I was in Milan for a few days. It wasn't the main destination but it was a convenient city to visit for my trip to Iceland. Milan had regular (cheap!) flights to Reykjavik.
I had a few days to spare, which I spent doing a bit of sightseeing.
Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Milan
Milan, known in Latin as Mediolanum, began as a Celtic settlement around 600 BC and became one of the most powerful cities in northern Italy by the time the Romans conquered it in 222 BC. Under Roman rule it grew in stature, becoming an important administrative centre and, at times, the residence of the Western Roman emperors. After repeated invasions by groups such as Attila the Hun and the Goths, Milan recovered and in the medieval period emerged as a thriving commune. It joined the Lombard League and played a key role in defeating Emperor Frederick Barbarossa at the Battle of Legnano (1176), securing its autonomy.
During the late Middle Ages, powerful families like the Visconti and later the Sforza dominated the city. Under Francesco Sforza in the 15th century, Milan became a Renaissance powerhouse, especially known for the silk trade and patronage of arts and culture. After a turbulent period of French and Italian rivalry, the Habsburgs took control in 1535, beginning centuries of foreign rule.
In the late 18th century, Napoleon’s armies captured Milan; in 1805 the city briefly became the capital of his Kingdom of Italy. Following Napoleon’s fall, Austrian control was restored until Italian nationalist uprisings, notably the Five Days of Milan (1848), and later wars of unification freed the city. Milan then became part of a unified Italy and emerged as an industrial and economic hub, integral to the nation’s modern identity.
Today, Milan remains one of Italy’s most important cities for industry, culture, and finance, with a history shaped by diverse rulers, vibrant civic life, and continual reinvention.
How to Get a Schengen Visa
I've applied for a Schengen visa multiple times. I got my visa from Czechia (2x), Italy, Austria, and Poland. The requirements and processes are similar regardless of where you apply. You'll have to schedule an appointment, pay fees, and bring your documents in person.
Some of the general requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Financial documents
- Proof of rootedness
You can read more about the application process here: how to get a Schengen visa for Filipinos
How to Get to Milan
Milan is a transportation hub in Italy, which makes it an easy city to get to.
By Air
Malpensa (MXP) is the hub for long-haul international flights, Linate (LIN) is an airport that serves mostly domestic and European flights, and Bergamo (BGY) serves budget airline flights. I arrived via MXP but have taken flights in and out of BGY. It's also convenient to get in and out of any of these airports. You can take the train or bus with a connection or more depending on where you are staying in the city. You can check out www.skyscanner.com or www.trip.com for flights and then book directly with the airline.
By Land
If you're using public transportation, you can take either the bus or train to get into Milan from any city in Italy or other countries in Europe. Flixbus is a budget option for travelers. You can buy train tickets directly at the station or book online via Trenitalia. Book in advance to get reduced prices. I got business class tickets for a discounted price during my trip.
Getting around Milan
Milan is a big city but it's easy to get around using public transportation or booking a taxi or through a ride sharing app. You can get a pass for a day or multiple days if you frequently use public transportation. The pass also comes with other benefits such as airport shuttle, guides, and others.
You can buy a pass here: Milano Pass
Things to Do in Milan
Like many of the Italian cities I've been to, Milan has plenty of attractions and things to do during a visit. When planning your budget and itinerary for Milan, you can check out some of these places.
Duomo di Milano or Milan Cathedral
Duomo di Milano or Milan Cathedral is the city's most famous and recognizable landmark and attraction. Thousands of people take selfies and photos of it throughout a month. It stands out with its beautiful facade and immense size. It dates to the late 14th century. Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo wanted it built on an ancient Roman site. However, it took more than five centuries to finish construction. It has a mix of influences such as French Gothic, Neoclassical and Renaissance, which were a reflection of how long it took to complete. It is one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world. The area is always buzzing with plenty of people. There are a few shops and places to eat surrounding it.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This is another major landmark in Milan and is a short distance from the cathedral. It's a shopping haven for those looking for luxury brands to take home with them. Its intricate mosaics and ironwork plus the gigantic glass dome are architectural feats that are worth mentioning. Other than shops, you'll find some cafes and restaurants during your visit. Many people add this place to their budget and itinerary for Milan.
Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova is one of the main business districts of Italy. Many companies call the district home such as UniCredit, Pirelli, Versace, Microsoft, and others. For comparison's sake, it reminded me of BGC or Makati back home in the Philippines.
Navigli
Navigli is a charming neighborhood with canals weaving in and out of it. There's plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants lining its streets. It's a great place to simply hang out in. Not as big as the canal districts in Venice, but this will do if ever you end up in Milan.
Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Italy is home to several historic and centuries old churches. One church you should add to your itinerary for Milan is the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. The latter dates to the 15th century. Its claim to fame is that it's where you'll find one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, the Last Supper. You'll have to buy tickets as early as possible because they sell out quickly. I was unfortunate to not have been able to purchase a ticket.
You can buy tickets to see the Last Supper here: https://www.lastsupper.shop/en/
Sforzesco Castle
Francesco Sforza had this castle built in the 15th century. It's now an art museum where you'll find various paintings from different masters such as Michelangelo, Giovanni Bellini, Correggio, and Filippo Lippi just to name a few.
Arco della Pace
What I love about cities in Europe is that there's always a historic landmark and a park within the urban and modern sprawl. The Arco della Pace is a relic of the city's Napoleonic era. Luigi Cagnola designed the arch in 1807. Not too far from the beautiful arch is Parco Sempione, a green space where you can take leisurely strolls in.
Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
This historic church has a history that spans more than 1,600 years. The original structure dates to the 4th century. However, sections of the present structure date only to somewhere between the 9th and 10th centuries. If you're a history buff, it's a great addition to your itinerary
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano
Quadrilatero della Moda
Milan is one of the world's fashion capitals. High-end boutiques, shoemakers, and shops of renowned Italian and international designers line the streets of this area. You can shop till you drop here or simply go window shopping.
Where to Stay in Milan
Italy in general isn't a cheap destination because even hostel dorms are quite pricey and not as good value as in other cities in Europe. I still prefer staying in hostels because they're often the most affordable option and I'm out most of the day anyway. You can find all sorts of accommodations in Milan across the budget spectrum. You can splurge on a five star hotel if it's within your budget. I frequently use www.booking.com for booking a place to stay wherever I go.
Budget for Milan
Milan isn't a cheap city to visit; however, you can still go on a budget and see enough of the city and enjoy what it has to offer. I spent close to €100 a day during my visit that includes accommodation in a hostel dorm, food and drinks, and use of public transportation. I didn't always choose the cheapest possible option. You'll spend more if you plan on visiting multiple museums, eating out at fancier places, and staying in a nicer hotel. The amount you spend depends on your travel style. You can spend more or less than a €100 a day.
If you're planning to visit other cities in Italy, you might want to check out my other posts:
Itinerary for Milan
Day 1
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Arco della Pace
Navigli
Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Posts
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