Bellisimo Milan

24 hours in Milan

Things to do in Milan if you've got a (really) limited amount of time.

Milan Cathedral / Duomo di Milano

Duomo

Duomo di Milano is the city's cathedral church dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity. The impressive cathedral also serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. It is the largest and most complex Gothic building in Italy which took nearly 6 centuries to complete. Marvel at its pink-veined white marble which originated from the Candoglia quarries. Placed on top of the highest spire is a statue of Madonna. The interior is shaped like a Latin cross with large choir stalls and a polygonal apse.

Milan Cathedral

You need to pre-book tickets during peak season. During off peak season, there's a long queue for both the ticket office and entrance (those already possessing a ticket).

Duomo Interior

Altar inside the Duomo

Duomo Altar

Stained glass behind the altar inside the Duomo

There's a dress code and if you're attire is not appropriate, you will be asked to buy a cover up.

Recommended length of stay: at least 1 hour if you're planning to go up the terraces.

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo

Also known as the Cathedral Square, this piazza is the main square of the city of Milan, dominated by the Duomo.

From here, you can also see the Milan Cathedral Museum, and the high-end shopping centre - Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II.

It is a good place to sit around and watch the world pass by. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II

Inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II

Apart from the high end shops, don't pass by the opportunity of experiencing a long-standing tradition. Find the famous bull's testicles on the mosaic floor of the shopping centre, stand on it with your right heel and spin three times to bring good luck.

Ceiling of Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco

This 15th-century castle was once the stronghold of the Dukes of Milan, the Sforza Family, which now houses several museums. 

Parco Sempione

Enjoy a slushy in Park Sempione 

A large public park situated behind the Castello Sforzesco right in the centre of the city. This is a popular place for both locals and tourists for several outdoor activities, especially during summer/warm days.

Navigli Canals

Naviglio Grande

Located in the Navigli neighbourhood are five interconnected canals based on the works of Leonardo Da Vinci. This neighbourhood is an art lover's haven as it is full of interesting art galleries, as well as restaurants, and boasts of a bustling nightlife along the largest 2 of the 5, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. On Sundays, there is an antiques market held along these 2 canals.

Along the canals

Roman Columns and the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

The piazza in front of the Basilica is lined with 16 Roman columns, Colonne di San Lorenzo, dating back to the 3rd century from ancient Milan, the Roman Mediolanum. The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore was also built during the Roman times and is located within the city's ring of canals close to the medieval Ticino gate. It is the oldest church in Milan.

The interior is decorated with impressive marble works and 4th-century mosaics.

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

This church stands on the site of a former place of worship during the Lombard period and is adjoined to a Benedictine convent of nuns, the largest and oldest monastery in Milan.

Inside San Maurizio

The church has an elongated rectangular nave divided into 2 sections; the front being designated to the congregation and the rear to the nuns' choir. The interior is adorned with cycles of paintings by some of the major 16th century Lombard artists.

And if you're Filipino, Jollibee

Jollibee

Jollibee is a Philippine-based fast-food chain known for its Pinoy style spaghetti and fried chicken and burgers. Weekdays are not usually busy but expect long queues and waiting hours from Friday afternoon to Sunday.

Jollibee Pinoy-style spaghetti and fried chicken

Jollibee Yum burger with cheese