Architecture & Art, Food & Drink, Italy, Travel

24 Hours in Milan, Italy

July 29, 2023

Based in Northern Italy, in the Lombardy region, Milan is Italy’s second largest city after Rome. It is especially known for fashion, with its Milan Fashion Week. The city is equally known for its furniture and design and hosts the annual Salone del Mobile. You will find fantastic art, architecture and great food and wine in Milan. As a major travel hub, it has a large international airport and train station, connecting travelers to Italy, the South of France, Switzerland and more. Within the city, you can easily get around by public transportation, uber, bike or walking. I only had 24 hours in Milan, as we were traveling from Paris to the Tuscany region of Italy. You could easily spend many more days in Milan, but this is a quick itinerary for what to do if you only have 24 hours in Milan.

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Il Duomo di Milano – The Milan Cathedral

The number one thing to do is visit the Milan Cathedral, known as il Duomo di Milano. This Gothic cathedral is truly spectacular, in size, architectural style and history. The cathedral took many centuries to complete and involved some of the most brilliant architects and engineers to accomplish the task. The building represents so much history – starting in 1386 during the height of the Gothic style. Later, as the counter-reformation began, the cathedral became an icon for the catholic religion in combating the protestant reformation. It continues to undergo extensive renovations to keep the building in perfect condition.

Cathedral Exterior

The Milan cathedral was begun in 1386 very much in the Gothic style of cathedrals. By the end of the fifteenth century the greatest architects and artists of the time, including Leonardo da Vinci, tried to accomplish the difficult task of designing the tiburium. In architecture, the lantern tower, or tiburio, is a tall construction above the junction of the four arms of a cruciform church, with openings through which light from outside can shine down to the crossing.

Once this phase was concluded and a unanimous decision was reached, construction work continued and a new phase started under the inspiration of Carlo Borromeo.

Milan Cathedral, side view gscinparis — Milan Cathedral, side view

Milan Cathedral, rear view gscinparis — Milan Cathedral, rear view

Cathedral Interior

The Duomo’s interior is as astonishing as the exterior, with the magnificent architecture of the presbytery, the side altars, the crypt, the baptistery, the floor. The Quadroni di San Carlo and the wooden choir are among the most interesting examples showing off the fantasy of this prolific historical phase.

Spectacular Interior of the cathedral in Milan gscinparis — Spectacular Interior of the cathedral in Milan

Interior of the Milan Cathedral - stained glass, statues and more gscinparis — Interior of the Milan Cathedral – stained glass, statues and more

Archeological dig and discoveries below the Cathedral gscinparis — Archeological dig and discoveries below the Cathedral

How to Visit the Cathedral

You will want to take time to walk around the outside and then definitely go inside. There are several options available to visit the cathedral. You can buy a simple ticket to access the main floor of the Cathedral. There are also tickets available to visit the top. You can also get tickets to see the excavations and archaeological discoveries that were discovered under the cathedral during the 20^th century. Please also note, as most churches require in Italy, women’s shoulders need to be covered. They will literally send you to a vending machine to buy a paper shawl to cover your shoulders if you are not in proper attire – so be advised! As all things in Europe these days, it is best to get your tickets in advance if possible, either through your hotel concierge or the many tour operators online.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

This is the incredibly famous work of art by Leonardo da Vinci which portrays the Last Supper of Christ with the apostles. Painted between 1495-1498, one aspect of the work that makes it so incredible is that da Vinci painted it on a wall (not on a canvas) in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Almost immediately after the painting was complete, humidity and the elements began to take a toll on this magnificient work of art. The mural has miraculously survived over 500 years, not without extensive restoration, of course. It is subject to many myths and legends about what da Vinci was representing. Technique wise, it is an excellent example of how Renaissance painters developed and refined the technique of perspective in painting.

How to Visit the Last Supper

As soon as you know you will be visiting Milan, try to get a ticket to see this as soon as possible! Tickets to this attraction are very limited and are released four months in advance, so it usually sells out and is impossible to get tickets, even with the savviest concierge.

Teatro alla Scalla

This world-renowned opera house boasts a rich history. If time permits, visit the museum to explore its musical heritage.

Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II

Just across the Piazza del Duomo (where the Cathedral is located), is a gorgeous, covered shopping arcade. There are many high-end shops here. The gallery building was built between 1865 and 1877 and the iron and glass vaulted roof is stunning.

