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By Gemma Tedaldi | Published: 2nd January 2024 | Updated: 29th November 2024
We have visited Italy countless times over the last few years but never quite made it to the capital of Lombardy, Milan. So we reached out to a fellow travel blogger who has recently visited and asked, ‘Is Milan worth visiting?’. Here is what GSCINPARIS had to say;
You are dreaming of Italy and your Instagram feed is full of dreamy images of breath-taking cliff views from Amalfi, the colourful cliffsides of Cinque Terre, or the history and art of Florence. But what about Milan? Is Milan worth visiting? Definitely and I will tell you why!
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Tours: We recommend Get Your Guide
Is Milan worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! Milan is ideally situated in Northern Italy, with a large, convenient international airport and an equally conveniently located train station, making travel in and out of the city quite manageable.
In terms of Art and Architecture, you will find a mix of modernity and antiquity, between the impressive Duomo (Cathedral) and the edgy modern furniture stores. In addition, this metropolitan city is iconic for its fashion and design, as Milan holds the title of one of the world’s four fashion capitals.
The incredible food is Italian of course, but regionally quite different than what you will find in Tuscany, Rome or Sicily for example. Not to mention the fantastic wines (and now beer) that the region produces. Plus, it boasts great hotels and outdoor spaces for walking and enjoying what the city has to offer.
20 Best things to do in Milan
1. Be awe-struck by the Milan Cathedral – Il Duomo di Milano
Il Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral, is almost impossible to miss due to its massive size and central location. While technically a Gothic Cathedral, it took centuries to build and to this day is in a constant state of renovation. The art, architecture, and history of the cathedral are really fascinating, and you will want to give yourself some time to take it all in.
Tickets for entering the ground floor are relatively easy to get, even same-day tickets in the height of the summer were available (although I would always recommend buying in advance). There are also tickets to take an elevator to the top of the Cathedral but these you should definitely buy in advance, as the capacity is more limited. Please also note, and this is true for most Catholic churches in Italy, women’s shoulders need to be covered in order to enter into the Cathedral.
Book your tickets to Milan Cathedral and the rooftop here
2. See one of the most famous works of art in the world, “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci is everywhere in Italy, a true national hero and Renaissance man. While he was in Milan, he painted the famous Last Supper of Christ with the Apostles. Painted on a musty, damp wall in 1495 in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, it is a miracle the mural has survived.
Because the work is so fragile, tourist visits are very limited, so tickets are very difficult to purchase, even with the most in-the-know concierge. As soon as you’ve decided to visit Milan, make sure to grab these highly coveted tickets.
Book your visit to The Last Supper here
3. Return to medieval times at The Sforzesco Castle – Castello Sforzesco
This medieval fortification was built by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan in the 15th century. It is now home to several of the city’s museums and art collections. For architecture fans, it is worth visiting and comparing this to the architecture of Florence, for example, to notice the differences in styles.
4. Absorb the literary vibes at the Ambrosian Library
Founded in 1607, the Ambrosian Library was one of the earliest libraries to open up to all who could read and write. The Ambrosian Library houses masterpieces of Renaissance artists, including a collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s folios. There is also a spooky legend involved, but you will have to visit to find out!
For more information, hours and tickets, see here.
5. Step up your fashion game while shopping in the Golden Quadrangle
Milan is truly one of the fashion capitals of the world, (and you will notice that the Milanese people dress quite chic as well). Milan Fashion Week is quite the scene and many of Milan’s streets are lined with both Italian and non-Italian luxury brands.
The ‘quadrangle’ is made of the streets of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Motenapoleone. Here you will find all of the famous Italian brands along with non-Italian luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton. It is definitely worth it just to window shop if nothing else!
6. Or shop at the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II
As you finish your tour of the Cathedral, you will be equally awed by the iron glass vaulted roof of the beautiful covered shopping arcade, just across the piazza. Built between 1865 and 1877, many high-end shops are still found here just as they were at the building’s fin de siècle debut.
7. Visit a Wes Anderson Designed Café
You won’t have to work too hard to do one of those Wes Anderson-inspired Instagram videos in Bar Luce, since it was designed by the iconic film director himself! Don’t forget your Polaroid or vintage camera to capture the vintage pinball machine, the jukebox, and the pops of color so quintessential of a Wes Anderson movie.
8. See an Opera production at Teatro alla Scala
The opera is alive and well in Italy, especially in Milan where you can experience the art form in one of the most elegant opera theatres in Europe. If you aren’t up for sitting through an entire performance, it is possible to visit the museum instead. The opera was built in the late 18th century and is decorated in luxurious red and gold.
