If you’re looking for the best things to do in Milan, Italy, we’ve got you covered.
Milan, located in northeastern Italy, is primarily known as the fashion city. However, Milano offers much more.
One of the world’s most famous paintings, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, is located here, along with the impressive Milan Cathedral and one of the most beautiful shopping arcades.
We show you the best Milan attractions and tips for the city in the Lombardy region.
Additionally, you’ll find helpful tips on how best to plan your trip to Milan:
Before we get to the most important attractions, here are our top favorites:
# 1 TOP-PICK
Don’t miss the rooftop!
The Duomo di Milano is the landmark of Milan. Visit the cathedral, the rooftop, the underground excavations, and the Duomo Museum.
BOOK HERE
# 2 PICK
Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting
View the masterpiece at the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Included is the ticket and a guided tour.
The Best Things To Do In Milan
| Milan Cathedral | Imposing Structure |
| The Last Supper by Da Vinci | Da Vinci’s Masterpiece |
| Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Elegant Shopping Arcade |
| Cimitero Monumentale | Impressive Gravesites |
| Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) | Historic Fortress |
| Teatro alla Scala Opera House | Famous Opera Venue |
| Quadrilatero della Moda | Exclusive Fashion District |
| Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) | Symbolic Triumphal Arch |
| Brera District | Artistic Atmosphere |
| Navigli District | Scenic Canals |
Milan is one of the most popular cities in Italy.
The city is large, and Milan’s attractions are not all nearby, as is the case in Verona.
Nevertheless, you can discover Milan’s highlights in one day.
Milan can be explored on foot or by public transport, such as the metro. We explored the Milan attractions on foot.
To give you a better overview: During one day we walked 12,4 miles (20 km).
If this is too much for you I recommend you take the metro, bus or tram.
Public transportation is included in the Milan City Card.
The entrance fee to some of the most important Milan attractions is also included in the City Pass.
Another great option is to book a hop-on hop-off ticket.
This bus takes you directly to the main attractions and you don’t have to go through the hassle of figuring out how to get to the highlights.
1. Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral is one of Milan’s most important attractions and is located in the center. This is also the best area to stay in Milan.
This imposing building, officially called Duomo di Santa Maria Nascente, was built starting in the 14th century.
Today, the cathedral is one of the largest in the world and for many one of the reasons to visit Italy.
No wonder, then, that the completion of the Duomo di Milano took several centuries.
Especially impressive is the size of the Gothic church, its magnificent towers, and the bright color of the cathedral facade.
→ TICKET FOR MILAN CATHEDRAL + ROOFTOP
Highlights in the Cathedral:
- Rooftop Terrace of Milan Cathedral
- Archaeological area with excavations under the cathedral (a Milan hidden gem)
- View from the cathedral terrace over Milan
- View from the cathedral terrace towards Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
If you want to visit the rooftop terrace of the Milan Cathedral, you need a ticket for it.
The entrance area with access to the rooftop terrace is on the left side of the cathedral.
If you book an online ticket, you will be assigned a time or can choose one during booking.
You must be at the entrance shortly before the specified time.
There are two options: Either buy a ticket with access to the rooftop terrace including access to the elevator, or you go up the steps.
We went up and down on foot. The access leads via stone steps along the edge of the cathedral.
Once at the top, you can walk along the rooftop terrace at your own pace.
Here you get beautiful views of the cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo) and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and you see the intricately decorated towers and details of the cathedral up close.
A visit to the rooftop terrace is definitely worthwhile. We visited the Rooftop Terrace and show you exactly how to visit the Duomo Milan Roof.
Downward, it goes on the other side of the cathedral.
Tip for Milan in the rain: During our visit to the rooftop terrace, it rained heavily.
Since there are no sheltering options here, you need an umbrella or appropriate clothing.
Also, we had to wait in pouring rain on the roof until it was our turn to get back inside the church.
You then enter directly into the interior of the cathedral and can look at the huge nave, the altars, and the colorful stained-glass windows.
The ticket price also includes a visit to the archaeological area.
This impressed us the most, next to the rooftop terrace.
The archaeological area is located below the cathedral, specifically under the cathedral square.
It is connected to the interior of Milan Cathedral by a staircase.
Here you can see the remains of an ancient basilica, as well as a large baptismal font.
