Milan is a city of fashion, food, and history. From the Duomo’s Gothic spires to evenings spent over aperitivo, it is an easy and rewarding weekend escape from the UK.
In this Milan travel guide you will find the best things to see and do, where to eat and drink, and the top places to shop and pick up unique souvenirs. We flew direct from Bristol to Milan, spent a few days in the city and then hired a car to explore Lake Como.
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What to See and Do in Milan
Duomo
The Duomo is more than a landmark, it is the heart of Milan. This Gothic cathedral is one of the largest in the world and took almost six centuries to complete. Its façade is covered in thousands of statues and carvings, crowned by the golden Madonnina watching over the city.
The highlight of our visit was the rooftop. You can take the stairs for around €10 or pay €15 to use the lift, which is worth it. From the terraces, the views stretch across the city and on a clear day as far as the Alps. Inside the cathedral there is a dress code, shoulders and knees must be covered, and if you forget you can buy a cover for about €3. High heels are not allowed on the rooftop so flat shoes are best.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Right next to the cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the most elegant shopping galleries in the world. Beneath its glass dome are designer boutiques, historic cafes and some of the best people watching in Milan.
We stopped at Pasticceria Marchesi, one of Milan’s most historic cafes, tucked inside the Galleria above Prada but accessed through its own entrance. Despite the luxurious setting, it was surprisingly affordable — two cappuccinos and two croissants cost €10. It was the perfect spot to pause and watch the world go by. Before leaving, don’t forget the local tradition: find the mosaic bull on the floor, place your heel on its genitals, and spin three times for good luck.
For a quick bite, Luini is just around the corner, but more on that later in the food section.
Art and Culture
Milan is home to some of Italy’s most important cultural treasures.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
At the top of the list is Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church that houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The mural is located in the convent’s refectory and is one of the most famous works of art in the world. Visits are strictly limited to 15 minutes, with only a small group allowed inside at a time, so tickets must be booked well in advance as they sell out quickly. Standard tickets cost around €15, and you will need to show ID that matches the name on your booking. The site is closed on Mondays and open the rest of the week from morning until early evening. Standing in front of the painting, even for a short time, is unforgettable, and the church itself is also worth a look for its architecture and peaceful cloister.
Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Another cultural landmark is the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, a historic complex that combines a library, an art gallery and a museum. Founded in 1607, it was one of the first public libraries in Europe and today it houses rare manuscripts by Leonardo da Vinci, including pages from the Codex Atlanticus. The adjoining Pinacoteca Ambrosiana features masterpieces by Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raphael and Titian. Backpacks are not allowed inside but can be left for free at the entrance. Tickets cost around €15 and include access to both the library and gallery. Allow at least one to two hours to explore. Located just a short walk from the Duomo, the Ambrosiana is a fascinating stop even if you do not usually visit museums.
Teatro alla Scala
For music lovers, Teatro alla Scala is unmissable. One of the most famous opera houses in the world, it has hosted premieres of works by Verdi, Puccini and Rossini. Even if you do not have time for a performance, the Teatro alla Scala Museum offers a look at costumes, instruments and the theatre’s history. Entry to the museum costs around €9, and depending on rehearsals, you may be able to peek into the gilded auditorium.
Castello Sforzesco
Another historic site is Castello Sforzesco, the fortress built in the fifteenth century by the ruling Sforza family. Today it houses several museums, with collections ranging from Renaissance art to armour and musical instruments. Tickets cost around €5 and include access to all of the museum spaces, with highlights such as Michelangelo’s unfinished Rondanini Pietà. Even if you choose not to go inside, the castle’s courtyards are free to walk through and open out into Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s most popular green spaces and a good spot to pause between sights.
Together these sites show how Milan is more than just fashion and shopping. It is a city with deep cultural roots, where Renaissance art, literature and music still shape its identity today.
Unusual Sights
Not everything in Milan is about fashion, grand cathedrals and Renaissance masterpieces. The city also has a few unusual corners that show a very different side of its history and culture.
One of the most striking is San Bernardino alle Ossa, often called the bones church. Tucked away just a few minutes from the Duomo, this small chapel is decorated with human skulls and bones arranged along the walls and around the altar. The tradition dates back to the thirteenth century, when a nearby cemetery ran out of space and the remains were moved into the church. It is atmospheric, a little eerie, and completely unlike the city’s other religious sites. Entry is free, and it only takes around 10–15 minutes to visit, so it is easy to include while exploring central Milan.
