Milan
Things to Do in Milan
Tickets, tours and experiences in Milan, Italy
About Milan
Milan blends Gothic grandeur with cutting-edge style. At its centre rises the Duomo, a vast marble cathedral bristling with spires; a rooftop ticket lets you walk among the pinnacles for views that stretch to the Alps on clear days. Beside it, the glass-roofed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II sets the tone for Italy's fashion capital.
The city's most coveted sight is Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, painted on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Only a small number of visitors enter every 15 minutes, so tickets must be reserved well in advance and frequently sell out weeks ahead. Opera lovers, meanwhile, gravitate to the legendary Teatro alla Scala.
Beyond the icons, Milan rewards exploration: the Sforza Castle and its museums, the canal-side Navigli district for aperitivo, and the Brera quarter's galleries and boutiques. As a major rail hub, it also makes an easy base for day trips to Lake Como.
Highlights
- Leonardo's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Duomo cathedral & rooftop terraces
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & La Scala
- Sforza Castle and Navigli canal district
Tips for Visiting Milan
Book Last Supper tickets as early as possible, often weeks ahead; entry is strictly timed and limited to small groups of around 30.
Buy a Duomo rooftop ticket and take the lift to save the stairs; you can walk among the spires up top.
Dress code applies inside the Duomo: cover shoulders and knees, the same as other major Italian churches.
Milan is a rail hub, so consider a day trip to Lake Como, under an hour away by train from Milano Centrale.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milan
How do I get tickets to see Leonardo's Last Supper?
Reserve online as far ahead as you can, since only about 30 visitors are admitted per 15-minute slot and tickets sell out weeks in advance. Guided tours often release reserved blocks of tickets when individual slots are gone, so they can be the best route to securing entry.
Can you go up to the Duomo rooftop?
Yes. A rooftop ticket lets you walk among the cathedral's marble spires and statues, with options to take the stairs or the lift. Buy a timed ticket online to skip the queue in the piazza, and consider a combined pass that also covers the cathedral interior and museum.
What is the best time to visit Milan's attractions?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and lighter crowds, while the city empties in August when many locals leave. Mornings are best for the Duomo rooftop before the midday rush. Always check La Scala and museum schedules, as opera seasons and Mondays affect opening hours.