Milan is the world center of fashion and design. All the fashion houses that respect themselves are here. In addition, you can feel the history of Italian art and culture throughout the city, which extends from the ancient Roman Empire to the Renaissance. One of the most famous people of all time – Leonardo Da Vinci – left his mark here. But there are also some places that have only become highlights of Milan and all of Italy in modern times.
In this article, I will give you tips for the best and most famous Milan attractions, but also a few insider tips for the city. I’ll show you which ones you should visit if you only have one, two or three days.
Milan is a great city for a weekend city break. It is only about a 1.5-hour flight from Germany, and from the capital of Lombardy you can get to both the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Italian lakes in the Alps (Garda, Como and Lugano) super quickly.
Milan is therefore also a great place to start a trip to northern Italy.
A great mix of history, art, architecture and lifestyle awaits you. Treat yourself to an extra portion of la dolce vita: in the morning you will walk through impressive churches and admire magnificent Italian works of art, at lunchtime you will stroll through the city center and treat yourself to an original Italian pizza to go with your new Gucci accessories, and in the evening you will drink your Aperol Spritz on a roof terrace at Milan’s Duomo square – life can be so beautiful.
Matthias
Accommodation in Milan
If you want to visit the Milan attractions from this article here without stress, it is worthwhile to look for an accommodation directly in the historic center of Milan. Because all the city’s major attractions are actually located there, which you can easily reach on foot.
You will experience a special overnight stay in the pink rooms of the 4-star superior hotel ODSweet Duomo Milano. It is just a few steps from the cathedral square.
Map of Milan’s attractions
All the Milan attractions mentioned in this article can also be found here on the map:
1. “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
“The Last Supper” is one of the most famous works by Leonardo Da Vinci, one of the most famous polymaths – and people in general – of all time. As the name of the mural suggests, it shows Jesus Christ with his disciples at the Last Supper before the crucifixion. It is located on the north wall of the dining room of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
However, I have to disappoint you, because it is rather unlikely that you will see the real painting during a spontaneous visit. You need online pre-registration to get an admission ticket. And usually they are completely booked up months in advance.
The ticket kiosk is located a few meters to the left of the church entrance. Most of the time, tickets are no longer available on site. But if you’re lucky, someone might drop out and you might be able to get a ticket early in the morning. Always check online. Sometimes seats become available at short notice due to cancellations. However, these are also quickly sold out.
Another alternative for seeing the mural by Leonardo Da Vinci is to book a guided tour where admission is already included. Here are a few examples of guided tours that include admission:
2. Santa Maria delle Grazie
Even if you don’t manage to see the “Last Supper”, a visit to the church is worthwhile. It is on the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO and you can even enter it for free. It’s best to also take a look at the courtyard. It’s not only a great place to stroll, but you also have a good view of the striking round tower of the basilica.
3. Leonardo’s vineyards
Update: The property has been sold and is currently closed to visitors for an indefinite period.
Right next to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, just across the street, you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s idyllic vineyards for an entrance fee of €10.
When Leonardo da Vinci was working on the Last Supper at the end of the 15th century, the Duke of Milan gave him a vineyard where the Casa degli Atellani is located today. You can visit both the garden and the house.
However, since some residents of Milan still live inside the complex, only a certain number of visitors are allowed in at any one time. The time slot for visits is about 30 minutes.
4. The Duomo of Milan
The Duomo di Milano (in Italian, Duomo) is an absolute must-see in Milan. It is one of the largest churches in the world and you can see the cathedral from afar. When you walk along the Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo unfolds in all its glory. No wonder, since it was under construction for a full six centuries.
I was particularly impressed by the extremely detailed statues and figures along the cathedral doors, which tell entire stories and which you can see up close without paying anything. In total, there are around 5,000 sculptures, gargoyles and figures to admire in and around the cathedral.
If you want to visit the cathedral, you have many options. You can either visit the interior of the cathedral or just the roof terraces or both. For the roof terraces, you can either book an option with an elevator or walk up the stairs. A visit to the cathedral museum is always included in the entrance fee to the cathedral. But there is also an archaeological area that costs extra to enter. You can find all the different combinations and individual tickets online here on the website. Prices vary depending on the season.
