Best things to do in Milan, Italy | explore the top Picks
Today, we have for you the 10 things to do in Milan, Italy and do when you come to Milan. There are more than 10 things to see here—we actually have a blog on “5 Things You’ll Love and Hate About Milan,” so you should check that out first before you start exploring to know what to Read out for and definitely what to look forward to. Anyway, let’s get started! Things to do in Milan, Italy.
The first thing—actually, I’ll say the first three—I like to call the trifecta. You’ve got the Duomo (the Cathedral), the Galleria (right behind me), and La Scala Opera House, which is literally on the other side of this square.
Number one: The Duomo, the Cathedral
When you see it, you’ll go, “WOW.” And if you see it at night with a black sky behind it, it is just—I mean—it’s jaw-droppingly beautiful. What’s even cooler is when you go inside, with all the stained glass, it’s amazing. And if you go up to the roof—yes, the roof—you can actually walk on it. It’s the coolest thing to walk among the spires and take in the views. I’ve done it with my parents and with my friends—it’s really, really cool. So, that’s the first thing you’ve got to see: the Duomo.
Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral. This historic building is right in the middle of the city of Milan and by far the biggest attraction in the city. But what’s it like to actually go around? Well, I arrived first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists.
Now, even though I’m here early, there are plenty of tourists around anyway, and boy, there are a lot of pigeons here—probably more pigeons than tourists! But anyway, I decided to join the queue after buying my tickets. Sometimes the queues can get a little long, and it can get a little tiresome to wait in them.
One of the things they don’t tell you about is that security is incredibly tight. There’s a strict dress code and certain things you’re not allowed to take into the cathedral, so check the site before you actually go in. But once you make it past security, you’ll be in shock because this is probably one of the biggest churches you’ll ever go to in your life.
Seriously, this place is massive, and the fact that it’s all ornately carved in stone makes it even more impressive. When you walk around this place, you’ll think to yourself, ‘Boy, all this stuff actually belongs in an art gallery. Should it really be in a cathedral?’ But apparently, the answer is yes.
This place is incredible, really, and there are plenty of photo and video opportunities, so I highly recommend you take advantage of that, whether you’re taking photos, videos, or just walking around.
At the metro station, you’re there to buy tickets. You can book online or go to the ticket office, but I highly recommend using the automated ticket booth on the left. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in a really, really long queue with all the other tourists on the right, and the queues can get quite massive.
The cost to do it? Well, believe it or not, if you just want to go around the Cathedral, it only costs three euros. If you’re struggling for time, just pay the three euros and go around it. If you’ve got extra time, pay for the all-in-one tickets, which give you access to the rooftop terrace where you get lovely views and great photo opportunities. It also gives you access to all the museums.
If your legs are struggling, I highly recommend paying the extra five euros for the lift pass, so you can use the lift to get up and down the roof without having to climb any stairs.
Is there anything else you need to know? Yes, security is incredibly tight here, and there are strict dress code rules—i.e., covered shoulders and covered knees. There are also lots of things that you cannot take with you into the Duomo, so read the signs before you actually pay the money and go in.
Overall, guys, this was an incredible way to spend an afternoon, and I highly recommend that if you like this sort of thing, you add it to your bucket list and come here to Milan to do so.
Number Two: The Galleria
Walk through the Galleria behind me. It’s a covered shopping area, yes, with its Prada and Louboutins, but it’s also really cool to see because the architecture is absolutely amazing.
When you’re there, you’ll see people spinning on their heels. They place their heel on the private parts of a bull and spin around for virility, good luck, or whatever you want to call it. It’s one of those quirky things you’ve got to do here.
So, this is the famous shopping district, it’s called Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or just ‘Galleria,’ from what I’ve seen on the internet. I don’t think we’ll be buying anything from here, though. I mean, there’s a Burger King there, maybe we could buy that. Let’s see how much a cappuccino costs.
Oh, it’s not got a price for a burger, but there’s Rolex, Longchamp, and Gucci. I think there’s something in the middle where you’re meant to rub it for good luck. I’m sure there’ll be loads of people standing there. It’s very nice. Huh, we could do with this tomorrow. Apparently, today is probably the best weather day we’re going to have in the next four or five days.
Oh yeah, and a bit of rain, so hopefully it’s not too bad, but it does forecast rain every day. Oh, that’s the one I think, this bull in the middle. Oh no, it’s not. It’s somewhere else. McDonald’s down there, Pete. No Primark or Sports Direct here, mate. I don’t know where that thing’s meant to be, maybe it’s somewhere else. Yeah, that’s it—Dior. Proud of that. Moncler down at the bottom.
