Milan Travel Guide: Visit this fashion capital and you’ll find a wealth of cultural attractions, such as the Duomo and the Sforza Castle. Recommended activities include visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and catching a show at the Teatro alla Scala. Read the attraction guide below for more information.
1. Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral is one of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in Italy and one of the largest churches in the world. Built in 1386, it took nearly six centuries to complete. Its magnificent appearance and exquisite carvings attract tourists from all over the world.
The cathedral’s facade is made of white marble, dotted with countless spires and statues, showing the complex aesthetics of Gothic architecture. The space inside the church is wide and solemn, and the stained glass windows depict biblical stories, reflecting beautiful colors through the sunlight.
Ads-ADVERTISEMENT
Ads-ADVERTISEMENT
Visitors can climb to the roof of the cathedral to get a magnificent view of the city of Milan and admire the intricately carved spires and statues up close. The central altar of the cathedral is another highlight not to be missed, decorated with a large number of religious artworks that showcase its rich religious history.
Milan Cathedral is not only the center of religious belief, but also the landmark of Milan, symbolizing the history and culture of the city. Whether you are an architecture lover, a history fan, or an ordinary tourist, this cathedral can bring a deep impression to every visitor.
2. Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology is located in Milan, Italy. It is one of the largest science and technology museums in Europe. The museum is centered on commemorating and displaying Leonardo da Vinci’s outstanding contributions, and the exhibition content covers his artistic, scientific and engineering achievements.
The museum is divided into several exhibition areas, displaying Leonardo da Vinci’s invention models, manuscripts and paintings, and deeply exploring his innovative ideas in the fields of machinery, aviation, architecture, etc. In particular, his exquisite mechanical design models allow visitors to appreciate the creativity and technical wisdom of this genius up close.
In addition to Leonardo da Vinci’s works, the museum also displays a wide range of scientific and technological topics, including exhibits in the fields of physics, chemistry, astronomy and transportation. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations make scientific knowledge more vivid and interesting, suitable for audiences of all ages.
The Leonardo da Vinci Art Museum is not only a tribute to Leonardo da Vinci’s great legacy, but also an ideal place to explore the combination of science and art, providing visitors with an inspiring and educational visiting experience.
3. Our Lady of Grace
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church of great historical and religious significance in Milan, Italy. It was built in the 15th century and showcases a perfect combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The church is famous for its collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper”, attracting many tourists and art lovers to visit.
The church has a simple and solemn appearance, and its interior decoration is exquisite and detailed, especially the refectory where Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece is located, which is a precious heritage of art and history. In addition to “The Last Supper”, there are other religious artworks and murals in the church, showing the religious art style of the Renaissance.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is not only a place of religious worship, but also a symbol of culture and art. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it represents Milan’s important cultural position during the Renaissance. Visiting Santa Maria delle Grazie is not only an in-depth experience of religion and art, but also a further understanding of Milan’s history.
4. Leonardo 3 Museum
The Leonardo3 Museum in Milan, Italy, is an interactive museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and art. Through modern technology and multimedia exhibitions, the museum vividly reproduces many of Leonardo da Vinci’s creations, including his mechanical devices, flying machines, weapons and works of art.
The exhibition in the museum features interactive experiences, where visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and creative processes through touch screens, virtual reality and 3D models. Many of Leonardo da Vinci’s design drawings are reproduced as real models here, allowing people to intuitively feel the genius ideas of this Renaissance master.
In addition to mechanical inventions, the museum also displays Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings and anatomical studies, fully presenting his outstanding contributions in many fields. Leonardo 3 Museum is suitable for audiences of all ages and is an ideal place to learn and explore Leonardo da Vinci’s extraordinary wisdom.
5. Ambrosian Gallery
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, located in Milan, Italy, is one of the city’s most famous art museums and was founded in 1618. The museum is famous for its rich art collections and historical documents and is an important cultural heritage of Milan.
The museum’s collection covers many masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and books. Famous collections include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Portrait of a Musician”, Raphael’s “The School of Athens” original manuscript and Caravaggio’s “Basket of Fruit”. These works show the artistic achievements of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The Galleria Ambrosiana also houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, an important collection of Leonardo’s notes and sketches on science, art, and engineering.
6. Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle is located in the center of Milan, Italy. It is a historic castle built in the 15th century and was once the palace of the Sforza family, the Duke of Milan. The castle is famous for its majestic fortifications, vast courtyards and rich historical and cultural connotations.
The castle has a magnificent exterior and is a typical medieval architectural style, surrounded by thick walls and towering towers. There are several museums and art galleries inside, displaying precious artworks and historical relics including Michelangelo’s “Pietà”. In addition, the castle also houses ancient weapons, musical instruments and furniture, showing the rich history and cultural heritage of Milan.
