Is Milan worth visiting? Opinions about the city seemed polarizing—some rave about its elegance and landmarks, while others dismiss it as underwhelming compared to the charm of other Italian cities.
To settle the debate, I decided to experience Milan in two ways: a whirlwind 24 hours with a local (through a family connection) and a slower-paced, three-night solo stay a couple of weeks later.
What I discovered was a city of contrasts. On one hand, Milan’s architectural iconic landmarks, like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, are undeniably impressive, but the crowds are equally as intense. I found myself torn as to whether or not I would recommend Milan as a city to visit. I do by the way, but there’s a “but” that I summarize in “My Travel Take”.
This article dives into both perspectives. It’s my personal take on the allure and drawbacks of Milan. I’ll help you decide if it deserves a spot on your itinerary by weighing its highlights and challenges.
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The Pros of Visiting Milan
Milan is a city that intrigues travellers with its reputation for its overall elegance and sophistication. These are the top reasons people feel drawn to visit Milan.
The Iconic Landmarks
The Duomo, with its intricate Gothic spires, isn’t just another cathedral in Italy—it’s admirably more beautiful than that.
Then there’s the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a stunning 19th-century arcade where luxury boutiques and quaint cafes share space under a soaring glass dome. It’s touristy, yes, but undeniably beautiful.
Bosco Verticale, “vertical forests”, are skyscrapers covered in greenery meant to symbolize how urban living can coexist with nature.
World-Class Museums and Art
For art lovers, Milan famously is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. The Brera Art Gallery houses masterpieces by Italian greats like Caravaggio, while the Triennale Milano showcases cutting-edge design and modern art.
Fashion Capital: Style and Shopping
Milan’s reputation as a global fashion hub is well-earned. The city breathes style, from the high-end fashion houses of the Quadrilatero della Moda to the trendy vintage shops in Brera.
I was visiting during Milan Fashion Week, and I found myself inadvertently picking up style cues just by observing the effortlessly chic Milanese going about their day, not to mention the flood of models and influencers at every corner.
The Art of Aperitivo and Nightlife
Milan’s evenings start with aperitivo, a ritual that’s part social hour, part culinary experience. For the cost of a drink, you get access to spreads of small bites, ranging from simple chips to gourmet cheeses and cured meats.
Navigli, with its canalside bars, is one of the best places to embrace this tradition.
Milan’s nightlife surprised me too. From speakeasy-style cocktail bars to lively piazzas filled with chatter and music, the city has an energy that doesn’t quit once the sun sets. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about connecting, unwinding, and celebrating life in true Milanese fashion.
The Cons of Visiting Milan
While Milan offers plenty of reasons to visit, it’s not without its downsides. Here are some of the common challenges travellers might face, like I did.
Crowds and Tourism
Milan’s top attractions draw heavy crowds, even in the off-season. Lines at the Duomo and Galleria can test your patience, and the Duomo rooftop, though stunning, felt more like dodging selfie-takers than enjoying the view. At times, the city seemed like one big tourist trap, making authentic experiences harder to find.
Booking early tours, visiting sights early, or exploring quieter neighbourhoods can help avoid the crowds, but the overwhelming tourist presence is something to prepare for.
Urban Atmosphere
If you’re expecting the quaint charm of smaller Italian towns, Milan might feel jarring.
It’s a loud, busy city with a modern, business-oriented vibe that contrasts with the romantic Italian atmosphere many travellers like me envision. The urban sprawl and industrial outskirts, especially after a week in serene Tuscany, caught me off guard.
That said, adjusting your expectations—letting go of visions of romantic piazzas and winding streets—might help you appreciate Milan for what it is.
Milan’s Comparisons to Other Italian Cities
Comparisons are inevitable when travelling in Italy. Milan doesn’t have the romantic canals of Venice, the medieval charm of Bologna, the Renaissance art of Florence, or Rome’s ancient ruins.
Milan can feel less “traditionally Italian” and for that reason alone, many travellers find it less appealing than other Italian cities. The same comparison can be made of Berlin and how Germans feel it is “not Germany”.
Cost Considerations
Milan’s status as a fashion and business hub comes with a price tag.
