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Milan is one of the most populous and prosperous cities in Italy. Over the centuries, it has been home to everyone from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci to the most famous luxury brands in the world like Armani, Prada, and Versace. As a result, there are plenty of fun things to do in Milan, whether you’re looking to explore the city’s history or go shopping.
Today, the city contains everything from historic sites such as the famous Duomo and Sforza Castle to cosmopolitan landmarks that showcase modern Italy’s architecture, fashion, and design. It’s the second most popular Italian city for tourists after Rome. In 2026, Milan will host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Compare Milan tours & skip-the-line tickets
The MilanPass and YesMilano city passes also include many Milan activities, which can be a good deal depending on how long you are in the city and what you plan on doing. Click the links for more details on what’s included.
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Read on to learn about my favorite things to do in Milan!
Best Things To Do In Milan
Milan Walking Tours
Whenever I visit a new city, I like to explore on foot to get my bearings. While I sometimes do this on my own, a walking tour is also a great way to get to know a new place.
Book a Milan walking tour here
The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) & Santa Maria delle Grazie
Most of the world’s most famous artworks are housed in museums, but Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” is located in Milan’s Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Da Vinci worked on “The Last Supper” from 1495 to 1498. In the ensuing centuries, the painting has undergone several rounds of restorations that have significantly evolved the art, often in controversial ways, but it still remains one of the most impactful works of art ever created.
The painting is seen via a guided tour. Although tickets can be booked directly through the church, they sell out months in advance.
If that’s the case for your visit, I recommend booking tickets through a tour company. Some of these guided tours also include other notable Milan highlights.
Book “The Last Supper” tickets here
Milan Duomo
If there’s one must-see in Milan, it’s the Milan Duomo. The impressive cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic sights.
The first iteration of Milan Cathedral was built in 355. Its latest construction took place from 1386 to 1965—that’s almost six centuries! That still doesn’t mean it’s completely done, as scaffolding for restoration work is sometimes in place.
Visiting the Duomo is one of the most popular things to do in Milan. Tickets are available for the cathedral interior and access to the roof, which has spectacular city views.
Buy Duomo tickets here, including options with terrace access
Palazzo Reale di Milano (Royal Palace of Milan)
The Royal Palace of Milan has a long history. For centuries, it was home to the city’s government. Later, it became a royal palace.
Today’ the Palazzo Reale Di Milano is home to a museum and cultural center. The museum showcases prominent political eras of the palace and Milan history.
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is one of the most popular gathering spots in Milan. It includes beautiful views of the Duomo, of course, so it’s filled with people taking photos.
It is also surrounded by some of Milan’s best-known attractions, including Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Palazzo Reale di Milano.
As with any such crowded area, be aware of your surroundings and belongings as people will try to take advantage of the chaos.
Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
Sforza Castle (website) is one of the most impressive sights in Milan.
The imposing medieval fortification was constructed in the 15th century. Today, it is home to several Milan museums, including the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, and part of the Archeological Museum of Milan.
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Even if you’re not into visiting museums, I find the Castello Sforzesco grounds to be one of the nicest places for a walk in Milan.
Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is one of the largest parks in Milan. It is located just northwest of Sforza Castle and serves as an extension of the grounds.
Park Sempione’s highlights include the Triennale di Milano, the Civic Aquarium of Milan, the Branca Tower, and the Bridge of Mermaids, as well as several statues, fountains, and memorials.
Triennale di Milano
Milan’s preeminent art event is the Milan Triennial, which occurs every three years or so.
The Triennale di Milano (official website), an art and design museum in Parco Sempione, has previously hosted the event.
Civic Aquarium of Milan
Parco Sempione’s Civic Aquarium of Milan is an understated attraction that is a great thing for families to do in Milan. It’s also a great rainy day activity.
It’s not flashy like some modern aquariums, but it also doesn’t carry the price tag that those aquariums do. Visitors can enjoy seeing an array of aquatic life for just a few Euros.