If you are not interested in culture, have little time, don’t want to spend much, and are still fit, then you should at least go up to the rooftop terrace of the cathedral for €10. The view of the city from here is simply fantastic and the sheer size of the cathedral and the special atmosphere that goes with it will also impress you.
The entrance is to the left of the large doors at the front of the cathedral on Cathedral Square. You have to book the ticket online in advance. The stairs are not really difficult to climb, so in my opinion the €5 extra for the elevator ticket (€15) is not really worth it if you are still young and fit enough to climb stairs. It’s best to come here early in the day, because during the day there are often long lines at the entrance. The number of visitors that can go to the roof at the same time is limited. If you want to experience the sunset on the roof terrace, there is also an extra ticket for that (€15).
If you have a little more time, I would recommend buying the ticket with the roof terrace, the inside of the cathedral and the cathedral museum for only €15. The cathedral with its 5 naves is also very exciting from the inside. For example, you will find Italy’s largest organ here. But note the dress code at the entrance: hats or short skirts are not allowed.
If you want to learn more details about the history of the cathedral, crazy facts and also the connection with the city, then a guided tour is a must. Fortunately, there are plenty of them. These are the 3 most popular and best-rated tours of Milan Cathedral:
- Milan Cathedral and roof terraces: guided tour (2 hours by Italy Hidden Experiences)
- Milan: Duomo roofs and cathedral tour with tickets (2 hours by Milanoguida)
- Milan Cathedral: Skip-the-ticket & guided tour & roof terrace (2.5 hours of Fat Tire Tours – Italy)
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
If you are standing in Milan’s Duomo square, you will not miss the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In the shopping arcade, there are plenty of luxury stores such as Gucci, Prada or Versace. These were less interesting to me, but just to marvel at the magnificent building with its impressive, huge glass roof and all the marble and ornate frescoes, it is worth walking through here. The mosaics on the floor depict the coats of arms of the four major Italian cities of Rome, Milan, Turin and Florence.
It’s also quite exciting to just sit in a corner here and watch all the people taking pictures and taking selfies. The place is a paradise for influencers looking for the perfect location for their feed. The best place to do that is at Camparino, the bar of the inventor of the Italian liqueur of the same name, Campari. For dinner, the Restaurant Savini, with its fine cuisine, is a great location.
is where luxury fashion brands such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace rub shoulders.You can even spend the night in the Hotel Galleria Vik Milano (formerly also known as Seven Stars Galleria or Town House Galleria). Pure luxury awaits you here, which may come at a price, but also offers a special experience for a city break in Milan.
6. The Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district
The famous Milanese fashion district is located near the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Personally, I wasn’t that attracted to it, but many tourists come to this city for that very reason.
The special thing about this district is that here, in the so-called fashion square, around the street Via Montenapoleone, you can find all the big fashion houses a la Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace or Louis Vuitton, but also a lot of jewelers. They display their collections in the large shop windows, and if you have enough money, you can get rid of it very quickly here.
7. San Bernardino Alla ossa
Just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza del Duomo, you will find this somewhat obscure Milan attraction – a chapel full of skulls and bones. This is the Church of San Bernardino Alla ossa. You can simply enter through the heavy wooden doors and then turn right at the church entrance to enter a small corridor leading to the chapel.
People who died in the nearby hospital were once buried here. The bones in the chapel also come from the dead of this hospital. Now it’s getting spooky: legend has it that the bones of a girl lie here who comes to life every November 2 and makes all the other bones dance. Incidentally, November 2 is the Day of the Dead (“Goosebumps”).
Admission to the church and chapel is free. However, you are welcome to leave €1 in the donation pot when you visit.
Incidentally, there is a similar chapel in the Portuguese city of Faro.
8. Brera
The Brera district is very popular with tourists because of its typically Italian atmosphere, with small alleys and pedestrian streets. There are lots of restaurants and bars. And of course you will also find all kinds of ice cream parlors and pizzerias.
Brera is also known as the design district of Milan. In the past, many artists and creatives have always been drawn here, and even today there are still many small boutiques, galleries and shops in all price categories.
