Milan, a city synonymous with fashion, art, and history, beckons visitors with its vibrant energy and cultural treasures. If you find yourself with merely 1 or 2 days to spare in this Italian metropolis, like we did – we've crafted the following one-day itinerary that summarizes the essence of Milan, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

We flew from Cluj-Napoca, Romania to Milan in week 20 of our Europe trip in 2023. It was our 3rd entry into Italy but our first time in Milan. (check out our 1-Week Charter Sail In Amalfi Coast Italy, 5 days in Venice, and 4 days in Rome)

I told my husband it could be a good chance to brush up his fashion sense, even within 24 hours. He's someone who would wear the same t-shirt, even with holes, for 20 years. "Oh at least I know one high end brand", he asked, "isn’t it called Zara?" Oh good, it was a brand indeed. But, first all, it wasn’t Italian, and second, it wasn’t high end.

That’s why we took a walk around the city and did some people watching.

Logistic Tip

We stayed in a modern building in Porta Nuova, a modern district characterized by sleek skyscrapers, innovative architecture, and bustling commercial spaces, reflecting the Milan’s dynamic blend of contemporary design and economic vitality.

It was a fantastic choice for family travelers, and within reasonable walking distance to landmarks and attractions. Even better, there was a swimming pool in our building, one of the key reasons I booked the place, so our 8 yo could practice his new swimming skills, and our 6 yo could use the new floatie my husband brought from the US a couple of weeks earlier.

If you have only 24 hours in Milan, make sure to choose a central location to start with. I’d choose somewhere around Milan Cathedral or Porta Nuova, or in between. We walked to all the following places with two kids, and the distance was easily manageable.

Transportation wise, there are three airports in Milan. We came in and left from two different airports. Both took us about an hour drive by car. If you take the train, it might take longer. Budget this time accordingly. Even we had two-night stay in Milan, as we arrived in the evening, we only had one day to tour the city.

1️⃣ Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, stands as a Gothic masterpiece with its intricate spires and detailed facade, showcasing centuries of architectural brilliance, inviting awe and reverence from visitors around the world. As the iconic symbol of Milan, the cathedral's grandeur and spiritual significance make it a must-visit landmark that transcends time and captivates the heart of the city.

Not surprisingly, Milan Cathedral was the most crowded place in Milan. Perhaps every tourist wanted to capture a piece of memory with this architectural masterpiece.

Note: We were here in mid November, not the busiest travel season. It could have been even more crowded in the peak travel months.

It was impossible to get a shot without any tourists in the background, no matter from which angle. You have to be strategic (see my photo tip below).

2️⃣ Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo in Milan is the square right next to the magnificent Milan Cathedral. It was also surrounded by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Royal Palace, all creating a grandiose ensemble that embodies the essence of Milanese culture and history.

The lively square, with its elegant architecture, bustling street life, and vibrant energy, serves as a central hub where locals and visitors alike gather to appreciate the beauty and vitality of Milan.

Instead of enjoying the architecture, our kids were overwhelmed by the crowd and simply ran around the pigeons. They still remembered feeding the pigeons at Piazza San Marco in Venice, one of their favorite activities there.

I had to be honest. It was hard to see beyond the crowd and appreciate the details of the architectural masterpieces, when you were surrounded by people taking selfies or snapshots every few feet away no matter where you were. We stayed as long as we wanted, like 30-40 minutes, and decided to move on.

Photo Tip

How to take good travel photos in crowded places?

Believe it or not, many photography tips are not even camera related.

Try to arrive early to beat the crowd if you can. We started a bit late after a long brunch, and had to cope with the crowd.

I have used both wide angle (Canon RF15-35mm f2.8) and telephoto lens (Canon RF70-200mm f2.8) for the above scenes.

👉If you use wide angle lens, the best is to focus on landscape. Use people as foreground, eg. looking at your focused landscape, to tell the story. Or if your subject is people, make sure to put your subject in the middle of the frame, or they will be terribly distorted. The closer they stand on the edge of your photo, the more distorted they look. Of course you can use this distortion to your advantage and create drama for portrait, but that’s a different story. (Check out the lens portfolio of my favorite wide angle lens)

👉If you use telephoto lens, pay attention to details. Use shallow depth of field, blur both foreground and background to create depth. It’s a common technique I use for my travel photos using long lens. (Check out the lens portfolio of my favorite telephoto lens)

👉Of course in scenarios you couldn’t avoid strangers and crowd, embrace them in your frame! This is the best time to practice street photography. Capture interesting looks, activities, facial expressions and create something unique.

