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From a thriving, independent Medieval city to being the financial capital of Italy today, Milan is an urban retreat steeped in old world romance, Italian charm, and urban grit. Come to Milan for the marvelous historic architecture, high-fashion boutiques, eye-popping art through the ages, and delectable food.
Here are the 18 best things to see and do in Milan.
1. Piazza del Duomo and Milan Cathedral
If you’re visiting Milan for the first time, the main square of Milan, the Piazza del Duomo should be your starting point. In Medieval Italy, this piazza was the hub of commercial activities and remains a bustling and charming place even today, with numerous restaurants and historical structures like King Victor Emmanuel’s statue in the middle and the Royal Palace at one end.
The piazza is also home to Milan’s most impressive cathedral – the Duomo, an Italian Gothic style structure that took 600 years to be completed!
Some of the highlights of this cathedral are:
- The magnificent stained glass windows
- The sarcophagi of various bishops and historical figures
- The massive Renaissance style painting that are displayed November –December and seem to be suspended in mid-air
2. The Royal Palace
Before Italy was unified, Milan was ruled from the opulent Milan palace as a seat of the city’s government during the communes of the Middle Ages. It was an important political structure when the Torriani, Visconti and Sforza families were in power.
The current exterior of the palace dates back to the 18th century but are just as impressive as it was in its heyday. The palace also has its own plaza (Piazzetta Reale) and art museum which houses important works by Picasso, Monet, Klimt, and other post modern artists.
3. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
This fifteenth century church houses one of the most symbolic and seminal artworks ever created: The Last Supper by da Vinci.
Scholars and artists have analyzed and dissected the hidden meanings in this mural for centuries and seeing this historical work of art in person is truly an experience to remember.
The church is situated opposite the Duomo in the piazza and features a Gothic-style red-brick façade.
4. Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy whose museums take you on a journey of the history of Europe and the world.
Here are some of the highlights:
The Museum of Ancient art, which houses Sforza family’s frescoes and numerous sculptures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Michelangelo’s last unfinished piece of work, the Rondanini Pietà is also an intriguing display
The Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses unique musical devices from all over the world.
The Antique Furniture and Wooden Sculpture Museum, which displays furniture dating back from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
You can also go on a peaceful stroll around the castle grounds, which are beautifully maintained and decorated with numerous sculptures.
5. Parco Sempione
This beautiful urban park is located right behind the Sforza Castle and has many bike trails as well as shaded spots to sit down and enjoy a picnic.
You’ll also find the Torre Branca here – huge watch tower that dominates Milan’s skyline. Ascend to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Sforza Castle grounds and the sprawling city beyond. On a clear day, you can even see the Italian Alps and Apennines!
6. Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Stroll into one of the oldest malls in the world to get your fill of high fashion in Milan – created in 1877, this commercial area is home to high-fashion brands like Versace, Prada, and Luis Vuitton. The galleria is an opulent space in the space of a cross with large windows and eye catching ornate paneling.
7. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Milan is full of art galleries and this another one you can’t miss if you’re visiting the city.
Apart from numerous da Vinci sketches, the gallery houses artworks by masters such as Bramantino, Titian, Caravaggio, and Botticelli.
Here are some of the artworks you shouldn’t miss:
- Portrait of Musician (da Vinci)
- Adoration of the Magi (Titian)
- Basket of Fruit (Caravaggio)
- The Madonna and Child with Three Angels (Botticelli)
The gallery also has a magnificent library that has ancient documents, books, and treatises seminal to Italy’s history and development.
8. Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
This museum, located in a beautiful monastery, bridges the gap between the technology of the old world and the new.
One of the most important exhibits of the museum is of course the works of the eponymous Renaissance masters – da Vinci. Here you’ll find his original sketches, reconstructions of his flying machines from sketches, and other drawings.
The museum also has a plethora of technological marvels such as cars, trains, and planes that uncover the story behind each discovery.
One of the latest and most prominent exhibits is a collaboration with CERN that displays seminal instruments in the daily lives of nuclear scientists as well as interactive installations on subatomic particles. In the “Osservare lo Spazio” section, you’ll see path breaking discoveries in space research in the last 40 years as well as a fragment of moon rock!
