The Last Supper tickets: how to visit Milan’s most iconic artwork

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the most extraordinary masterpieces in the world — more than just a painting, it is a moment in history, frozen in time on the walls of the refectory at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Even after 500 years, this breathtaking fresco continues to fascinate art lovers and travellers alike.

However, visiting The Last Supper is no simple task. Tickets are released in limited batches and sell out almost instantly, making planning essential if you want to see it in person. But don’t worry — I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll explain everything you need to know, from how and when to book tickets to tips for securing your spot. I’ll also share whether a guided tour is worth it and what other Leonardo-related sites in Milan you shouldn’t miss. Let’s dive in!

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Securing tickets for The Last Supper can be one of the trickiest parts of planning your trip to Milan. Demand is incredibly high, and with strict visitor limits, tickets sell out almost instantly. But don’t worry — once you know when and where to book, the process becomes much easier.

The only official online platform for booking tickets is the VivaTicket website. Any other options involve calling or booking through a private guide. Tickets are released every three months, so advance planning is essential. For example, reservations for visits between 1st May 2025 and 31st July 2025 opened on 18th March 2025 at noon. Beyond that, tickets for later dates won’t be available until the next release.

When I checked the website on 25th March, the only remaining slots were for the last week of July — not ideal if you have a specific date in mind. To avoid missing out, I recommend setting a reminder for the exact day when new tickets become available. If you’re aiming for a particular date, be ready to book the moment sales open, as they disappear within minutes.

Ticket Prices:

• Full price: €15.00
• Reduced price: €2.00
• Official museum guidebook (ITA, ENG, FR, SP): optional extra available at checkout

If you missed out on standard tickets

Tickets for The Last Supper sell out incredibly fast, and if you weren’t able to secure one in time, a guided tour can be your best alternative. Many tours include guaranteed entry to the refectory, so even if the general admission tickets are gone, you’ll still have a chance to see the masterpiece. While tours tend to be more expensive—starting at around €80 — they can be a lifesaver if visiting The Last Supper is high on your Milan bucket list.

If you want a deeper experience

Even if you’ve managed to book a standard ticket, a guided tour can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the painting and its history. Alongside visiting the refectory, most tours also include access to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which requires a separate ticket. A knowledgeable guide will share fascinating details about Leonardo da Vinci’s technique, the restoration process, and the symbolism hidden within the fresco. You’ll also get to explore the church and its beautiful garden, making your visit even more enriching.

So, whether you need a ticket or simply want to make the most of your visit, a guided tour is definitely worth considering!

• Arrive early. Be sure to pick up your tickets 30 minutes before your scheduled tour. Head to the building on the left side of the entrance, where you’ll need to present your transaction code and ID. Without the code, you won’t be able to enter, so make sure to have it ready.
• Strict entry times. Entrance is only permitted at the exact time stated on your booking, so plan accordingly to avoid missing your slot.
• Leave your belongings. Once you arrive, the staff will direct you to a designated area where you’ll need to leave your belongings. You’ll only be allowed to bring essentials such as your ticket, phone, and camera. Make sure to store any larger bags or personal items in the provided lockers or areas to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit.
• Plan for a peaceful atmosphere. The fresco is housed in a quiet and reflective space, so ensure you maintain a respectful silence while inside. This is not only to preserve the atmosphere but also to fully appreciate the art in front of you.
• Combine your visit with nearby attractions. Since The Last Supper is located near other Leonardo-related sites like Sforza Castle and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, it’s a great idea to make a day of it. Don’t miss the chance to explore these historical spots that are just a short walk away.

I don’t know what else to say to convince you to visit Milan — so I’ll keep it simple: it’s The Last Supper! Even today, over 500 years after it was painted, this fresco is absolutely breathtaking. It doesn’t just sit on the wall — it feels like an extension of the room itself, as if Leonardo da Vinci captured a living moment in time.

Before my visit, I read a story about a woman who cried when she saw it. Honestly, I didn’t believe her. I mean, how can a painting make you cry? But standing there, face to face with this masterpiece, I finally understood. The sheer beauty of it, the delicate expressions, the fading yet powerful details— it’s overwhelming. And then it hits you: how rare this experience is. How hard it is to get a ticket. How many people will never get the chance to see it in person. If you’re lucky enough to stand in that room, you can’t help but feel the weight of history around you.

As you make your way to the refectory, take a moment to soak in the surroundings — the peaceful garden of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the quiet anticipation in the corridors, and the centuries of admiration this fresco has inspired. Seeing The Last Supper isn’t just about looking at a painting; it’s about feeling part of something truly timeless.

The Last Supper fresco by Leonardo da Vinci is located in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.

By metro. The easiest way to reach the Cenacolo Vinciano is by taking the M1 Red Line and getting off at Cadorna station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie.

By tram. You can also take tram number 16, which stop near Santa Maria delle Grazie.

On foot. If you're staying in Milan's historic centre, Santa Maria delle Grazie is about 25 minutes' walk from the Duomo or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

By taxi. Taxis or services like Uber are also available. Simply tell your driver you want to go to Santa Maria delle Grazie, and they’ll drop you off right by the entrance to the museum.

Address: Cenacolo Vinciano, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milan, Italy

• Piazza della Scala – this square is home to a statue of Leonardo and his four students, making it a perfect spot to admire a tribute to one of history's greatest minds. It’s also a great place to soak up the refined atmosphere of Milan’s theatre district.
• Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) – just a short walk from the city centre, this iconic castle houses several museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art. Leonardo da Vinci spent considerable time here, working on various projects for the Sforza family. As a result, the castle is deeply tied to his legacy and a must-visit for anyone interested in his work.
• Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – home to the Atlantic Codex, a collection of Leonardo’s personal drawings and notes, this museum is an essential stop for anyone wishing to delve into the brilliant creativity of da Vinci. It provides a rare glimpse into his thinking through sketches and writings.

Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Leonardo in Milan!

Visiting The Last Supper was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s so much more than just seeing a famous painting—it’s about feeling the weight of history and the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci come to life before your eyes. Yes, getting a ticket can be tricky, but trust me, it’s worth every bit of effort.

Whether you manage to book a standard ticket or opt for a guided tour, standing in front of this masterpiece is a moment you won’t forget. So, if you’re planning a trip to Milan, make sure The Last Supper is high on your list—it's something you'll carry with you long after you've left.