Milan With Autistic Children

Milan is another Italian city with a lot to offer families, even those travelling with an autistic child. Visiting Milan with an autistic child could be difficult, but my guide should help you make the most of your time in Milan.

Getting To Milan

First off, it is worth mentioning that there are multiple airports that serve Milan: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate and Milan Bergamo. I have only flown into Milan Bergamo but I will give an overview of all three airports are they are all very popular with tourists visiting Milan.

1. From Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Milan City Centre

• Train: The Malpensa Express is the most popular and convenient option. It takes approximately 50 minutes to Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale). It uses direct trains that go to both Milan Central Station (Milano Centrale) and Cadorna Station. They leave every 15-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
• Shuttle Bus: Several companies offer shuttle buses from Malpensa to Milan. The journey takes approximately 50-60 minutes to Milan Central Station with trains leaving every 20-30 minutes. There are several companies offering this service and they are Terravision, Autostradale, and Malpensa Shuttle. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
• Taxi: A taxi takes approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic with a fixed fare of around €95 to Milan city centre. Taxis are available 24/7 outside the terminals.
• Private Transfer: Private transfers take approximately 45-60 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door service, which can be more convenient, especially with luggage or in groups. The cost varies depending on the service provider.

2. From Linate Airport (LIN) to Milan City Centre

• Bus: The Urban Bus 73 is a local bus service to Milan’s city centre, and takes approximately 30 minutes to Piazza San Babila. It leaves every 10 minutes and tickets are available at the airport or via local ticket apps.
• Shuttle Buses: Dedicated airport shuttles to Milan Central Station take approximately 25 minutes. There are a couple of companies offering this: Air Bus (run by ATM), and Starfly. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.
• Taxi: A taxi will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and costs approximately €20-30 to Milan city centre. Taxis are available outside the terminal.
• Private Transfer: This costs approximately 20-30 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers offer door-to-door service and the cost varies depending on the service provider.

3. From Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) to Milan City Centre

• Shuttle Buses: The primary option for reaching Milan from Orio al Serio is shuttle bus, it takes approximately 50-60 minutes to Milan Central Station. The companies offering this shuttle service are Terravision, Autostradale, and Orio Shuttle. They leave every 20-30 minutes and tickets can be purchased at the airport or online. This is what we did, as we flew into Bergamo.
• Taxi: A taxi takes approximately 50-60 minutes and costs approximately €100-120 to Milan city centre. Taxis are available outside the terminal.
• Private Transfer: A private transfer takes approximately 50-60 minutes. Pre-booked private transfers offer a comfortable and convenient option. The cost varies depending on the service provider.

Where To Stay

In Milan, we chose to stay near to the train station. This is because on our last day in Milan we had to get the train to Savona to board a cruise. The train station and the bus station that the airport shuttle drops you from are both central.

Family-Friendly Activities in Milan

The Duomo

The Duomo di Milano is the heart of the city and one of the most breathtaking cathedrals in Europe. Its white marble façade is covered in intricate carvings, spires and statues that feel almost fairytale-like up close. Inside, the vast space is cool and atmospheric, with towering columns and beautiful stained glass windows. For families, the real highlight is taking the lift (or stairs) up to the rooftop terraces, where you can walk among the spires and enjoy panoramic views across Milan — on a clear day, you can even see the Alps. It’s busy, but it’s iconic for a reason.

Plan ahead and grab your Duomo di Milano tickets online via GetYourGuide.

Acquatica Waterpark

Acquatica Waterpark is Milan’s main outdoor water park and a brilliant option if you’re visiting in warmer months and need a break from sightseeing. There are high-speed slides for thrill-seekers, gentler flumes for younger children, and large pool areas where everyone can cool off. It’s well organised, with shaded areas, sunbeds and food outlets, making it easy to spend a full day here. For families travelling with children who need downtime or sensory breaks, it can be a good “reset” day between museum visits and city exploring.

