The 22 Essential Things to Do in Milan

👉 Jump to: Best Things | Food & Drink | Museums & Historic Sites | Family-Friendly

Many guides downplay this Northern Italian city, but they’re missing out because there are so many fun things to do in Milan. A trip here can mean anything from luxury shopping at a 158-year-old mall to seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous piece.

Milan was the very first and last city I visited during my solo trip to Italy, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’s accessible enough to get a taste of the best areas in Milan in just a few days, but it will leave you wanting more. 

Keep this guide close if you have limited time in Italy’s fashion capital. I’m going to outline the 22 best things to do in Milan and how you can fit them all into a trip. Let’s dive in.

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22 Best Things to Do in Milan

Duomo Di Milano

Take in views over the city from the rooftop of the most famous cultural site in Milan.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (027)-202-3375 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily | Entrance: 10€-30€, adults, Free under age 5 | 👉 Browse Tours to Duomo Di Milano on Viator

As soon as most visitors put their bags down in the city, they head to Milan Cathedral or Duomo Di Milano. It’s a convenient first stop after reaching Milan’s city center because it really is in the heart of it all. 

Like the rest of the visitors, I made this iconic church my first stop, and I discovered two important things that will help you prepare for your inevitable visit here. 

The first is that you can only climb up to the roof of the Duomo (highly recommended) until 7:30 pm. The second is that you should bring along a light jacket or shawl to cover your shoulders if you want to go inside the actual church because you could be denied entry otherwise. 

👉 Need Extra Help Planning Your Milan Trip? All you have to do is follow my comprehensive day-by-day Milan itinerary!

Santa Maria delle Grazie

This church is famous for housing Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (024)-676-111 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 5:30 pm daily, Sun until 9 pm | Entrance: Free general admission, 15€ for Last Supper w/ advanced reservation | 👉 Browse Tours to Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper on Viator

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan is the sanctuary for one of the most famous pieces of art in human history, “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci. As you can imagine, lots of people are eager to seize the opportunity to stand in the same room as this cherished work. 

While general admission to Santa Maria delle Grazie is free, that’s not the case for seeing the actual painting. The tickets are only €15, but they sell out in the blink of an eye when they’re released every quarter. Your best shot at actually getting your hands on tickets to view the artwork is paying for an inclusive tour.

For example, this Skip the Line Guided Tour provides access to “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci and also takes you to Milan’s other big attractions such as the Duomo and Sforza Castle. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Window shop for famous luxury brands in one of the oldest malls in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-845-5555 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II really solidifies Milan’s status as the Fashion Capital. It’s Italy’s oldest shopping mall and you can feel its extravagance from the moment you step inside. 

This isn’t your ordinary mall – you need a lot of spending money at your disposal to get a haul from any of the stores in Vittorio Emanuele. There’s Prada, Armani, Louis Vuitton, and more, each holding only a few prized items from that season. 

Despite the high price tags, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is still worth a stop when you visit Milan. The place’s facade is gorgeous, and it’s excellent for travel photography. The roofs are all made of this curved, glass plating and the paintings around the corridors are like something out of a museum.

As long as you don’t go shopping, a visit to this famous attraction in Italy won’t cost you a penny. 

👉 Pro Tip: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is located in Piazza del Duomo, right near the Milan Cathedral. Streamline your Milan itinerary by visiting both of these popular attractions in one outing. Try to go in the morning to avoid massive crowds, too.

The Ambrosian Library

Pour through aisles of literature at one of the oldest public libraries of the modern era.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-06921 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Thu-Tue, Closed Wed | Entrance: 17€+ adults, Free under age 5

The Ambrosian Library is bound to be a hit for all book lovers in Milan. This respected library was founded over 400 years ago, making it one of the oldest public libraries on the planet. That is quite a bit of literary history under one roof.

There are more than 800,000 books lining the shelves. Some of the collection’s highlights are writings by artistic masters like Dante and Leonardo Da Vinci. The grounds also include an art museum called the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana where you can see pieces by Caravaggio, Botticelli, and more. 

La Scala Opera House

Catch a show or just snap some incredible photos at the proverbial ‘best’ opera house on the planet. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Showtimes vary | Entrance: Ticket prices vary | 👉 Browse Tours to La Scala Theater on Viator

Milan’s 245-year-old La Scala Opera House is probably the most well-known opera venue in the entire world. For hundreds of years, top musicians have vied for the opportunity to perform at this opera house. 

Once you get a glimpse of the immaculate interior with your own eyes, you’ll understand why it’s such a special space. Even if opera isn’t really your thing, you’ll still probably want to add La Scala to your to-do list for its prestigious reputation and beauty. 

