Free walking tours in Milan and what to see

Must-sees

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and a visit begins in Piazza del Duomo. The white marble Gothic cathedral can be visited inside and you can go up to its terraces, among spires and statues. Next door, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, under a vault of iron and glass, leads to Piazza della Scala, home of the opera house. Further west stands the Sforza Castle, with its museums and Parco Sempione behind it.

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is in the old refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie and can only be seen with a booking, best made well in advance. The cobbled Brera district is home to the Pinacoteca. To the south, the Navigli, the historic canals, fill with terraces at dusk. The basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is another key visit.

Free tours and guided visits

Milan has free walking tours of the centre, taking in the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala. There are also guided tours of the cathedral with a climb to the terraces. Day trips are very popular: to Lake Como and Bellagio with a boat ride, a route that adds Lugano, the train through the Swiss Alps to St. Moritz, and an outing combining Lake Garda and Verona.

How long to spend

In a day you can see the Duomo and its terraces, the Galleria, La Scala and the Sforza Castle. With two days you can add The Last Supper, Brera and a walk along the Navigli at sunset. If you have three or four days, spend one on a trip to the lakes, such as Como, less than an hour away by train.

Where to stay

The centre, around the Duomo, is the most convenient for getting around on foot, although also the most expensive. Brera has charm and nightlife, and the Navigli are a good option if you are after atmosphere. The Central Station area has lots of hotels and is practical for train trips. The metro links all the districts well.