Arco della Pace
The beautiful Arco Della Pace sits at the northwestern edge of Parco Sempione.
The arch marks the Porta Sempione gate to the city and dates back to the 18th century. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Navigli
The Navigli neighborhood is named for the canals that pass through it. Milan was once filled with such canals, but today, only a few remain.
Navigli is filled with excellent bars and restaurants, making it one of the most lively places in Milan.
Teatro Alla Scala
Teatro Alla Scala is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. Constructed in 1778, it has hosted performances by many of the world’s greatest singers for centuries.
Fans of the arts will undoubtedly consider a live performance to be a must-do activity in Milan (tickets & official website), but there are also tours of the building available.
Book Teatro Alla Scala tour tickets here
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is another prominent church in Milan.
The church, which is free to enter, features a beautiful courtyard and artwork.
The church’s crypt holds the remains of three saints: Ambrose, Gervasus and Protasus.
Leonardo da Vinci Statue
Leonardo Da Vinci spent large portions of his life in Milan. In addition to The Last Supper and the museums focusing on his life, art, and science (see below), there is another Milan landmark devoted to the famous Italian.
The Leonardo Da Vinci Statue sits in a plaza surrounded by prominent Milan highlights such as Teatro Alla Scala, the Leonardo3 Museum, and the Gallerie d’Italia.
Milan Bus Tours
While it’s easy to get around central Milan on foot or across the whole city by Metro, if you’re limited on time or want an above-ground adventure, several bus companies offer open-top, hop-on, hop-off bus tours of Milan.
Crypt of San Sepolcro
The Crypt of San Sepolcro dates back to 1034 and was built on the stones of a Roman forum. It provides a glimpse into Milan’s past, as visitors descend through layers of the city’s archeology.
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (see below) is located right next door, so many people visit both via a combo ticket.
Buy Crypt of San Sepolcro and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana combo tickets here
Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore
The Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore (website) is a church with roots dating back to the 4th century.
Amongst the highlights of the basilica are the historic mosaics and frescoes.
Colonne di San Lorenzo
Just outside of Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore are some of Milan’s only surviving Roman ruins.
This set of 16 Corinthian marble columns provides a beautiful framing for the basilica and the surrounding plaza.
Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, also known as San Satiro, is a notable church in Milan’s city center.
Although not nearly as popular of a place to visit as nearby churches and cathedrals I have mentioned above, it is filled with beautiful artwork and decorations dating back to the 15th century.
Arco di Porta Ticinese
If you’re walking around Navigli, you’re likely to spot the Arco Di Porta Ticinese.
The arch monument was formerly a gate to the city. It was originally built in the early 1800s to celebrate the nearby Battle of Marengo, but following the end of the Napoleonic Wars, it was rededicated in the name of peace.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Villa Necchi Campiglio (website) is a 1930s house surrounded by gardens in central Milan.
The residence has been restored to showcase the beautiful design and architecture of not only that era, but other time periods enjoyed by the Necchi Campiglio family.
Indro Montanelli Gardens
Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, named after a prominent journalist and writer, is a beautiful green space in central Milan.
The gardens also house the Milan Natural History Museum, the Modern Art Gallery, and the Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium.
Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli
The Ulrico Hoepli Planetarium, located in Indro Montanelli Gardens, is the largest planetarium in Italy.
Built in the 1930s, the planetarium hosts astronomy shows and educational programs, showcasing the city’s dedication to science.
Piazza Mercanti
Piazza Mercanti is a medieval public square located in central Milan right near the Duomo.
The piazza hosts concerts, markets, and other public events.
Monumental Cemetery
Monumental Cemetery is not just a nice green space; it’s also home to many ornate monuments. The richest families of Milan have gone all out to honor their loved ones with beautiful sculptures and massive mausoleums.
Entrance is free, but guided tours are also available.
