Last Updated on December 1, 2024 by Jade and Deeshen

Duomo Milan Dress Code

Are you ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral, but worried about what to wear and the Milan Duomo dress code? We’ve got you covered.

As Italy travel writers, we believe the Duomo Milan stands as the pinnacle must visit spot in Mila in our Milan Itinerary for 2 days.

It is the 3rd largest church in Italy with stunning stained glass windows, breathtaking rooftop terraces, and a rich history dating back to the 14th century.

Before you visit the most beloved landmark in Italy’s fashion capital, there’s one crucial detail to consider: the Milan Duomo Dress Code.

Security at the Duomo can be strict. Don’t risk being turned away at the entrance!

In this article, we’ll share the inside scoop on the dress code requirements, what you can and can’t wear, the best ticket options, opening hours, and tips for navigating the cathedral stress-free.

We recommend you stay at least 2-3 nights in Milan at our favorite hotel The Corner Duomo Hotel Milan. It’s super luxurious, spacious, centrally located in downtown Milan near the Duomo, and some rooms even have a hot tub and sauna!

2 other hotels we love are Hotel Indigo Milan and the Hotel Gran Duca Di York, with the perfect vintage vibes and superb service. Readers also love our guide to the best 5 star hotels in Milan.

Also, here are the best guided tours for Milan Duomo and to Lake Como: (yes, you should book in advance!)

• ⭐Best Guided Tour Tickets of Milan Duomo with Fast Track – Expert guided tour + elevator ride to rooftop terraces (plus, skip-the-line + 24 hours free cancellation). We recommend this one!
  
  
• ⭐From Milan: Best Boat Cruise to Lake Como, Lugano, and Bellagio – Cross the border from Italy to Switzerland in just a day! Explore Lake Como with a private boat tour, and discover villas and Bellagio.
  
  
• ⭐Milan: Best Tour by Train to Swiss Alps & St. Moritz Day Trip – Take a ride on the Bernina red train, one of the most scenic railway routes and experience Switzerland in a day trip from Milan!

Milan Duomo Cathedral Dress Code and What Not to Wear

Familiarizing yourself with the Milan Duomo dress code is essential for a smooth and respectful visit.

Access to the cathedral is only possible in appropriate clothing.

This means covered knees and no bare shoulders, sandals, headgear or sunglasses. More recommendations on the Duomo Milan clothing rule, what you can and can’t wear below.

How strict is the duomo dress code?

Yes, the Milan Duomo enforces a strict dress code to preserve the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere and cultural significance as one of Italy’s most beloved landmarks.

Remember, the Milan Duomo is a place of worship and a church, so dressing modestly is key! We dressed appropriately for Sundays best.

Security personnel reserve the right to deny entry to visitors who don’t adhere to the dress code. So don’t think about sneaking anything in.

Only persons who are dressed appropriately are permitted to enter the cathedral. Plunging necklines, skirts, and shorts should altogether be avoided.

What to Wear in Duomo Milan?

Milan Duomo Dress Code General Guidelines

• Shoulders & knees covered: Ensure that your attire covers both your shoulders and knees. Opt for long pants, skirts, or dresses that extend below the knee.
• Modest clothing: Choose tasteful and respectful attire. Avoid revealing, ripped, or overly casual clothing.
• Appropriate footwear: Comfortable and closed-toe shoes are ideal. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted due to safety concerns on uneven surfaces within the Duomo. Heels are allowed, I wore my heels and was allowed in.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Men

• Long trousers: Opt for long trousers that cover the knees.
• Sleeved shirts: Appropriate T-shirts and shirts covering shoulders are preferable for men.
• Prohibited prints & graphics: The dress code prohibits shirts or T-shirts with obscene or inappropriate prints and graphics.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Women

• Dresses or skirts: Opt for dresses or skirts that extend past the knees. Pants would work too.
• Covered shoulders: Wear tops or blouses with sleeves that cover your shoulders. Sleeveless tops and low-cut clothing are not allowed.
• Appropriate tops: Refrain from wearing backless and/or low-cut tops.

Readers also love our guides on the best time to visit Duomo Milan and is Duomo rooftop worth it.

