What to do and see in Milan, Lombardy: The Best Cultural Tours

March 8, 2022 Brandee Mangan

One of the world’s fashion capitals, Milan offers endless opportunities for chic shopping. Hit the artsy neighborhood of Brera for leather goods and Via Monte Napoleone for exclusive, expensive boutiques. The enchanting mosaics and glass vaults of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II make shoppers feel like they’re wandering inside a painting. Take break from your spree to gape at the iconic Duomo, then grab tickets to a performance at La Scala. Post-opera, the Navigli district pulses with late-night activity.
Restaurants in Milan

1. Sforza Castle and Museum Guided Tour

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy Veditalia - Day Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

When in Milan, see the Sforza Castle! Join us on a tour of one of the most important landmarks in the city get a real taste of the medieval life. Enjoy our officially licensed tour guides’ descriptions and juicy anecdotes, get to know the Dukes of milan and their famous guests, among which, Leonardo Da Vinci who lived there for 17 years. The tour will take you through the inner courtyards as well as the direct surroundings of the fortress and the museum. . You will also see Michelangelo’s final sculpture “La Pietà Rondanini” and much more. Discover the other wall painting Leonardo created in Milan! La sala delle asse, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death, starting from May 16 2019 until April 19th 2020, the restoration campaign has been exceptionally suspended so you can enjoy this great work of art, you will be thrilled to know that the restoration team has discovered NEW DRAWINGS that will be seen for the first time. Join us on this unique experience.

Inclusions: Legally licensed English-speaking Tour Guide, Smaller groups (15 of fewer), Personal audio headsets provided (over 6 participants), Museum entrance Ticket

Exclusions: hotel pick-up, food and drink

Reviewed By mattwN731OW

My girlfriend and I had just a single full day to spend exploring on a quick stop through Milan last September, 2019. I sort of fancy myself as a bit of an amateur historian and planned to explore the city on my own, but she knew better and booked us for the "Milan in 1 Day" tour with Veditalia. Am I ever glad she did! I had never been to Milan before and had a pretty lengthy list of things I wanted to see if ever one day I would visit. We saw most of the items on that list, and discovered many great sights that weren't on the list (but should have been) as well. And our guide for the day, Charlie, was perhaps the best and most delightfully unexpected discovery of them all! He was organized, well spoken, charming, humorous and very knowledgeable about not only the attractions on our itinerary, their history and cultural significance, but also seamlessly weaved in with that their relationship with life in the city over time up to and including the issues of life in modern Italy today. I gained a new appreciation for and understanding of Italy that I totally was not expecting. I could not ask for more than that! Thank you Charlie. And thank you Veditalia. You were a personal force-multiplier for my enjoyment of a trip I'd dreamed about making for decades. I will definitely book with you again on my next visit. :)

2. Da Vinci's Last Supper and Sforza Castle Semi-Private Tour with Top Rated Guide

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy Raphael Tours in Milan
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4.8 based on 11 reviews

This is a semi private guided tour to two of Milan’s main attractions;  Sforza Castle, a fortress that is named after one of Milan’s most important families and then to Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s breathtaking  frescoes. This superb 2 hours tour is in the company of a very knowledgeable local guide who will take you to see the Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece, wonderful frescoes that adorn the refectory in the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie and Castle courtyards where the Genius of Leonardo lived for a period of his life

Inclusions: Blue Badge Local guide, Professional art historian guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Milanfans

We toured il Duomo, la Galleria, il Castello Sforza and l‘Ultima Cena on the last day before closing because of the corona virus. We were lucky. Our guide, Fedra was fantastic: provided detailed background information to each and every point: always factual, and humorous, when appropriate. She was also helpful with general information, on other points of interest (Bosco Verticale!), with dining recommendations, with suggestions for our remaining time in Milano. She was certainly also responsible for the bright sunshine, and for the fantastic Italian blue sky. Our time was limited, so we decided to come back to see the rest! Thank you Raphael Tours! Kati + Attila

3. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Milan Private Tour

Mondadori Megastore, P.za del Duomo, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy Withlocals
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4.8 based on 42 reviews

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Milan from a unique perspective! Get to know Milan on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Milan at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Sforza Castle, Duomo, Piazza della Scala, and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private tour, Small-group tour option available, Local Guide, 1 local drink/tasting

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Kritikerin1

We had a very nice and intresting walking tour with Serena. She explained us a lot about the history of Milan an we had a great time together. The Aperitivo was delicious. We highly recommend this tour.

