Top 15 Must-Do Tours in Milan

With nearly 1.5 million residents, Milan is the second-most populated Italian city after Rome. It serves as the capital of Lombardy and is located in the northern-central region of the country, equidistant between Switzerland to the north and the port city of Genoa and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Milan is particularly renowned for its distinctive cuisine, dynamic art scene, and numerous attractions, which include historical landmarks, museums, and breathtaking natural landscapes. For active travelers, there are countless tours available in and around the city, ensuring that visitors will remain engaged and entertained throughout their stay.

1. Segway Tour

These enjoyable and informative Segway tours provide two daily departure times, lasting approximately two to three hours. They are ideal for budget-conscious travelers keen on maximizing their vacation experience. Participants receive helmets and a comprehensive orientation prior to departing on their two-wheeled journey.

Group sizes are capped at eight participants, ensuring a more memorable and personalized outing. Key stops include Duomo, Cathedral Square, Sforza Castle, and Via Dante. Tours commence during mid-morning and mid-afternoon and are not suitable for children under the age of 16.

2. Evening Food Tour

As a culinary hotspot in Italy, Milan attracts visitors who dedicate significant portions of their trip to its gastronomic offerings. This evening tour lasts three hours and focuses on local neighborhoods, allowing visitors to connect with residents and sample a range of traditional and modern Milanese dishes. It combines elements of history, culture, and cuisine, offering substantial value for first-time visitors eager to experience Milan’s culinary landscape.

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy everything from meatballs and pasta to gelato and Prosecco.

3. Ferrari Test Drive with Video

For enthusiasts of supercars, the chance to operate a dazzling Ferrari boasting nearly 600 horsepower can often appear as a distant fantasy. Fortunately, individuals in Milan can find reasonably priced opportunities to take part in this extraordinary experience. Under the guidance of an expert Ferrari instructor, participants will receive a brief overview of the legendary car manufacturer, practical operating advice, and instructions regarding track protocols.

Each participant drives for three laps and receives a video documenting their driving experience.

4. Personal Travel and Vacation Photographer Experience

While well-off travelers might not ordinarily attract the attention of paparazzi, the option to document one’s travels for memory retention is highly appealing. The service of personal travel photographers has emerged as a noteworthy trend, offering valuable assistance to guests who wish to capture their vacation moments.

Before the scheduled session, clients will consult with their photographer, after which they will visit some of Milan’s most famous sites. The service includes a knowledgeable local guide who is also an adept photographer. Participants receive a link to a customized online album, typically ready within a five-day window.

5. 3-Hour Architecture of Milan Bike Tour

Despite its extensive metropolitan scope and large population, Milan possesses numerous bicycle-friendly areas that are conducive to cycling excursions. This guided tour, lasting three hours, emphasizes the city’s remarkable architecture, encompassing both historical and contemporary sites. A highlight of the tour is Sforza Castle, erected by the Duke of Milan in the 15th century.

Alongside their guide, participants will have the opportunity to traverse the castle grounds while gaining insight into its storied past, followed by a visit to one of Milan’s modern neighborhoods, Porta Nuova. The tour maintains a leisurely pace, allowing ample opportunities for photographic moments.

6. Sightseeing and Cooking Class

Milan’s streets resonate with energy, with locals, tourists, and vendors actively trading goods from fresh produce to baked delicacies. For those who love food, one cannot miss visiting cultural landmarks that encapsulate the essence of Milanese life. Following a guided exploration of the city, participants will proceed to a kitchen for a comprehensive course in Milanese cuisine.

This experience includes lunch, wine, and a recipe book featuring noteworthy local dishes.

7. Milan Cathedral and Terraces Fast-Track Guided Tour

The cathedral complex in Milan is a pivotal site for many visitors. Beyond the cathedral itself, the area encompasses an archaeological site, San Gottardo Church, and a museum that offers informative insights into the city’s unique historical context. This 1 and ½ hour fast-track tour provides participants with a dual opportunity to engage in guided immersive experiences and independent exploration.

