Milan is Italy’s capital of fashion, design and finance, but behind its elegant façades lie Gothic spires, Renaissance masterpieces, hidden gardens and one of the finest opera houses in the world. This page is our complete luxury travel guide to Milan and the starting point for all our detailed guides.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All Our Milan Guides
Plan your trip
Where to stay
Sights and museums
Fashion, wine, golf and tennis
Milan at a Glance
The heart of Milan is the Duomo, with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and La Scala next door. To the north lie the boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda and the artistic streets of Brera. To the west, the Castello Sforzesco and the Parco Sempione, and in Magenta, Leonardo’s Last Supper. The canals of the Navigli fill with life in the evening, while Porta Nuova shows the city’s modern skyline. Beyond the city, Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the Franciacorta vineyards are all within easy reach.
The Best Experiences in Milan
- Walking on the roof of the Duomo among the marble spires.
- Leonardo’s Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, on a booked slot.
- A night at La Scala for opera or ballet.
- Shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda, from Via Montenapoleone to Via della Spiga.
- The Pinacoteca di Brera and an afternoon in the lanes of Brera.
- Aperitivo by the Navigli canals at sunset.
- A day trip to Lake Como, an hour away by train.
Where to Stay in Milan
The finest hotels are around the Duomo, in the fashion district and in Brera. See our full guide to where to stay in Milan.
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
A former 15th century convent with cloisters and a garden in the fashion district.
Best for: calm in the city centre
Check rates at Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Bulgari Hotel Milano
A hotel with a large private garden between Brera and the fashion district.
Best for: a garden in the city
Check rates at Bulgari Hotel Milano
Park Hyatt Milano
Steps from the Galleria and the Duomo.
Best for: staying in the heart of the city
Check rates at Park Hyatt Milano
Practical Information
Fly into Malpensa or Linate, or arrive by high speed train at Milano Centrale. Two to three nights are ideal. See our guides to the Milan itinerary, getting around and the best time to visit.
Charlotte’s tip: combine Milan with the lakes
Milan is the gateway to the Italian lakes. Spend two nights in the city for its art, shopping and food, then continue to Lake Como or Lake Maggiore for a few slower days by the water.
Find your hotel in Milan
Hotel rates in Milan change strongly with the fair calendar. Check current rates for your dates.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Milan?
Two days for the highlights, three days to add modern Milan or a day trip to Lake Como.
What is the best area to stay in Milan?
Around the Duomo, in the Quadrilatero della Moda or in Brera, where you can walk to the main sights.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
May and October, outside the major design and fashion events.
More Italian lakes guides