9. Milan Archaeology Museum
This museum is located in a church in the northern part of Milan – the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. The museum is dedicated to the ancient past of Milan, way before it became a seat of Medieval power.
The first half of the museum is dedicated to artifacts when Milan was an Insubrian city – that is, home to an ancient French tribe. The second half, which is located in the basement, displays beautiful sculptures and other artworks.
Overall, here you’ll see archeological remains such as pottery, armor, and metal works that retell the ancient history of Milan.
10. Brera district
You’ll feel Milan’s artistic pulse in the present day in the bustling Brera district, which is home to the workshops of many contemporary artists and lined with quaint stores selling paint and canvases.
Explore the winding alleyways of Brera, duck into a cute café for a chat with locals, or visit the Pinacoteca gallery, Astronomical Museum, and Botanical Garden, which are the highlights of the district.
11. Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca is located quite close to the Duomo and the Sforza castle and served as a convent and library back in the day. Now it is a museum that houses important artworks like Pieta by Bellini, Adoration of the Magi by Correggio, Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, and Last Supper by Rubens among others.
12. Museo Astronomico
Museo Astronomico or the Astronomical Museum (located in the artsy and hip Brera district) is the oldest scientific research institute in the city.
The museum exhibits include astronical instruments used by prominent figures such as Fr Ruggiero Boscovich and Fr Barnaba Oriani as well as the telescope Giovanni Schiaparelli, who observed the curious markings on Mars from this observatory.
The museum’s collection also includes instruments used in Milan University as well as those used by experimental physicists in key projects.
While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Botanical Gardens in Brera, a romantic and tranquil corner in the heart of Milan. A lot of care goes into the up keep of this green space and is a great place to catch your breath after visiting the observatory.
13. Modern Art Gallery of Milan
The Galleria d’Arte Moderna contains artworks of Milan’s masters from the 18th and 19th centuries such as Tranquillo Cremona, Marchesi Pompeo, and Andrea Appiani among others.
The museum’s collection also includes a bulk of work by internationally acclaimed masters such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne.
The gallery is located in a beautiful Neoclassical villa, Villa Reale.
14. Piazza dei Mercanti
Piazza del Mercanti was the heart of political activities in medieval Milan, and while it doesn’t play the same administrative role, this charming plaza is worth a visit for the immense history it embodies.
The plaza is surrounded by historical structures such as:
Palazzo della Ragione, a stately thirteenth century building inaugurated to house Milan’s courts of justice as well as the main market place under the folds of its porches.
Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, an impressive structure which became the highest center of learning in Medieval Milan.
Casa dei Panigarola, the former Gothic-style notary seat which is now a beautiful restaurant.
Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, or the Chamber of Commerce whose tower clock signaled the beginning and end of Milan’s business hours.
15. La Scala Opera
Inaugurated in 1777, the La Scala has hosted the performances of Italy’s finest opera artists as well as many famous international masters over the centuries.
If you’re a love of classical museum, book your ticket for an opera, symphony or ballet show for an authentic Italian experience.
16. AC Milan San Siro Stadium
This stadium was one of the largest in Europe with a seating capacity of over 80,000. Key matches of the 1934 World Cup and the 1990 World Cup were held here. This modern stadium, the home ground of AC Milan and Inter Milan, truly has an impressive structure with its colossal tiers.
Visit the museum as well to learn more about the history and legacy of these two football clubs.
17. Basilica di San Lorenzo
This basilica is one of the oldest in Milan – built in 402 AD! Although the interiors are a tad somber, you will still marvel at the high ceiling, the grand, high altar, and Saint Aquilino’s chapel, which is decorated with eye-catching stained glass work and mosaics.
18. Explore the Naviglio Grande walkways
Constructed in 1177, the Naviglio Grande is one of the two canals of Milan and plays an important in keeping the old-world charm alive in the city.
This is a place to get lost in without a map – stroll along the waterway and explore every nook and cranny or sit down at one of the outdoor cafes for an espresso as you catch your breath.Whether you visit during the day or when the area is alive and twinkling with fairy lights at night, you’ll go back with memories to cherish for a lifetime. You can also opt for a leisurely boat ride on the canal and catch a beautiful sunset.
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