What to see in Milan: A day out between the Duomo, Leonardo’s Last Supper and Navigli

Not only the Italian capital of fashion, but also shopping in the city centre and aperitifs on panoramic terraces. Milan is also the cradle of incredible artistic heritage such as the Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco or the Cenacolo di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Discover with us what to see in Milan and follow our advice on tickets and attractions to see for a tour of culture and fun in the "City of the Madonnina".

Milan Cathedral, the undisputed symbol of the city

A tourist destination known throughout the world, the Duomo of Milan is wonderful from whatever angle you look at it, an imposing architectural magic that serves as a backdrop to the selfie of tourists and not. To visit the interior of the Duomo and access the Terraces you will need to buy tickets.

Single ticket, Terraces and Fast Track: what's the difference?

There are different types of tickets to visit the Duomo of Milan: the single ticket that allows access to the Cathedral, the Museum and the Church of San Gottardo in Corte and the one that allows access to the terraces too.

Among the different options, there is also the possibility to buy the Fast Track ticket, more expensive than the simple pass but which offers the opportunity to skip the long queues through a fast lane.

SKIP THE LINE TICKETS TO THE CATHEDRAL OF MILAN

• Entrance to the Duomo is not permitted on religious holidays.
• In the rear area of the Duomo you will find two rows for visitors; one is for those who bought the Fast Track ticket and the other for those who took the ordinary ticket. Be careful not to get confused!

The visit is really interesting but the queue at the ticket center is generally very long and, especially during the high season, you should purchase tickets online.

In addition to printed tickets, the attraction also accepts e-vouchers to be received directly on your smartphone. Just go to the Fast Track entrance and show the code you received when purchasing your electronic ticket.

If you do not have the ticket, buy it at the ticket office located on the side of the Duomo: there is still a queue but it is very smooth compared to that at the main ticket office.

Duomo Spires and Terraces: it's worth it!

Access to the Terraces with a walk through the spires of the Duomo is an experience to be told. The price of the ticket for the Terraces varies depending on whether you choose to climb on foot or by the lift.

Get there at sunset, it will be an emotion for both adults and children!

If you buy the "on foot" ticket", despite the 200 steps the view of Milan is priceless and once you get to the top you will not want to go down from there, we promise!

• The spiral staircase that leads to the roof of the Duomo is narrow and a bit uncomfortable, for those traveling with small children, elderly people or for those with mobility problems, ascent by lift is recommended. The visit is uncomfortable for those who travel with buggies, difficult to manage because of the limited space and the multitude of people visiting the Duomo.

How to get to the Duomo of Milan

Piazza Duomo can be easily reached by public transport or by the underground (Duomo stop), which leaves you right in front of the Cathedral.

Last Supper: better book well in advance!

Celebrated by Dan Brown in the "Da Vinci Code", a visit to the Cenacolo Vinciano is an experience that absolutely deserves a red tick in your notes on what to see in Milan.

The fresco is located in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie and is a must for both Milanese and tourists from all over the world.

MILAN CENACOLO: BOOK YOUR TICKETS FOR THE LAST SUPPER

The visit of this masterpiece, strictly guided and for small groups, is exciting but short, about 15 minutes, and the high turnout is inevitable,

Online tickets for the Last Supper: what are the advantages?

To visit the Last Supper just book your electronic ticket online, choose from the available time slots and present yourself at least 15 minutes in advance on the spot to collect your coupon at the ticket office next to the entrance.The reservation guarantees you priority access,  no queues and excellent organization.

• A very interesting type of ticket is the combined ticket "Last Supper + Brera Art Gallery" which combines a visit with priority access to Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece with a tour of the Main Art Museum in Milan. You will find yourself face to face with the masterpieces of Mantegna, Raffaello, Caravaggio and Piero della Francesca.
• Just a few minutes from the Picture Gallery you will also find the historic Museum of the Navigli, the most exclusive Congress Centre for events in Brera.

How to get to the Last Supper

Located in the heart of Milan, in Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can easily get there by public transport (go easy by metro or tram number 16).

Castello Sforzesco: the Renaissance in the city centre of Milan

One of the largest castles in Europe, located in the historic center of Milan, majestic with its elegant park and museums to visit.

The Castello Sforzesco is an attraction open to the public free of charge but the museums inside are subject to a fee.

Buying a single ticket (10 €) you can visit all the museums of the Castle. Among the most beautiful exhibition spaces, there are the Pietà Rondanini Museum by Michelangelo, the Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum with the Egyptian section and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

TOURS AND TICKETS FOR THE MUSEUMS OF THE SFORZA CASTLE

• Every first Sunday of the month the museums are all free.
• It is possible to book online very interesting guided tours as the tour to the battlements or the basement of the castle.
• A family visit to the Castle is definitely recommended, as it offers numerous fun activities for children at weekends.

How accessible is the Castle?

For visitors in wheelchairs or with mobility difficulties, there are two elevators inside the building that can be used only with the accompaniment of the service staff.

How to get to the Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco can be reached on foot in 15 minutes from Piazza Duomo or by subway M1 stop Cairoli or M2 stop Cadorna. 

MUDEC Milano, exceptional art exhibitions!

If you are a big art lover, we suggest you take a trip to MUDEC, the Museum of Cultures in Milan, which attracts thousands of visitors every year with its events

Some examples? The exhibitions on Frida Khalo, Klimt and Modigliani are just some of the temporary exhibitions hosted in the past at MUDEC.

