Boasting a mix of old-world nostalgia and modern culture, Milan, Italy, is a city that will captivate any traveler with its charm and buzzing vibe.
From magnificent art galleries and architectural marvels to delicious traditional foods, every avenue listed will allow you to truly explore and experience the historical city.
With tips and suggestions from locals, this guide to Milan offers enough information to make your visit to Italy’s capital of cool as memorable and enjoyable as can be.
Iconic Sights & Historical Landmarks
1. Visit the Duomo di Milano
Dominating the center of Milan, the Duomo di Milano is a Gothic masterpiece. Its elaborate facade is covered in spires and statues, and it’s quite striking.
Don’t miss the chance to climb to the roof and gaze out at the city below. On a clear day, the view is even more spectacular, as Milan’s urban sprawl stretches out all the way to the nearby Alps.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the light for photos.
How to Get There: Easily accessible via the Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station.
2. See The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is among art’s most famous treasures and a hotspot to visit if you love art and history. Set in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it’s known by everyone around the world.
Best Time to Visit: Aim for a weekday visit for a slightly less crowded experience.
How to Get There: Accessible via the Metro (M1 Red Line) to Cadorna Station, then a short walk.
Tickets are hard to get (you have to book them in advance) for a visit but it’s worth making that extra effort!
3. Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Walk into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an awesome 19th-century-meets-modern opulent structure.
You’ll find luxury stores and fancy cafés as you walk under its glass and iron domed-archways. This is more than shopping — it’s a journey into history.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
How to Get There: Located next to the Duomo, easily reachable by Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station.
4. Explore Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
The Sforza Castle is a huge, imposing structure that is home to numerous museums and art exhibitions, including masterpieces from Michelangelo.
A walk inside is a walk through history. The nearby Parco Sempione offers a quiet respite from the city.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning to explore at a leisurely pace.
How to Get There: Reachable via the Metro (M1 Red Line) to Cairoli Station.
5. Tour Teatro alla Scala
As one of the world’s leading opera houses, La Scala is beautiful.
Visit for an opera or to take a tour of the theater’s backstage. Both the building and history are stunning. Spend a night indulging in the opulent surroundings and see its reputation is well-deserved.
Best Time to Visit: Evening for performances or during scheduled tours.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station and a short walk.
6. Walk through Piazza dei Mercanti
Hidden from the noisy streets, Piazza dei Mercanti is my favorite reminder of medieval Milan. This little square is out of the way and the tourists rarely come here, which makes it all the more special with its historic buildings and nooks.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a tranquil experience.
How to Get There: A short walk from the Duomo, easily accessible by Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Spots
7. Visit the Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)
Head down to the sprawling Monumental Cemetery, which is essentially an outdoor museum with ornate tombstones and sculptures.
It’s definitely a unique attraction in the city and shows a totally different side of Milan’s art culture. Wandering around the peaceful grounds provides an introspective break from the hectic pace of the city.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter visit.
How to Get There: Take the Metro (M5 Purple Line) to Monumentale Station.
8. Explore Brera District’s Small Art Galleries and Cafes
The Brera District is a kind of small village set within Milan. Its narrow streets brim with homey art galleries and snug cafés, coaxing you to meander.
It’s a pleasant place to walk at a slow pace, take in the bohemian vibes, and enjoy some modern and traditional art.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for relaxed gallery visits and evening for a vibrant café scene.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Lanza Station.
9. Climb Torre Branca for Panoramic Views
For a quieter place with good views, Torre Branca is well worth a visit. It offers panoramic views over Milan’s skyline, set against the greenery of Parco Sempione. It’s a relaxing spot to snap a few photos.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for ideal lighting and sunset views.
How to Get There: Located in Parco Sempione, accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Cairoli Station and a short walk.
10. Day Trip to Lake Como or Bergamo
For a quick getaway from Milan, head to Lake Como or historic Bergamo. Either way, you’ll have a taste of nature or (in Bergamo’s case) history.
And who wouldn’t want to see Lake Como’s “shimmering waters” or Bergamo’s “Renaissance architecture”?
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
How to Get There: Trains to Lake Como from Milan’s Central Station take about an hour. Trains to Bergamo are about 50 minutes from Milano Centrale
11. Relax in Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is a great stop when you need to rest. With its broad expanses of grass and shady lanes, you can spread out with some locals for a picnic and relax in nature.
It’s great for a walk or on a nice day.
Best Time to Visit: Midday on a sunny day for picnics and lounging.
How to Get There: Adjacent to Castello Sforzesco, accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Cairoli Station.
12. Tour Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
Don’t miss the chance to explore the private world of Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano — a 20th-century Italian art collection housed in a mint-condition apartment.
This “hidden” museum is a halfway between a visit to an older relative’s home and a profound, deeply educational art exhibit.
Best Time to Visit: Morning for a quieter exploration.
How to Get There: Reachable via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Lima Station.
Art, Culture & Museums
13. Tour Pinacoteca di Brera
If you’re a fan of Renaissance art, you absolutely have to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, with its beautiful works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and more.
Walking through its collection, you can easily imagine yourself in the artistic world of historical Italy. It’s amazing — an art lover’s paradise.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to enjoy the art without the crowds.