Louis Vuitton there. John, get your credit ready; we’re going shopping. Yeah, where do you want to go? Louboutin? Yeah, go on. Okay, so this is the thing I was talking about—it’s a badge. Not sure what of, and you have to do a circle on it. See where the mark is in the middle? It’s meant to bring good luck, I think. That’s it, yeah, that’s what I was talking about.
Right, we’re going to head outside now. We’re going to go see the Hard Rock Cafe in Milan. Pete’s just trying to get it on his map. I don’t think it’s far away. That’s where we’re going next.
Number three: La Scala, the most famous opera house in the world
It’s like Yankee Stadium for a baseball player or the Bernabéu for a soccer player. For an opera singer, La Scala is their mecca—it’s the pinnacle of performance venues. That’s why it’s number three on the list. If you can get in when they’re not practicing or, even better, catch an opera performance there, you absolutely should.
Now, after four months of closure due to the coronavirus, the Scala Opera House in Milan will once again open, even if it means opening under a third of its capacity to allow for social distancing. This means only 600 people in the audience, as opposed to the regular 2,000.
The manager admits that such a small number of guests is only really sustainable for small one-off shows, but is delighted that it is at least a start. One concertgoer said, ‘It breaks your heart to see so few people, but we do it because we have to.’ Scala is hoping to reopen more fully in September, with performers to remember those who have died from COVID across Italy.
Number Four: Cenacolo Vinciano, or The Last Supper
Now, the fourth thing you should do while you’re here—and honestly, I’d put this first, but it’s harder to get to—is visit Cenacolo Vinciano, or The Last Supper. Yes, da Vinci’s famous “Last Supper,” the one you see in people’s homes and churches around the world, is right here in Milan.
The thing is, if you want to see it, you need to make a reservation. They limit the number of visitors to protect the artwork, so you’ve got to book ahead. If you’re visiting in the summertime or during the high season, you’ll need to book a couple of months in advance to secure a spot.
During the low season, like late fall or winter, you might be able to walk up and get lucky, but it’s not guaranteed. I’ve tried walking up in November and January multiple times and had no luck. This time, we made sure to book ahead, and we got in!
When you visit the church, it’s fantastic. But when you go through to see The Last Supper and witness da Vinci’s work, it is truly amazing. What’s even more surprising is that when you turn around to the other side, there’s another masterpiece behind it that you might never have thought to look at—so definitely check that out.
The Museum of Leonardo’s Last Supper is located in the former refectory of the cloister of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. This museum houses Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work, The Last Supper, a mural declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The painting was commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, Duke of Milan, between 1494 and 1497. Leonardo used a very innovative technique for the time, which involved drying the plaster and then painting the figures, returning later to add the finishing details. This unique method allowed Leonardo to achieve an unparalleled level of detail and depth in this iconic masterpiece.
Number Five: Castello Sforzesco
For this, I’ll group a couple of things together. You can visit Castello Sforzesco—basically, the red castle you see when you look toward the Duomo and spot the red tower in the distance. You can walk around the castle, and you can even go inside for free. There are a few museums inside where you pay a small fee to enter, but honestly, it’s just as fun to walk around the castle and explore the grounds—it’s really neat.
Also, between The Last Supper and the castle, there’s San Maurizio Church, which is well worth a visit. Go inside to admire the stunning artwork and the magnificent paintings—it’s truly a hidden gem.
In Italy, the Castello Sforzesco is a medieval fortification located in Milan, northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, on the remnants of 14th-century fortifications. It was later renovated and expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries, making it one of the largest city fortresses in Europe.
The castle was extensively rebuilt between 1891 and 1905 by architect Luca Beltrami and now houses several of the city’s museums and art collections. The original construction was commissioned by the Visconti family, who were local rulers, in 1358 and continued until 1370.
The castle was initially known as Castello di Porta Giovia, named after a nearby gate in the city walls. It was built in the same area as the ancient Roman fortifications of Castro Jovis, which had served as the military headquarters when Milan was the capital of the Roman Empire.
Over the centuries, the castle evolved, and under the leadership of successive Visconti rulers, including Giovanni Maria and Filippo Maria, it transformed into a square fortress with 200-meter-long sides, four corner towers, and walls up to seven meters thick.
The Castello Sforzesco was originally the main residence of the Visconti family, the lords of Milan. It was destroyed during the short-lived republic of the Ambrosian Republic in 1447, only to be rebuilt in 1450 by Francesco Sforza, who seized control of Milan.
