 

This tour enabled us to enjoy some of Italy and Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery, so we would truly recommend it to anyone. If you haven’t got time to do an overnight stay in Lake Como, then book this tour so that you don’t miss out on seeing it! 

Check out the 500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

7. Explore Milan’s famous Opera House – La Scala

• Duration: 1.5 hours 
• Time: 9:30 am – 4 pm 
• Highlights: exploring inside La Scala theatre, seeing the theatre without the crowds, learning about its history, small group or private tour
• Inclusions: La Scala tickets, knowledgeable guide, small group or private tour, headphones if necessary
• Rating: 4.6 stars (check 450+ reviews)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

La Scala is one of the world’s leading opera theatres, so we couldn’t miss this behind-the-scenes tour! It’s a true testament to the art of music and performance, and this guided tour taught us so much about the history of opera. 

We were led by a passionate expert, Danielle, who knew everything there is to know about La Scala. She gave us so much insight into the theatre’s origins and its journey to becoming one of the world’s most important opera theatres. 

To be honest, we were surprised by how simple La Scala’s exterior was, and we were a bit worried that the interior would be underwhelming. Fortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth! The space inside is gorgeous and opulent, and we were shocked when Danielle told us that it only took 3 years to complete. 

One of the highlights of the tour was getting to sit in one of the luxury boxes, where we had the chance to watch a rehearsal in progress. I’m not kidding when I say that it gave me chills! 

We also got to visit the in-house museum, where we were amazed by the collection of set designs, costumes, and musical instruments from some of La Scala’s legendary performances.

If you have any interest in music, opera, or history, then we highly recommend booking this tour. It definitely gave us a deeper appreciation for opera, so it’s a must for music fans. 

Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book in advance here!

8. Learn all about Milan’s history on a customizable, private tour

• Duration: 3, 4, or 8 hours
• Time: 8 am – 5 pm 
• Highlights: customizable tour, private experience, insider tips catered to you 
• Inclusions: hotel meet-up, English-speaking local guide, private walking tour, customizable itinerary
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Booking this private tour really changed how we experienced Milan! While some tours only scratch the surface, this tour allowed us to dive deep into the city’s culture and character. 

The fact that it was a private experience meant that we got to know our amazing guide, Reza, really well, and she was a Milanese local so she gave us a ton of insight into what it’s like to live where. But the best part of this tour was that it was fully customizable, so we were able to tailor it to our interests, and our interests alone! 

Of course, if you’re new to Milan and aren’t sure what to see, your guide will be more than capable of coming up with a fantastic itinerary before you. But as we had already seen a couple of the major sites, we asked Reza to show us a more local side of the city, and we had a blast.

She showed us some super cool areas that we wouldn’t have checked out otherwise, and took us to her favorite patisserie for a sweet treat. The flexibility of the tour was just incredible, and we loved the opportunity to really focus on the things that interested us.

Whether you’re into art, history, or food, this private tour will show you the real Milan! If you don’t have long to spend in Milan, we would highly recommend booking the 8-hour option, as it allows you to see a ton, and experience the many different aspects of the city. 

Check out all the tour options and book it before you go here!

9. Experience Milan’s famous fashion industry

• Duration: 1.5 – 2.5 hours 
• Time: 10:30 am, 3 pm, 4:30 pm 
• Highlights: visiting local boutiques, outlets, and designer stores; learning about Italy’s fashion industry; private, customizable walking tour 
• Inclusions: fashion expert guide, private tour, atelier workshop (if option selected) 
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check the reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

Milan is one of the world’s four major fashion cities, so you can’t say you truly know the city until you dive deep into its haute couture with this private fashion tour!

What we loved about this tour is that our guide, Jessica, made sure that it was tailored to our interests. When we met, she asked us if we wanted to explore high-end boutiques, unique artisan stores, or a little of everything! 

We were keen to learn about the history of fashion in Milan, and Jessica was more than happy to oblige. We met Jessica outside the Armani Hotel, and from there we went on to explore Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda – aka the fashion district.

She took us back in time and we learned all about how and why Milanese fashion began to rival Parisian couture in the 19th century, and what characterizes the unique Milanese flair! 

One of the highlights of this tour was visiting an artisan studio where we got to see how handcrafted pieces of clothing are made. Italy is famous for its fine craftsmanship, so it was exciting to see this in action!

It really made us appreciate how much skill and passion goes into each piece of couture. We also visited lesser-known local shops that we definitely wouldn’t have found on our own, and got a really personalized journey into the stylish soul of Milan. 

If you love fashion, then this tour is an absolute must!

Check availability and secure this tour here.

