See Milan’s iconic sights from the top deck of an open-air bus.
Sightseeing Experience sr
Milan Open Tour
Milan Open Tour
Milan Open Tour
Sightseeing Experience sr
Milan Open Tour
Sightseeing Experience srQuick Guide
Milan Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Two major companies operate hop-on-hop-off tours in Milan: City Sightseeing and Open Tour.
- City Sightseeing runs 4 different routes covering 43 stops.
- You want them if you like having options. Four routes means you can focus on what actually interests you (historic center, modern district, sports venues, or canals) instead of sitting through everything.
- Their free app shows exactly where buses are in real time, which is super helpful when you’re planning your day.
- They also run a Night Tour during summer (included with weekend 72-hour tickets).
- Best for people who want to explore different neighborhoods or are staying in Milan for several days.
- Milan Open Tour keeps it simple with 2 routes and 37 stops.
- You get a hostess on board who can answer questions beyond what the audio guide covers, plus USB sockets to charge your phone while you ride.
- Their Highlights Line hits all the main monuments in one loop without switching buses.
- Best for first-time visitors who want a straightforward tour or travelers on a tight schedule.
Both have similar prices, free WiFi, and audio guides in multiple languages.
Highlights
Tickets & Prices
Both operators offer 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour tickets. Your ticket activates the first time you board a bus, not when you buy it.
Detailed Pricing Tables
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours Best Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | €25.00 | €30.00 (€15.00 per day) | €35.00 (€11.67 per day) |
| Child (5-15) | €10.00 | €10.00 (€5.00 per day) | €10.00 (€3.33 per day) |
Book City Sightseeing Milan tickets ->
Children under 5 ride free.
What’s Included: Access to 4 routes with 43 stops total, audio in 10 languages, free WiFi, and a real-time tracking app. Weekend 72-hour tickets between June and September include their Night Tour.
| 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours Best Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | €24.00 | €28.00 (€14.00 per day) | €32.00 (€10.67 per day) |
| Child (5-15) | €10.00 | €10.00 (€5.00 per day) | €10.00 (€3.33 per day) |
Book Milan Open Tour tickets ->
Children under 5 ride free.
What’s Included: Access to 2 routes with 37 stops, audio in 11 languages, free WiFi, and USB sockets on board. You also get a hostess who can answer questions.
Note: You must select a boarding time when booking (available times: 10:15, 11:00, 11:50, 12:20, 13:10, 14:15, 15:20, 16:00, 17:00).
Tips for Choosing Your Ticket
- One day works if you just want the highlights. Pick one or two routes and hop off at places you actually care about.
- Two days is better if you don’t want to rush. You can take proper breaks, have real meals, explore neighborhoods without watching the clock.
- Three days makes sense if you’re staying longer. You can revisit places or check out areas you missed. City Sightseeing’s weekend 72-hour ticket includes the Night Tour between June and September, which adds value.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | City Sightseeing Milan | Milan Open Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Routes | 4 lines (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green) | 2 lines (Fashion/Design/Leisure, Highlights) |
| Total Stops | 43 stops | 37 stops |
| Audio Languages | 10 languages (English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish + 2 more) | 11 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) |
| Kids Audio | ✓ English, Italian, Spanish | ✓ English, Italian, Spanish |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free App | ✓ Real-time tracking & walking tour (5 languages) | |
| USB Sockets | ✓ | |
| Hostess on Board | ✓ | |
| Wheelchair Accessible | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paper Map | ✓ | ✓ |
| Disposable Headphones | ✓ | ✓ |
| Night Tour | ✓(included with weekend 72h ticket) | |
| Free Cancellation | ✓ Until 24h before | ✓ Until 24h before |
FAQs About Ticketing & Pricing
Where can I buy tickets?
Use the booking module on this page to check availability for all tours for your chosen travel date. You can also buy tickets directly on the bus when you board, but booking online guarantees your spot and lets you skip the queue when it’s busy.
Do children get discounts?
Yes. Kids 5-15 pay €10 with either operator. Under 5s ride free and don’t need a ticket.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
Yes. Some booking platforms bundle the hop-on-hop-off bus with Milan attractions like the Duomo, Casa Milan Museum, or other tickets. Check available combo deals on this page to see what’s currently offered. Combos usually save you a few euros compared to buying everything separately.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Both operators give full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours before your visit.
Can I change my booking date?
Yes, you can reschedule up to 24 hours before.
Can I use my mobile ticket or must I print?
Mobile tickets work fine. Just show your phone when you board. They’ll swap it for a paper ticket and give you headphones.
