Past Meets Future: An Architectural Journey Through Milan in Milan - Milan_Architecture_tour6.jpg
5.0

Past Meets Future: An Architectural Journey Through Milan

  • 3 hours
  • City Highlight Tours
  • Milan
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Your local for this experience

Experience hosted by Omar

  • Private Tour
  • Carbon Neutral

From marble marvels to vertical forests — uncover Milan’s architectural soul on a journey that blends centuries of design, from the grandeur of the Duomo to the sleek skyline of Porta Nuova. Let a local architecture enthusiast guide you through Milan’s past and future, one building at a time.

Destination
Milan, Italy
Category
City Highlight Tours
Duration
3 hours
Transport mode
Walking tour
Available languages
English, Italiano
Included
  • Private Guide
  • 24-hour Public Transport Card
  • Local Snack or Drink
  • All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral
Excluded
  • Entrance to Attractions

6 reasons to book this tour

  • Marvel at Milan’s most iconic buildings
  • Spot classics like Bosco Verticale & Duomo di Milano
  • Discover hidden architectural treasures
  • Learn about the visionaries behind Milan’s architecture
  • Can be 100% personalized to your wishes
  • Privately guided by a local expert

What you can expect

Past Meets Future: An Architectural Journey Through Milan in Milan - Milan_Architecture_tour6.jpg

Milan is a city where time speaks through its buildings — and this tour brings that story to life. Join a passionate local on a walk through Milan’s most stunning architectural contrasts, where centuries-old elegance meets bold modern innovation.

Start your tour at the iconic Duomo di Milano, where gothic spires stretch toward the sky, and learn how this masterpiece took nearly six centuries to complete. From there, wander through the ornate Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall, where iron and glass form a majestic 19th-century arcade.

Continue to Palazzo Brera, a striking example of neoclassical architecture that still holds the creative spirit of Milan’s artistic golden age. Then, switch gears — and eras — as you hop on the metro and head to Porta Nuova, Milan’s modern heartbeat.

Here, sleek skyscrapers, innovative design, and sustainable architecture take the spotlight. Marvel at the award-winning Vertical Forest (Bosco Verticale), a global icon of green living. Your host will share fascinating insights into the urban transformation of this once-industrial zone into a cutting-edge design hub.

Along the way, enjoy personal stories, local insights, and the flexibility to tailor the tour to your interests. Whether you’re an architecture lover or just curious about Milan’s unique cityscape, this tour offers the perfect balance of history and innovation.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

  1. Meeting point

    Meet at At the well - Milan to start your journey

  2. Itinerary

    This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

  3. Architectural Icons

    From the majestic Duomo di Milano to the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the futuristic Bosco Verticale, your local host will guide you through Milan’s most stunning architectural contrasts.

  4. Hidden Details

    Milan’s architectural beauty isn’t just in the big names — it’s in the fine details, courtyards, and quiet corners. Your host will point out fascinating design elements and hidden spots only a local would notice

  5. Design Stories & Local Legends

    Behind every façade lies a story. From gothic ambition to 21st-century sustainability, your host will share the tales of architects, artists, and visionaries who shaped Milan. Expect rich storytelling, fun facts, and unique perspectives along the way

  6. Local Break

    Pause your architectural journey with a stop at a local café or design-forward spot, handpicked by your host. Grab a drink or a quick bite, soak in the surroundings, and get insider tips for the rest of your stay in Milan.

  7. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Feel confident booking

    Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

  • Change of plans?

    Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

  • Loved by travelers worldwide

    Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

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Ruth 🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
18 May 2025
We had the best time with Omar visiting the Duomo in Milan. He was professional, kind funny and so full of knowledge. His English was excellent and he was a pleasure to be around. He made me want to know more and more about the Duomo and Milan the city he loves. One of my favorite parts of our trip!Amazing Omar!
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Francesca🇦🇺 Australia
(About local )
25 October 2024
Omar is an exceptional guide, he has an extensive knowledge of Milan’s history. Omar delivers information in a passionate and captivating manner its like you travel through time as you discover the secrets and rich history of Milan. Milan at first glance does not seem as rich in history as other Italian cities and I felt enlightened and fully immersed with Omar’s tour. A wonderful, engaging and fun tour as Omar is such a positive and energetic person with a vast knowledge of Milan.Best guide ever!
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Mitchell🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
4 October 2024
My wife, daughter and I had a great visit with Omar as our guide. He is super friendly, knowledgable and warm. Also, he was punctual and spent an extra 30 minutes so that we could see all the key points of interest. Thanks!No better way to visit Il Duomo
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Ted🇨🇦 Canada
(About local )
4 October 2024
Omar was great. Was very knowledgeable about Milan’s history and spoke clearly with excellent English so that everyone understood clearly.
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Sara🇸🇪 Sweden
(About local )
22 July 2024
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Aaron
(About local )
26 March 2024
Omar did a great job of showing us the places where events happened while explaining the back stories. We gained a greater understanding of the science, art and history of this incredible city. Omar was great!! Thank you!!!History understood
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Yvonne
(About local )
23 March 2024
We had an absolutely great time with Omar, a very friendly and super knowledgeable guy. He took us to places where you might not go and explained a lot about the history of the city. He is such a lovely person, relaxed and great sense of humour. We highly recommend booking him as your tour guide, you will not get disappointed!Simply the best!
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Angi
(About local )
19 March 2024
Omar was an OUTSTANDING tour guide. He showed us so many amazing places. It was Fantastic!OUTSTANDING
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Danaiet
(About local )
24 February 2024
We had the pleasure of having Omar as a tour guide. This was the best and simple way to learn about the city. He was able to meet us at a central location and our tour commenced. He was knowledgeable and easy going. He was also able to recommend things to do/where to eat for after our tour. Thank you Omar!Best and simple way to go
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Harry
(About local )
31 January 2024
We read Omar’s reviews and noticed that all he had were 5 star reviews. Wondered if that was truly the case. YES Omar is a five star host. He knows everything including information you would never dream about knowing. We will definitely book him next time to take into some of the museums.2 Hour Evening2 Hour Evening Walking Tour
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Heather
(About local )
14 January 2024
We absolutely loved having Omar as a host. He was amazing with the children’s and educational for the adults. We couldn’t have had a better morning accommodating guide. Thanks Omar! You made the difference:)Super with the childrenSuper with the children
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Vicky
(About local )
21 December 2023
Omar was fabulous - He showed us the hot spots and some hidden gems, with a delightful locals-only surprise at the end. He was friendly and knowledgeable and we highly recommend him for your private tour.Super friendly & knowledgeable
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Kathy
(About local )
10 December 2023
Omar was a lot of fun and a very enthusiastic tour guide. He easily flexed his normal tour to meet our needs and took us to some very unique places. We really enjoyed our tour with Omar.Fun tourFun tour
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Laura
(About local )
4 December 2023
Omar is an amazing guide. The breath of knowledge he was able to share was simply uncanny. Our vacation was blessed by Omar and our tour experience. We will recommend to everyone. Thank you Omar!.
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Arthur
(About local )
30 November 2023
Very Knowledgeable, personable. Great grasp of history. Very flexible. Really adjusted his schedule to meet our needs. Highly Recommend!Very Knowledgeable, personable

Withlocals experiences
are always

Private & personalizedNo strangers, just you. Fully customize your trip to your needs.
With a local expertFrom historical facts to the most up-to-date health regulations.
Without the crowdsExperiences designed to take you away from the crowds towards authentic local spots.

Other City highlight tours in Milan

€56.99per person