Things to Do in Milan
What to do in Milan
Take a tram ride, A visit to Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II, Marvel at the architecture of Milan Cathedral, Gaze into The Vinci’s “Last supper”, A stroll in Parco Sempione, Spend a rhythmic evening at La Scala Opera, Watch a game at San Siro Stadium, Dinner in Chinatown, Party at The Tunnel Club, A visit to Navigli District, Educational visit to Museum of Science, Visit to Archaeological Museum, Watch Ballet and Opera performances, A night out in Brera and many more.Things to do in Milan are often related to sightseeing and shopping, but to your surprise, we have gathered a list of engaging activities which can make your Milan trip a memorable one. From taking a ride in a tram and seeing a glimpse of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” to spending a night in a caravan with your love, Milan is filled with an ample amount of activities for almost everyone. For the shopaholics, What to do in Milan should never be a question, as this city has many streets dedicated to shopping only. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, known as the primary market of the town, can be an ideal place for window shopping or just hanging out.
Activities to do in Milan include spending a musical night at La Scala Opera, watching a game of football at AC Milan San Siro Stadium, Sipping wine in Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vineyards and night tours on cycles and segways. For history geeks, the city has an ample amount of historical landmarks and museums where the past of Milan is well preserved. In total, the surroundings of Milan are filled in many unique and once in a lifetime experiences.
Here is the list of things to do in Milan:
Constructed over the course of around seven centuries, this place has been a site of intense artistic debates, important religious declarations and movements, and political assertion. Today it stands proudly as a grand structure with varying artistic influences reflected in its construction and design. Thousands of visitors flock to this site every day to admire its imposing structure.
Its architecture has elements of both the classical Gothic and Renaissance styles. The Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo is the organization that was instituted by the lord of Milan in 1386 to oversee the construction of this monument. This organization meticulously conserves this cathedral that is the ultimate example of cultural wholesomeness.
You can have a mesmerizing view of the sunrise from the top of the cathedral. You can even roam around its various intricately designed corridors and marvel at the naturally lit hallways and the altar. It is a supremely surreal experience to see the imposing structure that has stood for centuries, and you must visit this cathedral if you’re visiting the beautiful city of Milan.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santa Maria Delle Grazie is a church located in the northern city of Milan. Popularly also known as Holy Mary of Grace, this church also works as a Dominican convent in the city. Built by famous architects Guiniforte Solari and Donato Bramante, Santa Maria Delle Grazie was built between 1463 to 1467 during the reign of Duke of Milan Francesco I Sforza. The architectural style of this church is regarded as Gothic and Renaissance and is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.
Other than a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is a very popular tourist destination. It is also one of the highly visited historic churches in Milan and Italy. During World War II, due to the involvement of Italy in the war, the church was attacked by a couple of aerial attacks. A major portion of the refectory was demolished and a few walls of the outer side of the church were also destroyed.
Many tourists visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the painting of Last Supper. It is located in a small room inside the church and only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the room at a time. Due to the immense popularity of the church and its historic value, the tickets for the church are sold-out in advance.
The sophisticated nineteenth-century shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is situated in the heart of Milan, the global hub of fashion. The building is named after the first King on the Kingdom of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II, who is believed to have laid the foundation stone of the building. The massive Galleria makes for a stunning sight, and its enormous dimensions have made it an overnight sensation ever since it was opened to the people of Milan.
Affectionately nicknamed as the “il salotto di Milano” – the drawing room of Milan, it is an enchanting edifice constructed in the 1860s. The elite in Milan has been frequenting this precinct since its inauguration, not just for shopping but for socializing as well.
This prestigious luxury-shopping destination hosts emporiums of premium brands, multinational labels, and chic eateries for the gastronomes. This is surely the place to visit if you want to witness high-street fashion and enjoy a coffee or an aperitif at the gourmet restaurants. The Galleria is housed inside a neoclassical precinct that is four-story-high.
Replete with polished marble floors, a gleaming glass-domed ceiling, and brilliant mosaics, its many facets capture the essence of Milan perfectly. The iron and glass construction here presents an extraordinary ambiance to the onlooker and strolling down the portico is like going back in time. So when in Milan, this place is a must-visit, if not for the luxury-shopping, then to appreciate its belle époque splendor.
There is also an arresting structure of Torre del Filarete, named after the Florentine architect and sculptor Antonio Avelino. The Castle is also a favourite wedding venue and one of the top Milan Tourist Places.
