A Perfect Day in Milan, Italy: One Day Itinerary, Best Things to Do, See & Eat
- D Siesta House
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 10
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Milan may be best known as Italy’s fashion capital, but there’s far more to it than haute couture. From world-famous art like The Last Supper to ornate Gothic cathedrals and bustling piazzas perfect for espresso-sipping, Milan blends modern elegance with rich cultural heritage.
If you’re looking to explore Milan in a one , unforgettable day—whether it’s your first trip to Italy or you’re adding a city break before heading to Lake Como—this guide walks you through exactly how to spend a perfect day in Milan.
You’ll find a complete Milan itinerary with time blocks, the best things to do, outfit ideas, and even where to grab gelato between sights.
🧳 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out my Viator Milan Experience Shop for top-rated skip-the-line tours, guided museum visits, and fun day trips from the city!
Where to Stay in Milan
To make the most of your one-day itinerary, I highly recommend staying in the Centro Storico (Historic Center), where you’ll be steps from the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and major tram lines.
🛏️ Top Picks:
Room Mate Giulia: Modern boutique hotel just steps from the Duomo—colorful, kid-friendly, and chic.
Hotel Spadari al Duomo: Warm hospitality, breakfast included, and beautifully designed rooms.
The Street Milano Duomo: A design-forward option with a killer rooftop view.
🌷See why everyone’s raving—check out the reviews on TripAdvisor!
Helpful Note: When planning any trip around Europe, getting from city to city can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we always use the Omio app for booking train travel — it’s super easy to use, compares prices in real time, and helps find the best routes without the hassle. If you want to save time and money on your next European adventure, definitely check out Omio here — it’s our go-to for stress-free train bookings!
A Perfect Day Itinerary in Milan: One Day Itinerary, Best Things to Do, See & Eat
Morning
Breakfast + Duomo di Milano
8:00 AM – Caffè & Cornetto at Pavé
Start your day at Pavé, one of Milan’s most beloved bakeries. Order a cappuccino and a freshly baked cornetto or slice of their famous brioche. If you have a toddler in tow, there’s space to park a stroller and friendly baristas who don’t mind little ones sharing a croissant.
9:00 AM – Climb the Duomo di Milano Rooftop
Walk over to the Duomo, Milan’s iconic cathedral. Pre-book a skip-the-line rooftop ticket through Viator to access the stunning spires and panoramic views of the city skyline. If going with young ones, you must know that the climb is stroller-free, so baby-wearing is best (we use the Ergobaby carrier all of the time!).
📸 Don’t miss a photo in front of the Duomo’s intricate facade—it’s breathtaking in the morning light.
Late Morning
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II + Espresso Break
10:30 AM – Window Shop at the Galleria
Stroll next door to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall and a masterpiece in itself. Admire the glass dome, marble mosaic floors, and browse high-end boutiques like Prada and Gucci. You don’t need to spend a euro—just enjoy the ambiance.
11:15 AM – Espresso at Marchesi 1824
For a break that feels like a step back in time, enjoy an espresso at Marchesi 1824, a Milanese pastry institution housed within the Galleria. Their display of pastel-hued pastries is almost too pretty to eat.
Afternoon
Brera District + Art + Lunch
12:00 PM – Wander the Brera District
Head north to Brera, Milan’s artistic heart. Cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and art galleries give this neighborhood major romantic vibes. It’s a great area to slow down and explore on foot.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Osteria di Brera
This charming osteria serves classic Milanese dishes like Risotto alla Milanese and Ossobuco in a cozy setting. There’s outdoor seating, which is a bonus for kids who need a little space to move.
1:30 PM – Pinacoteca di Brera Museum
Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael. It’s a manageable size for families and provides a nice cultural balance to your day.
Late Afternoon
The Last Supper + Gelato Stop
3:00 PM – Visit The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano)
Walk or take a short tram ride to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
**Seeing The Last Supper in Milan is a must for any visitor, but it requires a bit of planning. The iconic mural by Leonardo da Vinci is housed inside the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and tickets sell out weeks in advancedue to strict visitor limits. To secure your spot, book tickets online as early as possible, either directly through the official museum website or through a trusted tour provider. Guided tours are a great option—they often include skip-the-line access and insightful commentary that brings the masterpiece to life.
Visitors are allowed just 15 minutes inside the climate-controlled room, so be sure to savor every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime viewing.
🧒 Kids under 6 enter free, but this is a quiet space—plan accordingly with snacks or a nap beforehand.
Recommended Guided Tour:
4:00 PM – Gelato at La Gelateria della Musica
Treat yourself at one of Milan’s best gelato spots, known for creative flavors like “Bread, Butter & Jam.” There’s outdoor seating and generous scoops!
Evening
Aperitivo + Stroll Along the Navigli
5:30 PM – Aperitivo Hour in Navigli
Wrap up your day in the Navigli District, a canal-lined area filled with lively bars and restaurants. Milan is famous for Aperitivo, the Italian version of happy hour where drinks come with free light bites.
🍹 Order a refreshing Spritz and enjoy olives, bruschetta, and mini sandwiches—all included.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Officina 12
Settle in for dinner at Officina 12, which offers a relaxed ambiance, outdoor seating, and a kid-friendly menu. It’s a wonderful way to end your perfect day in Milan—eating under string lights by the canal.
Must-Do Experience in Milan
If you do only one thing in Milan, let it be climbing the rooftop of the Duomo di Milano. Walking among centuries-old spires and statues with the city sprawled beneath you is unforgettable. Go early for fewer crowds and that morning glow over the piazza.
Best Time to Visit Milan
The best months are April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and events like Fashion Week and Design Week bring an electric energy to the city. Summer can get hot and crowded, while winters are quieter but chilly.
What to Wear in Milan
Milan is fashion-forward, but comfort still rules the day.
✔️ White leather sneakers for style + comfort (Brooks or Vejas are great)
✔️ Lightweight layers—think breezy tops and a structured jacket or linen blazer
✔️ Chic crossbody or anti-theft backpack (check out my travel gear page)
✔️ Sunglasses + scarf for sun and church visits
✔️ Baby gear we loved: Compact travel stroller, Ergo Baby Carrier, and a fold-up travel potty for little ones!
Wrapping Up: A Day Well Spent in Milan
Milan might not always top the tourist bucket list, but spending a day here shows just how much style, substance, and soul the city offers. From world-class art to delicious food and fashionable streets, Milan delivers a perfect blend of culture and charm—yes, even with a toddler.
If this guide helped you, please follow us on Instagram @dsiestafamily and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more one-day itineraries, family travel tips, and packing guides!
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