The 10 best tours in Milan

For those who want to explore the city at their own pace, and with an element of flexibility, the ultimate Milan city tour by bus is the best way to get around thanks to its hop-on hop-off policy. The company’s open-top double-decker takes you past sights including the Duomo, the La Scala opera house and Il Cenacolo Vinciano. Simply climb on and alight as you wish.

Time Out tip: There are multiple ticket options that last from 24 to 72 hours, and you can even select the optional night tour.  

Not one for queuing? This two-part guided milan city tour takes you around the city's magnificent cathedral, up to its summit for incredible views of the Milanese skyline, and down into its subterranean crypt – without having to wait in line with all the other sightseers. Great for the impatient.

Time Out tip: If you have the choice, try and visit the rooftop on a clear day – that way you'll get to see as far as the Italian Alps. 

Another queue-jumper tour; this one takes you into the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO-listed site that contains the ‘Last Supper’ mural by Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Milan for some time. There’s also his ‘Atlantic Codex’ to see: a frankly mind-boggling compendium of some of the Renaissance man’s scientific drawings and writings. Disclaimer: you’ll probably come out feeling like a real under-achiever.

Time Out tip: Seeing as this tour takes place in a church, be sure to avoid visiting on days of religious events as this may result in closures. The site is also closed on Mondays.

This tour takes you around one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Teatro alla Scala, and its adjoining museum. This is a chance to wander around a sumptuous eighteenth-century institution, and look over a rich collection of costumes, painted portraits and musical instruments. 

Time Out tip: Be sure to listen carefully to your guide, who will be unveiling fascinating tales and anecdotes of the musicians who performed on this famous stage. 

As one of the best day tours from Milan, you can't pass up the opportunity to visit Lake Como. Beautiful, sweeping and set against a backdrop of the mountains, this scenic paradise is one of the true great natural wonders of Italy, and a popular tourist area. This tour takes you through the streets of Como city, out on the waters over to Bellagio Island and up the funicular to the town of Brunate.

Time Out tip: A valid passport and visa (if necessary) will be required to pass through Swiss customs. 

The best Milan walking tour for foodies? This one sends you on a culinary journey through the district of Brera and to six different locations where you can sample traditional Milanese dishes, artisanal beer and other delicious victuals. Best loosen your belt before you embark!

Time Out tip: The tour can accommodate dietary requirements – you just need to give at least 24 hours' notice. 

Want to have a crack at making your own Italian grub? This traditional Italian cooking class in Milan takes you into a genuine Milanese home – in her kitchen, Aurora will teach you how to make handmade pasta, regional meat dishes and desserts including canoli, tiramisu and pannacotta. Naturally, you get to enjoy the final product. 

Time Out tip: The three-course feast includes two glasses of wine, one glass of prosecco and a shot of limoncello – in other words, make sure you arrive via taxi or appoint a designated driver. 

Another water-based tour, this time out to the beautiful Maggiore, in what the organisers describe as ‘Italy’s Lake District’. You’ll also get the chance to explore the quaint lakeside village of Stresa and the Borromean Islands. We can’t help thinking the weather will be a lot more hospitable here.

Time Out tip: Bring some cash along if you're interested in popping into the boutique shops along the way. 

Not just a centre of gorgeous Renaissance buildings, Milan is also home to some astounding contemporary architecture. This three-hour tour focuses on the city’s dazzling skyscrapers, from the award-winning twin Bosco Verticale buildings to the UniCredit Tower in Piazza Gae Aulenti.

Time Out tip: No need to bring snacks on the tour, as its final stop is Italian food and drink emporium, Eataly – where you can sit down at one of the restaurants or explore the market. 

If you’re only in the city for a short while, then this tour is a good choice – it sends you on a whistlestop route through various key sites including the cathedral, Leonardo’s masterpiece in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and popular shopping destination Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Time Out tip: There's no food or drink allowed inside the Duomo, so don't bring any along unless you're happy for it to get confiscated.