Milan is a well-known capital of all things catwalk and generally cool, being the commercial centre of Italy. But before you go, make sure you don’t get ripped-off and experience the authentic side to this stylish city.
10 of the best things to see and do in Milan
1. The Duomo
Emerging from the steamy subway station at the Piazza del Duomo, look up and you can’t help but be blown away by the enormous white marble façade of Milan’s cathedral. The Duomo is the city’s most famous building, and rightly so. It took centuries to build and after the latest restoration it looks as impressive as ever.
Walk around it to appreciate its size, or if you want to see inside, make sure you are dressed appropriately, covering arms and legs, otherwise you won’t be allowed in! Taking the audio guide tour of the interior is a treat and it’s the best way to get the most out of your visit – be sure to check out the magnificent enormous stained-glass windows behind the choir. Don’t miss a visit to the roof: take the elevator or stairs and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The large square in front of the cathedral hosts concerts and other festivities.
2. Museo del Novecento
To the right of the Duomo, facing the cathedral, are the beautifully restored twin Arengario buildings, one of which houses the Novecento art museum. The outside of the building is worth a gander, before stepping inside to explore its treasures. The museum houses many of the masterpieces of Italian 20th century modern art, like the impressive Quarto Stato painting of Pellizza di Volpeda (striking workers at the turn of the century – you’ll probably recognise it when you see it) and the famous Unique Forms of Continuity in Space statue by Boccioni (imagine a bronze Transformer). This piece is also displayed on the reverse side of the Italian 20 cents Euro coin.
Top tip: Every first Sunday of the month your visit free, otherwise admission is €10. Head straight for the top floor of the building for a magnificent view of the Duomo and square, especially after sunset.
3. Eat with the locals
One of the main reasons to visit Italy is to enjoy its magnificent culinary culture. So if you are in Milan, forget about fast food and avoid the touristy restaurants. But what about that late night chip you cry?! Don’t fear, there are plenty of excellent options that won’t end in kebab sauce stained shirts or bowls of congealed carbonara.
Close to the Duomo check out some of these authentic and good value eats: Al Cantinone (a bit hidden but really good, on Via Agnello 19). Acqua di Mare (fish specialties, on Via Terraggio 11/13). Al Mercante (very nice outside terrace, right next to Piazza del Duomo at Via Cesare Cantù 7). Boccondivino (excellent lunch and dinver options, Via Carducci 17), Cucina del Toro (a hidden gem right in the centre, mains from €15, Via Camperio 15) and Trattoria Milanese (for traditional Milanese food, Via Santa Marta 11).
Top tip: Try the ATMosfera restaurant tram: dining in a classical tram while riding through the city. Book at the ATM website.
Read more: A taste of Italy – 5 fantastic regional food specialties
4. Sforzesco Castle
Within walking distance from the Duomo, along the car-free shopping avenue of the Via Dante, lies the impressive castle of the Renaissance Sforzesco family that once ruled Milan. It now hosts a collection of civic museums and offers access to the large Sempione park (see point 8). Meandering through the courtyards, you can admire the architecture and pop into different museums that exhibit, among others, Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà, Mantenga’s Trivulzio Madonna and boast ceilings painted according to designs by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle is worth a visit even in you are not going to the museums.
5. Leonardo’s Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie
Besides the food, the fancy palaces and the fashion, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, Il Cenacolo, is another major attraction to visit in Milan. This iconic fresco is located in the refectory of the monastery next to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, not far from city centre. But unless you have booked a ticket in advance, save yourself the trouble of going, as tickets always sell out and cannot be bought on the day.
The best way to get in is to book one of the available city tours or guided visits, as these have pre-arranged tickets. Be aware that visitors are only allowed in for 15 minutes, in small groups. Afterwards (or before) don’t miss the church itself for its beautiful Renaissance architecture, frescoes and paintings.
