Past Meets Future: An Architectural Journey Through Milan
3 hours
City Highlight Tours
Milan
Choose one of 2 locals available
Experience hosted by Arianna & Vera
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, Español, Français, Italiano, Deutsch
Included
Private Guide
Local Snack or Drink
All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral
Excluded
Entrance to Attractions
Local Transportation
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
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.
Choose your local
Get to know these 2 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.
Arianna
an authentic Milanese local, sociologist and tour leader
5.05 reviews
English・Español・Français・Italiano
Vera
The Art Fanatic
4.58 reviews
Deutsch・English・Italiano・Français・Español
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.
Meeting point
Meet at At the well - Milan to start your journey
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
Dave🇳🇿 New Zealand
(About local )
1 September 2025
My walking tour with Salvatore was great. Covered off the modern architecture followed by the old history and then to the canals area utilizing trams and the metro to speed transit up and fit more in. Salvatore’s communication with me prior to the tour was excellent and he even met me at my hotel. Highly recommend. Milan walking tour
Laura🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
10 September 2025
From the moment we met Omar, we felt like we had known him for yours. Omar’s friendly demeanor and kind ways were immediately comforting to us. The knowledge of the city, culture, and most importantly , the hidden gems were so captivating. He was the best tour guide we ever had and would recommend him with out reservation.Amazing Experience
Joan
(About local )
27 August 2025
Omar had a lot of knowledge both past and present. Fun and informative
Milton🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
19 July 2025
Omar led a very interesting and often funny tour - we saw a lot of things we would not have otherwise noticed and got a lot is history and fun stories about Milan!
Marcia
(About local )
4 July 2025
Thank you Laura for a fascinating experience and for our
Wonderful tour of the Duomo.
Your knowledge is amazing and we loved our tour with you
Kind regards,
Marcia Lucinda and DaisyMilan duomo
Alarik🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
27 June 2025
My son-in-law arranged for Omar to be our guide for what was my first trip to Italy and Milan, in particular. He was most informative and understanding as well. I learned and experienced so much while we toured Il Duomo. He helped me decide whether to climb to its top or not since I recently celebrated my 80th birthday. I am so happy I decided to go for it! It is a magnificent structure with a wonderful history.Over the Top with Omar
Alarik🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
24 June 2025
First of all, the Duomo is fantastic, and well worth the visit.
We booked two tours with Omar -- the Duomo and also the Highlights and Hidden Gems. Omar is from Milan and an experienced guide. He was wonderful, and really made the Duomo -- which is amazing -- come to life. He knows the city like the back of his hand and was able to show us some wonderful things and really give us a feeling for their history and how they were used. We had my wife and mother-in-law for the Duomo part of things, and he was careful to make sure that my mother-in-law was OK with all the climbing. Omar is warm and funny and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.Great tour with a true local
Laura🇦🇷 Argentina
(About local )
24 June 2025
El tour es super interesante, Arianna, nuestra guía, se ocupó de hacer la caminata muy amigable, recorriendo lugares interesantisimos. Lo recomiendo absolutamente, si tienen tiempo y ganas de conocer un Milano más entretenido. Absolutamente recomendable
Matt🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
21 June 2025
We had the best experience touring the Duomo with Omar. His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the history and building was first class. We thoroughly enjoyed all the information he was able to share. Highly recommend- one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. Omar was amazing!
Babette🇿🇦 South Africa
(About local )
15 June 2025
Laura gave us a wonderful tour this morning !
We are most grateful for the morning filled with information
Would highly recommend Laura!!!
Thank you!!Wonderful morning
Jennifer L🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
14 June 2025
Omar provided my daughter and I with an outstanding personalized tour of the Duomo in Milano. He brought his personal experiences, knowledge, and insights into a tour of an absolutely stunning structure. I highly recommended private tours that allow you to skip the line. It’s saves your precious vacation time and takes the stress out of the process of visiting the Duomo. In addition a private tour with Omar will provide you with education on the Duomo from a unique perspective. Thus tour included visiting the terraces if the Duomo allowing one to physically walk on the roof of the Duomo, see a view of the city, and view these beautiful and magical terraces up close, a not to be missed opportunity.
