More about: Milan Duomo and Its Terrace Tickets and Tours
Milan Cathedral is impressive not only for its majesty, but also for the opportunity to climb up to its terrace and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city. As Italy's largest cathedral, the Duomo is a must-see in Milan, and knowing the ticket and tour options that include access to the rooftop will help you get the most out of your visit.
Duomo di Milano, Rooftops and Museum Tickets
Marvel at the panoramic views from the terrace
Choose between taking the lift or climbing the 251 steps that will take you to the magnificent rooftop of Milan Cathedral. Stroll around this extensive terrace and admire the city's most important monuments from there. Plus, a guide is included.
If you are thinking about what to see and do in Milan, booking tickets for the Milan Cathedral, its rooftop and museum is a perfect place to start. It will allow you to enjoy its wonderful Gothic architecture first-hand: its columns crowned with statues, its characteristic spires, its flying buttresses and, of course, the little Madonnina, more than 100 metres high.
But the best thing about these tickets is that you won't just stay there, you'll also have access to its museum and one of its most hidden gems: its rooftop with unimaginable views of the city. Of course, admission to the Church of San Gottardo and the Archaeological Area is also included.
Recommended if... You don't want to just see the interior of Milan Cathedral, but also want to discover the panoramic view from the roof terrace.
Prices and types of tickets to access the terrace of Milan Cathedral
There are different types of tickets for the Duomo depending on the attractions you wish to visit, and there are also tickets for the Terrace. At Hellotickets, you can book a full ticket to the Duomo, which gives you access to the interior of Milan Cathedral, the rooftop, the museum, the Church of San Gottardo and the Archaeological Area.
Here are the details of all the options, so you can choose the one that best suits your trip:
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Standard ticket to the Milan Duomo — from RM68
Access only to the interior of the Duomo and the museum (without the terrace).
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Full admission: Duomo, rooftops and museum — from RM125
Complete experience in the Duomo with terrace and museum included.
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Access to the Duomo rooftop — from RM92
Exclusive ticket to climb to the rooftop; choose to climb the stairs or take the lift.
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Guided tour of the Duomo and its rooftops (small groups) — from RM312
Small group tour with an expert guide through the Duomo and its terrace.
How to climb to the terrace of Milan Cathedral
To reach the top of Milan Cathedral, you have two options:
- By lift: this is the most comfortable option. Although there is a difference in price, this alternative is ideal for adults, seniors or children who do not consider themselves physically fit enough to climb on foot, or who simply do not wish to do so. However, bear in mind that from where the lift drops you off, you will have to climb another 50 steps to reach the upper terrace of the Duomo.
- On foot: there are around 170 steps to reach the same point where the lift would drop you off. Then you will have to climb another 50 steps to the viewpoint, although if you are fit, the cathedral's stairs will not be an obstacle.
Milan Duomo opening hours
Each section of Milan Cathedral has different opening hours, which are detailed below:
- Access to the Terraces (on foot and by lift): every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Last admission at 6 p.m.
- Access to the Terraces with the Rooftop Evening pass: Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Last admission at 9 p.m.
- Cathedral: every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Museum: Thursday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Baptistery: every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Archaeological area: every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Are there guided tours of the Milan Cathedral Terrace? Are they worth it?
Yes, you can book a guided tour of the Duomo Terrace and, in addition to admiring the views and the spectacular statues and details, you will have the opportunity to complement your visit with explanations from a professional guide.
Although the Terrace is beautiful from every angle, learning about the history and characteristics of this architectural style is also well worth it. With this option, you can also add a 48-hour tourist bus ticket when you book.
- Price: from RM201
- Duration: approximately 1 hour.
- Recommended if... You have already visited the Duomo and just need to see the roof terrace.
But if you want a more complete visit, seeing the interior of Milan Cathedral is also a wonderful option. You can choose to book a combined guided tour of the Duomo and the cathedral's rooftop.