Afterward, Francesco turned the fortress into his grand residence. In 1452, he hired sculptor and architect Filarete to design and decorate the central tower, which still bears his name today.
Construction continued under Francesco’s sons, especially Ludovico Sforza. Architect Benedetto Ferrini took over the design, and local painter Bernardino Luini contributed to the decoration. In 1476, the tower was completed during Ludovico’s reign, and it was followed by the construction of further parts of the castle.
In 1494, under the direction of Ludovico, renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante were called upon to decorate the castle, including work on the Sala delle Asse and other areas.
The castle underwent multiple reconstructions and additions in the years that followed. During the French occupation in the early 16th century, significant changes were made to the fortifications, including the addition of bastions designed by military engineers like Cesare Borgia.
After the French victory at the Battle of Marignano in 1515, the Swiss mercenaries of Maximilian Sforza retreated into the castle, and the French king placed mines under the castle’s foundations to force a surrender.
The external fortifications of the Castello Sforzesco were extended to reach three kilometers in length and covered an area of 25.9 hectares. During the period of Spanish rule in Milan, the castle was used as a military fortress. After the Austrian defeats in Lombardy, most of the outer fortifications were demolished, and new urban blocks were constructed around the city side of the castle.
These were laid out according to the modern city planning of the time, with a new street layout and urban developments surrounding the site.
On the countryside side of the castle, a large 700 by 700 meter square parade ground, known as Piazza d’Armi, was created. Following the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the castle transitioned from military use to becoming part of the city of Milan.
A major transformation occurred with the creation of Parco Sempione, one of the largest parks in Milan, which was built on the site of the former parade ground. The city’s urban development extended into the surrounding areas with new road layouts that incorporated the castle into the city’s broader planning.
From 1900 to 1905, the castle underwent significant restoration work, with the Torre Filarete rebuilt as part of this effort, following 16th-century designs. This restoration also paid tribute to the historical importance of the structure as a monument to the power and influence of the Sforza family.
During World War II, in 1943, the castle suffered damage but was later reconstructed. In the post-war period, the building’s purpose shifted to housing several museums, and restoration work was led by the BBPR architecture firm, which helped transform the castle into a cultural hub for the city.
It’s just really cool, so I’m grouping all those together as number five.
Number Six: The Duomo and the Galleria
brings us back to this part of Milan near the Duomo and the Galleria. You’ve got to visit Luini’s. When you go to Luini’s, you have to try the panzerotti. It’s basically a pizza dome filled with cheese, tomatoes, and other toppings, then fried to perfection—it is fantastic. Every time I come here, I have to go to Luini’s because it’s that good. It’s one of those things you absolutely have to try while you’re here—it’s kind of a tradition in the city.
The Duomo di Milano, which is located in the city of Milan. Alright, the Metro is definitely the most convenient way to reach the Duomo. If you’re traveling from Central Station, take the green line to Cardona and then switch to the red line to reach the Duomo.
Milan is a city in Northern Italy, the capital of Lombardy, and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Today, Milan is the richest city in Italy and one of the richest in Europe. Milan is one of Italy’s most fashionable cities, home to some of the country’s major fashion brands. But Milan is not all about fashion. No trip to this city is complete without stepping foot inside this monumental Duomo di Milano, or Milan’s Cathedral.
Milan Cathedral is a truly monumental building, famed for its sublime architecture. It took over 600 years to complete. Construction started in 1386 but was not officially completed until 1965. With its Italian Gothic style, the grand façade of the cathedral is truly magnificent, crowned with countless towers, statues, and decorations.
This domed square is a classic European scene. It is a popular local gathering point, marking the center of the city both geographically and due to its importance artistically, culturally, and socially.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a testament to Milan’s title as one of the world’s fashion capitals. This wondrous glass-ceilinged arcade connects the piazzas of the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala opera house and is lined with cafes and high-end boutiques such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. It is one of Italy’s oldest active shopping malls and a major landmark of Milan.
Built around 1870, it was one of the first buildings in town to have electric lighting. The central octagonal space is topped with a glass dome, and on the floor of this space, there are four mosaics portraying the coat of arms of the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy: Turin, Florence, and Rome.
Tradition says that if a person spins around three times with their heel on the bull’s testicles from the Turin coat of arms, it will bring good luck.
The structure consists of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon, covering the street that connects Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala.