- Castle: Monday-Sunday 7:00am - 7:30pm
There are several beautiful buildings in the square, like the 13th century Broletto Nuovo (Palazzo della Ragione), the Pallanza della Scuole Palatine and the Loggia degli Osii (once used by authorities to address the people), which leaves the visitors stunned. Besides, being an architectural attraction, the square is turned into a bustling Christmas market during the holidays.
It is one of the finest museums that exist in the present era and yet preserves the fragrance of history. Also known as the ‘Brera Art Gallery,’ it presents to you more than 400 works of art varying from the 14th to 20th centuries. It also offers an interesting description of each painting, making it easier for you to understand them.
The gallery also provides audio guides at €5 in several languages like French, English, Italian, German, Spanish and Russian. If that is not enough, you can let your hearts sing to the tunes of a musical evening here that happens every Thursday.
Pinacoteca di Brera also has a photographic library which was founded by Corrado Ricci, Giuseppe Fumagalli and Gaetano Moretti in 1899. Photographs with a variety of techniques like aristotypes, salted pepper, carbon prints, albumen prints, and cyanotypes can be spotted here.
Not only this, but Brera Art Gallery is also a house to Photoradiographic Laboratory which is bent on inspecting and examining the history and technique of works of art. The professional expertise of its staff has led to a significant increase in the knowledge of the nature and conservation of the works of art in the gallery. So explore this lesser-known museum and behold art in its true essence.
However, the park is more than the lush greens as it has a full range of attractions like the Castello Sforzesco, Arco della Pace or Napoleonic arch, and Acquario Civico ( an aquarium) with a statue of the god of the sea, Neptune.
It helped all the cemeteries to come together and form into a single one. Once you enter the Cimitero Monumentale, you will be astounded to see the use of Greek Revival architecture in a brilliant way. With several mausoleums, monuments, and artistic tombs scattered all over the place, you will have a great time checking out each of them throughout the day.
Apart from that, there are several tombs of noted personalities like Adolfo Wildt, Giò Ponti, Lucio Fontana, Agenor Fabbri, Giacomo Manzù, Floriano Bodini, and Giò Pomodoro. The main entrance to it is through the large Famedio which is a huge Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval building that is constructed out of marble and precious stones.
This is the area where the tombs of some of Milan's most honoured citizens' rest. Inside this monument, you will come across the "Milanesi", or citizens of Milan Memorial that is dedicated to 800 citizens of Milan who were killed in the Nazi concentration camps in Milan.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a treasured gem of Italy and is known for its breathtaking and well-preserved artwork, awe-inspiring frescos, and luxurious gold embellished interior. It is placed in Milan city center and is in close vicinity of some of the ancient historical places in Milan.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is one of the most lovely churches in Milano and has significant heritage value attached to it. It was built during Renaissance times and its building presents a perfect example of 16th-century paintings, expertise, and architects.
The church is also known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Milan’ as it possesses stunning frescoes designed by the artists of the Leonardo era. It served as an ex-convent and was the most important Benedictine convent in Milan.
This preserved treasure of Milan attracts history enthusiasts and art lovers from all over the world for its well-conserved beauty and best kept secrets. The church is actually a complex with two different parts separated by a decorated central wall.
The front part is small but serves as the place for worship for the public. Masses and other religious practices are held here regularly. The bigger part was earlier a monastery and was known as the Hall of the Nuns. This monastery of the church has developed into Milan's Civic Archaeological Museum. The museum has in store a huge collection of marvelous artifacts from ancient Etruscan and Mediolanum times. Now the place is also used for hosting ceremonies and concerts as well.
The Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio is widely held for its amazing medieval style of architecture and it moved ahead to a model for all the Lombard Romanesque Churches. The basilica was constructed on a grand scale over an existing cemetery and the two local martyrs provided the necessary relics.
The original church was excavated beneath the existing building. It still has its foundations intact, a marble floor, four columned Baldacchino, and a semicircular apse. It is believed that the complex was about 300 Roman feet long and 100 feet wide. At that point in time, it was built larger than any other contemporary churches in the city of Rome.
With vast historical and divine significance, it has become one of the most loved tourist places in Milan, Italy. If you are planning a trip to Italy, then make sure you visit this architectural marvel of the bygone times.
