Hi- we are trying to book rail tickets from Milan to Venice and need an idea of how long to allow to see the Duomo in Milan so we can get rail tickets for the correct time. Can you give us some idea? We will be there mid-September. Are we likely to have a real long wait to get in to the church or are the lines relatively short?
Thanks so much!
Shirley
Line to visit the Duomo should be short, if any, and fast-moving. If you want to go to the roof, allow time for a line. An hour inside the church should be enough, roof will take about as long, depending on the line there.
I've been there the last two years in late September or early October, and there were no lines early in the day. Time required depends on your interests. I spent a half a day, but I spent a lot of time with the stained glass, and also spent time on the roof and in the excavations of the earlier church. Barring surprises, you could probably do a quick loop through the church and on the roof in 2 hours. I'd also suggest allowing at least 30 to 45 minutes to get to Milano Centrale and find your track.
If I were doing it, I would book an early afternoon train and get to the cathedral early. If any time were left over, I'd stop for an espresso, maybe at the galleria.
Blessings on you for your quick answers! We have 9:30 AM tickets for the Last Supper and then should get to the Duomo by 10:30 at the latest. I think we'll plan on a 2 or 2:30 departure from Milan Centale. Does that sound good? Thanks!
The roof is worth seeing, even with the line.
I was there last September and the lines were short. I went in every day that I was there. If you are going up to the roof I suggest going up early when there are less people.
As Rick's Milan guidebook advises, for Duomo roof access, don't wait in the long line on the Duomo's left side at the roof entrance to buy tickets. Instead, buy tickets from the booth on the right side of the Duomo; then, you can skip the line and go right to the roof entrance. Choose the stairs rather than the elevator to save a few euros and further minimize any waiting.
Also in RS' book is the suggestion to go to Rinascente's top-floor bar/restaurant for view of the Duomo close up.
Thanks, all.
