24 hours in Milan: how to spend a day in Italy's second city

Pri Kaur

Pri Kaur

Tell someone that you're visiting Milan and they'll likely think of extravagant designer storefronts and the imposing Duomo di Milano, but there's more to Italy's fashion capital.

Despite its opulent appeal, Milan is not just a pretty face. Having been a major political city for centuries, it served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, and was later ruled under the Spanish Habsburgs, Austrian Habsburgs and Napoleon.

In the 19th century, it became a symbol of resistance through the uprising known as 'The Five Days of Milan', which spurred the First Italian War of Independence and paved a path towards Italy's unification.

Fast forward to today, and it's a thriving financial centre and hotspot for shopaholics and culture vultures, offering a medley of captivating landmarks that were shaped by the imperial families and influential figures who came before.

Alongside the Gothic cathedral, which was commissioned by the Visconti family and took around six centuries to complete, the city is laced with other significant sites including the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, which houses Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous fresco, The Last Supper, and Sforzesco Castle, former residence of the Sforza dynasty, patrons of Renaissance-era art and architecture.

So, how do you get a taste of Italy's second-largest city in 24 hours? Read on for top activities and alternatives to experience the many sides of Milan.

Getting there: find great value city breaks to Milan with British Airways, which offer combined flights and accommodation.

10.15 am: Discover Milan's morbid ossuary

Queues can be incredibly long outside the Duomo, and even if you get a fast-track ticket, great weather isn't guaranteed for those panoramic rooftop views. Instead, snap a few photos from the main piazza before a five-minute walk to San Bernardino Alle Ossa, Milan's fascinating ossuary.

Dating back to the 13th century, it houses the exhumed remains of those who came from a nearby, overcrowded cemetery. Rebuilt in the late 17th century, it was transformed into what you see today: walls of skulls and bones arranged into holy crosses and an ethereal ceiling fresco depicting the salvation of souls, painted by Venetian Baroque artist Sebastiano Ricci. It's also free to enter, although donations are appreciated.

11.00 am: Go gourmet at old pastry shops

The lavish labels in the Galleria might make you feel like luxury is out of reach, but you can still enjoy a taste of it at Marchesi 1824 for a fraction of the cost.

The café feels nothing less than prestigious with jade green walls, dark cherry wood and dainty artisanal treats to choose from. Reserve a table and you'll be granted some of the best people-watching views in the Galleria, or you can do as the locals do, and stand at the bar.

For something a little different, order a ginseng coffee, claimed to have made its way to Milan from Indonesia. Surprisingly, it tastes just like caramel.

12.15 pm: See creations of a polymath

Just a short walk from Marchesi 1824 will bring you to the Leonardo3 Museum, and while it's relatively small, it still manages to provide an insightful introduction to the works of Leonardo da Vinci.

From military weaponry and renowned artworks to human flight inventions, take a journey through the mind of the man who had his fingers in more pies than you could imagine.

To see the original The Last Supper you would likely need to book months in advance, but the museum displays a digital restoration that you can contemplate as if you were viewing it in the 1500s.

2.00 pm: Explore the castle's courtyards

Take a 15-minute walk to reach Sforzesco Castle, the former residence of the Sforza dynasty. If you're feeling peckish, stop for a sandwich stuffed with countless fresh fillings at Al Politico and a break in the shade.

Over the last seven centuries, the castle has served as a fortress, residence and barracks, receiving architectural contributions from the Visconti and Sforza families. It now functions as a museum, but the courtyards are yours to explore for free.

4.00 pm: Roam through Parco Sempione

On the other side of the castle is Parco Sempione, Milan's green lung, built in the late 19th century as an English-style garden. Today, it's the city's largest park, spanning almost 39 hectares, weaving museums like the Triennale di Milano and monuments like the Arco della Pace into its leafy expanse.

Get away from the hustle and bustle and recharge with a leisurely stroll; the abundance of trees and shrubs will breathe life back into you. If you still desire a bird's eye view of the city but at a bargain price, then €6 will get you skyline views at Branca Tower.

5.00 pm: Gaze at the Arco della Pace

At the far end of Parco Sempione, in a direct line of sight of Sforzesco Castle, is the iconic Porta Sempione, or Arco della Pace. This neoclassical gate is 25 metres high with three archways, while Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, is seated atop in a bronze chariot pulled by six horses.

The arch was intended to be Napoleon's 'Arch of Victory', commemorating his military successes, but it was renamed as the 'Arch of Peace' under the Austrian Empire.

6.00 pm: Enjoy the Navigli district

Lined with everything from traditional Lombardian and Tuscan restaurants to hip bars, the Naviglio Grande is where to kick it back and embrace la dolce vita. Jump on a short tram or bus ride to reach your final destination for a well-deserved aperitivo.

This is one of Europe's oldest canals and it was vital for the transportation of goods, even carrying the marble that was used for the Duomo. Book an outdoor table at Rita's Tiki Room for a fun cocktail menu and tasty appetisers, and end the day sinking into the lively buzz that permeates Navigli on its golden-hued evenings.

Climate in Milan

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
5°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Milan5
8°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Milan8
13°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Milan13
17°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Milan17
22°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Milan22
26°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Milan26
29°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Milan29
28°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Milan28
24°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Milan24
18°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Milan18
10°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Milan10
6°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Milan6
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
11 days with some rainfall in January in Milan11
11 days with some rainfall in February in Milan11
13 days with some rainfall in March in Milan13
13 days with some rainfall in April in Milan13
15 days with some rainfall in May in Milan15
13 days with some rainfall in June in Milan13
10 days with some rainfall in July in Milan10
12 days with some rainfall in August in Milan12
9 days with some rainfall in September in Milan9
12 days with some rainfall in October in Milan12
14 days with some rainfall in November in Milan14
11 days with some rainfall in December in Milan11

The above guide shows the climate in Milan. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in Italy.

Ready to explore Milan? See the latest offers on flights and city breaks with British Airways.

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Pri Kaur

Pri Kaur

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