If you’re planning on checking out other Milan hotspots like the Duomo and the Last Supper painting, I’d suggest you join this Milan’s Must-See Half-Day Tour. It provides access to these attractions, La Scala, and more with the assistance of a trained guide who can make the whole day flow better.

Cathedral Square / Piazza Del Duomo

Start your day by people-watching in this plaza surrounded by Milan’s top attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

A good starting point for your first full day in Milan is Cathedral Square, also known as Piazza Del Duomo. Many top attractions and places to eat are located within walking distance of this central point. 

Duomo Di Milano borders the square on one side and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II on the other. Luini’s Panzerotti is less than 5 minutes away and getting to Ciacco only requires a 3-minute walk. 

Palazzo Reale di Milano is right around the corner from Cathedral Square and the Ambrosian Library is just 4 minutes away on foot. Plus, there is public transportation right in Piazza Del Duomo to take you anywhere else you want to go in the city.

Naviglio Grande

Grab a sit-down meal or late-night drinks along this 30-mile-long romantic Milanese canal.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-940-9971 | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Whether you’re in Milan for a week or just an evening, a dinner alongside the Naviglio Grande is mandatory. This 30-mile-long canal runs through the city and it’s one of the nicest places to take on the nightlife. 

As the sun sets, the streets on either side of the canal begin to come alive with lights from the local establishments. You can’t really go wrong with any of the Milan restaurants and bars along Naviglio Grande. However, Belé Ristorante and Osteria del Gnocco Fritto are highly recommended. For bars, try UGO Cocktail Bar and Banco.

👉 You Might Also Like: Top Destinations to Visit in Italy

Lake Como

Take a quick day trip to a picturesque lakeside paradise with delicious food and gorgeous scenery less than an hour from Milan.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Day Trips to Lake Como on Viator

After running through all the fun things to do inside city limits, there are plenty of amazing day trips from Milan to fill your itinerary. One of the most accessible and beautiful is Lake Como. 

This charming escape is located less than an hour away from Milan on the train. When you book your ticket, you’ll likely arrive in the town of Varenna. From here, you can walk down to the dock and grab a ferry to any of the surrounding towns, like Bellagio or Menaggio.

Each of Lake Como’s tiny towns contains boutique shops, gorgeous gardens, and villas. The only danger on a day trip to Lake Como is that you may be very tempted to stay longer than planned. 

The stunning scenery is reason enough to visit Lake Como when you have the chance. But I thought the food made the venture worth it, too. I adored La Lantera, for instance. They have the cutest hand-written menu and their spinach ravioli with sage butter lived up to my high expectations. 

I really enjoyed taking on the day in Lake Como by myself, but a guided day trip might be a better fit for planning-conscious visitors. This Lake Como & Bellagio Day Trip is an excellent choice because it takes you from Milan directly to all the best Lake Como highlights and it even comes with a boat ride.

Food and Drink

Mercato Centrale Milano

A bustling food market inside Milan Central Train Station that’s packed with hidden food gems. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (023)-792-8400 | Website | Hours: 6:30 am – 11 pm Sun-Wed, 6:30 am – 12 am Thu-Sat | Entrance: Free 

Head over to the colorful Mercato Centrale Milano to easily dive into Milan’s food scene. This market takes chefs and restaurants from all around the city and puts them in one convenient location. Here you’ll find everything from salad bowls and pastries to homemade pasta, steaks, and bars. 

Mercato Centrale is actually located on the same property as Milan’s Central Train Station, so it’s easy to grab a delicious snack before setting off on a day trip from Milan.

I opted for the bolognese risotto ball from Il Riso before my train journey to Lake Como. It had a dash of spicy sauce stuck in a culinary syringe sticking out the top and it was delish.

Luini Panzerotti

An iconic place to order a beloved Italian street food for a low cost, only a few blocks from Cathedral Square.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-646-1917 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm daily, Closed Sun | Free

Out of all the tempting eateries in Italy, you don’t want to miss Luini Panzerotti. It’s a reliable classic right near Piazza del Duomo and all the big tourist attractions are huddled around. 

Luini serves up an Italian street food specialty. Panzerotti is a type of fried pizza pocket that’s stuffed with all kinds of ingredients. I thought they’d be super savory, but the texture of the bread is almost donut-like.

The fillings are ridiculously fresh and there is so much variety that you’ll want to give the menu a thorough scan before committing. It’s a great grab-and-go snack on a busy day in Milan. Bonus points: Luini’s is also very affordable. My classic Pomodoro and cheese panzerotti only cost 2.80€.  