10. Go wine tasting in a UNESCO-listed wine region

• Duration: 10.5 hours 
• Time: 9 am 
• Highlights: free time to explore Alba, visiting the Grinzane Cavour Castle, wine tasting at a family-run winery
• Inclusions: private round trip transport from Milan, wine tasting, English-speaking tour guide 
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: yes 
• Price: Check price here!

We’re huge wine lovers, so we couldn’t resist the chance to book this wine tour to the stunning wine region of Piedmont. Not only did we get to taste 5 different local wines at a gorgeous winery, we also got to visit a UNESCO-listed castle and explore the medieval town of Alba. It was epic! 

The first stop of the day was Alba, a fairytale-worthy old town. Not only was it incredibly picturesque, we also popped into a few cafes and specialty shops and got our hands on some amazing local snacks.

Then, we headed to the Grinzane Cavour Castle, a 13th-century historic gem with magnificent views over the surrounding vineyards. Our guide, Stefano, taught us a lot about its rich history. I particularly enjoyed learning about Count Camillo Benso, who had a big role in developing the area’s wine industry.

All that talk about wine made us thirsty, and luckily, the last stop of the day was a family-run winery, where we got to do an extensive guided tasting. The landscape was beautiful and we enjoyed all of the wines, but getting to try the legendary Barolo wine was a really special treat! 

To sum it all up, this tour was the perfect way to experience the Piedmont region’s culture, history, and most importantly, wine!

Discover Milan’s historic wine region when you book this tour here!

Where to Stay in Milan, Italy

There are a ton of places to stay in Milan – it can be hard to choose! We stayed near the downtown area and found that to be really convenient to access the city’s best sights. To help narrow down your options, I’ve put together three excellent choices for a luxury, mid-range, and budget stay. 

Luxury – $$$

I love the Suite Milano Duomo, not only for its luxurious design, but for its amazing location! Just meters from the Duomo, La Scala, and near Milan’s top shopping street, you’re not far from all the action. The rooms are elegant and classy, offering standard hotel rooms with balconies and city views or full apartments.

Prices vary throughout the year, but start around €250 to €350 per night. Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

WorldHotel Casati 18 is a comfortable hotel for a moderate price, located very close to Milan’s Central Station. You can walk to the Duomo in about 20 minutes, and there’s a lot to explore surrounding. The rooms are modern and quite luxurious for the price point, and offer a range of room options. There is a restaurant, bar, and a lovely open air courtyard onsite.

Rooms range from about €150 to €300 depending on the time of year and room choice. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com. 

Budget – $

The Babila Hostel & Bistrot is an excellent choice for budget travelers who want to be close to downtown. It’s centrally located, just a 10 minute walk from Milan’s Cathedral, and you can access the metro station easily. They offer dorms or private rooms, and it’s a very nice, updated, clean hostel. The dorm rooms are reasonably priced at €35 to €60 a night, but the private rooms can get a bit expensive, starting at €230. 

Check prices and book this stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.

For even more options, check out all the hotels in Milan here!

Renting a Car in Italy

Renting a car in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond the cities—think charming Tuscan villages, dramatic Amalfi Coast drives, and hidden gems in the countryside. While Italy’s roads can be a little chaotic (especially in cities), with the right preparation, renting a car here can be an unforgettable and rewarding experience!

We always use Discover Cars when booking our rentals, and highly recommend them. They compare dozens of providers to find you the best rates, include important filters like “automatic transmission,” and offer affordable full insurance coverage. For more info, you can read our in-depth Discover Cars review here.

Tips for Renting a Car in Italy

• Drive on the right: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Right turns on red are illegal, and you must often yield to vehicles coming from the right at intersections.
• Stay alert and confident: Italian driving can feel aggressive in cities—expect assertive drivers, scooters weaving through traffic, and liberal horn use (often just a form of communication). Stay calm and practice defensive driving.
• Insurance is a must: We highly recommend adding full coverage insurance when booking. Minor damage like scratches and dents is common, especially in cities, and Discover Cars’ full protection gives you peace of mind at a low cost!
• Mind the ZTL zones: Many city centers have restricted traffic zones called ZTLs. Entering without a permit can result in a fine. Check with your hotel and use GPS with ZTL alerts.
• Choose the right vehicle: Roads in Italy can be narrow and parking tight, so a compact car is usually best. Most rentals are manual, but if you need an automatic, you can easily filter for one when booking with Discover Cars. 

What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy

• A valid driver’s license from your home country.
• If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
• You must be at least 18 years old, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Italy on your own terms!

Thanks for reading!

Milan was one of our favorite cities we’ve traveled to – ever! The beautiful architecture, rich history, amazing food and wine, and that charming Italian culture just made us swoon. After checking off a few of these top activities, you’ll feel the same way!

If you found this guide helpful, check out our other travel guides. We’ve traveled all over the world and have tons of resources to share. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you plan your next getaway – cheers!

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