The idea behind the design of the Railway station was simple; however, during Mussolini's reign, the building was made to represent the influence of the Fascist regime. The large glass and steel domed station has lovely blue tiles in the interior to denote the 24 tracks that take all the travellers to some of the leading European capitals, as well as other Italian cities.
Today, the Milano Train station has more than 300,000 passengers arriving and departing from the complex every day, which includes tourists exploring the city.
Teatro Dal Verme currently has four modern auditoriums, including a large size theatre named the Sala Grande, with almost 1420 seats. Also, a minor performance space identified as the Sala Piccola, with just 200 seats, and a better space for displays and conferences named the Sala Terrazzo are a part of the theatre.
Moreover, the place has other concerts and performances organized, the details of which can be checked on the official website.
As mentioned, the cemetery is home to a wide range of Italian sculptures, both classical and contemporary along with Greek temples, obelisks (pillars) and the Trajan's Column. Furthermore, the main entrance has a 'Famedio' a hall of fame made out of marble. It is a neoclassical style building that accommodates the tombs of well-known citizens, including- Alessandro Manzoni (novelist).
The tombs here, of famous industrialists and dynasties of the city and country, were designed by famous artists such as Adolfo Wildt, Giò Ponti, Arturo Martini among others. Besides that, The cemetery has a specific Jewish section and an open-air- museum that has a permanent exhibition of maps describing the cemetery's historical expansion, prints, photographs, and two battery-operated electric machines built in the 1920s.
Brera is also great for a night out with energetic bars and restaurants serving excellent Milanese grubs and quaffs or some retail therapy at high-end stores, making it one of the best places to visit in Milan.
With the charming rooms echoing the past from medieval to the 18th-century decorations, and an armoury having the works of the contemporary artist, Arnaldo Pomodoro. The house-museum has over 5000 exceptional pieces of sculptures, jewels, lace and embroidery, armours, furniture, porcelain and glass, sundial and clocks, and some old masterpieces, including antiquities till the 19th-century at the display.
Entry Fee-
- Adults: €10
Timings- 10am – 6pm
The museum's permanent collection contains Italian Renaissance art and decorations like furniture, tapestry, leather, metalwork, glassware, ceiling friezes and table-tops made of ivory and pastiglia. Other exhibits include, sculptures, paintings, European Renaissance weapons, armours, clocks, musical and scientific instruments and textiles conclude the museum's collections displayed as per the brothers' wishes.
Entry Fee-
- Regular: 10 €
Timings-1pm - 5:45pm
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The stadium also has a remarkable architecture with iconic circular towers holding the large tiers and a partially covered roof. This site is a treat for all football fans, and if you are a fan of AC Milan, you have to visit the museum within the stadium which is dedicated to the two Italian teams.
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Which are the best tourist places to visit in Milan?
1. Milan Cathedral: A visit to Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the best things to do in Milan. The largest cathedral in italy, this place has around 2,245 statues and a huge glass roof. Its striking interior and richly packed exterior attract a huge amount of people from all over the world.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan
Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM
2. The Tram station: Taking a tram to your destination can turn out to be one of the best activities to do in Milan. The trams here have been a major mode of transport since the 15th century and still have managed to stay the favorite transportation of the locals.
Location: Piazzale Cadorna, Milan
Timings: 7AM - 7:30 PM
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Things to do in Milan also include a visit to this unusual looking building with a glass roof. For all the shopaholics out there, this mall is a must visit if you are interested in high street brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
Timings:10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
4. The Gothic brick church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie: This is the place where Leonardo Da Vinci painted his famous fresco “The Last Supper” on a wall. A visit to Santa Maria Delle Grazie’s church can turn out to be one of the best activities to do in Milan. This place is a big six-sided dome and has many other contemporary art frescoes made by other renowned artists.
Location: Santa Maria Delle Grazie, 20122 Milano MI
Entry Fee: 8 Euro
Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM
5. Leonardo Da Vinci’s National Museum of Science and Technology: The best place to visit with your children, this science museum is always a buzz among the visitors. This place holds many historical science equipment used by various disciples. In addition to the stuff it holds, it has some shops from where you can buy “Do it yourself” science kits, making it a fun place for all age groups.
