Renowned as the fashion and design capital of Italy, Milan offers an unmatched blend of luxury shopping, stunning archecture and rich culture. Besides fashion, Milan is famous for its iconic gothic-style Duomo and is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s, The Last Supper. After living in Milan, Italy for over a year, here’s my guide to the must-see spots, insider tips, and hidden gems in Milan.
1. Duomo di Milano
The Duomo, one of the world’s largest Gothic churches, features around 3,400 statues. Construction began in 1386 and took centuries to complete. It’s Milan’s central landmark, surrounded by a lively square where tourists flock for photos and shopping.
Tip: Visit early, before 9 AM, to avoid crowds and capture breathtaking sunrise shots through the Duomo’s columns and statues.
Caution: Pigeons can be a nuisance. Some vendors feed them to attract tourists for photos, so be cautious if you’re not a fan of these birds.
Advice: Buy tickets in advance. We chose the elevator up and the stairs down—a good option if you want to avoid fatigue. The rooftop offers panoramic views of Milan.
Alternatively, enjoy a rooftop experience at nearby bars or restaurants. Expect to pay a premium, though!
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Adjacent to the Duomo, this historic shopping gallery is one of the world’s oldest. It’s a visual delight, even if you’re not shopping for luxury goods. Don’t miss Amorino Gelato near the entrance—highly recommended!
After walking through the Galleria, don’t miss a quick look at La Scala, Milan’s famous opera house, located nearby.
3. Teatro alla Scala
The exterior of La Scala may not impress, but the interior is stunning. Tickets often sell out months in advance. Beware of “obstructed view” seats; you might not see the stage. Although pricey, attending a show at one of the most prestigious opera houses is a memorable experience.
4. Sempione Park
Sempione Park was my go-to for marathon training. The almost 2-mile loop is perfect for running, cycling, or strolling. Take the metro to Cairoli station and enjoy the park’s serene beauty.
Tip: If the weather is pleasant, relax at a café or gelato stand. The Arco Della Pace on the park’s far side offers a picturesque spot to unwind.
Be mindful of the park’s dusty paths, which can dirty white clothing. There are also several drinking fountains located in the park if it is a hot day. This was also useful for marathon training.
5. Sforza Castle
You can explore the castle’s courtyards for free, but entry to the exhibits requires a small fee. Beware around here of street vendors offering “free” bracelets. They will demand money after “gifting” you your bracelet. Politely decline if approached.
6. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
Book tickets for this iconic artwork well in advance. The Last Supper, or Il Cenacolo, often sells out many months ahead. The guided tour in English was excellent with many insights into its history and restoration.
7. Navigli District
Navigli, Milan’s canal area, is vibrant with trendy bars and restaurants. It’s a great spot for photos, with its colorful buildings and charming footbridges.
Tip: Make reservations for meals, especially on weekends. It’s a popular spot for aperitivo and dinner. Expect crowds and stay aware of pickpockets.
8. Brera District and Pinacoteca di Brera
In my opinion, Brera is Milan’s most picturesque neighborhood, ideal for walking and dining.
The Pinacoteca di Brera houses impressive Renaissance and Baroque art. Originally a Jesuit center, it was later converted to a center of art. The Pinacoteca contains works from influential painters such as Tintoretto, Raphael and Caravaggio. The courtyard of the Pinacoteca contains a large bronze statue of Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon I). This is because after conquering italy Napoleon made Milan the capital of Italy. Using art works confiscated from many churches, he contributed greatly to the collection at the Pinacoteca.
9. Traditional Milanese Dishes
Every region of Italy is famous for different specialty dishes. Here are my favorites of the Milanese dishes:
Risotto alla Milanese, known for its saffron flavor, it is also sometimes served with Ossobuco, another popular Milanese dish.
Ossobuco, a slowly braised veal shank served with polenta or risotto
Cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded veal cutlet.
*Also for an exceptional gelato experience, visit Chocolat Milano, near Cadorna Metro Station. This was my favorite gelato shop in Milan.
10. Shopping: Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan’s shopping scene is top-notch, with countless local boutiques and large international brands. Explore La Rinascente, near Duomo, for a luxury eight-story shopping center. I prefered shopping Corso Vittorio Emanuele II from Duomo toward San Babila Metro station. Many affordable stores can be found there like Zara, Mango and H&M. Some more affordable Italian brands to check out include: Teezenis, Calzedonia, Intimissimi, Sisley and Primadonna. I also frequently stalked the window displays of some moderatlely priced Italian shops, including: Pinko, Twinset, Marella and Coccinelle.
11. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Though small, this museum features masterpieces like Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit and Leonardo da Vinci’s Portrait of a Musician. It also houses the Codex Atlanticus, a collection of da Vinci’s drawings and notes.
12. Starbucks Reserve
Milan’s Starbucks Reserve offers rare coffees and exclusive merchandise. Visit early in the morning to avoid long lines.
All the Starbucks baked goods in Milan come from a bakery called Princi so if you see a stand-alone Princi Bakery or a Starbucks, you know you will get pricey but quality food.
As you say goodbye to Milan, let the memories of its bustling piazzas, chic boutiques, and charming cafes inspire your future travels. Enjoy the Dolce Vita!
I lived for one year in Milan, check out my other posts on Italy for more inspiration and travel advice!