9. Channel your inner Alice in Wonderland at Bar Mezzanote
Decorated in pink, bunny rabbits, mirrors, and clocks while a piano player plays on a gleaming white piano, Bar Mezzanote is not to be missed. From whimsical design to very serious craft cocktails, it is a great stop for an aperitivo in between the cathedral and the high-end shops.
10. Relax at a former tram depot turned spa – QC Terme Milano
If you have a chance to add an extra afternoon to your itinerary, then you can carve out some serious relaxation time at this former tram station turned spa. A day’s admission, including an aperitivo starts at 46 Euros. Plus, the surrounding architecture is pretty impressive as well. You deserve it!
11. Enjoy traditional Milanese cuisine at Locanda alla Scala
Just around the corner from the high-fashion shopping street of Via della Spiga is the delightful Locanda alla Scala. Here you will enjoy truly authentic Milanese dishes. The pasta is all handmade in-house, with a variety of fresh ingredients in the different sauces, and when they wheel out the enormous pile of gelato at the end, do not say no!
12. Explore the Crypt of San Sepolcro
You think the cathedral is old, well the church of San Sepolcro was founded in 1030. But of all the places they could have built the church, they built it on top of the old Roman forum, so now visitors can visit the crypt below the church. Both the church and the crypt have immense religious history, with the crypt most recently restored in 2018-2019 and beautifully adorned.
You can purchase a ticket to visit the crypt and the Ambrosian Library together or separately. Find out more here.
13. Explore the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Here you can see the permanent collection and temporary exhibits related to science and technology. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, so this is an especially great option if you have children with you. If you are a huge Leonardo fan, they have the largest permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to the world-famous Renaissance man himself.
Book your tickets to the Museum here
14. Shop amazing Italian furniture design at Nilufar Depot
As much as it is known for fashion, Milan is famous for furniture design. Every April is the Salone del Mobile Milano or Milan Design Week, and you will pass many stores with interesting and unique designs. Nilufar is the impressive collection of one of Milan’s top design dealers, Nina Yashar. Here in this enormous depot, she showcases her collection of vintage and contemporary pieces.
15. Taste the best gelato in Milan at Terra Gelato
Located just next to the Central Train station, Terra Gelato has a reputation as one of the best gelato shops in Milan. All of their flavors are lovingly created and named, with flavors like Amalfi Lemon, Sicilian Pistachio, and Caramel & Cookies.
16. Head to the best place to sip and purchase wine – Signorvino
There is no shortage of enotecas in Italy. Enoteca can either be a wine shop or a place where you can taste wine and have some yummy snacks as well… or it can be both! Signorvino consistently ranks as the best place for both purchasing wine and enjoying a glass in a warm, inviting environment.
17. …Or try some Italian craft beer at Birrifico Lambrate
Beer in Italy, you ask? With all the fantastic wine? Well, it just so happens that these days, Italians love their craft beer, too. Whether the weather is sweltering, and you need a cold beer to cool off or you are visiting on a chilly day, the cozy vibe of this pub will warm you up.
18. Wander through the Parco Sempionoe and the Arco della Pace
Unlike New York, Milan doesn’t have one central park where everyone can meet, but they do have many beautiful parks that locals love to stroll through and hang out. Parco Sempione might be the most well-known park in Milan as it is right near the Castello Sforzesco and the Arco della Pace. Enjoy the bridges, ponds, and greenery.
19. Buy some books in an inspiring bookstore at Mondadori Bookshop
Located right in the Piazza Duomo is this contemporary but ‘bookstagram’ worthy shop with over 100,000 volumes. This multi-story book-nerd heaven also offers experiential spaces plus an English corner all with a view of the lovely cathedral square.
20. Eat dinner on a charming tram while seeing the sights of Milan
ATMosfera is a refurbished and restored tram-turned-restaurant that rides around the city while you enjoy delicious Italian cuisine. Reservations are an absolute must as there are only 24 seats in the charming dining car.
For more information, see here
Planning your own trip to Milan? Make sure you check out our Travelling Tedaldi Amazon Store Travel Guides for all your guidebooks and maps. (We’ve done the hard work for you and linked all the things we used to plan our trip!)
Where to stay in Milan
There are several great accommodation options for visitors to Milan, from luxury high-end stays to the more budget-friendly.
📍 Chateau Monfort (5 Star, Relais & Châteaux)
The Château Monfort is a wonderful, 5-star hotel in the heart of Milan. The staff was charming and accommodating – upon arrival, we were ushered into the Alice and Wonderland themed piano lounge for some refreshments. The rooms were stylish and cozy and the European buffet breakfast is a great stop before going out to visit the sights.
