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Milan, Italy

Discover Milan

Where the cathedral roof is a pedestrian zone, aperitivo is an art form, and you'll find one of the world's most famous paintings

Milan doesn't usually capture the imagination the way Italian vacation hotspots like Venice or Rome do, but it's more than simply the city from which your adventure on Lake Como begins.

Italy's financial and fashion hub, Milan feels more businesslike than a city like Florence, but it's got plenty of art and history worth exploring. The centerpiece is the many-spired Duomo, which is the largest church in Italy (St. Peter's is in the Vatican, so it doesn't count), and even more noteworthy because you can actually walk around on its roof. Artwork by Raphael, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Mantegna, Rubens, and Bellini hangs in Milan's primary art museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera. You can stroll underneath soaring glass ceilings over the arcades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the country's original shopping mall, and stop for a spin on the floor mosaic of the bull for good luck. And a visit to the old dining hall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must — it's where you'll find Leonardo's spectacular mural of The Last Supper.

Milan's compact center is easily explored on foot and with the city's efficient Metro system, so you can see the sights before heading out to explore the rest of the country. Even if you only have a day or two, Milan's sights deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Why we love Milan

Why we love Milan (1 of 5)
Milan is small and easy to explore in a couple of days, which is a bonus when vacation time is precious. The city center is walkable and well-served by a combination of Metro, tram, and bus routes.
Grand cathedrals in Italy may feel a little monotonous after awhile, but Milan's Duomo offers the unique experiences of walking around on its roof. Take the elevator or the stairs and wander amidst the spires for an unforgettable view.
Seeing Leonardo's famous (and famously fragile) mural of The Last Supper on the very wall where the master painted it is a proper bucket list experience. Tickets are timed and sell out well in advance during the high season, so plan accordingly.
The beloved aperitivo was born in Milan, and though it's popular throughout the country now this is still the city with some of the best cocktail bars and aperitivo buffets. Paying full price for a drink grants you access to what can sometimes be a sumptuous spread of appetizers, but remember to abide by the local rules — don't go back for heaping plates of seconds unless you're buying more drinks.
Shopping for haute couture may not be in the budget, but window shopping the big fashion houses on Via Monte Napoleone doesn't cost a thing. As a bonus, the high fashion people watching is especially terrific.

Milan at a glance

When to go

springAvg temp72° / 44°
fallAvg temp76° / 47°

Visa information

U.S. State Department guidance

Safety

World Peace Index rankingEqualdex score

Getting There

Milan is home to Italy's second-busiest airport, Malpensa (MXP), with direct service from cities all over the world. There are direct flights to Malpensa from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, and Philadelphia. Flights coming from elsewhere in Europe may also arrive at Milan's smaller airport, Linate (LIN).

Milan airports

  • Milano Malpensa AirportMXP
    45km / 28mito city center
    TaxiTrainCity busCoach service
  • Milano Linate AirportLIN
    7km / 4mito city center
    TaxiCity busSubwayCoach service
  • Milano Bergamo Orio al Serio AirportBGY
    50km / 31mito city center
    TaxiCity busShuttle bus
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Milan flight trends

Analysis based on point.me exclusive flight data

Average fares

economy class

2.19¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$1,252

Typical points

56,000pts

Lowest points

56,000pts
Average fares

business class

2.8¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$6,971

Typical points

249,500pts

Lowest points

249,500pts

Recent award fares to Milan

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  • Miami (MIA)Milan (MXP)

    Oct 22, 2026business | non-stop
    3d ago
    $9,654 Cashabout55,000 pts

  • New York (JFK)Milan (MXP)

    Oct 27, 2026business | non-stop
    3d ago
    $8,844 Cashabout55,000 pts

  • Washington (DCA)Milan (MXP)

    Dec 01, 2026business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $0 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • Nashville (BNA)Milan (MXP)

    Dec 14, 2026business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $4,459 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • Los Angeles (LAX)Milan (LIN)

    Nov 03, 2026business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $4,638 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • New York (EWR)Milan (LIN)

    Nov 10, 2026economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $0 Cashabout19,500 pts

  • Washington (IAD)Milan (LIN)

    Dec 01, 2026economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $790 Cashabout19,500 pts

  • Chicago (ORD)Milan (LIN)

    Nov 25, 2026economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $387 Cashabout19,500 pts

  • San Francisco (SFO)Milan (MXP)

    Aug 09, 2027economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $328 Cashabout21,000 pts

  • Philadelphia (PHL)Milan (MXP)

    Aug 02, 2027economy | non-stop
    3d ago
    $445 Cashabout21,000 pts

Explore Milan

Whether you're visiting for a day or a week, don't miss out on these five experiences for a truly Milanese trip.

See The Last Supper
Walk on a cathedral's roof
Happy hour, Milan-style
Designer (window) shopping
Relax in Parco Sempione

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Frequently asked questions

  • How many days is enough for Milan?

    Two or three days will give you time to see the city's highlights. For a more leisurely (and frankly, Italian) pace, allow five days or more.

  • When is the best weather in Milan?

    Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have relatively mild weather, though May and early September can sometimes be as hot and humid as summer.

  • When is the cheapest time to go to Milan?

    Hotel rates and flight fares tend to be at their lowest in winter, from November to March (aside from the Christmas and New Year holidays and Spring Break).

  • How far is the Milan airport from the city?

    Milan's main airport, MXP, is about 45kms (28mi) from the city center. It's about 40 minutes away by train, and is also accessible via taxi or coach service.

  • Is Milan safe?

    Milan is generally considered a safe city, though it is a major metro area with lots of tourists and business travelers, so you should exercise caution and keep your eyes on your valuables, especially at night or in crowded areas.

  • Do I need to rent a car in Milan?

    A car is more of a hindrance than a help in Milan, where public transportation is excellent and a fleet of taxis and rideshares can get you anywhere you want to go without the hassle of parking.

  • Is Milan expensive?

    Milan is busy year-round with business travelers in addition to the seasonal tourists, so it can be expensive, especially for hotels. Because of the number of business travelers, hotel rates are sometimes lower on weekends than during weekdays, but in general, a four-star hotel in a popular neighborhood can cost $200-$400 per night.