Milan Duomo Dress Code for Kids

Children are expected to follow the same general dress code as adults. Ensure their clothing covers their shoulders and knees for a respectful visit. Remember to dress them comfortably while adhering to the code, especially during hot weather.

Here are the best tours for the Milan: (yes, you should book in advance for the best tour operators and deals!)

⭐Best Guided Tour Tickets of Milan Duomo with Fast Track – Expert guided tour + elevator ride to rooftop terraces (plus, skip-the-line + 24 hours free cancellation). We recommend this one!


⭐Milan: Best Private Boat Tour to Como Lake, Lugano, and Bellagio – Cross the border from Italy to Switzerland in just a day. Explore Lake Como with a private boat tour, discover villas and Bellagio.


⭐Milan: Best Tour by Train to Swiss Alps & St. Moritz Day Trip – Take a ride on the Bernina red train, one of the most scenic railway routes and experience Switzerland in a day trip from Milan!

What you cannot wear at the Duomo di Milano?

Here’s what not to wear at the Milan cathedral or you’ll be refused entry.

• Bare Shoulders: Avoid sleeveless tops, tank tops, or clothing that exposes your shoulders.
• Short Shorts & Miniskirts: Steer clear of shorts and miniskirts that don’t meet the knee requirement.
• Flip Flops: These shoes are not allowed due to safety concerns on uneven surfaces.
• Inappropriate Graphics: Clothing with offensive or obscene prints or graphics is a no-go.

Things Not Allowed Inside the Duomo di Milano:

• High-heeled shoes (for safety)
• Shorts
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Baby strollers
• Smoking
• Food and drinks
• Large luggage or bags
• Short skirts
• Drones (not allowed to fly inside the Duomo)
• Pets (except assistance dogs)
• Sleeveless shirts
• Sprays or Aerosols
• Glass objects
• Costumes
• Party groups
• See-through clothing

Also, don’t forget to download these best apps for Italy before you go!

What if You Don’t Meet the Dress Code?

Don’t fret if your outfit doesn’t quite match the guidelines. Here are some solutions:

• Carry a Cover-Up: Pack a scarf or shawl to drape over your shoulders or legs if needed.
  
  
• Shop Nearby: Explore the area around the Duomo. Many shops sell affordable clothing options that comply with the dress code.
  
  
• Ask for help: Even if not in compliance, maintain a respectful attitude, as staff may offer solutions or exemptions.
  
  When we were visiting, Jade had a big purse and a tripod that security did not allow her to bring them inside. We had to ask a nearby store if they could hold it for her for 2 hours. When we came back, we picked it up and bought a souvenir.
  
  
• Go Back to Your Hotel: As a last resort, walk back to your hotel to drop off the item that is not allowed.

Planning Your Duomo Milan Visit:

Plan your Milan trip with our Milan for 3 days itinerary and date ideas in Milan.

The TOP thing you must do when visiting Milan is to visit the Duomo di Milano, a magnificent Gothic cathedral and the third largest in the world.

The Cathedral’s construction began in 1386 and spanned over six centuries, and the Duomo is still under construction today.

We highly recommend booking the Fast Track ticket to both the Milan Duomo and Rooftop terraces for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, and marvel at the cathedral’s intricate carvings and sculptures.

You can also opt for a guided tour of Duomo di Milano and here is the best one. We explain in detail the ticket options below.

As a couple, we were absolutely mesmerized by the intricate details of the stunning roof top terraces, intricate architecture, stained glass windows, and breathtaking rooftop views of the Milan Duomo. It was worth the trip to Milan alone!

Milan Cathedral Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Piazza del Duomo, easy accessible by metro (line 1 or 3 stop ‘Duomo’)

Milan Duomo Tickets (Milan Cathedral)

To visit the inside of Cathedral and its rooftop you will need to buy tickets. They provide multiple options for the tickets, however for we were mostly curious to visit the rooftop and there are 3 main Milan Duomo Ticket options to choose from:

#1) Milan Duomo Elevator Tickets Best Deal to Rooftop Terraces: **Highly Recommended** In this option, you can reach the rooftop via a elevator lift. This FastTrack ticket gives you entry from the back of the Duomo via an elevator, which has no line! Plus you get to skip-the-line and have 24 hours free cancellation.

