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One Day in Milan – A Self Guided Milan Walking Tour

by Violeta Matei

Last Updated on: 5th March 2024, 09:23 pm

#1 top pick organized tour

• Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket
• -> Small group walking tour of historic Milan
• -> Skip-the-line ticket to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
• -> Local guide, expert historian
• -> Headsets provided for groups of more than 6 people
• -> Duration: 3 hours
• -> Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (1078 reviews)

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Main Topics of One Day in Milan – A Self Guided Milan Walking Tour

The Wrong Italian Train on the Right Track

Ask for mercy and directions, 1. the milan cathedral – duomo di milano, 2. galleria vittorio emanuele ii, 3. piazza della scala, 4. sforza castle, 5. parco sempione, 6. santa maria delle grazie, 7. porta ticinese, 8. columns of san lorenzo, 9. shopping time, is milan worth visiting, the best place to start your milan walking tour, what if i want a guided tour.

This is a Milan itinerary I’ve created myself during one of my trips to Italy, when I only had one day to spend in Milan.

It is the perfect step-by-step tour that covers all major tourist landmarks in the city and also allows you to do some shopping by the end of your day. It is the only self-guided walking tour of Milan you’ll ever need.

This Milan walking tour requires one full day to complete. It covers Il Duomo di Milano, Galeria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza della Scala, Sforzesco Castle, Parco Sempione, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Porta Ticinese, the Columns of San Lorenzo and the main shopping street in Milan.

Find and book Milan tours and activities on Viator.com. Book ahead to save time and money!

My Self-Guided Tour of Milan

My day tour of Milan actually started in Bergamo, where I was living at that time. I took a train from Bergamo to Milano Centrale early morning.

I learned how useful it is to know how to say thank you in Italian when I accidentally took the wrong train that was heading over to Brescia instead of Milan

Next time, I’ll pick one of the good neighborhoods of Milan to stay for at least three days. I want to explore the city and maybe to attend a show at Scala di Milano.

Although I thought everything was clear, I managed to make a mistake. I took the train going the opposite direction. I had noticed that the train arrived about ten minutes earlier than scheduled, but I didn’t have any worry. I imagined it just arrived in advance. Little did I know I was going to waste about one hour of my day in Milan jumping from one train to the other.

As I was watching the mountains out the window, I was struck by a dark insight: the mountains were on the wrong side of the railway. I realized my mistake before arriving to Brescia, so I was able to jump off the train as soon as it hit the station. It only took a few seconds to notice a train that was heading to Milan.

After asking a few people for confirmation, I jumped on that train. It didn’t even cross my mind that my ticket I had bought the previous day wasn’t good for this fancier train.

As the control team came, I showed them my ticket. The Italian guy smiled and explained in Italian that I should have taken another type of train. At the same time, he realized that my journey had started in Bergamo, so he understood I had taken the wrong train. He smiled, and allowed me to travel without having to pay anything extra (although I was pretty sure the new train was more expensive, as it was better looking and much faster than the other one). Anyway, my advice to you is to watch carefully what type of train you want to take, and buy your tickets accordingly.

Beware that in Italy trains heading to opposite directions may share the same rails.

Bergamo is one of the stations where this happens. You always need to make sure you take the train you were intended to. If you see it arriving earlier than expected, ask someone where it goes.

Milano Centrale is very close to the Duomo, so here’s where you should start your tour from.

If you want to visit the cathedral, take into consideration you’re going to need between one and two hours. The tickets start from around $25-$30 for a self guided audio tour, and they may go up to over $40 for skip-the-line access and the visiting of the Crypt. If time allows, you should go for the full tour. The Duomo is one of the Milan must see things. It is fabulous.

Buy your Milan Cathedral and Rooftop ticket here today.

Keep in mind that some of the tourist objectives included in the tour are closed on Wednesdays.

Always do your own research before booking any tour, just to make sure that you’re going to see all monuments and attractions on your Milan bucket list. Read reviews and check out forums such as Reddit and Quora.

Here’s the Duomo di Milano on the map .

The striking Gothic design of the Duomo is worth the money and the effort. Besides, climbing to the top of the cathedral will grant you an excellent photo opportunity. If you don’t want to take the stairs to the top, you can pay a few dollars more to choose the elevator ride.

Even if you decide to skip the visit, you should still assign about 30 minutes for taking photos of the exterior of the cathedral. This impressive construction took about 600 years to complete, and it is a marvelous work of art.

You have to see it to understand why everyone considers it a must while visiting Milan.

Do you want to see the world’s oldest shopping mall? This is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a four-story covered passage which is considered one of the major landmarks of Milan, Italy.

As you stand in front of the Duomo di Milano, facing the building, the Galleria is on your left hand side. If you can’t spot it, just ask anyone around you for directions.

Most probably you won’t be doing any shopping inside the gallery, as those luxury shops have crazy prices. Expect to spend a few good minutes inside, though, because the mosaics on the ground are amazing, as well as the arching glass and cast iron roof.

One of the four mosaics depicts a bull which is very hard to miss, as there are always crowds of people around it. The legend says that spinning around with one heel on the bull’s balls will bring you good luck. Unfortunately, this legend has helped creating a big hole in the said area of the Turin Bull .

As you exit the Vittorio Emanuele II gallery, you’ll reach Piazza della Scala. Here you can find the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, and a few museums worth vising.

However, remember that you are supposed to spend only one day in Milan, so you may want to skip all these museums. Save them for another time, and head to the next stop, Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco).

Sforza Castle, also known as Castello Sforzesco, was one of the largest citadels in Europe, during the 16th and 17th centuries. You’ll get to Sforza Castle right after you leave the Scala Square  (Piazza della Scala). The castle is hard to miss, as it is literally huge. Here’s where it is in Milan.

The castle hosts the Museums of the Castello, where you can see one of the last works of Michelangelo and many other masterpieces of great Italian artists. If you plan to visit the museum, make sure you schedule one full hour for that.

Behind the Sforza Castle you’ll find the Sempione Park. This is a lovely place, an oasis of peace and relaxation.

I would have loved to spend my full day in Milan in Parco Sempione, watching the people passing by, the leaves falling off the trees, and the lovers holding hands and kissing on the wooden benches.

The admission to Park Sempione is free of charge. During winter months, the park is open from Monday to Sunday,. from 7 am to 6 pm. During summer months, it closes at 7 pm.

Anyway, if you make it part of your Milan one day itinerary, you’ll find it open regardless the season, as you’ll get here by 2 pm (give or take one hour).

Exit Sempione Park through the gate nearby the Triennale di Milano, take the Viale Moliere street, then Viale Pietro e Maria Curie , Via G. Leopardi , Via Aurelio Saffi , and then Via Fratelli Ruffini.

Buy your half-day Milan history tour and The Last Supper here . If you only want a Last Supper guided tour, click here .

This terracotta Renaissance church with Gothic interior is home to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.

The church is very beautiful, and it makes a cool contrast with the surrounding buildings. It is a very nice place to sit and enjoy the afternoon sun. I didn’t visit it, but I spend quite a while taking photos and enjoying the view.

This is a landmark neoclassical pink granite gate with pillars, erecting right in the middle of modern constructions, roads and railways. It marks Napoleon’s victory in Marengo.

You’ll only need a few minutes to catch your breath and take a few photos. If you’ve got enough of walking for your day in Milan, you can skip it, and go straight to the Columns of San Lorenzo.

This is an archeological site consisting from of 16 Roman marble columns, next to remains of an amphitheater and baths. It is amazing to see the new and the old together.

I love how Italians preserved their ancient remains without compromising on the development of the city.

People in Milan can go on with their lives, while tourists and history fans can stop to appreciate the beauty of ancient constructions.

If you look on a map of Milan, you’ll see that you are already close to the Duomo and to Milano Centrale. Depending on the amount of time you have left, you can either stop for some food, get on your train, or go for some shopping.

Via Montenapoleone is the place to go for luxury shopping in Milan.