The courtyards and gardens of the Castello Sforza are equally charming, with tree-lined paths offering visitors a peaceful environment for a stroll. The sculptures and decorative details inside and outside the castle reflect the artistic style of the Renaissance, making it an ideal place to explore Milan’s history and culture.
7. Torre Blanca
Torre Branca is located in Sempione Park in Milan, Italy. It is a 108.6-meter-high steel observation tower built in 1933 and designed by the famous architect Gio Ponti. The tower’s design is modern and simple, reflecting the architectural style of the early 20th century, and is one of the iconic buildings on the Milan skyline.
The Branca Tower provides an excellent viewing platform. Visitors can take the elevator to the top quickly and overlook the entire Milan city from there. On a clear day, the view is even wider and you can even see the Alps in the distance. The view from the top of the tower is particularly charming, especially at sunset, when the whole city is shrouded in golden light, which is intoxicating.
As an important tourist attraction in Milan, Torre Branca not only attracts tourists, but is also often used for special events and exhibitions. Whether it is day or night, climbing the Torre Branca and overlooking this city where history and modernity blend together is an unforgettable experience.
8. Casa Milan Museum
Casa Milan is the headquarters and museum of AC Milan, a famous Italian football club, located in downtown Milan. As a symbol of the club, Casa Milan is not only a management and operation center, but also a place for fans and tourists to gain an in-depth understanding of the club’s glorious history.
The museum showcases the rich history and glorious achievements of AC Milan, including a large number of trophies, jerseys, memorabilia and multimedia exhibitions. Interactive displays allow visitors to experience the club’s classic moments and the glorious years of legendary stars. Milan House also has a club shop selling a variety of official souvenirs and fan items.
In addition, there are restaurants and cafes in Casa Milan, providing visitors with a space to rest and socialize. Whether it is a die-hard fan or an ordinary tourist, Casa Milan can bring a visit experience full of passion and memories. It is an ideal place to understand the history and culture of this legendary team.
9. San Siro Stadium
San Siro Stadium, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, is located in Milan, Italy and is one of the world’s famous football stadiums. Built in 1926, this stadium is the home of two Italian Serie A giants, AC Milan and Inter Milan, and is famous for its huge scale and warm football atmosphere.
The stadium can accommodate about 80,000 spectators and is one of the largest football stadiums in Europe. The unique architectural design of San Siro, with four towering towers and spiral ramps, makes it one of Milan’s landmark buildings. Both the exterior and the interior facilities reflect the design concept of modern football stadiums.
San Siro is not only a venue for football matches, but also often hosts large-scale concerts and other important events. There is a museum in the stadium that displays the history and honors of the two teams, which attracts many fans to visit. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the stadium to learn more about the history of the stadium, the club culture, and feel the exciting atmosphere on match days.
San Siro Stadium is a holy place for Milan and even world football, and is one of the landmarks that cannot be missed for fans and tourists.
10. La Scala Theatre
La Scala Theatre, located in Milan, Italy, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and has been the center of the world’s top opera and classical music performances since its opening in 1778. The opera house is famous for its elegant architecture, excellent acoustics and glorious history, and is the preferred stage for many famous composers and performers.
The opera house has an elegant exterior and gorgeous interior decorations, with red velvet seats, gold decorations and crystal chandeliers creating a solemn and luxurious atmosphere. La Scala is not only a venue for operas and concerts, but also has a museum that displays historical artifacts, music scores and stage designs related to the opera house, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history of this cultural landmark.
Watching a performance at La Scala, whether it is an opera, ballet or symphony, is an unforgettable cultural experience. As an iconic building in Milan, La Scala is not only a mecca for art lovers, but also a must-visit for tourists to learn about Italian culture and history.
11. Sansepolcro Crypt
The Crypt of San Sepolcro is a historic underground church in Milan, Italy, built in the 11th century. Located beneath the church of the same name, the Crypt is considered one of the oldest and most sacred religious sites in Milan. The Crypt attracts many tourists and pilgrims with its mysterious atmosphere and religious significance.
The well-preserved medieval stone and carvings inside the crypt exude an ancient and solemn atmosphere. The walls are decorated with religious murals, which, despite the baptism of the years, still retain the artistic style of the time. This was once an important destination for medieval pilgrims, as it was said that the crypt contained holy relics from the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
The compact and mysterious layout and dim lighting of the Crypt of Sansepolcro create a quiet atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel the deep power of religion and the weight of history. After its reopening, the Crypt has become an important historical and religious attraction in Milan, providing a unique opportunity for people to visit the city’s oldest spiritual sanctuary.
12. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a unique place in Milan where history, architecture and shopping come together. This huge shopping arcade, also located in Piazza Duomo, was built in 1878. As soon as you enter, you will be struck by the size of the gallery, its neoclassical style and its glass and iron dome that rises nearly 50 meters above the ground!