Piz

Get a pizza pie in less than 5 minutes at this vibrant pizzeria right near Milan’s city center.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-645-3482 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 3 pm & 7 pm – 11 pm Mon-Tue, 12 pm – 11 pm Wed-Sun | Entrance: Free

Pizza is one of the first foods that rushes to mind on a trip to Italy. I must’ve eaten 10+ pizza pies on my solo trip through Italy. Yet one of my favorites was the very first pizza I ate in Milan at Piz. 

The popularity of this fun, boisterous pizza joint near the city center oozes from the place. You can hear the laughter from happy patrons from way down the block. There are only a couple of classic pizza options on the menu, and frankly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. 

The service is outstanding and friendly. They even provide a complimentary glass of prosecco or limoncello before your meal.

Ciacco

Grab a cone of creamy gelato deliciousness less than a five-minute walk from the Duomo Cathedral. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (023)-966-3592 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Mon-Wed, 8 am – 10 pm Thu-Fri, 9 am-10 pm Sat, 1 pm – 8 pm Sun | Free

There is nothing better than a cool cone of gelato on a hot summer day in Milan. As expected, there are quite a few gelato options in the city and beyond, but one of the best in my opinion is Ciacco. It’s super close to the Milan Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo. 

This shop features a wide array of delicious flavors to choose from including quasi-cheesecake, matcha, cioccolato, lemon basil, and more. They even offer vegan/lactose-free gelato, so all types of visitors can satisfy a sweet craving at Ciacco.

A’Riccione Terrazza12

Dine on seafood or sip on an aperitivo with epic views over the city.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (029)-285-3303 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 1 am Tue & Wed, 12 pm – 12 am Thu, 12 pm – 2 am Fri, Closed Sat-Mon | Entrance: Free, reservation recommended 

Visitors who want to pair seafood with tantalizing views over the city should reserve a table at A’Riccione Terrazza12. 

The restaurant and bar have one of the best aperitivo menus in town. Make sure you scurry up to the lounge bar as the evening rolls in because it provides an incredible vantage point for watching the sunset. Particularly in the summer.

Museums and Historic Sites

Sforzesco Castle

Take a convenient, free stroll through a fortress that was built in the 1300s.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-846-3700 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 7:30 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours to Sforzesco Castle on Viator

This 15th-century castle is a grand symbol of Milan, and you can’t miss it on a stroll through Sempione Park. Sforzesco Castle is perfect if you’re traveling on a budget in Italy since it is completely free to wander the grounds. 

Simply go through the gates to get an inside view of the castle’s courtyard and exterior architecture. For travelers who want a deeper insight into the Milanese landmark, you can buy a ticket inside to see one of its multiple museums. 

This includes the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Antique Art, and the Picture Gallery. Tickets are just 5€, and they even offer free entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month after 2 pm. If you’re really interested in digging into the local history, I’d recommend visiting the castle accompanied by this Sforzesco Castle Entry Ticket with Digital Audio Guide. It will give you all the insight you need with the freedom to still visit whenever you want on your own.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Get access to hundreds of works by famous Italian art masters.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (027)-226-3230 | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: €15, adults, Free under 18

There are plenty of well-known museums in Italy, but one of the hidden gems for international travelers in Milan is Pinacoteca di Brera.

This art gallery contains more than 400 stunning masterpieces from renowned Italian artists like Raphael and Caravaggio. 

The art inside Pinacoteca is the main highlight of this museum, but the structure of the palace they’re all housed in is equally interesting. Hot tip – visitors who happen to be visiting Milan on the first Sunday of the month can enter the museum free of charge.

Natural History Museum of Milan

A budget-friendly museum with 700 lifelike displays and a brand-new human evolution exhibit.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-846-3337 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm daily, Closed Mon | Entrance: 5€, adults, Free for citizens under age 18 

The Natural History Museum of Milan inside the gardens of Porta Venezia is one of the oldest and largest museums in the city. It has 23 exhibit rooms with realistic installations about animals, geology, and other natural history topics.

Most recently, Room IX has been transformed into a new permanent exhibit on human evolution designed by Migliore+Servetto Studio. 

This human evolution exhibit tells visitors the story of humankind’s back story using interior design, technology, and lighting. The installation creates a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to be memorable for both children and adults.

👉 Pro Tip: The Natural History Museum of Milan is free on the first and third Tuesday of every month as well as the first Sunday of the month.

