25 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MILAN

In a country accustomed to having cities as special as Venice, as beautiful as Florence, or with as much history as Rome, talking about a trip to Milan seems like a sacrilege. Why Milan does not have the other's poster: that if it is gray, that if it is too big, that if it is boring, that if there are not too many attractions beyond the Duomo, that… STOP! I have to admit that with Milan it was not love at first sight. However, on each visit I was discovering new corners, and little by little the city captivated me. If I think of Milan today, the image that comes to mind is of a multifaceted, cosmopolitan city, which has lived (and suffered) a lot and with a lot of things to offer the traveler. Today we are going to show you by telling you what the25 best things to see and do in Milan.

1. The list has to start with the Duomo of Milan, for us the most beautiful cathedral in all of Italy (and it is not that there are few and are ugly). If the Duomo seems like a real pass, climbing on its roof will leave you with your mouth open. The ticket to enter the Duomo costs € 3 and the combination that includes access to the underground and terraces € 15, yes, on foot! (If you want to book it online you can do it here). After our last visit we have to tell you that it is very well spent money. Admission is included if you have the Milan Pass.

2. Once there, take the opportunity to stroll along the Piazza del Duomo, always lively, and where you can take authentic photos. Although for photos that were made right here to Berlusconi after his mouth was shattered, after throwing precisely a miniature of the Duomo. Don't you remember the news?

3. A short distance from here you will meet another great protagonist of Milan: the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is a building with several galleries covered with glass ceilings and spectacular vaults. That on your head, at street level, there are luxury shops and restaurants. Here you can also carry out a ritual that seems to bring luck: step on your heel the "attributes" of the bull of the famous mosaic that is in the center of the Gallery.

4. Are you hungry? You can make a technical stop and recharge energy by eating a panzerotto (or two) in Luini, a legend! What are panzerotti? It is a kind of empanadilla stuffed with various ingredients (the original has tomato and mozzarella), which are cooked or fried or baked. The truth is that they are typical of southern Italy, but Milan was always a city of immigrants (even national). Each panzerotto costs € 2.50 and refills a lot.

5. If you are passionate about art, there are two quotes that you cannot miss. The first is with Leonardo's Last Supper, in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the most legendary and important paintings in the history of art. Here you can book your guided tour and ticket without queue.

6. The second mandatory stop is the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses some of the most important works of Italian art. Do you sound like artists like Raffaello, Mantegna, Bellini, Caravaggio or Tintoretto? It costs € 10 and be careful because it closes on Mondays! (More info).

7. One of the things you have to do in Milan is to visit the Castello Sforzesco, and the annex Sempione Park, perfect for a little relaxing time or where to improvise a picnic. Near the park you can also visit the Peace Arch, which has certain similarities with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

8. Did you know that in Milan is the smallest bar in the world? We talk about Backdoor43, a small square of 4 m² where only 2 people fit at a time (with reservation). However, everyone can see it and have a cocktail (€ 6) outside. It is located in Ripa di Porta Ticinese, 43.

9. A curious thing to see in Milan is the “Bosco Verticale”, One of the skyscrapers with more fans. Why? Because, as the name implies, it looks like a vertical forest with all the vegetation that stands out!

10. Another curious visit in Milan is the Monumental Cemetery. Cemeteries may give you a little bit of apprehension, but give this one a chance, which is one of the prettiest in the world. Close Mondays.

Happy on the terraces of the Duomo

11. In Milan there is one of the most famous theaters in Italy: the Scala Theater. If you want to take a guided tour in Spanish here you have a good option.

12. Are you a brewer? Then you have to try the craft beer of Lambrate Birrificio.

13. And if you're not, at least take a spritz on Spritz (worth the redundancy), in the Navigli area. It is a place that I keep a lot of love, whenever I went to Milan for work I ended up having the snack here. For € 11 you have a cocktail and a free buffet of pasta, pizza, rice, salads and even sweets. Open at 6:00 p.m. By the way ... you can also do mini cruises on the Navigli!

14. Another great place to hang out with friends or eat a pizza in plan take away are the San Lorenzo columns, a very lively area, really, quite surprising.

15. Milan is synonymous with shopping, so if you want shopping (or just take a look at the windows hehe) Take a tour of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venice ... come on, the well-known Milan fashion quadrilateral.

16. Ok, the Duomo is the great protagonist of Milan, but the Milanese are more devout of another cathedral: that of Sant'Ambrogio, dedicated to the patron of the city. If you have time well worth a visit.

17. One of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city is the Galimberti House, which will drive Liberty fans crazy (and instagrammers, of course).

18. The Novecento Museum, in Piazza del Duomo, it is a very good stop for Italian art lovers of the last century. And it has a bit of surprise: from there you get a great perspective of the Duomo (admission costs € 10).

19. If the museum is not your thing and you prefer go hunting for urban art, we have good news: Milan is increasingly street-art-friendly. You can find good examples in the neighborhoods NoLo (North of Loreto), Brera, Garibaldi and Isola.

20. Get on a yellow tramThey are beautiful, historic and one of the best ways to get around the city. The single ticket costs € 1.5 (the daily ticket costs € 4.50).

When the sun goes down ... Navigli!

21. If you travel to Milan during Christmas, you cannot leave without trying one of the most typical desserts in Italy, and originally from this city: Panettone. The Cake shop It is a good place (and expensive -_-) where you can try one of the best panettone in Milan.

22. If you arrive in Milan by train you will be in luck. Your first image will be of the huge Milano Centrale station, with its mix of Liberty and Art Deco architecture. We find suuuuper pretty, the only downside is the bathrooms: they charge to pee!

23. Do you like bold and politically incorrect works of art? SEES IT. (better known as “the finger”) by Maurizio Cattelán is a good example. It is right in front of the Milan Stock Exchange, as criticism of the world of finance. The name is an acronym for "freedom, hate, revenge and eternity."

24. The Piazza dei Mercanti It is one of the places we like most in Milan, has a clear medieval influence and is usually always full of life. Come on, if he catches you nearby, visit her.

25. Do you need some peace of mind? Go at Milan hot springs. Of course, the site is as cool as Carillo: the daily ticket costs € 45. Although if you prefer, there is the option “aperiterme” to enter after 17h and it gives you the right to enjoy a buffet appetizer.

25 + 1. If you have more days in Milan (2 days are enough to see the main thing) we recommend one of these excursions:

• Lake Como and Bellagio. Although it can be done for free, here we tell you our trip.
• Bernina Express train through the Swiss Alps.
• Cinque Terre
• Lake Garda and Verona

These are our recommendations ofthings to see and do in Milan. Although surely there is much more 🙂 If we have left something essential, leave us a comment 😉

Video: 20 Things to do in Milan Italy Travel Guide (April 2024).