Top things to do in Milan
Milan is a hustling metropolis in Northern Italy, having a splendid historical background and rich heritage. The city attracts millions of tourists throughout the year from around the world. What makes Milan more attractive is the fact that it gave birth to prestigious brands like Armani, Prada, and Versace.
Planning a tour to Milan to spend the holidays with your loved ones? There are innumerable tourist attractions in this historical city that you can walk through to experience Italy’s glories. Here are some suggestions on the famous tourist sites in Milan you must visit.
Visit Top Milan Attractions
Here is a checklist of all the popular sightseeing spots in Milan you should explore on your next tour.
Duomo di Milano
Duomo di Milano is a world-famous Cathedral in Milan known for its beauty and grandeur. It is home to hundreds of statues, church figures, and gargoyles, which mark the essence of the French Gothic style. It is the largest cathedral in the Italian Republic and the third-largest church in the world.
The Duomo of Milan narrates the story of art and faith and reflects the spirit of Italian history spanning over six centuries. The construction work of the Milan Cathedral is recorded to have begun in 1386, and today, it is enhanced and preserved by the institution Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo. The final details of the cathedral were completed in 1965.
Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco is the former defensive fortress of Milan that dates back to the fifteenth century. Today, however, it has been transformed into a delightful art gallery where one can relish the glorious masterpieces of some of the great art Masters.
For instance, Castello Sforzesco is home to Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini and Leonardo’s Sala delle Asse, among many others. Besides admiring the popular art pieces, you can enjoy the magnificent views in the open spaces and the breathtaking courtyards surrounded by colossal walls.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie (Holy Mary of Grace) is the historical place where Leonardo da Vinci painted his famous masterpiece, The Last Supper (1495-1498). This famous fresco of the Renaissance was fully reopened to the public in 1999. The church is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During World War II, an Allied aerial bombardment attack hit the church and Dominican convent and destroyed a major portion of its refectory. However, some walls survived, and luckily, one of these walls held The Last Supper. Then the painting was sand-bagged and protected from dust, humidity, and fire. Also, some preservation and restoration works have been done to maintain it for the upcoming years.
Cherish the centuries of history reflected through Santa Maria delle Grazie. You can learn many cool and amazing techniques used while painting this world-famous masterpiece. If you are a researcher, historian, novelist, or connoisseur of art, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a must-visit place in Milan.
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Piazza Gae Aulenti is a famous pedestrian square in Milan that is circular. This elevated pedestrian is located in the city’s Isola neighborhood and has a diameter of 100 meters. It is considered the most futuristic corner of Milan, as it represents the city’s modern face. Situated at the heart of the Porta Nuova development, the Piazza is ever-changing and offers a new gateway to Milan.
The Piazza is designed by Cesar Pelli, the Argentine architect. The structure is paved with slate and is surrounded by two canopy levels of wood, iron, and glass. In short, the Piazza Gae Aulenti is built following the principles and standards of eco-sustainability. Furthermore, it is covered with solar panels to provide energy for the three towers adjacent to the Piazza. You can capture amazing photos here as the Piazza Gae Aulenti is embraced with three circular infinity fountains.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Villa Necchi Campiglio is a historical residential area (house museum) in Milan, located at Via Mozart 14. It was built as an independent single-family house between 1932 and 1935. Designed by Piero Portaluppi, the Villa Necchi Campiglio marks an important Milanese Rationalist architect.
The residence is surrounded by a massive private garden, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. This swimming pool was also the second one ever built in Milan, after the municipal swimming pool. It was also the first pool built on some private land. Besides, the villa is located adjacent to the city center. By the end of the 19th century, it was primarily occupied by private orchards and gardens.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio represents the magnificent Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. It is an ancient Roman Catholic Church located in the heart of Milan. The church was originally named Basilica Martyrum at the behest of St. Ambrose.
The basilica was built and reserved for Christian burials and is characterized by small cells dedicated to the martyrs. The basilica was a commemoration of the two martyrs, Protasio and Gervasio. Today, it still preserves the remains of St. Ambrose and the two saints beneath the altar.
You should not miss the beautiful Golden Altar of the church, designed and created by theb. The altar represents a spectacular carved scene from Christ’s life on the front. On the back of the Golden Altar, you will find the carved scenes of the life of St. Ambrose. Next, we have the chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro that you must visit. It is a small trapezoidal room that is named after its vaulted ceiling.
The Last Supper, Milan
The Last Supper is an iconic masterpiece painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the Santa Maria delle Grazie refectory. It has intrigued countless visitors and art connoisseurs from across the globe for centuries. Witnessing The Last Supper is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should never miss. Book your tickets in advance and take the help of a reputed Milan guide to experience its glory.
Trienal de Milan
Trienal de Milan, or Triennale di Milano, is a museum displaying several pieces of art and design. It is located in the Parco Sempione region in Lombardy in northern Italy. The Trienal de Milan Museum has been an important institution for international culture since its foundation in 2007. The museum showcases the connection between the two worlds of applied arts and design.
The museum is located in the Palazzo dell’Arte, built in the 1930s. It was later donated to Milan by the Bernocchi family, allowing the government to host the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts and Modern Architecture. It is popularly known as the triennials, which have been hosted every three years since 1933 across the vast 12,000 square meters of the halls and other public spaces.
