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Italy · Lombardy

Milan travel guide

Fashion, a Gothic cathedral and The Last Supper

Milan Cathedral. Photo: Jiuguang Wang, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 45mflight from London
MXPnearest main airport
24° in Julwarmest month
3° in Jancoolest month

Milan is Italy's business and fashion capital, and it feels more modern and polished than Rome or Florence. The marble cathedral, the Galleria shopping arcade and La Scala opera house are all in the centre.

It's also the gateway to the lakes. Lake Como is an hour away by train, and Milan's evening aperitivo culture is one of the best in Italy.

Good forShoppingArtFoodCity breaks

What Milan is known for

  • Fashion

    The Quadrilatero d'Oro designer streets and fashion weeks each year.

  • The Duomo

    A Gothic cathedral with a rooftop terrace among the spires.

  • The Last Supper

    Leonardo's mural, seen in small timed groups.

  • Football

    AC Milan and Inter share the San Siro stadium.

Top things to do in Milan

  1. 1

    The Duomo and its rooftop

    Walk among the spires on the cathedral roof for views to the Alps on a clear day.

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  2. 2

    The Last Supper

    Leonardo's mural in Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets sell out weeks ahead.

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  3. 3

    Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

    A glass-roofed 19th-century shopping arcade next to the cathedral.

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  4. 4

    Navigli canals

    Canal-side bars for aperitivo, best on a summer evening.

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  5. 5

    Sforza Castle

    A huge castle holding museums and Michelangelo's last sculpture.

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See all tours and tickets in Milan

Where to stay in Milan

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Best time to visit Milan

Best value: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct. April to June, September and October: pleasant weather. August is hot and many locals leave the city.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
2.7 C3°J4.4 C4°F8.6 C9°M12.8 C13°A17.2 C17°M21.7 C22°J24.1 C24°J23.7 C24°A19 C19°S13.9 C14°O8.3 C8°N3.6 C4°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Milan, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 45m from London to MXP, and flights from most UK airports.

The metro is fast and easy. The Malpensa Express train takes about 50 minutes to the centre, and Linate airport is a short metro ride.

Find flights to Milan (MXP)

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Good to know

  • Book The Last Supper as soon as your dates are fixed: slots release in batches and go fast.
  • Aperitivo usually runs from about 6pm to 9pm, with snacks included in the drink price.
  • Many shops and restaurants close for a week or two around mid-August.
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Milan FAQ

Is Milan worth visiting?

Yes, for two days of art, food and shopping, especially combined with Lake Como.

Which Milan airport is best?

Linate is closest to the city. Malpensa has more flights and a direct train.

More places in Italy

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