Things to Do in Milan: 12 Must-See Sites

Whether you’re a shopaholic or a history and art enthusiast, Milan has something for everyone! Here at Civitatis, we’ve rounded up the 12 must-see sites in Milan and some day trips to explore the city’s surrounding towns, lakes, and cities.

Depending on your hotel’s location and the length of your stay, you can plan your trip accordingly. We recommend starting in the heart of Milan at Piazza del Duomo, the city’s historic center, and working your way out to the nearby areas if you have time.

Staying in Milan for 2 days or 3 days is plenty of time to visit its museums and churches, stroll through the city, enjoy the delicious cuisine, and even travel to beautiful places nearby. Are you ready to discover Milan’s charm?

1. Stroll Through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Did you know the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is considered one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world? Located in the center of the city, this 19th-century structure consists of two four-story arcades with a central octagonal space topped with a glass dome. It connects two of Milan’s most famous landmarks: the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a symbol of Milan’s style and sophistication. Inside, you’ll find many luxurious shops from famous brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, along with restaurants, bars, cafés, and even a hotel. Access is completely free at any time, and even if the shops are closed, you can still enjoy a nighttime stroll under the illuminated glass dome.

To learn about the history of this complex and other nearby monuments, you can check out a free tour of Milan, or a book a guided visit. Without a doubt, it’s the best way to learn about the city’s past and discover the city.

2. Admire the Milan Cathedral

Also known as the Duomo di Milano, the Milan Cathedral lies in the heart of the city and is a must-see monument. As one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world (it can hold up to 40000 people!), its white marble facade is striking from the very first glance.

The Milan Cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete and was built over the remains of earlier churches that were destroyed by a fire. From the outside, you’ll see how it’s adorned with countless spires and statues, while inside you’ll admire stained-glass windows, a lifelike statue of St. Bartholomew Flayed, a grand organ, and a crypt with relics. You can also explore the cathedral’s archaeological area, which has ruins of a baptistery from the 4th century.

One of the highlights of the Milan Cathedral is its rooftop terraces, where you can look at the spires and statues up close and take in the breathtaking views of the city. On clear days, you can even spot the Swiss Alps!

Just steps from the Duomo, you’ll find the Museo del Novecento, an art museum dedicated to 20th-century art. It has over over 400 art works from Italian Futurists and international artists like Pablo Picasso. You can also shop and stroll around Via Torino, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, all located next to the cathedral. Why not enjoy enjoy a gelato or an aperitif at the square while gazing at the Duomo?

If you want to visit the cathedral, we recommend you check out this complete tour of Milan, which includes entry tickets. However, if you prefer to simply access the rooftop terrace, you can book the Milan Pass tourist card.

3. Explore the Royal Palace of Milan

Opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you’ll find the Royal Palace of Milan. This historic building once served as a seat of government and as a residence for princes and monarchs, including Napoleon Bonaparte himself.

The building was heavily damaged during the bombings of World War II, which is why its facade doesn’t attract much attention from tourists. However, inside the palace complex, you can visit the Hall of the Caryatids, the only room that was restored and preserved after the bombings.

Today, the Royal Palace is a cultural center home to international art exhibitions. With more than 15000 masterpieces on display all year, it regularly hosts modern and contemporary artworks and famous collections. If you’re interested in history and enjoying art, the Royal Palace is well worth visiting!

4. Tour the Sforza Castle

Another iconic monument to see in the capital of Lombardy is the Sforza Castle. This medieval fortress is over 600 years old and belonged to the Sforza family, one of the most powerful families in the city, who turned it into a luxurious residence.

Today, the fortress houses several of the city’s museums and art collections, such as the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Ancient Furniture, and the Pinacoteca. You can explore the castle’s grounds and courtyard for free or, if you prefer, book a guided tour of the Sforza Castle to learn its full history.

Fun fact: the Sforza family had Leonardo da Vinci decorate several of its rooms! Why not join a free walking art tour of Milan to admire the work of this legendary artist?

5. Step into the Church of San Bernadino alle Ossa

Though unknown to most, the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is another important monument in Milan you can visit. Did you know that its history is both sinister and fascinating? It dates back to 1145 when a hospital was built next to this place of worship. The church’s cemetery quickly reached capacity, making it necessary to create a space to store the bones. This led to the creation of Milan’s ossuary.

The bones began to be used as decorative elements, resulting in a room covered in skulls along its walls. This macabre work of art will surely astonish you, as it’s crafted entirely from authentic human remains. Spooky!

6. Check Out the Arco della Pace

The Arco della Pace, which means Arch of Peace, is another must-see in Milan. Designed in a Neo-Classical style, you’ll spot a bronze sculpture, the Chariot of Peace, on top of the arch as the centerpiece. This marble monument was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate his victories. However, after his defeat, construction was interrupted. It was finally completed to symbolize peace and prosperity after the 1815 Congress of Vienna.

Just 10 minutes from the Sforza Castle, this monument is located at the entrance to Parco Sempione. This park also houses the world-renowned Triennale di Milano, an art and design museum. This museum awarded the Gold Medal for Italian Architecture couldn’t make our list this time, but we still recommend checking out its exhibitions, collections, and theatre.