9. Brera Botanical Garden
The botanical garden of Brera is one of the coolest free attractions in Milan and also a little insider tip. In the middle of the bustling neighborhood, there is this small refuge of silence and contemplation with historical charm. The garden is completely surrounded by high walls and consists of several areas and some greenhouses, such as an area with medicinal plants or a water pool with seating.
If you have enough time, then take a book with you, find a cozy place on a bench or a wall, watch the students of the neighboring art academy and let the time pass by with a coffee.
10. Milan Academy of Fine Arts
Another attraction in Brera, which is also right next to the botanical garden, is the Milan Academy of Fine Arts. It is one of the most famous art schools in the world and its Pinacoteca di Brera contains many paintings by famous Italian painters from various art periods, which you can view for an entrance fee of €15.
The Brera Library is an exciting area that is included in the entrance fee. It is an Italian national library and exudes the charm of a bygone era.
But I found the whole concept of the art academy even more exciting. Here you can not only look at the pictures, but also watch how they are restored.
What also struck me was that many of the art students in the corridors of the Pinacoteca, but also outside in the forecourt, sit with their sketchpads, stare at the paintings, and draw sketches of them – practice makes perfect.
And who knows, maybe you will meet the next Leonardo da Vinci during your visit here. Even if you are not interested in art and culture and don’t want to pay the €15 entrance fee, it is worth taking a short walk through the halls of the academy and the courtyard with the statue in its center. These areas are free to enter.
11. Bosco Verticale
At this architectural attraction in Milan, north of the city’s historic center, an entire forest is growing upwards. The Bosco Verticale is a pair of high-rise buildings by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, which are equipped with hanging gardens. It looks spectacular even from a distance.
In total, there are around 900 trees and about 200 plants spread across the twin towers. This corresponds to a forest area of around 7000 m².
The plants, however, are considered common property of the residents. There are even several gardeners who rappel down from above to tend to the plants. However, living here is not exactly cheap. The additional costs for the plants alone amount to an extra €1,500 per month.
12. Ambrosiana Library
The Ambrosiana Library is, in my opinion, an absolute must-see in Milan, even if you’re not a fan of museums. It’s a historic library that also houses an art gallery (Pinacoteca) with numerous paintings, sculptures and other artworks. It houses a work by Raffaello Sanzio (usually known simply as Raphael), one of the most famous Italian painters – a sketch of the “School of Athens”.
One of the highlights of the Ambrosiana Library is the Codex Atlanticus. This is the world’s largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, sketches and notes (a total of 1119 sheets), some of which are also displayed separately as passe-partouts. It is truly impressive to see the range of topics this polymath was already thinking about over 500 years ago.
Admission to the library is €15. For an additional €5, you can also visit the ancient crypt.
You can also buy tickets online in advance. Here are the different options:
- Admission to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana & da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus
- Admission to Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus PLUS San Sepolcro Crypt
13. Teatro Alla Scala
The Scala Theater is one of the most important operas in the world. With its red boxes, it is structured like a typical Italian theater. These boxes were once used as prestige objects by the high society of Milan and Italy. Everyone who was anyone owned one of these boxes. At the time, they were roughly the same price as an apartment in Paris. Today, you can get into one of these boxes for just €12 to take photos of the impressive theater.
Admission also includes a museum about the theater. Here you will find many theater items and portraits of artists and directors. There is also a small exhibition of costumes from various plays, along with other rotating exhibits.
You can find out much more about the theater and its history on a guided tour, where you also don’t have to queue at the entrance.
14. Church of Sant’Ambrogio
Sant’Ambrogio is a church right next to the University of Milan. It not only has impressive Romanesque architecture but is also one of the oldest and most important churches in the city. Inside, you can admire a wealth of frescoes, altarpieces and paintings of the Madonna.
You can find out more about the history and myths surrounding this church at a guided tour, which you can easily book online. The tour also includes a visit to the church’s bell towers. You can also visit the church of Sant’Ambrogio on your own, as admission is free.
