Do you wonder what the best things to do alone in Milan are?
I’ve got you covered.
Before I show you what you can do, let’s address the question every solo traveler has, when it comes to planning a solo trip:
Is Milan Safe To Travel Alone?
Yes, Milan is generally safe for solo travelers, including women traveling alone. Like any major city in Italy, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially at night, and stay in well-lit and populated areas.
Alone In Milan: These Are My Top 3 Things To Do
# 1 TOP-PICK
Fresh pasta, tiramisu, and wine tasting
Perfect if you’re looking for some company while learning to cook fresh pasta and a delicious dessert.
BOOK HERE
# 2 PICK
Entrance to the Duomo and terraces
Besides enjoying great views from the rooftop the entry to the Cathedral, underground excavations, and the Duomo Museum is included.
# 3 PICK
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece
Historical walking tour and guided tour to see The Last Supper in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
10 Best Things To Do In Milan Alone
The city of fashion has a lot to offer. There are many things to do in Milan and to experience.
One of the best things about solo travel to Milan is that you can experience all the attractions hassle-free, and no one will give you a weird look for being alone.
If you stay longer in the heart of Italy’s Lombardy region, I recommend you get the Milan City Card.
You save a lot on attractions, and you can use public transportation. This comes in handy, especially if you’re planning to stay longer in the city in Northern Italy.
CHECK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY FOR THE MILAN CITY CARD
If you stay for three days, the official Milano Pass is the best option. It includes public transportation within Milan and access to many attractions.
You’re visiting Milan in one day? Your best option is a 24-hour pass for public transportation. You can check out this link for this pass.
But now to the 10 best attractions and things to do in Milano:
1. Join a Milanese Cooking Class
There’s no better way to explore a city and learn about its culture than by learning how to cook local food.
If you want to enjoy the delicious Italian food while being in great company, you can join a 3-hour long cooking class.
It’s an ideal activity when you’re solo but eager to meet new people.
Under the guidance of an Italian chef, you’ll learn to cook three Italian dishes in a hands-on experience.
These classes offer cooking skills and are a chance to relax, chill, and have a glass of wine while enjoying the meal you’ve cooked together.
You’ll have the opportunity to make fresh pasta from scratch, including delights like tagliatelle, gnocchi, ravioli, and cacio e pepe, embracing a style that’s both healthy and waste-free.
Beyond cooking classes, try the local street food, or visit outdoor markets for authentic Italian flavors.
Don’t miss the chance to sit at a quaint café and observe the city’s bustling life over a cup of Italian coffee.
2. Explore Milan Cathedral And The Duomo Rooftop
Milan is a city steeped in history offering a myriad of experiences. The city’s landmark is the Duomo di Milano.
This impressive cathedral is a marvel of Gothic architecture and one of the best things to see in Italy.
It showcases Milan’s rich past. The first view of the cathedral is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
If you want to visit the Duomo di Milano I highly recommend you book a combined ticket for the cathedral and the roof terrace.
You can walk on the Milan cathedral rooftop while enjoying some spectacular views.
After visiting the terrace you can get inside the huge cathedral.
It’s another highlight of visiting Milan.
In the Duomo don’t miss the underground excavations of the remains of an older, smaller church. This is one of Milan’s hidden gems.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE TOUR FOR THE DUOMO AND ROOFTOP
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Next to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls.
This architectural wonder with its intricate mosaics and majestic glass dome offers a delightful stroll, allowing you to soak in the elegance and history that encapsulates Milan.
You can enjoy a cup of Italian coffee while taking in the special atmosphere.
⭐ Travel tip: Check out our Milan 1 Day Itinerary, Milan in 2 Days Itinerary, or 3 Days in Milan itinerary to plan your city trip to Milan.
4. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
As a solo traveler in Milan, you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich artistic heritage.
Milan has one of the most famous paintings of all time!
A visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper,’ is an absolute must and one of the highlights and favorites on our Milan travel blog list.
This iconic painting is a lot larger than I thought. If you want to visit The Last Supper, read more about it here: Best Way To See The Last Supper In Milan
BOOK A GUIDED TOUR + ENTRY TO THE LAST SUPPER
5. La Scala Opera House
The La Scala Opera House in Milan is an important piece of Italian history. When you’re in the capital of the Lombardy region, make sure to take a guided tour of the theater.
You’ll get to see its elegant architecture up close and learn about the famous performances that have taken place there.
The tour also includes a visit to the La Scala Museum. There you’ll find an interesting collection of musical instruments and artifacts related to the world of opera.
BOOK TICKETS FOR THE LA SCALA OPERA HOUSE TOUR
6. Sforza Castle
The Castello Sforzesco is an impressive castle, surrounded by the beautiful Sempione Park. It not only has a rich history but also houses a collection of fascinating museums.
You can wander through grand halls and feel like you’re stepping back into time. Inside the castle rooms, you are surrounded by stunning artworks and historical artifacts.
After exploring the castle, I highly recommend taking a walk through Parco Sempione. It’s a beautiful and tranquil green space, perfect for unwinding.
The walk leads you to the Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch.
This route is a great way to experience some of Milan’s most iconic sights while enjoying a bit of nature.
BOOK TICKETS FOR THE SFORZA CASTLE MUSEUM
7. Museums in Milan
The city’s museums are a great way to learn more about the history and art of Milan. They are also a great option if you experience Milan in the rain.
At the Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera), you can immerse yourself in the world of classic Italian art. Here, you’ll see masterpieces by legendary artists.
Just a short walk away is the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. There is a diverse collection, ranging from Renaissance paintings to intriguing thematic rooms.
