Milan is a very dynamic city and since the Expo in 2015, it is getting more visitors than ever! Hard to believe but this year Milan has more visitors than the eternal city Rome according to a study ‘Global Destinations Cities Index’ of MasterCard! Over 7,6 Million people visited Milan in 2016!
Milan has much to offer, also on a cultural point of view! Below you will find my top 15 to do’s and see’s in Milan!
1. Duomo
The Duomo is of course the sightseeing of Milan and the first thing a tourist normally visits when in Milan. For a reason because this cathedral is stunning and is located in the very centre of the city. The Duomo is one of the biggest cathedrals in the world and the biggest in Italy! It is a masterpiece of Gothic art. If you decide visiting the Duomo do not forget to get up to the terrace of which you have an amazing view!
2. Scala
Are you a fan of opera or ballet and in Milan? Then you should really visit the Scala! The Scala in Milan is the oldest and biggest opera building of the world! From the outside, it may not look so special but from the inside, it is just stunning with a beautiful chandelier!
3. Castello Sforzesco
This amazing castle is located in the very centre next to the Sempione Park. Many important artist worked in the castle like Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. In the castle are different museums where you see work of Michelangelo like the Pietà Rondanini. The castle is also the perfect place for a nice walk!
4. Parco Sempione
The Sempione Park is a beautiful park in the centre of Milan on walk distance of the Duomo. You can have nice walks in the park between playing kids, street musicians and enjoy a spritz or cappuccino in one of the bars.
Arco della Pace
5. Cenacolo Vinciano – the Last Supper
The church Santa Maria della Grazie is known thanks to the amazing fresco “the last supper” of Leonardo da Vinci.
6. Sant’Ambrogio
This Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest in Milan. The basilica was founded by the bishop Ambrogio in 379! In the crypt you can find still remains of this holy Saint. The church is very important for the milanesi as Sant’Ambrogio is the Saint of Milan!
7. Brera
Brera is this beautiful and artistic area of Milan. Next to the trendy and modern areas of Garibaldi and Porta Nuova you will find in Brera more atmosphere. Small streets with art galleries and boutiques many artist and very good restaurant, is what Brera is known for. Your Milan city trip is not complete without a visit to this area!
8. Quadrilatero d’Ora
The Quadrialtero d’Ora, the golden quadrilateral, is Milan’s fashion area . Milan is as you all know one of the most famous fashion cities in the world. If you are looking for haute couture and the most exclusive fashion and fashion designers, you should definitely go here! If your budget like mine is not so big to afford this kind of fashion, you can always just go window-shopping! Fun guaranteed!
9. Navigli
The Navigli area is one of the most atmospheric areas of Milan. Along two canals, you will find many restaurants and bars where trendy Milan is coming too. Nice vintage and bookshops are everywhere and in the evening you will find many people wandering through the streets.
10. Porta Nuova
The Porta Nuova is the new hotspot of Milan! Many offices are located here like google and the Unicredit bank. This trendy area is full of beautiful architecture buildings, nice shops and trendy restaurants! My absolute favorite is the Bosco Verticale, an apartment complex covered with trees! Beautiful is the Torre Unicredit (Italians tallest building!) and the Piazza Gae Aulenti!
11. Colonne di San Lorenzo and the Corso di Porta Ticinese
The Colonne of San Lorenzo are located in an interesting and trendy part of Milan. Many students and milanesi gather here together to chat and to drink. You will find interesting restaurants, bars and shops!
Colonne di San Lorenzo
12. Giardini Pubblici
This beautiful city park has been built between 1783 and 1786. In 2002, it was named after Indro Montanelli, a famous Italian journalist and writer. The park is ideal for a walk, a picnic or to run. You can also do some sightseeing as in the park there is a planetarium and a museum.
13. Porta Venezia
Porta Venezia is an area known for the Art Nouveau and Liberty architecture. Beside the architecture, you can go for shopping in the Corso Buenos Aires, a street full of well-known brands and small Italian shops.
14. Cimitero Monumentale
This cemetery is seen as a museum due to the beautiful tomb sculptures made of important Italian sculptures.
15. Via Tortona
Via Tortona and Via Savona are streets in an originally industrial area. In this district fabric workers used to live and work and nowadays this area is getting trendier by day. During the fashion and design week, this place is full of events. Every day new bars, restaurants and shops are opening.