Navigli is a district in the south of Milan and is one of the trendier neighborhoods. The district is located exactly between the two canals Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, and during the day it has a bit of a Venice-like atmosphere with the many small restaurants right on the canal and the artists’ studios in the backyards. In the evening, the bars open and music is played everywhere.
In fact, Milan was once completely criss-crossed by canals like this. However, over time this fell out of fashion and today only these two canals remain as a remnant of a bygone era.
It’s worth strolling along here, having a bite to eat and also exploring the hidden street art along the route. While the Naviglio Grande is very popular, you will also find one or two quiet corners along the Naviglio Pavese.
16. Simplonpark – Parc Sempione
Parc Sempione is the largest (386,000 m²) and also one of the most beautiful parks in Milan. Here you can not only linger in the greenery and take a peaceful walk, but also see enough of Milan’s sights to easily fill a whole day.
The park is an English garden in the romantic style, which was laid out as early as 1893 as the castle garden of Castello Sforzesco. It is also known as the green lung of Milan.
17. Castello Sforzesco
Built in the 14th century as a defensive castle, the castle of Milan – the Castello Sforzesco – was expanded more and more over time, but it was also partially destroyed and rebuilt. You can enter the castle courtyards for free. However, there are several museums that house some special works by famous Italians, such as:
- the last unfinished work by Michelangelo – the marble statue Pietà Rondanini
- the equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza by Leonardo da Vinci
- or frescoes by Bramante.
You can see all these works and lots of details about the castle and its eventful history on a guided tour of the Sforza Castle and learn all about it.
18. Arco della Pace
This triumphal arch is somewhat reminiscent of the Arc de Triumph in Paris. And in fact, none other than Napoleon Bonaparte had the Arco della Pace built as the new gateway to the city after the French conquest of Milan in 1796. He finally crowned himself here as king of northern Italy in 1805.
The Arco della Pace stands directly opposite the Castello Sforzecco at the other end of the park. From here you have a view directly to the castle.
19. Torre Branca
This 106-meter-high tower is not for people with a fear of heights. From the top, you’ll likely have one of the best views of the Simplon Park and also the city of Milan in general.
The ticket to the top costs €6 and you can buy it here.
20. Guastalla Gardens
A little smaller than Parc Sempione, the cozy Guastalla Gardens are a bit more low-key. This park is one of Milan’s insider tips and is visited more by locals than by tourists.
The garden was built in the 16th century and is therefore one of the oldest parks in the city. In 1928, the place was then converted into a botanical garden. Rare plants such as a cigar tree, a banana tree or a black walnut tree were planted.
21. Torre Velasca
The Torre Velasca is not a sight you can visit. However, you will definitely see this striking tower at some point during your visit to Milan. It is eye-catching due to its somewhat strange-looking construction with the sloping supporting beams, without which the mushroom-head-like upper part of the tower seems to threaten to fall down.
22. Chinatown
Pizza meets Chop Suey – that’s how you could easily describe this district in just a few words. Italians and Chinese have been living and working here in harmony for a very long time. The Chinese district in Milan is the oldest of its kind in Europe. The bustling streetscape is characterized by red lanterns, bicycles loaded with boxes, and Chinese characters on signs and on the windows of the many restaurants.
Transportation in Milan
There are many ways to get around Milan using public transportation.
Generally speaking, you can buy tickets for €2, which are then valid for 90 minutes for all means of public transport in Milan:
- Metro – there are 5 major metro lines (red, green, yellow, blue, and purple). Before entering the metro, you must buy a ticket. There are vending machines for this at every metro station.
- Tram
- Buses
- and a few individual trains
However, you often have to buy separate tickets for the S-Bahn.
But you can also rent city bikes using the BikeMi app. You pay €4.50 per day and can then take a bike from one of the many bike stations throughout the city and return it there.
Milan also has 2 airports, but both are a bit out of town.
- To the east (about 7 km from Milan) is Milan Linate Airport. The best way to reach it is by metro line 4 (blue).
- About 46 km north-west of Milan is the larger Milan Malpensa Airport. Buses and trains run from Milan to the airport.
