Piazza del Duomo, home to Milan’s spectacular Gothic cathedral, is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Milan—and perhaps even the entire country of Italy!
From this central hub, you are just a short walk away from some of the city’s best attractions, beginning, of course, with a visit to the rooftop of the Duomo.
For centuries, the Piazza del Duomo has served as both the literal and figurative heart of Milan. It’s no wonder this iconic location has more to offer than meets the eye.
Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, including some hidden gems you might not know about!
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.
The Best Things to Do in Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Visit the Rooftop Terraces of the Duomo di Milano
If you’re only going to pay for one attraction at Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, make it the breathtaking rooftop terraces of the Duomo.
The stunning Gothic architecture of the cathedral is truly best appreciated from above!
Along with the detailed craftsmanship of the rooftop, visitors can also revel in panoramic views of the city, showcasing how modern Milan’s skyline is compared to other popular Italian cities.
A combined Duomo Complex ticket grants you access not only to the rooftop terraces but also to the rest of the complex (more details on that below).
The climb to the top of the Milan Cathedral is relatively short compared to other Italian Duomos—around 250 steps—but if you prefer to avoid the stairs, some ticket options allow for elevator access to the rooftop terraces.
Want to ensure you don’t miss any details, like the meanings behind the stunning carvings?
If so, a guided cathedral tour is an excellent choice.
Book your Milan Duomo Complex tickets today!
Prefer a guided tour? This popular one gets excellent reviews!
Explore the Rest of the Duomo Complex
The rooftop terraces may steal the show, but there’s so much more to discover within the Duomo Complex—all of which is worth your time.
After visiting the rooftop, make sure to explore:
The Interior of the Cathedral
The interior of Milan’s Duomo is as majestic as you’d expect, featuring ornate columns and exquisite Italian marble floors.
Keep in mind that there’s a strict dress code requiring shoulders and knees to be covered.
Be sure to dress appropriately for your visit to the Duomo di Milano, or purchase a skip-the-line pass that includes a covering. Alternatively, you can pay a fee to rent one at the entrance (it’s unusual for a place of worship to charge for this, but it happens!).
Archaeological Site
Underneath the Duomo lies an extraordinary archaeological site!
Long before the cathedral was built, the area was home to various structures and activities, and you can explore this history beneath the cathedral.
Access the site from the back of the Duomo, entering through the church.
Other Inclusions
A full Duomo complex ticket also includes entry to the Duomo Museum, featuring statues and artifacts that tell the story of the cathedral throughout the centuries, as well as the Church of San Gottardo in Corte.
While the Church of San Gottardo in Corte is not located near the Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo Museum is just off the piazza.
If you have time, both sites are well worth a visit!
Stroll Through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Light and airy, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a luxurious destination for shopping, located just off Piazza del Duomo.
If you’re looking to commemorate your trip to Milan with a high-end purchase from brands like Prada, Versace, Gucci, or Armani, this is the perfect place.
Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, wandering through the Galleria is a must!
The glass ceiling creates a soft ambiance, and the Galleria’s path connects Piazza del Duomo to the nearby Piazza della Scala.
Visit the Palazzo Reale di Milano
Situated on the southern edge of Piazza del Duomo, the Palazzo Reale di Milano— or Royal Palace—was the center of Milan’s government for centuries.
If you’re looking for a way to explore beyond the usual tourist routes without straying too far from the Duomo, this place is a fantastic choice!
The building is stunning, and it currently operates as an art museum that hosts various rotating exhibitions, many of which are free (though reservations are recommended).
Check Out the Museo del Novecento
Next door to the Palazzo Reale, Milan’s Museo del Novecento focuses on 20th-century art.
The collection is predominantly, but not exclusively, Italian, providing insight into a different aspect of Italian art culture compared to the Gothic-era Duomo or Renaissance masterpieces like The Last Supper.
Enjoy an Iconic Milanese Aperitivo at Camparino in Galleria
For a quintessential Milanese experience, stop by Camparino in Galleria for an aperitivo right off Piazza del Duomo!
Established in 1915, Camparino is one of Milan’s most iconic bars, boasting beautiful interiors and remarkable views of the Duomo from its outdoor seating.