4. Milan Semi-Private Walking Tour with Last Supper and Duomo | with Private Option

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy LivItaly Tours LLC
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4.8 based on 17 reviews

The Milan Walking Tour with the Last Supper and the Duomo is a fantastic tour to really get to know Milan, and to see one of the world's most famous masterpieces: the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. Choose between our exclusive semi-private tour in a group of only 6 people max, or book your very own Private Tour - we offer both options! You will begin at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage site where the Last Supper lives. Admire this incredible painting with only a handful of other tourists, and really enjoy it with ample space, peace and quiet. Continue onto see San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, refuel with a coffee, and continue onto the financial district and San Satiro. Finally end at the Duomo, where your guide will explain the wonders of this world famous Church from the majestic Piazza. NOTE: The Private Tour option includes skip the line access to the Duomo and its terrace! The Small Group Tour does not include entry into the Duomo.

Inclusions: Small Group of ONLY 6 people!, Exclusive and Privileged access to the Last Supper, Semi Private Walking Tour of Milan with a Professional Local Expert Guide, Enjoy a fantastic coffee in a historic Milanese pasticceria!, See San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, San Satiro, and more!, Private Tour Option includes Duomo skip the line tickets!

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), The Semi Private Tour does not include Entrance to the Duomo

Reviewed By c988231

I did the Vatican Museums tour followed by the Colosseum and Roman Forum the following day in August 2020. I had the same awesome guide for both - Davide - he is a born Roman and knew everything about the tour and more. It was so great to have his insight (and I ask a lot of questions). The Vatican was very empty due to COVID measures, which was the best time to see this! Everyone had masks, distance was taken and was a very comfortable experience. Even though there were less people overall, the tour made the experience because you would never get the knowledge that Davide shared from the audio tours provided by the museum. We ended in the Basilica and here you're able to go to the top of the dome - don't miss this! Was a beautiful view of the city. The Roman Forum tour was also very interesting and insightful. I would have never been able to understand the level of history here without Davide. Again, felt very comfortable and safe with COVID measures all met + it is all outside, plus it's empty right now! In the summer it is very hot outside though, so come prepared with a water bottle (refill stations for free everywhere) and to manage the heat accordingly. I knew of LivItaly from a previous tour in Venice which was also great and highly recommend them for further tours - also outside of Italy. The small group size and knowledge of their guides is wonderful. Thank you again LivItaly for the great experience and accommodating!

5. Sforza Castle and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini guided experience

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy Italy Hidden Experiences
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4.7 based on 18 reviews

Florence is not the only Renaissance city in Italy. You can still find some traces of that period in Milan as well! Unveil the last masterpiece from Michelangelo right in Sforza Castle, located in the heart of Milan. A few steps away from Duomo, the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful piece of art is resting: Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo. He did this amazing sculpture when he was 89 years old, only a few days before his death. But it is not all about Michelangelo! Have you ever heard about his friend Leonardo Da Vinci? During the 1.5-hour guided experience with our monolingual guide you will hear many stories about him as well. Finally, every secret of the Castle is going to take life: visit the courtyard and the interior of the Castle and learn about Milan’ powerful families.

Inclusions: Entry tickets Sforza Castle, Licensed tour guide, Headphones (from 8 participants), Small group tour

Exclusions: Gratuities (optional), Food & drinks, Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off , Extras

Reviewed By andreamariana92

We had the pleasure of meeting Paolo who walked us through the history of the castle and the wine-making process. We got to taste wine at the different stages. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the factors that affect each element of the wine and explained things in a very clear manner. The tasting was outstanding, showcasing the differences between the grapes grown just a few meters away from each other. We loved the experience and would highly recommend it as a couple’s activity or with friends.

6. Interlaken and the Green Train of Swiss Alps day trip from Milan

Piazza Quattro Novembre, 20124 Milano MI, Italy Zani Viaggi Day Tours
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Take a ride on the Green Train of the Alps on a spectacular journey on the Swiss Alps from Milan. Cross the lake of Thun on a cruise boat to reach the enchanted village of Interlaken.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Green train of the Alps, Lake Cruise, High speed train from Milan, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By adcdiving

Como, the largest city in this region. Along the way we are regularly treated to beautiful views of small villages on the other side of the lake. The radiant sun makes it even more idyllic, but otherwise there is little to do in this region (at this time of year).

