Milan is the capital of Lombardy administrative region of Italy. It is one of the most significant cities in Europe in terms of culture. Some of the best things to do in Milan include exploring history, art, culture, food, fashion and so on. The city is most known for housing some of the finest works of art in the world. Some of the best places to visit in Milan include churches, art museums, art collections and palaces.
You will get to see wonderful frescos, paintings and statues while exploring Milan tourist attractions. These buildings have been adorned by some of the greatest artists of all time. Even the architecture and design elements of these buildings are beautiful things to see in Milan. In the world of art, the city is best known for housing some of the finest works of the great Leonardo da Vinci including The Last Supper Fresco and many of his notebooks. These usually go right at the top of Milan itinerary.
Milan is also a world renowned fashion and design center. It hosts several fashion and design events. There is also a museum dedicated to fashion brand Armani to include in Milan sightseeing. In the sections below you will get to know the most happening shopping streets in the city where you will find a wide variety of choices. The city is so deeply associated with fashion that shopping is considered a must do in Milan.
In terms of cultural experiences the city has a lot to offer in form of workshops and events. One of the most fun activities to do in Milan includes making your own pizza or pastry. Many people come here to learn how paint and sculpt as well. As you explore Milan sights, you will feel transported to the renaissance period, enjoying the very best aspects of it.
The Top 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Milan in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. Biblioteca Ambrosiana
This grand library is among the best places to visit in Milan for its exhaustive collection of historical books and rare manuscripts. Some of the landmark works exhibited in this library include manuscripts from Monastery of Bobbio, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Illiad’s copy from 5th century, Muratorian Canon, Da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus and many more. For those interested in history and culture, this is among the best things to do in Milan. You will need about 2 hours to explore this library and its treasures.
2. Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro
This 9th century church is one of the finest Milan tourist attractions and is well known for its Gothic frescos, wooden statues and paintings. You will need about an hour to explore this church.
3. Royal Palace of Milan
Also known as Palazzo Reale, this amazing work of architecture is one of top Milan sights. It is one of the most important cultural and exhibition center for a variety of fields. The palace also houses 2 of the best things to see in Milan, namely Contemporary Art Museum and Duomo Cathedral Museum. You will need 2 hours or so to explore this palace.
4. Milan Cathedral
Also known as Duomo di Milano, this cathedral is among the most popular Milan attractions. The cathedral is renowned for its breathtaking architecture and interior design elements. It is a major highlight of Milan sightseeing for its vast collection of statues, paintings and other artworks as well. You would need an hour or two to explore this cathedral when you visit Milan.
5. Piazza del Duomo
This historical square is surrounded by some of the most well known places to see in Milan. It was walked by some of the most renowned names in the history of the city since it was under Roman rule. You will need about half an hour for this square during Milan travel.
6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II
If you are looking for cool things to do in Milan at night or during the day, this happening venue is the place to be. It is a renowned shopping venue featuring some of the most desirable brands in the world. You can easily spend a couple of hours roaming this shopping arcade.
7. Teatro alla Scala
This iconic opera house is among the top places to go in Milan for a unique experience. This opera houses has been graced by some of the greatest performers of all time. You would need at least an hour to experience this opera house.
8. Museo Poldi Pezzoli
This house museum belonged to revered 19th century art collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. It features highlights of his grand collection of paintings, statues, jewellery, design items and more. It is easily among Milan top attractions. You will need about 2 hours to explore this collection.
9. Via Manzoni
If shopping is on your Milan itinerary, this street will come as a delight during your tour. It is lined with top brands and amazing stores alongside historical buildings. You would need an hour or so for this street, consider it a must do in Milan for shopaholics.
Day 2
1. Cimitero Monumentale
This cemetery is included among tourist places in Milan for intricately designed sculptures and headstones. It is also the final resting places of renowned personalities such as Pirelli, Toscanini, Campari, Luca Beltrami, Salvatore Quasimodo and several others. You will need an hour for this cemetery.
