Capital of fashion, design and everything fancy and luxurious, Milan is one of those cities that can be explored in just a day with no many sacrifices. Of course, having a few days available is always better, both to don’t be in a rush and to live more deeply the city.
If you are in this area of Italy and you don’t have much time, three aspects will help you to explore Milan in a day: the city is not very big (first), the main attractions – luckily, in this case – are not many (second), and public transport works very, very well.
If you follow my blog, you probably know I don’t like tourist itineraries, on the contrary, I really enjoy looking for hidden gems in a city. Obviously, if this is your first time in Milan, there are things you can’t really avoid. I will also talk about them, but I will focus on attractions that – in my opinion – really deserve your time. You will find something outside the box, something quite normal and some practical advices between the lines.
Shall we start? 🙂
Read also: Moving around Milan – Public transport and maps
DUOMO, THE REAL PROTAGONIST OF MILAN
There is one thing you need to know before you start exploring this city: you can’t visit Milan and do not visit the Duomo. It is the real protagonist of the city.
For this reason – and for its impressive beauty – tourists visiting the Cathedral are a lot! I suggest you to start your Milan in a day tour here, possibly early in the morning to avoid wasting your time queuing.
The visit to the Duomo includes several “parts”: there’s the Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum, the Archaeological Area and the terraces. Depending on what you want to visit, the opening hours and ticket prices change; you should visit duomomilano website for more practical details.
THE VITTORIO EMANUELE II GALLERY, THE CITY DRAWING ROOM
Once your visit to the Cathedral is over, it’s the perfect moment to reach the Vittorio Emanuele II Galley, just in front. This huge and elegant building dating back to the end of 800 has been – and still is – the city’s drawing room.
There are so many anecdotes about the gallery! Did you know, for example, that all the shops’ signs in the Gallery must have – according to the Law – gold lettering on a black background? Or that the four walls under the dome culminate, at the top, with paintings representing the continents? Or that you can have good luck by pointing the heel on the genitals of a poor bull on the floor, and spinning around three times? ?
Read also: Moving around Milan – Public transport and maps
THE MACABRE CHARM IN SAN BERNARDINO ALLE OSSA CHURCH
Not far from the Duomo, in Santo Stefano Square you’ll meet San Bernardino alle Ossa. As the name suggests, this church houses an ossuary. But not an ordinary one.
It’s an entire room whose walls are completely covered with bones and skulls, except the altar area and the vault. Some bones in the room come from an ancient ossuary, others from old cemeteries closed in the mid-600s.
Well, even if it’s a bit macabre, do you really want to miss such a place in Milan? ?
Admission is free and all practical information can be found on the Sanctuary website.
SANT’AMBROGIO BASILICA, THE SILENT QUEEN OF MILAN
It is one of the oldest churches in Milan and – in my opinion – the most beautiful.
Sant’Ambrogio Basilica is the second most important church in the city, as it played a crucial role in the history of Milan. Nevertheless, it is very discreet, with a quite simple appearance, showing off its poor materials and silently imposing its beauty.
The small courtyard at the entrance is the ideal place to sit and take a little breath, while admiring the arcades and ancient columns creating nice game of perspectives. Inside the church there’s a lot to admire: the naves and the high altar, the crypt and the organs, the frescoes and the statues permeated with fascinating symbolisms.
On the Sant’Ambrogio Basilica website you can find all the information you need to plan your visit.
PALAZZO LOMBARDIA VIEWPOINT, A BREATHTAKING PANORAMA
Palazzo di Lombardia is located in the northern ares of the city, near the Pirelli Tower and the Vertical Forest, not really close to the center, so I recommend you to reach it by public transport, that in Milan are very efficient.
From the top floor of this skyscraper (one of the tallest in Milan) you can admire the entire city in a 360 degree perspective to take your breath away.
Be careful though: Palazzo Lombardia viewpoint is open only on Sundays! Anyway you should take a look at the official website for news and updates on schedules.
NAVIGLI, A VINTAGE CHARM CORNER
People who don’t live in Milan use to underestimate the beauty of this area of the city, decorated by Navigli, small canals with a very particular charm, so difficult to describe in words.
I highly recommend you to finish the day here, perhaps at sunset, sipping a cocktail in one of the many bars, or enjoying a simple walk along the canal. You will not need anything specific to appreciate this corner of Milan: small bars, bistros, florists, book, art and antique shops give to the Navigli a poetic, almost retro, atmosphere.
Exploring Milan in a day is not only absolutely practicable, but it’s something I highly recommend you to do as a first approach to the city. Milan is unique: it hides itself in an apparent monotony but, when you don’t expect it, it surprises you with something amazing. And it leaves you speechless.
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