Top Tourist Attractions in Milan, Italy
Milan has a lot to offer guests who are slow to pass judgment. Here are a few locations in Milan and the nearby areas that you can visit.
Milan Tours
Free Milan Walking Tour
It is recommended to do this through Walkabout Tours. You can hire a tour to show you through Milan’s historic district, stopping at a few noteworthy buildings along the way. You will understand each site better because it is a guided tour.
Here are a few of the key stops:
- Business Square (Piazza Affari)
- Duomo di Milano
- Merchants Square
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Church of San Nazaro in Brolo
- Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
- La Scala Theater
- Statale University (University of Milan)
Milan Food Tour
Italy is not simply known for its stunning architecture, art, and history; it is also a heaven for foodies. Milan can be said to be the same. To sample some of the best cuisines in the city, stroll around the Brera District. You will get information from your tour guide about the meal you are consuming. You’ll get to try things like risotto, cream rolls, and parmigiana.
Da Vinci Tour
One of the most famous Renaissance artists, Leonardo Da Vinci, spent almost two decades in Milan. Many of his works are on display there, including the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent, the frescoed vault ceiling at the Sforza Castle, and a number of sketches at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. You are free to go to these locations and view the artwork there.
Lake Como Tour
Another place to visit in the Lombardy region is Lake Como. However, due to its close proximity, Milan serves as a popular starting point for many tourists. You can take a day excursion to Lake Como if you’re staying in Milan.
While sailing on Lake Como, you will witness the beautiful villas and gardens. During your journey, catch a glimpse of how the wealthy lived. You’ll explore the charming town of Bellagio after the cruise. As you stroll through its historic buildings and cobblestone streets, this portion of the journey will transport you back in time.
Milan Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Taking the HOHO (Hop On, Hop Off) Bus is an easy way to see Milan. You can choose this option to visit the Basilica of Saint Ambrose, the Duomo, the Teatro alla Scala, and the Castello Sforzesco, among other well-known attractions in the city.
You can get information about each stop from the bilingual audio guide that is installed on every bus.
Shopping
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Buenos Aires, the city’s longest retail street, are only two of the many shopping avenues and malls in Milan that feature both regional and international brands.
However, if you’re looking for significant savings, you might try your luck at one of the many outlet shopping centers outside the city. Below are a few of them.
- Vicolungo The Style Outlets, Vicolungo
- Serravalle Designer Outlet, Serravalle Scrivia
- Fidenza Village, Parma
- Franciacorta Outlet Village, Saiano
- FoxTown Outlet Mall, Mendrisio (Switzerland)
Milan Tourist Spots
Duomo di Milano
The largest church in the nation, the Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral), was built over several centuries. Simply said, with its Italian Gothic design, it is stunning. In 1386, construction got underway under the direction of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the many influences, styles, and even individual visions of the numerous architects who had the task of constructing the cathedral over the ages.
Even while you could be intrigued by it on your own, taking a tour will help you appreciate the intricate features, rich history, and stunning architecture of this enormous church. Baptisteries, crypts, an archaeological site, and a museum are all located inside. Both an elevator and stairs are available for accessing the rooftops.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This is the oldest commercial center in the nation and is named after the country’s first king. This four-story structure, which spans two vaulted walking arcades, is home to a number of premium brands. It is so huge that it can proudly stand next to the great Duomo. Its architecture is also noteworthy, particularly the glass and iron roof that is topped with a large dome.
La Scala Theater Museum
La Scala Theater, one of the most important ballet and opera theatres in the world, first opened its doors in 1778. The ultimate goal for opera performers is to be able to perform here. A museum showcasing the greatest performers and artists to grace the theater is housed in the same structure. You’ll also see priceless artifacts.
Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The Poldi Pezzoli Museum is located close to the Scala Theater and is housed in the opulent residence that once belonged to aristocratic collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Public access to his tastefully decorated apartments has been granted.
The museum also showcases a number of pieces by artists including Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, and Botticelli. Additionally, you can find beautiful furnishings.
Sforza Castle & Sempione Park
The current Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, ordered this castle in 1450 to serve as his home. It was erected where a former fort once stood. It has grown into one of Europe’s largest citadels after undergoing a lot of restorations throughout the following decades. However, it later transformed into a collection of museums and art galleries today.
A scenic parkland shaded by gardens and filled with notable buildings like the Bridge of the Little Mermaids, Triennale Milano, the Civic Aquarium of Milan, and the neoclassical Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at its far end is known as Parco Sempione (Sempione Park), which is located just outside the castle.
Brera
Milan’s artistic quarter is called Brera. It serves as a base for travelers and is located right adjacent to the Sforza Castle and the Centro Storico, the city’s historic center. However, even if you’re not planning to stay here, it’s still worthwhile to see.
The Brera Astronomical Observatory, the Brera Art Gallery, the Biblioteca Braidense, the Museo del Risorgimento, and the Brera Botanical Garden are just a few of the attractions.
