Can you see Milan in one day?

You can see the main sights from the outside and visit one or two of them inside. This route links 7 of them in an order that avoids backtracking.

What is the best order to visit Milan's main sights?

One efficient order is: Milan Duomo → Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II → Teatro alla Scala → Castello Sforzesco → Monumental Cemetery → Santa Maria delle Grazie → Navigli. It is the order used by the Itinerarly Complete Milan audio tour.

Is there a free audio guide for Milan?

Yes. The Itinerarly app has 3 free self-guided audio tours of Milan, narrated in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.

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One day in Milan: a walking route in the best order

By Reda Chaouki, founder of Itinerarly · November 8, 2026

Milan's centre radiates from the Duomo, and most of its landmarks are a short walk or a few metro stops away. This plan follows the Complete Milan audio tour in the Itinerarly app: the Duomo, the Galleria, La Scala and the Castello in the morning, then the Monumental Cemetery, Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Navigli.

At a glance: 7 stops, about 7.0 km in straight lines between them (expect a bit more on foot), and about 2 h 20 of walking and listening, plus the time you spend inside the sights.

Morning: Milan Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Teatro alla Scala, Castello Sforzesco

Milan DuomoWelcome to the Duomo di Milano, the majestic Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This absolute masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, built over six centuries starting in 1386, is the third-largest church in the world.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II↳ 161 m from the previous stop (straight line)This is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, often called 'Milan's drawing room' for its elegance and social significance. Opened in 1867, this monumental shopping gallery is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful malls.
Teatro alla Scala↳ 304 m from the previous stop (straight line)You are gazing at Teatro alla Scala, the world's foremost temple of opera. Opened in 1778 on the site of the former church of Santa Maria alla Scala, this theater with legendary acoustics has hosted history's greatest singers, from Maria Callas to Luciano Pavarotti.
Castello Sforzesco↳ 867 m from the previous stop (straight line)Welcome to Castello Sforzesco, the former fortress of the Dukes of Milan. Rebuilt in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza atop the ruins of a medieval castle, this monumental red-brick complex became a symbol of the city's power.

Afternoon: Monumental Cemetery, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Navigli

Monumental Cemetery↳ 1.6 km from the previous stop (straight line)Welcome to the Monumental Cemetery of Milan, a true open-air museum testifying to the wealth and prestige of the city's prominent families. Opened in 1866, this 25-hectare cemetery houses spectacular mausoleums and sculptures reflecting Neo-Gothic, Byzantine, and Modernist styles.
Santa Maria delle Grazie↳ 2.2 km from the previous stop (straight line)You are standing before the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a jewel of the Lombard Renaissance, most famous for housing one of humanity's greatest masterpieces in its former refectory: Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'. Painted at the end of the 15th century, this monumental fresco captures…
Navigli↳ 1.9 km from the previous stop (straight line)Welcome to the Navigli district, the bohemian and romantic soul of Milan. This complex network of canals—the most famous being the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese—once linked the city to the Italian lakes and the sea, starting in the 12th century.

Only have an hour?

Take the Milan Express tour instead: 3 stops, about 1 h: Milan Duomo → Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II → Teatro alla Scala.

Practical tips

Seeing The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie needs a booked, timed ticket, often weeks in advance.
The Duomo rooftop terraces can be reached by stairs or lift, with a separate ticket.
The Monumental Cemetery is free to enter and closed on Mondays.
The Navigli canals are at their liveliest for an aperitivo in the early evening.
The courtyards of the Castello Sforzesco are free; its museums need a ticket.

Do it with a story at every stop

This route is the Complete Milan tour in the free Itinerarly app. It walks you from stop to stop and plays a short narrated story when you arrive, in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese. See all the audio tours of Milan.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see Milan in one day?: You can see the main sights from the outside and visit one or two of them inside. This route links 7 of them in an order that avoids backtracking.
What is the best order to visit Milan's main sights?: One efficient order is: Milan Duomo → Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II → Teatro alla Scala → Castello Sforzesco → Monumental Cemetery → Santa Maria delle Grazie → Navigli. It is the order used by the Itinerarly Complete Milan audio tour.
Is there a free audio guide for Milan?: Yes. The Itinerarly app has 3 free self-guided audio tours of Milan, narrated in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Chinese.