Most people planning to travel to Milan, are not only interested in having a wonderful experience, but also in wanting to get a taste of the city’s history and culture. Here we have outlined 10 Must see places in Milan Italy which you can enjoy Milan’s most famous attractions and get a taste of its charming local culture. The perfect itinerary to get your holiday started!
What is covered in this article?
Top 10 attractions and things to do in Milan
1. The last supper
The masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci this painting is, without a doubt, Milan’s main attraction. Tickets are difficult to come by, but the experience will not be forgotten. It, along with Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco of the Last Supper in the convent’s refectory, was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site (owned by the Municipality of Milan)
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hour: Weekdays (Mon-Sat) 7.30 – 8.30 – 12.30 – 18.30 Public holidays (Sun) 8.00 – 9.30 – 10.30 – 11.30 – 18.30 – 20.00
- RESERVE YOUR SLOT ADVANCE
Other articles you may read
2. Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
The Milan cathedral, dedicated to Mary of the Nativity is known as Duomo. It’s another name for a church that also holds an important place in Italian history with its role during World War II when occupying German soldiers used it as bomb shelter from Allied bombing raids
The Gothic architecture visible on all parts inside this building gives off such elegance and beauty!
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hours: Every day 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Admission: DUOMO PASS LIFT This ticket will grant you access to CATHEDRAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA ROOFTOPS (by lift)* DUOMO MUSEUM, CHURCH OF SAN GOTTARDO and EXHIBITIONS (if applicable) €20 (Reduced €9)
3. Royal Palace of Milan
Located right next to the Duomo in central Milan, the Royal Palace has played an important role in the city’s history since the middle ages. At first, it was the seat of Milan’s mediaeval commune government. Then, during France’s early 16th-century rule, it was transformed into a royal residence for the court.
The structure and use of the building changed over the centuries, but it was destroyed in August 1943 by a British bombing raid during World War II. Even though the palace was not directly hit, the fires in nearby buildings severely damaged its structure and interior. Some of Andrea Appiani’s most famous paintings were destroyed by the heat.
- Address: Palazzo Reale, Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy
- Opening hour: Every day 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
- Admission: Adult €14 and children under six free admission
4. Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro
St. Mary’s Church in San Satiro has a complicated past. First of all, it should be noted that it is divided into two parts, each very different. First, the Shrine of San Satiro, built in the late ninth century and currently located in the corner of the left transept; second, the actual church (Church of Santa Maria), built-in Renaissance style.
There are three naves in the T-shaped church of Santa Maria Presso San Satiro. In the main nave, the golden roof casts a lovely warm glow.
- Address: 20123 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
- Opening hour: Daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Admission: Free
5. Sforza Castle
Iconic red-brick building Today, Castello Sforzesco is home to several municipal museums, including one of the city’s largest art collections, dating back to 1896. Bernab Visconti’s magnificent equestrian tomb and many ancient fragments of Milan’s cultural and municipal history can be found in the Museum of Ancient Art.
- Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hour: Daily 7:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Admission: Free
6. Parco Sempione
The large city park Parco Sempione (Simplon Park) is located behind the Castello Sforzesco castle and was designed as an English garden in a romantic style by architect Emilio Alemagna. Widthways, large meadows, playgrounds, and ponds provide recreation and relaxation, as do cafes and rest areas.
- Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hour: Daily 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Admission: Free
7. Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II
One of the oldest shopping malls in the world Milan is a shopping destination. It is something we are all aware of. What better place to shop for branded items than the Galleria? Prada’s flagship store has arrived, and Gucci now joins it. It primarily sells high-end items.
- Address: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
- Opening hour: 24 hours
- Admission: Free
8. Teatro Alla Scala
The most luxurious opera house in the world, Milan’s was commissioned by King Victor Amadeus II on 400,000 ducats and opened its doors to public for first time ever with an incredible production of Monteverdi’s L’incoronata (The Inhabitants) – which translates as ‘the coronated’.
The performance featured one hundred singers! A brief history-in 1778 this theatre witnessed it’s grand opening during celebrations that would last two months. Today you can enjoy performances from global music legends like Luciano Pavarotti or Andrea Bocelli live onstage thanks to their many sold out shows every year at La Scala Theater; but above all else: if we’re talking
- Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano Milan, Italy
- Opening hour: Daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Addmission: Adults: € 7.00 Students and Seniors (above 65): € 5 Children (under 12): free entry.
9. Science Museum
The museum is situated in the former San Vittore al Corpo Monastery, dating back to the sixth century. Previously, this monastery served as a hospital and military headquarters. The monastery was severely damaged during WWII, and after being rebuilt in 1947, it was transformed into a museum housing one of the world’s best collections of science and technology.
- Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano Milan, Italy
- Opening hour: 10: 00 am to 6:00 pm Closed on Monday
- Admission: €7–10
10. A day Trip to Lake Como
In northern Italy’s Lombardy region, Como is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Lake Como’s southern tip, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, and its views of the Swiss Alps. Como’s historical and cultural highlights include the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio and the Broletto, the city’s mediaeval town hall.
The ferry services on Lake Como connect many of the small towns located around the lake. They currently offer motor ships from Colico or Piona to Como town, fast services, and ferries to major villages near the lake’s centre.
Places you can visit in lake Como
- 1. Como Cathedral
- The Cathedral of Como is undoubtedly the most impressive structure in the city, and it is famous for its beautiful architecture.
