Best 20 things to do in Milan, Italy

Welcome to Milan, the city of fashion and gelato. Whether you're a shopping addict or just have a penchant for trying out new flavors of ice cream, Milan has got you covered. From strutting down Via Montenapoleone in your trendiest attire to conquering the infamous Quadrilatero della Moda, this fashion-forward city will keep you updated on the latest styles, whether you're ready or not. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the glitz and glamour, take a break at Parco Sempione, where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic and watch the locals practicing their yoga moves that may or may not be inspired by spaghetti twirling.

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1. Santa Maria delle Grazie

4.5 (12946)

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, where art and grace mix like chocolate and ice cream... minus the brain freeze. This 15th-century Dominican convent turned UNESCO World Heritage site is home to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. Prepare to feast your eyes on this iconic fresco that's been captivating visitors since before "YOLO" was even a thing. Step inside this architectural gem and let the Gothic vibes whisk you away to a time when flying buttresses were all the rage. The church's interior boasts heavenly decorations and beautiful stained glass windows, reminding you that even saints appreciate a touch of elegance. Take a moment to reflect on life's great riddles, like why vampires don't enjoy Italian cuisine or if Michelangelo ever had a bad hair day. As you explore the convent, keep your eyes peeled for the legendary refectory, where monks once quite literally broke bread. Marvel at the dining room's stunning architecture and imagine the chaos that would ensue if they had discovered the secret of artisanal pizza delivery. Don't forget to snap a selfie, because nothing says "I'm cultured" quite like a #LastSupperSelfie.

legraziemilano.it

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2. Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper

4.6 (7646)

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Step into the realm of Renaissance masterpieces at Milan's breathtaking Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci – a painting so revered that even Judas would have thought twice about betraying it! As you enter the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, prepare to have your mind blown by this iconic work that combines artistic genius with the comical chaos of twelve grown men fighting over the last slice of pizza. Marvel at Jesus and his disciples frozen in time, looking like they just found out there's a two-for-one sale on sandals at the Jerusalem market. It's a feast for the eyes that will leave you pondering life's big questions, like how Leonardo managed to paint all of that without taking a snack break.

cenacolovinciano.org

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3. Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia

4.5 (21511)

Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia, where historical artifacts jump off the shelves and into your nerdy daydreams. This massive museum will tickle your inner geek like a mischievous octopus with its mind-boggling collection of gizmos, gadgets, and not-so-secret scientific wonders. Prepare to marvel at vintage airplanes, gawk at gigantic steam engines, and pretend you're Tony Stark in the quirky charm of this science lover's nirvana.

www.museoscienza.org

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4. Navigli Canals

4.3 (3501)

Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 20143 Milano MI, Italy

Ah, the Navigli Canals in Milan, where the water dances alongside charming streets like a synchronized swimmer on caffeine. These canals, once crucial for transportation, are now home to a vivacious mix of bars, cafes, and restaurants, giving way to the term "gastronomical gondoliering." Stroll along the canal banks, where you'll find trendy boutiques beckoning you like a stylish siren, luring you into a shopping spree that could leave your wallet feeling as empty as a sinking gondola.

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5. Corso Como

Corso Como, Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to Corso Como, Milan's trendy neighborhood that will tickle your fashion senses and leave you wondering if you've stepped onto a real-life runway! Get ready to strut your stuff in this chic area that boasts more designer boutiques than you can shake a Gucci-clad stick at. Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover a whirlwind of Italian glamour, where even the pigeons flaunt the latest feathers in avian fashion. Don't be surprised if you leave Corso Como with an uncontrollable urge to strike a pose and pout like Zoolander - it's simply contagious!

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6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

4.7 (87144)

P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the extravagant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's most glamorous shopping arcade, where even the pigeons strut their stuff in designer feathers. This architectural marvel packs a mighty punch with its soaring glass dome, resembling the world's most elegant greenhouse. Stroll beneath its ornate iron arches, but watch your step, as the shiny marble flooring is so polished it could double as a giant mirror for any vain tourist attempting to fix their hair or secretly check if they've dropped gelato on their shoes.

www.yesmilano.it

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7. Teatro alla Scala

4.7 (24752)

Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the magnificent Teatro alla Scala in Milan, where opera singers hit those high notes so your ears will beg for earplugs! This historic theater is home to performances that will leave you floored, whether it's from the stunning acoustics or the ridiculously high ticket prices that might make your wallet whimper. The grandeur of the Scala is matched only by the size of the audience trying to squeeze through the narrow doors during intermission - just hope you don't end up getting stuck behind someone practicing their dance moves from the balcony!

www.teatroallascala.org

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8. Bosco Verticale

4.6 (1906)

