Best Things To Do in Milan, Italy

Are you looking for what to do in Milan?

What to See

  • Sforza Castle: Designed during the age of Renaissance, this castle is home to rarities such as the last masterpiece of Michelangelo, the unfinished Pietà Rondanini and the frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. Admire its architecture that speaks volumes about the Renaissance history.
  • Museum Of La Scala: A part of Tetro alla Scala, this is a theatrical museum that exhibits the history of opera and  of Italian theatre in general, and includes displays relating, for example, to the commedia dell'arte and to the famous stage actress Eleonora Duse.
  • Gallery Of Vittorio Emanuele Ii: This is a renowned and magnificent shopping arcade that is covered with a glass and iron roof. The interior of this impressive five story structure is decorated with patriotic mosaics and statues.
  • Santa Maria Della Grazie: Visit this church that houses the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, housed in the refectory of the convent.
  • Basilica Of Sant Ambrogio: Renowned for its medieval architecture, this basilica is built in a stunning Romanesque style and is dedicated to Milan's patron saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, who founded the church in the 4th century.
  • Brera Picture Gallery: Founded in 1809 by Napoleon I, and one of Italy’s largest art galleries, this place exhibits Italian paintings from the Quattrocento (15th century) to the Rococo period (18th century). It has especially rich collections of Venetian and Lombard paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
  • Piazza Mercanti: Translated as Merchant's sqaure, this place is located between Piazza del Duomo, which marks the centre of the modern city of Milan, and Piazza Cordusio, and it used to be the heart of the city in the Middle Ages. 
  • Giardin Pubblici: Visit the largest park in the centre of Milan that holds a historic significance as it encloses a number of cultural monuments. 
  • Parco Sempione: Visit the Simplon Park that is built in an english style and is situated behind the Sforza Castle and nestles large greenery, cafes and places for relax.
  • Via Dante: Named after the Florentine poet Dante Alighieri, Via Dante is an important and elegant pedestrian street that borders several theatres, shops, restaurants, cafés, palaces and bars.
  • Civico Museo Archeologic: Translated as the Archaeological museum of Milan, this museum is housed within the complex of an ex convent and dispalys objects from Etruscan statues to coins of ancient Milan (then called Mediolanum), and from Greek vases to golden rings from the Middle Ages.
  • Cimitero Monumentale: Although a cemetry, this place houses a number of sculptures and monuments that were built for the tombs of Milan's rich and today have gained a historical and artistic values.
  • San Lorenzo Maggiore: Built in 4th century, this is the oldest church in Milan. Of particular interest will be the foundations that are made of enormous blocks taken from other Roman sites and the interior which was decorated with marble along the lower half and mosaics up higher.
  • Idroscalo Lake: Originally constructed as a seaplane airport, today this artificial lake has been facilitated with a park. The Idroscalo also hosts many recreational and sporting activities such as kayaking, canoeing, dragon boats, rowing, sailing, swimming, horse riding and water skiing. 
  • Palazzo Litta: Palazzo Litta can be considered, especially for its whimsical eighteenth-century facade, as one of the most representative (and well preserved) examples of Baroque Lombard style evident in Milan around the second decade of the eighteenth century. 
  • Biblioteca And Pinacoteca Ambrosiana: Enter this museum to admire some of the greatest masterpieces of all times, like The Musician by Leonardo, The Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio, The cartoon for the School of Athens by Raphael , the Adoration of the Magi by Titian, the Madonna del Padiglione by Sandro Botticelli and the magnificent Vases of Flowers by Jan Brueghel.
  • Fiera Di Sinigaglia: Having gained the status of an institution,Fiera has become one of the most popular hangout markets in Milan. Spending some time here to shop can be real fun.
  • Quadrilatero Doro: Shop at this high-class shopping district that dazzles witht the presence of numerous boutiques and related retail outlets which represent most of the world’s major fashion houses.
  • Milan Cathedral: Wonder at the monumental glory of this exceptionally large and elaborate Gothic cathedral on the main square of Milan. It is the largest Gothic cathedral in Milancand the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world.
  • Teatro alla Scala: Take out time to watch an opera performance at this historic opera house that was was built at the end of the eighteenth century. This is also one of the world's most revered venues and numerous famous works by composers such as Verdi and Bellini have been premiered here.
  • Pinacoteca di Brera: History comes alive with this museum that displays one of the main art collections of Renaissance art in Italy with over 500 works dating from the 14th- 20th century. Opened to the public in 1809, it is situated in a beautiful 17th century building alongside the Accademia di Belli Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) in the Palazzo di Brera.
  • Piazza del Duomo: Considered to be the most beautiful square in Milan, it is dominated by the magnificent front facade of the Duomo (cathedral). At the center of the square stands a monument honoring the first king of a unified Italy
  • San Siro Stadium: Take out time to cheer for a football match at San Siro Stadium, the largest stadium in Milan.
  • Navigli: Famous for its nightlife, the Navigli district of Milan is one of the most famous areas of Milano which is really worth visiting. 
  • Brera: The Brera district is one of the most artistically inspired districts in Milan as it was once populated mainly by artists and bohemians.