If I buy a ticket today evening, will it be valid till next evening or only for the calendar date?
It’s valid for the full hours from first use. Buy a 24-hour ticket and first board at 18:00 today, it works until 18:00 tomorrow.
The clock starts ticking the moment you scan your ticket on the first bus.
Route Map & Stops
Milan has two hop-on-hop-off operators. City Sightseeing runs 4 routes covering 43 stops, while Milan Open Tour operates 2 routes with 37 stops.
City Sightseeing Milan Routes
City Sightseeing operates four color-coded routes. They connect at stops like Duomo and Castello, so you can switch between lines.
Starting Point: Largo Cairoli 18, 20121 Milan
- Download the detailed route map and timetable (PDF).
- Download the Sightseeing Experience app for real-time bus tracking, route maps, and a free walking tour of central Milan (available in English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German).
Red Line (Line A) – Historical Line
The Red Line goes through Milan’s historic center.
- Duration: 50 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 50 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 11:40 (Castello) / 12:05 (Duomo), Last bus 16:40 (Duomo) / 17:00 (Castello)
- Main starting point: Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Cadorna (Via Giovanni Boccaccio n.2)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso n.6)
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Manin (Via Manin, opposite n.15)
- Moscova (Via Moscova, n.68)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route covers the main historic sights. Sforza Castle is a big medieval fortress that’s hard to miss. The Cenacolo stop puts you near Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper (you need separate tickets booked weeks ahead to actually see it). You’ll pass the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala opera house.
Blue Line (Line B) – Modern Line
The Blue Line takes you through Milan’s new business district and shopping areas.
- Duration: 55 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Multiple departures throughout the day
- Operating hours: First bus 09:30 (Stazione Centrale) / 10:00 (Duomo), Last bus 16:00 (Stazione Centrale) / 16:40 (Duomo)
- Main starting points: Stazione Centrale or Duomo
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Manin (Via Manin, opposite n.15)
- Repubblica (Piazza della Repubblica, n.28)
- Palazzo Lombardia (Via Galvani, n.27)
- Stazione Centrale (Duca d’Aosta Square)
- Buenos Aires (Corso Buenos Aires, n.7)
- Porta Venezia (Corso Venezia, opposite n.50)
- San Babila (Via Larga, n.2)
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
Route Highlights:
This route shows you modern Milan. You’ll see the new skyscrapers around Porta Nuova and Palazzo Lombardia. Corso Buenos Aires is one of Europe’s longest shopping streets. The route goes through Porta Venezia with its Art Nouveau buildings and the upscale area near San Babila.
Yellow Line (Line D) – Navigli Line
The Yellow Line connects the historic center with the Navigli canals district.
- Duration: 75 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 75 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 10:20 (Castello) / 10:00 (Duomo), Last bus 16:30 (Castello) / 16:15 (Duomo)
- Main starting points: Castello or Duomo
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Cadorna (Via Giovanni Boccaccio n.2)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso n.6)
- Navigli
- Piazza XVI Maggio
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo, in front of n.17)
- La Scala (Via Manzoni, n.6)
- Brera (Via Fatebenefratelli, n.5)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route goes to the Navigli canals, Milan’s most popular nightlife area. The canals were designed by Leonardo da Vinci centuries ago. Lots of cafes and restaurants line the water. You’ll also pass through Brera, the artsy neighborhood with galleries and the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum.
Green Line (Line C) – Sport Line
The Green Line goes to Milan’s sports venues and the CityLife development.
- Duration: 80 minutes full loop
- Frequency: Multiple departures
- Operating hours: First bus 10:00, Last bus 16:50
- Main starting point: Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Important: Stops 8, 9, and 10 (Lido, Ippodromo, Stadio San Siro) are suspended during matches and events.
Stops:
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
- Arco della Pace
- City Life (Piazza VI Febbraio)
- Casa Milan (Via Aldo Rossi, n.8)
- Lotto (via Congress Centre, Via Colleoni)
- Lotto (Via Monte Bianco, n.64)
- Lido (Piazzale Lotto, n.15)
- Ippodromo (Piazzale dello Sport, n.6)
- Stadio San Siro (gate 8)
- Lotto (Via Monterosa, n.91)
- Pagano/Lotto (Via Monterosa, n.3)
- Buonarroti (Via Mantegna, n.33)
- Pagano (Via del Burchiello, Fimi)
- Conciliazione (Piazza Conciliazione)
- Parco Sempione (Via Paleocapa, n.7)
- Castello (Foro Bonaparte 10/12)
Route Highlights:
This route is for football fans. It goes to San Siro Stadium, home of AC Milan and Inter Milan, and Casa Milan museum. You’ll see CityLife, Milan’s newest district with modern towers and shopping. The route also covers Parco Sempione, the city’s biggest park, and the Arco della Pace arch.