Book a guided tour of Monumental Cemetery here
San Siro Stadium
San Siro, the largest stadium in Italy, is the home ground of two of the country’s most important football clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.
If you’re a football fan, attending a match at San Siro is a bucket-list item. The stadium is also scheduled to host the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. It also has guided tours and a museum.
Milano Centrale
Milano Centrale is Milan’s main train station. While it’s, of course, a destination for those heading to other cities in Italy, it’s also a notable city landmark.
The station complex is also home to the Mercato Centrale Milano (see below).
Porta Garibaldi
Porta Garibaldi is an imposing stone archway constructed in the 1820s.
Once part of a defense system, today it’s just a pretty landmark at the end of the pedestrianized Corso Como street.
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Just near Porta Garibaldi train station is one of Milan’s newest hubs.
Piazza Gae Aulenti is surrounded by towering skyscrapers, a shopping mall, fountains, entertainment venues, and more.
Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)
Bosco Verticale is an impressive symbol of modern Milan. The complex is located just to the north of Piazza Gae Aulenti. Constructed in 2014, these leafy green residential buildings have quickly become one of the most famous landmarks in Milan.
Architect Stefano Boeri conceived these award-winning buildings as “A house for trees inhabited by humans.”
The buildings are covered in thousands of plants from 94 different species. Reclaimed water is used to water the vegetation through a centralized maintenance drip irrigation system.
It’s an impressive display of architecture and ecological potential. As a fan of both, I was excited to finally see it in person.
BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano
BAM – Biblioteca degli Alberi Milano is a beautiful park, botanical garden, and events space located between Bosco Verticale and Piazza Gae Aulenti. The entire area is an impressive work of revitalization.
San Giovanni in Conca
I was walking around central Milan, just south of the Duomo, when I spotted something different. This older structure was right in the middle of an intersection ringed by more modern buildings.
The structure is called San Giovanni In Conca, and it’s a church and crypt that dates back to the 5th century. Elements of the original church can be found in the Sforza Castle Museum.
Volunteers from Touring Club Italiano welcome visitors to the crypt. Dates and hours are limited, check their site for the latest details.
Milan Lake Como Tours
Milan is less than an hour away from beautiful Lake Como. While you can take a day trip to Lake Como by car or public transportation, several great tours let you visit the area while leaving the logistics to someone else.
Learn about Lake Como tours from Milan
Best Museums in Milan
Milan is filled with excellent museums. If you are visiting several of them, you may want to consider purchasing a Milan Museum Card or Tourist Museum Card.
Alternatively, as I mentioned above, the MilanPass and YesMilano city passes also include entrance to some museums. See the links for details.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Milan’s premier science museum is the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Although dedicated to Da Vinci, the museum is much more than that.
In addition to exhibits about Da Vinci and his science and technology, the museum showcases technology, including steam trains, aerospace, and more. There are also exhibits about energy, materials, communication, transportation, and particle physics.
Buy tickets for the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology here
Leonardo3 Museum: The World of Leonardo da Vinci
The Leonardo 3 Museum is dedicated to the world of Leonardo Da Vinci. It focuses solely on his life, art, and inventions, which are brought to life through digital displays and hands-on models.
Digital restorations include his most famous artworks, including The Last Supper.
Buy tickets for the Leonardo 3 Museum here
Archaeological Museum of Milan
The Archeological Museum of Milan (website) houses archaeological discoveries from all over Milan and beyond, including artifacts from ancient Roman, Greek, and Etruscan civilizations.
The main museum is located at the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, which is worthy of a visit as well. A satellite museum at Sforza Castle includes prehistoric and Egyptian collections.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is an enchanting art gallery and library. It features works from famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, Brueghel, and Titian.
The Crypt of San Sepolcro is located right next door, so many people visit both via a combo ticket.
