Milan instantly feels grand and alive. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt the city’s buzz. It’s Italy’s center for fashion, design, and business, but also full of stories, secret corners, and friendly energy.
Whenever I hear Milan is just about shopping or business, I want to invite everyone for a slow walk here. Milan is perfect for exploring on foot, making discoveries, and soaking in local life as you go. Let me take you through my Milan experience—full of easy transportation, delicious food, grand art, quiet churches, and canals that sparkle at sunset.
Getting Around Milan Without a Car
Milan is one of those rare big cities where you really don’t need a car. Actually, it feels easier and much more fun without one. The whole city is threaded with metro lines, old-school trams, bright buses, and those happy yellow shared bikes, BikeMi.
Choosing Tickets and Payment
Almost every ride starts with a ticket, and it’s easy: I just tapped my contactless credit card right on the turnstile for the metro. I learned that the best fare gets charged automatically, which means: if you use the metro a lot in a day, you save money. For buses and trams, you need to buy a ticket before getting on.
- Metro, tram, & bus ticket (lasts 90 minutes): €2.20
- 24-hour travel pass: €7.60
- 3-day pass: €15.50
- 10-ride carnet (great for longer stays): €19.50
I picked up my tickets a couple of ways: at the ATM app (that’s Milan’s official transport app), at machines in the metro stations, or at little Tabacchi shops (the ones with big “T” signs). Important: always validate your ticket as soon as you get on buses and trams, or at the metro entry gate. Ticket checkers are common, and the fines are no joke!
Milan’s Metro, Trams, and Night Buses
The Milan Metro is super efficient (and clean!). I often used the red (M1) and yellow (M3) lines. When midnight hits, the metro closes, but there are night buses that cover the same routes. This means I never felt stranded, even after late dinners.
The trams are really fun—they rattle through the city and give you a front-row seat to all the street action. Some trams are modern, but I liked the classic ones best, with wooden doors and orange paint.
Biking Milan with BikeMi
Whenever I wanted more freedom, I grabbed a BikeMi bike. The first 30 minutes of each ride are free with a pass, and there are bike stations all over central Milan. Biking is especially nice early in the morning or in big parks like Parco Sempione.
Arriving from the Airports
Getting into Milan from any of its three airports is simple once you know the choices. Here’s a quick table comparing them:
| Airport | Best Transport Option | Time | Cost (Euro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpensa (MXP) | Malpensa Express train Shuttle bus |
40 min train 60 min bus |
€13 train €10 bus |
| Linate (LIN) | M4 Metro Bus 73 |
15 min metro ~25 min bus |
Standard city ticket |
| Bergamo (BGY) | Orio Shuttle Train + Bus |
60 min | €12 |
Taxis are always waiting at the airports, but they’re expensive. From Malpensa, I saw people pay over €100 for the ride, so it only made sense for groups or late night arrivals.
Top Places to See in Milan
Milan is full of icons. Some rise high above the city, some are tucked away in small streets. I tried to see as many as I could, but every visitor has to make choices. Here’s a list of Milan’s must-see places I found especially memorable:
- Duomo di Milano – The grand gothic cathedral, with epic views from the rooftop
- The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, one of a kind
- La Scala – Famous old opera house, still feels splendid
- Castello Sforzesco – Castle filled with museums and green courtyards
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – A high glass shopping arcade with fancy bars and stores
- Parco Sempione – Lush park next to the castle, perfect for resting feet or enjoying a picnic
- Pinacoteca di Brera – Beautiful art museum with Italian masters
- Santa Maria presso San Satiro – Small church with a mind-bending visual illusion
- Navigli District – Canals, old warehouses, buzzing cafes, and the best aperitivo
Duomo, The Last Supper, and La Scala each need special attention. Here’s how I explored them:
Visiting the Duomo di Milano
I arrived at Piazza del Duomo using the M1 or M3 metro line. From the “Duomo” stop, I basically walked straight into the square—no need to follow signs.
I recommend buying a combo ticket online, which gave me access to the cathedral, the rooftop, the museum, and the crypt. For the rooftop, you can choose between stairs (€16) or elevator (€18). I climbed the stairs early in the morning when the city was just waking up. The sunlight lit up the pinnacles and statues, and the crowd was small, making it peaceful.
Tip: Cover your shoulders and knees. There is a real dress code and they do check. If you want the best photos and less crowd, arrive for golden hour just before sunset or right after they open.
The Last Supper – Leonardo’s Masterpiece
The Last Supper is truly a highlight, but it requires planning. It’s inside Santa Maria delle Grazie, and I reached it by metro (M1 or M2) to Cadorna, then followed signs on a short walk.
Tickets can sell out months ahead. I booked online at cenacolovinciano.org. The entry is €15. Only small groups are allowed in at once, and visits last exactly 15 minutes, so every second counts. The mural is faded but so powerful, and seeing it in person is moving in ways a photo can never match. The site is closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind.
La Scala – Opera House Magic
I spent a while peeking at the La Scala opera house from the outside, before visiting their museum. Even if I didn’t see a performance, just standing in the box and looking over the red velvet seats felt magical. You can often buy museum tickets the same day, but shows sell out fast.
Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
Castello Sforzesco is both grand and easygoing. Beyond the towers and moat, there are museums (I loved the ancient arms collection!) and colorful courtyards where children play. Out back, Parco Sempione spreads out—ideal for relaxing, people-watching, or just taking photos of Milan locals.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
I always stopped by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II at least once a day because it sits right next to the Duomo. Its high glass roof, arched windows, fancy cafes, and shiny marble floor never get old.
