Best Places To Visit In Milan Italy

Our Best Places To Visit In Milan Italy are:

1. Piazza Mercanti 4.4 stars from 2582 ratings
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II 4.7 stars from 63618 ratings
3. Sempione Park 4.5 stars from 50915 ratings
4. Sforzesco Castle 4.6 stars from 46874 ratings
5. Duomo di Milano 4.8 stars from 96836 ratings
6. Civic Archaeological Museum 4.4 stars from 836 ratings
7. Pinacoteca di Brera 4.7 stars from 17814 ratings
8. Bagatti Valsecchi Museum 4.6 stars from 662 ratings
9. Palazzo della Ragione Fotografia 4.4 stars from 596 ratings
10. Teatro alla Scala 4.7 stars from 18945 ratings
11. Monumental Cemetery 4.7 stars from 1184 ratings
12. Royal Palace 4.6 stars from 12798 ratings
13. Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore 4.6 stars from 894 ratings
14. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio 4.7 stars from 8767 ratings
15. Santa Maria delle Grazie 4.5 stars from 10933 ratings
16. Museum of the Milan Cathedral 4.4 stars from 438 ratings
17. Gae Aulenti Square 4.6 stars from 17464 ratings
18. San Siro Stadium 4.6 stars from 52769 ratings
19. Arco della Pace 4.6 stars from 18209 ratings
20. Poldi Pezzoli Museum 4.6 stars from 1646 ratings

Piazza Mercanti

#1. Piazza Mercanti is best for its rich history and heritage.

Located near the Duomo di Milano, Piazza Mercanti is a charming Medieval square that houses unique ancient architects. As the commercial and governmental center of Milan during the Middle Ages, Piazza Mercanti currently serves as a picturesque piazza for tourists to walk around and relive a scene from the olden times. Unfortunately, some tourists find that the McDonalds nearby spoils the moment for them.

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Address: Piazza dei Mercanti, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 0202

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

#2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is best for buying your latest luxury items.

Can't wait to get your hands on the latest Prada handbag? Having trouble to find the limited edition Versace shirts? Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is THE place for you! 

Constructed between 1865 and 1877, the must-visit shopping paradise is home to various luxury brands and some of the oldest restaurants in Milan, such as Biffi Caffè, the Savini restaurant, and the Art Nouveau classic Camparino.

 

Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is also a photogenic spot for tourists with its iron and glass constructed dome soaring 48 meters above the 19th-century mosaic floor. So don’t miss Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II while planning your trip to Milan.

 

However, a gentle reminder for you to prepare a thick wallet before you let loose in the “ll salotto” (the salon), as the local calls it.

So, now the BIG question is what to do in Milan? Check out our top 20 best places to visit while in Milan. 

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Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8845 5555

Sempione Park

#3. Sempione Park is best for looking for a spacious yet peaceful place to host a group outing.

Sempione Park is the perfect location for group picnicking among nature.

Located behind the Sforzesco Castle, the park is the largest green lung of the city, where one can simply stroll around and relax.

 

Originally established in 1888, Sempione Park also contains a range of footpaths, bike trails, and wooded areas with sculptures and ornate fountains for park-goers to enjoy. There are also 19th-century architectures and acres, such as the Civic Aquarium of Milan, the Triennale, the Arena Civica, and the Arco Della Pace, scattered around the park for visitors to explore.

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Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8846 7383

Sforzesco Castle

#4. Sforzesco Castle is best for the history and art lover.

Built by the Duke of Milan in the 15th century, Sforzesco Castle is an impressive castle was once used to protect and defend the city against its enemies in 1358.

Since then, it serves as an amazing place to host free special events, like weddings, musical concerts, fashion shows, photo shoots, and public cultural events. One of the famous events that the castle organized is the Leonardo Da Vinci workshops during the Renaissance period.

Located in the heart of Milan, this ancient castle also houses various museums, such as The Museum of Ancient art, The prehistoric collections of the Archaeological Museum of Milan, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Egyptian Museum, and the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco. However, while the castle is free for all, these museums are unfortunately not. 

Also, some solo travelers have troubles with personal safety and sellers who locate at the entrances and exits of the castle. So, don’t forget to be stay alert while immersing yourself in this historical building.

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Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8846 3700

Duomo di Milano

#5. Duomo di Milano is best for must-see attraction for its Flamboyant Gothic architecture style.  

If you ask me what is the ONE ATTRACTION not to miss while in Milan, I would definitely say Duomo di Milano that oversee the piazza of Duomo and the whole of Milan.