Location: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milan
Entry Fee: 10 Euro
Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
6. Piazza Del Duomo: This place is officially a cultural center of Milan and is famous for the spiritual vibes it holds. This place holds over 1000 stained glass windows, which depict the scenes of the Bible. Considering this a sacred place, many tourists from all over the world rush here, making it one of the best activities to do in Milan.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI
Timings: 9AM - 7PM
7. La Scala Opera: La Scala Opera attracts a wide variety of visitors everyday. This place is so popular that the ticket needs to be booked in advance. Having hosted some of the world’s most talented artists, the place in itself is a piece of art too. Its lush velvet seats, giant curtains and open golden balconies cater the ones who are looking for a luxurious experience.
Location: Via Senato, 38, 20121 Milan
Entry Fee: 90 Euro
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30PM
8. AC Milan San Siro Stadium: Biggest stadium in Italy, San Siro Stadium is known for its multiple events and of-course the football matches. Every year a huge number of visitors fly to Milan just to watch a game of football in this humongous place. Apart from the games, this place also organizes many cultural and musical events which attract many foreigners.
Location: Via S. Siro, 20149 Milan
Entry Fee: Varies for every match and concert
Timings: 10AM - 5PM
9. Brera District: The question of What to do in Milan is often answered with “Visit Brera”. This underrated gem of Milan is known for its ancient architecture, modern cafes and high brand shops selling cheaper stuff. This place is a must visit as it has many streets dedicated to local cuisines and shops where you can bargain.
Location: 20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan
10. Milan Chinatown: This place has the largest chinese community in Italy and is known for the variety of food and handicrafts it holds. The streets of Chinatown are home to one of the best restaurants and cafes which serve chinese gourmet food. Apart from the food many stores here sell chinese clothing that too at a very low price.
Location:20154 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan
Timings: 10AM - 11PM
11. Golden Triangle: A must visit place for the shopaholics, this place is home to many renowned brands as well as small boutiques. This place is known to be the world's one of the most important centers for fashion. If thinking about what to do in Milan, a visit to this place would be the best option.
Location: Via Sant'Andrea, 2/16, 20121 Milan
Timings: 11AM - 7PM
12. Da Vinci’s Vineyard: To everyone’s surprise, Leonardo Da Vinci was more than an artist, he was a scientist, scholar and had his own vineyard. Knowing the fact that this vineyard was just a token for his paintings, the guy actually took care of it. This vineyard is still running and has managed to stay as authentic as it used to be. A visit to this place is surely the best among other free things to do in Milan.
Location:La Vigna di Leonardo, Corso Magenta, 65, Milan
Timings: 11 AM - 5PM
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Which are the best places to enjoy shopping in Milan?
2. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II: Located in the heart of the city, this is the main shopping square. In addition to high end luxury brands, here you can also find various local businesses selling first and second copy.
3. Via Torino: This place is known for its shops where you can try your luck in bargaining. In Via Torino, you can also find streets dedicated to cosmetics and skin care products which are all natural and can be bought at low price.
4. Via Brera: In this market, you can shop for jewellery and antiques. Here you can get your own customized jewellery from small shops, that too at a cheaper price than the bigger brands. Via Brera has a perfume shop named Olfattorio Bar à Parfums, where you can get your customized scents.
5. Cormano Flea market: As the name suggests, this market is the best place for a shopping spree. Here you can shop for quality stuff at cheaper prices. Also, this market is known for the quality silk it exhibits and imports tonnes of silk on a daily basis. Apart from all this stuff, this place also has one of the best food joints of the city.
Which are the famous landmarks and museums in Milan?
1. La Scala Opera: Loaded with big curtains, velvet seats, golden balconies and best performances, a visit to La Scala Opera is considered to be one of the best things to do in Milan. The ambience of this “most famous opera house in the world” provides a luxurious vibe to its visitors.
2. Duomo Cathedral: The architecture of this historical landmark took 600 years to get completed. If you climb its rooftop, you will be stunned with the panoramic view of the whole city of Milan.
3. Archaeological Museum of Milan: If you are a history buff and want to dig into the past of Milan, then a visit to this museum can turn out to be wonders for you. This place exhibits the models, manuscripts and paintings of ancient Milan.
4. Castello Sforzesco: A visit to this art museum is considered to be one of the best free things to do in Milan. Filled with frescoes of Leonardo Da Vinci and other famous artists, the interior of this place is also an art in itself. The whole architecture of this place hasn't been changed since the fifteenth century.