For more down to earth shops (and ready-to-wear brands you can find all over Europe), head over to Corso Buenos Aires, or Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

For unique clothing items and nice food choices, try the Corso Venezia Avenue and Corso di Porta Ticinese.

You can see enough of Milan in one day, provided that you stick to the center of the city and to the main tourist attractions. This article on my blog describes a self guided Milan walking tour you can try if you have one day to spare.

You can also do this as part of a bigger Northern Italy itinerary . If you were to do the same in Rome, for instance, you’d need several days of Rome walking tours self guided or with a guide to get to see the city.

Milan is one of the must-see places in Italy . Although famous for being The European Capital of Fashion, Milan boasts a few tourist attractions worth seeing, either in a self-guided walking tour or by booking a guided tour like this one, here .

Besides, there are some cool day trips you can take from Milan , so you can make it your base camp for one week, to see the beautiful Lombardy. As Milano Airports are important nodes for flights to and from exotic destinations all over the world, you might end up having one day Milan layovers. Beware, though, you’ll need more than six hours layover to be able to visit Milan without missing your flight.

Even though it isn’t as overwhelming as Rome or Florence, Milan is worth at least a short walking tour.

Here’s a brief video walking tour of Milan that includes many of the above listed landmarks:

Wherever you may be coming from, chances are you’ll have an easy time getting to Milano Centrale , the main train station in Milan. This is one of the main railway stations in Europe, and it is conveniently located in the center of the city. This makes it the perfect spot to start your one day in Milan from.

When taking a train in Italy, always make sure it is the one you’ve been waiting for. If your train is supposed to arrive at line 1 at a certain time, don’t jump on any train arriving several minutes earlier. I did this mistake and I found myself on a train to Brescia instead of Milan. Fortunately I noticed that I had the mountains on the wrong side, so I jumped off the train and took another one back to Milan.

Even if your self guided Milan walking tour won’t end in the same spot, you’ll find lots of transportation options to get to Milano Centrale once you’re done walking and shopping.

Just make sure you check how much time you need to get back to the train station. If time allows, take the vintage tram to Milano Centrale. It has a very long itinerary and it is slow, but it lets you see a lot of this elegant city. I found public transportation in Milan to be better organized and more reliable than in Rome.

When planning your day, you should consider leaving the shopping for the end of your walk, in order to avoid carrying all those bags with you through museums, cathedrals and parks. Once you’re done with your sightseeing, you can head over to some shops and spoil yourself with a few nice outfits or an elegant pair of shoes.

Speaking of this, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes like these ones , as you have a long day ahead. If you want, feel free to see my own top of the best walking shoes for travel .

These are only a few things to do in Milan. The whole itinerary may be a bit too much for one day, though.You may want to get on a hop-on hop-off bus to see everything in one go without that much walking. Check out this link to see the price of this tour as of today.

For slow travel and relaxed sightseeing, you should schedule an overnight stay in one of the Milan hotels. You can find a pretty good list here . This would enable you to visit all the museums and take your time to admire all those stunning works of art and architecture.

In terms of what to wear in Italy , make sure you check out the weather forecast before you pack. Also, dress in layers and don’t forget that burglars and pickpockets are waiting for distracted tourists.

Do you want to pin this Milan self-guided tour for later? Here you are!

• Milan Arrival Private Transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan City

• Price: $128.03
• Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' or Vineyard and Milan Duomo Tour

• Price: $127.68
• Alfa Romeo museum Milan private guided tour, from Milan

• Price: $155.55
• Milan Segway Tour by Night

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• Vintage Fiat 500 Tour in Milan

• Price: $72.97
• Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise and Landscapes

• Price: $102.31
• Private Lake Como and surrounding wine region tour from Milan

• Price: $285.37
• Skip-the-Line Milan Duomo Underground and Terrace Small-Group Tour

• Price: $77.78
• Discovering Milan on the Historic Tram

• Price: $214.18
• Evening Food Tour with Wine Tasting in Milan

• Price: $101.71
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15 Mega Epic Walking Tours in Milan for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: December 3, 2023

Categories Europe

Wanna see Milan like a REAL local? Then check out this next-level awesome list of the best walking tours in Milan .

Because while you can 100% go it alone, it’s easy to get lost, lose precious time, and miss hidden gems that only true locals know about.

So, if you wanna make the most of your time in one of my fave cities in Italy, then I implore you to book one. the best walking tours Milan has to offer.

At least, that’s what I did the first time I visited. And it was a great way to see all that the city has to offer super fast.

Plus, you get to listen to expert commentary that adds to the experience and helps you understand what you’re actually looking at.

Also, because I was visiting the city solo, the tour really helped me feel less alone, especially while eating my faces off at epic restaurants.

So, deffo take some time to read this post and consider booking one of the best walking tours in Milan.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

In a rush? ⏰ Then this Milan Historical Walking Tour and Last Supper Ticket is my pick for the best tour in Milan. It’s a super fun tour that will quickly introduce you to all of the city’s major highlights. 😀

Best Walking Tours in Milan for Sights and History

1. milan historical walking tour and the last supper ticket.

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (2518 Reviews) Price: $82.45 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie Operator: Wander Italy Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

If you only have time for one activity in Milan, make it this historical walking tour.

Because this 3-hour tour is absolutely amazing and takes you to all of the major tourist attractions that this city has to offer.

I mean, you don’t want to leave Milan without seeing the Duomo, La Scala Theater, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle, do you? Especially if you only have 24 hours in Milan .

However, this tour actually starts at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. FYI, this is THE humble terracotta church that houses The Last Supper.

“First off, easy to find the meeting point and guide which is always a huge plus. We mainly booked this tour to see the Last Supper and get a quick overview of Milan. Our tour guide was AMAZING. Very knowledgeable in the history of Milan. This tour is the perfect snapshot of the city of Milan in the perfect amount of time. We particularly enjoyed his knowledge on The Last Supper and enjoyed learning from him about it. Would highly recommend.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

And, this epic tour covers you with skip-the-line access. Now, as per the rules, you’ll have 15 minutes to pore over the details and scrutinize Da Vinci’s brushstrokes.

Once your time elapses, you’ll hit the road for the main body of the walking tour, which is focused on Milan’s Renaissance history.

Therefore, you’ll visit the historical spots listed above and get a snapshot of the city’s iconic past.

Pro Tip: If you do not book this tour and want to see Davinci’s Last Supper you MUST book your tickets months in advance or you will NOT get in.

You can also do a fun day trip to Lake Como from Milan if you have the time.

2. The Last Supper and St. Maria delle Grazie Church Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (55 Reviews) Price: $64.86 per person Duration: 75 minutes 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie n° 2 Operator: YourNexTour Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, this is one of the best walking tours in Milan that allows you to hone in on Da Vinci’s masterpiece.

After all, the painting is the crown jewel of Milan for most first-time visitors.

See, this Last Supper and St. Maria delle Grazie Church tour kicks off with a viewing of this immortal fresco.

Then, after the allotted 15 minutes are up, the remaining hour is spent roaming the area outside the church.

So, do be prepared for the use of props as your guide tells you all there is to know about the mural.

They’ll even zoom in on the finer details, usually naked to the untrained eye, and reveal secrets that few people know.

Well, at least those outside the world of art history anyway.

Plus, in addition to discussing the content of the painting, your guide will talk about the innovative techniques Da Vinci used.

“The tour was wonderful. Our guide, Sisi, was amazing from start to finish, always detailing every step of the way and as friendly as I’ve rarely seen her. I highly recommend it, especially if you go with Sisi!!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Heck, you’ll even hear all the juicy details about the church itself that many people often skip over.

3. Milan Duomo, Archaeological Area, and Rooftops Private Fast-Track Guided Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (75 Reviews) Price: $71.54 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: P.za del Duomo, 14 Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, the Duomo di Milano sits at the very heart of Zone 1, aka the center of the city.

Also located in Piazza del Duomo, this gigantic cathedral is one of the largest in the world.

And, it took a whopping six centuries – AKA, 600 years – to build.

So, architects and builders chiseled away from 1386 until 1965 when the church was finally deemed ready.