Buy Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Crypt of San Sepolcro combo tickets here
MUBA • Museo dei Bambini Milano
The Museo Dei Bambini Milano (website) is one of the best things to do in Milan with kids.
The museum has a variety of interactive activities that promote creativity and play.
Mudec
Mudec (website) is an art and cultural museum located in a former factory. Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free, though special exhibitions require a ticket.
Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The Poldi Pezzoli Museum houses paintings and sculptures from around Europe, with a focus on Italian artists and Flemish masters.
It’s a museum where not only is the art impressive, but so is the building itself. It was formerly the home of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, a Milanese nobleman and art collector.
Buy Poldi Pezzoli Museum tickets here
Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is another Milan museum where the architecture is just as worthy of your attention as the art.
In addition to gorgeous design, the luxurious former house also features artworks, furnishings, and objects from 15th to 19th-century artists and designers.
Buy Bagatti Valsecci Museum tickets here
Milan Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d’Arte Moderna Milano)
The Milan Gallery of Modern Art is located in Indro Montanelli Gardens. The museum has a variety of modern art. Much of it Is Italian, but it also showcases works from Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Édouard Manet, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, and more.
Gallerie d’Italia
The beautiful Gallerie D’Italia (website) exhibits 19th and 20th-century Italian art. It is part of a network of museums with other locations in Naples, Turin, and Vicenza.
Museo della Permanente
The Museo Della Permanente (website) has hundreds of art pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, most of which are Italian.
Museo Del Novecento
Museo Del Novecento (website) is located at the Piazza Duomo. The museum features over 300 artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Armani/Silos
Armani/Silos (website) is a museum dedicated to the work and life of the famed designer Giorgio Armani.
ADI Design Museum
The ADI Design Museum (website) showcases the best in Italian design. Exhibits feature award-winning designs and the archives of Associazione per il Disegno Industriale.
Best Shopping in Milan
Milan is famous as a world center of fashion and design. As a result, the city is filled with great shopping places.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the most famous landmarks in Milan is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The shopping arcade is located between the Duomo and Teatro Alla Scala, making it one of the busiest areas in the city.
If you can’t afford to buy anything at any of the famous luxury retailers that have stores in the Galleria, there is also a Burger King, so you can still impress people with how you shopped there.
Alternatively, one of my favorite cocktail bars in Milan, Camparino In Galleria, is an excellent place for a drink.
Quadrilatero d’Oro & Via Monte Napoleone
Looking for the most expensive stores in Milan? Look no further than Quadrilatero d’Oro & Via Monte Napoleone.
Famous high-end brands located in the area include Prada, Gucci, Hermès, Omega, Rolex, Jimmy Choo, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, Balenciaga, Cartier, Ferragamo, and more.
CityLife Shopping District
CityLife Shopping District (website) is the largest urban shopping district in Italy. The mall has 80 stores, 20 dining venues, and entertainment, including a movie theater. Located at the Tre Torri Metro station, it’s also surrounded by Milan’s second-largest public park.
Best Food & Drink in Milan
Milan Food Tours
I think the best way to get a city’s cuisine is by taking a food tour.
There are tons of excellent food tours and cooking classes in Milan. Book one here!
Mercato Centrale Milano
Mercato Centrale Milano (website) at Milan’s central train station is an excellent place for a quick meal or to meet with friends.
The two-story food and shopping hall has 32 vendors serving a wide variety of food and drink.
Restaurants
Milan has plenty of excellent restaurants, including over 100 Michelin-listed places.
Gelato
When I’m in Italy, I usually eat gelato every day. Discover my favorite places for gelato in Milan.
Cocktail Bars
Italy has created some of the world’s best-known cocktails and cocktail ingredients. Milan is filled with great cocktail bars that showcase the country’s drinking culture. Here are my favorite Milan cocktail bars.
Craft Beer
Milan has some excellent craft beer bars and breweries. Read about my favorite places for craft beer in Milan.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Milan hotels.