5. Pinacoteca di Brera: Located in a town which itself is an art, this museum exhibits some of the best sculptures in the world. The town of Brera is known for its marvellous architecture and many marble sculptures that are still well preserved in Pinacoteca di Brera.
6. Piazza di Santa Maria Delle Grazie: Known for Leonardo Da Vinci’s world famous fresco - “The Last Supper”, this museum also holds artworks of many other famous artists. The best thing about this museum is that many rare frescoes here were painted on dry walls. A visit to Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie can surely turn out to be one of the best free things to do in Milan.
Which are the romantic places for couples in Milan ?
1. Roof of Duomo Cathedral: This magical place lets you enjoy the sunset while gazing at the panoramic view of the whole city of Milan. The best place to spend your midnight, Roof of Duomo Cathedral is a favourite spot of many tourists.
2. Galleria Victorio Emanuele: The most important location of Milan tourism is this huge shopping mall known for its ambience and variety of cafes where you can plan a nice date. Galleria Victorio Emanuele is surrounded by many small parks where you can spend some peaceful time with your lover and feel the sound of nature.
3. Sforza Castle: One of the most breathtaking palaces of Milan, this castle provides romantic as well as luxurious vibes. Here you can click some romantic pictures against the unique background to make the most out of your visit. Sforza Castle also has various heritage food places where you can have a date like a royal couple.
4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A visit to this unusual looking building with a glass roof is surely one of the best things to do in Milan. There's no better way to spend some time together than going for a shopping date. Here you can shop for all high street brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton and gift these to your other half.
5. The Tunnel Club: This club is in a railway shed located below Milan's railway station. If you are looking for a party place to visit with your partner, then The Tunnel Club is the best option among all. Offering the best partying vibe, this club is a must-visit.
6. Città di Milano: Known as the best camping place in Milan, here you can spend a peaceful night with your partner while gazing into the night sky filled with stars. Città di Milano also offers caravan facilities which can be opted if you are not interested in sleeping in tents.
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Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes, if you are planning for a peaceful yet fun-filled trip, then Milan is the best option. This place has a little bit of everything for everyone. What to do in Milan is never a question as this place is flooded with so many amazing attractions. From nightclubs located in railway sheds to world’s best cathedrals, and not to forget “The tram”, this city offers many unique experiences.
What is Milan famous for ?
Milan is known for its vast fashion industry. This place is filled with various fashion labels from high end brands such as Gucci, Prada, to local boutiques. In addition to the fashion industry, Milan is also famous for Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco, “The Last Supper”. The museums and art galleries of milan also attract a huge amount of visitors every year.
Also, The architecture of Milan is also an art in itself and it holds many ancient marvels like La Scala Opera and Piazza Del Duomo. Apart from all these things, Milan is also famous for its “Trams”, which have been running on its roads since the fifteenth century and still are the best means of transport.
Is it safe in Milan?
Receiving a large number of tourists every day, Milan is the safest city in Italy. Milan has many safe neighborhoods and a vast nightlife, making its roads safer at night too. If taken basic precautions, you can fearlessly roam the streets even at 3 in the morning.
What is Milan best known for?
Milan is best known for its famous cathedrals and museums. Some of them are Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Piazza del Duomo, Via San Vittore and the national museum of science and technology.
Milan is also known for the “Tram” which has been running on its streets since the fifteenth century, and has managed to stay as it used to be back then. Whosoever visits Milan, never forgets to take a ride in this tram. A single glance of The art pieces of Leonardo Da Vinci also attract huge crowds, making it one of the best things to do in Milan.
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What is the best time to visit Milan?
If you are travelling in summers, then the best time to visit Milan would be the months of April and May. At this time the summers would have almost gone and spring breeze would arrive. You can also visit Milan in the months of september and october. These months are followed by the winters, making them the best time for sightseeing.
Is Milan expensive?
Being a business center and home to many high end brands, Milan can be expensive for many travellers. However the stay at Milan is usually affordable and you can get many options to stay there. If you are on a planned trip, you can save yourself from many last minute expenses.
Is English spoken in Milan?
The city of Milan is filled with many Europeans who speak english. If not speak, most of the locals there do understand english easily. This place is flooded with tourists every year, thus english is often used as the main medium of communication.
Is Lake Como expensive?
Visiting Lake Como is not expensive if you are going there just for a stroll. Since this place attracts a number of visitors, many local vendors around here may sell basic products at higher prices.
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