Relaxation
QC Terme Milano
One of the most memorable experiences of our trip was an afternoon at QC Terme Milano, a spa just a few steps from Porta Romana. Hidden behind sixteenth century walls, it feels like an oasis in the heart of the city where gardens, water features and historic architecture create a calming atmosphere.
We arrived around one in the afternoon and it was quiet, which made it a relaxing start. Entry cost €140 for two people, which included five hours in the spa and aperitivo. There is also an option for unlimited entry after three in the afternoon.
Check in is self service. You are given a bracelet linked to your locker which shows your number and exit time. Inside you will find a robe, towel and flip flops waiting for you. At three o’clock there is free gelato, and at five o’clock the aperitivo begins. You can help yourself to food for half an hour and order two drinks per person, with choices like Campari, prosecco and spritz. Guests usually stay in their bathrobes while they eat and drink.
The spa itself is large and full of themed rooms and pools. My favourites were the cinema sauna, the storm room, the bird room and the tram sauna. Each space offers a different combination of light, sound and scent, so it really feels like a journey for the senses.
A few tips: bring a waterproof case if you want to carry your phone, as the robes have no pockets. Pack a small bag for wet swimwear as none are provided. Book your visit in advance, although payment is made on arrival.
QC Terme Milano was the perfect way to slow down in between sightseeing, and I would happily return.
Neighbourhoods
Navigli District
Navigli was the part of Milan that felt most alive after dark and it is an area I would recommend to everyone.
This is Milan’s canal district with a history as fascinating as it is lively today. The canals were once vital for transporting goods, including the marble that built the Duomo, and Leonardo da Vinci worked on improving the locks.
Today it is one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, filled with bars, restaurants and boutiques. On many Sundays there are flea markets along the canals, with stalls selling vintage clothes, vinyl, antiques and crafts. You will also come across quirky spots such as the smallest bar in the world and a love lock bridge. Alongside traditional trattorias there are plenty of modern dining options, from casual pizza slices to fine dining, and even a branch of the TikTok famous Osteria da Fortunata.
For a more traditional Milanese experience we ate at Osteria del Binari, a beautiful restaurant set under vineyards by the old railway lines. The atmosphere felt authentic and local, and the menu included classic dishes such as cotoletta di vitello alla Milanese. They also serve a five course tasting menu for around €70 per person.
Navigli is also the best place in Milan to experience aperitivo. The atmosphere is lively every night of the week, and even on a Sunday evening the canals were full of music, lights and crowds spilling out onto the streets. It is about a 30 minute walk from the Duomo or 20 minutes by car.
Brera District
Brera is another neighbourhood worth exploring. Known for its artistic atmosphere, its narrow streets are lined with galleries, boutiques and small cafes. It feels more relaxed than the main fashion streets and is a good place to wander without a plan. Whether you are browsing shops, visiting an art gallery or stopping for coffee, Brera offers a slower and more local side of Milan.
Food and Drink in Milan
Milan has everything from quick bites on the go to elegant restaurants where you can linger over several courses.
Panzerotti
Luini is Milan’s most famous stop for panzerotti, the fried pastries that have become a local classic and a must-try snack while sightseeing. The bakery opened in 1949 when Giuseppina Luini brought the recipe from her native Puglia, and it has been a favourite with both locals and visitors ever since.
The most popular choice is the classic tomato and mozzarella, but we were recommended the spinach and ricotta, which was just as delicious. There are also sweet versions filled with chocolate or jam. Prices are very reasonable, usually between €3 and €4 each, which makes it a cheap and satisfying bite in the heart of the city.
Luini is located just behind the Duomo and keeps traditional Italian opening hours. It usually opens from 10 am to 3 pm, then reopens from 4 pm to 8 pm, and is closed on Sundays. Queues often form at lunchtime, but service is quick and the wait is part of the experience. For many people, no trip to Milan feels complete without trying a panzerotto here.