Jennifer LK (United States)Simply the Best
Tracy🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
8 June 2025
Omar went above and beyond to ensure a great tour! He was friendly, professional, and funny, which made for a fun and engaging experience! I would 100% use Omar again for a tour in the future! The Best
Josefin
(About local )
7 June 2025
Arianna war ein sehr freundlicher und liebenswerter Guide, der mit uns durch die Straßen der Stadt schlenderte. Zu fast jedem Haus hatte sie eine Anekdote. Wie sie die Stadt als Kind in Erinnerung hatte und wie sich alles verändert hat. Während der Tour verriet sie uns kleine Verstecke abseits des Mainstream-Tourismus, die man entdecken kann. Sie war sehr flexibel beim Umgehen von Menschenmaßen und hat auf jede unserer Ansinnen reagiert. Wir können die Tour jedem empfehlen, der die Stadt kennenlernen will, wie sie jetzt ist. Arianna kennt jeden Winkel! Jetzt auch mehr vegane Restaurants als vorher, danke für die Recherche. ;D
Noch ein Tipp von uns: Pit'sa (Via Cadore 31)
Sagen wir es mal so, wir waren öfter dort, weil die vegane Pizza dort wirklich grandios ist.Mailand im Wandel der Zeit
Becky🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
22 May 2025
Mature, energetic, engaging walking you of Milan. Arianna knew all of the secret places to go to experience non-tourist Milan.
Thank you’Enjoyed our time with Arianna!
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!
Katriana🇬🇧 United Kingdom
(About local )
6 May 2025
We had such an amazing day with Arianna!!! She took us to places I never expected to see and we also saw all the highlights of the city!! I am so happy we chose this tour! It was fab! Thank you!!Milan with a local
Charles (Brad)
(About local )
29 March 2025
Very knowledgeable and well spoken. Can’t get a better guide for the Domuo
Ali
(About local )
17 March 2025
This was a fantastic and unique walking tour with Arianna
visiting the hidden gems of Milan. She was very responsive
when I set up my trip and texted me updates throughout. She
met me at Central Station, offered options as to what I wanted
to see and learn and always had interesting information about
the districts we visited. We rode the metro and the tram
together, seeing the sights, as well as walking through
beautiful and out-of-the-way streets. I felt I saw so much more
than I would ever have been able to solo. Plus, Arianna is a
warm, personable, guide and I learned a lot about local
culture and the city . I can highly recommend this trip with
Arianna as your guide! Thank you, Arianna, it was such a
pleasure touring with you!Milan-personal tour with Arianna
Carl🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
19 February 2025
I brought 11 Americans to the castle and museum and this was a great experience and my guests had a really good time.
Laura was very knowledgeable, very charming and her English was great. She is a delight guide and I would recommend her to anyone coming to the castle. A stellar experience.
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!
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
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.
Pavol🇸🇰 Slovakia
(About local )
7 September 2024
Laura just knows it - a lot of information presented in an interesting way. I learned and enjoyed at the same time.
Sara🇸🇪 Sweden
(About local )
22 July 2024
John🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
15 July 2024
We did a half-day tour with Laura that included the Duomo and some other city high lights. She was very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended!
Ruth🇮🇱 Israel
(About local )
6 July 2024
We were lucky to visit the Duomo with Laura. She is a precious mine of information and knows this unforgettable place like the back of her hand. Unforgettable
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
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!
Angi
(About local )
19 March 2024
Omar was an OUTSTANDING tour guide. He showed us so many amazing places. It was Fantastic!OUTSTANDING
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
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
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
Sam🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
8 January 2024
My wife and I visited Milan and asked for a tour of the highlights of the city since we were only there for a few days and Laura's tour blew us away! We saw way and learned way more than we ever expected to. Laura even made a dinner recommendation where we ended up having the best meal of our stay in Milan. The next time we or any friends visit Milan we will absolutely be recommending a tour with Laura.Laura was amazing!
Daniel🇨🇭 Switzerland
(About local )
23 December 2023
Laura hat uns ein unvergessliches Erlebnis beschert! Die Führung auf dem Dach und im Dom mit zahlreichen Informationen und Geschichten war eindrücklich und interessant. Der Spaziergang durch die Galleria Vittorio Emanuele und der Besuch der Scala waren eine wunderbare Fortsetzung. Laura hat ein enormes Wissen, das sie spannend weitergibt.Wunderbare Erinnerung
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
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
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!.
