Getting Oriented
Milan sits in the northern Lombardy region of Italy, acting as a gateway to the nearby Lakes District, which features popular vacation spots like Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore. But the city's claim to fame is its worldwide fashion reputation, which goes much deeper than high-end shopping. In Milan, you can explore the coveted "Made in Italy" cultural heritage by visiting authentic handmade fashion shops that create bags, shoes, clothing, and more, all featuring impeccable quality.
But if you aren't interested in fashion, there's still much to do and see in Milan. Explore its historic core and visit the imposing Duomo, which particularly shines at dawn and dusk. Ride the charming trams and attend a night at the opera, followed by a beloved local ritual of a pre-dinner Aperitivo. If you like the outdoors, enjoy a day trip to one of the lakes. Or, if you're an art enthusiast, visit the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to find the famous The Last Supper painting by Leonardo da Vinci. Discover other places to find artistic masterpieces in Italy.
Things to Do
Despite being a large metropolis, you can see much of Milan in just a day or two. Get to know the historic core and its incredible art, architecture, and history with a city tour and exploration of its fashion reputation. Join the locals for an evening Aperitivo and attend a show at the iconic opera house.
Milan Highlights Tour
Get your bearings and explore the highlights of this historic city. On this walking tour of Milan, you'll explore the city’s rich history, art, and architecture and visit sites from the Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance periods. Peruse Piazza del Duomo and Milan's famous cathedral, which took almost 600 years to complete. If you're up for a climb, you can enjoy sweeping views of the city from the top! Other highlights include the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the 18th-century La Scala Opera House, and the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you'll find Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. Read More
Milano Fashion Tour & Fashion Workshop
Dive into Milan's famous fashion reputation with a walking tour and workshop. Start in Montenapoleone, the heart of the Quadrilatero district, where nearly every corner features ateliers and fashion boutiques. This area is also the neighborhood where the best tailors in Milan lived and worked for decades. Admire the beautiful architecture and heritage window displays as you stroll down the streets. Then take the historic tram to the chic Corso Como, where celebrities frequent. Meet your instructor, a spokesperson for the highest Italian fashion standards, and attend a workshop where you'll learn about fabrics and style techniques while making your own garment. Read More
Evening Aperitivo in Navigli
Join the locals for the beloved Aperitivo ritual, an energetic and social pre-dinner drink with snacks. You'll peruse the trendy Navigli neighborhood, known as the city’s best district for food and cocktails. This is quite the picturesque area of Milan, with city lights bouncing off the canals. Enjoy bar-hopping and tasting the city's renowned spirits used around the world. You’ll pair each drink with tastings of Italian cheeses, charcuterie boards, and street foods, such as a fried Milanese cutlet. Read More
Opera Night At Teatro Della Scala
Attending a show at Milan's historic 18th-century opera house is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. La Scala is known for its classic pieces and as the ancestral home of Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini. But you'll also find guest performances by international icons and ballet performances. Get dressed up and enjoy a night in what feels like "Old Europe," filled with romance and neoclassical glamour! Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day Trip From Milan
Milan is the gateway to Northern Italy's Lakes District, and its closest body of water is none other than the posh and beloved Lake Como. Don't miss cruising around its shores, admiring grand villas, and wandering its charming cobbled streets.
Lake Como Day Trip From Milan
Lake Como is the ideal day trip from the city, and you can easily explore the famous lakeside villages of Varenna and Bellagio. Enjoy this unique natural landscape combining shimmering water and mountains covered by dense, green forests. Start in Varenna at the charming Piazza San Giorgio square in the center, where you'll visit the Church of San Giorgio. Peruse the narrow streets lined with artisan shops, then explore some villas, such as Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Next, head to Bellagio via boat and admire its impressive mansions and botanical gardens at Villa Serbelloni and the neoclassical Villa Melzi. Read More
How Does Milan Fit into an Italy Itinerary?
Because of the city's location in Northern Italy, Milan is an excellent hub for exploring the surrounding regions. Pair the city with trips to the nearby lakes, the Italian Alps, the Swiss Alps, or the Italian Riviera. Milan is well-connected to other major cities, including Bologna, Venice, Florence, Turin, Genoa, and even Rome. Many visitors opt to combine a trip to Milan with the food and wine regions of the north or Tuscany.
For the city itself, you only need a day or two to explore the highlights properly. But if you want to dig deeper or explore the surrounding areas, one week is enough to discover the city, lakes, and mountains. Learn more about how many days to spend in Milan.
Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed the following trips that include Milan: