This blog post is the coronation of two visits in Milan and brings you the best of Milan on a budget. It combines the classic Milan magnets to less known attractions, as well as modern neighborhoods with contemporary architecture.
If my first visit was a classic what to do in Milan for first timers, the second was more a niche exploration. My daughters “invited” me to join them for one concert, so being an unplanned trip, I decided to make it as wallet friendly as possible.
The post is suitable both for first-time visitors in Milan and more experienced travellers who adventure themselves at the exploration of rough diamonds! The secret is that most of the attractions are still hidden gems, therefore not so crowded. And mostly free!
The first full experience in Milan was part of a bigger trip in Tuscany that included Florence, San Gimignano, Lucca or Bologna.
Travel to Milan, the capital of Lombardy region! Although the Italian city needs no introduction, I can assure you it has potential to surprise you if you know where to look! There is so much more to Milan than the Duomo, da Vinci’s Last Supper or fashion!
Taste Milan! Yes, that’s right! It is a foodie city in its own right! Just as every region of Italy, Milan has its specials: risotto with saffron, Milanese cutlet, ossobucco or minestrone. Italian coffee and gelato are always a good idea!
Feel the Italian vibes, the classy/classic architecture or the nightlife that surrounds you after sunset! People and tourists swarm around in the city. Notice the Milanese (I’ve never seen so many ladies actually walking in high heels!) Observe the crowds of scooters that wait patiently the green light to storm off!
Must visit in Milan
Best of Milan on a budget
Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral) and terraces
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Palazzo Clerici
Quadrilatero della moda (The fashion district)
Monastero Maggiore (San Maurizio Church)
Brera district
Modern Milan (Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti)
Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)
San Vittore al Corpo Church
Fondazione Prada
Navigli area
3 -day customizable Milan itinerary
Interactive map of best of Milan on a budget
Must visit in Milan
Absolute must-visit: best of Milan on a budget – The Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Brera District, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church.
Churches in Milan: Santa Maria delle Grazie church with Da Vinci’s Last Supper, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, Church San Bernardino alle Ossa, Church San Vittore al Corpo.
Classic Milan attractions: Teatro alla Scala, Navigli area, Quadrilatero della Moda, Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Palazzo Clerici, Necchi Campiglio villa.
Modern Milan: Porta Nuova/Gae Aulenti Square, Bosco Verticale, Fondazione Prada.
Milan travel pass – the best transportation card to move around the city comes from ATM. But watch out! Do not try to buy travel pass from the site, it is for Italian citizens! Instead, purchase one onsite! There are plenty of machines where you can do this! They come for 24 or 72 hours and are really good value for money!
Milan is not huge, and the distances quickly vanish if you use the subway that comes every 5 minutes sharp!
For more info on the attractions, check below!
Travel Guide: The best of Milan on a budget
This is my travel guide with the best of Milan on a budget as I lived and felt the city. And tried to sense the modern and cosmopolitan side of the Italian city as well.
Some attractions are free of charge, while for others you have to pay, but they are part of Milan’s beating heart, so would be a pity to skip.
Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral) and terraces – entrance fee
The iconic landmark of the city, the Duomo is a sight to behold. The main reason and the utmost symbol of Milan, the Cathedral is an exquisite piece of architecture. Besides its sumptuosity, you’ll be surprised by the lace-like architecture and carefully sharpened turrets. It is absolutely remarkable that the Duomo has almost 3,500 statues out of which half are on the outside.
The dome’s construction began in 1386 and took five centuries to complete. Therefore, it is a mélange of architectural styles with a strong Gothic imprint. Dedicated to Virgin Mary, the cathedral has a statue, La Madonnina, situated in the highest point of the dome, covered in gold. But you cannot say that you visited the Duomo without adventuring to the rooftop and terraces!
Insider tip!: You are not allowed to visit the cathedral with bare shoulders or legs. In summer, you can buy there a sort of a paper dress.
For the terraces, you can take the lift or walk your way up to the top. In any case, the descent is via the stairs. Given the fact that the price difference is not so big, we took the elevator and saved energy. Purchase the ticket ahead! It is valid for the day selected and the next day in case you change your mind! If possible, visit the terraces around sunset to enjoy a fabulous golden hour light spreading over the city!
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – free of charge
Italy’s oldest and most elegant shopping gallery is famous for its restaurants, bars and cafes.
Finished in the second half of the 19th century and named after Italy’s unifier king, Vittorio Emanuele, the gallery is another iconic landmark of the city. Placed between the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala, the gallery houses the most prestigious and expensive shops in Milan.
The gallery was Italy’s first shopping mall and served as inspiration for other galleries: the Galleria Umberto I in Naples, the Toronto Eaton Centre and the Houston and Dallas Galleries.
Tradition says that if you turn on the bull right in the middle of the gallery with your right foot and eyes closed, you will be lucky.
Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa – free of charge
The actual church situated not far from the Duomo is average, but as soon as you enter the second room, you are overwhelmed by a creepy feeling. Lesson of anatomy behind the bars – loads of human skulls, vertebrae and femurs make up the walls and doorframes of the ossuary.
The cemetery right next to the initial church was filled, hence the need to build a hall to collect the bones of the deceased. However, it wasn’t until much later that the chapel was extensively renovated and adorned with the bones that we see today.
It gained the moniker Bone Chapel due to its distinctive feature that gives the church a rather eerie feeling. Raise your head to admire the soft golden ceiling fresco.
Palazzo Clerici – free of charge
As the case with most amazing churches, the palace situated at 5, Via Clerici does not invite visitors with its blank façade.
The Austrians had entrusted the Milanese Ducat’s internal governance to the Clerici Family, who therefore needed a mansion house in Milan. Thus, the palace has become one of the most sumptuous and luxurious residences in the city. The drag of the palace is the ceiling frescoed by Tiepolo with a scene depicting The Chariot of the Sun. The palace also boasts a staircase adorned with female statues and a remarkable Tapestry Gallery.
Guided tours are free and offered once a month. Check the site to find out when!
Quadrilatero della moda – free of charge (?!)
It is the upscale shopping area of Milan, which really put the city on the international fashion map. Here, streets such as Via Monte Napoleone or Via della Spiga are lined with designer fashion boutiques, antiques shops and posh cafés in neoclassical mansions. Despite the huge prices, people swarm the elegant streets in luxury cars or eye-catching outfits. Some for show off.
Nearby, Palazzo Morando is home to the Museum of Costume and Fashion: a heritage of clothes and accessories dating from the 17th century to the early 2000s.
Monastero Maggiore (San Maurizio Church) – free of charge
Still a hidden gem, the monastery is a stunning piece of architecture in the heart of Milan. Considering the increasing popularity, I am pretty sure it will soon enter the habitual tourist circuit for money, so visit it till it’s free!
The church and adjoining cloister are the remains of Monastero Maggiore, the oldest and largest female convent built between the 8th and 9th centuries. The two rooms carry different meanings. The first hall was reserved for the faithful, and the second (that was connected to the convent) was reserved for the nuns and hosts an elegant wooden choir. By the 16th century, the interior of the church became a canvas for some of the most talented Lombard painters, transforming it into the extraordinary sensation it is today.
It truly is a masterpiece, not to mention that it is part of best of Milan on a budget!
Brera district – free of charge
When I first went to Brera area, I said to myself: Now, this is the Italian spirit! Contrary to the metropolitan air of the city, Brera district features cobbled lanes, a crazy-beautiful frenzy in the evenings, many terraces and cafes, and unique shops. For this reason, it is filled with tourists and at some restaurants there are long queues testifying the quality of the dishes or the popularity of the spot.
Here lies Pinacoteca di Brera, a collection of (mainly) early Renaissance art beautifully displayed. However, the museum’s masterpieces were not so much to my liking as in other places. If you are not an art enthusiast, I think you should skip the Pinacoteca. Instead, head to Sempione Park for a picnic or to relax.
Modern Milan (Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti) – free of charge
There is a modern Milan, too! Head up north to discover the futuristic side of the city! Piazza Gae Aulenti (named after one of the most prominent female architects in Italy), completed in 2012, is a pedestrian square serving as anchor to Milan’s Porta Nuova. Both projects are part of the modern regeneration plans of the city.
Highlights are the Unicredit Tower (tallest building and largest bank in Italy) and other towers that shine with reflective glass, displaying a dynamic picture of the sky and city life below. The area seems from a different world compared to classic Milan. Placed in a strategic area both for modern offices and nightlife, it is a good idea to pay a visit. You won’t be flooded by concrete. On the contrary, you can dive in modern innovative solutions for urban, environmental, and infrastructural sustainability. It is noteworthy that a direct line of sunlight reaches 90% of the occupied spaces within each Unicredit Tower, and 100% of rainwater is recycled.
Bosco Verticale/Vertical Forest – free of charge
The most inspiring and distinctive modern building of Milan, the creed of the “forest” was: “home for trees that also houses humans and birds”. Neighboring the Gae Aulenti Square, the pair of skyscrapers abounds in green vegetation. The two towers are covered in trees, perennials and shrubs generously. Despite many people’s doubts, the trees are still very much alive and thriving even today.
The creation of the Vertical Forest was part of an interesting botanical experiment. It determined species that could grow successfully within the limited space of the planters without over-burdening the structure.
I particularly loved the mural in the vicinity that reflects on the need to eliminate distance and inequalities. It voices the need of acceptance for the new and unexpected, such as the vegetal skyscrapers of Milan.
San Vittore al Corpo Church – free of charge
I visited this basilica after doing a bit of research for the best of Milan on a budget. The outside is not very inviting; it is not even finished. But as you step in the magnificent Baroque Basilica from the 16th century, you are transposed in an island of calm and serenity just a few steps from the outer hustle and bustle. First you notice the sober, yet elegant ceiling. As you advance, the surprise is even more agreeable; the church is embellished with stucco and frescoes and culminates with the spectacular dome.
