Why CityAppTour?
Explore a city in 1 day
Stories from local guides
Pause whenever you want
Affordable
Stress-free navigation with audio guidance
English guide
Home to the magnificent Duomo cathedral and world-renowned fashion houses, Milan blends Renaissance splendor with contemporary Italian flair. The city's elegant galleries, historic courtyards, and vibrant neighborhoods each tell a chapter of Milan's evolution from Roman settlement to global design capital.
Local voices guide you through Milan's contrasting districts as you explore at your own pace. Your audio companion reveals the stories behind the façades—from Leonardo da Vinci's legacy to modern Milanese culture—allowing you to pause for espresso or shopping whenever inspiration strikes.
Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Milan. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:
Last Supper and Milan Cathedral Tour - Experience Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece and explore the magnificent Duomo with skip-the-line access. This popular tour combines two of Milan's most iconic sights. Book well in advance as Last Supper tickets sell out quickly.
Lake Como Day Trip from Milan - Escape the city to discover the stunning landscapes and elegant villas of Lake Como. The perfect complement to your Milan sightseeing tours.
Navigli Canal Evening Tour with Aperitivo - Experience Milan's vibrant canal district at sunset, complete with the beloved local tradition of aperitivo.
Teatro alla Scala - Visit one of the world's most famous opera houses, either for a performance or through the museum. The theater has been at the heart of Italian cultural life since 1778.
Pinacoteca di Brera - Explore one of Italy's finest art collections housed in a beautiful palace. The gallery features works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other Italian masters.
Castello Sforzesco - Wander through this impressive 15th-century castle that houses several museums and Michelangelo's final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
Quadrilatero della Moda - Browse the world's most prestigious fashion boutiques in Milan's famous fashion district, one of the must-see places in Milan for style enthusiasts.
Parco Sempione - Enjoy a relaxing break in this large urban park behind Castello Sforzesco, perfect for when you need a pause from your self-guided tours of Milan.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions for Milan walking tours with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Fashion weeks in February/March and September/October bring excitement but also higher prices and busier streets. August sees many locals leaving for vacation, with some restaurants and shops closed.
Getting There
Milan has excellent public transportation with four metro lines, trams, and buses. Purchase a 24-hour urban travel card (€7) for unlimited rides. For self-guided tours, Milan's compact center is easily walkable. From Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express train (€13) to reach the city center in 50 minutes.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Most museums close on Mondays, while shops typically open 9:30-19:30 with a midday break in smaller establishments. The Duomo opens daily 8:00-19:00. For the best tours in Milan without crowds, start early morning. National holidays (April 25, August 15, December 7 - Milan's patron saint day) may affect opening hours.
Comfort on the Go
Milan's cobblestone streets demand comfortable footwear for walking tours. Summer visitors should carry water and sunscreen as temperatures can exceed 30°C. In winter, layers are essential as temperatures hover around 5°C. Public drinking fountains called "draghi verdi" (green dragons) offer free, clean water throughout the city.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Milanese appreciate proper attire, especially in upscale areas and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered for the Duomo). When entering shops, a simple "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" is appreciated. For coffee, standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table. Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks with complimentary snacks) is a beloved local tradition worth experiencing between 18:00-20:00.
How much time should I plan for a visit to Milan?
You need at least one full day to experience Milan's highlights. Our self-guided tours of Milan can be completed in 2-3 hours if walked continuously, but the beauty lies in setting your own pace. Most visitors pause for coffee at historic cafés like Cova, shop in the Brera district, or stop for lunch at a traditional trattoria in Navigli.
What makes Milan different from other Italian cities?
Milan stands out as Italy's most modern and business-oriented metropolis. Unlike Rome or Florence with their ancient ruins, Milan blends Renaissance treasures with cutting-edge design and fashion. The city is home to Italy's stock exchange, headquarters of luxury brands, and hosts the world's largest design fair (Salone del Mobile). Milan also has a distinctive aperitivo culture not found to the same extent elsewhere in Italy.
Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Milan?
An audio guide gives you the freedom to explore Milan at your own rhythm without being tied to a group schedule. This is particularly valuable in a city known for its shopping and café culture, where you might want to linger in the Quadrilatero della Moda or enjoy a leisurely risotto alla milanese. You'll also save significantly compared to private guided tours while still enjoying expert commentary.
Do I need internet while walking?
No, our Milan walking tours work completely offline after initial download. This is particularly useful in Milan where public WiFi can be spotty, especially in narrow streets around Brera or inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Download the tour before leaving your accommodation to ensure smooth navigation.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, though our Milan audio guide is primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will appreciate stories about Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, the legends behind the Duomo's construction, and the secret symbols hidden throughout the city. Younger children might enjoy the sections about the castle and its museums.
Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! Our Milan sightseeing tours can be enjoyed by multiple people walking together. Each person can use their own device with headphones, or you can share one device. We offer family and group discounts on our Milan tour page to make your experience more affordable.
What else is there to do in Milan?
Beyond our audio guide, consider visiting the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, taking a rooftop tour of the Duomo for spectacular views, or exploring the trendy Isola district with its street art and boutiques. Milan is also an excellent base for day trips to Lake Como, Bergamo, or the wine regions of Franciacorta.
Is there a free tour in Milan?
While "free" walking tours exist in Milan, they typically expect tips of €15-20 per person at the end. Our self-guided tour offers better value with professional narration, carefully researched content, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace without the pressure of tipping or keeping up with a large group.
Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Milan audio guides are crafted by content creators who have lived in or extensively researched the city, including fashion historians, architecture experts, and food writers who know where to find the best risotto alla milanese and panettone.
How can I see Milan in one day?
With one day in Milan, focus on the central area from the Duomo to Castello Sforzesco. Our self-guided tour helps you maximize your time by covering the best areas to explore in Milan efficiently. Start early at the Duomo, then visit the Galleria, La Scala, Brera district, and end at the castle. Save evening for aperitivo in Navigli or Porta Nuova.
When are the fashion weeks in Milan?
Milan hosts major fashion weeks in February/March (Fall/Winter collections) and September/October (Spring/Summer collections). During these periods, the city buzzes with events, celebrity sightings, and pop-up installations. While most runway shows require invitations, many brands host public exhibitions and store events that anyone can attend.
Is Milan's public transportation easy to navigate for tourists?
Yes, Milan's public transportation system is tourist-friendly with clear signage in multiple languages. The metro has four color-coded lines that connect most must-see places in Milan. Single tickets cost €2 and are valid for 90 minutes. The ATM Milano app provides real-time updates and route planning in English, making it easy to navigate without a guide.
"De audiogids onthulde Milaan's dubbele persoonlijkheid—de Renaissance pracht naast cutting-edge design. Ik vond het geweldig om de boetieks in Brera in te duiken wanneer iets mijn oog viel, en de tour vervolgens weer op te pakken waar ik was gebleven." — Joshua, België
"I thought I knew Milan from business trips, but this self-guided tour showed me a completely different side of the city. The stories about the hidden courtyards and secret symbols on buildings were fascinating!" — Taylor, UK
"As a solo traveler, the Milan walking tour was perfect—I got all the historical context without being stuck in a group. The narrator's tips about where to find the best risotto were spot on too!" — Nina, USA