Visit iconic places in Milan
Wondering what to see in Milan during your short weekend trip to this north Italian city? Apart from the abovementioned places, here is another list of iconic spots in Milan.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping gallery in Italy, located in a four-story double arcade at the heart of Milan. It is also a major landmark of the city and was designed in 1861. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. you will love walking through the galley and admire its charm of glass and steel structures and stylish shop windows.
Brera Art Gallery
The Brera Art Gallery, or the Pinacoteca di Brera, is set in a charming neighborhood of Milan. It belongs to the exquisite group of Europe’s premier art galleries. The gallery is home to some magnificent artworks from artists like Raphael, Mantegna, Bellini, Hayez, Piero della Francesca, and Caravaggio.
Navigli Canals
The Navigli is an iconic tourist attraction, perfect for taking a romantic evening stroll alongside the waterways of Milan. One can also pay a visit to the bustling antiques market to grab some exquisite artifacts. You can even visit the Navigli canals just to chill out with your friends and family and experience various Italian cuisines in the restaurants and bars situated along the waterways.
Visit iconic parks in Milan
If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a romantic stroll with your better half, here are some parks in Milan you can visit.
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
This is the second-largest park in Milan and spans 160,000 square meters. The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli offers a relaxing break from mundane work schedules. The park was founded in 1784 for public entertainment, thus making it the oldest park in the city. It is a favorite tourist spot mostly for exercise, picnics, and relaxation.
Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is considered Milan’s green heart. It is a spectacular natural sanctuary covering 47 hectares of lush green spaces. Parco Sempione offers a perfect blend of history and nature. That’s because it is home to hundreds of plant and animal species and features multiple historic buildings. Towards the entrance of Parco Sempione, there is a neoclassical-style triumphant arch that dates back to 1807. It is an interesting historical piece made of marble, bronze, and stucco.
Parco delle Cave
If you are looking for some outdoor recreation to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visiting Parco delle Cave is recommended. You can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna species here and take part in multiple sports activities and facilities designed for people of all ages. Furthermore, since the park is not fenced, it is open to all. Anybody can access the park’s recreational facilities and enthusiastic Milan activities.
Museums Milan
Milan is home to some of the most famous and prestigious museums and art galleries in the world. The city is known for its culture and heritage of artistic, literary, musical, and scientific traditions. While the list is endless, we have shortlisted the four most interesting museums you should not miss on your next Milan trip.
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Museo Poldi Pezzoli is a popular art museum in Milan that is situated near the Teatro alla Scala. Its origin dates back to the 19th century and was previously a private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and Rosa Trivulzio, his mother. This house museum has fascinating rooms, encompassing an artistic staircase, armory collections, a black room, and a stucco room. The Poldi Pezzoli is home to masterpieces by old masters, sculptures, lace and embroidery, carpets, jewels, glass, porcelain, furniture, sundials, etc.
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is another charming house museum in downtown Milan, located in the Montenapoleone district. The museum boasts an exclusive collection of Italian Renaissance paintings, ranging from those dating back to the 14th and 1t5th centuries. The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is home to artworks of renowned art masters like Giovanni Bellini, Bernardo Zenale, Giovanni Pietro Rizzoli (aka Giampietrino), Andrea Lilio, Lorenzo di Niccolò, and others.
Armani Silos Museum
This museum has become a significant cultural center since it has a complete collection of historical and artistic content. It provides one of the broadest perspectives on art history, with art returning to ancient times. Travel from prehistoric drawings to modern abstract pieces and see how art evolves in a world. At the same time, a museum library is another notable collection of paintings, sculptures, and architectural outdoor heritage. On the other hand, it holds education programs and events, a powerful way to teach and transfer knowledge from one culture to another.
Leonardo3 Museum
Leonardo3 Museum is an innovative museum dedicated entirely to Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance artist, master, and inventor. This museum provides an interactive journey by walking you through the working models of Vinci machines. You can also experience the glory of digital restorations of his major painting masterpieces. Therefore, if you are passionate about witnessing the work of the art master, the Leonardo3 Museum is a must-visit.
Hop On Hop Off Milan
Still looking for more? Here’s something that can win your heart. The Hop On Hop Off Milan is a comprehensive and well-planned tour in and around the city. The team arranges and recommends the best sightseeing spots to visit and guides you through some of the best things to do in Milan.
The Hop On Hop Off Milan tour provides over 40 stops, 7 buses, and 4 lines. You can also enjoy commentary and tour guidance in 10 different languages, allowing you to experience the Milano culture and heritage. On line A, you can visit Santa Maria delle Grazie, Sforza Castle, and Piazza Cordusio. The line then continues to the Duomo, travels under the Madonnina, and heads towards the Teatro alla Scala.
Next, line B offers some interesting views of the city’s new skyscrapers and takes travelers across the shopping streets. Furthermore, line C is specifically aimed at sportsmen or fitness enthusiasts as they can admire the charm of the San Siro Stadium, the new CityLife space, and the Casa Milan.
You can even enjoy enjoyable and enthusiastic commentary, especially if you are a young guest. The Hop On Hop Off Milan tour is full of excitement and curiosity, and the commentary is filled with interesting anecdotes.
So, if you are looking for a fun-filled and adventurous Milan trip, opt for Hop On Hop Off Milan tours. It is available in four packages: 1 day, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. To enhance the sightseeing experience, there is an interactive app called Sightseeing Experience, too, allowing you to move across the city and know its rich historical past with ease. Happy journey and an enjoyable Milano trip to all!