One perfect day in Milan

It might not be love at first sight with Milan, but spend a day here and I guarantee you’ll fall hard. The biggest city in northern Italy lacks the romance of Rome, Florence, and Venice, but has much to admire for history, art, and fashion lovers, from Gothic cathedrals and Old Master murals to designer store after designer store.

Milan is also Italy’s capital of commerce—a place where time is of the essence. Skip-the-line tickets and other time-saving perks are the standard, which works in your favor if you only have 24 hours to see the city. We took those into account—plus tons of Tripadvisor reviews—to create the below itinerary, which hones in on the highlights to ensure the perfect day in Milan.

Plan on a very early start—it’s the only way to beat the crowds at the Duomo di Milano. The third largest church in Italy (and the fourth largest in the world), the cathedral absolutely dwarfs St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Even so, it can get uncomfortably packed by mid-morning, so book tickets ahead of time for the earliest time slot available (most days that’s 8 a.m.) and choose the skip-the-line option just in case.

Once you’ve explored the cathedral interior, head up to the Duomo Rooftops to check out the 130 marble spires that top the building. Up there, you also have unbeatable views of the city skyline and the more than 3,400 statues that grace the church’s facade. Even if your time is limited, don’t skip this experience—you can add on a visit to the rooftops when you book your cathedral tickets. Pay a bit more and you can even take an elevator instead of the stairs.

Just a couple blocks north of the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the grandest shopping arcades on the planet. The Belle Époque buildings themselves would be enough to make this one of the city’s top sites, but there’s also the spectacular barrel-vaulted glass ceiling and the flagship locations of Armani, Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.

If you’re starting to feel hungry, there are plenty of places to eat in and around Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. For the best sandwiches in Milan, try Cesarino. The chalkboard menu is intimidatingly long—I counted more than 40 options the last time I was there—but I recommend the Parma ham with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Order at the counter and enjoy your sandwich at one of the umbrella-shaded tables outside.

When you’re fueled up, walk a few blocks north to the Teatro alla Scala, better known to most English speakers as simply “La Scala.” It’s worth a visit just to tour the stunning interior, but if there’s a rehearsal or show going on, you might not see much. Better to get tickets to one of the many performances that take place here, from operas to ballets to symphonies.

A short walk away is the Pinacoteca di Brera, an art gallery housed in a 19th-century monastery. The Caravaggios and Raphaels are the big draws, but I was surprised to find my favorite work was Lamentation Over the Dead Christ, by the lesser-known master Mantegna. Painted in 1483, it features techniques like foreshortening that were new at the time and still look strikingly modern today.

Next, make your way to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to a mural the Italians call Il Cenacola. To the rest of us, it’s known as The Last Supper. You have to make a reservation months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the holidays. If you’re having trouble finding tickets for when you’ll be in Milan, book a guided tour through a local company. They’ll get you right in and, though you’ll only get to spend 15 to 20 minutes with the painting, it’ll be well worth it for the chance to commune with one of the world’s great artworks.

If you can manage one more church, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is just a few blocks away. Originally built in the 4th century, it’s named for its founder, Saint Ambrose. Don’t miss the 9th-century altarpiece encrusted with gold and precious gems.

If you managed to score tickets to a performance at La Scala for this evening, you’ll probably want to grab a bite before heading back to your hotel to change into your fanciest outfit. I recommend Piz, which has possibly the best pizza in Milan. There are just three choices on the menu (margherita, marinara, and bianca) and they’re all delicious. A plus: it’s a quick walk from The Last Supper.

For those not spending the night at the opera, reserve a table at Cantine Milano, where wine is front and center. At this highly rated restaurant, guests choose the bottle they want, then the staff suggests the best food pairings. Pick a Nebbiolo, for example, and you might be served truffle tagliolini with Parmesan fondue. The restaurant is located in the hipster haven of Isola, just north of the city center, so there are plenty of bars nearby where you can end the evening. Try The Botanical Club for cocktails made with limited-edition gins.