- Price: from RM236
- Duration: around 2 hours.
- Recommended if... You have not yet visited the Duomo and are only interested in its interior and rooftop, as well as learning about its history.
What you can't miss on the Terrace of the Duomo in Milan
Milan Cathedral is an architectural gem of incomparable Gothic style. It is also the fifth largest cathedral in the world and its details are truly amazing.
While you can enjoy its wonderful façade and interior, visiting the Duomo Terrace will give you another perspective and allow you to admire certain features more closely, such as the Madonnina spire, which is topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary.
You can also see its 135 pinnacles reaching up to the sky and its marble-covered bricks up close. All this, with views of the city of Milan from a height of 150 metres. Are you going to miss it?
Traveller Tip
The golden statue of the Virgin Mary in Milan is so important to the city that no building in Milan can exceed its height.
How much time do you need to visit the Milan Duomo Terrace?
If you are going to visit the interior of the Duomo and the terraces, I recommend setting aside at least two hours of your day.
Keep in mind that the last admission to the Cathedral and the terrace is one hour before closing time, and even then you will not have enough time to visit the Cathedral with the calm and attention it deserves. In addition, you will surely want to take many photographs in this magnificent setting.
Is it advisable to visit the terrace of Milan Cathedral with children?
Climbing the Duomo Terrace with your family is one of the best activities to do in Milan with children. The building is completely safe for children and the stairs to access the Terrace are comfortable enough for both children and adults.
Children generally love this plan because they can see the city from above, including places they have visited before, but from a height.
Please note that pushchairs are not allowed in the building, but you can use the Cathedral's cloakrooms free of charge.
How to get to Milan Cathedral
In addition to the Duomo itself, there are many things to see and do in Milan's Piazza del Duomo, so getting here is very easy.
By underground
If you want to get to Milan Cathedral by underground, Duomo station is the closest, and this is where the red and yellow lines of the Milan underground connect.
You can also take the underground to Cordusio and Missori stations, on the red and yellow lines respectively. They are relatively close and within reasonable walking distance.
By tram
The tram is another option for visiting the Duomo. You can get to the Torino, Mazzini and Dogana stations and then walk a few metres. The lines have the following numbers: 2 – 3 – 4 – 12 – 14 – 19 – 20 – 24 – 27. As you can see, there are several options.
By bus
If you are arriving in Milan by plane on holiday or simply on a stopover and want to make the most of it, there is a fast train service from Malpensa Airport. The Malpensa Express arrives at Cardona station in around 40 minutes from Terminal 1.
You can also take the Malpensa Bus Express, a bus that runs from Terminal 1 to Milan Central Station.
If you prefer to travel to the Duomo by bus, there are several bus services that run from both terminals to Milan Central Bus Station. There are also lines to Linate Airport, Sesto and Turin.
By tourist bus
There are various tourist bus services in the city of Milan, and all their routes include the Duomo among their stops. Therefore, if you have one of the passes, you don't need to worry about how to get there.
Tips for visiting Milan Cathedral and its terrace
- You must cover your shoulders, and if you are wearing a skirt, it must be at least knee-length.
- Paper kimonos are sold at the Duomo ticket office for €2 for those who need them.
- If you are only visiting the terrace, you can wear whatever you like.
- Smoking, eating and drinking are not permitted.
- Flying drones or using tripods for photos taken on the Terrace is not permitted.
- Children must always be accompanied by an adult.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- You may not enter with suitcases, helmets, masks, scooters, laser pointers, knives, glass or balloons.
- You may use the lockers to store your belongings. The service is limited to 60 minutes.
- High heels are not permitted in the building.
- You may not lie on the floor as it is the ceiling of a religious building.
- You cannot enter with extended baby carriages, so you must fold them before entering the building.
- There are no toilets in the Cathedral. The nearest toilet is right next door and costs €1. You can pay in cash or by card.