Milan travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October bring mild weather. July and August are hot and humid, and many local restaurants and shops close for part of August. Winter is cold and can be foggy.

Hotels fill and rates rise during Milan Fashion Week in February and September and during the Salone del Mobile design fair in April. Plan early if your dates match.

How many days you need

Two days cover the Duomo and its roof, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, The Last Supper, the Brera district and an evening in the Navigli canal area.

Add a third day for the Sforza Castle and Sempione Park, or a day trip to Lake Como, which is under an hour by train.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Malpensa (MXP): the Malpensa Express train runs to Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale stations. The trip takes about 37 minutes to Cadorna and about 50 minutes to Centrale. Coaches also run to Centrale.

Linate (LIN): the M4 Metro line links the airport to the centre and reaches San Babila near the Duomo in about 12 minutes.

Bergamo (BGY): coaches run to Milano Centrale.

Getting around

Milan has five Metro lines (M1 to M5), plus trams and buses. The ATM single ticket is valid for 90 minutes on the network, and day passes exist. Contactless bank cards can be tapped at the Metro gates. The old yellow trams are a pleasant way to cross the city.

The centre is walkable. The Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala are a few minutes apart. Use the Metro to reach the castle, Navigli or Porta Nuova.

Where to stay

The Duomo and Centro area is the most convenient and the most expensive. Brera suits visitors who like boutiques, art and quiet cafés. Navigli has canals, bars and restaurants, and is lively at night. Porta Nuova has modern towers and a business feel. Areas near Centrale station are convenient for trains and airports, but some streets are less pleasant late at night.

What to book in advance

Advance booking is required for The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, for everyone. Visits are in small timed groups, tickets are named, and they sell out weeks ahead, so book as soon as you know your dates. New tickets are released in batches, so check the official site for the release dates. The Duomo roof terraces and the cathedral use timed or combined tickets. La Scala museum is easy to visit without booking, but opera and ballet performances sell out.

Check each site's closing day. The Last Supper is closed on Mondays, on 1 January and on 25 December.

Common mistakes to avoid

Trying to buy The Last Supper tickets on the day. They are almost never available.

Visiting only the Duomo and leaving. Milan rewards walks through Brera and the Navigli area.

Sitting at a table in a café on the Duomo square. Prices are far higher than at the bar.

Driving into the centre. A congestion charge zone called Area C applies to cars during the day.

Entering the Duomo in shorts or with bare shoulders. Staff can refuse entry.

Money, tipping and practical notes

Italy uses the euro. Cards are accepted in most places. Tipping is not expected and many people leave a few coins or round up.

Many restaurants charge a small cover fee per person. The plug type is C, F and L, at 230 volts. Tap water is safe to drink. Hotels add a city tourist tax per night. Check the official Italian government site for visa rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Milan