Check Out the Vittorio Emanuele II Statue
While it’s more of a point of interest than an activity, the impressive statue of Vittorio Emanuele II on horseback is definitely worth a look during your visit to Milan’s main square!
This statue was unveiled in 1896, shortly after Vittorio Emanuele II became the first king of a unified Italy—and as you’ve likely noticed, many places in Italy bear his name.
Other Cool Things to See Near the Piazza del Duomo
Just a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll discover several other fascinating sites in Milan!
First, check out the Piazza della Scala, home to the famous Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Opera House).
The Piazza della Scala is easily accessible via the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, making for a short, delightful stroll.
If you want to step inside and experience one of the most renowned and possibly beautiful opera houses in the world, you can check the ticket schedule here (to ensure you visit when the theatre is open to the public rather than just the museum).
Alternatively, you might want to book a guided tour for a more in-depth experience!
If you walk in another direction, you’ll find the quieter, yet charming, Piazza Mercanti.
While visiting Piazza Mercanti, you’ll be near an interesting modern attraction: Italy’s first Starbucks, which you may find either a must-see or a big miss (though it certainly offers a unique experience compared to other Starbucks locations!).
A short walk east of Milan’s Piazza del Duomo brings you to one of the city’s most unique chapels.
The Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa features a memorable ossuary, which includes—among other things—human skulls arranged into crucifix shapes.
Tips for Visiting Piazza del Duomo in Milan
Arrive Early—or Late
The Piazza del Duomo is, unsurprisingly, often the busiest spot in Milan.
If you’re hoping to photograph the cathedral’s façade without crowds in the way, be prepared to visit during off-peak hours!
Personally, we believe that nighttime and early morning visits both offer unique atmospheres, although this may require some double-backing to enter the sights.
Pre-book Your Tickets or Tours for the Cathedral
To avoid long waits and large crowds, we strongly recommend purchasing your Milan Duomo Complex ticket in advance!
We vividly remember our first visit to the Milan Duomo, where we stood in line for what felt like ages. These days, we try to book everything we can online when traveling.
Whether you want to take the elevator, book a guided tour, or simply get a standard ticket to enjoy everything the complex offers, it’s wise to plan ahead.
Book your Milan Duomo Complex tickets or guided tour today!
Remember the Dress Code for Visiting the Duomo di Milano
Like nearly all churches in Italy, the Duomo di Milano enforces a dress code requiring shoulders and knees to be covered.
Due to its popularity with tourists, the dress code is strictly enforced on-site, so dress appropriately, or bring cash to either purchase a covering or rent one.
If You’re Visiting Milan in December, Expect Crowds (and Stunning Decorations)
We’ve had the good fortune to visit Milan in various seasons, and while crowds are always expected, we were surprised by how crowded the Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II were during Christmas!
Milan hosts several Christmas markets, but the most iconic one takes place in the Piazza del Duomo.
The festive atmosphere and beautiful decor are definitely worth experiencing if you’re in Milan in late November, December, or early January—but be prepared for even larger crowds, especially on weekends.
How to Get to Milan’s Piazza del Duomo
Being the geographic and tourism heart of the city, it’s remarkably easy to access the Duomo in Milan!
Metro lines 1 and 3 take you directly to the Piazza del Duomo, where you’ll arrive aboveground right in the square.
If you prefer to stay above ground, tram lines 3, 12, and 27 can also take you there.
Alternatively, the Piazza del Duomo is approximately a 40-minute walk from Milano Centrale or a 35-minute walk from Castello Sforzesco, with plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way (check out our recommended one-day Milan itinerary for this route).
It takes just under an hour to walk from Piazza del Duomo to Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can view The Last Supper.
(If you’re planning a short trip to Milan and want to experience both Piazza del Duomo and The Last Supper, this well-reviewed tour from one of our favorite tour companies in Italy is a fantastic option!).
The canal-filled Navigli neighborhood is a bit farther, about an hour’s walk, but is better accessed by metro from Piazza del Duomo.
Read More About Visiting Milan + Northern Italy
Ready to continue planning your trip to Italy?
We’d love to help!
You can browse our 100+ Italy blog posts here, or take a look at these guides:
