Milan Guide: 8-Hour Itinerary, Duomo, Galleria & The Last Supper

Only have 8 hours in Milan during a layover or stopover? Discover the top things to do in Milan, including visiting the Duomo, exploring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and admiring Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Plus, get tips on transport and accommodation to make the most of your short trip.

Milan Articles：Duomo di Milano｜Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II｜The Last Supper

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Contents

Milan Guide: 8-Hour Itinerary, Duomo, Galleria & The Last Supper

Milan Key Attractions Map

Milan is Italy’s second-largest city and one of the fashion capitals of the world. The map below highlights the three most iconic attractions for a quick 8-hour itinerary: the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. If you have more than a day, the map also marks other must-visit Milan attractions, including Castello Sforzesco, Palazzo Reale, and the Pinacoteca di Brera.

The map is set to English by default. Simply click "Enlarge Map" in the upper-right corner to switch to your preferred language! Click on the attraction names below to view detailed descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket information.

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Top Tings To Do In Milan: Duomo di Milano

Milan Guide: 8-Hour Itinerary, Duomo, Galleria & The Last Supper

Attraction Highlights

The Duomo di Milano is a symbol of Milan and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. It took nearly 600 years to complete, blending Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. Its exterior is crafted from pure white marble, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring façade. The cathedral’s upper section is adorned with 135 spires, with the highest one featuring a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, symbolising Milan’s protector. The lower section showcases the intricate and elegant Baroque style. Inside, you’ll find exquisite sculptures and stained-glass windows, and the rooftop terrace offers a stunning panoramic view of Milan. In front of the cathedral, the Piazza del Duomo is centered around the statue of Emperor Victor Emmanuel II, making it a landmark where history and art merge.

Opening Hours

  • Cathedral Interior and Rooftop：Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Museum：Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays

Tickets / Tours

Ka's Tips：You can opt for the elevator to reach the rooftop, which costs just 6 euros more than climbing the stairs. This is highly recommended if you’re travelling with elderly, pregnant women, children, or anyone with mobility issues!

Google Maps Link

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Top Things To Do In Milan: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan Guide: 8-Hour Itinerary, Duomo, Galleria & The Last Supper

Attraction Highlights

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located near the Duomo di Milano, is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for first-time visitors. This luxurious shopping arcade was built between 1865 and 1877 and named after Italy’s first king after unification, Vittorio Emanuele II. Many world-renowned brands, including Rolex, Louis Vuitton (LV), Gucci, and Prada, have flagship stores here.

In addition, the historic “Prada” Café (Marchesi 1824), which was renovated in 2014 by the Prada Group, offers an elegant atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food. Nearby, you’ll also find the Ferrari Milan flagship store and other high-end fashion brands, perfectly blending art and luxury. It’s an essential stop for every visitor to Milan.

Opening Hours

  • The Galleria itself is a public space and is open all day.
  • Shop opening hours vary, but most stores begin opening around 10:00 AM.

Tickets / Tours

  • Free entry (Is this a joke? 😂)

Google Maps Link

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Top Things To Do In Milan: The Last Supper

Image Credit: The Last Supper Official Website

Attraction Highlights

The exterior of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan may appear to be an unremarkable small chapel, but it houses one of the world’s most famous artistic treasures – Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural The Last Supper, created between 1495 and 1498.

Measuring 8.8 meters in length and 4.6 meters in width, the painting depicts the final meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his arrest, during which he foretells that one among them will betray him. The gestures and expressions of the figures are meticulously crafted by da Vinci, capturing intense emotion and movement, making it one of the most renowned masterpieces in art history.

Opening Hours

  • Tuesday to Sunday: 08:15 – 19:00 (Last entry at 18:45)
  • Closed on Monday

Tickets / Tours

Google Maps Link

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Milan Transportation Guide: Airports and City

Airports to Milan City Centre

Milan has three main international airports:

  • Malpensa Airport (MXP)：Primarily handles international flights.
  • Linate Airport (LIN)：Primarily handles domestic and European flights.
  • Bergamo Airport (BGY)：Primarily serves budget airlines.
For flight tickets, I will start by searching on Google Flights and then compare it with * Expedia Flight Search *. If prices are similar for my preferred flights, I book through Expedia, as it offers package discounts when combined with hotel bookings and allows points accumulation. However, note that Expedia may not show all budget airlines.