📍 Vico Milano
For the hip and modern crowd, this hotel opened in 2021 and has become quite popular.
📍 Grand Hotel et de Milan
Grand Hotel et de Milan has the elegance and style of the more traditional European luxury hotels, which I love. Plus, it has history, having opened in 1863.
Check out the above accommodation and even more options in the map below:
Is Milan Worth Visiting FAQs
Where is Milan?
Milan is based in Northern Italy, in the Lombardy region. It has a population of 1.4 million people and is the second-largest city in Italy after Rome. Due to its location, you can easily access popular Italian destinations such as Lake Como or the Italian Alps, but also Geneva, Switzerland, or the South of France.
How to get to Milan
By Plane: the Milan-Malpensa Airport is a large, international airport, about 28 miles from the city centre. On a smaller scale, you may be flying into the Milan-Linate Airport, which is primarily for domestic and short-haul international flights. From this airport, you can take the M4 blue metro line.
By Train: Milano Centrale is the biggest main railway station in the city and one of the largest train stations in Europe.
How to get around Milan
Milan has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, trams, and the Milan Metro. Like many European cities, Uber is available as well. Biking is also a great option or better yet, embrace la Dolce Vita and rent a Vespa. Finally, if you stay in the central part of Milan, you will have no problem walking to see the sights.
Best time to visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan is either in the spring or the autumn. I was there in the summer and it was quite hot, which is tough when you are in a city.
How many days should you need to see Milan?
Three nights with a couple of full days is plenty to see the city if you want to hit the attractions mentioned above and enjoy all the food and drinks the city has to offer. In Italy, you have to make time to stroll leisurely, people watch, and enjoy a gelato or a coffee or a negroni.
What is Milan known for?
Milan is known for its impressive Cathedral, its art, architecture, fashion, and design. There is also delicious Northern Italian food, which differs a bit from the Tuscan or Southern Italian fare.
Is Milan a good place to go?
Yes, absolutely!
Is Milan too touristy?
Just like any big city with big attractions, there are areas of course with swarms of tourists, like around the Cathedral. However, once you get away from that area, it isn’t too touristy at all. The streets were not too crowded, and you will see mostly locals.
Is Milan expensive To Visit?
It depends. The attractions, such as the Cathedral or museums are very reasonable and the food was also very reasonably priced, I felt, for such a large city. However, if you want to shop, well, that is going to cost you. Also, nicer hotels are very pricey, just like most big European cities.
Is Milan safe?
According to the Economist’s 2021 safety index, Milan is the safest Italian city. Now, that being said, it is a big city with lots of tourists. In very touristy places, there are the usual pickpockets, etc. so always stay aware of your surroundings and try not to look like a tourist!
Is Rome or Milan better?
Milan doesn’t have anywhere near the number of art and architectural attractions that Rome has. On the other hand, Rome can be very overwhelming. I’ve been to Rome many times and still feel I haven’t seen the city completely.
Milan is easy to see in a couple of days and still enjoy amazing art, architecture, culture, and cuisine, and the Cathedral is one of the most impressive I have seen in all of Europe (and I have seen a lot!).
What is better Milan or Florence?
These two cities are similar in size and in heat! (I visited in July, where all of Italy was roasting hot). However, the architecture in each of the cities is quite different.
I love that Leonardo da Vinci worked in both cities – at the Cathedral in Florence and was then hired by the city of Milan, and there is famous artwork by da Vinci in both cities, so really, you need to see both cities. If you love Italian culture and food, it is also worth visiting both to get a flavour of Northern Italian cuisine versus Tuscan cuisine and culture.
Is Venice or Milan better?
Venice is fantastic for its unbelievable architecture built on those marshy canals, but if you are looking for less crowds, fewer tourists, and a more authentic Italian vibe, then you will want to stick with Milan.
Conclusion: Is Milan worth visiting?
So is Milan worth visiting? In short yes! Milan is a cosmopolitan European city with art, architecture, history, delicious food, wine, beer, gelato, and more.
It is one of the fashion capitals of the world as well as renowned for furniture and design. You will find a mix of historical beauty and contemporary design and fashion. The people are warm, friendly, and very stylish. Additionally, it is a very convenient hub in the heart of Northern Italy, where you can easily connect to other regions of the country or head to other parts of Europe.
About the Author
Glory Williams is the founder of GSCINPARIS, where she writes about Art, Architecture, and Cultural Travel and leads custom tours to Paris. She lived in Paris, France for many years and travelled all over Europe, has a degree in architecture, and is now based in the US. You can follow her on Instagram or on her blog, www.gscinparis.com.