The basilica has its name after the martyrdom of San Vittore whose remains are buried there. The denomination “al Corpo” (to the body) derives from the fact that the basilica lies on a “Campo o Corpo Santo” (sacred place or body). The monastery that was added to the basilica was converted in the National Museum of Science and Technology.
Fondazione Prada – entrance fee
Prada Foundation is a cultural hub of modern Milan, a place to highlight art exhibitions, cinema, design or architecture. Named after the famous fashion designer who dreamt of a cultural complex, the Fondazione was reshaped in the place of an old distillery south of town to which they added new spacious buildings. I loved the originality of the place and was most fascinated by the sleek gold building.
Fondazione Prada houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions on its several premises. The permanent exhibitions are in the tall tower. Here, take the elevator with the glass back upwards while enjoying a fab view over the city. Then, work your way down through the art displayed, such as the most iconic fairy-tale like mushrooms or Jeff Koons’ tulips. The temporary exhibitions are nonetheless just as exciting.
Do not miss Bar Luce, right at entrance of the Fondazione. Designed by American movie director Wes Anderson, the bar recreates the typical atmosphere of a Milanese bar from the 60s without being too retro. The colour palette is made up of pastel shades of pink and green, while the wallpaper’s patterns are inspired by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Insider tip!: if you are into Anderson’s fantastic style, but also have a sweet tooth, go to Pasticceria Marchesi in Galeria Vittorio Emmanuele! Crowded in the morning, you have the option to just “visit” the famous spot without waiting in line!
Navigli area – free of charge
Whenever I hear about canals, my mind automatically switches to Venice. And although Venice is unique, Navigli district also comprises a system of canals that constitute the nucleus of a cool neighborhood crammed with locals, bars and outdoor restaurants. This area of Milan has a bohemian and artistic vibe and makes a wonderful place for a passeggiata/stroll in the late afternoon or evening. A curiosity of the area is Da Vinci’s contribution in helping to envisage some dams to keep the canals flow smoothly.
3-day customizable Milan itinerary
This is my suggestion of Milan itinerary that combines both major attractions and hidden gems. It is tailored for three days, but can be customized at your own will (watch the map below for help!).
Day 1
The first day revolves around km zero of Milan. Start the day by admiring the impressive Duomo and enjoy the stunning view from the terraces. Head to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele placed just next. (You can go upstairs to Pasticceria Marchesi or enter a luxury fashion shop – why not after all?). According to your preference, go to San Bernardino alle Ossa (unexpected bone chapel) or Teatro alla Scala if you are head over heels for classical music. The Opera House was ok, yet not spectacular. The visit allows you to see a small musical instrument and costume museum. Palazzo Clerici is a great idea, but you must plan ahead as it is only open for public visits once a month. Finish in the fashion area: go for a stroll in the Quadrilatero della Moda to get a glimpse of Milan’s luxury district. If you are a fashion person, you can enter Palazzo Morando (Costume Museum). If not, but still have energy, seek out Villa Necchi Campiglio, a luxury residence and the first in Milan to have a private pool. The villa has a pretty garden and an interesting history.
Day 2
Start with a hearty breakfast and an espresso. Ready to go? Be amazed by the Monastero Maggiore (San Maurizio Church), covered in frescoes. It really is worth it! Get a refresh in the Brera district to feel the soul of Milan. For the daily portion of art you can visit Pinacoteca di Brera or opt for Castello Sforzesco. We only visited the Pinacoteca, but I admit I had higher expectations. It displays lots of early Renaissance art. Sforzesco Castle, on the other hand, is home to several art museums and a beautiful library. If you’re not in the mood for art, enjoy some leisure time in the near Sempione Park. Have lunch or just a gelato and watch people pass by! After you’ve recharged, take the subway to the modern Milan that wants to reinvent itself: Porta Garibaldi/ Gae Aulenti square and the Vertical Forest.
Day 3
Another day that begins with a sacred place. If you book (very much) ahead, go to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see with your own eyes the very famous Da Vinci’s Last Supper. If you like taking your time or maybe, couldn’t find tickets, leave Il Cenacolo masterpiece and discover a beautiful and peaceful spot. This low-profile, magnificent church is called san Vittore al Corpo. I am pretty sure you won’t regret it! Let’s switch registers !Take the public transport to Fondazione Prada. You’ll be crazy about it if you love contemporary art and architecture. Finish the day relaxed at Navigli, the canal district of the city filled with bars, restaurants and artisan shops.
Interactive map
This is the map highlighting the best of Milan on a budget.
The churches are represented in red, the attractions are coloured in blue, while modern Milan is represented with purple.
Have you been to Milan before? How did you like it? Do you have any further visiting tips or suggestions? I look forward to reading your experiences!