“Victor’s really amazing. He’s an expert about everything related to the Duomo. My boys asked him a lot of questions and he was ready with all answers. My husband and sons cannot thank me enough for booking this tour for us. Everything was perfect.” Lerma ( read more reviews now )

Showcasing a Gothic style with typical Lombardy features, the windows depict Bible scenes. And, yes, there is a fee to enter the church.

Now, seeing as it’s a popular spot, it’s best to secure admission in advance.

Yeah, trust me on this. You will wait in line forever (like me) and are not allowed to bring “big bags” inside with you.

So, this guided tour of the Milan Duomo is your best bet if you want to get inside quickly and actually understand the archaeological significance/beauty of what you’re looking at.

Plus, it includes skip-the-line access and fast-track entry to the roof terraces too.

It’s also one of the best walking tours in Milan that is fully private. So, you’ll have 90 minutes to enjoy the epic wisdom of your expert guide.

Otherwise, you’ll miss out on so many teeny details you simply can’t learn from a casual visit (or consulting Wiki/Google). And with six centuries of history to cover those 90 minutes fly by.

4. Sforza Castle and Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (130 Reviews) Price: $54.85 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Clock Tower (Torre Filarete) Operator: Italy Hidden Experiences Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

As it happens, the grounds of Sforza Castle are totally free to visit. But, this complex is ginormous and hides the Renaissance heritage of Milan inside.

That’s right, Florence may have birthed the Renaissance but traces of the movement exist in other Italian cities too.

Now, this incredible tour of Sforza Castle and Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini lasts around 1.5 hours.

And, it includes admission to the castle’s Pietà Rondanini Museum. Because that part of the fort does carry a fee if you wanna visit and see all the touristy goodness inside.

Once there, you’ll see the final sculpture that Michelangelo worked on in the days right before his death.

Honestly, it boggles the mind when you think about what he was able to create at the ripe old age of 89. Yup, it’s pure madness I tell you!

“Simon was our tour guide he was so good and helpful, well oriented. Good accent and make everything clear and understandable. Me and my wife enjoyed the tour and we highly recommended. Thank you so much Simon.” Anas ( read more reviews now )

In general, tour commentary focuses on the castle, the powerful families of Milan’s past, and the work of both Da Vinci and Michelangelo.

And, it’s great to really focus on one specific monument during one of the best walking tours in Milan.

Then, once your time’s up, you can remain on the castle grounds and continue exploring before stopping for some of the best gelato in Milan .

5. Highlights and Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Milan Private Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (169 Reviews) Price: $112.90 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: P.za del Duomo, 1 Operator: The Ultimate Italy Details: Read more on Viator Now!

Now, assuming you’re all up to scratch with the principal sights of Milan, where to next?

Well, why not embark on a highlights and hidden gems with locals tour that will cover all bases first?

Because you’ll 110% love that this is one of the best walking tours in Milan that includes a “hidden gems” segment where you visit lesser-known landmarks too.

So, what spots are we talking about here?

Well, that’s a secret – so you’ll just have to book this tour and put yourself in the safe hands of your local guide!

Also, just be aware that this itinerary does tend to differ somewhat based on the guide you’re assigned.

“Our guide had tremendous knowledge. She told several interesting stories. We had a excellent view of one of the world’s most famous paintings.” Jeff ( read more reviews now )

Plus, you can always pipe up about your specific interests since this is a private tour with an itinerary that is definitely somewhat customizable.

Therefore, this really is one of the best walking tours in Milan from a local perspective.

And because it’s private, it’s great for couples and families in particular.

Then, when the 3 hours are over, you’ll be an expert in historic and contemporary Milan. Plus, afterward, be sure to ask your guide for restaurant recommendations.

Pro Tip: Try not to book the tour for Sunday since some places will be closed.

Best Walking Tours in Milan for Culture and Lifestyle

6. private milan fashion tour.

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (43 Reviews) Price: $92.34 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Via Croce Rossa, 2, 20121 Milano Operator: Withlocals Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Move over Paris because all know that Milan is the place for designer fashion in Europe.

In fact, the sole purpose of your visit might be to invest your retirement fund in high-end clothing.

But, with literally thousands of stores in and beyond the quadrilatero della moda, where the heck do you start?

Well, with this totally stylish and awesome fashion tour of Milan , obviously.

See, this epic 3-hour private walking tour will steer you toward the coolest concept stores and most exclusive boutiques that the city has to offer.

And a true highlight is hearing about the city’s fashion history in an actual designer’s studio.

Plus, you’ll call in at vintage ateliers and an incredible Japanese jewelry store too.

“Sara was an excellent guide providing interesting insight, out of the way spots and broad exploration of the canal and historic regions. She was flexible and rapidly adapted to my interests. The tour was unique and worthwhile.” Christian ( read more reviews now )

Truly, this is one of the best walking tours in Milan for fashionistas. Especially those with a thirst that goes beyond Prada, Versace, and other main stream deisgners.

Because, rather than sticking to the main fashion districts, it hones in on the lesser-known and independent stores of Navigli.

Just be prepared for a moderate amount of walking on this tour (duh), so be sure to wear flats.

7. San Siro Stadium and Museum Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (156 Reviews) Price: $33.53 per person Duration: Valid 1 Day 📍Meeting Point: Gate 8 at the Piazzale Angelo Moratti. Operator: Timonfaya Travel Lanzarote Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Prefer soccer to fashion? If so then we’ve got a tour for that.

Now, the San Siro Stadium stands just a hop, a skip, and a jump west of the center of the city.

And as the home turf of A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, this is one of the best walking tours in Milan for sports nuts.

Obviously, catching a game IRL is the “goal.”

But, if that’s not an option, you can “score” tickets to the stadium and check out areas that are usually closed to the public.

So, this San Siro Stadium and Museum Tour gives you access to the sidelines, stands, changing rooms, and the tunnel.

Plus, the museum showcases jerseys worn by some of the team’s top players.

And, it’s led by a real person rather than an audio guide so you’ll hear lots of fun anecdotes.

“A very nice visit to this mythical stadium! First, we visited the museum and then in a small group we went to visit the stadium. A superb professional team explaining in detail the iconic history of this stadium as well as these two teams. Highly recommend for football fans!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Actually, even if soccer makes you sleepy, the gossip justifies going on this tour – especially since tours depart every 20 minutes or so.

Therefore, all you need to do is order your ticket for the day you want to go. Then, just show up and wait for your tour guide to summon you.

8. La Scala Museum and Theatre Experience

⭐️ Rating: 4.8/5.0 (310 Reviews) Price: $51.67 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Front of La Scala Theatre Museum Operator: Italy Hidden Experiences Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

One for the theatergoers and musically inclined, Teatro alla Scala is one of the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

Utterly splendid inside and out, this opera house has been putting out all the stops since the late 18th century.

And that makes sense since the theater hosts opera, ballet, and symphony orchestra performances.

Again, if your Milan itinerary permits, you might want to investigate getting your paws on some tickets.

However, this La Scala Museum and Theatre Experience is the perfect accompaniment to any visit to this magical building.

Over the course of 1.5 hours, you’ll get a guided tour of the auditorium, stage, and sneek peak behind the scenes.

“A wonderful trip, a wonderful guide, with great passion and fondness telling about the history of the theater and people associated with it. We highly recommend it, we were happy to participate in this event, unforgettable impressions – we are enchanted by this famous place. Thank you very much. Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

In fact, you’ll stand exactly where such greats as Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti have stood during their careers.

Plus, the museum showcases costumes and set designs from centuries-worth of productions at La Scala.

9. Brera District and Pinacoteca Guided Experience

⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5.0 (76 Reviews) Price: $65.85 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Varies by tour Operator: Italy Hidden Experiences Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Wedged between Sforzesco Castle and the Duomo, you’ll find the gorgeous district of Brera.

See, this is the setting of the Pinacoteca di Pinacoteca – which is only one of the premier art galleries in Italy.

Therefore, this Brera district and Pinacoteca guided experience starts off with a walk through the galleries.