Milan Open Tour Routes
Milan Open Tour runs two routes. The longer one covers more ground, while the shorter one focuses on must-see monuments.
Starting Point: Piazza del Duomo, Milan
Fashion, Design & Leisure Line – Milan Open Tour
This is the comprehensive route covering most of Milan’s main districts.
- Duration: 2 hours full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First departure 10:00 (Duomo), Last departure 17:30 (Duomo)
- Main starting point: Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
- Scala (Via Manzoni, 3)
- Dugnani (Via Manin, 2)
- Repubblica (Piazza della Repubblica)
- Stazione Centrale (Piazza Duca d’Aosta)
- Regione (Via Melchiorre Gioia, 31)
- Gae Aulenti (Via Sturzo)
- Monumentale (Via Ceresio, 7)
- Acquario (Viale Gadio)
- Castello (Piazza Castello, 26)
- Cairoli (Foro Buonaparte, 70)
- Cadorna (Via Boccaccio at Via Leopardi)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Paleocapa (Via Paleocapa, 4)
- Triennale (Viale Moliere)
- Arco della Pace (Corso Sempione, 4)
- City Life (Piazza 6 Febbraio, 26)
- Buonarroti (Viale Monterosa, 3)
- Pagano (Via del Burchiello)
- Conciliazione (Piazza Conciliazione at Via E. Toti)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Sant’Ambrogio (Via Carducci, 16)
- Museo Scienza (Via Olona, 11)
- Navigli (Piazza XXIV Maggio, 6)
- Parco Basiliche (Via Molino delle Armi, 33)
- Università Studi (Via Sforza, 38)
- San Babila (Via Larga, 2)
Route Highlights:
This is the longest route. You’ll see Central Station, the skyscrapers around Gae Aulenti square, and CityLife’s modern towers. The route covers Cimitero Monumentale (monumental cemetery), Sforza Castle, Santa Maria delle Grazie for the Last Supper, Sant’Ambrogio basilica, and the Leonardo da Vinci Science Museum. It ends in Navigli, which is good for dinner.
Milan Highlights Line – Milan Open Tour
A shorter route hitting Milan’s most famous historical sites.
- Duration: 2 hours full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 20-30 minutes
- Operating hours: First departure 10:00 (Duomo), Last departure 17:30 (Duomo)
- Main starting point: Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
Stops:
- Duomo (Piazza Duomo)
- Scala (Via Manzoni, 3)
- San Marco (Via Fatebenefratelli, 5)
- Brera (Via Bontaccio, 2)
- Lanza (Via Tivoli, 8)
- Castello (Piazza Castello, 26)
- Cairoli (Foro Buonaparte, 70)
- Cadorna (Via Boccaccio at Via Leopardi)
- Cenacolo (Via Caradosso, 1)
- Litta (Corso Magenta, 24)
Route Highlights:
This compact route covers the essentials. You’ll see the Duomo, Teatro alla Scala, the Brera art district, Sforza Castle, and Santa Maria delle Grazie for the Last Supper. Simple and straightforward.
Which Operator Has the Best Routes?
- For first-time visitors: Milan Open Tour’s Highlights Line hits all the essentials in one go. You won’t waste time figuring out connections.
- For longer stays: City Sightseeing’s four routes give you more variety. You won’t feel like you’re riding the same loop twice.
- For sports fans: City Sightseeing’s Green Line. Only one that goes to San Siro.
- For architecture fans: Both cover Porta Nuova and CityLife. City Sightseeing’s Blue Line spends more time in the modern district.
- For nightlife: Both stop at Navigli. City Sightseeing has a dedicated Yellow Line for the canals.
- For art lovers: Milan Open Tour’s Highlights Line covers Brera more efficiently.
What You’ll Experience
Boarding Your Bus
Show your mobile ticket to the staff when you board. They’ll give you a paper route map and headphones for the audio commentary. Grab a seat on the upper deck for the best views. The front row gives you unobstructed panoramas, but seats further back work great too.