Don’t miss the Museo del Novecento, especially if modern art interests you.
The museum is located near the Duomo. In the museum, you find Italy’s significant contributions to 20th-century art movements.
And, like I personally found during my visit, the Duomo Museum is a true gem, particularly because it beautifully complements a visit to the Milan Cathedral.
This museum displays religious art and artifacts.
As you explore the museum, you’ll feel a stronger connection to the iconic cathedral, making your experience in Milan even more memorable.
8. Navigli District
Make sure to include exploring the Navigli District.
This charming area is famous for its picturesque canals lined with lively restaurants and cozy cafes.
It’s the perfect spot to indulge in the local tradition of taking an aperitivo, while tasting delicious Italian snacks.
Here’s a tip: take this experience up a notch by enjoying your aperitif on a boat tour along the canals.
It’s a great way to see the district while enjoying a drink.
Other neighborhoods you might be interested in are Brera or Isola.
In Brera, you find small alleys with restaurants and boutiques.
Isola, with its vertical garden, is known for its innovative art scene.
9. Fashion District: Quadrilatero di Moda
When you’re in the fashion capital of Italy, don’t skip the Quadrilatero di Moda. It’s the city’s renowned fashion district.
This area is the heart of luxury fashion. The streets are lined with top-designer boutiques and showrooms.
But it’s more than just a shopping area. This district has stunning, elegant buildings and a chic atmosphere.
You can enjoy a coffee at a local cafe and watch the fashionistas during their shopping spree.
Even if high-end shopping isn’t your thing you can still experience Milan’s fashion scene and stylish vibe.
If you’re interested in a more affordable option, you can find shops surrounding the Milan Cathedral.
10. Cimitero Monumentale
When you plan your solo trip to Milan, don’t forget to include my personal favorite spot, the Cimitero Monumentale, in your itinerary.
The Cimitero Monumentale isn’t a typical cemetery.
It’s more like an art gallery under the open sky, with stunning tombs, sculptures, and monuments.
Some of the tombs are huge and look like small houses.
Every corner of this huge cemetery showcases a variety of styles, from neo-Gothic to Art Nouveau.
It’s a peaceful and surprisingly beautiful place to explore.
You can enter the cemetery for free.
At the entrance, you receive a map, showcasing the best things for you to discover inside the Cimitero.
It also offers a unique perspective on Milan’s art and history.
Best Area To Stay In Milan As A Solo Traveler
The best area to stay in Milan as a solo traveler is in the city center.
The central location is perfect for solo trips. You have the most important attractions within walking distance.
You also have restaurants, trattorias, and cafes within walking distance.
As it is a popular area, you can get around Milan feeling safe, especially during the evening.
The Hotel Aiello-Duomo is in the heart of Milan. It is an affordable option and within 3 minutes you are the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
🏨 Hotel Aiello Duomo: BOOK YOUR STAY
🏨 Hotel Milano Scala: BOOK YOUR STAY
🏨 Check out HOSTELWORLD for more affordable options. They have budget hotels and hostels in their portfolio.
While I’m not a fan of hostels for various reasons, they are a great resource for cheaper accommodations in Milan.
Another area to consider is the Brera district. There are many restaurants in this area and you are near the city center.
How To Get Around Milan
If you fly to the Milan airport you can use public transportation to get to Milan.
From the train station, you can take the metro, buses, or the tram.
CHECK OUT THE TRANSFER OPTIONS TO MILAN
If you stay in the city center of Milan, many attractions are within walking distance.
If you don’t mind walking around a lot, you can explore Milan by foot.
Just a note: If you want to explore all the landmarks of Milan in one day, you set yourself up for the challenge of walking approximately 12.5 miles.
If this is too much walking, you can use public transport like the metro, buses, the tram, or you can use the hop-on hop-off bus.
The Milan City Card includes public transport. There is also an option for a 24-hour ticket if you only stay for a day in Milan.
Best Time To Visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan is in late spring and late summer.
The temperatures are moderate and the city is not as crowded as during the peak season.
Try to avoid Milan during the fashion week – unless this is the reason you’re visiting the city.
It can be quite crowded, with increased demand for accommodations and services.
If you prefer a quieter visit or are seeking more affordable options, you might consider planning your trip outside these peak periods (typically at the end of February and in September).
This way, you can enjoy the city’s attractions with fewer crowds and potentially lower costs.
What Else to Do On A Solo Trip To Milan?
Milan is surrounded by stunning places. If you want to explore the best things Italy has to offer nearby, you can join a guided day trip to Lake Como.
You can also visit Bergamo or the Cinque Terre.
If you want to combine your trip with other popular destinations, you can read more about it here: Best Day Trips From Milan
Final Thoughts About The Solo Travel Guide For Milan
As I wrap up this article on solo travel to Milan, I can say that it’s a safe destination for any solo traveler.
However, please exercise your own judgment, especially when exploring the city in the evening.
Milan wonderfully combines history, art, and fashion.
You can also experience amazing landmarks like the Duomo, the Cimitero Monumentale, or the bustling Navigli District.
My own experience was marked by a constant sense of safety, making the city an ideal choice for solo explorers.
The convenience of the Milan City Card and efficient public transport makes sightseeing fun and easy.
Museums like the Brera Art Gallery provide deep cultural insights, while activities like cooking classes offer fun ways to mingle with fellow travelers.
Read more about Milan here:
all Milan travel tips
Best Things To See In Milan
Best Way To See The Last Supper In Milan
Things To Do In Milan In The Rain
Best Day Trips From Milan
Milan Itineraries
If you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