Taking more than 500 years to complete, Duomo di Milano is the third largest cathedral in the world, constructed with more than 2000 pink-hued white marble from the quarries of Lake Maggiore. Its interior is equally impressive with 5 sumptuous naves and 52 columns, each representing a week of the year. You can also find a crucifix made by the master Leonardo Da Vinci himself! 

Yet, the highlight of all is the terrace of the Cathedral, which you will have the chance to enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire Milan.

Unfortunately, iconic attractions always attract huge crowds, and the Cathedral is no exception. To reduce the waiting time, you can visit the architectural wonder before its opening, though there might be lesser tourists given the COVID-19 outbreak currently. Also, please dressed appropriately, meaning no short skirts for the ladies (Sorry gurls!), while visiting the Cathedral as the staff members will turn you away. 

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Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 7202 3375

Civic Archaeological Museum

#6. Civic Archaeological Museum is best for learning about the ancient history of Milan. 

Located alongside the ancient Monastery of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the museum is an underrated attraction that showcases the rich history and heritage of Italy.

 

Interestingly, exhibitions in the Civic Archaeological Museum are split into two parts. The first part focuses on the history of Mediolanum (ancient Milan), where the “polygonal tower” dated back to the late 3rd century, and portions of the Roman walls are not to be missed! Whereas, the second part of the museum showcases an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, artwork, and sculptures dated back to the Middle Ages, the Etruscan civilization, and the ancient Greeks.

 

Though the signage in the museum is mainly in Italian, there is still well- written English text and helpful staff that can help you to take a glimpse into the past despite the language barrier.

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Address: Corso Magenta, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8844 5208

Pinacoteca di Brera

#7. Pinacoteca di Brera is best for art lovers of world-class art pieces and museums.

Located in the Palazzo Breza, this amazing art museum was once part of the Accademia di Belle Arti (“Academy of Fine Arts”), along with an astronomical observatory and a library in 1776. Currently, it serves as an outgrowth of the cultural program of the Brera Academy.

Famous for its extensive collection of notable Italian art masterpieces, the Pinacoteca exhibits works, such as the Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Pieta by Bellini, the Last Supper by Rubens, and the Adoration of the Magi by Correggio. You can even spot an 1809 Napoleon I statue created by Italian Neoclassical sculptor, Canova standing tall in its courtyard. Thus, this beautifully curated art museum is a must-see attraction while you are spending some quality time in Milan. 

Not an art expert? Fret not as the Pinacoteca does provide a guided tour through their APP. There are also friendly and helpful staffs who will assist you throughout your visit. Currently, the museum also offers virtual tours for visitors who wish to take a look at the art pieces, but could not do so due to COVID-19 restrictions.

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Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 7226 3230

Bagatti Valsecchi Museum

#8. Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is best for a first-hand experience of living in a Renaissance palace. 

Located in the Montenapoleone district of downtown Milan, this interesting museum stands out from other museums as one of Europe’s best-preserved historic house museums and one of the first grand expressions of Milanese design.

Unlike normal museums, this historic house museum showcases artifacts as they might have appeared originally in a household setting, instead of displaying them in glass cases or on an empty wall with warning signs surrounding them.

Thanks to the two brothers, Fausto and Giuseppe, who originally owned this house museum in the 19th century, Bagatti Valsecchi Museum preserved an impressive collection of furnishings and decorative arts from the Medieval Ages. While admiring the art pieces by Renaissance masters, soaking in the historical atmosphere, you will also get to explore the collecting process of the two brothers through the English signage that is distributed throughout the Museum. 

The entrance of this museum is not free, but there is free entrance for holders of the Museums Subscription Lombardy. While in the museum, visitors are allowed to take non-commercial photos without a flashlight and tripod.

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Address: Via Gesù, 5, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 7600 6132

Palazzo della Ragione Fotografia

#9. Palazzo della Ragione Fotografia is best for an avid photopgrapher or explorer of the story behind the smiles and the tears.

Palazzo Della Ragione Fotografia might be the best place for you to visit!

Located in the tiny Piazza Mercanti, this delightful museum used to an administrative building until 1939. After refurbishing works, Palazzo Della Ragione Fotografia is now home to creations by both Italians and internationally renowned artists.

Lit by six large windows and surrounded by an arc, the Palazzo displays a range of art pieces, ranging from breathtaking frescoes to modern art themes, like social realism, urban transformation, and environmental mutation. As such, this is an attraction not to miss if you want to witness the co-existence of both ancient and modern thinking, though some visitors complain about the scammers outside of the museum. So do stay alert when visiting this amazing historical museum.

