7 Things to Do in Milan in 3 Hours

A million travel guides have been written about things to do in Milan. This guide is the best for you if you have just one day in Milan (or less). Our Milan Photo Tour can be done in 3 hours and it delivers on old Italian charm, as well as the most beautiful and instagrammable places in the city.

7 things to do in Milan in 3 hours – Classic Milan Must-See sites

These 7 things to do in Milan are you ultimate list if you want to see Milan must see sites, historic sites, amazing castle, beautiful park, gelaterias, pizzerias and do the best shopping in Italy.

Chiesa e Convento Domenicano di Santa Maria delle Grazie

We are going to start our tour with visiting the cultural and historic sight of Milan – Chiesa e Convento Domenicano di Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is the major Catholic church of the Dominican monastery in the Western part of the city. This Church hosts one of the most famous frescoes in the world L’Ultima Cena (The Lord’s Supper) by Leonardo da Vinci. The fresco has more than 500 years of history and even survived American and British bombing. It is considered one of the most sacred world heritage sights and is a must-see if you’re coming to Milan.

Chiesa e Convento Domenicano di Santa Maria delle Grazie. Photo by Anna Riboldi

Pinacoteca di Brera

After marveling on the “divine” we will continue our tour and dive into the Age of Enlightenment. Pinacoteca di Brera was rated by many as the best Art Gallery in Milan. And it is no wonder since it hosts a great collection of the original masterpieces of Rafael, Caravaggio and many other outstanding Italian painters of the 14-19 centuries. The Prima painting of the Gallery is Lo Sposalizio Della Vergine (The Marriage of the Virgin). You can also visit the restoration workshop where you can enjoy the intriguing view on the masters’ creations.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Duomo Cathedral

Our next destination will be the symbol of Milan – The Duomo Cathedral or Duomo di Milano, statuesque construction built in the style of flamboyant white marble Gothicism. It is the 5th largest Christian Church in the world and has 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures that decorate its walls. The construction of the Duomo officially started in 1386 by Bishop Antonio da Saluzzo and was supported by the ruler of Milan Gian Galeazzo Visconti who had grand visions of the cathedral.

After its consecration in 1418 Milano Cathedral remained incomplete for centuries majorly due to the lack of money. It was Napoleon who in the 19th century finished the façade and jump-started the final stages of construction. Considering its construction is still continuing, this could be considered the longest-worked cathedral in the world.

It is the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world which took six centuries to complete! Walk around the church, take in the details of exterior and get impressed by the size and beauty of The Duomo Cathedral!

For the most vigorous photo-hunters there is an excellent opportunity to climb to the roof top of Duomo either by the narrow staircase or elevator and discover a stunning view of the unique architecture, parks, museums, pointy tops of the buildings and busy street life in the heart of Milan.

Get traditional Italian Aperitif (a glass of Aperol Spritz with local appetizers) in Terrazza Aperol – one of the best bars in Milan with incredible view at the Duomo Square.

Duomo Cathedral in Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

It is hard to imagine Milan without all its beauty, glamour and style, as it is arguably the fashion capital of the world. And, of course, you haven’t been in Milan if you haven’t done shopping here. After an unforgettable experience with Duomo cathedral we will stroll along the vibrant and elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – one of the first European passages which was completed in 1877. It connects Duomo Square with the world-famous La Scala theatre.

A non-stop flow of people from all over the world – tourists, some locals and sophisticated fashion maniacs – will remind you that you are in one of the most fancy places on earth. You will see hundreds of stores starting from the Via Montenapoleone and finishing with Corso Buenos Aires.

In this sparkling carnival of stores you can find any brand you dream of: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood and more. The Galleria is one of the first European passages in Milan, shaped as a Latin cross and decorated with mosaic. It’s probably the most vibrant and glamorous place in Italy with a great deal of stores, cafes and restaurants.

Milan Must See - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Castello Sforzesco

We continue our walk to get magnificent Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) which is just 5-minute walk away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Everyone who likes history will enjoy walking around the territory of the scattered shatters of the Middle Ages.

The castle was designed by Galeazzo II in the 14th Century in the Renaissance period and was built as a defensive construction. Throughout the centuries it was destroyed several times and built up again. Nowadays it houses museums with rarities such as the last masterpiece of Michelangelo and frescoes by Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci.

Tings to do in Milan - Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco. Photo by Mario Rossi

Park Sempione

Next to the Castle there is a fantastic Park Sempione. The territory of the park is quiet big and is comprised of every possible detail to make your stay unforgettable. Clean and rosy-green lawns, small ponds reflecting the blue infinity of the sky and the breathtaking views of the Castle and Arca della Pace (which you can find at the end of the Park) will take your mind away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Park Sempione. Photo by mimmo_laforesta

Navigli

Our last destionation on Milan photo tour is the famous Navigli. If we are to finish our 3 hour Milano tour, we better do it the way the locals do – strolling along the scenic district of the city and having a fragrant glass of vine in one of the alluring cafes around.

Navigli, or the canals, were once ubiquitous in this former port area. They formed a 150-kilometer long network that connected the city with the rivers and lakes in the Lombardian region. The canals were used for irrigation, they provided the city with water and were ideal to transport people and goods to and from remote areas. At the present time it is the romantic center of Milan. Seems like this place never sleeps, it is always full of people, fun and music. This is also an ideal place for those who like clubbing.

Did you know that Venice is not the only city in Italy that has canals? The Navigli canal system in Milan consists of five canals and two of them are a nightlife pole – nice place to finish your day having dinner in one of restaurants here.