Then, once inside you’ll feast your eyes on works by Raffaello, Caravaggio, Hayez, and more.

And, with a wise local guide by your side, you’ll learn all about the significance of these amazing masterpieces.

“It was a wonderful experience! Laura is the best guide ever!! She is very passionate and explained everything about the paintings and also she had a lot of fun/odd facts about the artists or the meaning behind the masterpieces. Would highly recommend to take the guided tour.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

But, the tour also includes a wander around the Brera neighborhood too since this area is utterly gorgeous. So, expect to fill your phone up with tons of unique photos.

And once the 2 hours is at an end, your friendly guide will point you in the right direction when it comes to where to eat and where to shop in Brera.

FYI, this part of Milan is a great place to pick up artisanal gifts and perfumes.

10. Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food Tasting

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (47 Reviews) Price: $38.47 per person Duration: 2.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Church of San Maurizio Operator: Pink Umbrella Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

See, if you travel to any city in Italy and neglect to take a food tour – you’ve made a major error.

Because there’s so much more to Italian cuisine than pizza and pasta. And this guided street food walking tour with food tastings will prove just that.

After all, this 2.5-hour food tour will take you through the heart of the city – from north to south.

Therefore, you’ll see a bunch of sights including Piazza Mercanti and the L.O.V.E. statue.

But, most importantly, you’ll eat where Milan locals eat. So, we’re talking authentic little delis and historic markets teeming with fresh regional produce.

“We tried a lot. The portions were a bit big. We would have liked to have had a drink in between. E.g. an Italian coffee or other drink. Our tour guide was very nice and accommodating. It was an all-round successful tour! THANKS!” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

And, the emphasis of one of the best walking tours in Milan is very much on street food.

Which, in Milan, means piles of cheeses, cured meats, carbolicious breads, and flaky pastries.

And what makes this one of the top walking tours Milan has to offer is the fact that you will learn about local culinary traditions.

Plus, you’ll get insight into typical recipes. So, bring a notebook to jot down some expert cooking tips.

11. Aperitivo Tour with Street Food

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (69 Reviews) Price: $97.26 per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio Operator: Do Eat Better Experience Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

See, the only way to improve a Milan food tour is with free-flowing aperitivos.

So, enter this 3.5-hour aperitivo tour with street food .

Focused on the happening Navigli district, you’ll find out how to approach the art of the aperitivo, Milanese style.

Therefore, in addition to sampling wines and cocktails, you’ll gain insight into how to craft your own Milan-inspired aperitivos once you get back home.

“Very much enjoyed the experience. We did it on our first evening in Milan, which I highly recommend. Terrific way to see this part of the city. Georgia was a wealth of knowledge. She answered all of our questions. Nice selection of food and drinks. Liked having the Orion to make a personal selection among the categories.” US Travler ( read more reviews now )

But, as we all know, you should never drink on an empty stomach. And that’s why this tour is inclusive of snacks.

So, you’ll nibble away at Italian cheeses, cold cuts, gourmet stuffed potatoes, and gelato.

Although, the pizza does sort of steal the limelight.

Note, this is a social eating experience. Therefore, come prepared to swap stories with your lovely co-participants.

You’ll also love that solo travelers, couples, groups, and families are equally welcome. Salute!

12. Gourmet Food Tour of Milan

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (27 Reviews) Price: $109.28 per person Duration: 4 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Cordusio Operator: Do Eat Better Experience Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Now, if the above tours whetted your appetite but you’re still looking to experience more upscale restaurants in Milan then this tour is the perfect solution.

See, this gourmet food tour of Milan hand-picks some of the most refined eateries in the city.

And, ordinarily, the 4-hour tour includes 4-5 stops where you’ll sample charcuterie and wine, handmade pizza and pasta, Milanese risotto, and gourmet potatoes.

Afterward, you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with artisanal pastries and cannoncini, stuffed right before your eyes.

“It was just my friend and I on the tour. Felt very intimate and our guide, Elise, was phenomenal! We had exquisite treats from pastry shops, great pizza, risotto, as well as meat/cheese spread. She also taught us about the history of Milan while walking from shop to shop. Great way to see the city as well.” Anonymous ( read more reviews now )

Then, at the end, you’ll digest everything with a rich and delicious espresso – the perfect way to end any meal.

So, 0verall, this is one of the best walking tours in Milan for the bon vivant traveler.

Plus, while you explore all these epic foodie hot spots, your guide will give you the full lowdown on points of interest and Milanese cooking tips.

Best Walking Tour in Milan at Night

13. milan by night walking experience.

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (15 Reviews) Price: $48.92 per person Duration: 2 hours 📍 Meeting Point: Piazza Castello Details: Read more on Viator Now!

See, many of the best walking tours in Milan listed above offer a variety of start times to suit your travel agenda.

However, this Milan by night walking experience is a strictly nocturnal affair.

Departing at 6:30 pm daily, this 2-hour tour introduces you to the dark side of Milan.

So, after meeting your guide and group at Piazza Castello you’ll dive straight in with the most iconic city sights.

Therefore, highlights include the courtyards of Sforza Castle, La Scala Theater, and the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery.

Plus, you’ll wrap up at Cathedral Square where Duomo di Milano will be aglow beneath the moonlight.

“Our tour guide was Giorgio. He was a very nice person and knowledgeable guide. He has his PhD in architectural history. His tour was extremely informative. He speaks Italian, English, and German. I highly recommend him if you take this tour.” Arthur ( read more reviews now )

All the while, your guide will dish the dirt on all the most epic happenings from Milan’s historic past.

And, seeing as it’s twilight, they’ll throw in a couple of spookier tales for fun.

Overall, this is an epic walking tour if you want to orient yourself to the center of the city and find your feet in a new place.

Then, you can revisit some of the most interesting sights in daylight and explore the museums/fashion boutiques that caught your eye.

Best Free Walking Tours in Milan

14. citywalkers free walking tour of milan.

Now, if you’re traveling on a shoestring, the price of some of the best walking tours in Milan might be beyond reach.

And that’s where this free tour comes in mighty handy.

See, this free walking tour of Milan departs daily (whatever the weather) at 10:00 am sharp from Duomo Square.

Delivered in English by a local guide, you’ll spend 2+ hours pounding the streets of this uber-trendy city.

So, sights covered by the tour are the Milan Duomo, the Church Of San Nazaro In Brolo, Statale University, Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, and Merchants Square.

Overall, you’ll see around 8 points of interest and hear all the deets when it comes to the significance of the building or plaza.

And while the tour is free to join, you really should tip your guide at the end for their hard work.

Now, in general, participants tip around €5 – €15 ($5.50 – $16.50) per person.

But, really it’s up to you. Therefore, make sure you have a stash of euros in your wallet that you can give to your guide before you leave.

15. Free Milan Self-guided Audio Tour

Here’s an alternative free option for the best walking tours in Milan on a budget.

See, Rick Steves (only one of the most informed European travel experts on the planet) has put together this nifty podcast.

Plus, the audio tour is totally free to access. Therefore, you’ll just need to pack a pair of trusty headphones.

Now, your first option: download the app and subsequently add the Milan tour to your library.

Otherwise, you can just stream it directly provided you have data on your phone.

In fact, a pro tip is to listen to this audio tour as you go about your business of seeing Milan’s major attractions.

But, seeing as it’s totally free – as in, no tip to think about – you could absolutely get your history fix from this tour.

Then, treat yourself to whichever of the other previous tours caught your eye. Because, as they say, when in Rome Milan.

Best Walking Tours in Milan FAQ

Where can i walk in milan.

Some of the best places to walk in Milan include:

• Brera District
• Fashion Quadrilateral
• Tree Library Park
• Piazza Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
• Sempione Park
• Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como
• Abbey of Chiaravalle
• Navigli and New Dock

Can you walk around Milan?

Yes! You can definitely walk around Milan. Not only is it safe but many of the city’s top attractions are clustered around the city center.

Therefore, it’s easy to explore this city on foot and admire all of the major landmarks here.

Is Milan Easy to Walk Around?