Ads-ADVERTISEMENT
Ads-ADVERTISEMENT
Milan is known as the fashion capital for a reason, and you can find all the major luxury brands here. In the aisles here, and in the surrounding streets, you can find shops from all the top fashion designers and stylists from Italy and around the world. It’s a great place to shop!
13. Villa Necchi Campiglio
Villa Necchi Campiglio is located in Milan, Italy. It is a luxurious residence from the early 20th century designed by the famous architect Piero Portaluppi and completed in 1935. Originally a private residence of the Necchi Campiglio family, the villa is now a museum open to the public.
The villa’s architectural style combines modernism with art deco, showcasing the luxurious life of Milan’s upper class at the time. The villa’s interior is beautifully decorated with well-preserved furniture, artworks and decorative details, highlighting the owner’s taste and wealth. The spacious living room, marble staircase, private swimming pool and garden all reflect a luxurious lifestyle.
The gardens around the villa are quiet and elegant, an ideal place for tourists to relax and stroll. Villa Necchi Campiglio not only showcases the art of architecture and design, but also serves as a window into the social history of Milan in the 20th century. As a cultural heritage of Milan, the villa attracts many architecture enthusiasts, history fans and tourists, and is a must-visit place to explore the history and architectural style of Milan.
14. Basilica of St. Ambrose
The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is located near the Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci. It is easily recognizable by its two large brick towers of different heights. Inside, there is a huge atrium that covers an area almost as large as the cathedral itself. Inside the basilica, you can see the 16th-century Sarcophagus of Stilicho, which is covered with religious reliefs. In the crypt of the basilica, the relics of Saint-Ambroise, Saint-Gervais and Saint-Protais are on display.
St. Ambrose is the patron saint of the city of Milan, and this 11th-century cathedral (one of the oldest churches in Milan) was built on the site of the first church in Milan in the 4th century.
15. QC Termemilano Spa
Located in the heart of Milan, Italy, QC Termemilano is a renowned spa and wellness center that combines modern luxury with historic charm. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the spa offers a wide range of relaxation and wellness experiences, attracting many visitors seeking tranquility and comfort.
The spa features multiple hot spring pools, saunas, steam rooms and sensory showers, providing visitors with a comprehensive relaxation experience. There is also a hot spring bath in the outdoor area, which is suitable for all seasons, especially under the lights at night, it is more romantic and peaceful. The interior design of the spa is elegant, combining modern facilities with classical elements to create a warm and elegant atmosphere.
16. Fashion quadrilateral
The Quadrilatero della moda is a very exclusive shopping area in the heart of the historic center (Centro Storico), a stone’s throw from the Duomo. This area is shaped like an imaginary square and is bounded by four streets in the center of Milan: via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and corso Venezia. Here you can find famous fashion brands and the studios of top designers.
Even if you don’t like shopping, it’s worth a visit as you’ll also find lots of antique shops, pretty cafes and tea rooms. It’s a great place to enjoy an aperitif, the equivalent of a classic French aperitif, but with a Milanese twist.
17. Navigli Canals
Located south of Milan Cathedral, Navigli is named after the Naviglio Grande and Pavese canals that surround it. Far from the glitz and glamour of the historic centre, Navigli is one of Milan’s most fashionable corners. The atmosphere here is more relaxed, especially popular with artists and those who seek an Italian lifestyle.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s shopping streets and tourist attractions, this is the place for you! You can take a break on the terrace of a café or restaurant and taste local specialities such as risotto Milanese or goulash, or have a cup of good Resto coffee.
18. Attractions around Milan
If you are staying in Milan for a few days and want to get away from the city for a while, exploring the lakes in the Milan area is also a great activity. Among the most famous lakes in the country, you will have the opportunity to discover Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Iseo, all of which can be reached from Milan in less than 2 hours and 10 minutes. You can spend a whole day exploring these magnificent lakes without hesitation, as they can be easily reached by road or train.
Lake Como
Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como): About 1 hour and 40 minutes from Milan, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy and certainly the most popular among tourists. The turquoise waters, lush vegetation and beautiful villages such as Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio will surely make you linger! If you don’t have your own transportation to this paradise, you can take a day trip to Lake Como from Milan .
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore (Italian: Lago Maggiore) is close to Milan (about 1 hour drive), located at the junction of Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, and is the second largest lake in Italy. Here, you can also see charming small villages around and enjoy the magnificent views of the Alps.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda (Italian: Lago di Garda): Lake Garda is about 2 hours and 10 minutes by car from Milan. Unlike the tranquility of Lake Como, you will soon find that it is much more lively and there is a lot to do! If you want to know more about the place and explore the surrounding villages, you can spend a whole day touring Lake Garda. Accompanied by a private guide, you can explore the largest lake in Italy and admire its magnificent scenery.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo (Italian: Lago d’Iseo) is about 2 hours away from Milan by car and is less well known than the other three lakes. It is nestled in the mountains and is a great place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. If you decide to stop here, you can also take the opportunity to visit the beautiful town of Bergamo.