Number Seven: Famous for shopping and fashion
on the list of things to do: Milan is famous for shopping and fashion. You really should go shopping or at least do some window shopping. Seeing the Pradas, Louis Vuittons, Guccis, Armanis, and all the high-end brands is a unique experience. Even if you have no fashion sense, like me (obviously), it’s still fun to check it out.
If you can visit during Fashion Week, it’s absolutely worth it. The atmosphere is amazing, with all the people, the energy, and the events. Sure, you might feel like a fashion outsider, but you get to be part of the excitement. You’ll see famous people, models, and so much more—it’s really cool. I’ve been here a couple of times during Fashion Week, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Top 10 shopping mall in Milan:
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- IL Centro
- CityLife Shopping District
- Carosello
- Renaissance Milano Piazza Duomo
- Bicocca Village
- Centro Commerciale Globo
- Milano Fiore Centro Commerciale
- Centrosarca
- Galleria Boromia
Lastly, there are three museums I recommend. There are three museums I recommend. There are more museums to see, but the three I recommend are:
Number Eight: The Science and Technology Museum
After you’ve seen a lot of art and everything in Italy, you might get a little tired. It might sound silly, but after visiting about 20 towns, you’ll start to think, “Okay, I’ve seen Raphael and this… let’s move on.” The Science and Technology Museum is very cool and well worth seeing. If you’ve got kids, it’s definitely a place they’ll enjoy, probably more than visiting one of the art museums.
The National Museum of Science and Technology, also known as the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, has rooms dedicated to all of Leonardo’s discoveries, his research, and his models that laid the foundation for subsequent technologies, from trains to airplanes to catamarans—everything he intuitively imagined and that was later realized. Science is culture, and this is exactly what Leonardo’s genius.
represents: a little bit of it could be in all of us. It also speaks to the Milanese, who are so capable of inventing, reinventing themselves, and using technology. This is a part of their spirit.
Now, the head of the supposed old Leonardo is inserted into the neck of a young girl. But not only that, there is also Galileo, and then Einstein, depicted as a normal man but with the famous formula E=mc² in his hand. How beautiful and aesthetic the formula looks! And then there is Darwin, with a beard borrowed from another bearded gentleman.
Inaugurated in 1895, the museum provided electricity, and its installations are magnificent—much like those of modern times, such as in Charlie Chaplin’s era. The Museum of Science and Technology has everything: a hangar for working trains, a submarine, ancient sailing ships, and a carousel in the courtyard, which is actually a Chinese work of art.
This Chinese artist traveled around the countryside of the nine provinces of China to look for objects created by peasants—ordinary people who built these items. The artist was so impressed by their ingenuity that he collected these objects and decided to display them here.
This exhibit tells the story of simple, yet ingenious creations made by these people, from the models of Chinese farmers to those inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings. Claudio shows me some brilliant inventions.
An example that strikes me is the image of the border between the Palestinian state and the state of Israel. On one side, there is greater development, technological progress, and more resources, leading to a different economy. This, however, will be the path for the future of the planet. There is a greater rationality in the use of land—for example, in this case, for more efficient agricultural practices, with less water dispersion, more output, and better results per hectare of land.
First, we looked at cities, then agriculture, and now, these are the forests, our oxygen reserves. This too is something Leonardo would have appreciated.
Number Nine: The Poldi Pezzoli Museum
This private collection has an amazing range of art. If you want to see art organized by period or style, the rooms and apartments are set up to show different eras: Renaissance, Baroque, and more. It’s a great way to understand the time period through the artwork. These are famous pieces that the collector gathered, and the way it’s set up makes it unique compared to other museums, which makes it worth the visit.
The Museo Poldi Pezzoli in Milan is a museum founded in 1881 in the former private residence of Giann Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. It exhibits his collection of arms and armor from the 14th to the 17th century, as well as Italian paintings from the Renaissance to the 18th century.
The museum is also home to antique tapestries, watches from the 16th to the 19th century, lace, embroidery, jewelry, sculpture, drawings, and other objects. Notable works include portraits of Martin Luther and his wife by Lucas Cranach, paintings of the Madonna and Child by Andrea Mantegna and Sandro Botticelli, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino by Piero della Francesca, Portrait of a Lady by Piero del Pollaiuolo, and a self-portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola.
The rooms were once decorated with murals, wood carvings, stucco, and stained glass windows, but most of these embellishments were destroyed when the building was bombed during World War II. The Dante Room frescoes and stained glass windows, which were inspired by the Middle Ages, remained largely intact. The museum was rebuilt after the war, though with less ornamentation, and reopened to the public.