2. Palazzo di Brera
This 17th century palace is among top places to visit in Milano by itself. But it’s the collection of Italian art from 14th to 20th century which attracts numerous visitors to be here during Milan travel. It also houses Institute of Science, Botanical Gardens and Astronomical Observatory. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore various Milan attractions in this palace.
3. Parco Sempione
This beautiful park is among Milan tourists spots people would visit for some leisure. But even a park is not devoid of amazing works of art in form monuments and sculptures. You can easily spend an hour or so at this park.
4. Castello Sforzesco
Exploring this castle is one of the top activities in Milan as it is deeply connected with the history and culture of Milan. It is also associated with the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this castle.
5. San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
This church is among the most beautiful things to see in Milan from inside as well as outside. It is adorned with intricate architectural and design features. Inside this church is adorned by numerous frescoes created by different artists. This is one of Milan tourist attractions which can be considered a museum of history and culture by itself. You will need an hour or so for this church.
6. Santa Maria delle Grazie
This church is home to several frescoes, but is most known for Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. This fresco alone is enough to warrant its place on Milan itinerary. There is much more to explore in terms of art and architecture in this church beside Da Vinci’s famous work. You would need an hour and a half for this church before you move on to fun things to do in Milan at night.
Day 3
1. National Museum of Science and Technology
This museum is dedicated to several inventions which contributed to advancement of science and technology in the world. You will find several interesting things to see in Milan at this museum. It will take you at least 2 hours to explore it.
2. Sant’Ambrogio
This church was first built in 386 A.D. and is dedicated to the Milan’s patron saint. The church exhibits Lombard Romanesque architecture with a stucco canopy and an interior decorated with Tiepolo frescoes. You will need an hour from Milan travel for this church.
3. Civic Archeological Museum
This museum focuses on archeological history of the city. It is one of the most important historical places to see in Milan. You will see several exhibits concerning ancient civilization of the region. It also tells the story of evolution of the city. You would need an hour or two for this museum.
4. Palazao dell’ Ambrosiana
This beautiful palace houses one of the oldest museums of the city. It is dedicated to a variety of artworks and historical artifacts. It is among major highlights of Milan sightseeing owing to its collection of Flemish art, Italian art and Da Vinci sketches. You will need about 2 hours to explore this palace.
5. Piazza Mercanti
This square has been significant to the city since medieval times. It is surrounded by some of the top tourist places in Milan. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this square.
6. Via Torino
As shopping is among the top activities to do in Milan, you should not miss out on this street. It is also one of the oldest streets of the city and a major commercial center. You will need an hour or so to explore it.
If you are looking for more Milan top attractions, check out the sections below. We have prepared an exhaustive list of of places and experiences which are must do in Milan for you to enjoy.
Things to do in Milan
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Milan
- Duomo di Milano
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Sforzesco Castle
- Teatro alla Scala
- Pinacoteca de Brera
- Santa Maria della Grazie
- Triennale di Milano
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
- Royal Palace
- Monumental Cemetery
- Ambrosian Library
- Museo Nazionale della Science e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci
- Fondazione Prada
- Pirelli Hangar Bicocca
- Poldi Pezzoli Museum
- Arco della Pace
- Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
- Mudec Cultural Museum
- Modern Art Gallery
- Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
- Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore
- Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard
- Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro
- Galleria di Italia
- Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
- Milan Natural History Museum
- Columns of St. Lawrence
- Civic Archeological Museum
- PAC – Padiglione d’Arte Contemporanea
- Armani Silos Fashion Museum
- Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
- Villa Reale di Monza
- Museum of the Milan Cathedral
- Musee le Monde de Leonardo
- Palazzo dell’Arengario
- Alfa Romeo Museum
- Basilica de Sant’Eustorgio
- Palazzo Morando
- Museum of Ancient Art
- Chiaravalle Abbey
- Museo Diocesano
- Manzoni House
- Museo del Risorgimento
- Museo della Permanente
- Villa Reale
- Mediolanum Forum
- Leonardo’s Horse
- Muba Children’s Museum
- Il Dito Statue
- Studio Museo Francesco Messina
- Leonardo da Vinci Statue
- ADI Design Museum
- Ca’ Granda
- Braidense National Library
- Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli
- Rondanini Pieta Museum
- Monza Cathedral
- Palazzo Marino
- Eglise San Fedele
- Fondazione Arnaldo Pomodoro
- Italian Stock Exchange
- Casa Atellani
- Palazzo della Ragione
- WOW Spazio Fumetto Comic books Museum
- Eglise San Marco de Milan
- Museum of Musical Instruments
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Milan
- Idroscalo Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Milan
- Sempione Park
- Jardin Publico Indro Montanelli
- Civic Aquarium of Milan
- Jardin Botanica de Brera
- A Fabrica do Vapor
- QC Termemilano
- Darsena di Milano
- Acquatica Park
Shopping in Italy
- Designer Outlet Serravalle
- Cormano Flea Market
- Via Della Spiga
- Firdenza Village
- Corso Bueno Aires
- Franciacorta Outlet Village
- Corso Vittorio Emnuele II
- FoxTown Factory
- Via Dante
- Vicolungo The Style Outlets
- Via Torino
- Corso di Porta Ticinese
- Scalo Milano Outlet
- Via Brera
- Corso Como
- Via Monte Napoleone
- DMAG Outlet
- Fiera di Sinigaglia
Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Milan
- Tram Tour
- Bicycle Tour
- Pizza Cooking Workshops
- Leonardo da Vinci Tour
Sightseeing in Milan
- Piazza Duomo
- Bosco Verticale
- Via Monte Napoleone
- Velasca Tower
- Piazza Mercanti
- Naviglio Grande
- Porta Nuova
- Piazza Gae Aulenti
- Branca Tower
- Piazza della Scala
- Pirelli Tower
- Corso Buenos Aires
- Corso Como
- Generalli Tower
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
- Parco Nord Milano
- Corso Sempione
- Piazzale Loreto
- Porta Venezia
- Corso Venezia
- Piazza Cordusio
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Milan
- Il Vinaccio
- Berbere
- La Vineria
- Ratana
- Twist on Classic
- Ribot
- Panzerotti di Luini
- Berton
- El Brellin
- Cantine Isola
- La Veranda
- Ravioeria Sarpi
- Tipografia Alimentare
- Osteria del Treno
- Altatto
- Il Mannarino
- Trattoria Mitra
- Bar Basso
- Davide Longoni
- Latteria San Marco
How to Reach Milan?
By Air
There are 3 primary airports for Milan travel by flight. These are Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport and Bergamo Airport. Between these 3 airports, you can get direct flights to visit Milan from Athens, Dublin, Moscow, Tirana, Algiers, Cairo, Montreal, Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai, Madrid, Paris, Lyon, Delhi, Chisinau, Belgrade, Riga, Palermo, Tokyo, Miami, New York, Istanbul, Vienna, Baku, London, Brussels, Hong Kong, Prague, Luxembourg, Barcelona, Berlin, Amsterdam, Bristol, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Faro, Lisbon, Manchester, Munich, Naples, Tel Aviv, Bilbao, Ibiza, Split, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Helsinki, Bahrain, Seoul, Kuwait, Sao Paulo, Warsaw, Frankfurt, Beirut, Muscat, Doha, Saint Petersburg, Riyadh, Jeddah, Oslo, Zurich, Bangkok and many more. You can basically reach Milan from almost any major city in the world.
You can get bus, cabs, shuttle buses and even day tour buses for Milan sightseeing directly from the airport.
By Road
Milan is connected to Eurorail and several other train networks. It is quite easy to visit Milan from almost any city in Italy and also from several cities of neighboring countries. The bus network is equally widespread, but if you are at quite a distance from Milan, it is advisable to get a train.
If you are planning to explore top things to do in Milan by road, you should head for routes A51, A2, A7, A50 or E64.
By Water
Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for Milan travel.
The post 21 Unforgettable Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Milan appeared first on Wide World Trips.