WHERE TO BE

Nightlife:

  • Milan has a great nightlife with hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafes and trattorias but during summer months it can be incredibly crowded everywhere.

Below we have a list of things to do in Milan and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Milan getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Milan with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Milan

Here is the list of things to do in Milan and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Chiesa Di San Maurizio Al Monastero Maggiore

    Church, Religious Site

    If you passed by this church, looked at its unimpressive exterior, and passed it by, it would be one of the greatest regrets of your trip. The walls inside have some of the city's most incredible murals and frescoes, painted in the 16th century. Some of them were painted by Bernardino Luini, who studied under Da Vinci himself. Much of the art pays tribute to Ippolita Sforza, lady of a powerful ...Read more
  2. Gallery Of Vittorio Emanuele II

    Bar, Cafe, Mall, Shopping Center

    Grab your shopping bag to go browsing in the world’s most elegant covered arcade, the glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world's oldest shopping mall. The Galleria symbolized Italian unity and self-confidence, so it is no surprise that the arcade is decorated with plenty of patriotic symbols. The place has a unique charm, which makes it worth a visit. Shops including lux...Read more
  3. Piazza Del Duomo

    4.7 (3161 Votes)
    Piazza Del Duomo

    Square

    Unleash your camera. There is literally no place in the city where you'll get more out of your photographs. Milan's grandest and busiest square is surrounded by tremendous architecture on all sides. There's the Gothic Duomo, of course. Across from the cathedral is the monumental arch of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the magnificent 19th century arcade. Then see the Palazzo Meridionale. The arc...Read more
  4. Pinacoteca Di Brera

    4.7 (6606 Votes)
    Pinacoteca Di Brera

    Art Gallery

    The Brera Picture Gallery is the main public gallery for paintings in Milan, Italy. See some of the world’s most stunning, centuries-old paintings from Italian masters including Caravaggio and Raphael. The gallery’s collection is housed in a 19th century monastery. Not visiting this art gallery would definitely be a big miss! Plenty of artistic elements are exhibited nice...Read more
  5. Basilica Of Sant'ambrogio

    4.6 (5414 Votes)
    Basilica Of Sant'ambrogio

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture

    The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is one of the most historic churches in Milan. The church is popular for its amazing architectural values, as well as religious and historic significances. This basilica was originally built in 4th century after which it was renovated in 11th century. Its exterior is quite stunning to look at and boasts of an unusually big atrium that further extends to the west an...Read more
  6. Piazza Gae Aulenti

    Square, Architecture , Fountain

    Gae Aulenti was the Italian architect you designed the splendorous Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It's fitting, then, that a square named after him is as impressive to look at. Three fountains cast a film of water over a portion of the square; there is a sculpted bench 105 metres long that flows circular; shiny arcades of reflective glass overlook the square; sleek buildings and skyscrape...Read more
  7. Gallerie Di Piazza Scala

