Milan is Italy's second-largest city, the capital of Lombardy, and one of the world's fashion and design capitals. Behind the elegant shopping streets, however, lies an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage: a Gothic cathedral, a Leonardo da Vinci painting and a centuries-old opera house are all part of the city. Whether you're arriving for a long weekend or a week-long tour of Italy, Milan is guaranteed to impress.
1. Duomo (Duomo di Milano)
Milan's undisputed emblem is the world's largest Gothic cathedral, whose construction began in 1386 and lasted nearly six centuries. The facade is decorated with more than 3,400 statues, and the golden statue of the Madonnina gleams atop the highest spire. You can reach the rooftop terrace by lift or by climbing 250 steps, the panorama reaches all the way to the Alps on a clear day. The five naves of the interior and the enormous stained-glass windows offer a captivating sight, even for non-religious visitors.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Just steps from the Duomo square stands one of Europe's oldest shopping arcades, inaugurated in 1877. The glass-domed, mosaic-floored gallery is home to luxury brands, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, but a simple coffee on the terrace of the historic Caffè Biffi is an unforgettable experience too. Stepping onto the bull mosaic on the floor and spinning on your heel is said to bring good luck. The building is architecturally stunning, look up at the 47-metre glass dome.
3. The Last Supper (Leonardo da Vinci)
Between 1495 and 1498, Leonardo da Vinci painted his world-famous mural on the wall of the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery. The 4.6 × 8.8-metre work depicts the Last Supper and is one of the best-known works in art history. A maximum of 25 visitors may enter at a time, and you can spend only 15 minutes in the room, yet the experience is unforgettable. Book tickets at least 2–3 months ahead, as they sell out extremely quickly.
4. Navigli district
The surviving stretches of Milan's former canal system now form the city's liveliest entertainment district. Along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, cafés, restaurants, vintage shops and galleries line the banks, in the evening the terraces fill with locals and tourists alike. On the last Sunday of each month, a huge flea market is held along the canal. In this district it's worth trying the aperitivo: for the price of a drink you get a generous buffet supper.
5. Castello Sforzesco
The 15th-century Sforza fortress is one of Milan's largest museum complexes, where you can see Michelangelo's unfinished last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà. The fortress's huge courtyards and bastions are impressive in themselves, and inside there are archaeological, Egyptological and musical-instrument museums. The main entrance is the Torre del Filarete, rebuilt from the original plans in the early 20th century. Admission to the museums is discounted, and free on the first Sunday of each month.
6. Brera district
Milan's artists' quarter, with its narrow cobbled streets, independent galleries and atmospheric cafés, is the city's most charming area. Street art and antiquarian bookshops alternate along the streets, while the bars and restaurants come alive in the evening. The district is home to the Orto Botanico di Brera, a small, quiet botanical garden that's a perfect refuge from the urban bustle. It's also worth exploring the boutiques of local designers on Brera's pedestrian streets.
7. Teatro alla Scala
One of the world's most famous opera houses has been in operation since 1778, and legends such as Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti have graced its stage. The neoclassical facade of the building is surprisingly modest, but the interior, with its gilded boxes and velvet seats, is breathtaking. The Museo Teatrale alla Scala displays old sets, costumes and instruments. If you can't catch a performance, at least don't miss the museum and a look at the auditorium, admission is €9–12 during the day.
8. Pinacoteca di Brera
One of northern Italy's most significant art galleries occupies a former Jesuit monastery in the heart of the Brera district. The collection showcases masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna and Bellini, the best-known piece is Mantegna's Dead Christ. The museum is less crowded than its counterparts in Rome or Florence, so you can browse in peace. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month; otherwise the full-price ticket is €15.
9. Corso Buenos Aires
One of Europe's longest shopping streets offers more than 350 shops over nearly 1.5 kilometres, from international brands to local boutiques, you'll find everything here. Prices are far friendlier than in the Galleria's luxury shops, so this is where the real Milan shopping experience awaits. The density of shops is highest between the Porta Venezia and Lima metro stations. There are also great street-food spots on the street, be sure to try the fried, filled dough called panzerotti.
10. Parco Sempione
Behind the Castello Sforzesco stretches the 47-hectare Parco Sempione, Milan's green lung, where locals run, picnic and walk their dogs. In the park stand the Arco della Pace triumphal arch, the Torre Branca observation tower (108 metres) and the Triennale Design Museum. It's especially lovely in spring and autumn, but the row of plane trees provides pleasant shade in summer too. The park often hosts open-air concerts and cultural events, it's worth checking ahead.
Practical tips
- Transport: Milan's metro has 5 lines and covers most of the sights. A single ticket is €2.20, a day pass €7.60, it's worth paying by contactless bank card.
- Aperitivo culture: in Milan the aperitivo is a real institution, between 18:00 and 21:00, a cocktail (€8–12) comes with a generous buffet that practically replaces dinner.
- Comfortable shoes: the city centre is easy to walk, and you can rack up 12–18 km a day. Flat-soled shoes are ideal on the cobbled streets.
- The best gelato: avoid the overly colourful, mountainously piled ices, real gelaterias store their gelato in covered tubs, and the flavours have natural colours.
- Pickpockets: be especially careful with your valuables around the Duomo, on the metro and in the Navigli district, they work skilfully in the crowds.