Milan what to visit: the best tours
Milan, in the collective imagination, means fashion and the Duomo! But this famous Italian city has much more to offer.
Charming neighborhoods, surprising canals, diverse museums, iconic landmarks, luxury boutiques… The city has enough charm to make you feel completely transported for several days.
Personally, I had a real crush on this city, and I can only encourage you to explore it. Wandering through its streets and sights on your own is a great idea.
That said, guided tours are an excellent way to visit Milan. They offer the chance to learn more about the city’s history and culture, and also to step off the beaten path and discover more unusual spots.
Finally, it’s the best option for exploring the surroundings without worrying about transport or company.
So Milan what to visit? I give a quick answer through these 10 tours, I highly recommend to experience the city’s many faces.
This article contains affiliate links 🙂 They earn me a small commission on bookings, but no worries—there’s no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog, and enjoy the read!
10 Tours to Discover Milan
Milan What To Visit: 5 Must-Sees
Before diving into the guided tours I highly recommend during a stay in Milan, let me first share 5 must-see spots!
1. The Duomo
This is Milan’s most iconic monument, and believe me, standing in front of it is truly awe-inspiring. The Gothic cathedral is just as impressive inside as it is outside. Don’t miss the rooftop terraces—they offer breathtaking views over the city and even the Alps on a clear day.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Even if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, this stunning covered passageway is worth a visit. Its mosaic floors, grand glass ceiling, and iron-and-glass dome will leave you speechless!
3. Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Another must-see, this 15th-century castle hides peaceful courtyards, diverse museums, and offers direct access to the lovely Parco Sempione.
4. Brera District
Wander through its cobbled streets in the early morning as the neighborhood gently wakes up. You’ll be charmed by its elegant façades and its peaceful, creative vibe.
5. Navigli District
This is the place to be at the end of the day, when the sun reflects off the canals in golden tones. Later, the many bars and restaurants create a festive, laid-back atmosphere to wrap up the evening in style.
ALSO READ: What to do in Milan?
is it worth visiting milan?
Honestly, before I dropped my backpack in Milan, all I had ever heard were negative comments about the city.
And yet, if you take the time to explore it, you’ll quickly realize that Milan is home to many fascinating landmarks.
It’s also a city rich in culture, with plenty of interesting museums—from the Pinacoteca di Brera to MUDEC (the Museum of Cultures), and the renowned Fondazione Prada.
Finally, I highly recommend wandering through its different neighborhoods to truly soak in the Italian lifestyle.
All in all, Milan is definitely worth a visit—at least for a weekend!
📌 No time to read it all? Scroll to the end of the article for a quick comparison table of the best tours to explore Milan at a glance.
Milan what to visit: 10 Guided Tours to Explore the city
Enough chit-chat — let’s dive into these 10 tours to discover one of Italy’s most underrated cities!
➡️Explore the city
There are several tours that offer a great overview of the city — perfect if you’re short on time!
1. Free tour in Milan
The best way to explore a city for the first time is to join a free walking tour.
A local guide will take you to Milan’s must-see landmarks and give you a great overview of the city, its culture, and its heritage.
They’ll also be happy to share insider tips and fun anecdotes along the way!
2. Panoramic bus tour
This hop-on hop-off bus tour is the perfect way to discover Milan from the top deck of a panoramic bus.
Choose from 4 different routes that take you close to the city’s main landmarks and let you hop off at your own pace to explore what interests you most.
With the included audio guide, you’ll learn fun facts and fascinating stories about iconic places like La Scala, the Sforza Castle, and many more of Milan’s treasures.
3. Boat ride
Aboard an electric boat, you’ll discover the typical houses of the Navigli district and some must-see, quirky spots like the place where mascarpone is said to have been invented.
This tour offers a unique perspective of Milan, cruising through the 14 navigation locks of the Conchetta canal that connect Milan to Pavia.
➡️Discovering the monuments
If you have time, I also recommend joining one or more guided tours to explore specific monuments.
