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While it’s a renowned global centre for industry, finance and fashion, Milan is sometimes viewed as less desirable as a travel destination than the history and culture-laden Italian classics of Rome, Florence, and Venice.
However, beneath the enigmatic, slightly aloof façade of this city, courses the same passion for food, art, history and culture. Perhaps more so. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of reasons to innamorarsi di Milano.
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Milan on a first visit.
1. Explore Il Duomo
For top things to see and do in Milan, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente (‘Il Duomo’ to the locals) should be at the top of your list. This exquisite Gothic cathedral, which took more than five centuries to complete, is a humbling piece of architecture with vast interiors so rich and ornate it’s almost impossible to take in. A walk on the roof, strolling between the spires and the sky, is a sublime and truly memorable experience.
2. See The Last Supper
Your own dinner parties will never be the same after a viewing of one of the world’s most famous paintings: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The Gothic exterior of the Santa Maria delle Grazie belies the priceless treasures it holds within — not just the magnificent fresco, but also the illuminated pages of the Codex Atlanticus — a collection of more than 1700 of da Vinci’s original drawings. Note: Due to the delicate nature of the fresco, visitor numbers are strictly limited so you’ll need to book your tickets way ahead.
3. Enjoy a night at the opera
When in Rome, well, you know; but when in Milan, go to the opera! The Teatro alla Scala is the most esteemed opera house in the world and, if you’re not too fussy about where you sit, you can often get tickets at the box office for that night’s performance. Whether you’re a classical music fan or not, trust me on this one: an evening of opera in this extraordinarily beautiful venue is a game changer. You may even have your very own Julia Roberts moment from Pretty Woman…
4. Shop for style at Vittorio Emanuele ll
For those hoping that a little bit of Milanese style will rub off on them during their stay, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ll is the place to get it — for a price. Enjoy shopping up a storm in this magnificent 19th century-era mall. It brings excess and opulence together under its cast iron-framed domes and vaulted glass ceiling.
5. Be surprised by Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Just like the TARDIS, this lovely little church appears a whole lot bigger on the inside. Constructed on a tiny plot of land (all that was available in 1472) its architect, Donato Bramante, came up with an ingenious optical illusion, using Trompe-l’œil (a realistic 3-D effect) to make the interiors seem larger than reality. Beyond its quirkiness Santa Maria presso San Satiro is of great historical and cultural importance — and good fun too!
6. Take a stroll in Navigli
Situated on the southern side of the city, a stroll through the lively Navigli district — set between the interconnecting Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals — reveals a slice of authentic Milanese life. Filled with small boutiques, buzzing cafes, bars, and restaurants, it’s an area that many tourists miss seeing altogether. But not you — you’re now clued up!
7. Get arty at Pinocoteca di Brera
If you thought all the Renaissance got used up in Florence, think again. The Pinocoteca di Brera is home to more than five hundred pieces of Renaissance art — including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Tintoretto. It’s not just the art that puts this place on the most memorable list, though; the neighbourhood in which it’s set has a quirky bohemian ambience unlike anywhere else in the city.
8. Relax in Parco Sempione
In the midst of the city, tucked behind the fabulously historic Castello Sforzesco, the vast tranquil green space of Parco Sempione is a wonderful place to escape. If all the fashion, art and history get too much (yes, it’s possible), sneak away for a few hours to stroll amongst the winding paths and ponds and reflect on this one reason the Milanese have to be thankful to Napoleon (check out his miniature Colosseum!).
9. Glam up for Fashion Week
If you’re a serious follower of fashion, the opportunity to experience Milan Fashion Week comes twice a year (in February and September). While most official events are ‘industry only’ (meaning unless you’re an A-lister, forget it), the atmosphere throughout the city is electric and it’s wall-to-wall chic — both on and off the catwalk. Even for anti-fashionistas, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the madness.
10. Escape to the lakes
Less than an hour away by train or easily accessible on an organised day tour, the magnificence of the Italian Lakes — Lake Como, Lugano, Iseo, Maggiore, and Garda — is yours for the taking. The region is characterised by spectacular mountain scenery, picturesque towns, and elegant mansions with terraces spilling down to the water’s edge. Oh, and George Clooney.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.italia.it.
Browse our range of Milan tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Milan on a first visit? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Bigstock
About the writer
Julietta Henderson is a Melbourne-based travel writer and author. Originally planning to visit London for six months, she ended up staying for ten years and now divides her time between her home in Australia and several months of the year in the UK, Italy, and France. Julietta has travelled extensively through Europe, North America, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Russia, and believes the keys to a great travel experience are an open heart, an open mind, and an open-ended ticket. Her first two novels — The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman and Sincerely, Me — are now available in bookstores.
