Quick visit in Milan

What time of year?

End of March

Can you add a day? If so, you can visit Milan and go to Lake Como too.

Unfortunately not

I'm guessing this is 2 nights with one full day and a partial day either before or after? Are you arriving from an International flight in to Milan (thinking about jet lag/travel tiredness as well)?

Honestly, there is enough to see in Milan to keep you busy if you have an interest in the Duomo, the Last Supper and some of the museums. I think it also depends on what the rest of your trip looks like and whether you will have an opportunity to see any of the Italian Lakes or have mountain views.

I am not a massive fan of Milan, but as others have said there is plenty for a couple of nights there.

I am a big fan of Lake Como and we've visited twice, but I think it is too far for a day trip.

I'd just stay in Milan and book the Last Supper asap.

While I agree with the suggestion to stay in Milan, you did ask for options. As already suggested, one is to try to see the Last Supper and the Duomo plus whatever else interests you in Milan -- there are many sights to schoose from. However, Last Supper tickets for March went on sale December 6, so they are probably sold out for your dates. As suggested,. if this interests you, check the official website immediately. I just saw that the ticket sales may now (as of December 2024) be handled differently from before, so read instructions carefully if you are trying for tickets. The Milan Duomo tickets are easier to reserve closer to your visit.

If Lake Como is a strong preference for you, people do go for a daytrip, or, if you don't mind one-night stays, you could spend a night there. If you are arriving in Milan by train, you can change trains to Varenna (or Como). However, if you are arriving in Milan Malpensa airport after a long flight, you would need to take a train to Milan Centrale and then another train to Varenna (or Como). That could take 3 hours. You also might want to consider the weather. If you only have one full day and it happens to be raining all day, staying in Milan would be a much better option.

Thank you for everyone’s information. Appreciate the feedback. We will be staying a day and a half on the first part of our trip before joining friends. We are diehards when it comes to getting going on trips even after a long flight but leaning towards having a relaxing day in Milan and sightseeing locally. This forum is always a great resource!

If you are looking for something free and outdoor to do while fighting jetlag, the monumental cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale) is one of our three favorite things to do in Milan (the others are the roof of the Duomo and the Brera art gallery). The canal district (Navigli) is also an idea for free and outdoor, although you will want to go into shops and bars there, too.

I'd stay in Milan. Our favorite part of the visit to Milan was the roof of the Duomo, and the visit to Castle Sforzando. Many small museums there, of pottery, Michalangelo. We also enjoyed dinner at the Naviglio.

But the best part of Milan is the apertivo time. You get your aperol spritz or some other drink, and you get nuts, olives, a little pizza, all kinds of goodies. Not all that expensive either.