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Address: Piazza dei Mercanti, 1, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 4335 3535

Teatro alla Scala

#10. Teatro alla Scala is best for visiting a world-famous opera theatre.

Known as the 'Temple of Opera', Teatro Alla Scala is one of the prestigious opera houses in the world that all operatic composers and singers dream to set foot at. It is also one of the opera houses that has the most demanding audiences.

Besides having a grand looking stage, this renowned opera house also has a museum that collects costumes and mementos from prominent performances and celebrated performers, like Verdi, Rossini, and the great conductor Arturo Toscanini.

The season for the shows usually begins in early December till May, yet tickets are often hard to get. The best way of getting them is through your hotel concierge. Also, to get into the theatre, you can simply show your ticket on the phone for scanning. 

You might also want to consider booking a cab for your trip back to the hotel before going to the show, as some tourists reflected that it is challenging to grab a cab after the show, especially in the cold winter. 

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Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: None

Monumental Cemetery

#11. Monumental Cemetery is best for a visually stunning cemetry. Rating: 4.7 stars from 1184 ratings.

Fancy some adventure while in Milan? Why not consider visiting Monumental Cemetery?

Yet, rather than a cemetery, Monumental Cemetery is more like an open-air museum that exhibits the life history of Milan from the Gothic era to Byzantine times. It is also a burial site for Italian notable politicians and wealthy individuals.

Built-in the late 19th century, this visually stunning cemetery is home to hundreds of unique tombstones, familial catacombs, and art sculptures by Italian artists. Amongst the most popular, you can find a pyramid, a white tower, or a marble four-poster bed shaped tomb.

It is no wonder many tourists can trawl around and enjoy its beauty for hours. 

Most importantly, there are free public bathrooms on-site! Also, don’t forget to take the map of the cemetery at the entrance. You don’t want to get lost in this unusual visit! 

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Address: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8846 5600

Royal Palace

#12. Royal Palace is best for understanding more about the history and culture of Milan.

Located near the Duomo di Milano, the Palace has been the seat of the Milanese government since the Middle Ages. Today, it is the cultural center of Milan.

Spans over 7000 square meters, the Royal Palace is also house to many local and international exhibitions, ranging from modern and contemporary art to fashion and design. Its most recent exhibition is on Margaret Bourke-White's work. So if you are the artist’s fan, make sure you don’t miss this precious opportunity to see her work up close.

One small tip for those who are visiting the Palace, don’t forget to walk in the courtyard of the palace and enjoy the unique view of Milan Cathedral.

The Royal Palace is definitely one of the attractions you don’t want to miss though some tourists reflected on the bad experience that encountered with the museum staff and the COVID-19 restriction.

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Address: Piazza del Duomo, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8846 5230

Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore

#13. Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is best for a tranquil environment within the bustling city.

Besides being a fashion capital, Milan is also one of the cities in the world that houses historic churches. One of them is the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore.

Located within the city’s ring of canals, Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the oldest churches in Milan. Built since Roman times, this old church has been reconstructed and refurbished multiple times throughout the centuries, preserving the mark of times in its amazing architecture. 

this wonderful church is also situated near the Basilicas Park, which is home to two other churches, namely the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio, as well as the Roman Colonne di San Lorenzo. The entrance fee for the church is around  2 €.

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Address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 35, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8940 4129

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

#14. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is best for exploring the legend between the angel and the devil.

Founded by St. Ambrose in 386, this breathtaking church is the oldest church with a famous tale in Milan. It is said that the white column outside of the church is the symbol of Devil’s Horn, where the devil left behind when they escaped from the church. 

Besides having an interesting story, Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is also a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Refurbished in the 12th century from an early 9th-century church, this stunning church is home to amazing architectural designs and art pieces both inside and outside, ranging from the highly-regarded atrium and the pulpit with late Romanesque carving to the 4th-century Silicone sarcophagus and the well-hidden 4th-century mosaic dome.

This free access church is definitely worth visiting, though knowing some background knowledge about the church would make the visiting experience more fulfilling.  Also, there are free toilets beside the church which can be convenient if you have been traveling the whole day.

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Address: Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 8645 0895

Santa Maria delle Grazie

#15. Santa Maria delle Grazie is best for witnessing the most beautiful masterpieces ever made, the painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

Constructed in 1497, Santa Maria Delle Grazie features a Gothic style architecture using red bricks and a large rear basilica. Located on the Corso Magenta, opposite of Duomo di Milano, this popular church has attracted thousands of tourists every year to admire the famous mural that is believed to be depicting the scene of the Last Supper as described in the Bible.

