When most people think of Milan, they picture fashion houses, luxury boutiques and the buzz of a fast-moving metropolis. I saw it through completely different eyes.
What started as a single-day detour from a Lake Como holiday turned into far more than I expected. We didn't plan a marathon of sightseeing — we just wanted to soak up the atmosphere. By the end of the day, I came home with more memories than I ever imagined.
Getting between Como and Milan is easy — but stay alert
We set off from Como by train, and my very first impression was how excellent the connection is. Departures are frequent, so it's not a problem even if you'd rather not plan everything down to the minute.
That said, the summer crowds were impossible to ignore. Our train was packed, and so were the others I saw, which is exactly why it's worth keeping a close eye on your belongings. Even so, it's a comfortable and quick way to explore Milan straight from the shores of Lake Como.
Milano Centrale is a sight in itself
The moment you arrive at Milano Centrale station, you can feel you've landed in a massive transport hub. I lived in Budapest for years and city public transport was part of my daily life, yet it still took me a good few minutes to figure out where everything was.
The station is enormous, and it's easy to get lost in the details at first. If you tend to get stressed when you can't immediately spot an exit or a metro entrance, it helps to arrive with a calm travel companion. In return, you're greeted by a tidy, spotless and genuinely striking building, full of shops and places to eat. It's worth a longer wander in its own right.
At the Duomo, we had to rethink our plans fast
From the station, we took the metro to Milan's most famous landmark, the Duomo. Since we hadn't decided in advance which day we'd travel over, we planned to buy tickets on the spot. Looking back, that was the one thing I'd do differently.
Even on a perfectly ordinary Thursday, an incredible crowd greeted us in the square, and by then it was impossible to buy tickets on site. Luckily we quickly checked the online options, where there were still plenty of time slots left — though at a higher price.
If you want to be sure, it's absolutely worth buying your ticket in advance, especially during the busier periods.
The rooftop of the Duomo is truly unforgettable
In the end, we went up to the rooftop terrace, and we didn't regret it for a single second. Seeing the Gothic spires and the intricately carved details up close, with Milan spread out beneath you, is a genuinely special experience.
Up top, there was nowhere near the same crowd as down in the square, so we could take our time looking around and taking photos.
We met several other tourists up there, and one of them told us that even early in the morning they couldn't get a combined ticket for both the interior and the roof — only separate tickets remained, at a less favourable price.
We only explored the rooftop in the end, but on the way down we did glimpse part of the church interior. I didn't feel like I'd missed out, though I won't pretend I wouldn't happily go back one day to see inside the Duomo properly.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth pausing for
Right next to the Duomo sits the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and it left me speechless at first glance. The vast glass dome, the beautiful mosaic floor and the magnificent historic details come together to create a truly special atmosphere.
It's worth taking the time to stroll slowly along the arcade and admire this one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece, one of Milan's most iconic landmarks.
Milan is a real treat, even gluten-free
Because of the intense heat, we decided to skip more sightseeing and settle into a quiet, air-conditioned restaurant for lunch instead. It turned out to be one of our best decisions.
Just about a ten-minute walk from the Duomo, I ate fantastic gluten-free pizza. As someone with a gluten intolerance, it was a real joy to see how naturally Italy handles this kind of dietary need.
I've noticed the same on my previous trips: you'll find gluten-free options not only in bigger restaurants but in plenty of smaller eateries too. Milan, though, proved to be an especially good choice on this front.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was a gluten-free bakery about two kilometres (a little over a mile) from the Duomo, which we walked to even in the heat. There I had the best croissant of my life, paired with a cup of heavenly Italian coffee. As someone with a gluten intolerance, that little detour meant just as much to me as the most famous sights.
Beautiful in summer — but the heat tests you
By late June, we were met with full-blown summer heat. I didn't regret the trip for a moment, but the high temperatures made sightseeing noticeably harder.
If I were to set off again, I'd probably visit in spring or autumn — a time when it's cooler and you can expect smaller crowds.
Would I go back? Absolutely
Milan is far more than the fashion capital. I discovered a lively, exciting, diverse city where historic architecture, modern metropolitan life and outstanding food come together in a way that feels uniquely balanced.
If you're holidaying at Lake Como and have never been to Milan, I really don't think you should skip it. Even a single day gives you so much, and there's a good chance you'll end up like me: already wondering, on the way home, when you can come back.
Is Milan worth visiting as a day trip from Lake Como?
Absolutely. The train connection is frequent and quick, and even one day gave me more memories than I expected. It's an easy and rewarding way to explore the city from the lakeside.
Do I need to buy Duomo tickets in advance?
Yes, if you want to be sure. Even on an ordinary weekday the crowds were enormous and on-site tickets had sold out. Booking online ahead of time is well worth it, especially in busy periods.
Is the Duomo rooftop worth it?
For me, absolutely. Seeing the Gothic spires and carvings up close, with the whole city below, was unforgettable — and there were far fewer people up top than in the square.
Is Milan good for gluten-free travellers?
It proved to be an excellent choice. I found gluten-free pizza near the Duomo and a wonderful gluten-free bakery a short walk away, and Italy handles this dietary need with real ease.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
Based on my experience, spring or autumn is ideal. Late June brought intense heat that made sightseeing harder, so a cooler season with smaller crowds would be more comfortable.