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
Caron
(About local )
18 November 2023
Laura was fantastic. We met her in the piazza and she proceeded to take us on a great trip through history. She revealed historical facts and showed us areas of the Duomo that we would never have discovered on our own. The rooftop tour was so beautiful and is definitely worth it. The interior of the Duomo is breathtaking. Laura was engaging, smart, and passionate. We highly recommend her and this particular tour.Excellent tour
CATHY🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
8 November 2023
We arrived at meeting point 30 minutes early because Laura was supposedly doing the same tour right before ours. After she was 30 minutes late, I started texting her through the app. She finally responded & said she’d be there within 20 minutes. She didn’t arrive until after 2:00 (our tour was scheduled for 1:00). She had no excuse for not showing up & we had another tour scheduled or 3:30 pm. She wanted us to tour the inside of the cathedral & then come back later to do the terraces. I told her we were there for only 1 day & wanted so start with the terraces. She rushed us through the terraces only stopping to tell us what pictures to take. She kept
cutting in front of other people to rush us through. We ended up inside the cathedral & we told her we had to get to the next tour. She said we could take a taxi & she knew the next tour didn’t really start until 4:00 (meeting time was 3:30). I didn’t believe her and kept trying to get her to get us outside, she kept going on and on about things in the cathedral - I felt like she was holding us hostage as she wanted to take us to the taxi so she could tell the driver where to take us. Finally we just started walking to the exit - finally she came along & we got a taxi. This was an extra expense for us as we had purchased 24-hour tram tickets. We barely got to the meeting place for the next tour at 3:30. The tour did start immediately! I’m so glad we didn’t listen to what Laura said about it not starting until 4pm.
I do NOT recommend Laura as a tour guide. We initially signed up for a 12:00 tour of the Milan Cathedral via the App. But later, Laura contacted me asking us to change our tour time to 1:00 as she had another tour before ours. I think she was scheduling tours on the side because I followed all of the rules to select a guide and time via the app. I asked her to change our tour time I. The app because it still showed 12:00 but she said it couldn’t be changed.
In the future, I will stick with GetYourGuide. I have used them extensively all over Europe and have never had a problem with them. Showed up 2 hours late!
caroline🇳🇱 Netherlands
(About local )
20 September 2023
Laura made our tour in Milano very special. She was
extremely knowledgeable and very interesting to listen to.
She is flexible and adapts her program to your needs.
We all loved her tour; the explanations , stories and facts all told in an enthusiastic way.
She made us love her city even more.Super guide
Isa🇨🇭 Switzerland
(About local )
3 August 2023
It was so nice to see Milan through the eyes of Laura, a native Milanese! She is very knowledgeable and showed us some nice areas we did not know yet. We can fully recommend this tour. Great stroll
Andrew🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
9 July 2023
Laura was an excellent tour guide and kept our family of four (including 2 older teens, one of whom is not a history buff) engaged the entire time. The Duomo area was so crowded with tourists so skip the line was totally worth it. We got right up to the roof in the elevator after waiting only a few minutes. She showed us all the highlights of the Duomo, roof and archeological area (so glad we went down to see it) with just the right amount of explanation. Great guide through a busy venue and worked to get us through the crowds to see the beautiful details. Pointed out where to where to get the best photos. We felt the tour was well worth the price.
Thank you for a wonderful day!Excellent private tour of the Milan Duomo
Margie🇦🇺 Australia
(About local )
6 June 2023
A wonderful morning with Laura in Milan. Laura was so welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Milan. We found the whole experience so worthwhile and interesting.
Frederick🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
19 February 2023
Laura is very knowledgeable and friendly. She knows everything about Duoma and the history behind this magnificent cathedral. She knows every photo spots and important places in Duoma. And skipping the line is a plus. I highly recommend this tour and Laura.Knowledgable guide, great historical site
Brooke🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
18 September 2022
Laura is passionate about her spirituality and knowledgable about the Duomo. Despite needing hours to fully appreciate the building and its history, Laura never makes you feel rushed and is happy to converse with you about any questions you have. Welcoming, Duomo-passionate host!
Danielle🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
26 July 2022
Laura was a truly wonderful guide for our tour of the Duomo! Her knowledge of the history is vast and she shared interesting and lesser know facts that we would not have learned on our own. Laura is very sweet, accommodating and gave us an excellent tour! Highly recommend! Excellent experience with Laura at the Duomo!
Susan🇺🇸 United States
(About local )
25 June 2022
Laura Serena was very knowledgeable and kind. She knows her history!!Duomo tour
Shirley🇨🇦 Canada
(About local )
16 May 2022
Our tour with Laura Serena was an exceptionally great two hours. She has so much knowledge and enthusiasm about the history of the Duomo and surrounding areas it was a pleasure to listen to every word! In my opinion, it is the best way to visit the Cathedral. An excellent experience!
Elisabeth🇨🇭 Switzerland
(About local )
25 April 2022
Vera hat uns verwöhnt mit einer interessanten und angenehmen Führung durch den Mailänder-Dom. Sie ist auf unsere Fragen eingegangen und hat unsere Bedürfnisse erkannt. Es war einfach super schön.Supergute Führung
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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.
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