Monumental Cemetery

Explore a lavish resting places in this sculpture-filled, slightly macabre Milan attraction.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-846-5600 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Mon | Entrance: Free | 👉 Browse Tours to the Monumental Cemetery on Viator

I don’t usually jot down cemeteries on my travel to-do list, but it’s a sensible addition in Milan where you’ll have the chance to visit the Monumental Cemetery. It’s the final resting place of famous Italian poets, artists, politicians, and other influential figures.  

The tombstones, monuments, and sculptures throughout the Monumental Cemetery are intricate pieces of art. It’s akin to wandering a museum. Just remember that this is still a real burial site, so be respectful when you’re walking the grounds. To garner a deeper appreciation of the site, consider joining this guided tour of the Monumental Cemetery. Since it’s done in a small group, this can be a good way to meet people if you’re traveling alone.

Arco Della Pace

An iconic Milanese landmark that doubles as a fantastic photo spot to show off your time in the city.

📍 Google Maps | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Arco Della Pace is one of the most recognizable Milan highlights. The massive landmark has basically become synonymous with the city, so seeing it while you’re visiting is practically a requirement. 

The monument was constructed over a 30-year span and meant to commemorate peace in Europe after a prolonged period of instability. 

Arco Della Pace is so much bigger than it appears in photos and really makes you stop to stare. It’s the ideal place to grab a quick photograph of yourself to memorialize your time in Milan. Just try to arrive early in the morning or you’ll be competing with a bunch of other visitors for the shot.

Family-Friendly

The Mosaic Turin Bull

Take a spin on the 162-year-old bull artwork inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a boost of luck. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-845-5555 | Website | Hours: 24/7 Daily | Entrance: Free

The Mosaic Turin Bull is technically another facet of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, but it’s so iconic that it deserves its own shout-out.

At the mall, you’ll see crowds gathered around one spot on the floor all doing something peculiar. They’ll spin around on a mosaic bull built into the floor, as it’s said to provide spinners with good luck. 

So many people have done it that there is a deep indent bore into the ground where the bull’s unmentionables are. Before you ask, yes, of course, I spun on the bull. I always happily accept luck in any form or fashion. 

While you might have to wait a couple of minutes to snag your chance, you should definitely take a spin on the bull to claim your dose of fortune as well.

Porta Venezia

Roam one of Milan’s most historic neighborhoods to see its distinctive buildings. 

📍 Google Maps  | Website | Hours: 24/7 daily | Entrance: Free

Milan is a fairly large city with lots of neighborhoods to explore, but it’s very easy to get around them all. While you’re dipping a toe into the districts of Milan, make sure you check out Porta Venezia just outside of the main city center. 

Porta Venezia is on the edge of Centro Storico and has some of Milan’s prettiest architecture. There are even a few cool museums around the area, like the Milan Natural History Museum and Galleria d’Arte Moderna. 

In my opinion, Porta Venezia is an excellent spot for travelers who are looking for a chill place to stay without being right in the middle of the busiest part of Milan.

🛎️ Need a Hotel? There are quite a few hotel options around the area, but I’d go for Montenapoleone Suites. Its location near the edge of Porta Venezia offers more peacefulness, while still only being 10 minutes walking from the Duomo. For more advice, see my guide to the best places to stay in Milan.

Sempione Park

A lush escape from the busy city center that’s perfect for relaxing and checking out some of Milan’s top landmarks.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-846-7383 | Hours: 6:30 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: Free

Travelers who enjoy getting a feel for a new city by strolling around its local park will have endless opportunities at Sempione. 

There are quite a few very recognizable Milan landmarks tucked away in Sempione Park. Here you can stop by the Sforzesco Castle, Arco Della Pace, and Torre Branca. If you’d prefer a relaxing afternoon lounging on the grass, Sempione Park is great for that too.

Mercatone dell’Antiquariato

Browse through one-of-a-kind antiques from furniture to collectibles at this summer flea market.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (028)-940-9971 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm daily, Closed Sat-Sun (Summer Hours) | Entrance: Free

While Milan is well-known for its luxury shopping, there are lots of bargains to be found. Many of them are concealed at Mercatone dell’Antiquariato. 

This antique market along Naviglio Grande is a treasure trove of fascinating and odd items. You could find anything from jewelry, watches, and dolls to paintings and furniture depending on the day.

Most of the year Mercatone dell’Antiquariato is a one-day-only event happening on the last Sunday of the month. But in the summer months, the market is open much more frequently and you can visit any weekday.

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Thanks for reading all about the best things to do in Milan. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to or plan on checking out any of them.

Only a few hours south of Milan, you’ll find the incredible Italian city of Florence. If you’re heading there too, don’t miss my list of things to do in Florence.