7. Lake Como Day Trip from Milan with a Local Guide: Private & Personalized ★★★★★

Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy City Unscripted
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4.6 based on 5 reviews

You’ll join one of our hosts and enjoy a day out of the city together, relaxing in the paradise of Lake Como. Between the dramatic foothills of the Alps and the tranquil waters of the lake, the area is home to an enchanting collection of small hamlets and towns, sprinkled with Neoclassical villas, rustic homes and Renaissance architecture which will have you dreaming of moving here. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalized experience, 10 hours with a host, Transportation cost to and from Como, which takes around 1 hour by fast train, A ferry ride between small picturesque towns in summer months, Walking experience once at destination (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

Exclusions: Food and drink, Additional transport costs, Tickets to any attractions, Gratuities

Reviewed By UrbanInSanFrancisco

Great tour on Oct 4, 2018 with City Unscripted guide - Beatrice! At my request, we spent much of our time in the Navigli neighborhood at dusk enjoying aperitivo and dinner. Beatrice knew all the charming places along the canal and also offered recommendations for the rest of my trip in Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast. With friendly, personable Beatrice I felt I was experiencing Milan as a local. Thank you!

8. Italy and Switzerland in One Day: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

Porta Garibaldi, Milano MI, Italy City Wonders
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4.6 based on 419 reviews

Discover what makes the Italian Alps a favorite vacation destination for the rich and famous. Just an hour outside Milan, stunning lakes, fabulous villas and charming Alpine towns await – and you can experience them all in one blissful day. Cruise beautiful Lake Como in comfort. Enjoy free time in Bellagio, the “pearl of Lake Como”. Then cross the border to visit Lugano, “the Monte Carlo of Switzerland”.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide, Headsets, if needed, Lake Como cruise

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By 469kurt

Our tourguide katarina payonova was excellent , very passionate about the history of Milan and linking her stories nicely with Belgian art , the pace of the walk was perfect as well , def recommend her

9. Best of Milan Walking Tour with Skip-the-Line to Duomo & ‘Last Supper’

Piazza del Duomo, P.za del Duomo, Milano MI, Italy City Wonders
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4.5 based on 1,277 reviews

Spend a day getting under the skin of Italy’s most fashionable city. Skip-the-Line Access at both Milan Duomo and Da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ means less time waiting and more time experiencing the city. See iconic attractions like Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II and discover quieter spots like the artistic Brera district.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Headphones, Interior visit to Milan Duomo, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Small group of 10 people max

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By tonyg975

Elisa was amazing. She had a great mix of local knowledge, humor, and easy pace. She did a great job making the group feel welcome which was not easy. I would highly recommend Elisa without reservation. She is top notch!

10. Milan Super Saver: Skip-the-Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour

P.za del Duomo, 4, 20122 Milano MI, Italy Veditalia - Day Tours
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4.5 based on 163 reviews

Experience the best of the Duomo Cathedral on a Milan Super Saver that combines two popular guided tours at a discounted price. With an expert guide, enjoy skip-the-line entry to the iconic cathedral, then take a 1-hour tour of the interior before ascending to the rooftop. Ride an elevator and climb steps to reach the lofty rooftop, where — amid the upward-reaching spires of the cathedral — you’ll soak up gorgeous views of the city below.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Headphones (used if there are more than 6 pax on tour)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By mattwN731OW

My girlfriend and I had just a single full day to spend exploring on a quick stop through Milan last September, 2019. I sort of fancy myself as a bit of an amateur historian and planned to explore the city on my own, but she knew better and booked us for the "Milan in 1 Day" tour with Veditalia. Am I ever glad she did! I had never been to Milan before and had a pretty lengthy list of things I wanted to see if ever one day I would visit. We saw most of the items on that list, and discovered many great sights that weren't on the list (but should have been) as well. And our guide for the day, Charlie, was perhaps the best and most delightfully unexpected discovery of them all! He was organized, well spoken, charming, humorous and very knowledgeable about not only the attractions on our itinerary, their history and cultural significance, but also seamlessly weaved in with that their relationship with life in the city over time up to and including the issues of life in modern Italy today. I gained a new appreciation for and understanding of Italy that I totally was not expecting. I could not ask for more than that! Thank you Charlie. And thank you Veditalia. You were a personal force-multiplier for my enjoyment of a trip I'd dreamed about making for decades. I will definitely book with you again on my next visit. :)

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