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Milan, Italy’s fashion and financial capital, is renowned for its heritage and architecture and is a must-visit destination.
The city boasts some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, like the Gothic Milan Cathedral and the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.
The city is relatively large, and although you’ll find most of the interesting things to do in Milan pretty central, with one or the two a little out.
This guide should help you plan to maximise your time in Milan.
We’ve visited Milan more than once, and the city has grown on us from the first time we visited, with its gorgeous architecture and atmospheric districts.
Milan is a beautiful city located in northern Italy.
It’s the capital of Lombardy and is known for its history and fashion.
Milan is home to some of the world’s most famous fashion brands and is considered one of the world’s fashion capitals.
You’ll find brands like Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Prada, to name a few.
Beyond fashion, the city is renowned for its architecture, including the iconic Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.
The city’s architecture is magnificent and offers great photo opportunities.
There are too many to put in this post, so we’ve created another one exclusively for pictures of Milan.
Beyond fashion and architecture, you’ll find the classics for which Italy is known, such as its food scene.
1 | Visit Cimitero Monumentale
Cimitero Monumentale literally means “Monumental Cemetery.” And who would have thought a cemetery ranks as the number one thing to do in Milan? Not us. But hear us out.
It’s quite a strange place to recommend as somewhere to visit, but it’s a remarkable place, and somewhere we can almost guarantee you won’t have been anywhere like before.
You may have heard of Highgate Cemetery in London, but this place is on another level.
Cimitero Monumentale is a beautiful cemetery that dates back to 1866. The cemetery was designed by renowned Italian architect Carlo Maciachini and is known for its impressive architecture and intricate sculptures.
You can stroll through the picturesque grounds and admire the beautiful tombs and monuments of some of Italy’s most famous and influential figures, including musicians, artists, politicians, and scientists.
The cemetery is also a popular destination for art enthusiasts, featuring a vast collection of sculptures and monuments by some of Italy’s most celebrated artists.
You have to visit for yourself to understand how impressive this place is. You can even walk through what was the crematorium. Strange, but intriguing all the same.
2 | Mercato Centrale Milano
Mercato Centrale Milano, also known as Milan Central Market, is a food market located in Milano Centrale, Milan’s central train station. Mercato Centrale Milano is tucked away on the left side of the station on the ground floor.
If you didn’t know it was there, it would be easy to miss it, which you shouldn’t, because it’s great. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can get your fill of the Italian classics, such as pizza, arancini, and cannoli. You’ll also find counters selling fresh meat, fish, beer and wine.
Not only is the Mercato Centrale Milano food market awesome, but it sits within one of the most incredible train stations we’ve ever visited. Although we’re not sure, it must be one of the best train stations in the world. So even if you’re not after food, it’s worth a trip to the station simply to admire it.
3 | Explore the Brera District
The Brera district is a charming neighbourhood in the centre of Milan. In fact, it’s the most charming neighbourhood in Milan. Brera is known for its picturesque streets, vibrant atmosphere, and artistic heritage. The district is home to a few art galleries, museums, and antique shops, so worth a visit if you’re an art lover. The Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s most renowned art museums, is located here and showcases an impressive collection of Renaissance art. The district also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with some cute bars, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy.
But the best part of Brera is wandering the quaint little streets to admire the beautiful buildings and hidden courtyards. The Brera district is a perfect place to immerse yourself in Milan’s cultural and artistic heart, and it is somewhere you shouldn’t miss.
4 | Visit Duomo Cathedral
Fourth on our list is a visit to the city’s Duomo (Cathedral). The cathedral is the city’s centrepiece, but it’s not the best thing to do in Milan. We’d go so far as to say the exterior of the building is considerably more impressive than the interior. The ticketing system is also more complicated than it should be, with access to the cathedral, museum, and terraces by stairs or lift.
Despite all that, it’s worth visiting because it’s a bit of a bargain, and the museum is quite impressive. It allows you to get close to some of the old sculptures, along with a wooden scale replica, a work of art itself.
The Duomo Cathedral is a magnificent landmark located in the heart of Milan, Italy. It is one of the city’s most famous buildings and the largest church in Italy. The cathedral’s construction began in 1386 and took almost six centuries to complete. The building is an excellent example of Gothic architecture, boasting intricate details and stunning sculptures. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, featuring beautiful stained-glass windows and a vast nave. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for panoramic views of the city. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Milan.
5 | Walk Navigli
The Navigli are a system of interconnected canals in and around Milan, but the ones you are looking for on the map are Naviglio Grande and Navigli Milano. They are a short walk from the city centre, but worth every step! Although they look interesting in the pictures, you can’t see the atmosphere.