How to Get There: Take the Metro (M2 Green Line) to Lanza Station and walk a short distance.
14. Visit the Triennale Milano
The Triennale Milano is dedicated to design and modern art. It’s incredibly interesting and just a lot of fun as it helps you to understand just how much art and design are connected in your daily experiences. And because the exhibits change constantly, you can go again and again.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons for a relaxed experience.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Conciliazione Station and a short walk
15. Explore Museo del Novecento
The Museo del Novecento is where you go for 20th-century Italian art.
It covers everything from Futurism to chairs from famous designers. It’s a look at Italian creativity in the modern era.
You’ll appreciate the museum’s exhibitions that bridge the gap between past and present.
Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the views from the upper floors.
How to Get There: Located in Piazza del Duomo, easily accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station.
16. Discover Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science & Technology
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science & Technology lets your mind wander as you marvel at sci-fi-esque inventions both real and replica. Get hands-on with the exhibits and discover more about this enigmatic genius.
Best Time to Visit: Late morning to enjoy the interactive displays without rush.
How to Get There: Reachable by Metro (M2 Green Line) to Sant’Ambrogio Station.
17. Step Inside San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Dubbed by locals as “Milan’s Sistine Chapel”, the frescoes within San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore are amazing.
It’s a hidden gem in the city and you can’t help but be struck by its beauty and history.
Best Time to Visit: Early afternoon when natural light enhances the frescoes.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Cordusio Station.
18. Attend an Opera or Ballet at La Scala
Catch an opera or ballet at La Scala, if you have the opportunity. It’s an amazing experience, even if you’re not a big opera buff. The shows are sublime and the history and grandeur of the theater just make the night even more special.
Best Time to Visit: Evening performances for the full experience.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Duomo Station and a short walk.
Food, Drink & Local Experiences
19. Enjoy a Traditional Milanese Aperitivo
In Milan, aperitivo isn’t just a drink before dinner—it’s a way of life.
Imagine yourself here, sipping a Spritz or a Campari, snacking on cicchetti, and observing the ebbing of day across the Navigli or Brera while people get together to relax and converse.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening, around 6 PM, to catch the local vibe.
How to Get There: Navigli is accessible via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Porta Genova; Brera can be reached via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Lanza.
20. Try Risotto alla Milanese and Ossobuco at a Local Trattoria
One of my favorite things we did in Milan was to sit down and sample the city’s infamous cuisine. And what’s more traditional than Risotto alla Milanese?
This creamy saffron dish tastes even better with a side of oso buco, making it an unbeatable comfort food. Find both at a cozy trattoria, prepared by chefs who put their heart and soul into their food. You’ll get a true sense of Milan dining this way.
Best Time to Visit: Dinner time for an authentic Italian meal.
How to Get There: Trattorias can be found throughout central Milan, often near major Metro stops such as Duomo or Brera.
21. Join a Cooking Class or Food Tour
But what’s the best way to really get to know Milan’s food scene? By rolling up your sleeves and cooking it yourself.
Whether you take a cooking class or a food tour, you’ll never look at risotto or panettone the same way again.
And in the end, it’s a delicious and enjoyable way not only to get to know the culture better but also to bring a little bit of it home with you.
Best Time to Visit: Late morning to afternoon for full-day experiences.
How to Get There: Various locations across the city, often in central areas accessible by Metro.
22. Visit Eataly Milano Smeraldo
Eataly is a foodie’s Disney World.
This massive food market and dining complex has everything you need and nothing you don’t: cheeses, meat, cookbooks, kitchen utensils, fresh produce, you name it.
You can even watch them cook in the kitchen or try something delicious.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
How to Get There: Located near Porta Garibaldi, accessible via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Garibaldi FS.
23. Browse Mercato Centrale or Mercato di Via Fauche
Walk around local markets such as Mercato Centrale or Mercato di Via Fauche to breathe in the aroma of fresh fruits and veggies, Italian cheese, and coffee beans getting roasted fresh.
These markets are excellent for grabbing a few street food snacks and immersing yourself in the local scene, as this is where Milan locals actually shop, and it’s away from the touristy crowds.
Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon for the freshest offerings.
How to Get There: Mercato Centrale is near Porta Garibaldi; Mercato di Via Fauche can be accessed via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Domodossola.
24. Savor Gelato at a Historic Gelateria
You can’t visit Milan without eating gelato. Go to an old gelateria such as Gelateria della Musica or Cioccolatitaliani for fresh, bold flavors and traditional options.
Here, you can get yourself a bowl of something tasty that hits the spot and wakes up your taste buds, like stracciatella or something inspired and off the wall.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to early evening for a sweet treat.
How to Get There: Gelateria della Musica is accessible via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Porta Genova; Cioccolatitaliani can be found near central areas like Duomo.
Fashion, Shopping & Design
25. Window Shop in the Quadrilatero della Moda
In the center of Milan, you’ll find the Quadrilatero della Moda, a mecca for fashion enthusiasts. This exclusive neighborhood features elite streets like Via Monte Napoleone, and you can see all kinds of ritzy store windows.
