How to get to Duomo Milan

Visiting the Duomo is already an impressive experience, but it is not complete without climbing up to its rooftop terraces. Walking among the forest of spires, gargoyles, and statues while enjoying panoramic views of Milan is something we guarantee you will never forget.

To get to the top, the first and most comfortable option is the elevator. This is the ideal option if you are short on time, traveling with children, or have mobility issues. The elevator takes you almost to the top, leaving you just a short flight of stairs to reach the main terrace. The elevator entrance is located outside the cathedral, towards the rear. Keep in mind that this convenience often means that the line for the elevator can be longer than the stairs, and you will need a ticket to the Duomo to access it.

On the other hand, there is the option of climbing the stairs. The climb consists of approximately 250 steps, which are relatively narrow but manageable for anyone with an acceptable level of mobility. Taking the stairs is not only cheaper, but also offers a unique experience, as it allows you to appreciate the incredible structure of the cathedral from the inside as you ascend. Regardless of which option you choose, you must purchase a specific ticket to access the rooftop, which can be purchased separately or as part of a combined pass.

You must understand that when you are in Piazza del Duomo, you are truly at the epicenter of Milan. The square itself is the main attraction, a large space that serves as the city’s living room, and it is also a reference point for visiting the entire city. The area surrounding the cathedral is filled with some of Italy’s most important cultural and commercial landmarks.

If you head north from the square, you will see the impressive triumphal arch that serves as the entrance to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s located right on the north side of the piazza, so it’s less than a minute’s walk away. This is not just a shopping mall, but an impressive 19th-century gallery with a glass dome, one of the oldest in the world. Often called “il salotto di Milano” (the living room of Milan), it connects the Duomo square with the city’s famous opera house. Inside, you’ll find historic cafes, luxury boutiques such as Prada and Gucci, and the famous bull mosaic on the floor (it’s said that turning your heel on it brings good luck!).

For art and history lovers, the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is located right next to the Duomo. You can find it on the south side of the Piazza, just to the right of the cathedral; it’s a very short 1 to 2-minute walk. This former seat of government is now one of Milan’s most important cultural centers, hosting major world-class art exhibitions throughout the year. Across the square is the Museo del Novecento (Museum of the Twentieth Century). It’s also on the south side, opposite the Palazzo Reale, and the walk will only take you about 2 minutes. It is dedicated to 20th-century Italian art and is famous for its incredible spiral staircase and panoramic views of the Duomo from the windows on the top floor.

Finally, if you walk through the Galleria, you will reach Piazza della Scala. To get there, just walk straight through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II from Piazza del Duomo; the walk should only take about 3 to 5 minutes. Here you will find the legendary Teatro alla Scala, the world’s most famous opera house, which opened in 1778. Even if you don’t see a performance, its museum is fascinating. From here, you are also just a five-minute walk from the Quadrilatero d’Oro (Golden Quadrangle), Milan’s world-famous haute couture district. From Piazza della Scala, you just need to walk north on Via Alessandro Manzoni for a couple of blocks to find it. It’s an easy 5 to 7-minute walk.