Milan_GalleriaVittorioEmmanueleII_gscinparis — The Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II

Just around the corner from this area is a lego store with a replica of the Cathedral.

Milan Cathedral made out of legos gscinparis — Milan Cathedral made out of legos

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

Explore this 15th-century fortress housing multiple museums, including Michelangelo’s unfinished Rondanini Pietà.

Pinacoteca di Brera

The main public art gallery in Milan, visitors will delve into a premier collection of Italian art, featuring works from the 13th to 20th centuries.

Shop (or Just Window Shop) in a Fashion Capital of the World

Milan has been recognized as one of the world’s four fashion capitals and many famous luxury fashion brands are headquartered here, such as Armani, Prada, Versace, Moschino, Valentino and Zenga. And you will notice that the Milanese people dress quite stylishly as well. If you time your visit right, you may be here during Milan Fashion Week. Otherwise, several streets and boulevards are filled with high-end brands. The most glamorous shopping area is in the ‘quadrangle’ of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Motenapoleone.

Gucci Store in Milan, Italy gscinparis — Gucci Store in Milan, Italy

Where to Stop for a Drink in Milan?

1. Bar Luce, Designed by Wes Anderson

Before my trip, I saw this pop up in my Instagram feed and I couldn’t believe it. But it’s true! Wes Anderson designed Bar Luce in Milan. It’s full of classic pink and powder blue, a nod to Italian pop culture from the 1950’s and 60’s. There is also vintage pinball machine and jukebox. The café was designed for Fondazione Prada and is located at the entrance of the building.

Bar Luce in Milan, designed by director Wes Anderson gscinparis — Bar Luce in Milan, designed by director Wes Anderson

2. Mag Café

Very hip bar in the Navigli district.

Address: Ripa di Porta Ticinese 43, Milano, Italy

3. Ugo

Beautiful, classic bar for cocktails like a classic Negroni!

Address: Via Corsico, 12, 20144 Milano, Italy

Where to Eat in Milan?

1. Locanda alla Scalla

We enjoyed truly wonderful and authentic Milanese cuisine at Locanda alla Scalla. The restaurant is located 5 minutes walking distance from the glamourous shopping street of Via della Spiga. Make sure to arrive hungry as you will want to enjoy all the courses. We started with delicious cured ham and then moved onto the fresh, homemade pasta. The real surprise is the dolci, dessert course, it is a spectacle on its own! The interior is charming and they have a cozy, romantic patio as well.

2. Enrico Bartolini al Mudec:

Milan’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, offering contemporary Italian cuisine in a modern art museum setting.

3. Cracco in Galleria:

Located within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, this elegant venue combines fine dining with a pastry shop.

4. Voce Aimo e Nadia:

Situated near the Duomo, this restaurant offers refined dishes in a serene courtyard setting.

Where to Stay in Milan

1. Château Monfort

I had the pleasure of staying at the fantastic Chateau Monfort, a 5 star Relais & Chateaux Hotel, centrally located and beautifully designed. The staff was beyond friendly and they have a wonderful bar and buffet breakfast in the morning. It was a short walk to both the Cathedral and some of the very high-end shopping. You can see my photos here or click on the video below:

Chateau Monfort in Milan, Italy

2. Casa Brera, A Luxury Hotel Milan

With its Pietro Lingeri rationalist architecture, Casa Brera displays Milanese history, art and culture. Designed by Studio Urquiola, Casa Brera features 116 beautifully designed guestrooms, including 15 suites. The hotel is rated excellent, is an 8 minute walk to the Duomo and is a Marriott property for those Bonvoy members!

What to Wear in Milan?

The Milanese are arguably some of the most fashionable in all of Europe, so leave your sweat pants at home. Also, remember when visiting Cathedrals and holy Catholic sites in Italy, women need to cover their shoulders. They will literally send you to a vending machine to buy a “shawl” to cover your shoulders, which screams tourist. If you need inspiration, please head to my Shop page or my LTK page for up to date inspiration.

Need a Flight to Milan?

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How to Bring Italy Home

Oh Italy! What a magical place! I really re-fell in love with this country after our recent visit. The cities are glamorous and the beaches are dreamy. I really hope to re-visit Milan someday and really see more of the city, especially the furniture and home design. In the meantime, I pulled together a list of items to bring Italy home, which you can access HERE.

The Mint Green Vespa I Want to Own Someday gscinparis — The Mint Green Vespa I Want to Own Someday

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