Porta Nuova
The modern, chic business neighborhood of Porta Nuova is teeming with chic places to eat, drink, party, and shop. Additionally, the Unicredit Tower, the tallest structure in Italy, is located there. These factors have led to Porta Nuova being referred to as the “New Milan” rather than the “Old Milan,” which refers to the city’s historic center (where the Duomo resides).
The Neoclassic gate, which was built in 1810 and is still standing today, gave Porta Nuova its name.
Porta Venezia
Another substantial gate also finished in the 19th century, is located on the opposite side of the city. This monument, Porta Venezia, inspired the naming of the neighborhood that surrounds it. The city’s longest shopping street, Corso Buenos Aires, is also located there. You may find a variety of restaurants at Porta Venezia, including Asian, African, and South American cuisine.
Navigli
South of the city center lies a neighborhood called Navigli, which takes its name from a system of interconnecting canals. Additionally, it has a number of churches, including the Basilicas of San Lorenzo and Sant’Eustachio.
But these days, the region is most known as a nightlife hotspot with clubs, pubs, and restaurants located along the canal. Joining a food and wine tour, which will introduce you to some area wines and local appetizers and the tales behind them, is a terrific opportunity to explore the magic of this neighborhood. In Milan, it’s a fantastic way to spend the evening.
Galleria d’Arte Moderna
You might also want to visit the Milan Gallery of Modern Arts, or Galleria d’Arte Moderna di Milano. Its collection includes works by several of Europe’s leading artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, including Édouard Manet, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Francesco Filippini, and to mention a few.
Cimitero Monumentale
This unusual cemetery was established in 1866. It is notable for its various wonderfully crafted tombs, sculptures, obelisks, temples, and other structures. It was created by architect Carlo Maciachini. Prior to the 20th century, Milan had a number of tiny cemeteries dotted across the city. One of the largest cemeteries in the city, Cimitero Monumentale was built to combine them all in one location.
Pinacoteca & Biblioteca Ambrosiana
The Biblioteca and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, a gallery-library complex founded in 1618, is a must-see destination for art and history enthusiasts. Federico Borromeo, who was the Archbishop of Milan at the time, has a collection of paintings on display at the Pinacoteca. The following are some of the gallery’s noteworthy pieces:
- Titian‘s Adoration of the Magi
- Botticelli‘s Madonna and Child with Three Angels (Madonna of the Pavilion)
- Caravaggio‘s Basket of Fruit
- Raphael‘s School of Athens
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church and Convent
On the outside, the Santa Maria delle Grazie might not hold a candle to other churches in Milan. The Last Supper is a priceless artifact that is housed inside the Dominican complex’s adjacent convent, which is why it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of Milan’s most visited attractions is this one.
Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo
This church’s construction along the road that connected the city to Rome in the year 382 is when its history began. Because it was built in recognition of the Apostles, it was also known as Basilica Apostolorum. Under the altar, there are also a few Apostles’ relics.
Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
At first glance, this simple chapel appears conventional, yet within, there’s something special. Its earliest-known ancestors lived in the 12th century. At that time, the location featured a cemetery. However, the cemetery had to expand in 1210 to accommodate more bodies. The officials chose to relocate the old bones into a small room in order to remedy the issue. Next to that room, a modest chapel was constructed. The church was expanded hundreds of years later.
The numerous human skulls and remains from the Middle Ages that adorn the walls of that area inside the church are still visible to visitors today.
Statale University
This remains one of the biggest institutions in Europe and officially known as the University of Milan. Currently, it houses ten faculties, housed in historic structures, including the faculty of law, medicine, humanities, and science and technology.
The former Ospedale degli Poveri (Hospital for the Poor) structure is among the most prominent. Another name for it was Cà Granda (Big House). The hospital Francesco Sforza built in the fifteenth century was revolutionary and far ahead of its time. Real physicians of medicine began to treat patients instead than monks. Additionally, they divided based on the type of illness, something unusual at the time. The building received granted to the university following World War II.
Piazza Affari (Business Square)
A tiny area called Piazza Affari is located in front of the Palazzo Mezzanotte building, which houses the Italian Stock Exchange’s main offices. It was finished in 1932 and has a 36-meter-tall, mostly Neoclassical marble exterior adorned with creations by Geminiano Cibau and Leone Lodi.
But it isn’t this amazing building that immediately grabs your attention. A huge statue of a hand with the middle finger raised and the others missing steal the show. At first glance, it seemed as though provocateur Maurizio Cattelan, the artist, intended to point the finger at capitalism. However, the stock exchange employees are positioned behind it, as if it were their hand sending the unsavory word to the rest of the globe.
Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale will prove the first to capture your attention if you are arriving in Milan by train. It serves as the city’s main train station. The largest in Europe by volume, it has a façade that is 200 meters wide and a vault that is 72 meters high.
It’s one of the largest train stations I’ve seen, with enormous steel and glass domes enclosing 24 tracks, and its immensity may be rather daunting. Public access to the current building began in 1931.
Top Budget Hotels & Apartments in Milan
Here are the top apartments and budget hotels in Milan.
- Serendipity Apartments – Duomo
- Bronzino House
- Ai Suma Hotel
- Teodora B&B
- Monocase Milano
- Room Inn
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