Naviglio Grande is a beautiful canal located in the southwestern part of Milan. It is famous for its picturesque views, lively atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. The canal has trendy bars, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists like us. You can take a walk along the canal, take a boat tour, or sit and admire the canal. And once you’re done, you can head to the bars and restaurants on Navigli Milano and soak up that electric atmosphere. Having said all that, the canals in Milan don’t quite live up to the ones back in the UK, like the ones around Birmingham.
6 | Wander Quadrilatero della Moda
You know Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, right? Well, the Quadrilatero della Moda is the epicentre of fashion in Milan. It’s the city’s most famous fashion district, located in the heart of the historic centre, and home to the world’s most prestigious and luxurious brands, including Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Versace.
The streets are lined with elegant boutiques and flagship stores, making it a paradise if you’re big into fashion. Even if you can’t afford to shop here, it’s worth a visit just to see the beautiful storefronts and soak up the glamorous atmosphere. You might even spot the odd Ferrari in a shop as you do. Ha.
7 | Explore Sforzesco Castle
Sforzesco Castle is a stunning architectural masterpiece located in the heart of Milan. Built in the 15th century, this historic castle has undergone several renovations, yet its beauty and grandeur remain intact. The castle is imposing, with massive walls and a tower visible for miles.
The castle boasts a remarkable collection of art and artefacts, including masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and other renowned artists. Inside the castle, you can explore the castle’s rooms and view the historical artefacts and exhibits. The castle’s exterior is equally impressive, featuring imposing walls, towers, and a moat. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, visiting Sforzesco Castle is a must-see attraction in Milan.
8 | Admire Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
It’s hard to miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II because it’s right next to the Duomo di Milano and is rather fancy. However, it offers little, so it ranks low on this list. That doesn’t mean to say it’s not worth visiting. It is. It’s grand. It’s fancy and an architectural masterpiece, but you probably won’t return once you’ve been through it and got a photo. It reminded us of the Galeries Royales St Hubert in Brussels – it’s just a bit more fancy.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning, historic shopping arcade in the heart of Milan. Built in the late 19th century, it’s named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. The arcade is renowned for its stunning architecture, which features a glass roof, intricate mosaics, and ornate ironwork.
The arcade is home to some of the world’s most prestigious fashion brands, including Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as several high-end restaurants and cafes. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is regarded as a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Milan. But to make it really worthwhile, see the iconic bull mosaic on the arcade floor and spin on its testicles, which is said to bring good luck. Now, give that a go! Ha.
9 | Find the Flamingos
One of the most unusual things to do in Milan is to find flamingos. In fact, they are a flamboyance of flamingos because, did you know, ‘flamboyance’ is the word for a group of flamingos? Nope, nor us! Anyway, there is a flamboyance of flamingos in the gorgeous Porta Venezia district of Milan, which we happened to stumble upon while heading for the Quadrilatero del Silenzio, also known as the Quadrangle of Silence. Although not a huge tourist attraction, they are an unusual spot and offer a flash of colour you might easily miss. To help you find them, they are on the map below, labelled Fenicotteri Milanesi.
10 | Stroll Parco Sempione
Milan has plenty of lovely parks, but the daddy of them is Parco Sempione. Parco Sempione in Milan is a breathtaking oasis of natural beauty in the city’s heart. The sprawling park spans 38 hectares and features lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and picturesque landscapes. It is the perfect place to escape the busy streets of Milan for a little while and unwind in nature’s embrace.
Whether you’re looking to take a stroll, enjoy a spot of lunch, or bask in the beauty of your surroundings, Parco Sempione has something to enjoy. The park also features cultural and historical landmarks, including the stunning Sforza Castle at one end. At the opposite end is the impressive Arco della Pace and its spacious surrounding plaza.
11 | Tour San Siro Stadium
Although we are not avid football fans, we visited San Siro Stadium. Famous worldwide in football circles, the San Siro is a 75,000-seat stadium home to two of the world’s most renowned football clubs—AC Milan and Inter Milan. The self-guided tour takes you through a museum and into the stadium, where you get to enter the changing rooms of these two iconic teams. The San Siro is a little way out of the city but easily accessible via tram and subway, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re a football fan.
What’s notable about the stadium is that it was earmarked for demolition. However, it is to be preserved for its cultural significance, which we fully appreciate. Even if you weren’t to step inside, you could stand by the tram lines and appreciate the stadium’s beauty. The San Siro was built in 1926 and, in my (Joel) opinion, is a concrete masterpiece.
Map
To help you plan your visit to Milan and navigate the city, below is a map of the top things to do.
How long should I spend in Milan?
Two full days in Milan will be enough to satisfy most people’s appetite for the city. It’s not like London, with an endless amount of things to do, but there are plenty of things to do to occupy you for a couple of days. If you want anything more, you might find you’ve had enough.
Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes, Milan is worth visiting. It’s a great city, and there are plenty of things to do in Milan to occupy you for a few days.
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