Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Milan
Milan, Italy's economic and financial hub, is a gleaming metropolis that is alive at all hours of the day. Despite its economic importance, Milan has a ... read more...significant cultural and artistic presence. Aside from being the world's fashion capital, it is also home to modern art galleries, Gothic cathedrals, and world-class gastronomic delights. And, while Italy is plenty with intriguing cities, Milan appears to surpass them all! Now, let's discover the best places to visit in Milan.
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The Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary, often known as Milan Cathedral, is the cathedral church of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, presently Archbishop Mario Delpini, and is dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary (Santa Maria Nascente). The Milan Cathedral (or Duomo in Italian) is an outstanding edifice in the heart of the city center and one of the most renowned attractions in Milan. It's a magnificent piece of architecture with sculpted spires, ornamental towers, and stained-glass windows that will make your jaw drop. You may purchase tickets to explore the cathedral's interior or simply observe its spectacular structure and beauty from the outside.
In any case, it's simple to understand why this famous monument is one of Milan's most recognizable structures and monuments. The cathedral's interior is open to the public for free. Inside, you'll find paintings and sculptures, as well as archbishop sarcophagi and the golden Trivulzio Candelabra. You may also tour the treasury or crypt, both of which are housed within, for an additional cost. You may also buy tickets to ascend to the cathedral's rooftop, where you'll get sweeping, panoramic views of the city. The rooftop is accessible by elevators and stairs and is well worth seeing while viewing the cathedral.
Location: Duomo Square, 18 - 20122 Milano (MI)
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Santa Maria delle Grazie ("Holy Mary of Grace") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a church and Dominican monastery in Milan, northern Italy. The refectory of the monastery has Leonardo da Vinci's fresco of The Last Supper. This modest structure is located in the heart of Milan, only steps from from the famed Duomo cathedral. Despite its distinctive red-brick appearance, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is most renowned for hosting Leonardo da Vinci's most famous work, the Last Supper. This 15th-century mural is one of the most known paintings in the world, depicting Jesus' farewell lunch with his Apostles before his execution. This is one of the top things to do in Milan!
Although the chapel is worth seeing on its own, the highlight is Da Vinci's fresco of the Last Supper. Because the Last Supper is situated in a tiny convent that can only hold a handful of people at a time, prior tickets are necessary. If you are unable to obtain advance tickets, you may still visit to see the magnificent Renaissance church itself. There are eight side chambers, each with colorful murals and frescoes.
Location: Piazza Di Santa Maria Delle Grazie Milan
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The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest operational retail gallery in Italy and a notable landmark in Milan. The Galleria, housed within a four-story double arcade in the heart of town, is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the Kingdom of Italy's first monarch. It was conceived in 1861 and erected between 1865 and 1877 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni. The Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II may be the most opulent and magnificent retail mall you've ever seen!
This shopping promenade is covered by two glass-vaulted arcades, which are regarded as one of the world's most extraordinary works of glass and iron architecture. An octagonal glass dome in the center glistens in the sun as it allows light stream through. And, best of all, the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects the Duomo to the Teatro Alla Scala, so you can do some shopping in between all of your other activities in Milan! The major reason for visiting Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, aside from admiring the spectacular glass and iron architecture, is to buy!
Versace, Gucci, and Prada are among the high-end luxury brands represented in the mall. Inside, though, you'll discover some of Italy's oldest cafés and eateries. If you want to know what Milan was like during its stylish golden age, head visit the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II!
Location: Duomo Square, 20121 Milan (Milan)
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National Science and Technology Museum the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Milan, devoted to the painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, is Italy's largest science and technology museum. It was inaugurated on February 5, 1953, by Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi. The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Scientific and Technology is not only Italy's greatest science museum, but it also houses the most extensive collection of da Vinci's inventions. The museum, which is housed within the monastery of San Vittore al Corpo, is a wonderful day out for the whole family. As one of the most entertaining locations in Milan. Each portion of the museum features an interactive laboratory display, which children will enjoy.
Adults will enjoy the museum from an educational standpoint while the children play. Aside from the Leonardo da Vinci display, there are six additional departments in the museum: materials, transportation, energy, communication, new horizons, and science for young people. Despite its vastness, the Da Vinci display is definitely the museum's centrepiece and major appeal. There are replicas of his flying and spinning devices, as well as a large collection of his original designs. This is the place to be if you want to get up up and personal with Leonardo da Vinci's imaginative effect on the globe!