I found accommodations, dining, attractions and shopping to be generally more expensive than in many other Italian cities. This can strain travel budgets, especially for those planning extended stays.
Experiencing Milan in Two Ways
My Whirlwind 24 Hours with a Local
After a week of hosting a slow travel retreat in Tuscany, I found myself in Milan for a quick stopover with my business partner before heading to Verona.
We spent the night at her aunt’s home, located in a residential neighbourhood far removed from the tourist hubs. This was the real highlight of my brief visit: hearing only Italian spoken, staying in a local apartment, and being warmly welcomed into their world.
The day began with her Nonna’s incredible vegetarian lasagna—easily one of the best meals I’ve had during my 1-month Italy trip. Later, her cousin led us on a three-hour walking tour, navigating Milan’s streets with confidence and surprising me with her excellent English. She pointed out iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Galleria, offering snippets of insight only a local could share.
Our day ended with a late-night dinner at a neighbourhood pizzeria. Reflecting on this whirlwind visit, the true magic wasn’t the sights but the warmth of her family. Being fed home-cooked meals and connecting with her extended family gave me a taste of Milan I’ll never forget.
My Three Nights Solo Visit
A week later, I returned to Milan for a longer stay, this time solo, hoping to uncover the soul of the city I had only glimpsed before.
I revisited the landmarks from my whirlwind tour—the Duomo, Galleria, Santa Maria della Grazie and Sforza Castle—but struggled to connect with them on a deeper level. Despite their impressive beauty, the atmosphere around these spots felt dominated by selfie sticks and tourist crowds, making it hard to find the charm I was searching for.
However, staying in Navigli changed everything. My studio apartment overlooking the canal was a highlight and quickly became my favourite part of Milan. Over the weekend, the area came alive with markets—a flea market on Saturday and an antique market on Sunday. Unlike the tourist-heavy landmarks, these busy canal-lined streets felt like the heart of local life.
I spent hours wandering the stalls, soaking up the vibrant energy of locals enjoying their weekends. Navigli’s charm was much more authentic and it was here, amidst the canals and markets, that I found the Milan I had been searching for.
Final Verdict: Is Milan Worth It?
After experiencing Milan firsthand, I can confidently say that the city’s worth depends largely on your travel style and expectations. Here’s my take on who should and shouldn’t visit Milan.
Who Should Visit Milan
Milan is perfect for travellers who are passionate about fashion, design and architecture. History and art lovers will be impressed by getting to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Travellers seeking a city vibe will thrive. This makes for a great city break in Italy, especially for couples and fun trips with friends.
Who Might Want to Skip It
If your dream Italy trip involves quaint villages, scenic countryside, or romantic piazzas, Milan might not be the right fit. Its urban atmosphere and crowds can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re craving slower-paced destinations (I’m looking at you, slow travellers).
If you’re seeking the quintessential “old world” Italian charm, Milan might not be your best bet. Milan is not scenic, it’s a little dirty, there’s a lot of graffiti and the dining wasn’t super fantastic.
Those on a tight budget might find Milan’s prices challenging, especially compared to southern Italian destinations.
My Travel Take
I’m glad I visited Milan, however, it’s a one-time visit kind of city.
It’s a city that defies simple categorization. It’s not your postcard-perfect Italian destination, and for first-time travellers to Italy, I’d recommend prioritizing Rome, Florence, or Venice. Milan is best appreciated as a supplementary destination—a city for travellers who have already explored Italy’s more iconic locations.
For first-time travellers to Europe, Milan might feel exciting but for seasoned travellers, it’s easier to see the city for what it is—a busy, modern hub with its own highlights but one that doesn’t quite deliver the magic you might expect from Italy.
If you’re contemplating Milan, approach it as an interesting side trip, not a primary destination. It’s a city that’s good to know, but not essential to fall in love with.
Final Thoughts
Please keep in mind that we as travellers have different perspectives. Perspectives that can easily change based on the time of year we visit a city, the weather, and who we are travelling with.
As a travel writer, I try and view a destination through multiple lenses to help you determine if it’s a city for you.
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