A Day in Milan: A Budget-Friendly Itinerary

  • 10:00AM: Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
    10 minutes (0.6 miles) from Piazza del Duomo

    The Milan Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the iconic symbol of Milan. It’s the largest church in Italy and boasts of exquisite architecture and stunning views of the city from its rooftop. There may be queues to get in, so arrive early or you can book tickets in advance.

  • 11:30AM: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
    3 minutes (0.2 miles) from Milan Cathedral

    The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning 19th-century glass-roofed shopping arcade that houses high-end boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It has been named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. The mosaic floors and ornate architecture provide excellent VAT-free window shopping.

  • 1:00PM: Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
    15 minutes (1.0 miles) from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

    The Sforza Castle is a grand medieval fortress that houses several museums and art collections containing works by Italian masters like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. You can enjoy green spaces and relax in the nearby Sempione Park surrounding the castle.

  • 3:00PM: Brera Neighborhood (Quadrilatero della Moda)
    20 minutes (1.1 miles) from Sforza Castle

    The picturesque Brera neighborhood is one of the oldest and most charming areas of the city. It’s popular for its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and amazing local restaurants. Wander around and get a taste of Milan’s bohemian side.

  • 5:00PM: Navigli District
    22 minutes (1.2 miles) from Brera Neighborhood

    The Navigli District is a vibrant and lively area known for its trendy bars, vintage shops, and picturesque canals. Take a walk along the canals at sunset and enjoy the atmosphere, art galleries, and street performers

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) (1.5 hours, free)
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (1 hour, free to enter; shopping and food may cost extra)
  • Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) (2 hours, € 5-€12)
  • Brera Neighborhood (1.5 hours, free to walk around)
  • Navigli District (1.5 hours, free to walk around)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €5-€12

Transportation

You can travel within the city via the efficient Milan Metro system. A single ticket costs € 1.50 and allows you to travel for 90 minutes.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions like the Last Supper or the San Siro Stadium.

If you have less time, prioritize sights that interest you the most and use public transport or walk to save time.

Airports

Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest airport in Milan located 30 miles northwest of the city center. Linate Airport (LIN) is a smaller airport located 5 miles east of the city center. There are several public transport options and taxis available at both airports.

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