Navigli District by Night
The canals of the Navigli District light up in the evening. During aperitivo hour (usually from 6 to 8 PM), I would buy a drink and receive all kinds of free snacks—cheesy focaccia, olives, panzerotti, and lots more. The Navigli is busy, young, and alive at night, with music in the air and locals leaning on canal bridges.
Where I Stayed
Choosing a neighborhood is a big part of the Milan experience. Depending on your mood, each area has a different vibe. Here’s how I decided:
- Centro Storico: Stay here if you want instant access to every icon and you love a walkable, elegant atmosphere. It’s perfect for first-time visitors and for a touch of luxury.
- Brera: This is the artsy heart of Milan. Boutique hotels, little galleries, and romantic squares make it great for couples and anyone who likes things creative.
- Porta Nuova: Milan’s business district is all modern glass, tall hotels, and a sleek, new look. Good for business trips.
- Navigli: Full of young people, night markets, and easygoing bars. If I wanted vibrant nightlife, this was the spot for me.
- Sempione: More green, with lots of playgrounds and space to run. Families seemed happiest here.
- Città Studi: Budget-friendly, good metro links, and a popular pick with students. I found friendly little bakeries and cafes here.
One of my favorite mornings was in Brera, watching artists sketch along the quiet streets as the city woke up.
What and Where to Eat
I once read that Milan is for “eating as much as for looking.” It’s true. Every day, I tried something new, starting with breakfast pastries and ending with strong coffee in the evening. Here’s a list of Milan must-tries:
- Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy rice, yellow from saffron, rich and flavorful
- Cotoletta alla Milanese: Big, crispy, golden veal cutlet that takes up the whole plate
- Panzerotti: Warm, deep-fried pizza pockets—my favorite is at Luini’s, behind the Duomo
- Panettone: Fluffy, sweet bread loaf with fruit (not just for Christmas, trust me!)
- Espresso or macchiato: Quick, strong shots at counters, always crowded in the mornings
Living the Aperitivo
I love aperitivo culture in Milan. From about 6 to 8 in the evening, nearly every bar offers a drink plus snacks—sometimes almost a full buffet! I found the best aperitivo moments in Navigli, Brera, and Isola neighborhoods. My trick? I looked for menus in Italian and a crowd of locals. That almost always meant the food and drinks were better and cheaper.
Day Trips for Big Adventures
Milan’s magic doesn’t stop at the city’s edge. It’s probably the best big city in Italy for day trips. Trains run everywhere and let me see so many new places without much planning at all.
| Destination | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Como | ~1 hr by train | Varenna (charming, ferry access), Bellagio (famous, scenic), lake views |
| Bergamo | 50 min by train | Old upper city (Città Alta), cobblestones, big views |
| Venice | 2.5 hrs by fast train | Rialto, San Marco, gondola ride, lagoon sights |
| Parma, Modena | ~1 hr by train | Parmesan cheese, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar tasting |
If I had to pick just one, it would be Lake Como. The early train from Milano Centrale goes right along the lake. Sitting on the left side, I watched blue water and old villas slide by the window—picture-perfect! In Varenna, I followed stone paths to little gardens, or took the ferry to Bellagio for lunch by the water.
Bergamo is great for an afternoon: simply ride the funicular up to the medieval Città Alta and get lost in the winding alleys and flower-filled balconies.
And for something legendary, I hopped the first high-speed train to Venice, knowing there was just enough time to see the Rialto, San Marco, and drift through canals on a gondola before racing back for dinner.
Tips and Tricks for Making Milan Easy
- Don’t expect fast service at dinner: Relax, enjoy, and let the pace slow you down.
- Dress modestly in churches: Shoulders and knees covered—no shorts or tank tops.
- Skip the taxi lines: Trains, metro, and trams go almost everywhere.
- Go beyond the Duomo: Streets just outside the big piazzas hide Milan’s best food and quietest moments.
- Greet people: A simple “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” in shops always gets a smile back.
- Explore side streets: That’s where I found quirky bookshops, creative window displays, and tiny gelaterie.
- Google Maps is magic: The tram system can look wild, but the app shows every connection clearly.
- Walk or bike: The more I moved on foot or by bike, the more Milan opened up.
- Pack for comfort & style: Milan is a fashion city, but shoes for walking are a must.
When to Visit Milan
Spring and fall are my favorites. In April and October, the weather feels just right, crowds are lighter, and the city parks show off their colors. I traveled once in August, and the city was hot and quieter (many locals leave for the beach!).
Packing List for a Perfect Milan Trip
- Comfortable shoes (lots of walking!)
- Light jacket or sweater (spring and autumn can be cool)
- Modest clothing for churches
- Contactless payment card
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack
- Phone with map and ATM app downloaded
- Travel umbrella (for surprise rain)
- Notebook for all the inspiring things you’ll see (or Instagram on the go)
Every block of Milan has something to offer. I came here for the big sights, but found the most joy in the small moments—a morning pastry in a hidden square, a slow stroll through side streets in Brera, the golden glow of the Duomo at sunset. Milan blends style, food, history, and daily adventure better than any city I know.
So I say: skip the car, tap onto the metro, start your day with a curious heart, and just walk. Milan is waiting.
