Known as Italy’s fashion capital and one of the most architecturally impressive cities in the country, Milan is guaranteed to capture your heart. Nestled in the northern region of Lombardy, Milan exudes elegance, style, and yummy regional dishes like risotto Milanese. But the city’s not just for the fashion-conscious. There’s something for everyone in Milano!
Brimming with historic buildings, each with a more fascinating past than the last, Milan is a haven for history buffs. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate art and architecture. And, of course, if you have a soft spot for designer brands, this is your dream destination.
Check out these 10 amazing things to do in Italy.
10 Visit Piazza Della Scala
One of the defining factors of the typical Italian city or town is its many gorgeous piazzas or town squares. The most famous of these in Milan has to be Piazza della Scala, which is located in the heart of the city.
The square is named after an opera house and museum found in the vicinity. Also in the square is the city hall of Milan, the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Palazzo Beltrami. You can’t miss this square as it is watched over by an impressive statue of Leonardo da Vinci.
9 Stroll Through Sempione Park
You might not think of Italy’s fashion capital as an overly green city, but there is definitely the opportunity for a peaceful stroll among the trees if you know where to look. Sempione Park is often missed by the tourists who flock to Milan. But it’s definitely worth seeing.
Spanning across 116 acres, the park is located in the northwest of the city. Walks of Italy explains that the park was established back in 1888 and has a ton of attractions to see. These include the Napoleonic arch, a medieval castle, and a sports stadium.
8 Visit The Church Santa Maria Delle Grazie
The other part of Italy that most people fall in love with is the fact that there’s pretty much a church everywhere you look. No matter how old or small, the churches in Italy have an air of beauty that would bring anyone to their knees.
One of the best churches to visit in Milan is called Santa Maria delle Grazie. There’s one huge reason to visit this church, and it was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. That’s right. This is the church where you’ll find the famous painting of The Last Supper.
7 Browse Through La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
What most travelers love about Milan is that it’s got such a luxurious and regal vibe. If you don’t believe us, all you have to do is take a stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, sometimes referred to as Milan’s drawing-room. This shopping arcade was built in the 1800s, and even though most of us can’t afford to actually shop at its boutiques, it’s definitely fun to browse.
The Galleria is centrally located and pretty hard to miss. Even though the shopping mall radiates sophistication and elegance, it also houses a McDonald’s. You have to give the people what they want, right?
6 Be Humbled By The Duomo
If you only see one architectural marvel while in Milan, let it be the dramatic Duomo. Also known as Milan Cathedral, the church is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to go inside, but it’s well worth it.
The cathedral took 600 hundred years to build, and you can tell from the intricate work on the façade that a lot of effort and skill went into it. It has more statues than any other gothic church. Inside, you’ll find an ancient sundial so accurate that you can set your watch to it.
5 Take A Day Trip To See Some Beautiful Lakes
Milan itself has plenty to offer visitors. But if you want to get out of the city for a while and have some time to spare, it’s worth organizing a day trip to see some of the nearby lakes. These just aren’t any old lakes, mind you. Home to Lake Como, the region of Lombardy houses some of the most famous and picturesque lakes on the planet.
Staying in Como or near the lake might be a little pricey for most people. That’s why a day-trip from Milan is perfect!
4 Shop Till You Drop On Via Monte Napoleone
They do say that Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Home to major events like Milan Fashion Week and the seat of some of the world’s most prestigious designers, it’s hard to visit the city and not have a little taste of the fashion on offer.
Via Monte Napoleone has been named Europe’s most expensive street. It might not be possible to shop ‘til you drop here, but you can definitely window shop ‘til you drop. It’s one of those things that you just have to experience, even if you don’t actually spend any money in any of the shops.
3 Check Out The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
There are a lot of fascinating museums to check out in Italy, but the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia in Milan is one of the best. It’s the largest science and technology museum in the country and is dedicated to da Vinci (not to be confused with the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Florence).
The museum is home to several thrilling exhibitions and collections, many of the machines on show adapted from drawings by da Vinci. It is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe and is a must for those who have any interest in science and technology.
2 Spend Some Time In Piazza Mercanti
Want another square to check out while in Milan? Piazza Mercanti, which is thought by many to be one of the city’s prettier squares. Full of medieval buildings, you’ll really feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you visit this living piece of Italian history.
According to Introducing Milan, there are several buildings of note in the piazza. These include the 13thcentury Palazzo della Ragione, and the Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, which was one of the city’s most exclusive schools.
1 Tour One Of The Many Palaces
Milan definitely has a regal feel, so you’ll probably feel like a royal just by walking around and soaking up the majestic architecture. But if you really want to learn about the political history of the city, just check out the Royal Palace of Milan or Palazzo Reale di Milano. This building served as the seat of government in the city for hundreds of years.
Today, you’ll find art exhibitions boasting a sea of masterpieces from all over the world. It is located near the Piazza della Scala, so you won’t be able to miss it.