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One Day in Milan

A whirlwind trip to Milan is all it will take for you to fall in love with this breathtaking city. It offers something for everyone, from awe inspiring historical buildings to soul nourishing food and world class shopping

The NH Bellboy’s Tips

Explore Milan's historical depth

Milan is renowned for its love of culture and there are many points of interest located in Milan and its historical centre. Most popular is of course Leonardo da Vinci's fresco of The Last Supper, which can be seen in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are hard to come by (reserve in advance) and the time one may spend admiring this masterpiece is limited - however the opportunity to see such a timeless creation should not be passed up, even if you are on a tight schedule on your one day in Milan. For those seeking a more leisurely time with the fine arts, try the Poldi Pezzoli Museum which exhibits works by Michelangelo, Botticelli and other Italian artists. If you are interested in the religious culture of Milan, visit the Duomo, the third largest Cathedral in the world and the elegant square where it stands. Climb to the very top to take in the breathtaking view and fully appreciate the numerous statues and spires on your one day in Milan.

World class opera

One day in Milan would not be complete without an evening soaking up the sounds of top class opera at the Scala Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time over the Internet. However, if having one of the best seats is not a top priority, you may be lucky enough to find a spare seat at the last minute. It is worth checking for last minute bargains at the ticket booth.

Shop like you have never shopped before

One day in Milan will provide just enough time to have a tantalising glimpse of the incredible shops on offer in this magnificent city. Head to one of the oldest and most renowned shopping malls, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, for a taste of true high-end fashion and top labels, this is the ideal place to find a special gift for a loved one. Walk the streets of the surrounding neighbourhood, understandably known as Quadrilatero della Moda - or fashion square! If the shopping enthusiasm has not yet abated, a trip to the Rinascente Department Store is in order. Relax in the food court situated at the top of the building whilst admiring the incredible view of the Duomo Cathedral spires.

Milan plus food equals magic

Food is part of the very soul of Milan, and there are too many mouth watering dishes to try them all in just one day in Milan. However, here are a few of the most highly recommended. Risotto alla Milanese, a saffron infused rice dish that is prepared in numerous different ways across the city. Polenta - traditionally a poor man's dish, polenta has become a common staple in the diet of all Italians, traditionally served as a side dish accompanying meat of some kind. Cannoncino is generally served in bite sized portions and is the perfect combination of flaky pastry and delicate cream filling. It is guaranteed to melt in the mouth and seduce even the healthiest individuals!

Tips for an unforgettable short stay in Milan

Milan has a rather unpredictable climate. To be prepared for the occasional short shower, make sure to pack a small umbrella, just in case the weather suddenly turns whilst your are out exploring.
Download a language application onto your phone. Although Milan is a large city, not everyone will speak or understand English - save yourself any hassle by having a quick keyword reference handy.
Public transport in the city is excellent. Most street vendor stalls sell tickets. Alternatively, any café featuring a large T in the window is an authorised ticket seller.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Milan.

Where to stay in Milan

See all hotels in Milan
nh-collection
NH Collection Milano President
Largo Augusto, 10,. 20122 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

The 5 star NH Collection Milano President hotel is in the center of Milan, close to all the city’s major attractions. Partly renovated in 2017, the hotel combines charm, elegance, and design. This, as well as the fact that it's a 5-minute walk from Duomo Square, as well as the Scala Theater and the fashion district, make it the ideal place to stay for both shopping and exploring the city.

  • 0.73km Theater Alla Scala
  • 0.66km Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
  • 1.47km Castle Sforza
  • 2.13km Cenacolo Vinciano
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nh-collection
NH Collection Milano Touring
Via Ugo Tarchetti, 2,. 20121 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

When it comes to location, the NH Collection Milano Touring hotel ticks all the boxes. As well as being right next to the Indro Montanelli public park, it’s also only a 10-minute walk from Milan’s main train station and shopping area, and just 15 minutes from the historic city center. Plus there are two metro stations outside the hotel and the financial district is within easy reach, too. You couldn't ask for a better location.

  • 8.46km Area Experience (EXPO)
  • 3.74km Armani SILOS
  • 17.53km Autodromo Nazionale Monza
  • 3.2km Bocconi University
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
nhow
nhow Milano
Via Tortona 35. 20144 Milan
Reviews
2023 Certificate of Excellence

Right in the heart of Milan’s fashionable Via Tortona, the nhow Milano is a designer hotel, providing an artistic, cosmopolitan home-from-home, great for exploring all the Design District has to offer.

  • 2.79km Duomo - Cathedral of Milan (City Center)
  • 2.88km Piazza alla Scala
  • 2.53km Castle Sforza
  • 4.27km Piazza Gae Aulenti
  • wifi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • parking
    Parking
  • gym
    Gym
  • nonSmoking
    100%
  • airConditioner
    Air conditioning - Climate Control
  • pool
    Pool
  • eco-friendly
    Eco-friendly
  • pets
    Pets
  • accessibility
    Accessibility
  • celebrations
    Celebrations
  • meetings
    Meetings
  • numberRooms
    Rooms
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