- 2. Como Archaeological Museum
- The delightful Como Archaeological Museum is conveniently located near the Cathedral.
- 3. Basilica of Saint Addondio
- The Basilica of Saint Addondio is located slightly outside of the city centre, but it is a beautiful church that should not be miss.
- 4. Using the Funicular, climb up to Brunate.
- If you travel to the eastern edge of the lake near the city of Como, you can take a fantastic funicular train that scales the mountain and stops at Brunate.
- 5. Ride a boat on Lake Como.
- A boat ride from Como is possibly the best way to explore Lake Como and see the beautiful landscape surrounding this body of water.
- 6. Villa Balbianello
- This promontory is accessible via a beautiful trail that winds from the bay at Lenno through some gorgeous woodland – this walk is a highlight and is ideal for hikers.
- 7. Visit the town of Menaggio
- Menaggio, located on Lake Como’s western shore, just above Bellagio, is another lovely town.
How to Travel to Como
Throughout the day, trains frequently run from Milan Central station to Como-san-Giovanni station. The trip takes 1 hour, which is much faster than driving, and the tickets to Como-san-Giovanni station are from € 4.80 ( oneway). The disadvantage of taking this train is that you are not directly on the lake.
You’ll need to walk 12 minutes from Como station to the pier, then catch a boat to one of the lakeside towns. Many towns, including Menaggio and Bellagio, can also be reached by bus from the station. But I’d suggest the boats just for the beautiful views.
Best time to visit Milan
Milan is a historic city that is the fashion, design, and art capital of the world. For fashion and festival enthusiasts, the best months to visit Milan are spring (April and May) and fall (September and October). Travellers can look forward to the Fall Fashion Week and the Milano Film Festival in September, while the Milan Jazz Festival kicks off in November.
Visit Milan in spring for a burst of colour and culture; the costume parties, parades, and revelry of Carnevale Ambrosiano – held on the Sunday following Ash Wednesday – will leave you with lasting memories. Milan is a shopper’s paradise, lined with beautiful boutiques, high-end fashion outlets, and renowned luxury stores.
While summer is always a good time to vacation with family, summer also brings high temperatures and crowds, which is why April and May are the best months for travelling families. Summer is winding down, which means fewer tourists and more bearable temperatures for children. November through March are the least crowded months, though they are also the coldest. Apart from fashion events and festivals, Milan is never short of attractions thanks to its collection of museums and art galleries.
Getting to Milan
Milan has three international airports: Linate, Orio al Serio, and Malpensa. Linate Airport is the city’s oldest and most historic airport. Almost all short-haul international flights, including Air Berlin, British Airways, Air France, Easy Jet, and Swiss Airlines, originate here. Orio al Serio, on the other hand, only serves Milan’s low-cost traffic. Aeroflot, Air India, Cathay Pacific, Air Europa, Jet Airways, and British Airways are among the international airlines that fly into Malpensa International Airport. The airport serves many major cities worldwide, including Toronto, London, Delhi, Beijing, and Moscow.
By Bus: A bus is one of the most convenient ways to get to Milan if you come from another city in Italy or another country in Europe. Intercity bus services, both national and international, connect Milan to other cities in Italy and throughout Europe.
By Train: Milan Centrale, one of Europe’s most beautiful stations, is located in Piazza Duca d’Aosta. The terminal is well-connected to Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, and Padua and other European cities like Austria, Germany, Paris, and London.
Foods in Milan
For a taste of Italy, head to Pescaria in Polignano. While the menu may be limited and prices high for tourists like me who have only just started exploring this region’s cuisine today; it still manages an excellent reputation among locals!
Getting Around Milan
Milan is a historic city with many beautiful old buildings to explore while strolling through the city centre. A walking tour should begin in front of the Il Duomo subway station. Step outside the subway station, and you’ll find yourself in front of one of Europe’s largest places of worship, Duomo. This massive Cathedral is a truly beautiful structure, and you should take the time to explore the interior to appreciate the church’s scale and design fully. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping mall, is located nearby.
Places to stay in Milan
There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Milan, which makes it easy for visitors. There is a wide range of budget hostels and hotels available so that you’ll have no trouble finding one!
Best five cheapest place to stay in Milan
- City Center Best Hostel Check Price and Availability
- Hotel Milano Castello Check Price and Availability
- Ostello Bello Check Price and Availability
- Château Monfort – Relais & Châteaux Check price and availability
- Ostello Bello Grande Check price and availability
Common scams in Milan
Milan is an Italian city that houses many of the world’s top fashion designers, but it also has a dark side. Tourists can become victims to pickpocketing when visiting one these areas with high concentrations or tourists like Stazione Cadorna Station and popular tourist spots such Piazza del Duomo in front seat Castello Sforzesco near Castle Hillsides Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which contains many notable artwork pieces inside . As more people are around you have higher chances at being targeted by thieves
Disclosure: Please keep in mind that some of the above links are affiliate links. As a result, when you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The price remains the same for you, and in some cases is even lower if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers. We use all of the companies listed here, which is why they're on this list, but we also need to keep The Simple Travel Blog running as smoothly as possible, which is exactly what you're doing if you buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any further questions about the companies we work with or any other companies you're considering, please email us, and we'll be happy to assist. For more information, please see our full disclaimer page.