There’s really nothing to see while climbing the stairs, just brick walls – so don’t worry, you’re not missing out on anything and you can still climb the stairs while coming down. The real view is up at the rooftop terraces.

#2) Milan Duomo Tickets if you want to climb the stairs up to the rooftop: In this option you can reach the rooftop by climbing 463 stairs.

#3) Take a Guided Tour: The Duomo is a fascinating place with a rich history, and a guided tour is a great way to learn more about it. Tours are available in a variety of languages, and they typically last for about an hour. If you’re a history and art lover, you’ll love this. We like the freedom to explore as a couple more so we chose option #1.

Milan Duomo Opening Hours

Duomo Milan Opening Hours	TIMINGS
Monday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday (Today)	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Thursday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday	8:00 am – 7:00 pm

Duomo: 8 AM to 7 PM
Duomo Terraces and RoofTop: 9 AM to 7 PM
Last admission: 6:10 PM
Closed: The Duomo Milan cathedral, Archaeological Area, and the Duomo rooftops are open daily, while the Duomo Museum remains closed on Mondays.

7 Expert tips when visiting the Duomo Di Milano:

• Consider buying skip-the-line tickets. The Duomo is one of Milan’s most popular attractions, and the lines can get very long, especially during peak season.
  
  By purchasing skip-the-line tickets, you can save yourself precious time on your vacation.
  
  We highly recommend getting the Milan Duomo FastTrack Tickets to take an elevator straight up to the duomo rooftop and terraces. Fyi, there’s nothing to see inside the stairs itself.
  
  
• Bring identification: A Passport or ID card is required to enter.
  
  
• Wear comfortable shoes: There’s a lot to see at the Duomo, and you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
  
  
• Check out our 21 best apps for traveling in Italy: These apps came in super handy for booking everything from trains, taxis, food, and more.
  
  
• Wear closed toe shoes: Did you know that the Milan Cathedral is still under construction? Keep your feet safe by wearing closed toe shoes.
  
  
• Take a day trip after Milan by planning a visit to Venice with our one day in Venice Itinerary where you can take a romantic gondola ride. Other great options are to visit Cinque Terre to see the five colorful villages and capture memories at the best photo spots in Cinque Terre.
  
  Alternatively, spend 24 hours in Florence and stay at our favorite hotel (pssst. here’s our Oltrarno Splendid hotel review) that’s a 15 minute walk to the Florence Duomo (another must see Duomo).
  
  If you don’t want to do extra planning and want to have a tour company take care of it all, this Day Trip from Milan to Venice with Guided City Tour and this Day Trip from Milan to Cinque Terre Guided Tour With Cruise are both highly rated with 5 star reviews.
  
  
• Go get Coffee and Shopping Afterwards: We loved sipping on a cup of Italian espresso while people-watching at the Cathedral square, taking in the lively atmosphere, and admiring the impressive architecture! It was inspiring to see how the city center hosted so many events for the community including international wine events and more.
  

Milan Duomo Dress Code and What to Wear Additional FAQs:

Why does Duomo di Milano have a dress code?

The Duomo dress code fosters respect for the religious significance of the cathedral and upholds the cultural heritage of this landmark. A standardized dress code ensures a respectful environment for all visitors, allowing everyone to appreciate the Duomo’s scared environment.

Does Milan Duomo (Duomo di Milano Cathedral) have a dress code?

 Yes, it enforces a dress code to preserve the cathedral’s sacred atmosphere. The dress code is strict there are many things you cannot wear.

Can you wear shorts in the Duomo Milan? 

No, shorts that don’t cover the knees are not allowed.

Can men wear shorts in the Duomo Milan? 

It’s best to avoid shorts altogether. Opt for long pants to ensure a smooth entry.

Can you wear sandals in the Duomo Milan? 

Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted due to safety concerns.

Final Thoughts: Duomo Milan Dress Code

We hope these travel tips helped you understand the what to wear to Duomo Milan and its clothing rules, and plan for it!

These travel tips help ensure a smooth entry and also contribute to maintaining the sanctity and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

If you’ve been to Milan, we’d love to hear what were your favorite thing you did below.

More about Milan:

2 Days in Milan: How to See the Best of Milan Complete Itinerary
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Is Uber in Milan: Complete Guide
Best Things to do in Milan for Couples (and 17 fun date ideas!)
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