Panini
For lunch near the Duomo, Con Mollica o Senza is a Naples-born sandwich shop that has become hugely popular in Italy, thanks in part to TikTok and Instagram. The name means “with or without the inside,” a nod to how Neapolitans often customise their bread by keeping or removing the soft inner part.
The panini here are generously filled with fresh local ingredients like mozzarella, mortadella, prosciutto and seasonal vegetables. Prices are around €10, making it more expensive than Luini but still good value for the size of the sandwiches. The buzz means there is almost always a line outside, especially at lunchtime, but service is quick once you reach the counter.
We also walked past Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a historic Sicilian brand that first opened in Palermo in 1834. The Milan branch has become popular thanks to TikTok, and when we passed by it was packed with people queuing for arancini, panelle and stuffed focaccia. The brand is known for bringing authentic Sicilian street food to the north of Italy and has even expanded internationally with a restaurant in London.
Cotoletta alla Milanese
For restaurants, we tried a mix of modern and traditional.
One highlight was Max Mariola’s restaurant, run by the celebrity chef who is well known across Italy for his TV appearances and hugely popular Instagram and TikTok videos. His tagline “It’s the sound of love” has become instantly recognisable to his fans, and his short clips of cooking carbonara or cacio e pepe have made him one of the country’s most watched chefs online.
My boyfriend, who is Italian, recognised him straight away and was excited to try his food in person. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere that feels very different from the cosy trattorias Milan is known for. The menu highlights Roman classics, and the star dish is his carbonara, which he sometimes prepares directly at the table, tossing the pasta with pecorino and guanciale right in front of diners. It felt like part meal, part performance, and was a real highlight of our trip. If you are curious before visiting, it is worth checking out his Instagram, where you will find the same passion and energy that carries through to the restaurant.
By contrast, Osteria del Binari in the Navigli district offered a more traditional experience. Tucked under vineyards by the old railway lines, it felt authentic and local, with an atmosphere that was warm and unpretentious. The menu features classic Milanese dishes such as cotoletta di vitello alla Milanese, a veal cutlet coated in egg and breadcrumbs and fried in butter. They also offer a five course tasting menu for around €70 per person, which is a great way to try a variety of local specialities.
Together, the two restaurants gave us a real sense of the food culture in Milan: one modern and media-savvy, the other rooted in tradition. Both are worth experiencing if you want to see how Milan balances innovation with authenticity in its food scene.
Aperitivo
Aperitivo is an essential part of any Italian experience, and usually includes a drink and a plate of light food.
One of the most iconic spots in Milan is the Aperol Spritz Terrace, which overlooks the Duomo and is famous for its spritz with a view. You reach it through Il Mercato del Duomo next to Tiffany, taking the branded escalator up to the second floor where the entrance is on the right. We timed it wrong and the queue was far too long, so instead we settled at the bar directly out front. The view was still impressive and the spritz just as refreshing, though two Aperol spritz with snacks came to €34, a clear premium for the location.
Prices vary a lot depending on where you are. In Navigli, we paid just €5 for a spritz, with plenty of bars lining the canals offering affordable aperitivo in a lively atmosphere.
EatWith a Local
Another way I love to experience food when travelling is through EatWith, an online platform that connects locals and travellers over home-cooked meals and unique dining events. It is social dining at its best, offering the chance to immerse yourself in local food and culture while meeting people from around the world.
I have booked EatWith experiences in Florence, Bucharest, Lisbon, Slovenia and Sorrento, and each one felt different but always memorable. In Milan the platform offers everything from intimate dinners in local homes to themed evenings like A Songwriter at the Stove or Dinner on the Terrace with a View in the Heart of Milan. It is a great option if you are looking for something more traditional and personal than a restaurant meal.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Milan is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, so it is no surprise that shopping is part of the experience. Even if you are not planning a designer splurge, there are plenty of places to browse and pick up unique souvenirs.
Some of the best finds are in smaller districts like Brera, one of the most enjoyable areas to explore. Its narrow streets are lined with boutiques, galleries and artisan shops, and it feels more relaxed than the main fashion streets. It is a good place to wander without an agenda and pick up something unique.
For those interested in luxury shopping, Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda is the place to go. This fashion district includes Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and their surrounding streets, where you will find flagship stores for brands like Prada, Gucci, Versace and Armani. Even if you are not buying, it is worth a stroll to see the window displays and people-watch in one of the most stylish corners of the city.
