What to see in Milan
Cosmopolitan, modern, attractive and with a vibrant cultural and economic life. This is Milan. Considered one of the world capitals of fashion, this fascinating Italian city is rarely listed in the country’s biggest tourist hotspot. And yet Milan offers loads of different leisure options and interesting places to visit.
Here, we present our humble Milan tourist guide, which contains everything you need to avoid getting lost during your stay in the city.
DUOMO DI MILANO (Milan Cathedral) – The cathedral is the most emblematic building of Milan. You can’t say you’ve really visited the city unless you’ve stopped by to take a look at this impressive Gothic cathedral. Its size and beauty are overpowering. From its panoramic terrace, as well as beautiful views, you can see the gargoyles and decorations on the façade close up. Where: Piazza del Duomo. When: every day from 7am to 7pm. How much: entrance to the cathedral is free. Access to the terrace, the treasury and the chapel costs from € 2 to € 13.
GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II – Another great jewel of the city. Designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni during the second half of the 19th century, this luxury shopping centre houses the most famous designers’ shops. Marble floors, mosaics, a central dome of iron and glass… although you might be fazed by the sky-high prices, it’s worth taking a stroll through the gallery. Where: between the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala.
ACCADEMIA DI BRERA – Inside the Palazzo Brera, the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera contains one of the best collections in the world. This museum houses some of the most fascinating works of Tiziano, Rafael, Rembrandt, El Greco, Rubens, Tintoretto and Mantegna. Where: Via Brera, 28. When: from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.30am to 19.15pm. How much: € 6.
TEATRO ALLA SCALA – Another obligatory visit in Milan is this mythic temple to opera. Some of the best pieces of all time have crossed its stage. If you’ve got time, money and interest, we recommend seeing one of the performances of La Scala. It’s a unique experience. Where: Via Filodrammatici, 2. Piazza Scala. When: you can visit every day from 9am to 12.30am and from 1.30pm to 5.30pm. How much: entrance to the museum costs € 6. Concerts, operas and ballets cost from around € 10 to € 180.
SFORZA CASTLE – This interesting fort, constructed in the 16th century, houses a good number of museums which can be visited together. This joins onto the Sempione Park, so after the visit you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through its magnificent gardens. Where: Piazza Castello. When and how much: the castle is open every day from 7am to 6pm in winter and from 7am to 7pm in summer; entrance is free. The museums can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5.30pm, for € 3.
CENACULO VINCIANO (The Last Supper) – Everyone knows the famous painting of the “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci, but not everyone knows is that this masterpiece can be found in Milan, more specifically in the refectory of the convent Santa Maria delle Grazie. Where: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2. When: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6,45pm. How much: € 6.50. Under 18s, teachers and journalists go free. You must buy tickets in advance.
These are the truly unavoidable things to see in Milan, but when you’re walking through the city, visiting its markets or savouring its coffees and icecreams, you’ll pretty quickly realise that it has more to offer. A lot more.
