Milan is Italy's second-largest city and the largest in the country's northwestern region. It may not have as many jaw-dropping tourist sites as Florence, Venice, or Rome, but it offers enough fascinating locations and activities to keep you occupied for a weekend.
It's frequently regarded as a drab, unappealing industrial city, as it was in the 1970s. Milan is now one of the world's fashion and design capitals, with numerous museums, jewelry shops (You can shop the cheapest selection of cross rings), gorgeous parks, and excellent street art, as well as being one of Italy's most culturally diverse cities.
The majority of tourists just pass through Milan on their route to Cinque Terre, Venice, or Lake Como. True, the city isn't as charming as a little Italian town, but it has much to offer — and it doesn't have to be costly. If you're on a budget, check out our 10 free things to do in Milan, and if you're a street food fan, check out our Milan street food guide!
Here are the top things to do in Milan, Italy, without further ado:
1. Milan Cathedral
Make sure to see the Duomo if you only have time to see one thing in Milan. The Cathedral of Milan is a Gothic extravagance, a pink-marble wedding cake of spires, columns, and sculptures that overlooks the same-named plaza.
Before ascending to the rooftop for a breathtaking view, take a tour of the dimly illuminated interior and marvel at the magnificent stained glass and high ceiling.
Avoid lengthy queues by purchasing your Duomo tickets ahead of time.
2. Vittorio Emanuele Galleria
This beautiful retail arcade, located on your left-hand side facing the Duomo, is known as "Milan's drawing room." It's dotted with high-end boutiques and cafés where a cappuccino would set you back more than 5 euros.
“The Galleria is where well-heeled Milanese go for an aperitif before an evening at the Scala,” according to guidebooks. Yes, it may have been true 50 years ago. At the tables these days, there are just visitors. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, on the other hand, is a beautiful place to walk around — check out the gorgeous Prada store displays, the mosaic floor, and the stained-glass ceiling.
You'll undoubtedly see a modest throng on the Galleria's left side, coming from the Duomo. People will spin on the balls of a mosaic bull on the floor, taking turns. You'll have good luck for the rest of the year if you can complete three rotations on your heel!
3. La Scala is a theatre in Milan, Italy
A night at La Scala, one of the world's most renowned theatres, is a must for opera, ballet, or classical music fans. Make sure you’ve dressed appropriately — no shorts or flip-flops!
If you don't want to go via an agency, you may get tickets directly from the theater's website. Tickets typically go on sale 2-3 months before the show – make sure to go online as soon as they do since they sell out fast!
If you don't get a ticket in advance, you may wait for standing tickets (typically €10-20) at the evening box office on Via Filodrammatici, directly adjacent to the theatre, on the day of the performance. The ticket office opens one to three hours before the show, but start waiting by mid-afternoon to get the best seats.
4. Sforzesco Castle and Sempione Park
Another of the greatest things to do in Milan is to visit this massive castle, which is encircled by the city's best park and is located in the heart of the city. Before entering the park, take a stroll around the castle's courtyards or visit one of the six museums located inside the castle - don't miss Michelangelo's masterwork, Pietà Rondanini.
The Parco Sempione is a wonderful location for a run or a picnic, and it has some genuine architectural treasures, such as the Triennale and Torre Branca, which are excellent examples of Fascist architecture, the beautiful Acquario with its art nouveau façade, and De Chirico's Mysterious Baths Fountain.
5. Milan's Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
This painting is one of Leonardo's masterpieces; for ages, historians have been puzzled by Jesus' face (which is midway between concentration and sorrow).
The Last Supper may be seen at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church, but since the fresco is severely damaged, only 15 people can visit at a time. Purchase your tickets ahead of time, or try your luck at the box office first thing in the morning when unsold seats are released. Unless it's peak season, it generally works.
6. Ticinese Port/Navigli
Walk down Via Torino from the Duomo and turn left along Corso di Porta Ticinese for a tour through an alternate and lively section of town. Indie stores, cheap eateries, street art, and the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a Roman ruin opposite San Lorenzo church where young Milanese congregate at night, may all be found there.
7. Parco Delle Basilica
Located behind San Lorenzo church is another excellent spot for a rest or a picnic. It was formerly the site of Milan's gallows, but things have changed dramatically since then.
Continue going until you reach Piazza XXIV Maggio on Corso di Porta Ticinese. The Darsena and Navigli, or whatever remains of Milan's canals, may be found there. This neighborhood is also a wonderful place for an (expensive) aperitivo, dinner, or cocktails - but it's particularly beautiful in the summer.
8. Porta Nuova/Isola
Isola (M5 Isola or Garibaldi) is a former working-class neighborhood that is now a hipster hangout with numerous small businesses and some excellent instances of street art (look for C215 on mailboxes!) Santa Maria alla Fontana is a little-visited yet beautiful church.
Porta Nuova, Milan's very own Canary Wharf, is a modern steel and glass neighborhood. The development's focal point, Piazza Gae Aulenti, is a contemporary twist on a classic Italian plaza, replete with futuristic seats and fountains. Bosco Verticale, two award-winning residential structures with natural trees and plants on each balcony, is just behind you.
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