12 Things to do & Places to visit in Milan, Italy
Uncovering the most relevant hot spots to visit in Milan wasn't easy but after weeks of research I am happy to share my bucket list
- Why: Richest city in Italy
- When: Spring, summer & fall
- Accommodation: You'll find the cheapest hotels on Booking.com
- Best Attractions: Milan Duomo and Da Vinci's Last Supper ($53 USD)
- Book Now: Milan Duomo Tickets for just $22 USD
Buy Tickets for Milan
Milan, a jewel in Italy's crown, is a city steeped in rich history and stunning architecture, making it a must-visit destination in Europe. To help you maximize your time in this vibrant city, I've curated a list of top attractions in Milan, so you can skip the hassle of extensive research.
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Best Places for Travel in Milan
1. Gelato at GROM
Best gelato ice cream in the world - mark my words
2. Duomo
Fifth largest cathedral in the world and one of the most amazing places I have been
3. Naviglio District
A hive of night time activity all year round and a mecca for Milan’s 20 and 30 somethings
4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the most breathtaking malls in the world, especially the ceiling
5. La Tavernetta da Elio
Great local Tuscan restaurant
6. Castello Sforzesco
Luxury Ducal residence and a fortress during the French domination
Start your Milanese adventure by flying into Linate Airport, conveniently closer to downtown Milan than Malpensa Airport. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in local flavors with a freshly brewed espresso and a prosciutto sandwich at the Grand Cafe near the arrivals area.
7. Milano Christmas Market
If you are here during the winter make sure to check the market behind the Duomo and try their Pistachio Marzipan
8. Teatro alla Scala
One of the most popular and oldest theaters in the world
9. Brera District
Richest neighborhood in downtown Milan filled with incredible architecture
10. San Bernardino alle Ossa
Known as the bone church, is a spooky and bizarre chruch
11. Via Monte Napoleone
Luxury shopping street with famous Italian brands
12. Milano Centrale
Railway station with architecture from the Facistic Italian times
To optimize your journey in downtown Milan, follow the chronological order of the attractions listed below. This itinerary is designed to save you travel time. Additionally, some spots feature dedicated videos and articles for more detailed insights, so be sure to check those out.
Highlights of my trip included marveling at the iconic Duomo, indulging in luxury shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and savoring authentic Italian gelato from GROM.
Other must-visit sites include the awe-inspiring Milano Centrale Railway Station, the unique San Bernardino alle Ossa (also known as the bone church), and the local culinary delights like Lampredotto (cow stomach) and Testaroli, which is claimed to be the world's oldest pasta.
In the evening, unwind at the trendy bars near Moscova station or dance the night away at 'THE CLUB', a popular nightclub in the Brera district.
For a luxurious shopping experience, don't miss Via Monte Napoleone, boasting some of the most prestigious and expensive shops in Italy.
While Milan is enchanting year-round, I recommend visiting in the summer for the best experience. My winter visit was a bit chilly and grim, with fewer patios open. However, the winter season does have its charm, especially with the annual Christmas Market, offering an array of amazing local foods.