Location: San Vittore Street 21, 20123 Milano (MI)
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La Scala is a world-renowned opera venue in Milan, Italy. Most of Italy's greatest operatic performers, as well as many of the world's best vocalists, have performed at La Scala. The theatre is considered as one of the world's top opera and ballet houses. Milan attracts a diverse range of visitors, but its main draw is those seeking grandeur and opulence. And, while there are many wonderful locations to see in Milan, none are as spectacular as La Scala Opera. The building itself is a piece of art in addition to housing some of the world's most outstanding artists.
The luscious, red velvet seats and curtains, as well as the gleaming, gold pattern of the balcony façade, will catch your eye as soon as you enter the theater. Of course, seeing a live performance is the greatest way to get the whole La Scala Opera experience. The names of musicals, operas, and ballets vary every month and are presented every night during the theatrical season. During the day, however, you may schedule a guided tour to gain backstage access to the auditorium and orchestra pit. Aside from the theater, La Scala Opera also features an in-house museum with costumes, stage designs, and other mementos from previous performances.
Location: Filodrammatici Street 2, 20121 Milan
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Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, often known as San Siro, is a football stadium in Milan, Italy, that serves as the home of A.C. Milan and Inter Milan. It has a seating capacity of 80,018 people, making it one of Europe's and Italy's largest stadiums. The San Siro Stadium, being one of Italy's major athletic events, is a must-see for football lovers. It is one of the largest stadiums in Europe, with a capacity of over 80,000 shouting spectators and fans. San Siro has hosted both the AC Milan and Inter Milan teams, as well as the World Cup and European Cup Finals. Aside from its magnitude, it is also one of Milan's premier music and event venues!
If you happen to be in Milan during an AC Milan or Inter Milan home game, you should go see the game live. The congested, fan-filled stadium atmosphere is unlike that of many other football stadiums across the world. But don't be concerned if you are unable to obtain tickets. A guided tour of the stadium and sports memorabilia museum is also available. During the tour, you will be able to explore the locker rooms, the interview area, and even go onto the field!
Location: Piccolomini Road, 20151 Milan
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Parco Sempione, sometimes known as "Simplon Park," is a huge municipal park in Milan, Italy. It was founded in 1888, with an area of 38.6 hectares (95 acres), and is located in the city's historic center, inside the Zone 1 administrative division. The park is located between the grounds of the Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace, two major sights in Milan. If you're in Milan for the weekend and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, head to Parco Sempione. It is one of Milan's largest and most soothing parks, located near to the Sforza Castle.
Parco Sempione, with its hundreds of footpaths, walkways, and cycling routes, is ideal for a peaceful afternoon walk or bike ride. For art enthusiasts, the park also has a number of monuments and statues, including the Palazzo dell'Arte museum and exhibit. Parco Sempione, which spans 95 acres, provides something for every sort of tourist. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll around the grassy fields or having a picnic near to the Arch of Peace, you're sure to appreciate the park's laid-back, pleasant ambiance. For those seeking additional amusement, Parco Sempione also has the Civic Aquarium of Milan, which is home to hundreds of stunning fish and marine animals. And next to the aquarium is Arena Civica, a stunning neo-classical outdoor stadium.
Location: Giovanni Milton Street, 20121 Milan
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Brera is a neighborhood in Milan, Italy. It is situated in Zone 1 and is centered on Via Brera. The word is taken from the Medieval Italian "braida" or "brera," which is derived from the Old Lombardic "brayda", which means a land expanse that has been stripped of trees or is naturally devoid of them. The Brera District is Milan's artistic hub, filled with unique stores, fashionable coffee shops, and cool pubs. Artists, musicians, and other bohemians can be seen strolling the streets looking for antiques, enjoying coffee, or visiting an art museum. In comparison to Milan's iconic towers and high-rises, the Brera is a breath of fresh air.
You'll feel like you've discovered a local, real part of Milan as you traverse the cobblestone streets admiring the lovely, ivy-lined buildings. The Brera, one of Milan's nicest areas, is home to a range of events both day and night. Aside from the great restaurants, pubs, and cafés, the streets are lined with both independent and well-known clothes and design stores. Also nearby are the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the Brera Art Gallery, two renowned landmarks in the neighborhood. If you need some peace and quiet, visit the Giardino Botanico, a delightful botanical park with an astronomical observatory.