⭐ Travel tip: Check out our Milan itineraries to plan your perfect city trip! Milan 1 Day Itinerary, Milan 2 Days Itinerary, Milan 3 Days Itinerary
Duomo Museum
Also included in the ticket price is access to the Duomo Museum (Museo del Duomo).
It is located near the Milan Cathedral and focuses mainly on the construction of the cathedral.
Displayed are sculptures such as goblins, tapestries, ornate chalices, monstrances, and figures.
At the end of the exhibition is a huge wooden replica of the Milan Cathedral.
→ TICKET FOR MILAN CATHEDRAL + ROOFTOP
Tip: Plan your visit to the Milan Cathedral as early in the morning or later in the afternoon as possible.
Then there are fewer visitors, and you can enjoy the cathedral in peace.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper
Next to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
Visiting the mural is so popular that tickets are often booked weeks, if not months, in advance.
Here are our experiences and we show you the best way to see The Last Supper in Milan.
We booked the tickets a month in advance and adjusted our travel plans for Milan around the visit to the Last Supper.
The painting can only be visited during a guided tour, and access is strictly controlled and limited.
You can buy entrance tickets in advance online at the following links.
I personally always compare both tour providers.
If no entrance ticket is available on your desired date, you might find one at the other provider for the popular attraction.
→ Ticket and tour “The Last Supper” at GetYourGuide
→ Ticket and tour “The Last Supper” at Viator
→ Ticket and tour “The Last Supper” at Tiqets
The Last Supper by Da Vinci is definitely worth seeing.
The attraction is one of the best things to see in Italy.
You can walk there from the Milan Cathedral in 20 minutes, or you can take the metro or public transport to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the top Milan attractions.
The covered shopping arcade is located right next to the Milan Cathedral.
It was built in the 19th century and is named after Victor Emanuel II.
In the Galleria are some of the most famous designer labels like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Co.
Those who want to stay in a particularly special place can do so at the Hotel Galleria Vik Milano, overlooking the courtyard.
🏨 Hotel Galleria Vik Milano: BOOK YOUR STAY
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is beautiful to look at any time of day.
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 Galleria, the 12 zodiac signs are embedded.
It is a popular tradition here 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.
The custom is very popular here, and if a crowd gathers in the middle of the Galleria, as was the case during our visit, it is probably because someone is following this tradition or a celebrity is strolling through the Galleria.
The Galleria is a recommended highlight in our guide about the best things to do in Milan alone.
4. Cimitero Monumentale
The Cimitero Monumentale is one of our Milan insider tips and the highlight of a visit to Milan.
The monumental cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale) lives up to its name. It feels like walking through a small town.
The cemetery has artistic graves and some huge sculptures. Some of the graves are as big as a house.
Admission to the Cimitero Monumentale is free, and we received a map during our visit that highlighted the architectural highlights.
For the visit, you should plan about 2 hours to be able to look at the most beautiful graves and sculptures.
When you walk from the city center to the monumental cemetery, you will pass the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest).
It consists of a couple of buildings that have walls adorned with plants and trees.
While many bloggers include it in their best places to see in Milan list, I wouldn’t say it’s the most interesting highlight.
Sure, it’s a great idea to make Milan more sustainable and green, but you don’t have to go there if you’re short on time.
5. Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) and Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini
The Castello Sforzesco is an impressive fortress, surrounded by a beautiful park.
On the edge of the park is another attraction, the Triumphal Arch of Milan.
The Castello was built in the 15th century by the Visconti dukes.
It served as the residence of various rulers.
The moat also suggests that the Castello Sforzesco was a military fortress.
The courtyard of Castello Sforzesco is huge.
Even if you don’t have time to visit the museum with the artworks, sculptures, and furniture of various epochs, it’s still worth strolling through the grounds of the Castello.
Milan’s Sforza Castle also holds a treasure that is often overlooked.
You’ll find Michelangelo’s unfinished sculpture, ‘La Pietà Rondanini’, here.
It was the last creation of Michelangelo, showcasing his evolving artistic expression.
Unlike his earlier ‘Pieta’ sculptures, this one has a more abstract, less idealized approach.
→ TICKET FOR THE SFORZA CASTLE MUSEUM
6. Teatro alla Scala Opera House
The Teatro alla Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses.
Even if you don’t watch a concert or opera, it is possible to visit the opera house.