During peak seasons, participants can bypass entrance lines, allowing for more leisure time devoted to enjoying the sights.

8. Best of Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line to Duomo and Last Supper

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper stands as one of the world’s most invaluable masterpieces. This three-hour tour offers an opportunity to visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where the artwork resides. With the guidance of a knowledgeable English-speaking expert, the tour accommodates a maximum of 25 guests and supplies headsets to enhance the experience at various sites.

Viewing the Last Supper entails a regulated process, yet tour participants benefit from exclusive reservations enabling a more profound and unforgettable encounter. Additional site visits, such as the Milan Duomo and Sforza Castle, are available for a nominal extra charge.

9. The Monumental Cemetery of Milan Guided Experience

The Monumental Cemetery of Milan ranks as the city’s second largest burial ground, distinguished by its remarkable and colorful memorials and tombs. Established in the 1860s, it is the final resting place for several of the city’s notable figures. This 1 and ½-hour tour provides insight into a less-visited part of Milan, enriched by captivating stories and commentary from a local guide.

Among the highlights are the graves of intriguing historical figures and a tomb designed to emulate Da Vinci’s Last Supper.

10. Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier

With three different start times available each day, this one-hour wine tasting experience led by an Italian sommelier harmonizes beautifully with a day spent discovering Milan. The tours incorporate visits to several renowned wine establishments, where participants learn about regional culture, the winemaking process, and the intricacies of different wine varieties.

Suitable for both novices and connoisseurs, tastings include complementary local foods such as cheeses, cured meats, olives, and regional bread, specially curated to enhance the wine experience.

11. Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour

Engaging in a guided walking tour offers an unparalleled means to experience street-level culture. This tour features hidden attractions that typically do not attract substantial foot traffic, making it suitable for travelers in search of undiscovered gems. Highlights include the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa, the concealed crypt at Missori Square, and the remnants of the 4th-century Church of San Giovanni in Conca.

Each excursion lasts about 90 minutes, and all participants are required to ensure their shoulders, abdomens, and knees are adequately covered in respect to entry requirements at the churches.

12. 3-Hour Private Fashion and Shopping Walking Tour

Alongside cities like Tokyo and Paris, Milan stands as a prime fashion hub, hosting influential fashion shows and events that attract affluent visitors globally. This three-hour fashion-centric tour guides participants through some of the city’s most prestigious shopping districts, such as Quadrilatero della Moda, featuring renowned brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana.

Scheduled in the late afternoon, tours can be customized to suit guests’ specific preferences. For tailored itineraries, clients should reach out to the tour operator to express their interests.

13. Chocolate and Rum Tasting Tour

Despite being less recognized outside culinary circles, the pairing of chocolate and rum creates a delightful balance. This two-hour gourmet tour allows guests to sample a variety of chocolates and rums, providing insights into appreciating their unique characteristics while indulging in an entertaining experience. Hosted at a private venue, the tour features brands of rum and chocolate that are not typically found in retail outlets.

Evening tours permit participants ample time to enjoy a late dinner or experience Milan’s nightlife.

14. Milan Dark Ghost Tour on Foot

Unsurprisingly, Milan has its share of haunted tales, making this two-hour tour an intriguing journey through the city’s macabre history. Participants set out at 9:00 PM, exploring areas of the city that are shrouded in mystery. The licensed guide shares chilling narratives of murder, intrigue, betrayal, and conspiracy, often concerning notable personalities from previous eras. Please note that food, tips, and transportation are not included in this experience.

15. 1-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Rickshaw

Historically, rickshaws were operated by individuals seeking opportunities in difficult circumstances; however, that narrative has evolved. In Milan, rickshaws are now typically piloted by charismatic local guides eager to share their city with visitors. Tours encompass key attractions including Sempione Park, the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. These covered rickshaws provide both protection from the elements and a refreshing breeze.