Location: Via Palermo 1, 20121 Milan, Lombardia (MI)
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The Naviglio Grande is a canal in northern Italy's Lombardy region that connects the Ticino River near Tornavento to Milan's Porta Ticinese pier, also known as the Darsena. Canals do not have to be seen in Venice or Amsterdam! The Naviglio Grande, which runs from Porta Ticinese to the Ticino River, is Milan's own canal network. And, best of all, it's just a few feet from the city center, where you'll discover some of Milan's greatest hostels. Despite its central position, this hidden treasure is frequently ignored by tourists, giving it an excellent hideaway. And the canal's walkways on each side are lined with stores, cafés, and bars to keep even the wariest of visitors entertained.
On a nice, bright day, Naviglio Grande is an excellent spot to unwind. You may spend a day wandering along the canal and watching the boats pass by. And if you become hungry or thirsty, you may visit one of the numerous neighboring cafés or restaurants. At night, the canal transforms into a busy center for bar hopping, with residents spilling onto the pathways to sip aperitivo and wine. Spend an afternoon and evening at Naviglio Grande if you're searching for a local, laid-back area!
Location: Ripa di Porta Ticinese 83, 20143 Milano (MI)
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The Basilica di San Lorenzo (Basilica of St. Lawrence) is one of Florence's largest churches, located in the city's major market district, and is the last resting place of all the Medici family members from Cosimo il Vecchio through Cosimo III. The Basilica di San Lorenzo, built in 402, is one of Italy's oldest churches. But you might not notice because, although being built during the Roman period, it has undergone multiple facelifts. With four vestibules, four bell towers, and an octagonal dome in the center, it is regarded as one of the most exquisite works of middle age and early Christian architecture.
As a result, it has served as a model for great cathedrals and basilicas all over the world. A visit to the Basilica of San Lorenzo is a must for architecture and art enthusiasts. Before entering the cathedral, there is a peaceful courtyard with a bronze statue of Constantine the Great, a Roman emperor who converted to Christianity. There are many marble mosaics and vibrant frescoes within, particularly in the linked Cappella di Sant'Aquilino. Inside the Cappella di Sant'Aquilino, you can also see the crypt, which was created with materials from a nearby Roman amphitheater.
Location: Piazza di San Lorenzo 9, 50123 Firenze (FI)
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The Castello Sforzesco is a medieval fortress in Milan, northern Italy. Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, erected it in the 15th century over the ruins of a 14th-century stronghold. Later rebuilt and expanded, it was one of Europe's largest citadels in the 16th and 17th centuries. Castello Sforzesco, one of Milan's most famous attractions, is an amazing 15th-century castle located within gorgeous, verdant gardens. Although it was erected by the Duke of Milan, it was considerably restored 400 years later. But this is no ordinary castle or fortress! Castello Sforzesco really holds nine separate art galleries and museums, making it one of Milan's most popular attractions.
Once inside the castle, you may explore the grounds and see the courtyards, ducal chambers, defensive moats, and ravelins. Those interested in learning about the castle's history and impact can take guided tours. Alternatively, you may visit one of the nine museums on-site, which include the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Archaeological Museum of Milan. Leonardo da Vinci's original Codex Trivulzianus manuscript may also be found in the Trivulziana Libary.
Location: Castello Square 3, 20100 Milan (Milan)
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Milan's Chinatown is only a few short blocks long, yet it is the largest Chinese community in Italy. It was founded in the early 1920s by Chinese immigrants from Zhejiang province looking for work in textile and leather shops. Over 20,000 ethnic Chinese residents have since moved there. Chinatown has evolved into a bustling cultural hub, complete with hairdressers, stores, and herbal medicine pharmacies. It is also one of the city's largest ethnic business hubs, with hundreds of silk, leather, and fabric shops.
Milan's Chinatown, like most Chinatowns across the world, is a fantastic shopping destination. There are a range of inexpensive Italian and Chinese souvenirs available (but we cannot guarantee their quality!). The textile businesses also sell tailor-made textiles at far lower prices than most other sites in Milan. But, most importantly, you can eat quite well in Chinatown. Chinatown offers it everything, from Chinese classics like dumplings and crepes to Italian specialities like gelato and pastries.
Location: Via Canonica-Sarpi, 20154 Milan