Things to Do in Milan
A city known for its architecture, high fashion and cuisine; Milan is a fantastic city to visit. Read on to discover our travel guide for this magical northern European city, from iconic landmarks to fashion boutiques and much more!
Milan, the capital of Lombardy, stands out not only for its fashion scene but also for its cultural heritage, architecture and cuisine. The city is home to a wide selection of remarkable works of art such as The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, the architectural masterpiece of Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and wonderful traditional dishes, such as Minestrone Milanese. Read on to discover the city's must-sees and more!
Milan Must-Sees
The majority of Milan's major landmarks are located right in the city centre, meaning that you can easily walk between them. The most iconic landmark in the city is Milan Cathedral, also referred to as the Duomo: one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is another key landmark to check out in the city. Italy's oldest active shopping gallery is home to iconic Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and numerous other high-end boutiques as well as various beautiful restaurants. A short walk from the gallery, you'll find the Teatro alla Scala, Milan's most iconic and beautiful opera house, built in a neoclassical style. See these sites (and more) for yourself, accompanied by an expert guide, on this free walking tour of Milan.
Also, be sure to visit the Castello Sforzesco on a guided tour, a 15th-century medieval fortification that houses some of the city's best museums and art collections. While these are our must-sees, there's lots more to see in Milan.
Top Monuments and Attractions
Milan is home to a number of iconic treasures, most notably Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Did you know that emblematic fresco is over 500 years old? To see it for yourself, be sure to purchase our guided tour of Milan, which also includes a ticket to see The Last Supper, well in advance of your visit. The Basilica of San Ambrosio is another hidden gem, renowned for its beautiful mosaics, frescoes and sculptures.
Next, set off to discover the Parco Sempione, the Arco della Pace, the Bosco Verticale and the charming Navigli canals, perfect for a boat trip or an aperitif by the water. This is what travelling in Italy is all about!
Museums and Galleries in Milan
Milan is a city which offers a profound cultural experience, showcasing a number of works from the greats of the worlds of art and science.
For classic artwork, head to the Brera district, where you'll find the Pinacoteca di Brera, a renowned art gallery in Italy that houses works by such greats as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna. For a slightly alternative experience, buy a ticket to the Leonardo3 Museum, which offers a unique interactive experience about the life and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci, perfect for all ages!
We also recommend grabbing a ticket to the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan. This immersive collection features a wide variety of interactive exhibits showcasing the past, present and future of science and technology.
Day Trips from Milan
If you're lucky enough to have a little bit longer in Milan, why not take a day trip? With Civitatis, you can embark on guided trips to Venice, Lake Como, Verona, Cinque Terre, Florence and many more! Here are some ideas for an unforgettable excursion from Milan:
Those are just some of our favourite monuments and things to do and see in Milan. Though it's not the biggest city in Italy, it manages to pack in a lot of history, culture and cuisine to be discovered. See the city for yourself, and don't forget to book tours and experiences in Milan with Civitatis.