Milan: Duomo, Last Supper & City Walking Tour with Fast Entry

4.70

(1489 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely made it past the tram bells when our guide, Paolo, started pointing out details I’d never have noticed—like the way locals flick their wrists to greet each other near Sempione Park. Milan felt busy but not rushed, and there was this faint smell of roasted coffee drifting from somewhere (I never did spot the café). Our small group gathered around Paolo as he led us toward Santa Maria delle Grazie for that first big moment—the Last Supper. I’ll admit, I was nervous about crowds or missing my slot, but having those reserved tickets meant we just walked right in. The room was so still you could almost hear your own breath. I didn’t expect to feel that.

Afterwards, we wandered through quiet side streets—Paolo joked about Milanese fashion (“Even their dogs look better dressed than me!”) before weaving us into the chaos of Piazza Mercanti. There’s something about being led by someone who knows every shortcut; we slipped into San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore just as a choir was rehearsing. Their voices bounced off gold-painted walls—gave me goosebumps for a second. At La Scala, Paolo told stories about old performances and secret tunnels; I only half-listened because I kept watching the sunlight hit those marble steps outside.

The Duomo was next—no endless lines thanks to our fast-track entry (honestly, seeing the queue outside made me grateful). Inside it was cool and smelled faintly of candle wax. Paolo explained why everyone covers their shoulders here (I’d forgotten and had to borrow a scarf—classic me). We ended up in Sforza Castle gardens for a break; someone bought gelato and we just sat under the trees for a bit. Six hours sounds long but it didn’t drag. Even now, I keep thinking about that hush in front of The Last Supper—hard to put into words.