Milan is of course famous for high-end fashion, but you will also find plenty of familiar high street names. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the busiest shopping streets in the city, lined with international brands like Zara, H&M and Sephora. To my surprise, there is even a Primark, which felt unexpected in the fashion capital of Italy but shows how broad the shopping options are. It is a good area if you want a mix of affordable fashion and big-name brands, all within walking distance of the Duomo.
Whether you are looking for fashion, beauty or something edible, Milan has plenty of options that go beyond the usual tourist souvenirs. These were my favourites:
- A personalised lip gloss, perfume or lipstick from the Kiko Milano flagship store on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can have your name or a small symbol engraved for €1.
- A copy of Vogue Italia, a stylish keepsake that you can pick up at an edicola (newsstand) and also a great photo opportunity.
- Pocket Coffee, an Italian classic of espresso-filled chocolate that is easy to grab at the train station before heading home.
- A charm bracelet from Vigano Milano, where you can customise your own.
- A fragrance from Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, known locally as Bully, a historic perfumery dating back to the 1600s famous for its scents and personalised products.
Final Word
Milan turned out to be so much more than I expected. Yes, it is the fashion capital, but it is also a city of history, art, and food that rewards you whether you are here for a weekend or longer. From standing on the rooftop of the Duomo to aperitivo by the canals in Navigli, Milan felt both grand and approachable. It is an easy city to reach from the UK, well-connected for trips to Lake Como or further into northern Italy, and full of experiences that blend tradition with modern life. Whether you come for the shopping, the food, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, Milan is a city that leaves you wanting to return.
Useful information
Are Milan trams free?
No, Milan trams are not free. A single ticket costs about €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across trams, buses and the metro. Tickets can be bought from vending machines in metro stations, at newsstands called edicola, or through the ATM Milano app. Many trams and buses now accept contactless bank cards so you can simply tap when you board. You do not need to tap off when you get off. Network maps are displayed at tram stops, in metro stations and can also be downloaded from the ATM Milano website or app.
How does the Milan metro work?
The Milan metro is the fastest way to travel and works very much like the London Underground. There are five lines which are colour coded and clearly signed. A single ticket costs €2.20 and lasts 90 minutes, covering metro, trams and buses. For unlimited travel you can buy a 24 hour pass for €7.60 or a 3 day pass for €13.00. Contactless cards also work at the metro gates. Metro maps are easy to find in every station and can also be downloaded online.
Which Milan airport is best?
Milan has three airports. Linate is the closest to the city at about 20 minutes by bus or taxi, making it the quickest way into central Milan. Malpensa is the largest airport and about 50 minutes away by train, making it the best option for international flights. Bergamo Orio al Serio is used mostly by low cost airlines and is about an hour away by bus. For most travellers Malpensa is the most practical choice, especially if you plan to continue to Lake Como.
Which Milan airport is better for Lake Como?
Malpensa is the best airport for Lake Como. The Malpensa Express train connects to Milan and also to Saronno, where you can change trains for Como Nord Lago. The whole journey takes about an hour and a half. From Linate you first need to travel into Milan and then take a regional train north to Como. Bergamo is the least convenient option.
How to get from Milan airport to the city centre?
From Malpensa the Malpensa Express train runs to Milano Centrale, Cadorna and Porta Garibaldi stations. Tickets cost around €13 and the journey takes between 45 and 55 minutes. Coaches also run to Centrale for about €10. From Linate shuttle buses run to Centrale in around 25 minutes for €5 to €6 and a taxi costs around €20 to €30. From Bergamo the Terravision coach to Centrale takes about an hour and costs between €10 and €12. Once at Centrale you can connect to the metro or walk to the Uber pick up point outside the station.
What is Milan famous for?
Milan is known as Italy’s fashion and design capital. It is also home to the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, La Scala opera house and Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The city is also the birthplace of the aperitivo tradition, when locals gather for a drink and snacks in the early evening.
Where is Milan located?
Milan is in northern Italy in the Lombardy region close to the Swiss border. It sits about an hour north of Milan Malpensa Airport and is well connected by train, making it an easy base for day trips to Lake Como, Bergamo and Venice.
