Are you looking for hidden gems in Milan that aren’t in every travel guide?
You’ve come to the right place.
We give you our favorite attractions in Milan and insider tips, including suggestions from locals.
Our Top 3 Milan Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems In Milan Beyond The Famous Sights
If you’re visiting Milan for one day, you’ll likely focus on the top things to do in Milan.
However, if you have 2 days in Milan or 3 days in Milan, these tips will be particularly interesting.
Besides the classics like the Milan Cathedral rooftop, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, and the Navigli district, there are other highlights worth exploring.
Let’s take a closer look at the attractions off the beaten path in one of the most impressive northern Italian cities:
Cimitero Monumentale
The Cimitero Monumentale is a cemetery that feels like an open-air museum.
Spread over a large area, it features grand tombs, some as large as houses. There are also impressive statues and artworks made of cast iron or marble.
You can explore the cemetery on your own for free, or during a guided tour.
At the entrance you’ll receive a map of the main attractions inside the Cimitero Monumentale.
Visiting the Cimitero Monumentale was very impressive for us and is our absolute top hidden gem in Milan.
Archaeological Excavation Site (Under Milan Cathedral)
The Milan Cathedral is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city and the symbol of the fashion capital.
While it’s popular to visit the Milan Cathedral rooftop, it’s less known that a ticket to the cathedral terraces also includes access to the cathedral, the Duomo Museum (also highly recommended), and the excavations beneath the cathedral.
Underneath the cathedral and cathedral square, you can explore archaeological excavations via a staircase inside the cathedral.
Walk along ancient walls, see a large ancient baptismal font, and the remains of an earlier church.
Villa Necchi
The Villa Necchi Campiglio is an estate from the 1930s, originally designed by architect Portaluppi.
Today, this beautiful estate can be visited, with highlights including the beautifully landscaped garden and the art displayed in the villa.
Bull Mosaic In The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not a hidden gem, as everyone visits this covered arcade during a trip to Milan.
However, inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, there’s a special mosaic on the floor. In the center of the Galleria, the 12 zodiac signs are embedded.
A popular custom is to step on the Taurus zodiac sign with the heel of your right foot and spin around three times.
It’s said to bring luck. So go ahead and try it!
The tradition is very popular in Italy. In case you see a crowd in the middle of the Galleria, as we did during our visit, it’s likely someone is following this custom or a famous person is strolling through the Galleria.
📝 Travel tip: Check out our Travel To Italy Checklist
Crypt Of San Sepolcro – Mixed-Reality Experience
In the Crypt of San Sepolcro, referred to as the “true center” of Milan, you can view holograms with the help of special glasses.
The holograms show a cross-section from the past to the present, allowing you to take a journey through different eras.
Insider Tips From Locals
During a recent trip to the Czech Republic, I met two Milanese women and, of course, asked them for insider tips for Milan.
Who knows better than true locals?
The following tips are also great if you experience Milan in the rain.
La Triennale
La Triennale is an interesting choice if you’re into design.
The museum has permanent exhibitions and special exhibitions. It’s best to check the website for current exhibitions.
Interactive Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
The interactive Leonardo da Vinci Museum is the largest science and technology museum in Italy.
It was founded in 1953 and is named after the genius. Some of his inventions and works are also exhibited here.
The museum features interactive exhibitions and collections.
Impressive are the replicas of Da Vinci’s machines and the Enrico Toti submarine, which you can enter. A visit is worthwhile.
We visited the interactive museum in Florence and were very impressed.
If you’re interested in Leonardo da Vinci, don’t miss out on the Last Supper. This masterpiece is one of the reasons to visit Italy!
Casa Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
The Casa Museo Bagatti Valsecchi is a museum located in a 19th-century palace, built by the Valsecchi brothers.
Brothers Fausto and Giuseppe were passionate collectors of Renaissance art and furniture, which are now displayed alongside ceramics and instruments from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Fondazione Prada
At Fondazione Prada, you’ll find a collection of modern art and culture. The museum was founded by the luxury brand Prada. In the museum are rotating exhibitions featuring international artists.
It’s also a fun experience if you’re alone in Milan.
For more information click here.
Planetario E Museo Della Scienze Naturali
The Planetario di Milano is the oldest and largest planetarium in Italy. It offers star shows and astronomy lectures.
The Natural History Museum in Milan displays collections in botany, zoology, geology, and paleontology, with life-sized dinosaur skeletons being particularly impressive.
Museo Del 900
The Museo del Novecento, located opposite the Milan Cathedral, offers beautiful views of the city’s landmark.
The art museum specializes in 20th-century art and features works by Kandinsky, Picasso, Marinetti, Modigliani, and Italian Futurists.
Final Thoughts About Milan’s Hidden Gems And Secret Places In Milan
Milan not only has top attractions but also numerous hidden gems that make a city trip special.
We hope you found a hidden gem that interests you. To make your city trip to Milan perfect, we have more tips and hidden gems for Milan:
Milan Itineraries
Best Area To Stay In Milan
Day Trips From Milan
Milan Duomo Roof: How To Visit The Rooftop Terrace and Cathedral
The Best Way To See The Last Supper In Milan
What do you think? Is Milan worth visiting?
