Day trip to Milan

Sights in Milan

Milan is the largest city in Northern Italy and almost has too much to offer for a single day. Here is our selection, all easily accessible on foot or by subway.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

A visit to Milan is not complete without the Duomo. It is one of Europe's most impressive buildings and the city's landmark. Construction began in 1386 and lasted several centuries. The Gothic architecture, delicate statues, and numerous embellishments still impress visitors today. The Duomo and the adjacent museum house numerous art treasures. An absolute highlight is the view of the city from the rooftop terrace. We strongly recommend booking tickets online in advance, preferably for the Duomo and rooftop terraces including elevator access. Buy tickets from the official Milan Duomo ticket office; elsewhere, they are often overpriced. Without a pre-purchased ticket, you may have to queue for several hours!

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just a few steps from Milan Cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest and most elegant shopping arcades in the world. It was built in the 19th century and connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala. In addition to exclusive boutiques, it houses some of the city's most famous cafés and restaurants. The glass dome and mosaic floors make the Galleria an architectural jewel of Milan.

The Castello Sforzesco

For an insight into Milan's history, the Castello Sforzesco is a must-see. The mighty castle was expanded by the Sforza family in the 15th century and served as their residence for a long time. Today, it houses several museums and art collections, including the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco with works from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The large courtyards are freely accessible and a good place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper

Art lovers should definitely visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous mural “The Last Supper”. It is one of the most visited artworks in the world. Because only small groups are allowed in for a short time, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, often weeks beforehand.

The Parco Sempione

For a break from the city's hustle and bustle, Parco Sempione is an excellent choice. The expansive park is located directly behind Castello Sforzesco and is popular with locals and tourists alike. With its meadows, small lakes, and shady avenues, it is ideal for a stroll or a picnic. The Torre Branca, an observation tower with views over the city, is also located in the park.

The Teatro alla Scala

Opera lovers should not miss Teatro alla Scala, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Since its opening in 1778, the greatest opera stars and conductors have graced its stage. In addition to operas, there are also ballet performances and concerts. A guided tour of the theater offers insights into its history and magnificent architecture, with its famous red curtain and boxes.

The Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is another gem of Milan's art scene. The gallery showcases a large collection of Italian masterpieces from the 14th to the 20th century, including paintings by Titian, Caravaggio, and Raphael. It is located in the historic Brera district in the Palazzo di Brera, which also houses a library, an observatory, and a botanical garden. The alleys around the gallery are ideal for a lunch break.

The Quadrilatero della Moda

For fashion enthusiasts, the Quadrilatero della Moda is a paradise. In this exclusive shopping district in the heart of Milan, around Via Montenapoleone, some of the world's most famous fashion brands have their stores, including Versace, Prada, and Armani. Even just for window shopping, a stroll is worthwhile, and for a break, you'll find some of Milan's best restaurants and cafés here.

A Day in Milan: Our Suggestion

Take an early morning train to arrive in Milan by late morning. Take the M3 to the Duomo, which you can visit with a pre-booked ticket, including the rooftop terrace. Afterwards, walk through the Galleria to La Scala and continue to the Brera district for lunch. In the afternoon, Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione are on the agenda; if you have reservations, visit The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie. For aperitivo, head to the Navigli and then take the subway back to the main station. Check the app beforehand for the last train to Lake Maggiore.

All the excursion destinations presented can be easily reached on foot, by subway, or by tram. And the return journey to Lakeview is again comfortably by train, allowing you to recover from a strenuous but wonderful day!

Afterward, you can recover from the city hustle and bustle with us at Lake Maggiore: in a mobile home by the lake, in a vacation apartment in Cannobio, or at a pitch for your motorhome.