Known as one of the 4 Fashion Capitals, Milan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Leonardo Da Vinci. Many people flying in through Malpensa or Linate Airports skip Milan to head straight to other Italian destinations. However, if you didn’t save at least a day for a Milan itinerary, you’d miss out on amazing food, design, and a city rich in historical treasures.
So what do I recommend if you have just one day in Milan? There are a few must-visit neighborhoods for great food, art, and people-watching- one of the best pastimes in a fashion capital like Milan. Come along with me as I walk through some of the spots touched by Leonardo Da Vinci more than 500 years ago and the best of today.
How to Move Around Milan
Milan is quite spread out as cities go, so using public transit is the best option as you enjoy a Milan itinerary. Yes, there are taxis; however, they tend to be expensive. When I’m lucky enough to find one at a taxi stand, it’s a minimum fare of 3.20€ during the day, and 6.20€ at night starting at 9 pm. When I have to call a taxi, I’m charged from where they are transiting from. So it’s not uncommon to get into a taxi with the meter already at 6 or 8 euros before I’ve even gone anywhere.
In comparison, a ticket for public transportation costs 2.20€ and is good for 90 minutes or 7.60€ for a 1-day ticket. So I try to use public transportation when I can, buying tickets from magazine kiosks, at machines in the metro stations, or using my credit card for contactless payment. The same public transit ticket is good for the metro, tram, and buses.
A Perfect One Day In Milan Itinerary
Morning Milan Itinerary
To begin a great Milan Itinerary, I like to take friends to the Magenta District for breakfast. Then, we will visit Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper and enjoy a ride on a 1920s tram. To get a better feel for the city, I also like to visit a couple of different neighborhoods. One of the most unique ones is the Navigli District, which lines medieval canals.
Starting The One Day In Milan Itinerary Off Right- A Great Breakfast
For breakfast, head to Tommasi Milano in Piazza Giovine Italia 2. This is a chic spot where locals go, for a cappuccino on their way to work. When the weather’s nice, you can sit outside in a lovely garden area. I love to watch the businessmen in their elegant suits grabbing breakfast before heading to work. Or elegantly dressed students taking advantage of some sunshine before heading to school.
If there’s no one interesting sitting nearby, I’m happy to admire the architectural details of the stone buildings surrounding the piazza. There are some lovely balconies filled with plants and flowering trees to admire.
Morning activities:
1. The Last Supper
As one of the most famous paintings in the world, it’s no surprise that it enjoys UNESCO status. Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Last Supper from 1494-1498 using a non-traditional fresco method to create this enormous work of art (460 cm x 880cm). It’s been a part of the side wall of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie for more than 500 years.
It’s essential to pre-buy tickets online in advance. The best price is to book them from the church directly. Unfortunately, they sell them on a quarterly basis and they do sell out. For example, on December 10th, they went on sale from February 1st to April 30th. If someone visits and I find the church has sold out of tickets, the next best thing I do is to head to Viator to book a skip-the-line last supper ticket tour.
From Tommasi, it’s just a 4-minute walk to the Museo Del Cenacolo Vinciano ticket office. Even though I always pre-buy my tickets online, it’s important to get to the church about 20 to 25 minutes in advance of the entrance time booked. This is because the museum wants to see the identity documents for everyone on the reservation. It’s a mandatory step before they issue the physical tickets to enter the museum.
As these are some of the most sought-after tickets (each time is limited to 35 participants only) it’s important to be on time and early. That’s also why I like to start my day with this visit. It leaves me with more flexibility for the rest of the day.
2. Seeing the Sights From a Vintage 1928 Tram
After viewing the Last Supper, I like to walk to Cadorna Station to pick up Tram 1. It stops on an island in front of the station) heading in the direction of Greco Rovereto.
I love taking this tram as it still has the original wood bench seats and ceiling lights, it feels so dolce vita. Most people don’t know that many of the famous San Francisco vintage tram cars came from Milan, Italy. So there are actually 2 cities you can ride this historical tram in: San Francisco & Milan. However, Milan is the only city using them for almost 100 years.
The other thing I love about the tram is the big windows that wrap around it on all sides. There’s a great view passing by the Castle Sforzesco, constructed in the 1450s. Leonardi Da Vinci had a few jobs in the castle, working both as an engineer and an artist.
The tram also passes by beautiful stone buildings in Piazza Cordusio and the famous La Scala Opera House. I suggest getting off the tram at Montenapoleone, in the fashion district. Here I like to get a little creative inspiration. Taking a short stroll down Via Montenapoleone to admire the windows of the famous fashion designers. If you’re looking to make a big-ticket fashion purchase, then you’ll want to spend a little longer here.
When you’re ready to continue with your Milan Itinerary and grab lunch, get on the Metro to head to the Navigli neighborhood. Take the Metro towards Centrale where you’ll transfer to the green line to get off at Porta Genova.
The Navigli are a system of ancient canals, first built in 1179. Over time as the number of canals grew, and they became more important as a route for shipping and commerce, the ruling Duke of Milan decided they needed an upgrade. And he knew just the man to do it, you guessed it, the engineer Leonardo Da Vinci.
An interesting fact is that the canals were used to float the marble bricks into the city center to construct the Duomo (main cathedral). Nowadays, the Navigli neighborhood is a fun place to stroll and check out vintage clothing, design shops, and enjoy a gelato or a cocktail. It’s also packed with cute-looking restaurants, which is where you’re headed next.