For Malpensa, there are also private companies that will take you to the center of Milan by bus for a reasonable price (from €10).
- Milan: direct transfer Malpensa Airport – city
- Bus transfer between Malpensa Airport and Milan Central
Milan in a day
One day in Milan is of course not nearly enough. But if you still want to see something of the city, I recommend spending most of your time in the cathedral square. Take a stroll through the alleys with their fashion boutiques, sit down somewhere and treat yourself to a pizza or a glass of wine.
Of course, you should also see the cathedral from the inside and go up to the roof of Milan Cathedral. From here you have a great panoramic view of the city and you can even see the Bosco Verticale and the Torre Velasco.
Since the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is right next to the cathedral, you should be able to fit a visit in even in the short time you have. Find a restaurant here or have a Campari and watch people take selfies, or take some yourself ;) Of course, you can also do some shopping here if you have the money.
The San Bernardino alle Ossa and the Giustiniana Gardens are also within walking distance of the cathedral and you can visit them if you still have some time left. If the weather is bad, or if you are simply very interested in art and culture, you should visit the Ambrosiana Library for 1-2 hours instead.
Milan in 2 days
If you have 2 full days for Milan, then you should plan one day for the cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the fashion district as described above.
On the second day, you start in the Simplon Park with the Castello Sforzesco and walk through to the Arco della Pace. You can end the rest of the day in the Brera district, visiting the Art Academy and the botanical garden, and enjoying pizza, pasta and wine in one of the many restaurants.
Milan in 3 days
In three days, you can actually see all the sights of Milan mentioned here. On the third day, check out the cool street art along the two canals in the Navigli district. A bike is also a great way to get around.
Next, head towards the university, where you shouldn’t miss a short tour of Sant’Ambrogio. After that, it’s off to Leonardo’s vineyard and the Santa Maria delle Grazie on the opposite side of the canal. Since you’ve read this article here, you’ve already got a ticket for the Last Supper and are of course going to see one of the most famous paintings in the world by Leonardo da Vinci.
Excursion from Milan to Lake Como
If you are planning to spend more time in Milan or Italy, then a trip to the fantastic Lake Como is a great idea. The lake is well known because George Clooney bought a house here a few years ago. He was probably convinced to settle here by the fantastic view from the lake shore to the surrounding mountains of the Italian Alps.
From Milan, it takes just an hour by train to get directly to Como, the largest city on the lake. However, there are many other great places along the lake that you can easily reach from Como by ferry. A day trip is enough for that, but a weekend with one or two nights is better and less stressful. Incidentally, the people of Milan also like to do this to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s even better if you have a rental car and more time.
The following places are definitely worth visiting:
- Orrido di Bellano and Bellano itself
- Bellagio
- Varenna
- Orrido di Nesso
If you don’t have a car and only have a day, it’s probably worth booking a day trip directly from Milan to Lake Como. Such Lake Como tours from Milan are available for less than €100, and include both arrival and departure, as well as a boat trip and visits to some of the lake’s most beautiful spots.
Take a look at the following highly rated options. There’s bound to be something for you:
- From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna or Menaggio
- From Milan: Como Tour & Lake Cruise to Bellagio
- From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano Day trip with
- From Como: Lugano & Bellagio with Lake Como cruise
If you want something really special, take a private boat to the secret places on the lake, or even drive it yourself.
- Lake Como boat tour with wine and snacks
- Private Tour mit dem klassischen Schnellboot (Gruppe bis 6 Personen)
- Lake Como Private Sightseeing Boat Tour (group up to 4 people)
There are so many great things to see in Milan that it is not enough to describe them all in one article. Which Milan attraction is still missing from the list? Feel free to write it in a comment.
Did you like the article? Share it:
Tools & services that I use on my own travels:*
🚁 My drone for aerial photography
🎒 My backpack from Wandrd with space for photo accessories
🚗 Find and compare cheap rental cars
🎟 Find and book cool activities
🔒 Secure Internet connection with NordVPN
*Note: These links are affiliate links. If you book through them, I will receive a small commission without it being more expensive for you. A purchase from you via these links helps me to continue offering free content without annoying ads on this website. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it!