A unique way to explore this area is to go on a secret bike tour of Milan, where you’ll pedal through the lesser-known parts of the city.

7. Discover the Monumental Cemetery of Milan

Spanning about 2,691,000 square feet (250,000 square meters), the Cimitero Monumentale di Milano, or Monumental Cemetery of Milan, is one of the two largest cemeteries in the city. This open-air museum is filled with artistic monuments, sculptures, family crypts, and obelisks dating from the 19th century to the present day.

The cemetery houses a stunning Neo-Gothic main entrance, known as the Famedio (Temple of Fame), made of marble and stone. Here, many of the city and the country’s most honored citizens rest, such as the novelist Alessandro Manzoni and Nobel Prize-winning author Salvatore Quasimodo. If you’re looking for a peaceful and solemn space for reflection, you should visit the Monumental Cemetery of Milan. It’s considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe!

8. Dive Into the Brera District

Art lovers, this one is for you! Located right in the city center, the Brera district is known as Milan’s artistic quarter. This district is home to the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of the most important art museums in Italy. Inside this gallery, you can admire masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bramante, and many more.

Brera also houses the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the Brera Art Gallery, which gives the neighborhood a true bohemian atmosphere. You’ll find restaurants, bars, nightclubs, antique and art shops, colorful street markets, and even fortune tellers’ booths! Explore its charming cobblestone streets and check out a guided tour of Brera, which includes entry to the Pinacoteca.

Just a short walk from Brera, you’ll find the Quadrilatero della moda, literally meaning “fashion square.” This area is Milan’s luxury shopping district, with streets lined with top fashion houses like Dolce&Gabana, Valentino, and Prada. Even if you’re just window shopping, you can’t miss out on strolling through the Quadrilatero della moda. It’s the perfect place for true fashionistas!

9. Immerse Yourself in the Teatro alla Scala

Next to the Brera district, you’ll find another must-see landmark in Milan: the Teatro alla Scala. Also known as La Scala, many of the finest singers worldwide have appeared at this historic opera house. It has hosted the premieres of famous operas as well, such as Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Verdi’s Otello.

You can also see a statue of Leonardo da Vinci in front of the theatre’s facade! The statue shows the artist at work on his iconic Milanese masterpieces. Visit La Scala with a guided tour to immerse yourself in its rich history and magic!

Want to discover one of Milan’s hidden gems? San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is just a 15-minute stroll away from the Teatro alla Scala. This church is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its stunning frescoes painted in exquisite detail. From the outside, you’ll admire its simple yet elegant design, and inside, you’ll be amazed by how the vivid frescoes cover nearly every surface. It’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for a free plan!

10. Marvel at The Last Supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie

The Santa Maria delle Grazie is an essential stop in Milan for art and history enthusiasts. This historic church features a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles and is famous for being home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, his most famous painting along with The Mona Lisa. If you’re in Milan, you can’t miss admiring one of the most iconic works of art in the world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets to admire this masterpiece often sell out quickly, so we recommend you book a guided tour of The Last Supper.

11. Stand in Awe of the Columns of San Lorenzo

To the south of Milan’s historic center lies the Basilica of San Lorenzo, one of the earliest churches built in the city. However, in front of this ancient basilica, stands the Colonne di San Lorenzo, or the Columns of San Lorenzo. These columns are one of the few remaining Roman ruins and date back to the 2nd century AD.

You’ll surely be impressed by these 16 Corinthian columns standing in a row, each approximately 24 feet (7.5 meters) tall. Take a picture next to this ancient landscape!

12. Unwind Near the Navigli Canals

One of the most enchanting and vibrant areas in the capital, especially during the evening or at night, is the Navigli Canals. This network of canals was designed to open up the city to the sea, allowing direct access for people and goods. Today, the canals are no longer used for commercial purposes but remain an iconic part of Milan’s landscape and history.

If you’re wondering where to enjoy the traditional Italian aperitif in Milan, this is the place! Dozens of restaurants offer cocktails and charcuterie boards at affordable prices, with views over the canals that run through the neighborhood. You can even order a pizza to go and enjoy it by the canals! The Navigli district has also become a hotspot for Milan’s creative community, with lots of art galleries, craft shops, and design studios located along the canals.

We absolutely recommend you grab a drink at any of the bars along Naviglio Grande or Naviglio Paves, hop on a boat ride along the canals, or simply stroll and cross one of the bridges at sunset. Lovely!

How to Move Around Milan

Milan’s historic center is perfect for exploring on foot, and trams, metro, and buses are all well-connected and efficient in the city. For a more adventurous experience, you can even rent a bike to cycle through the city! However, there are some more distant areas, such as the Monumental Cemetery or the Navigli canals, typically reached by public transport.

If you plan on visiting several monuments, we suggest you purchase the Milan Pass. You’ll have unlimited use of public transport, including tickets for the Milan Sightseeing Bus, and you’ll get to visit museums around the city for free. Plus, you’ll save both time and money with this pass, as it includes priority access to many attractions. This card is a great option for making the most of your trip to Milan.