Listening to Audio Commentary
Plug in your headphones and select your language (10-11 languages available depending on your operator). The commentary automatically syncs with your location, telling you about landmarks as you pass them. You’ll hear stories about Milan’s history, from Roman times through the Renaissance to today. Kids get their own version with fun facts and anecdotes in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Seeing Milan’s Landmarks
The Duomo dominates the skyline. This Gothic masterpiece took over 600 years to complete, and you can see why. The Madonnina statue on top watches over the entire city. You’ll pass Sforza Castle, a massive brick fortress that once housed Leonardo da Vinci. The modern skyline around Porta Nuova shows Milan’s contemporary side, with twisted glass towers and vertical forests.
Hopping Off to Explore
When you spot something interesting, just hop off at the next stop. Take your time exploring. Wander through the Duomo’s interior or climb to the rooftop terraces for stunning views. Get lost in Brera’s narrow streets filled with art galleries. Stop for an aperitivo in the Navigli canals district. When you’re ready, head back to any stop and catch the next bus.
Switching Between Routes
The routes intersect at major stops like Duomo and Castello. You can start on one route, hop off to explore, then catch a different line to see another part of the city. Your ticket works on all routes.
Taking Photos from the Top Deck
The open-air upper deck gives you perfect photo angles. You’re high enough to shoot over crowds and traffic. The bus moves slowly through the historic center, so you have time to frame your shots. Just watch for low-hanging tree branches.
Planning Your Day
Use the morning to ride a full loop and get oriented. Note which stops look most interesting. Spend the afternoon hopping off to explore those spots in depth. Save busy attractions like the Last Supper for early morning or late afternoon when tours are less crowded.
FAQs
Is one day enough to take all routes?
For City Sightseeing’s 4 routes, one day would be very rushed. You’d only have time for quick stops. For Milan Open Tour’s 2 routes, one day works if you’re selective about where you hop off. A 48-hour ticket gives you a much more relaxed pace.
What time do the buses operate?
City Sightseeing’s earliest buses start at 09:30 (Blue Line from Central Station). Most lines run until around 16:00-17:00 for last departures. Milan Open Tour runs 10:00-17:30. Check the specific route times above, as each line has different schedules.
How many routes are there and what do they cover?
City Sightseeing has 4 routes covering 43 stops (historic center, modern district, sports venues, and canals). Milan Open Tour has 2 routes covering 37 stops (a comprehensive tour and a highlights tour).
Which route should I take to see famous monuments like Duomo and Sforza Castle?
Both Duomo and Sforza Castle appear on multiple routes from both operators. City Sightseeing’s Red Line connects these two landmarks most directly. Milan Open Tour’s Highlights Line also covers both in a compact loop.
Can I do all routes in one day?
Technically yes, but you won’t have time to actually explore anything. You’d spend 6-8 hours just riding buses. Better to pick 1-2 routes per day and actually hop off to see the sights.
How long does a full loop take?
City Sightseeing routes range from 50 minutes (Red Line) to 80 minutes (Green Line). Milan Open Tour’s both routes take 2 hours each for a complete loop.
Will we be able to see the actual Last Supper painting on the hop-on-hop-off bus tour?
No. The Last Supper is inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church. You can’t see it from the bus. Both operators stop near the church (Cenacolo stop), but you need to book separate timed tickets to go inside and see the painting. Book weeks ahead as tickets sell out.
Is there a charge to go in and see the Last Supper?
Yes. Last Supper tickets are separate from your bus tour and cost around €15-€20. You must book online in advance. Walk-up tickets are almost never available.
Can you bring luggage on the bus?
Small bags and backpacks are fine. Large suitcases might be problematic on crowded buses. If you’re traveling with luggage, consider storing it at Central Station or your hotel first.
How often do the buses run?
It varies by route. City Sightseeing’s Blue Line runs most frequently. The Red and Yellow Lines come every 50-75 minutes. Milan Open Tour buses arrive every 20-30 minutes on both routes.
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both City Sightseeing and Milan Open Tour accommodate wheelchairs and strollers on their buses.
What languages are the audio guides available in?
City Sightseeing offers 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, plus two others. Milan Open Tour has 11 languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Would Sunday be a good day to go, or will many places be closed?
Sunday works fine for the bus tour itself. Most outdoor sights are always visible. Some churches hold services in the morning, and smaller museums might have reduced hours. Major attractions like the Duomo and Sforza Castle stay open on Sundays.
Is the hop-on-hop-off worth it in Milan?
If you want to see multiple neighborhoods and major landmarks without walking for hours, yes. The audio commentary adds context to what you’re seeing. The flexibility to hop off whenever something catches your eye is the real value. Milan’s spread-out layout makes the bus more useful here than in more compact cities.