Even if you’re not a fashion fan, it’s worth wandering for a peek intoMilan’s swanky fashions.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon for a relaxed stroll.
How to Get There: Take the Metro (M3 Yellow Line) to Montenapoleone Station.
26. Visit the Armani/Silos Museum
Step into the world of Giorgio Armani at the Armani/Silos Museum.
There you can immerse yourself into the Italian fashion designer’s world and see some amazing fashion exhibits that will teach you a lot about Armani’s innovations.
It’s not just clothes but a glimpse into the art and vision of iconic designs, and I found it super fascinating. If you love fashion or art, don’t miss it!
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Porta Genova Station, then a short walk.
27. Experience Milan Fashion Week
During Milan Fashion Week, the city center becomes a veritable mecca for all things fashion and design.
It’s a crazy, hectic, and fun week in the city but, if you can swing it, the environment is exciting and electric — you’ll get to see the fashion world up close and personal.
Best Time to Visit: Check the fashion week calendar for specific dates.
How to Get There: Various locations throughout Milan, typically accessible via Metro and public transportation.
28. Shop Local at Corso Buenos Aires
Corso Buenos Aires is the inexpensive shopping street in Milan and it’s filled on anything and everything.
From department stores and chains to all sorts of little Italian shops, you can find clothes for any budget. It’s a lively, busy place and a good street to max out your credit card on.
Fortunately, there are lots of cafes to take a shopping break too.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to avoid midday crowds.
How to Get There: Accessible via Metro (M1 Red Line) to Porta Venezia Station.
29. Visit Fondazione Prada
Where art meets architecture and fashion, you’ll find the Fondazione Prada.
This cultural institution hosts some of the most interesting modern exhibitions that you’ll encounter. The building itself is almost just as impressive as the artwork within, making this a no-brainer for modern design fans.
It’s a truly thought-provoking experience that will stimulate the mind and body.
Best Time to Visit: Early weekday mornings for a quieter visit.
How to Get There: Take the Metro (M3 Yellow Line) to Lodi TIBB Station, then a short walk.
30. Find Vintage Treasures in Navigli Flea Markets
The Navigli neighborhood is known for its lively flea markets and is a great place to go treasure hunting for vintage finds.
These markets are a hodgepodge of random stalls that sell antiques, art, and everything in between. It’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to find something that’s one of a kind. It feels like searching for treasures in mid-Milan.
Best Time to Visit: Last Sunday of the month for the largest market.
How to Get There: Reachable via Metro (M2 Green Line) to Porta Genova Station.
Travel Tips
Public Transport Mastery: Milan’s efficient and inexpensive public transportation system consists of subways, trams, and buses. Use a day ticket and you can get around quickly and easily.
Stay Central: Book accommodation near the city center so you can easily reach all the best sights and enjoy leisurely evening walks.
Respecting Siesta: Shops shut early in the afternoon figuratively for a siesta. You’ll want to coordinate your shopping and dining accordingly.
Dress Code for Churches: When you visit churches, ensure you dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees.
Cash vs. Cards: You can use a credit card pretty much everywhere but it’s still a good idea to have some cash for coffee and street food.
Free Museum Days: Make sure to visit museums on free admission days when you can (usually the first Sunday of the month).
Tap Water: The tap water in Milan is drinkable. Bring a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste.
Dining Italian Style: Dining hours vary. Dinner is late around 8 PM, so take that into account when planning your meal schedule.
Smart Packing: Don’t forget a pair of comfy shoes. You’ll do a lot of walking to take in all the wonderful streets.
Cycling the City: Rent a bike and cycle around Milan. It’s a quick and environmentally-friendly way to explore the city on your own.
Shopping Sundays: Many shops are closed Sunday. Shop during the week so you don’t lose a day to sightseeing.
Vigilance in Crowds: Like all big cities, watch your valuables in crowds to avoid pickpockets.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to get around Milan?
Getting around the city is easy and affordable with metro systems and trams/buses.
2. Where can I find the best views of Milan?
Excellent city views can be had from the rooftop of the Duomo and the Torre Branca.
3. What is the best way to see art and design in Milan?
Check out Triennale Milano for design and Fondazione Prada for modern art.
4. When is the best time to visit Milan?
April to May or September to October.
5. What should I wear when visiting churches in Milan?
Modest clothing (covering knees and shoulders) is a must inside churches.
6. How can I experience Milan’s fashion scene?
There’s high-end fashion in the Quadrilatero della Moda region of the city, and you should also try to plan a visit during Milan Fashion Week.
7. Should I book attractions in advance?
Yes, absolutely. I would recommend bookingThe Last Supper in advance.
Conclusion
Exploring Milan is like reading a book, for the city is a masterfully constructed novel, with surprises around every corner.
Standing under the peaks of the Duomo, enjoying an aperitivo at sunset, strolling neighborhoods like Brera: the pleasure that Milan offers is inexhaustible.
This guide has pointed out some of the city’s key sights, as well as some lesser-known attractions. As you immerse yourself in the city, take in the melding of art, history, and futurism that gives Milan its unique identity.