For the most crowded events, the tip is to take online the tickets for the MUDEC that guarantee the possibility to skip the line at the entrance and choose the time slot you want. The MUDEC is super recommended museum, even for those traveling with the family.

At the MUDEC Junior, a 360° space designed for children, your children will get closer to different cultures with fun activities.

SKIP THE LINE TICKETS FOR THE NEXT EXHIBITION AT MUDEC

How to get to MUDEC in Milan

To reach the MUDEC take the subway and get off at the Porta Genova stop; from there, a 15-minute walk in the Tortona area will take you to the Museum.

Things to do around Milan: Navigli, Gallerie della moda and Casa Milan

In a truly worthy visit to Milan, you cannot miss a walk along the Navigli, the historic Milanese district ideal for an aperitif or for a dinner with friends.

Between one spritz and the next, enjoy an evening in one of the most characteristic and trendy area of the city full of bars, clubs and restaurants of all kinds where young people from the Milanese nightlife meet.

• Not to be missed is the recently renovated walk between the Navigli and the Darsena, with its small vintage and antique shops.

Shopping lovers? Hands in your pockets, you're in the capital of fashion! Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the wonders of Milan with a dreamy stroll and amazing shop windows. Impossible not to mention Via Montenapoleone, with shops for many (but not for everyone). And Via Manzoni, Corso Venezia and Via della Spiga... Feast your eyes: just enter the "Fashion Quadrilateral" (Quadrilatero della Moda), the luxury district of the city.

During your walk you will find yourself in front of "La Scala" of Milan, one of the most famous theaters in the world and an institution of the city of Milan.

For football fans, especially those of Milan, a tour of Casa Milan is a must. The museum traces the history and successes of the Rossoneri team; the tour taks place in different rooms with historical films, showcases full of trophies, shirts and famous photos that will make you relive more than 100 years of the club's history.

• Admission costs €15.
• The trophy room is really exciting, one of the most beautiful areas of the museum.
• Casa Milan is a bit far from the center but is easily accessible by metro, the nearest stop is Portello.

BUY TICKETS TO VISIT MILAN HOUSE

Two more tips on what to see in Milan? Impossible not to mention the Triennale, an international cultural institution with wonderful exhibitions and an extraordinary exhibition space. The structure, surrounded by the greenery of Parco Sempione, also houses a café and restaurant to take a break.

• You can also visit it with children, to whom the play and entertainment space 'La Balena' is dedicated, offering exhibitions, workshops and video shows.
• La Triennale di Milano is located in Viale Emilio Alemagna and can be reached by underground lines 1 and 2 (Cadorna - Triennale stop) and by bus line 61, Triennale stop.

After sightseeing and shopping sessions, you can relax by organizing a half day at the spa or in one of the luxurious wellness centers that you find in the heart of the city.

Things to do in Milan with children: Museums and public gardens

Who said that Milan is not a city suitable for children? The capital of Lombardia offers many solutions to spend a weekend with the family and enjoy a few hours of fun with the children.

• For a day dedicated to culture, take your children to the Museo Nazionale di Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci (you can easily get there by metro M2, stop Sant'Ambrogio or Bus n°94 stop Carducci) or to the Museo Archeologico (in the center a few steps from Piazza Cadorna). For a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city, visit the Natural History Museum with a mandatory relaxing stop at the Indro Montanelli Gardens (former Public Gardens of Parco Venezia, Porta Venezia area) among carousels, lakes and fountains.
• If you stay in the city centre, a stone's throw from the Castello Sforzesco and Arco della Pace there is Parco Sempione, the ideal green corner for a peaceful walk in the city with refreshment stands, recreational areas and children's playgrounds. 

Eating in Milan: Typical dishes, best restaurants and sushi

Whether it's lunch or dinner, for a typical food experience in Milan go to the Navigli area; you can choose from a wide range of options, from an aperitif in one of the many places along the Naviglio Grande to excellent Milanese dishes to be enjoyed in the best restaurants and numerous trattorias located along the promenade.

Risotto, boiled meats and Milanese cutlet are all traditional dishes, but it seems that the latest trend in Milan's cuisine is sushi, probably the best in Italy. In the city you will find many excellent sushi restaurants.

Where to sleep in Milan

If you are only staying in Milan for a few days, we recommend staying in the city centre, which is home to the best hotels, the main places of interest and attractions. In general, the prices of accommodation in Milan are not too high and booking in advance you can take advantage of special offers.

How to get around Milan

Public transport in Milan is very extensive and efficient because the metro, trams and buses cover almost all areas of the city, even the most remote. Depending on how much you travel by public transport, you can decide whether to buy a single ticket for a single ride or a carnet from several tickets.

The subway, comfortable and fast, is undoubtedly the most convenient solution, especially to get to the center.

• The red line is the most used by tourists.
• In 2013 the lilac line (Metro M5) was inaugurated, the first fully automated and unmanned metro line.

A valid alternative to the subway is the bus, active 24/24H thanks to night rides, or take advantage of the bike sharing service.

From Milan to Lake Como

Among the most beautiful experiences to be done departing from Milan, there is certainly a day trip on Lake Como, about an hour from the capital of Lombardia.

You can get there by train, from the station Milano Porta Garibaldi or Milano Centrale direction Como San Giovanni or from Milano Cadorna direction Como Lago and from there you can then move by boat.

You will find yourself in a magical landscape, included in the list of the most beautiful lakes in the world by Huffington Post USA. 

BOOK A TOUR ON THE LAKE OF COMO

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