This is the best spot in the entire city for risotto (slow-cooked Italian rice with different sauces and ingredients). Officina Del Riso specializes in risotto. They offer 10 different types of risotto on any day of the week.
My two favorites are the Fume (roasted aubergine, smoked provala cheese, wine reduction) and the Valtellinese (made with fontina d’Alpeggio cheese, sauteed cabbage, and cinnamon). I bring all my friends who like risotto to this restaurant as it never disappoints. When I have friends who aren’t in the mood for risotto, I bring them to one of the top pizzerias in Milan.
Afternoon Milan Itinerary
In the afternoon, your Milan itinerary continues in the city center, at the Piazza Duomo, the heart of Milan. It’s nice to check out one of the art museums here, admire views from the Duomo, and enjoy an aperitif.
When walking around the Duomo area be exceptionally vigilant with your wallet, as pickpockets troll the area. Another watch out: migrants may approach you or your children offering a woven friendship bracelet, claiming it’s free. It’s not. As soon as they have strapped it onto your arm, they’ll be asking for money, so best to politely refuse it.
1. Palazzo Reale di Milano
After lunch, take Tram No. 2 from the Naviglio to arrive just behind the Piazza Duomo. It’s a little less than 5 minutes to walk to the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace). This is a great spot to enjoy temporary artwork shows.
The current show, George Hoyningen-Huene is a spectacular exhibition. With over 100 of the artist’s photographs, it’s a captivating show. These evocative photos capture a range of talent from Hollywood Film Stars (Rita Hayworth for the cover of Life) to Coco Chanel and Horst. On exhibit through May 18th, 2025.
2. Duomo
After visiting the Palazzo Reale, cross the square to go into the Duomo. Every time I cross the square, I feel the pull to stop and grab a shot of the Duomo. The Candoglia marble just glistens with the sky as a backdrop. The terrace ticket option is a great choice. It gives access to the roof, where you can admire the marble spires. I’m a bit of a gargoyle fan, I like to see those guys up close.
Plus, there’s an incredible 360-degree view of the city center from the roof terrace of the Duomo. Given that it took almost 600 years to complete, construction began in 1386, there are hundreds of details to admire up close. There are 2 ticket types to reach the roof terrace. On my last visit, I thought to save a few Euros walking up the stairs. I was a bit out of breath when I reached the top, so I’d probably go for the elevator ticket next time.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
After enjoying the views and intricate architectural details of the Duomo, I like to head across the square (piazza) to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is the iconic glass-enclosed shopping mall built in the 19th century, and now packed with high-end boutiques.
On the right side, is Pasticceria Marchesi – one of the most storied high-end pastry bakeries in Milan. It’s the perfect spot to buy elegantly packaged food and candy gifts- and to treat yourself. After making my purchases (white chocolate apple rings and confetti) I walk about 30 feet across the mall. The next stop is my absolute favorite spritz spot, Camparino In Galleria. This iconic Liberty-era bar is the perfect spot for an aperitivo and a Campari spritz. What better place to enjoy a spritz than here, as the Campari family invented the modern spritz as we know it today.
Dinner at Dolce & Gabbana Martini Bar
To take in the essence of this Fashion City, I like to enjoy dinner in a fashionable spot like the Dolce & Gabbana Martini bar. You enter through a grand set of double doors about 20 feet high. A Dolce & Gabbana-clad hostess greets you. After confirming your reservation, she leads you through the terrace.
I have to remind myself to pay attention to the cobblestoned floor so as not to trip. As I’m usually people-watching right from the start. The décor is chic, with oversized hand-blown glass chandeliers hanging from a glass-enclosed ceiling. Lemon trees line both side walls.
In the evening there is often a DJ spinning on the terrace.
With the music, it’s such a fun spot to enjoy a cocktail. And in line with the Sicilian positioning of the brand, so is the food. I’m a big fan of Italian tomatoes – naturally sweet and locally grown. While it sounds simple, the La Devozione is a heavenly blend of 3 different types of tomatoes that elevate this pasta, it’s tangy and sweet. It’s my favorite dish and I’m not alone in thinking this. For a tomato-based pasta sauce, this one has received a surprising amount of press coverage.
Spending The Night? The Perfect Ending To a Milan Itinerary
The Via Ariosto Social Club is a great spot near the Conciliazione Metro stop. The rooms were gut renovated a few years ago in what was previously a 4-star hotel. Now they have created suites with a separate kitchen/living area and bedroom. I like this spot as it tends to be quieter than the immediate city center and you get a more authentic feel for Milanese life in an upscale neighborhood. If you’re sensitive to tram noise, ask for a room in the back.
Author’s Box: As a cocktail connoisseur and lover of Italian artisanal decor and food, there is no better place to live in Italy than Milan. Chris spent the last 7 years exploring the best affordable luxury experiences the city and its surroundings have to offer.
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You packed so much into one day without it feeling overwhelming. I love the balance of culture, history, and delicious food.
I have always wanted to visit Milan. This looks like an amazing itinerary. I hope I can visit one day.
This is so helpful for planning my trip. It will help me see so much in one day.
You have packed in so much in this one day, this seems like a perfect way to enjoy all aspects of Milan in the given time frame. Its such a beautiful city.
Milan is somewhere I have wanted to visit. Now I am in a new chapter I am looking for places to visit with my daughter and this would be a great start to our travel journeys