4. The Duomo
Discover the city’s iconic symbol on this guided tour, revealing its most treasured secrets.
With your guide, you’ll also access the cathedral’s terraces to enjoy a spectacular view!
5. The Sforza Castle
Another must-see monument is the Castello Sforzesco! Built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Milan, it witnessed the splendor of the Renaissance.
Since then, it has had many lives, transforming from fortress to museum.
This tour lets you uncover its mysteries while learning more about this extraordinary building with an audio guide, for a fully independent visit.
6. The San Ciro stadium
If you’re a football fan, you’ll love exploring San Siro Stadium, home to both AC Milan and Inter, the two major football teams of Lombardy’s capital.
You’ll start the tour at the museum before heading into the locker rooms — the final step before entering the stadium itself!
7. The Scala
Milan’s iconic La Scala Theatre is world-renowned, and the best way to experience it is through a guided tour.
You’ll learn more about the music legends who have graced this legendary stage and get the chance to admire the spectacular architecture of the building.
8. The Last Supper visit
Did you know that the masterpiece The Last Supper is located in Milan? Take advantage of your visit to the fashion capital to admire it with this skip-the-line ticket.
A guide specialized in art history will reveal all the secrets behind Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting.
➡️Day trips out of Milan
Visiting Milan will likely take you several days—especially if you’re a fan of slow travel. That said, I also recommend taking advantage of your stay to explore other nearby destinations.
9. Lake Como Day Trip
Lake Como has become a favorite destination for those who enjoy the charm of water at the foot of the mountains.
This excursion allows you to explore the region and its famous lake. You can also enjoy a cruise to Bellagio or take the funicular up to Brunate.
10.Day trip to Parma and a Parmesan cheese factory
For the food lovers among you, this excursion is sure to delight.
Set off to explore the city of Parma and the typical flavors of Emilia-Romagna with a visit to a parmesan cheese factory. A tasting is, of course, included!
Tableau comparatif des tours à Milan
🛶 Free walking tour in Milan
Type: culture / history
Duration: 2 hours
Price: free
Perfect for: Busy travelers
🚍 Panoramic bus tour
Type: culture / history
Duration: 1 hour 20
Price: from $25
Perfect for: Those who like to combine sightseeing with comfort
🌊 Navigli boat ride
Type: culture / histoire
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: from $22
Perfect for: Lovers of unusual tours
⭐Milan Duomo Rooftop + Cathedral Tour
Type: culture / architecture
Duration: 1 hour
Price: from $70
Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts
🏰Sforza castle ticket with audioguide
Type: culture / histoire
Duration: 3 hours
Price: from $15
Perfect for: History lovers
⚽Visit of San Ciro stadium
Type: sport
Duration: 1 hour 30
Price: $35
Perfect for: Football aficionados
🎼 La Scala Visit
Type: culture / architecture
Duration: 1 hour
Price: from $78
Perfect for: Live performance enthusiasts
🎨 Last Supper Tour
Type: art / museum
Duration: 1 hour
Price: from $68
Perfect for: Arts lovers and fans of iconic masterpieces
💧 Como Lake Day Trip
Type: nature / day trip
Duration: 10 hours
Price: from $99
Perfect for: Those who want to discover the most beautiful lakes in Italy
✨ Parme Day Trip
Type: food / day trip
Duration: 13 hours
Price: from $70
Perfect for: Food-loving tourists
TOUR NAME
TOUR TYPE
DURATION
PRICE
PERFECT FOR…
Culture / history
1 hour 20
From $25
Those who like to combine sightseeing with comfort
Culture / architecture
1 hour
From $70
Architecture enthusiasts
Nature / day trip excursion
10 hours
From $99
Those who want to discover the most beautiful lakes in Italy
Milan was a lovely surprise for me, and I truly hope to return and explore it in more depth.
Far beyond being the fashion capital, it’s the perfect destination to blend architecture, culture, and dolce vita.
Milan What To Visit: If this article helped you plan your visit, share it on Pinterest! 🧳📌
