Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes, Milan offers many reasons for a visit. It's a city everyone should explore, and our experience here was wonderful. We didn't want to leave. During our first trip to Milan in the fall of 2008, we fell in love with its beautiful architecture and classic Italian atmosphere. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific food and great nightlife.
Milan is the fashion and design capital of Italy. It has many glamourous shops as well as beautiful art and architecture. The city is also a financial hub for the country. While its often skipped over by tourists for other more popular Italian cities, those who visit will be rewarded with many great experiences.
Milan, Italy
7 Reasons to Visit Milan
1. Food
The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is known for its ornate architecture, luxury shops, selfie spots, and tasty cafes in a historic shopping area which connects major tourist attractions in the city center. (Free)
2. Nightlife
The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.
3. Music
The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
4. Historical Sights
Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is known for its ornate architecture, luxury shops, selfie spots, and tasty cafes in a historic shopping area which connects major tourist attractions in the city center. (Free)
5. Shopping
Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is known for its ornate architecture, luxury shops, selfie spots, and tasty cafes in a historic shopping area which connects major tourist attractions in the city center. (Free)
6. Museums and Attractions
The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) is known for showcasing the famous painting of Jesus and his disciples. (€17)
Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology is known for Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and exhibits on science, historic collections, and more. (€10)
The Museum of Natural History of Milan is known for its wide array of family-friendly exhibits on nature and science. (€5)
The Sforza Castle Museums are known for showcasing Milan's cultural and artistic heritage within a stunning and historic architectural setting. (€5)
Pinacoteca di Brera is known for its huge collection of historic artwork. (€15)
Museum of Contemporary Art (MACRO) is known for its wide range of contemporary and modern art collections. (Free)
Museo del Novecento is known for showcases a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations, highlighting the evolution of artistic styles over the past century. (€5)
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is known for its Renaissance art and furniture displayed in an authentic historical home. (€12)
Triennale di Milano is known for its rotating exhibits on modern art, architecture, and design. (€25)
Biblioteca Ambrosiana is known for its collection of manuscripts, drawings, rare books, and interesting artwork. (€15)
The Columns of San Lorenzo are known for its ancient Roman columns and as a popular gathering spot. (Free)
Milan Cathedral is known for being a symbol of Milan with its Gothic architecture, ornate facade, and busy plaza. (€16)
The Crypt of San Sepolcro is known for its historic crypts and archeological ruins. (€9.50)
7. Authenticity
Milan has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Milan worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Milan, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Milan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| August | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
Is Milan worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Milan. Even though Milan is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you can soak up the big city atmosphere and listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Milan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| November | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
Is Milan worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Milan can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Milan is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can check out the nightlife, the live music scene, and the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Milan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| February | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| March | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Milan worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Milan. Even though Milan is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take in the beautiful scenery. Also, you'll be able to browse around the old town, listen to some live music, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Spring Weather in Milan
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| June | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Milan
Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Milan might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Milan here or see if Milan is expensive here.
Related
What is Milan most famous for?
Milan is most famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. People visit this impressive city for its great food, nightlife, music, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums and attractions. It is often described as cultural, trendy, and chic.
What is the most famous sight in Milan?
The most popular sight in Milan is Piazza del Duomo. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Milan on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Piazza del Duomo and other attractions here.
How touristy is Milan? Is it a popular city to visit?
Milan is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Milan Private Tour - Duomo, Sforza Castle & Gelato Tasting: $292
- Welcome to Private Tour of Highlights and Hidden Gems: $108
- Discover Milan's Navigli by SUP: a wellness experience: $70
- Milan Wine and Food Tasting Experience: $35
- Exclusive Private Fashion Tour in Milan: $146
- Segway Tour Local Tourist Guide Live - 2 hours & half: $78
- Chocolate Experience at La Fabbrica del Cioccolato in Milan: $36
- Segway Tour with Local Tourist Guide Live - 3 hours & half: $90
How long should I spend in Milan?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Milan is one to five days. Since Milan has a variety of activities such as dining, nightlife, music, and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Milan?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Milan?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Milan?.
More Things to Do in Milan
- Is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Worth Visiting?
- Is Milan Cathedral Worth Visiting?
- Is The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) Worth Visiting?
- Is La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) Worth Visiting?
- Is Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.