Yes!!! Milan is a very walkable city. Plus, many of the top sights are well-located near one another. Therefore, you can quickly and easily enjoy all that the city has to offer.

How Many Days do you Need for Milan?

Generally, you can see all of the city’s major attractions in about a day.

However, if you spend between two and three days in this gorgeous metropolis then you can better understand the culture of this incredible place.

Additional Resources You’ll Love

• Best Boutique Hotels in Milan
• Big Mistakes to Avoid in Italy
• Italy Solo Guide
• Renting a Car in Lake Como

There you have it! That wraps up this guide to the best walking tours in Milan.

Tell me, did your picks for the best walking tours milan has to offer make the list if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later..

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Milan Tours

Immerse yourself in the art, history, and culture of Milan with our expertly guided walking tours. I...

Our tours in Milan

Best of Milan: The Last Supper Tickets, Duomo & City Tour

Skip the Line Sforza Castle Tour with Last Supper Tickets

What to know about milan from our local guides.

Milan offers something for everyone, whether you’re into fashion, art, history, or just about anything else. Here are a few things to do in Milan that are worth checking out.

• Visit the Duomo , Milan’s iconic Gothic masterpiece and the largest cathedral in Italy, and climb to the rooftop for breathtaking city views.
• Feast your eyes on Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
• Explore Sforza Castle , an imposing medieval fortress-turned-museum that houses various art collections, including Michelangelo's unfinished masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini.
• Shop your way around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant gallery known for its stunning architecture in addition to its impressive collection of luxury fashion brands.
• Discover an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna, at the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery.
• Stroll along the picturesque Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals, lined with trendy bars, cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

While it is possible to book Last Supper tickets online, the official website isn’t very user-friendly and offers little to no flexibility in case your plans change. Your best bet is to go with a guided tour to guarantee a hassle-free experience and ensure you get in. Both our Best of Milan Tour and our Sforza Castle Tour with Last Supper offer skip-the-line, pre-reserved access to the famous (and rapidly deteriorating!) masterpiece, along with the context you need to fully appreciate da Vinci’s genius.

Milan is a fantastic city for families and many of its top attractions, including the Duomo and the Last Supper, are easy to visit with little ones. Parco Sempione is a sprawling green space in the heart of Milan with plenty of space for kids to run free, and nearby Sforza Castle is a fascinating visit for travelers of all ages. Kids will love exploring the castle on our Milan walking tour !

Milan might not be as famous as Naples or Bologna when it comes to gastronomy, but there are still plenty of delicious typical foods from Milan that are worth a try.

First things first: risotto. Rice is more common than pasta here in the north of Italy, and risotto alla Milanese is arguably its best iteration. It’s creamy, saffron-infused, and a true culinary masterpiece.

Plenty of other staple dishes of Milanese cuisine are similarly hearty and filling—perfect for the chilly winter months. Ossobuco (braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, wine, and broth), cassoeula (a pork and cabbage stew), and the famous minestrone soup are all commonly found on menus and family tables throughout Milan.

Craving something sweet? Crumbly and buttery sbrisolona cake is one of Milan’s best-known desserts. If you’re visiting around Christmastime, be sure to try the famous panettone—though it’s now enjoyed throughout Italy and beyond, it has its roots here in Milan!

There’s really no bad time of year to visit Milan. It all depends on your personal travel style, budget, and the kinds of experiences you’re looking to have.

As with much of Italy, the spring and fall “shoulder seasons” offer beautiful weather and a pleasant atmosphere in the city without the crowds. While summer is easily hotter and more crowded, it also offers dozens of festivals and events, including outdoor concerts at Sforza Castle. It’s also a lovely time of year to enjoy a day trip to picturesque Lake Como, just two and a half hours away by train.

Winter is the quietest time of year to visit Milan, as well as the most budget friendly. While temperatures can be quite chilly and snow is a possibility (this is northern Italy, after all!), the city won’t be nearly as crowded with tourists and offers a more relaxed atmosphere.

Milan offers a modern and efficient public transportation system. With five metro lines and dozens of buses and trams, there are plenty of options to get you wherever you need to go. Tickets start at just €1.60 for a single journey and can be purchased at self-service kiosks, newsstands, and ATM (Azienda Transporti Milanesi) service centers throughout the city.

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The Best Walking Tours in Milan

Milan is one of the design and fashion capitals of the world. But it has more to offer than just luxe fashion and vintage clothing markets.

An influential city during the Italian Renaissance (and currently the second-largest in Italy ), Milan is home to a stunning cathedral (that took over 500 years to complete), the 15th-century Sforzesco Castle (which houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture), and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

There is no shortage of history and culture here. One of the best ways to see everything in the city is with a walking tour. There’s a lot to see and connecting with an expert local guide will help you get a deeper understanding of the city.

Here’s my list of the best walking tours in Milan to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit!

Best Overall Tour

I’ve taken Walks tours all over Europe and it is, by far, my favorite tour company. Their tours are both fun and educational and always manage to go above and beyond. Their Best of Milan tour covers the main sights, such as the Duomo and The Last Supper (for which it includes skip-the-line tickets). At three hours, it’s super fun and informative. The guides really know their stuff too!

Best Free Tour

Sandeman’s New Europe

If you’re on a budget, New Europe is the best free walking tour company in Milan. It runs a daily highlights tour, led by a certified guide, that lasts three hours and is a good introduction to the city. It covers all the big highlights, like the Duomo and the Opera House, as well as some lesser-known sights. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

  Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Milan:  

1. GT Tours

If you just want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s painting and aren’t interested in anything else, GT Tours runs an hour-long Last Supper guided tour . You’ll get to see this UNESCO World Heritage work up close and learn about its history and significance from an expert local guide. As part of the tour, you’ll get a timed ticket to admire this famous 15th-century painting, with a 15-minute slot, so you won’t be rushed along.

Tours from 48 EUR.

2. Milanoguida

To dive deep into learning about Milan’s stunning Duomo, take this two-hour Cathedral Rooftop tour . You’ll get skip-the-line admission to the building, which boasts over 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors, as well as access to the rooftop, where you can take in amazing views of the city. You’ll also get a headset so you can listen to your guide as you explore the rooftop area, admiring its spires, statues, and gargoyles.

Tours from 49 EUR.

3. Italy Hidden Experiences

For a more off-the-beaten path tour, Italy Hidden Experiences runs a two-hour Milan by Night tour that covers some less-visited destinations, showcasing stories and secrets of historic noble families. There are also a few spooky ghost stories thrown in for good measure too!

If a nighttime ghost tour isn’t your thing, there’s also a 90-minute guided tour of Sforza Castle . It was one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries and where you’ll find Michelangelo’s final sculpture, Rondanini Pietà, completed in 1564. You’ll learn a ton about both Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci on this tour.

Tours from 44 EUR.

4. Cantina Urbana Milano

Italy is known for its world-class wine. To sample some of Milan’s best, head out on a guided wine tasting tour . You’ll get to visit four venues and try a variety, all paired perfectly with some tasty local fare. On this two-hour tour, you’ll learn about winemaking methods, sample authentic local products, and be able to ask questions of a professional sommelier.

Tours from 40 EUR.

5. Sarah Zarillo Tours

To experience Milan’s famous fashion scene, sign up for this Vintage Shopping tour . It’s 3-4 hours long and takes you to a few neighborhoods, where you can browse cool vintage shops while learning about the local fashion scene. There are budget offerings as well as more high-end vintage items. At the end of the tour, your guide will give you a list of other stores worth checking out as well.

Tours from 60 EUR.

While Take Walks is my favorite company in the city, you can’t go wrong with any of the tours on this list. They’ll ensure you have a deeper, more nuanced visit as you explore alongside a local guide who can share their insider tips and advice. I always take a walking tour when I visit Milan. You should too!

Book Your Trip to Milan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Need a Guide? Rome has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions.