6. Cimitero Monumentale
A graveyard may not be everyone’s idea of a holiday hotspot, but this is definitely one to check out. The Cimitero Monumentale is a kind of open-air museum of Italian sculpture, in which some of the best works of all major Italian sculptors of the 19th and 20th century can be admired. Some of these monuments are enormous theatrical displays of grief. Many famous Italians (and foreigners) are buried at the cemetery, like the director and violinist Arturo Toscanini and writer Alessandro Manzoni. Many of the celebrities are in the special Famedio or Pantheon. There is also a Jewish department, a section for non-believers and a cremation temple.
Read more: 10 cheap European city breaks in 2019 under €100
7. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Pinacoteca di Brera
It’s not just Florence that has the famous Italian Renaissance paintings: Milan has two large collections as well. Near the Scala opera theatre you’ll find the Brera Pinacoteca offering a large collection of works by the likes of Mantegna, Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Caravaggio, Bellini, Canaletto, Tintoretto and many more.
For the Ambrosiana art gallery (also near the Duomo) it’s wise to book tickets in advance, on-line via the website. Here you’ll find works on display from Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Brueghel, Titian, Caravaggio and Raphael, amongst others. And there is an interesting library with the Codex Atlanticus of Leonardo and a Virgilius manuscript.
8. Parco Sempione and Giardini Pubblici
You’ve decided to see Sforza Castle, but don’t leave without scoping out the adjacent Parco Sempione. Opened in 1888, it was designed by architect Emilio Alemagna who wanted this gorgeous green space to frame panoramoc views of the stately home. Aside form the outdoors sculpture gallery, there’s also an aquarium which is free to visit if you go on the first and the third Tuesday every month after 2pm, and on the first Sunday of the month. Otherwise it’s €5 – it’s closed on Mondays.
From under the sea to miles above the earth: another park worth a peek is the Giardini Pubgblici Indro Montanelli, in the Porta Venezia district, home to the city’s Planetarium. Its the oldest patch of green in the city, established in 1784, and the Planetarium hosts a series of family-friendly guided tour of the starry night sky on warm summer nights starting in June.
Dreaming of lazy days relaxing in the sun? Italy’s also home to a couple of the most popular beaches in the world.
9. Sant’Ambrogio Basilica
Milan’s 4th century father Saint Ambrose, the most famous Milanese archbishop, converted and baptised the influential Saint Augustine (in the Duomo). Ambrose is Milan’s patron saint and has his own basilisk, which is another definite must-see, both for its very old and original architectural elements (façade, atrium, column capitals, bell towers), but also for the artwork inside: Volvinius altar, choir, sarcophagus of Stilichone and mosaics. There is also a museum and a treasury.
10. Pavia and Oltrepò Pavese
If you’re looking for top notch nosh in Milan on a Sunday night then you could be out of luck; most of the better restaurants are closed on Sundays. But instead of going to one of the very few that are open, or one of a lesser quality, turn that frown upside down and discover part of Milan’s hinterland. A real tradition in the Italian countryside is the Sunday lunch, or pranzo della domenica, during which whole families eat and chat together for hours in one of the many agriturismo, or farmhouse style brasserie.
The Oltrepò Pavese wine region, just 50 km south of Milan, offers an excellent choice of such traditional restaurants. Try the fabulous local wines while taking in magnificent views, not unlike those of Tuscany. You can reach the area in less than an hour from Milan and on the way visit one of Lombardy’s main treasures, the Certosa di Pavia monastery (free entrance, closed over lunch time). On your way back from lunch, stop for a stroll around the laid-back historical city of Pavia.
From a cycling holiday in Lake Garda to a comfortable stay in Sicily’s Kamarina Club Med, Italy offers plenty of options for family fun.
*Updated July 2019. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
Top 10 attractions and things to do in Milan
| 1. The Duomo |
| 2. Museo del Novecento |
| 3. Eat with the locals |
| 4. Sforzesco Castle |
| 5. Leonardo’s Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie |
| 6. Cimitero Monumentale |
| 7. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Pinacoteca di Brera |
| 8. Parco Sempione and Giardini Pubblici |
| 9. Sant’Ambrogio Basilica |
| 10. Pavia and Oltrepò Pavese |
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