Exploring Milan in one day is possible. If you only have a little time available and the stages of your tour are already scheduled, you must make the most of what time you have in the Lombard capital.
So, what to see in Milan in one day? Get your fill of wonders in one of the most avant-garde cities in Italy where, however, there is no lack of history. A Dragonfly Tours trip around Northern Italy with a stop in Milan is for you!
There are the must-sees of the city and also the little gems that you will only find in Milan.
Let’s start with an itinerary on foot in the city center and visit the majestic square that hosts one of the most photographed monuments in the world: the Duomo of Milan. The Cathedral is open for visits and its rooftop terrace offers a suggestive display of the city skyline. The piazza is always very crowded because visitors from all over the world don’t want to miss one of the most popular selfie locations.
Indulge in an aperitif in perfect Milanese style on the Martini terrace, the rooftop lounge with a view of the Duomo. An exclusive place which can be accessed only by reservation, you won’t want to miss it for anything in the world.
After the first moment of leisure of the day, (don’t worry, there will be many others), let’s move towards Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, where you will be fascinated by its splendid architecture, then continue your stroll to another of the most famous landmarks of the city: the Teatro alla Scala. The Theater is one of the historical symbols of Milan and is the artistic heart of the city. It hosts an actual academy of artists that study all the aspects of theater, those both on the stage and behind the scenes. You can read more about about the Teatro alla Scala here.
Your one day tour of Milan continues with a visit to the Sforzesco Castle, just outside the historic city center. The fortification, rebuilt several times on the previous ruins, is one of the major centers of art in the city. Today it houses many valuable works: decorations and frescoes by Leonardo, paintings by Mantegna, the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo, and the Egyptian museum which can be visited for a fee. In short, art in the city passes through the Castello Sforzesco. And if you think the inside of the residence that once belonged to the Sforza family is extraordinary, you’ll find that the park which surrounds it is no less impressive. One of Milan’s most popular parks, Parco Sempione is the green lung of the city. The Milanese love to relax here in their spare time with a view of the Castello!
Milan to drink up, a bit of well-deserved fun!
Get ready because what awaits you tonight is a stroll through the “Milan to drink up” in the Navigli district of the city.
Porta Genova is the gateway to the Navigli (the Canal district): and we begin the stroll at the Darsena (the ancient dock of Milan), which has resumed its ancient splendor and today is one of the most lively and popular areas: this neighborhood offers aperitifs, events, exhibitions, music and much more. The dock is the meeting place of the two Navigli (canals) from which this corner of the city takes its name: Naviglio Grande, which is lively and lined with animated nightspots, and Naviglio Pavese, which, if you follow it, gradually abandons the din of the bars to become a canal side path. The Navigli are not only nightlife, but also a revitalized and characteristic area, defined by the New York Times as one of the 12 most beautiful streets in Europe. A visit here is a must to end your day tour in Milan.
This is just one of the ways that you can spend a day in Milan: there is much more to see and do in the Lombard capital, like a visit to the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper”, or admire the church of San Maurizio Maggiore, considered the Sistine Chapel of northern Italy, or let yourself be captivated by the urban rebirth of the city by going to the Isola neighborhood, which has become one of the most photographed, thanks to buildings such as the Bosco Verticale, an example of sustainable building.
In short, there really is something for everyone, all you need to bring is the desire for discovery!