lion monument in front of milan cathedral in italy

Gold and Red Interior of Teatro Scala in Milan Italy

Colorful Buildings Lining the Naviglio Canal at Sunset in Milan

Arco Della Pace at Sunset in Milan Italy

Interior of Galleria Milan with Glass Dome

Milan Travel Guide

April - DecemberItalyEUR

Churches & Monasteries

Shopping

Museums & Galleries

Milan is Italy’s most forward-looking city. An international center for fashion, fine dining, and design, it seems as though Milanese people breathe style. From the gleam on your wine glass to the twists of its cathedral’s spires, everything in Milan is finished to perfection. Home to the Italian stock exchange, a world-famous fashion industry, and a frantic business district, Milan is fast-paced and commercially minded. Maybe this is why Milan has some of the best shopping in the world. At the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the very oldest shopping malls, a glass-iron ceiling soars over brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Massimo Dutti, and Amani. On the other end of the price range, the city’s discount stores are also excellent for quality and bargains.

Architecture in Milan is more modern and sleek than Italy’s other major cities. Sharply designed office buildings sit alongside ancient churches and museums. Walking the streets can easily fill a whole day. The La Scala opera house and the Duomo cathedral are just two examples of the rich cultural legacy here. Milan boasts several canals, and according to legend, they were designed with the help of Leonardo Da Vinci himself. Speaking of Da Vinci, the artist’s famous depiction of the Last Supper is housed in Milan. To view this masterpiece, you must make an appointment as tickets sell out weeks in advance. It is truly a bucket-list worthy work of art.

When the weekend comes around, the electric Italian passion finds an outlet with the city’s explosive soccer culture. AC and Inter Milan, two of the most famous and accomplished teams in history, both have a stadium here and draw fans from every part of the globe. Especially on a Friday or Saturday, the spirit carries over into the city’s famous nightlife. Take a seat in one of Milan’s well-appointed eateries in the Navigli Quarter. This area is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes. With an Aperol spritz or pizza in hand, dining alongside the city’s canals is a perfect way to cap your day roaming and sightseeing. Glamorous and exciting, Milan is different from other Italian cities. Once you have a taste of it, you might discover Milan is your favorite. .

Must See Attractions in Milan

Last Supper Painting on Wall of Convent in Milan Italy

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

Hidden in the monk’s dining hall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is one of the most important artworks the world has ever known. The fresco mural depicts the moment right after Christ reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. The unique facial expression on each of the twelve apostles illustrates the varying reactions to this startling announcement. If you want to see this magnificent piece of artwork, plan your visit well in advance due to the limited number of tickets and tours per day.

Duomo

The Duomo of Milan is the last of Italy's great Gothic structures. Standing proud in the spacious Piazza del Duomo, this behemoth church is one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, and by far the most visited sights in Milan for tourists. Step inside and visit its interior before climbing up its stairs or riding the elevator to its terraces, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Milan cityscape and spires up close.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Known locally as il salotto de Milano, (the drawing room of Milan) the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most famous and one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even today, this soaring iron-glass structure is always bustling with people, especially during the high seasons. If you plan to do some shopping in Italy’s fashion capital, you’ll find many of the top luxury brands, such as Prada, Luisa Spagnoli, Armani and Louis Vuitton, at the Galleria. Amongst the boutiques are chic cafes and restaurants offering an upscale dining experience.

Two Side by Side Male and Female Sculptures Holding Hands

Cimitero Monumentale

A cemetery is probably not high on anyone's list of places to visit on vacation, but Milan's Cimitero Monumentale is definitely one to check out. This cemetery is more of an open-air museum, featuring tombs, monuments, and statues of varying architectural styles, from Byzantine and Egyptian to neo-Gothic and Art-Nouveau. They were created by some of the major Italian sculptors and artists of the nineteenth and twentieth century. Situated on the grounds is the Famadio, a domed marble-stone building with a white- and black-striped exterior. Here, you'll find the resting places of many celebrated Italians (and foreigners), including Giuseppe Verdi and Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni.