👉If you really don’t want to include crowd, point your camera upward and photograph architecture only (see the above two images).

There are many ways to improve your travel photos in a crowded scene. Practice the above and see what works best for you.

For more mirrorless camera or DSLR photography tips, check out my free video training.

3️⃣ Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a shopping arcade that's a work of art in itself. Stroll through this elegant space, admire its glass dome, and perhaps indulge in some upscale shopping.

This reminded us of the Galleria Umberto in Naples we visited in the end of July (see below images). Both had similar glass dome ceilings, and upscale fashion stores. (Check out our 1-week charter sail from Naples to Amalfi Coast in Italy, as well as our itinerary and favorite islands)

4️⃣ Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione in Milan is a sprawling green oasis nestled near the city center, offering a serene escape with its lush lawns, picturesque lakes, and shaded pathways, providing both locals and tourists a tranquil retreat in the midst of urban hustle.

Framed by the historic Castello Sforzesco, this park not only provides a peaceful respite but also serves as a cultural haven, hosting art installations and events that enhance its charm and allure.

5️⃣ Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)

A monumental fortress and cultural treasure trove, showcasing centuries of history and art within its walls, from Michelangelo's sculptures to diverse museums, making it a captivating symbol of Milanese heritage.

You can photograph the castle from the street and within Parco Sempione. It’s a landmark you can’t miss.

6️⃣ Arco della Pace

Arco della Pace is a neoclassical triumphal arch of majestic proportions, gracing the entrance to Parco Sempione and exuding timeless elegance with its Corinthian columns, intricate reliefs, and a commanding presence that symbolizes peace and prosperity.

From a quick glance from far away, it reminds you of Arc de Triomphe in Paris. While both are monumental triumphal arches, Arco della Pace in Milan is a lot smaller, about half the size of Arc de Triomphe. Is it still worth seeing? Yes of course. If you are already visiting Parco Sempione, it’s right on the edge of the park.

7️⃣ Corso Como

Corso Como in Milan is a sophisticated and bustling street that seamlessly blends high-end fashion boutiques, contemporary art spaces, and chic cafes. It’s a dynamic hub for fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters.

This iconic street exhibits a cosmopolitan charm, inviting visitors to explore its stylish shops, savor culinary delights, and experience the vibrant cultural scene that defines Milan's allure.

8️⃣ Piazza Gae Aulenti

In the end of Corso Como, you’ll reach Piazza Gae Aulenti, a modern square surrounded by sleek skyscrapers, upscale boutiques, and contemporary architecture. With its central fountain and elevated circular design, the square provides a stylish and cosmopolitan gathering space.

Piazza Gae Aulenti in Milan is surrounded by several prominent buildings, including:

9️⃣ Unicredit Tower

One of the tallest skyscrapers in Italy, the tallest in Milan. Unicredit Tower is part of the larger Unicredit complex and stands at a height of 231 meters (758 feet).

🔟 Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)

Located nearby, the Bosco Verticale (below left) is a pair of residential towers known for their innovative design featuring a significant amount of greenery, contributing to the sustainability and aesthetics of the area.

There are many other skyscrapers, stylish buildings and new developments (above right) around Piazza Gae Aulenti. It was within minutes walk from our accommodation. We visited the square two evenings in a roll and totally loved it.

We even broke our rule of impulse shopping, and got a lego set for our 6 yo, who kept talking about wanting to go home and play legos.

If you are a museum lover, head to the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to witness Leonardo da Vinci's renowned Last Supper. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as this masterpiece draws art enthusiasts from around the world. We didn’t, and we missed it. But we didn’t regret either. Art museums were generally not on top of our list when traveling with two young kids.

Beyond museums, who says you can’t find art elsewhere? Milan is a city where historical grandeur meets contemporary chic. There are tons of art scenes in the street from dancers to painters. You can easily sense art from city landmarks, boutique stores to restaurants and parks.

Whether you're captivated by art, enamored with fashion, or simply savoring the Italian lifestyle, Milan has something to offer, and is waiting to be explored and captured.

Oh, did my husband learn anything about fashion? Probably not so much. But we did sit in Parco Sempione and guessed which passersby were American. He was impressed I was spot on every time. To me, it was pretty obvious. Do you agree?

Aside from fashion, I wonder if Milan (or Italy in general) ever has a low season for tourists? Crowded as usual as the other Italian cities and towns we have visited, Milan is absolutely charming and irresistible.

We wrapped up our short stop in Milan and flew to our next stop: Tangier Morocco. Check out our 2.5-week road trip route in Morocco and my favorite photo spots.

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