Yes, Milan is worth visiting. There are some unique attractions, world-famous buildings, and artworks you won’t find anywhere else during a trip to Italy.
Milan is more than a fashion capital.
If you don’t consider adding Milan to your bucket list you will miss out on these unique attractions:
Our Top 3 Favorite Reasons Why Milan Is Worth Visiting
Let’s start with the top 3 reasons to visit Milan:
- Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Painting
- Milan Duomo and Duomo Milano rooftop
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Reasons For Including Milan On Your Trip To Italy
While some say that they don’t think Milan has a lot to offer, I completely disagree.
There are buildings and artwork you won’t find anywhere in the world. While this could be said for any city, it holds particularly true for Milan.
Given its rich blend of culture, history, and modern attractions, Milan is one of the best cities to visit in Italy for the first time.
The Last Supper from Leonardo Da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” is a true masterpiece. It’s a must-see on a trip to Italy. It was one of the reasons why we traveled to Milan.
The painting is located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Although it’s not right in the heart of Milan, getting there from the Milan Cathedral or Piazza del Duomo is still easy. We walked from the city center, the best area to stay in Milan.
We enjoyed this guided tour a lot. Tickets for The Last Supper are popular and must be booked well ahead of time.
We found that the best way to see The Last Supper is by securing your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Though you’ll only have 15 minutes to see the painting due to the timed entry, it’s plenty of time to watch the unforgettable fresco.
From our personal experience, visiting “The Last Supper” isn’t just about checking off a bucket list item. It’s about seeing a pivotal piece of art history.
Milan Cathedral
Exploring Duomo Milan and the rooftop terrace was undeniably another highlight of our trip to Milan and is one of the best things to see in Milan.
From the Milan Duomo Roof, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city, and if you’re lucky, the Alps as well.
During our visit, we experienced Milan in the rain, but it was still worthwhile purchasing a ticket to see the spires, gargoyles, and towers up close.
Due to its popularity, planning your visit is crucial to enjoying the Duomo Milan Roof as much as we did.
Tickets often sell out in advance, so book early to secure your preferred day and time.
Early morning or later-day visits are best for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
After enjoying the rooftop, you will get inside the Milan Cathedral.
It’s an impressive cathedral with colorful glass windows, altars, and an interesting archeological underground excavation site, which is one of the hidden gems in Milan.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is also one of the top Milan attractions and among our favorite attractions.
This attraction makes it to one of the best cities to visit in North Italy.
The covered shopping arcade is conveniently located right next to the Milan Cathedral.
The glass-covered arcade was built in the 19th century and is named after Victor Emanuel II.
In the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, you find some of the most famous designer labels like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Due to the glass roof, the attraction is flooded with light during the day and beautifully lit in the evening.
A special feature is the mosaic floors. In the middle of the arcade, the 12 zodiac signs are embedded.
A popular tradition is to step on the zodiac sign of Taurus with the heel of your right foot and turn around three times.
This is said to bring good luck.
If a crowd gathers in the middle of the Galleria, as was the case during our visit, it’s probably because someone is following this tradition, or a celebrity is strolling through the Galleria.
What Else Makes Milan Worth Visiting
There are other reasons why you want to consider Milano:
- The Fashion District Quadrilatero della Moda
- The Cimitero Monumentale, a monumental cemetery (our top recommendation)
- The La Scala Opera House
- The Sforza Castle including Michelangelo’s La Pietá Rondanini
If you want to learn more about these things to do in Milan and the best Milan itineraries, check out our articles:
Milan 1-Day Itinerary
Milan 2-Days Itinerary
Milan 3-Days Itinerary
Bonus Reason: Milan is a Gateway to Famous Attractions in North Italy
You can embark on great day trips from Milan.
This is one of the many reasons why adding the city to your travel itinerary. From the city, you can visit the stunning Lake Como, Lake Garda, the City of Love, Verona, the Cinque Terre, Portofino, and even Venice.
You can even visit Switzerland from Milan by taking a train ride with the famous Bernina Express.
Some of the best things to see in Italy are within reach.
Isn’t this reason enough to visit Milan?
If I convinced you to add Milan to your Italy bucket list, you’ll find great resources in our Milan travel guide.
Final Thoughts About Why Milan Is Worth Visiting
Milan definitely deserves a spot on your Italy travel itinerary.
The mix of historic art and modern flair offers something special for every traveler.
Experiencing Milan lets you see iconic works like Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” and enjoy luxurious shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The city also serves as a perfect base for venturing into northern Italy’s other attractions, from the stunning Lake Como to the romantic streets of Verona.
My own experiences, from the unique atmosphere of the Duomo’s rooftop to the lively Galleria, are just some of the reasons why Milan is one of the reasons why to visit Italy.
If you’re putting together your Italy bucket list, make sure Milan is on it.
You won’t regret the rich cultural experiences and breathtaking sights.