It is also known that Leonardo da Vinci painted this masterpiece in the refectory, which is now known as the “Cenacolo”, in this very church.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there is a time limitation for each visitor in the painting room. The entrance is also restricted only to those with advance timed tickets. So, it is best if you book the ticket in advance through the website. 

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Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 467 6111

Museum of the Milan Cathedral

#16. Museum of the Milan Cathedral is best for finding out more about Duomo di Milano before visiting it.

Located inside the Royal Palace, this well-organized museum displayed a variety of sculptures, architectural elements, like marbles, and unique art pieces from the cathedral’s collection for visitors to admire up close. These monuments usually are located at dizzying heights in the cathedral.

This popular museum tells the 600 years old story of the Duomo through its 3 outstanding exhibitions. It is best if you can visit the museum before the visit to the Duomo as it provides the context of the cathedral that enrich your visiting experience at the Duomo di Milan.

The price of the museum ticket is €3, with the inclusion of the tour to the Church of San Gottardo in Corte. If you plan to visit Duomo di Milan, you get to enjoy a free trip to the museum as it is included in the full ticket price for the Duomo.

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Address: Piazza del Duomo, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 7202 3375

Gae Aulenti Square

#17. Gae Aulenti Square is best for a contemporary square that is perfect for those who like to submerge in the bustling city.  

Not really a fan of the history? No worries, Milan got you cover as well. 

Inaugurated in 2012, Gae Aulenti Square is one of Milan’s liveliest streets where shopping malls, restaurants, and bars are gathered. It is also easily accessed with various transportation.

Surrounded by the concrete jungle, this modern square comes alive with a show of lights, music, and water when the sunsets. It also transforms into an amazing hide-out for friends who like to relax and have a drink during the night.

Besides friends, Gae Aulenti Square is also family-oriented, where the adults can have some alone time, while the children paddle and play away at a playground underneath the highest skyscraper in Italy, the Unicredit Tower, near the square.

Address: Piazza Gae Aulenti, 36, 20124 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: None

San Siro Stadium

#18. San Siro Stadium is best for hardcore soccer fans. 

If you are a hardcore fan of AC Milan or the Internazionale Milan, San Siro Stadium is definitely the perfect attraction for you.

Constructed in 1925, San Siro Stadium is one of the well-known stadiums in the world and remains one of the premier sporting and concert venues in Italy.

With a seating capacity of 76 thousand, this impressive ground is also one of the largest stadia in Europe. Some of its past events include World Cup 34, World Cup 90, and various concerts by popular singers, such as One Direction.

During the tour of the stadium, you will get to visit the iconic circular towers that hold up the colossal tiers, the field, and even the locker rooms where players rest. There is also a guided tour to its joint museum where players’ jerseys were displayed. You will get to learn about the history of the stadium and the two celebrated Italian clubs.

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Address: Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 4879 8201

Arco della Pace

#19. Arco della Pace is best for the perfect landmark to experience Roman past’s glory.

Located at the edge of the Sempione Park and opposite of the Sforzesco Castle, the Arco of Pace is a monument that is originally a triumphal arch. Built to celebrate, this arch is ornated with statues and reliefs that are believed to be portraying post--Napoleonic events as it was inaugurated after Napoleon had abdicated as an emperor. 

It is definitely worth visiting for its peaceful and tranquil environment. You can even have a picnic right in front of this grand structure. 

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Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: None

Poldi Pezzoli Museum

#20. Poldi Pezzoli Museum is best for tasteful art pieces in a small dose. 

Can’t get enough of house museum after visiting Bagatti Valsecchi Museum? No worries, Poldi Pezzoli Museum is another amazing house museum to fulfill your deep desire for an intimate museum.

Set in an elegant old patrician house, Poldi Pezzoli Museum is an art museum that provides you with everything in tasteful, small doses. Besides displaying paintings by famous Italian artists, like Botticelli, Mantegna, Piero Della Francesca, and Guardí, there are also interesting and eclectic collections of jewelry, silvers, rare textiles, Etruscan pottery, armor, and weapons in the rooms within the mansion.

This wonderful museum is worth visiting for its masterpieces. There is also an excellent audio guide for an additional 3€. Most importantly, it provides a free locker so you would not have to carry your heavy bags or luggage with you when walking around the museum.

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Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy, Tel Number: +39 02 794889
Photos are courtesy of Google Maps

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