Here are the main transportation options from each airport to Milan city centre:

1. From Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Milan City Centre

  • Train：he Malpensa Express train departs from Malpensa Airport and takes you directly to Milano Centrale, with a journey time of about 50 minutes.
  • Airport Bus：Several bus companies (such as Autostradale and Terravision) offer services from Malpensa Airport to Milan city centre, with a journey time of approximately 60 minutes. ➡️ Autostradale Tickets｜Terravision Tickets
  • Private Transfer Service：For a more comfortable and convenient option, you can choose a private transfer service from Malpensa Airport to the city, aside from taking a taxi. ➡️ Private Transfer Booking

2. From Linate Airport (LIN) to Milan City Centre

  • Airport Bus：Linate Airport has several bus lines (such as ATM buses) offering services to the city centre, with a journey time of about 30 minutes, providing an economical option. ➡️ Airport Bus Tickets
  • Private Transfer Service：To avoid the hassle of public transportation, you can opt for a private transfer service from Linate Airport to the city for a more comfortable experience. Private Transfer Booking

3. From Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Milan City Centre

  • Airport Bus：Bergamo Airport offers buses connecting to Milano Centrale, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it the most economical and convenient option. ➡️ Autostradale Tickets｜Terravision Tickets

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Milan Metro, Trams, and Buses

Transport tickets can be used on buses, trams, the metro, and urban commuter trains. You must validate your ticket when boarding, and re-validate each time you change lines. There are several types of tickets available：

  • Single Ticket (valid for 90 minutes)：€2.20
  • 24-hour Pass：€7.60
  • 3-Day Pass (valid from the date of validation)：€15.50
    • The ticket is valid until the end of public transport service on the third day, i.e., 03:45 a.m. (not midnight).
    • For example: If the Thursday service ends at 03:45 a.m. on Friday, and you validate your ticket at 00:01 a.m. on Friday, you are still within the Thursday service, not Friday’s.
  • 10-Trip Pass：€19.50 (can only be used by one person at a time)

Children under 14 travel for free. You can also tap your credit card to board, with the same fare applied.

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Where To Stay In Milan

On my trip to Milan, I took the train from the Cinque Terre and started my day at the Duomo the next morning, before heading to Venice in the evening. For my stay in Milan, I chose the Starhotels Business Palace. Check prices：Expedia HK｜Expedia UK｜Hotels.com Taiwan

The hotel offers spacious rooms, including a living room and a master bedroom, which makes the space very comfortable. Although the facilities are a bit dated, everything is clean and simple, making it easy to relax. The toiletries are complete, and I was pleasantly surprised by the good-quality conditioner. The room rate includes a diverse buffet breakfast.

This hotel is ideal for short stays, whether for business or leisure, and is conveniently located away from the city centre. The metro provides easy access to Milan’s major attractions.

I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.

>>> Accommodation Selection Guide <<<

Search for other hotels：Expedia Hotels Search ｜Hotels.com Taiwan

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Milan Self-Guided Travel FAQs

Q: Do I need to speak Italian in Milan? Can I communicate in English?

A: While Italian is the official language in Milan, most young people and service staff are fluent in English, especially in major tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Of course, knowing a little Italian can be helpful for your trip, but communication in English is generally not a problem.

Q: What payment methods are accepted in Milan, and how much cash should I prepare?

A: Milan uses the euro (€). The main payment methods are credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), debit cards (Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit), cash, and mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Cash is less frequently needed, as most payments can be made by card or mobile payment, but it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for emergencies.

Q: How can I buy a SIM card in Milan? Can I purchase one in advance?

A: SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, telecom stores, or supermarkets in Milan. Some telecom providers offer online ordering services, allowing travellers to purchase one in advance for convenience. Common providers include TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. A passport is required for registration when purchasing.

Q: What is the best time to visit Milan?

A: The best times to visit Milan are in the spring and autumn (April to June, September to October). The weather is pleasant with moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing, and the crowds are not overwhelming. Summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season but can be very hot and crowded. Winter (November to February) is colder, perfect for avoiding crowds, and is also a great time for winter sales.

Q: What are the voltage and plug specifications in Milan?

A: The voltage in Milan is 230V, and the plug types are the European standard two-round pin plugs (Type C, Type F). If you’re coming from a country with different voltage or plug specifications, it’s advisable to bring an adapter or voltage converter.