    4.6 (1651 Votes)
    Gallerie Di Piazza Scala

    Art Gallery

    The museum is housed inside of what used to be an old bank. Much of the bank's old layout has been incorporated into the museum's own, giving the interior a very posh ambience. The artwork in the gallery focuses on the 19th and 20th century. Highlights to watch out for: Bas-reliefs by Antonio Canova. Speculative works by Umberto Boccioni. 19th century images of Milan. Masterpieces by some of t...Read more
  8. Museo Poldi Pezzoli

    4.6 (1366 Votes)
    Museo Poldi Pezzoli

    Museum

    Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli became a rich man at 24, and in 1881, when the concept of house museums began to take hold around Europe, he founded his own. Each room inside this house is themed. On the ground floor is the Lace Room, which works from the 16th to the 20th century; the Textiles Room; the lovely Frescoes Room; and the stately Armoury. The first floor is where all the real art is: the ...Read more
  9. Navigli District

    Neighborhoods

    The canals Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese define this historic district, now one of Milan's greatest nightspots. The canals began to be constructed on 1179, and proved to be indispensable for the the growth of Milan. For example, the marble used to build the Duomo was carried on these waterways. The streets running along the canals are very pedestrian friendly, have some terrific photo...Read more
  10. Museo Del Novecento

    4.5 (1097 Votes)
    Museo Del Novecento

    Museum

    There is only one room in this museum that focuses on foreign artists. Every other room in the museum is from Italian artists of the 20th century. The range of artwork covers neo-Impressionism, abstractionism, surrealism, spatialism and Arte Povera. The themes of the art iself takes a look at how italy has evolved from its fascist days to today. Architecturally, the museum's building's (Palazzo...Read more
  11. Planetario Di Milano

    4.7 (250 Votes)
    Planetario Di Milano

    Planetarium

    Inaugurated in 1930, this is Milan's biggest planetarium. Over 300 people can be seated at a time while programmed are projected on to the dome of the facility. The projections accurately depict the night sky as it was or will be at any place and time on Earth. The planetarium organises lectures and events to educate the public on astronomy and related sciences. The center is also the home of t...Read more
  12. Museo Nazionale Della Scienza E Della Tecnologia Leonardo Da Vinci

    Science Museum

    Italy's largest Science and Technology Museum is housed inside to the ancient monastery of San Vittore al Corpo. There used to be a fourth-century basilica and Mausoleum here for emperors Gratian and Valentinian III. The building you see today was built in the 16th century, and has functioned as a military hospital and a barracks. The museum's exhibits are divided into seven major themes - mate...Read more
  13. Basilica Of Sant'eustorgio

    4.6 (123 Votes)
    Basilica Of Sant'eustorgio

    Church, Religious Site

    Founded in the 4th century, rebuilt sometime later in Romanesque style, this church was a highly important pilgrimage stop as it was suspected to contain the relics of the Three Magi. These were reportedly removed to Cologne in the 12th century, and only recently have fragments of the relics been returned. Coins of the son of Contantine the Great were found in an excavation at the church. Check...Read more
  14. Hangarbicocca

    4.6 (109 Votes)
    Hangarbicocca

    Art And Culture

    This used to be an old industrial complex that manufactured train carriages. It has now been transformed into one of the largest contemporary art spaces on the continent. There is only one major permanent art installation - the massive Seven Heavenly Palaces, made of concrete, weighing 90 tonnes each, and rising 14+ metres into the sky. You can find out about the cultural and artistic events an...Read more
  15. Church Of Bones

    4.5 (186 Votes)
    Church Of Bones

    Church, Religious Site

    The church was built here in 1145, along with a hospital and a cemetery. When the cemetery filled up with dead bodies, and there was nowhere else to put them, a small side chapel was constructed to house the bones. The church is nice enough, with a baroque paintings in its chapels. Check out the altars dedicated to Maria Magdalene and Saint Rosalia.,But no one really looks at them. The ossuary,...Read more