Duomo Cathedral of Milan Tickets

The price to visit the Duomo Milan depends on the type of ticket you choose. Basic ticket entry costs about €10 for adults and €5 for children. Rooftop access entry costs from €10 to €15 depending on whether you take the elevator or stairs. Fast track prices for these tickets usually range from €12 to €18. There are also combo tickets available that you can purchase based on what you want to cover.

The best time to visit the Duomo of Milan is during weekdays especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon because there are usually fewer people. The cathedral is open from 9 AM to 7 PM so it is a good idea to arrive right when it opens or after 4 PM to avoid the busiest times.
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) give you a good starting point to learn about the Duomo of Milan. Whether you want to know about its history, architecture, or the best way to visit this guide can help you. With these FAQs, you can make the most of your visit to this famous Italian landmark.

Yes – for tourist visits, you need a ticket to enter Milan’s Duomo. The only exception is if you are attending Mass or entering specifically to pray, in which case there is a separate entrance for worshippers that does not require a ticket. Aside from those religious services, all visitors must purchase an admission ticket to access the cathedral’s interior or other areas of the Duomo complex.

You can reach the famous rooftop terraces of the Duomo in one of two ways: by stairs or by elevator. There is a stairwell of roughly 250–260 steps that you can climb on foot to reach the roof. Alternatively, you can take an elevator (lift) which brings you up to the first level of the terraces in a few seconds. But note that even if you take the elevator, you will still need to walk up a short flight of stairs to get to the highest rooftop level, and all visitors must descend via stairs through the cathedral when leaving the roof. Access to the terraces requires a special ticket (separate or combined with cathedral entry).

Absolutely yes. It is highly recommended to buy your Duomo tickets online in advance. Tickets often sell out, especially during peak tourism season, and the on-site ticket lines can be extremely long. By booking ahead, you’ll save time waiting in queues and ensure you have entry secured for your desired day. In short, advance tickets (ideally with “skip-the-line” access) will make your visit much smoother.

Yes. The Duomo di Milano is an active church, so visitors are expected to dress modestly. In practice, this means:

• Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts above the knee.
• No revealing clothing. Low-cut, backless, or see-through garments are not permitted.
• Remove hats or caps inside. Headgear (unless worn for religious reasons) must be taken off inside the cathedral.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Beachwear like flip-flops is discouraged – opt for comfortable, closed-toe shoes, especially if you plan to climb the stairs.

This dress code is a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site, so be sure to plan your outfit accordingly.

Yes – the dress code at the Duomo is strictly enforced. Security staff at the entrance will deny you entry if you are not dressed according to the rules, even if you have a paid ticket. In practice, that means you should be prepared with a cover-up (like a scarf or shawl) if needed, because visitors not meeting the dress code will be turned away or asked to cover up before entering. (The rules are slightly more relaxed for just visiting the rooftop or museum, but to enter the cathedral itself you must adhere to the code.)

Visiting inside the Duomo and its rooftop terrace is definitely worth it. The cathedral’s interior is breathtaking – a vast space filled with soaring pillars, stained-glass windows, and historic artworks that many travelers find awe-inspiring.

Even more unique is the experience of walking among the Duomo’s spires on the roof, where you can admire the intricate marble statues up close and enjoy panoramic views of Milan. Many visitors call the rooftop terraces an unmissable highlight of Milan – on clear days you can even see the Alps in the distance. In fact, travel experts often say that touring the cathedral and climbing to the terraces is a must-do (one travel writer noted the Duomo rooftop alone is “100% worth it” and unlike anything else). If you have time, do both – the grandeur of the interior and the views from the top complement each other, making the full Duomo visit a memorable experience.

No, not for general tourists. Currently there is no special time of year or monthly free day when the Milan Duomo is open to visitors for free. In the past, the main cathedral was free to enter, but now it is “no longer free to enter” for sightseeing – all tourists must buy a ticket to visit the Duomo’s interior.

The only way to access the Duomo without paying is if you enter for religious worship (prayer or Mass), using the designated entrances for worshippers at certain times. These entrances allow free access to a reserved chapel/area for prayer, not for touring the whole cathedral. Aside from that, there are no free-entry days for the Duomo’s tourist visit (unlike some state museums that have free Sundays). Always budget for the ticket when planning your visit.

Visiting everything in the Duomo complex can take a couple of hours. Plan on roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to explore the entire Milan Cathedral in a relaxed, thorough manner. This estimate includes seeing the main cathedral interior, climbing up to the rooftop terraces, and checking out the underground archaeological area or crypt and the Duomo Museum across the street. If you only intend to see the cathedral itself (not the museum or rooftop), you might spend closer to an hour inside. However, to truly appreciate the Duomo’s interior and then enjoy the rooftop experience without rushing, a total visit time of about two to three hours is typical. Keep in mind that this does not include any waiting in line – if you go at a busy time and haven’t pre-booked tickets, queue times could add extra time. Overall, half a day is sufficient for a full Duomo visit, but it can be done faster if you are on a tight schedule.