Milan tours

Things to do in Milan

Welcome to Milan, a city where fashion, history, and innovation converge in an artistic symphony. As you walk through its refined streets, you sense the city's dynamism in every espresso aroma, tram clang, and the soft conversations of locals on their evening stroll. ToursByLocals offers a journey into the heart of Milan, taking you beyond the opulent storefronts of Via Montenapoleone. Discover hidden treasures like the tranquil cloisters of Santa Maria delle Grazie or the lively Mercato di Via Fauche. Whether indulging in the rich flavours of risotto alla Milanese or skipping the line to see the iconic Last Supper, a private tour transforms each moment into a personal story, connecting you deeply with this cosmopolitan marvel. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Milan. Explore Milan your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Milan tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Milan for every interest, including: History tours: Trace power and politics through Castello Sforzesco’s courtyards and Piazza dei Mercanti, then step into the Duomo to see centuries of carving. These private tours can also include the Roman Columns of San Lorenzo and the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to The Last Supper if timed tickets are secured. Art and Culture tours: Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera with a focused look at Mantegna and Caravaggio, then compare it with the intimate collections at Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Add La Scala’s museum or a backstage visit when available, and finish in the Navigli neighbourhood learning the ritual of aperitivo at a local bar. Architecture tours: Walk the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to study its 19th century iron-and-glass engineering, then ride the lift to the Duomo terraces for a close look at spires and statues. Continue to Porta Nuova for contemporary icons like Bosco Verticale and Piazza Gae Aulenti, or examine mid-century lines at the Pirelli Tower and the Triennale. The historic centre is very walkable, and the metro, trams, and buses make cross-town moves easy. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Milan inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Milan on a private walking tour and dive into its vibrant neighborhoods with a local guide, who will open doors to the city in a way that a map never could. Here are some popular neighborhoods you might want to include in your itinerary: - Brera: Known for its artistic vibe, Brera is a haven for cultural tourists. With its charming streets and art galleries, it's perfect for those who want to soak up creativity and maybe grab a coffee at a quaint café. - Navigli: Ideal for families and multi-generational groups, Navigli's canal-side paths offer picturesque walks and lively eateries. Its antique shops and weekend markets provide a delightful shopping experience for all ages. - Porta Nuova: For those interested in modern architecture and urban development, Porta Nuova showcases Milan's futuristic skyline. It's a great spot for snapping photos and seeing how the city is evolving. - Isola: This neighborhood offers a more local feel with its eclectic mix of boutiques and street art. Perfect for tourists seeking meaningful connections with the local culture, Isola has a relaxed vibe that's both inviting and inspiring. Day trip ideas from Milan From Milan, quick rides put lakes, hill towns, and vineyard country within easy reach, so you can swap city rush for fresh air with day trips that also fit neatly into private tours. - Lake Como, with Como, Bellagio, and Varenna: combine a funicular ride to Brunate for views, a ferry hop between villages, and waterside walks, ideal if you like architecture, easy photography spots, and slow lunches by the lake. - Bergamo: the walled Città Alta, reached by funicular, lines up stone lanes, piazzas, and lookouts, which suits history fans and anyone who enjoys classic trattorie and a compact old town you can explore on foot. - Pavia and the Certosa: a calm university city with a covered bridge and Romanesque corners pairs well with the grand monastery complex just outside town, good for architecture lovers and those who prefer quieter streets. - Franciacorta and Lake Iseo: sparkling wines, cellar visits, and a lakeside stroll in Iseo make a balanced day for food and wine interests, with gentle countryside scenes and short transfers between stops. - Lake Maggiore and Stresa: a broad promenade, mountain views, and boat rides to Isola dei Pescatori fit travellers who want scenic time, light walking, and flexible add‑ons like gardens or village cafés. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Milan most travellers miss.