Want More Information on Milan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Venice for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Milan essentials: from Duomo to Navigli

• Milan Free Tour
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• Private Tour of Milan
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• Uffizi Gallery Tour
• Accademia Gallery Tour
• Highlights walking tour
• Duomo Cathedral Tour
• Classic private Tour
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Free Walking Tour of Milan

Tour milan for free with our famous tour.

Come explore Milan; learn its history and experience the culture. The free Milan walking tour here at Citywalkers is extremely popular with all tourists, no matter the budget. The Milan tour is completely free of charge, but you are encouraged to tip your guide an amount you feel they deserve. Our tour guides work for tips (gratuities) and they have the experience and passion required to ensure you have an incredible time.

Don’t let the word ‘free’ distract you from the quality of this Milan tour: you will explore everything from the Duomo (cathedral) to Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle), from the University of Milan, known colloquially as UniMi to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II… and so much more! We have carefully created a truly unforgettable tour and we can’t wait to welcome you to the city. We also have a range of our Milan walking tours , including a Milan Ghost Tour and our highly sought-after Milan Last Supper Tour .

Perfect if you’re looking for free things to do in Milan!

Milan is an incredible city, full of great free activities. Not everything worth seeing on holiday costs money and we believe our free tour really shows off the best of Milan across eight unique stops. The entire tour takes 2 hours 45 minutes and we can’t wait to welcome you to the city! If you have any questions about our free Milan tour, please get in touch ; however, your question may have been answered as part of our FAQ page .

Meeting Point

Duomo Square, in front of the 900 Museum

Look for our yellow umbrella., click here to get directions.

Epic journeys

Tour overview.

Church of San Nazaro in Brolo

Statale Univeristy

Duomo Cathedral

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery

Theatre and Square Alla Scala

Merchants Square

Business Square

The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason.

Neither CITYWALKERS, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by CITYWALKERS, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours.

Participation in tours promoted by CITYWALKERS is strictly on a voluntary basis.

CITYWALKERS could cancel a tour due to extenuating circumstances.

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Total Milan Experience

€ 112 / person

120 minutes

Tour description

Our full-day walking tour of Milan (6 hours approx.) covers all the must-see sights including direct access to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, the impressive Duomo Cathedral and Michelangelo’s “Rondanini Pietà”, his last unfinished marble masterpiece. Our knowledgeable local English-speaking guides will share their passion for Milan and make you feel engaged all day long. With Skip-the-Line Access and guaranteed small group sizes you will not waste precious time waiting in line and live an immersive experience!

What you can expect

Start your Total Milan Experience in Piazzale Cadorna, one of the main squares close to the top attractions of the city. Meet your expert local guide next to the huge “Needle,Thread and Knot” monument and get fascinated by this contemporary art piece. Then stroll through Milan city center, wandering around a few of the numerous picturesque streets and squares and reach the most iconic symbol of Milan, the Duomo . Skip the long lines and get into the Gothic cathedral, the biggest church in Italy, and admire the statues, the decorations, the stained-glass windows that tireless craftsmen designed along the centuries. Be truly amazed by all that you see while hearing about the stories of the “Holy Nail” from Jesus’ True Cross and the Sundial Trail and its zodiac signs. Leave the Cathedral and become a milanese ‘fashion addict’ while walking along the chic and trendy Galleria Vittorio Emanuele , a 19th-century innovative architectural piece, now the most exclusive and elegant shopping gallery in Milan full of boutiques and fashion brands. The tour continues onto Piazza della Scala , home to the worldwide known milanese Opera House. Here, from outside, the guide will share curious facts and anecdotes about this remarkable temple of classical music. Conclude the morning with the ironic L.O.V.E. monument set in front of the Italian Stock Exchange , designed by the provocative contemporary artist Maurizio Cattelan and find out why Milan is considered the most ‘open minded’ Italian city!

It’s time for a break! Have your lunch in the historic city centre, full of places to sit and rest and taste the local Milanese dishes.

Ready to go? Along the afternoon you will dive into the Renaissance side of Milan. Enter the UNESCO- World Heritage church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , a true architectural masterpiece, and visit the Dominican convent where the world-renowned “The Last Supper” is displayed. Skip the lines and be impressed of this iconic mural painting designed by the Italian genius of Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci. While revealing curiosities about the Florentine artist our guide leads you to a hidden pearl of Milan, the 16th-century church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore , the “Sistine Chapel” of Milan, where disciples of Leonardo left paintings of uncomparable beauty! Proceed to the huge Castello Sforzesco, a majestic Renaissance court surrounded by the amazing Sempione Park. Cross the Clock Tower, walk through the Army Courtyard and learn more about the Sforza Family and the reasons why the dukes of Milan hired Leonardo who lived here as a guest for decades. End this exciting full-day tour by reaching the museum dedicated to another top Renaissance artist, Michelangelo. Marvel at the stunning view of the moving “Pietà Rondanini” sculpture and hear the guide pointing out the secrets of this Michelangelo ’s unfinished marble masterpiece!

Still not tired? Feel free to extend at your pleasure the Milan discovery visiting the Duomo Museum by using your Free Pass (valid for 3 days).

English speaking

Legally licensed, small group, skip the line, audio headsets, access and pass.

• Legally licensed, English-speaking tour guide
• Small Groups|Skip-the-line ticket to the Last Supper Museum
• Skip-the-line ticket and visit to the Duomo Cathedral (inside)
• Access to the Museum of Michelangelo’s "Pietà Rondanini"
• Priority access at the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
• Pass for the Duomo Museum (valid for 3 days)
• Audio Headsets (if more than 5 people)

Sites visited

• The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci – skip the line
• Duomo, the majestic gothic Cathedral, true symbol of the city (inside – skip-the-line)
• Sforza Castle, the medieval fortress of Milan's Lords (inner courtyards)
• The Sempione Park, the largest in Milan
• The ‘Pietà Rondanini’, the last unfinished masterpiece of Michelangelo (*)
• Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO Word Heritage site (if open)
• Piazza dei Mercanti, the medieval heart of the city
• Piazza della Scala and its celebrated Theatre (outside)
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an amazing treasure of XIXth century engineering
• Church of San Maurizio, a Renaissance jewel in the city, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Milan’
• The “LOVE” statue in Piazza Affari, a provocative Contemporary Art piece

Details and notes

• All participants must also bring a valid form of ID (e.g. passport, driver’s license, identity card, student card, etc).
• For the Last Supper visit, children up to the age of 1 do not need a reservation if they are carried by a parent and enter without a stroller.
• Please wear comfortable shoes. During hot days, wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered by both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• Due to increased security measures at many attractions, strict rules apply to enter the venues (no knives, no scissors, no glass bottles, etc.).
• Due to new security measures, large bags are not allowed inside the Last Supper Museum. If necessary, your guide will escort you to security lockers to leave them during check-in.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the Last Supper Museum.
• On this tour, some of the venues or parts of them, could be subject to last-minute, unpredictable closures. If this occurs, we offer the customers an extended visit of the outside and/or of other attractions according to the advertised total length of the tour.

Product description

Full-Day walking tour including Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, Duomo tour inside and Michelangelo’s “Pietà Rondanini”

Our cancellation policy allows for a full refund for cancellations made with at least 24 hours' notice prior to the scheduled start of the tour. This policy helps us maintain efficient operations and ensures fairness to both our customers and our business.

Additionally, we require the name of each participant for ticket retrieval purposes, ensuring a streamlined and efficient check-in process for all attendees.

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Tour Reviews

Around you in this experience, last supper by leonardo da vinci, the “love” statue -piazza affari, milan, the sempione park – milano, vittorio emanuele gallery, the pietà rondanini.

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Articles , Milan , What To See And Do In Italy

The Perfect Walking Tour In Milan

This article has been written,  reviewed, and fact-checked  by Rick and I.  We live in Italy  and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece  to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy.  Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

In this article, you'll learn how:

• Milan's iconic attractions like the Duomo, Galleria, and La Scala make great stops on a walking tour.
• Fashion is a huge part of Milan's identity - don't miss the Quadrilatero d'Oro district.
• Leonardo da Vinci left his mark on Milan, as seen at The Last Supper and the Leonardo Museum.

Are you visiting Milan for a couple of days? It may not seem like a long time, but there is plenty to see and do in Milan for a two-day private tour. 

Milan is located in northern Italy and is the second most populated city after Rome. The city is located near such places as Lake Como , Manarola, Lugano, Tirano, Brunate, and Bellagio. A day trip here, especially if you’re going on a wine tour, may not be enough to cover all that you need to see, so we suggest you allow two days for your trip. Milan private tours from local guides can cost a little, so here’s a list of the best sights for walking tours so that you can experience Milan on your own. 

Now let’s get to it!

The Milano Centrale Train Station — the starting point of your Milan tour

Unless you arrive by plane, the first leg of your Milan tour will likely start here. The great thing about the city is that even the train station is a tourist attraction. Milano Centrale is a massive station, second only to Romana Termini for the biggest station in Italy. The arched roof is lined with glass windows that let natural light stream into the station to highlight its gorgeous mix of contemporary Art Deco and Liberty-style architecture.

There are a lot of shops and restaurants here, almost like a microcosm of the city itself, and you can easily spend an hour or two enjoying the sights.

You can find the green and yellow lines of the subway system right outside Milano Centrale, as well as taxis and the Malpensa Express, which will take you straight to Malpensa Airport in under an hour. 

The subway system is your friend during your Milan walking tour

Getting around for your city tours will be a breeze with the city’s subway system. You just need to figure out which line your destination is. You can get a MilanoCard 3-day pass to visit all the sights along the subway lines. The easy access to transportation gives you more free time to explore the best attractions in the city. 

Duomo di Milano

No day tour is complete without seeing the Duomo. The Milan Cathedral is one of the most magnificent and famous churches in all of Italy. It took almost 600 years to complete the cathedral, starting in 1386 and having the finishing touches done in 1965. It’s the largest cathedral in Italy and the third-largest in the world. Tourists can purchase tickets for a rooftop tour, where you can have an amazing view of the city and its intricate stonework. 

The place can be crowded — the cathedral alone can house thousands of tourists on any given day — so we suggest you get advanced tickets.  

Also, security is tight here. Glass objects, large luggage, helmets, drones, or anything that can be constituted as a security risk are not allowed, so keep that in mind. Our bags were searched thoroughly when we visited, but thankfully we didn’t bring anything that could be confiscated.

The star in Milan’s sky

Aside from that, you can check out the Duomo’s beautiful rooftop, with the world-famous Madonnina, or Little Virgin Mary, capping the Cathedral. The Madonnina is a golden polychrome statue of the Virgin Mary, built and designed by Giuseppe Perego in 1774.

Some people describe it as “the star in Milan’s sky.” It was the highest point in the city until 1950 when the Pirelli building was constructed. A smaller version of the Madonnina was placed on the structure as a respectful nod to the original. This tradition has been repeated every time a construction exceeds the previously highest point in the city. They do it this way so that the Little Virgin Mary always watches over Milan. 

Saint Bartholomew Flayed

“Saint Bartholomew Flayed” is one of the most famous statues in Duomo di Milano. This statue depicts St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, in a grisly testament to his martyrdom. Marco d’Agrate built the statue in 1562.

Legend has it that St. Bartholomew was skinned alive for converting King Polimius and twelve cities in Armenia to Christianity. The sculpture is noted for the almost-precise anatomical details on the saint’s skinless flesh, with clear lines between musculature, including blood vessels, and how his flayed skin wraps around his body like a robe. 

Beneath the Duomo Cathedral

You can also access the ancient subterranean spaces beneath the Milan Cathedral. You’ll get to see a series of snapshots of the city’s past, from its days as Mediolanum, an ancient Roman capital, to weathered frescoes, crypts, and ruins of old churches. Get your fill of ancient history before heading back to Milan. 

Tour strategy 

Guided tours usually help you out with skip-the-line access and day visiting, but here’s a pro tip for those wanting the Milan experience on their own: the tour is going to take you an hour and some change, so we suggest you schedule it before lunch, or any time after. You wouldn’t want your hunger distracting you from the beautiful sights in the Duomo. 

The second tip is for people with mobility issues. They don’t usually tell you this, but the guides offer an elevator ride to the top of the cathedral. However, you will be directed to a set of stairs going down. You’ll need to let the elevator personnel know that you have mobility issues and must get a ride up and down the cathedral. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — the perfect shopping stop during your Milan walking tour

The best tours in Milan are incomplete without stepping into Italy’s oldest shopping center, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. First opened to the public in 1877, the affectionately nicknamed il salotto di Milano (Milan’s drawing room) is named after the first king of Italy and is the prime shopping destination in the city.

The structure is shaped like a cross, with all four passages converging beneath a magnificent iron and glass dome. Each storefront is built in a Neo-classical, almost Baroque style, with gold-and-black themes that invoke a sense of opulence and majesty.

You’ll find many stores and boutiques in the Galleria, including high-fashion brands such as Chanel, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Armani, and coffee shops and restaurants so you can try out Milan foods. We particularly like Pasticceria Marchesi. They make amazing desserts, and you can stay for lunch, but just know that the portions may be smaller than what you’re used to, and it is a bit expensive due to the location. You must also make reservations, but it will all be worth it once you’ve tasted their pastries. 

The Milan Bull

Many Italians are superstitious — it comes with their massive respect for their country’s history and traditions. You’ll find an example of this in the Galleria, where on the floor, among the countless murals, there is a mosaic of Turin’s coat of arms, the great bull.

You don’t need to look closely to know there is a worn-out hole where the bull’s genitals should go. This is because people believe that placing your right heel on the bull’s sensitive bits and spinning brings you good luck. Tour guides often tell this story to tourists during their Milan excursions. Even if you don’t believe in superstitions, it’s still fun to experience. 

Leonardo Museum

At the end of the Galleria, you will find the Leonardo3 Museum, one of Milan’s proudest legacies, where you can see replicas of Da Vinci’s machines as they were sketched in his notes. You’ll find the likes of the Mechanical Lion, the Mechanical Submarine, the Rapid-fire Crossbow, and other inventions directly taken from Leonardo’s notes and sketches.

You might be wondering why Milan would host such a museum. That’s because Leonardo Da Vinci spent some time in the city in the service of the Duke of Milan, designing art and architecture. This is also where he painted The Last Supper, one of his most famous works. 

La Scala Opera House 

Teatro alla Scala and the adjacent Piazza della Scala are absolute must-sees in Milan, as it is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It was built in the late 1700s by Giuseppe Piermarini for the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Famous composers, singers, and conductors like Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, and more recent talents like Lucianno Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo have performed within its majestic hall. The place is hallowed ground for opera singers and composers, and performing in La Scala is considered to be a crowning career achievement. The theater can seat up to 1,800 people across all six levels.

La Prima della Scala — one of Italy’s premier cultural events

One more thing you should know about Teatro La Scala is the La Prima, or “Opening Night,” held on December 7 of every year, and it is one of Italy’s largest parties. This cultural event marks the start of La Scalla’s performance season. You’ll get the chance to rub elbows with anyone from Italian celebrities to the Prime Minister of Italy or the king of some country. Be warned that tickets for such occasions sell out fast and are very expensive. They also enforce strict punctuality and stringent dress codes. 

Milan’s Fashion District

You can also visit the city’s premier fashion district, known as the Quadrilatero d’Oro or the Golden Rectangle. Four main streets surround this fashion capital district, and it is the home of countless houses of fashion where you can see the best Italy has to offer. Like in the Galleria, you’ll find boutiques for Armani, Gucci, Versace, and much more. There are also affordable shops here, some offering significant discounts for world-renowned fashion brands. There are also stores like the Gap or Urban Outfitters, so there is always something for everyone. 

Still, if you’re looking to do some damage on your credit card and get great clothes in the bargain, this is the place for you. But if you haven’t had your fill of all things fashion, consider dropping by this next location on your Milan walking tour.

The Brera District

Near La Scala is the entrance to the Brera District , one of the city’s most chic and elegant places. The small neighborhood has the usual tourist attractions like restaurants and other sights, but what sets it apart from everywhere else is it’s home to Italy’s smaller boutiques and up-and-coming fashion designers. This is also the home of Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Europe’s most important art galleries. You will find works from such masters as Carravagio, Raphael, Rembrandt, and Andrea Mantegna, dating back from the 14th century all the way to the 20th. 

The Grand Hotel et de Milan

The Grand Hotel is one of the most famous lodgings in the city. This is where Maestro Giuseppe Verdi, a beloved Italian composer, died in 1901. The story goes that the Milanese loved Verdi so much that, during the last few days of the composer’s life, they littered the streets outside the hotel with straws to minimize traffic noises and help preserve peace and quiet for the dying composer. 

The hotel is known to preserve the look and feel of a classic Milan household, and Verdi’s aforementioned rooms are kept just as it was when the composer died. The hotel has undergone renovations, such as adding modern utilities, and suffered some damage during World War II. But if you want to get a taste of Milan, this is a great place to stay in . 

A Milan tour is incomplete without seeing Castello Sforzesco

Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforzesco, is one of the must-see destinations when you explore Milan. Duke Francisco Sforza built this magnificent fortress over the ruins of an earlier 14th-century castle. It houses several sections showcasing ancient art collections, musical instruments, furniture, and archeological artifacts. 

Sforzesco also houses Parco Sempione. The park was built at the tail end of the 1800s and is quite spectacular. You can see the magnificent bulk of the Arco de la Pache, or the Arch of Peace, from its verdant grounds. The arch was built in 1815 to mark the success of the Congress of Vienna, a series of meetings between various European countries and powers to establish international peace after the end of the Napoleonic wars. 

The castle entrance is free to the public from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm, but the entrance to some museum sections and exhibitions cost three to five euro. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid lines and inconvenience. 

The most beautiful Starbucks in the world — and the very first in Italy

The first Starbucks location in Italy is in Piazza Cordusio. The store was built in 2018. The structure has an imposing, almost Gothic facade, but the inside is completely reminiscent of ornate Art Deco. It’s a famous landmark, not only in Milan but in the rest of the country. Many vloggers and other content creators have dubbed this place ‘the most beautiful Starbucks store in the world.’ With those kinds of promotions, the location has gotten a lot of traction, and you can expect long queues and lots of tourists at any time of the day, most especially during rush hour.

Porta Garibaldi

One of the city’s most famous city gates is Porta Garibaldi. From here, you can see more modern, avant-garde architecture like the Bosco Verticale or the Vertical Forest. The title refers to two towers that were completed in 2014. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more distinctive modern building in Milan; as the name suggests, the Vertical Forest is two towers with balconies filled with plants and trees.

Upon its inauguration, the structure received wide acclaim and is celebrated as a symbol of nature conservation. Any local tour guide in Milan would be remiss not to showcase this architectural wonder.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and one of the most famous paintings in the world

Santa Maria delle Grazie belongs to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, or Holy Mary of Grace, is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. It is one of the city’s top attractions and home to Da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper . The painting has been seen in countless museums as replicas and in other forms of media. Robert Langdon, intrepid scholar and protagonist of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, frequently references the painting. 

Filming the painting is not allowed, but you can take photos. Only a few people at a time are allowed to view The Last Supper due to its age and state of deterioration. As such, tickets to see it can be sold out months in advance, so it’s better to ensure you get your tickets a long way ahead of time. 

The Navigli District

Milan was once a city of canals, much like Venice . Today most of them are gone, but their pathways can still be seen. However, some channels still exist and can be seen in the beautiful Navigli District. The waterways here were built in medieval times to help supply goods to the city of Milan. Seeing these relics from the past against the backdrop of the city’s more metropolitan skyline gives the place a magical, almost disconnected atmosphere. Like in Venice, you can get gondola rides in the Navigli district. 

Bonus destination: Chiuse Vinciane

Da Vinci’s lock is one of the most notable parts of that canal system. This revolutionary piece of science and craftsmanship is made of wooden planks, braces, and iron sheathing and works by sealing off water from the nearby rivers. The famous inventor’s method uses the water’s own force on two gates, pushing them to self-seal whenever the current hits it and giving the city an efficient way to regulate its waterways. These types of locks are used in various parts of the world, like Venice and the Panama Canal. And to think that the concept was invented more than 500 years ago! You can find the lock at the end of Via San Marco.

Frequently Asked Questions

The city’s weather can be temperamental — it can be sunny one moment, cloudy the next. Make sure to prepare suitable clothes for any weather so you can experience the best of Milan. 

A few mountain resorts are nearby, and you can also cruise Lake Como. The lakeside near the city of Como offers a stunning panoramic view of the Alps. 

Closing thoughts

So that’s it for our tour of Milan. We hope you enjoy your day trip! Feel free to drop any comments or questions; we’ll see you in our next article.

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Free Walking Tour Milan

Enjoy milan with a licenced local tour guide. authentic. informal. top rated., free  milan walking tour.

Hi! Welcome to Milan! Frog Free Walking Tour is the first, original and independent Milan Free tour since 2013 . Based on the reviews on Tripadvisor, our tour company is rated #1 out of almost 400 in Milan. We are a small group of local licenced tour guides full of enthusiasm and ready to share hidden gems, local stories and insider tips with travellers to make them fully enjoy the city. 

When you choose Frog Walking Tour you will not experience a standard historical tour of the city, but an authentic full immersion in the culture, lifestyle and society of Milan . The tour is a great introduction to Milan. It covers the main landmarks and the most famous monuments (such as the Cathedral, La Scala Theatre…) but it includes also some places only locals know about. Our aim is to make you feel and live the city like a local for a few hours. Therefore, an unmissable part of the tour is the much appreciated “insider tips moment” when we share with travellers advices about local activities, events and…where to enjoy real Italian food and how to avoid “tourists’ traps”

We love our city and we really care about our guests’ experience while visiting it. Thanks to our approach Frog Free Walking Tour Milan is in the Tripadvisor Hall of Fame for winning five years in a row the certificate of excellence and it is Best of the Best traveller’s choice 2020. 

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Wonders of milan - free walking tour.

CITYWALKERS arose from the initiative of a group of young people and enthusiasts of the city in which they live every day, to share the enormous cultural heritage with tourists from all over the world. Being accompanied by happiness, spontaneity and professionalism when looking for the most important monuments, such as those less visited but still fascinating corners, with someone who knows all the secrets is the best way to visit and, above all, fall in love .

• No minimum number of attendees No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

With this free walking tour, you will explore Milan as a local. Regardless of your travel budget, our guides will do everything possible to make sure you discover all the secrets and beauty of this city. From the Duomo to the Castello Sforzesco, from the Statale University to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II ... and many more! You will discover the most symbolic places in the history of the capital of Lombardy, and you will experience the spirit of Milan through different eras. What are we going to visit? 

• San Nazaro in Brolo church 
• Statale University 
• Castello Sforzesco 
• Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery 
• Theater y Piazza Della Scala 
• Merchants Square 
• Business Square 

Note: The tour plan can change, according to our guide preferences. In the case of groups larger than 6 persons, please contact us for a private tour. Groups with more than 6 persons will be refused.

What will we visit on this tour?

In front of Novecento Museum (Duomo metro station), look for the guide with the Yellow Umbrella.

• 1 Outside visit Duomo di Milano
• 2 Outside visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• 3 Outside visit Piazza dei Mercanti Show 3 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Piazza della Scala
• 5 Outside visit Piazza Affari
• 6 Outside visit Università degli Studi di Milano

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

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Excelente tour, Milagros explicó con claridad el recorrido, con apoyos visuales y referencias historias dando contexto a lo que observamos.

Marco was a very passionate guide! We recommend it so much!

Un free tour menos interesante de lo que esperaba. Considero que puede contar más historia y menos cosas de donde comer y beber

Marco was amazing and we learned interesting history of Milan. We really enjoyed the tour.

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