Explore the Vibrancy of Milan

Milan moves fast and looks to the sky. It’s Italy’s most modern city, boasting innovative architecture and edgy design at every corner. However, the past is everywhere, because Milan, sitting right in the middle of the Po Valley, has truly seen it all in its millennia-long history.

So forget all the stereotypes you may have heard about Milan being industrial and boring, and get ready to explore a city that is bursting with vibrancy – starting with these unmissable sights and activities.

The Duomo

The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is the very symbol of the city – it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s top of our list. The stunning work of Gothic architecture also happens to be Italy’s largest church. It’s sure to leave you breathless with its intricately decorated façade and multitude of spires. Moreover, sitting right on top of it is the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Madonnina, another everlasting symbol of Milan.

The square just in front of it, Piazza Duomo, is also pretty important since it could easily be dubbed the heart of the city. Once you’ve taken some pictures with one of the best backdrops Italy has to offer, simply look around Piazza Duomo, and in every direction, you’ll find something incredible to explore.

Churches

While the Duomo might be the chief among the Milanese churches, it’s definitely not the only one. You may not expect to visit all of them, but you should consider dropping by the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of the oldest in Milan and also the one dedicated to its patron saint. Another favorite is the Chiesa di San Maurizio, known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” because of the vast frescoes that decorate its entire ceiling.

Leonardo’s Last Supper

It’s yet another church, but Santa Maria delle Grazie has a secret weapon – the fresco of The Last Supper, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces. The fresco can be found on the wall of the refectory of the church’s monastery, and it’s well worth the visit by itself. Consequently, the rest of the church is also filled with artistic treasures, and the entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Castello Sforzesco

When Italy was divided into numerous small princedoms, Milan was ruled by the Sforzas – right from the Castello Sforzesco, which was named after them. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and was a military citadel of major importance during the Renaissance. Today, it houses 10 museums dedicated to various subjects like furniture, musical instruments, sculpture, and paintings, all nestled in a setting that is rich with history and artistic significance.

Parco Sempione

If you leave Castello Sforzesco and feel like you need to relax for a moment to reflect on all the beautiful art you’ve seen, then just look behind it: there lies Milan’s main green area, Parco Sempione. The perfect spot to stop and enjoy nature even amid Milan’s infamous traffic, Parco Sempione also becomes the venue for outdoor festivals and events during warm months. Moreover, it’s an excellent place for a romantic picnic. To enhance your experience, find the Ponte delle Sirenette with its four little mermaid statues, believed to be one of the most romantic spots in the whole of Milan.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Milan is home to many incredible museums, but if you have time to visit only one, then your choice should be the Pinacoteca di Brera. This stunning collection of Italian painting spans centuries and includes masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna. After your museum visit, take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhood – a chic and artsy side of the city, with cobbled streets, literary cafés, and romantic corners all around.

More Museums

If you happen to have more time to dedicate to museums beyond the Pinacoteca, you can decide what to visit second. If you can’t resist a good old art gallery, then consider the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. Do you want to add some sculpture? Then explore the Museo del Novecento or the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Maybe you prefer something entirely different? Consider the Museo delle Culture, dedicated to foreign cultures with artifacts from around the globe, or the Triennale di Milano, focused on Italian design. Moreover, if you’re traveling with children and need engaging activities, the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia offers interactive labs tailored for a young audience.

Navigli

The Navigli – artificial canals that were meant to connect Milan to the great lakes of Lombardy and the other rivers of the area – are today a staple of the Milanese lifestyle. Perfect for everything from a simple stroll by the waterside to an aperitivo to start an enjoyable night out, the Navigli are never empty of people and are the place to be to experience Milan like a local.

Shopping in Milan

If shopping is on your agenda, then you’ve come to the right city. As one of Europe’s fashion capitals, Milan will give you every opportunity to indulge in luxury shopping. Among the locations that you must visit are the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located on one side of Piazza Duomo, and the renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro.

Experience Local Life

There’s much more to life in Milan than just haute couture. If visiting boutiques and showrooms isn’t your favorite activity, simply explore different neighborhoods to find a completely different vibe. There’s Brera with its literary cafés; Porta Venezia with its buzzing nightlife and thriving LGBTQI scene; NoLo and its international, youthful population; Isola featuring hip shops and vertical forests; and Citylife with its luxury condos. Strolling around each of these neighborhoods feels like discovering an entirely different city every time.