Milan Civic Aquarium

The Milan Civic Aquarium (Acquario Civico di Milano) is small but charming, and perfect for a shorter, calmer activity. Located in Parco Sempione, it’s housed in a beautiful Liberty-style building and focuses mainly on freshwater species from Italian lakes and rivers, alongside some marine life. Because it’s compact, it’s manageable for younger children and those who may find larger aquariums overwhelming. The surrounding park also makes it easy to combine with outdoor time, which is always helpful on a city break.

Day Trip to Lake Como

A day trip to Lake Como offers a completely different atmosphere from busy Milan. Just over an hour by train, you’ll find dramatic mountain scenery, colourful lakeside villages and elegant villas set against sparkling water. You can explore towns such as Como, Bellagio or Varenna, take a ferry across the lake, or simply enjoy an ice cream by the waterfront. It’s slower paced and scenic, making it a refreshing contrast to the city and a lovely way to balance culture with nature during your trip.

I highly recommend checking out GetYourGuide for day trips, tours and attraction tickets and you can find my discount code for GetYourGuide here. They do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como with stops in Bellagio and Lugano.

Navigli Canal Boat Cruise

The Navigli district is known for its historic canals, lively cafés and relaxed evening atmosphere. A canal boat cruise offers a unique way to see this part of Milan from the water, gliding past traditional houses and learning about the area’s history — including its links to Leonardo da Vinci’s canal engineering work. Cruises are typically short and gentle, making them an easy add-on activity. Afterwards, you can explore the surrounding streets, browse independent shops or stop for gelato along the canal.

If you want to plan ahead, you can book a Navigli Canal Boat Cruise via GetYourGuide before you even leave for Milan!

Leonardo Da Vinci Science and Technology Museum

The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Milan. Housed in a former monastery, it features hands-on exhibits covering space, transport, energy and engineering, alongside fascinating models based on Leonardo da Vinci’s original designs. Children can explore real trains, planes and even a submarine, while interactive displays make complex ideas more accessible. It’s large enough to fill several hours and is a great choice for curious kids who enjoy learning by doing rather than just looking.

Get your tickets for the Leondaro Da Vinci Science and Technology Museum ahead of time via GetYourGuide.

Milan Natural History Museum

Our favourite experience in Milan was the Natural History Museum. It was an informative, but peaceful museum that gave us a break from the cold weather in Milan in November.

This was the first trip that we really noticed how hard Travis was struggling (but were unaware it was autism at the time) and this museum felt like it saved a trip that I otherwise felt like cancelling.

Getting Around Milan With Autistic Children

As with most of our trips – we walked almost everywhere. The exception to this is that we took the shuttle bus from the airport to Milan city centre and then we got on a train to Savona on the day we left Milan. It was easy enough to walk around, but was the first trip we did not bring a stroller with us and it was very hard on our autistic son who really struggled. I’d recommend a stroller if you plan to walk around Milan.

You could also consider getting tickets for the Milan hop-on hop-off bus to make your sightseeing so much easier. For something a bit more unique, why not explore Milan by golf cart!

Is Milan Autism-Friendly?

Milan can be considered autism-friendly in many respects, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. The city’s cultural institutions, public services, and support organizations are increasingly aware of the needs of neurodiverse individuals, offering various accommodations and resources. However, as with any large city, experiences can vary, so it’s important to plan ahead, make use of available resources, and consider individual preferences and needs.

Things That Make Stand Out

• Milan is a large city, and some areas can be crowded and bustling. However, the city is generally well-organized, and with proper planning, it’s possible to navigate the city while avoiding overwhelming situations. Using maps or apps to plan quieter routes or visiting times can be helpful.
• Some museums and cultural institutions in Milan, such as the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology and MUDEC – Museum of Cultures, offer programs tailored to neurodiverse visitors. These may include sensory-friendly sessions, quieter visiting hours, or specially trained staff to assist families.
• Milan has several parks and green areas, such as Parco Sempione and Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, which provide peaceful environments ideal for relaxation and sensory breaks. These spaces can offer a retreat from the busier parts of the city.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in. Head over to my Italy travel page for all my guides to travelling in Italy with autistic children.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our Italy PECS and Milan PECS to add to your trip.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

You may also enjoy some of my other Italy destination guides:

• Rome with autistic children
• Bari with autistic children