Guided tours are offered, which allow a look behind the scenes.
This includes a visit to the ornate halls and the theater museum.
This displays costumes and instruments.
There are also busts and paintings of Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, and other significant artists of classical music.
The La Scala Opera House, also known as La Scala, was opened at the end of the 18th century.
Since then, operas, concerts, and ballets have been performed by famous artists like Giuseppe Verdi.
Verdi’s works Nabucco and Otello were performed here in Milan for the first time.
→ TICKET AND TOUR FOR THE LA SCALA OPERA HOUSE
7. Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District)
The Quadrilatero della Moda is Milan’s fashion district.
Spread across several streets, it’s home to exclusive designer boutiques and fashion stores.
Renowned Italian brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace are situated here, along with designer labels from other European countries like Chanel and others.
The Quadrilatero della Moda is centered around Via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Via Sant’Andrea.
Even if you’re not shopping at the luxury stores, it’s worth strolling through these streets to experience the ambiance of the fashion world.
8. Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace)
The Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch, is located at the edge of Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s largest parks, with the Castello Sforzesco at the opposite end.
The Arco della Pace serves as a symbol of peace.
If you are visiting Parco Sempione or Castello Sforzesco, you can plan to see the Arco della Pace.
However, there are more interesting attractions in Milan. I mention it here for completeness.
We passed by the Arco della Pace on our way from Castello Sforzesco through Parco Sempione towards the Cimitero Monumentale.
The triumphal arch is a beautiful sight, but as mentioned, there are more exciting attractions in the city.
9. Brera District and Pinacoteca di Brera
The Brera District is located northwest of Milan’s Cathedral Square and is characterized by narrow alleys with small restaurants, cafes, and galleries.
Known as an artists’ quarter, Brera is also famous for its culinary highlights.
You can enjoy a stroll through its streets and then try dishes like Risotto alla Milanese or Cotoletta alla Milanese in one of the small osterias.
In the Brera District, which is close to the city center, you find the famous Pinacoteca di Brera.
This museum was founded by Napoleon I. It houses one of the largest collections of Italian paintings.
10. Navigli District
The Navigli District in Milan is famous for its canals.
It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the promenade is illuminated by numerous cafes and restaurants.
A highlight in the Navigli District is a boat trip on the canals.
This romantic journey takes you past historic buildings and under bridges.
The Navigli District in Milan is definitely worth a visit.
Milan Attractions Map
Planning Your Trip to Milan
- Get the Milan Pass (includes public transportation and entry to attractions)
- Compare flights to Milan on Omio
- Find the cheapest train connections to Milan on Trainline
- Book hotels on Booking.com; alternatively, find affordable accommodations on Hostelworld; our hotel recommendation is the centrally located Aiello Duomo Hotel (we parked our car in a nearby garage)
- Find the cheapest car rental for your trip to Milan on Discovercars
Best Time to Visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan in Italy is between April and June when the days are longest, the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during peak travel times.
Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit Milan.
Now is not the best time to travel to Milan:
Between July and August, as well as during the Milan Fashion Week for women in September, the city is most crowded with tourists.
FAQs About Milan
How many days to see Milan?
Milan is a large city, but it was sufficient for us to explore the Italian fashion capital in two days.
A short trip or weekend trip to Milan is enough to discover the top attractions of Milan.
Milan can also be conveniently included in a road trip through Italy, as there are several central parking garages.
What is a must-do in Milan?
A Must-Do is visiting the Milan Cathedral, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Can Milan be explored on foot?
Yes, Milan can mostly be explored on foot. Most of the top attractions are centrally located and within walking distance. However, public transport is needed for some attractions.
Final Thoughts About The Best Things To See In Milan Italy
I hope this article about Milan’s attractions was helpful to you.
I really enjoyed the Cimitero Monumentale, and the view from the rooftop terrace of the Milan Cathedral impressed me greatly.
🍝 My Final Tip For Milan: In the side streets away from the main attractions, you will find charming, small cafes, and the trattorias offer the best food.
You might also enjoy:
Milan Itinerary For One Day
Milan In 2 Days
Milan In 3 Days
The Best Day Trips From Milan
all our Milan travel tips: Milan
The Best Cities To Visit In Italy For The First Time
The 7 Best Cities Of North Italy
Need help planning your trip? Check out our Travel Checklist For Italy
