MILAN - What to see and do in the fashion capital?

June 22, 2026

Planning a trip to Milan? Here are our best tips and recommendations to make the most of your visit.

Where to stay?

Centro Storico (Duomo District / Historic Center): This is the most tourist-friendly area, home to the most famous monuments.
Brera: Milan’s chic, artistic, and bohemian district. A little haven of peace near the center, featuring cobbled pedestrian streets, art galleries, and antique shops.
Navigli (Naviglio Grande & Pavese): Built around Milan’s famous canals (partially designed by Leonardo da Vinci), this neighborhood is full of bars, restaurants, and vintage boutiques. Very festive, especially in the evening.
Porta Nuova & Isola: Modern Milan, featuring futuristic skyscrapers, shops, and clubs.

The Metro (Metropolitana): Milan’s network is modern, efficient, and covers the entire city well (The purple line serves San Siro).
The Tram: The famous old yellow trams are not only a convenient way to travel but also a real scenic attraction. (Tram No. 16 passes near most of the major monuments).
Walking: The historic center is very pleasant to explore on foot. Walking between the Duomo, La Scala, Brera, and the Castello Sforzesco is easy and the best way to discover hidden alleyways.
ATM Ticket: The standard ticket is valid for 90 minutes. For multiple days, the city offers 24h, 48h, or 72h passes.

Duomo di Milano: The immense Gothic cathedral. Go up to the panoramic terrace for a breathtaking view of the city and its many spires (Book your tickets in advance).
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Nicknamed the "Salon of Milan," this 19th-century shopping arcade is magnificent with its glass and wrought-iron dome. This is where you’ll find luxury shops and historic cafes.
Teatro alla Scala: One of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Visit the museum to learn more about its history and the great artists who have performed there.
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper: Located in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Tickets are extremely limited and must be booked several months in advance).
Castello Sforzesco: A large historic castle that now houses several museums. Entry to the courtyards is free and leads to Parco Sempione (the largest park in Milan).
Pinacoteca di Brera: One of the most important Italian art galleries, featuring masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bellini.
Cimitero Monumentale: A unique "open-air museum," famous for its artistic and extravagant tombs and funerary monuments.
Bosco Verticale & Piazza Gae Aulenti: A must-see for the contrast between the old and new Milan. The two residential towers fully covered in plants are an example of sustainable architecture.

Football: Milan is the only European city to be home to two clubs that have won the Champions League.
- AC Milan (Rossoneri) & Inter Milan (Nerazzurri): The two giants of Italian football share the legendary Stadio San Siro.
Basketball: Olimpia Milano (or EA7 Emporio Armani Milano): One of the most decorated Italian basketball teams, playing at the Mediolanum Forum.

Cotoletta alla Milanese: Breaded and fried veal cutlet, served either thick (on the bone) or thin. An iconic dish of Milanese cuisine.
Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy saffron risotto, which gives it its golden color.
Panettone: The famous Christmas cake, native to Milan, which can be found in many artisanal bakeries (pasticcerie).
Eataly Smeraldo: A large Italian gourmet market, ideal for a quick lunch, buying local products, or dining on high-quality dishes.

The Apéritivo: A Milanese institution. You order a drink (cocktail like a Spritz, wine, or beer) and get access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of dishes (pasta, pizza, salads, cold cuts, etc.), often for a flat fee between €8 and €15.
- The Navigli District: The favorite spot for an aperitivo. The bars along the canals are crowded at the end of the day.
- Corso Como / Isola: For a chicer and trendier aperitivo, surrounded by futuristic architecture.

Bars and Clubs (Navigli): After the aperitivo, the Navigli turn into a lively area full of bars and nightclubs.
Rooftops: Milan has excellent rooftops to admire the sunset. For example, the bar at the Terrazza Aperol hotel or Terrazza Duomo 21 for a direct view of the cathedral.