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Milan, one of northern Italy’s biggest and most important cities, is packed with a fascinating range of tourist attractions. Renowned for its thriving fashion industry, Milan has a cool, artistic atmosphere and boasts a huge range of fine and modern artworks in its museums, galleries, churches, and theaters. It’s also one of the best places in Europe to shop and dine.
There are plenty of things to do in Milan but the trickiest part is deciding which of its sights to see in a single visit. If you’re planning a whistle-stop tour, be sure to swing by as many of these 18 unmissable Milanese attractions as possible.
1. Duomo di Milano
Photo Credit: saiko3p
- Website: duomomilano.it/en
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano
- Opening hours: 9 am – 7 pm daily
Milan Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks thanks to its great size and immense Gothic beauty. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world, capable of holding up to 40,000 people.
The stunning stained-glass windows in its nave, which date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, are the biggest in the world. Be sure to go up to the roof to see incredible views across the city and all the way to the Alps on a clear day.
2. Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Website: legraziemilano.it
- Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano
- Opening hours: 9 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday / 3 pm – 5.30 pm Sunday
This attractive Gothic brick church dates back to 1465 and is a prime example of early Renaissance architecture, but its biggest draw is its artwork. Santa Maria delle Grazie’s refectory wall is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper mural, which is one of his most famous works. Remember to book your ticket and arrival time online before you visit.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Opening hours: 24/7, with most shops open 10 am – 7 pm daily
This grand 19th-century shopping arcade, constructed of industrial iron and glass, marked the start of Italy’s modern era of architecture. At the time of its opening, it was considered one of the most elegant and beautiful structures in the city, and it remains a beautiful spot for shopping and socializing during the day. Visit to browse the luxury stores and have coffee in one of the arcade’s sophisticated cafes.
4. Castello Sforzesco
Photo Credit: Andrea Berg
- Website: milanocastello.it
- Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: 7 am – 7.30 pm daily
Sforzesco Castle was originally constructed in 1368 and then rebuilt in 1450 with the Visconti and Sforza families at its helm, respectively. Today, the castle is home to a series of museums housing the likes of ancient Egyptian antiquities, historic decorative art, medieval armor, and classic paintings and sculptures. A highlight is the final work of Rondanini PietĂ , master sculptor Michelangelo.
5. The Pinacoteca di Brera
- Website: pinacotecabrera.org
- Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: 8.30 am – 6.00 pm Monday & Wednesday to Sunday
The 17th-century Palazzo di Brera was originally a Jesuit college but, since 1776, has served as Milan’s Academy of Fine Arts. It’s home to several important cultural sites, including a library, an observatory, and the Pinacoteca di Brera, which is a famed art museum.
Many notable works of classical, Renaissance and contemporary art are on display here, such as Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin. You’ll also see many works by the Lombard masters and artists of the Umbrian School, such as Caravaggio.
6. Teatro alla Scala
- Website: www.teatroallascala.org
- Address: V. Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: Performance times vary
Teatro alla Scala is Milan’s opera house and one of the most prestigious in the world. Performances take place between December and May but it can be difficult to get a hold of La Scala tickets without the help of a hotel concierge.
If you don’t manage to see a performance, take a tour of the opera house or visit the Museo Teatro alla Scala to learn about the theater’s history and landmark performances.
7. Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
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- Website: basilicasantambrogio.it
- Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano
- Opening hours: 9 am – 12.30 pm & 2.30 pm – 6 pm Monday to Saturday / 3 pm – 5 pm Sunday
The church of Sant-Ambrogio originated in the 4th century, but most of its current structure was built in the 12th century. It’s an excellent example of Romanesque architecture but it also offers glimpses of a 9th-century church that the 12th-century structure was built around. Look out for an ornate 4th-century sarcophagus underneath the pulpit.
8. Cimitero Monumentale
- Website: monumentale.comune.milano.it
- Address: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano
- Opening hours: 8 am – 5.30 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Monumental Cemetary is a 19th-century graveyard renowned for its artistic tombs and monuments. Highlights include a depiction of an Egyptian pyramid and a family tomb adorned with a representation of the Last Supper.
The cemetery is also significant because it’s the final resting place of several notable Italian figures, including composer Temistocle Solera and writer Alessandro Manzoni.
9. Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
- Website: museoscienza.org/en
- Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano
- Opening hours: 9.30 am – 5.00 pm Tuesday to Friday / 9.30 am – 6.30 pm Saturday & Sunday
This fascinating museum pays homage to the history of scientific study and technological advancement in Italy. It has a particular focus on the scientific works of Leonardo da Vinci, with many working models of his machinery and inventions on display. There are also exhibits of physics apparatus used by the likes of Newton, Volta, and Galileo.
