Milan Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

What is a Hop-on Hop-off tour?

A hop-on hop-off tour is a flexible and stress-free way to experience a city. You can hop on these buses to enjoy a guided route with top attractions and hop off whenever you want to explore a spot in more detail. Most tours include multilingual audio guides, so you’ll get interesting facts and stories about the city in a language you are familiar with. The best part? You can choose a ticket duration that suits your trip – 24, 48, or 72 hours!

How to choose the best Hop-on Hop-off tour

Choosing the right hop-on hop-off tour in Milan comes down to what matters most to you. Both City Sightseeing and Milan Open Tour offer flexible 24, 48, and 72-hour passes, multilingual audio guides, and easy accessibility. But a few key differences set them apart. Here’s how to decide which one suits your travel style best:

1. Routes and Stops: If you’re all about covering more ground, City Sightseeing has the edge with four different routes and over 40 stops, compared to Milan Open Tour’s two routes with 38 stops. More routes mean a greater variety of landmarks and neighborhoods to explore, which is perfect for travelers who want to see it all.
2. Extra Perks and Add-ons: For those looking to bundle sightseeing with major attractions, City Sightseeing offers combo tickets that include entry to Milan’s Duomo and the Leonardo3 Museum, as well as a one-way transfer from Malpensa Airport, based on the option selected. On the other hand, Milan Open Tour keeps it simple but throws in discounts at the 120z coffee shop, making it a nice perk for caffeine lovers.
3. Onboard Comfort and Convenience: Both operators offer free WiFi and multilingual audio guides, but Milan Open Tour steps it up with USB charging ports and the option to buy snacks and drinks onboard. If you like the idea of sipping a coffee while cruising past the city’s landmarks, this could be a deciding factor.
4. Tech and Navigation: While both tours include digital walking tours via an app, City Sightseeing takes navigation a step further with live bus tracking and a detailed map. If you like knowing exactly when and where to catch your next ride, this feature can make exploring even smoother.

The Verdict? If you want the most extensive route coverage and attraction bundles, City Sightseeing is your best bet. But if you prefer added onboard comforts like charging ports and snacks, Milan Open Tour might be more your speed. Either way, you’re in for a fantastic, flexible way to experience Milan!

Finding the perfect Hop-on Hop-off pass duration

• Picking the right pass duration depends on your time and how deep you want to dive into Milan’s sights and culture. Whether you’re here for a whirlwind visit or a leisurely exploration, we have a pass that fits your pace!
• 24 Hours: If you’re short on time but still want to experience Milan’s highlights, a 24-hour pass is perfect. Hop on and enjoy a well-rounded introduction to the city while stopping at must-see landmarks like Duomo Cathedral Square, the Arch of Peace, and Castle Piazza Castello. Stick to one or two key routes to maximize your time and soak in Milan’s iconic sights without feeling rushed.
• 48 Hours: For travelers who want to immerse themselves in Milan’s rich culture, a 48-hour pass is ideal. We recommend taking the full tour once to get a feel for the city, then using the second day to hop off and explore your favorite spots at your own pace. You can visit museums, enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, and stroll through charming districts with extra time. Plan ahead and book individual experiences to make the most of your visit, and be sure to take advantage of all available routes for a well-rounded Milan adventure.
• 72 Hours: If you want to truly experience Milan without rushing, the 72-hour pass is the way to go. This pass gives you the freedom to explore every route, revisit your favorite spots, and even change up the pace with a combo ticket to the Leonardo3 Museum or Milan Duomo. Take the tour twice, explore hidden gems, and enjoy a slow-paced, flexible itinerary that lets you savor the city’s art, history, and food scene at your leisure. 

Top sights covered

1. Duomo di Milano: Duomo di Milano is Milan’s most famous landmark and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Its intricate façade, towering spires, and stunning stained glass windows make it an architectural masterpiece. 
2. Palazzo Lombardia: Palazzo Lombardia is a modern skyscraper and the seat of the Lombardy regional government. Its sleek glass and steel design contrasts with Milan’s traditional architecture and it is also known for its terrace that offers sweeping views of the Milan skyline.
3. Via Manzoni: Via Manzoni is one of Milan’s most elegant streets, known for its luxury boutiques, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks. It connects Piazza della Scala to the fashionable Brera district and is home to high-end hotels and designer stores. It is also home to the Museum of the 19th-Century Italian Romantic poet Alessandro Manzoni.
4. Triennale Milano Avenue: Triennale Milano Avenue leads to the Triennale Design Museum, a major center for contemporary art, design, and architecture. Located within Parco Sempione, it hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing Italy’s contributions to global design. 
5. Arch of Peace: The Arch of Peace is a grand neoclassical monument at the entrance of Parco Sempione. Commissioned by Napoleon in the early 19th century, it celebrates European peace and features intricate bas-reliefs and bronze statues. Currently, it is the gateway to the Central Park in Milan. 
6. Cairoli Foro Buonaparte: Cairoli Foro Buonaparte is an ancient square in central Milan, situated near Sforza Castle. It serves as a key transit hub with tree-lined streets, cafés, and elegant 19th-century buildings. The square is named after General Francesco Cairoli, an important figure in Italian unification.

Tips to make the best of your Hop-on Hop-off Milan tour

1. Use Michelin’s Bib Gourmand page to discover top-quality restaurants with affordable prices. It’s a great way to enjoy authentic Milanese cuisine without overspending.
2. Visit Milano Da Scrocco’s website to find free concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events happening across the city.
3. Allegedly, for the best beer in Milan, head to Birrificio di Lambrate, a legendary craft brewery with two equally great pubs side-by-side serving the same excellent selection of beers.
4. If you love themed spots, stop by Rabbit Hole Café, an Alice in Wonderland-inspired café with a magical atmosphere.
5. For a unique aperitivo, try Il Cappellaio Matto which is also inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and offers creative cocktails in a quirky setting, making it a fun spot for an evening drink.