Cuisine in Milan

Pasta, pizza, limoncello, tiramisu, gelatos…Italian cuisine is loved by everyone! You can find all of this delicious food in Milan, but there are some iconic dishes that you must try when in the city. Risotto alla Milanese is one of the most famous dishes, a creamy rice dish cooked with saffron often served with ossobuco, braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and vegetables. Delicious! Another dish is the cotoletta alla Milanese, Milan’s version of a breaded and fried veal cutlet, similar to Austria’s wiener schnitzel.

While panettone is enjoyed all over Italy, Milan is the birthplace of this sweet, fluffy bread loaf! This famous desert is usually for the holiday season, but you can find plenty of stores in Milan that sell it year-round. Why not take this Christmas bread back home to share?

Day Trips Close to Milan

Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? No worries! Here at Civitatis, we’ve provided the following day trips for you to spend some time in nature or explore the delightful towns close to Milan. As the city is near mountains and lakes, it’s easy to travel to other places. Get ready to fall in love with these beautiful spots!

1. Lake Como

Villages with pastel-colored houses, turquoise waters, and lush mountains…Sounds amazing, right? That’s Lake Como, one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, famous for its distinctive “Y” shape. The town of Como, after which the lake is named, is an absolute must if you’re exploring areas near Milan. It’s less than an hour away from the city, making it a perfect day trip.

Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and now, tons of celebrities have homes here, including Madonna, George Clooney, and Donatella Versace! Did you know it’s even a popular movie set location? Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II were filmed here! It has many villas and palaces to admire, and you can even go up a funicular to take in the beautiful sights while enjoying an aperitif.

To explore this lovely area, the best option is to go on an excursion to Lake Como or book a day trip to Como and Bellagio, another of Italy’s beautiful villages, which includes a boat ride. If you’re visiting Como on your own or staying in the town for a day, you can always check out a boat ride to relax and admire the area’s picturesque villages.

2. Lugano

The border between Italy and Switzerland is not far from Milan, and Lugano is one of the first cities you’ll find on the Swiss side. Known for its delicious chocolate, countless watch shops, and tranquil atmosphere, Lugano is nestled beside a lake of the same name. Its streets are strongly influenced by Italian culture, and you’ll admire the contrast between luxury boutiques and modern buildings alongside perfectly preserved traditional landmarks like the Lugano Cathedral or the Eglise de Sainte Marie des Anges. Past, present, and future come together in this charming little town!

There are many options to visit this area from Milan, but we recommend you book this day trip to Lake Como, Lugano, and Bellagio. You won’t forget the landscapes and sites you’ll see on this day trip tour!

3. Verona

With convenient connections, Verona is an ideal place to visit, as it’s less than 1.5 hours away from Milan. Here, you’ll find the house that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, and an impressive medieval castle known as Castelvecchio. Imagine all this nestled in a historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Who wouldn’t fall in love with Verona?

To fully explore the city, you can always join a free walking tour or check out a guided tour to learn about its history. If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, why not book a private tour? You can even hop on a sightseeing bus to visit Verona’s landmarks and monuments comfortably!

4. Swiss Alps

Want to experience a train journey through the Swiss Alps that’s been declared a World Heritage Site? Say no more! Travel to Saint Moritz from Milan with this trip that includes bus and train tickets. All aboard the Bernina Express train!

The Bernina Express is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. With its large scenic windows, you’ll be able to marvel at spectacular landscapes like Lake Bianco, the Morteratsch Glacier, and countless bridges and viaducts. The route ends in the Italian town of Tirano, where visitors typically return to Milan by bus. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

4. Varenna

On the eastern shore of Lake Como and easily reachable via ferry, you’ll find the charming village of Varenna. It’s known for its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and many impressive villas, such as Villa Monastero, which boasts a museum and a gorgeous botanical garden. It’s no surprise that this is probably one of the most photographed places in Varenna!

Here, you can also find the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (“Lovers Walk”), a romantic lakeside path with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Don’t miss the chance to wander around Varenna’s narrow streets, enjoy a meal or coffee, and soak in the village’s romantic ambiance!

5. Lake Maggiore

Another must-visit destination is Lake Maggiore, one of the largest lakes in Italy. The beauty of its islands and surrounding scenery, along with its fascinating exotic flora and fauna, makes it the perfect place to explore.

Lake Maggiore is also home to the iconic Borromean Islands, a group of small islands located in the central part of the lake and a popular tourist destination. Admire the magnificent 17th-century Baroque palace in Isola Bella, the beautiful botanical gardens and exotic species of Isola Madre, and the traditional fishermen houses of Isola dei Pescatori, the only island of the three still inhabited.

Even Ernest Hemingway fell in love with Lake Maggiore, using it as the setting for his 1929 novel, A Farewell to Arms. It’s hard not to be captivated by its charm! Join us on a day trip to Lake Maggiore and enjoy a cruise to the Borromean Islands all in one day!

Now that you know the must-see attractions in Milan and its surroundings, all that’s left for you is to enjoy an unforgettable getaway to the fashion capital! If you’re looking for even more ideas to make the most of your trip, don’t hesitate to check out the full section of day trips, guided tours, and activities in Milan. Ciao!