Castello Sforzesco

Home to the mighty Sforza family, the Sforza Castle is a medieval palace and fortress within the city of Milan. The red-brick castle complex houses a variety of towers, museums, and libraries, all of which contain historical artifacts and grandiose art collections. Dip inside the Museo dei Mobili (Museum of Furniture) to marvel at the well-preserved antique furnishings from the 14th- to 20th-centuries. The Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco features a fine collection of musical instruments, furniture, prints, and paintings, as well as Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture Rondanini Pietà. Wander through the courtyards or venture over to the adjacent Parco Sempione, an urban park with a lush green landscape.

Navigli Canals

Named after its most identifiable feature, Navigli is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Milan. Formerly an industrial area, the network of canals were used primarily for transporting goods, such as blocks of marble used to construct the city’s marvelous buildings. From vintage boutiques and antique shops to art galleries and street markets, this post-industrial area of Milan is a mecca for bohemian locals. Dine at one of the chic canalside restaurants and watch the sunset over the water.

Teatro alla Scala

La Scala is one of the world's most famous opera stages and the leading Italian house. Inaugurated in 1778, La Scala was built to replace the former Royal Ducal Theater, the home of opera in Milan, which had been destroyed by fire. Many of the greatest world’s singers from the past 200 years have performed at La Scala and it remains one of the premium venues for opera and classical music concerts in Milan. The interior of the opera house is magnificent to behold; the grandiose crystal chandelier is framed by balconies in plush red velvet and ornate gold decor. Book a ticket in advance to experience a magical night at the opera or ballet. You can also tour through the theater museum, housing a collection of original costumes and set design pieces.

Optional Day Trips from Milan

Lake Como

Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and a string of towns with Renaissance charm, Lake Como is the perfect excursion from Milan. The turquoise water and fertile hills lure locals and tourists from all walks of life, including the rich and famous who inhabit many of the luxury lakeside villas. Admire the stunning alpine scenery from the bow of the boat. In the lakeside villages, narrow cobbled streets wind their way between pastel-painted villas, vibrant gardens, small gelato shops, and historical landmarks.

Vicenza

Situated in between Milan and Venice, Vicenza is a lavish town famed architect Andrea Palladio. From the Corinthian columns of the Palladiano Museum to the domed villa, La Rotonda, Palladio was known for incorporating Greco-Roman elements in his designs and profoundly impacted the course of Neoclassical architecture. Grab a cappuccino at one of the many cafes and stroll through the historic center to admire the gorgeous buildings and leafy wooded areas. Some of the highlights include the Teatro Olimpico and the Gothic Church of Santa Corona.

Verona

Filled with narrow stone alleys, Renaissance buildings, and well-preserved medieval monuments, Verona is enchanting and timeless. After spending just a few hours in this Northern city you’ll understand why Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the star-crossed lovers, visit the Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House, the stone building that supposedly inspired the famous balcony scene. Some of the medieval architectural highlights include Arena di Verona, the 14th-century Castle Vecchio, and the soaring tower, Torre dei Lamberti. Don’t forget to make your way over to the Piazza dei Signori, once the city’s political epicenter, for a glass of wine or a delicious meal.

Bologna

Arguably the culinary mecca of Italy, Bologna attracts visitors looking to satisfy their hunger for food, history, and knowledge. The capital of the Emilia Romagna region, Bologna is home to the world’s oldest continually-operating university, towering medieval buildings, and bustling markets lined with food stalls. If you fancy yourself a foodie, sampling the local cuisine should be top on your to-do list. You must try the famous Spaghetti Bolognaise, along with other local staples like tortellini, mortadella, and of course- Parmigiano Reggiano. After stuffing your face, climb to the top of the Torre Asinelli (medieval tower) for amazing views, to feast your eyes.

Bergamo

High up on a hill, Bergamo is one of the most overlooked towns worth visiting from a day trip from Milan. Fortified by Venetian stone walls, this storybook town provides a cluster of Medieval, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, from magnificent churches and palaces to historic castles and museums. Don’t miss the exquisite 15th-century Colleoni Chapel, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and its lavish gilded interior.