In 1951, the museum continued to expand its collection in subsequent decades, and the Franzini Wing was opened in 2017 to accommodate recent acquisitions. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum is an art gallery in Milan that is less well known by the general public but has an extraordinary collection of works.
It contains the fascinating bequest of collector and aristocrat Giann Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (1822–1879) and features masterpieces by Old Masters including Michelangelo, Filippo Lippi, Andrea Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Canaletto, Apollo, and Botticelli.
It also houses Renaissance keepsakes and remarkable furniture. It’s definitely worth visiting, especially the room of clocks donated by Bruno Falk and Piero Portalapi, while literature fans shouldn’t miss the space dedicated to Dante, which is a true treasure.
The museum is housed in a lovely 17th-century palace in the center of Milan, close to the Teatro Alla Scala.
Origins of the Poldi Pezzoli Museum
To understand who Giann Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli was, it’s important to first look at his mother, Rosa Trivulzio, who cared for him when he was young after the death of her husband. She was the daughter of Prince Giann Giacomo Trivulzio, a great admirer of literature and poetry, who socialized with writers of the period such as Vincenzo Monti and Giuseppe Parini.
In his youth, Giann Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli grew up surrounded by men and women of letters and lovers of culture and the arts. When he inherited the family fortune at the age of 24, Poldi Pezzoli had already developed a deep love for art.
During the second half of the 20th century, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum welcomed important bequests from significant collections, covering everything from textiles to clocks and paintings. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum is in the heart of Milan, just moments from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the iconic Milan Cathedral, and Piazza Mercanti.
It’s also close to Via Montenapoleone, so if you have some free time, head there to enjoy the most exclusive and fashionable shops in the city. Finally, there’s an interesting story
Number Ten: The Museum of Novecento
If you go through the Galleria to the other side next to the Duomo, you’ll find the Museum of Novecento, which features 20th-century art. If you want to see something more modern than the usual Renaissance and Baroque works, this museum is a great option.
This itinerary for Milan starts from Piazza del Duomo, at the Museum of the Twentieth Century, located on Via Marconi, near the corner of Piazza del Duomo. Danka Giacon, a conservative—not in an ideological sense—explains that the Museum of the Twentieth Century showcases works from the 20th century.
It’s a collection of works by 20th-century artists, especially Italians, deeply tied to Milan because the main artistic events of the first half of the 20th century took place here. Milan is also famous for being the birthplace of Futurism.
We begin in the Futurism halls, specifically dedicated to Boccioni. Here we see Boccioni’s work, where he represents the chimneys, but the middle of the chimneys behind Siena Campania is already a clue. This is the primary scene I wanted to start with—a real-life scene that the artist describes.
It’s a country village, around half-past ten in the morning, with two farmers coming forward toward the spectator to plead their cause. We’re in 1901, and the artist is Pellizza da Volpedo. Pellizza is very connected to Milan, having studied here at the Brera Academy. He was an exponent of Divisionism.
What is Divisionism? Well, just take a look here. Art history experts will explain that Divisionism reproduces light by separating complementary colors and representing them as small segments. From a distance, these tiny points come together to create the desired effect.
The dots are naturally present in Divisionism, but in my opinion, there is also a socio-political aspect. During that time, the Divisionists had a growing social conscience. They wanted to divide the people into social classes fairly and represent the farmers.
The moment depicted is one of struggle. It’s no coincidence that this painting wasn’t sold initially; it couldn’t find a buyer. The citizens of Milan eventually bought it in 1920 through a collection, and then, of course, the Fascists put it in a cellar. It was only rediscovered in 1954, emerging as a symbol, also from a biographical standpoint.
The woman next to him is his wife, and the little girl is his daughter, who would later die. He couldn’t bear the pain, and Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo committed suicide in 1907.
What’s interesting is that while Divisionists like Segantini, Morbelli, Longoni, and Previati could have represented workers, they chose to focus on the peasant world. Here, in Milan, the metropolis, the idea of agriculture prevails.
There are also other things to do in Milan. You can easily take a day trip to Como, or visit smaller towns like Bergamo or Brescia. Milan has plenty to offer, and I hope this gives you some ideas of the bigger sights to see. We hope you have a great time here in Milan. As I said, everything here is automatic—Ciao from Milano!
Thank you, and that wraps up our 10 best things to do in Milan, Italy. Do you agree with the places we chose, or is there somewhere you visited that you feel should be on the list? leave us a comment.
You can find me on Instagram: @dreamytravelersofficial/.