10. Parco Sempione
Photo Credit: olrat
- Website: scopriremilano.com/parco-sempione
- Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano
- Opening hours: 6.30 am – 11.30 pm daily
This beautiful English-style park is the perfect place to find some peace in the busy city center. Locals and tourists alike walk, jog, and picnic here, and in the summer, the park hosts live concerts. There are several notable attractions within Parco Sempion,e such as Torre Branca, a striking tower that provides fabulous panoramic views of the city.
11. Triennale di Milano
- Website: triennale.org/en
- Address: Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: 10.30 am – 8 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Triennale di Milano, also known as Palazzo dell’Arte, was built in 1933 to host the first Italian design show, and it continues to showcase contemporary art and design. There are permanent exhibitions celebrating Italian-designed products through the ages, but temporary exhibitions showcase works from all over the world.
The building itself is also to be admired; it’s a prime example of Stripped Classicis,m which was the preferred style of the 1930s.
12. Basilica de Sant’Eustorgio
- Website: santeustorgio.it
- Address: Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, 1, 20122 Milano
- Opening hours: 7.45 am – 12 pm & 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm daily
This Romanesque church dates back to the 12th century, although it wasn’t until 1863 that it was finished in its entirety. It’s significant because its Capella Portinari, which lies beyond the choir, is one of the earliest remaining examples of Renaissance architecture.
The church is also home to striking frescoes by Vincenzo Foppa. While you’re here, be sure to visit the nearby church of San Lorenzo Maggiore, which is adorned with mosaics dating back to the 4th century.
13. The Quadrilatero d’Oro
Photo Credit: ColorMaker
- Address: Via Monte Napoleone, 10, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: 24/7, shops open 10 am – 7.30 pm daily
This shopping quarter, which is also known as Quadrilatero della Moda, is one of the most exclusive and important in the world. You can find the finest boutiques of the most famous Italian fashion houses here, such as Armani, Fendi, Prada, Missoni, and Valentino. Autumn sees the arrival of Milan Fashion Week when the area becomes busier than ever with catwalk shows.
14. Civica Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery)
- Website: comune.milano.it/web/gam-galleria-arte-moderna
- Address: Via Palestro, 16, 20121 Milano
- Opening hours: 10 am – 4.30 pm Tuesday to Sunday
This grand palace was Napoleon’s residence during his occupation of Milan, and at the time, it was newly built. Today, its original stucco finish and decorative interior remain and serve as a stunning backdrop to a huge collection of modern art. You can expect to see works by Dufy, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, Rouault, and Vuillard.
15. San Siro Stadium
- Website: sansirostadium.com
- Address: Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano
- Opening hours: Game, event, and tour times vary
San Siro Stadium is Italy’s largest stadium, with a capacity of more than 80,000. It hosts the home games of both AC Milan and AC Inter, the city’s beloved soccer teams. Get tickets for a match or event here to experience the stadium’s electric atmosphere, or book a guided tour to learn about the stadium’s history and backstage secrets.
16. Porta Nuova
Photo Credit: MC MEDIASTUDIO
Porta Nuova is a chic business district where Milan’s modern architecture takes center stage. Here lies the UniCredit Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Italy, and Bosco Verticale, a pair of apartment buildings from which hundreds of trees grow. Don’t miss the elegant fountain in the ultramodern Piazza Gae Aulenti.
17. Navigli District
- Address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 20144 Milano
- Opening hours: 24/7
Navigli is a popular district that centers around two manmade canals, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Centuries ago, Milan was covered with waterways, much like Venice, but over time, the canals were filled over and paved.
Navigli retains its canals and historic charm, but many of its historic buildings now serve as trendy bars, restaurants, boutique stores, and art galleries. Head here in the evening to enjoy a few drinks and a bite to eat on the banks of the canal as the sun sets.
18. Day Trips from Milan
Milan is incredibly well connected by both rail and road to northern Italy’s popular attractions and hidden gems. Visit the beautiful Lake Como to take a boat trip across its crystal-clear waters.
Journey to Lake Maggiore to visit the palace and gardens of the Borromean Islands. The small town of Bergamo is well worth visiting to admire its history and art, while a trip to Brescia and Verona can let you admire ancient Roman ruins. You could even spend a day exploring the rich history and culture of Florence, which is accessible in around 90 minutes by high-speed train.
Plan Your Tour of Milan
There’s lots to do in Milan, but be sure to see as many of these must-see sights as possible to appreciate the city’s culture, history, and atmosphere. Start planning your itinerary to discover how much you can squeeze into your visit.