Via Gaetano de Castillia, 11, 20124 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the marvelous concrete jungle of Milan, where skyscrapers reach for the stars like overambitious sunflowers! Amidst this urban chaos lies Bosco Verticale, a pair of towering residential buildings that will make you look twice – not because they are leaning like a Pisa tower, but charmingly covered in lush vegetation like a fashion-conscious Tarzan. Designed by eco-warrior architects, this green marvel brings nature back into the city, as if leaves conspired with bricks to create a high-rise secret garden for the avant-garde urban gardener.

www.residenzeportanuova.com

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9. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

4.7 (12001)

Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Tucked away in the charming city of Milan, you'll find the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, a grandiose monument that will tickle your historical taste buds. With its quirky blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, this basilica seems like it couldn't decide which style it wanted to be, which makes it even more endearing. As you stroll through its ancient halls, don't be surprised if you find yourself wondering if the basilica secretly moonlights as a time machine – it's that mesmerizing!

www.basilicasantambrogio.it

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10. Milan Cathedral

4.8 (128960)

P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the marvelous Milan Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Milano, where soaring spires and intricate details make this church more dramatic than the time you tripped in your high heels at a fancy event. Prepare yourself for some serious neck-craning as you marvel at the seemingly never-ending construction of this masterpiece, which took a whopping six centuries to complete. With its stunning Gothic architecture, it's a solid reminder that Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was this majestic beauty.

www.duomomilano.it

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11. Palazzo Reale

4.6 (17215)

P.za del Duomo, 12, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Palazzo Reale in Milan, where history meets opulence with a dollop of elegance. Prepare to be whisked away into a world of grandeur, as this 18th-century palace will make you feel like the royal you were always meant to be, even if it's just for a few hours. Marvel at the stunning architecture, exquisite artwork, and the sheer magnificence of the Ballroom, where you might just find yourself involuntarily curtsying or bowing in admiration.

www.palazzorealemilano.it

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12. Biblioteca Ambrosiana

4.6 (957)

Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Hidden away amidst the stylish chaos of Milan lies the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, a treasure trove of knowledge cunningly disguised as a library. With its majestic halls and hushed atmosphere, the Ambrosiana is the ultimate retreat for book lovers seeking temporary asylum from the boisterousness of the city. Marvel at its extensive collection of ancient manuscripts, carefully guarded by sneaky librarians who may whisk them away faster than you can say "quiet please!"

www.ambrosiana.it

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13. Arco della Pace

4.6 (26977)

Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to Arco della Pace, Milan's grand gateway to time travel... Well, not really, but it does feel like stepping into an ancient Roman arena. This impressive triumphal arch stands tall and says, "Hey, I'm here, and I'm ready to arch your socks off!" It's the perfect place to pretend you're a gladiator on vacation - just don't expect any lions to cheer you on.

www.lombardiabeniculturali.it

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14. La Scala Museum and Theatre

4.7 (24752)

Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Hidden in the ravishing city of Milan, lies a bewitching retreat for opera aficionados and culture vultures alike—the renowned La Scala Museum and Theatre. Step into this hallowed institution, and you'll find yourself surrounded by history and luminary busts that would put even the grandest library to shame. As you walk through the halls, try not to giggle too loudly, for the sedate atmosphere demands a level of solemnity almost akin to attending a wake.

www.teatroallascala.org

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15. Piazza del Duomo

P.za del Duomo, Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to Piazza del Duomo, the place where Milan's architectural charm and pigeon population collide! Marvel at the majestic Milan Cathedral, a breathtaking gothic masterpiece that's so tall, it practically gets a nosebleed. Don't forget to watch out for the sneaky pigeons lurking around, ready to swoop down and steal your panini in a Hitchcockian frenzy!

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16. Cimitero Monumentale

4.8 (1818)

Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Cimitero Monumentale in Milan, where the "stiff" competition for the title of the most grandiose cemetery begins! Prepare to be awestruck as you navigate through a labyrinth of ornate graves and crypts that could easily double as chic apartments for the afterlife. This place is so impressive, rumor has it even the ghosts are a bit snooty.

monumentale.comune.milano.it

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17. Pinacoteca di Brera

4.7 (24554)

Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, where art enthusiasts and selfie-takers unite! This lovely art gallery, housed in a former convent, is a delightful mix of Renaissance treasures and exquisite masterpieces. Prepare to have your mind blown as you wander through the majestic halls, perfect your art history knowledge, and maybe even pretend to be a refined art connoisseur for a day.

pinacotecabrera.org

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18. Museo del Novecento

4.5 (5163)

P.za del Duomo, 8, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Museo del Novecento in Milan, where art meets the quirky side of Italian history. This museum is like a time machine that takes you on an artistic voyage through the 20th century, but don't worry, no DeLorean required! As you wander through its halls, keep an eye out for jaw-dropping masterpieces that will make you go "Wow!" and contemporary works that might leave you scratching your head thinking, "I could've done that." Can you spot the hidden Mona Lisa's hipster cousin?

www.museodelnovecento.org

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19. Sforza Castle

4.6 (64413)

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to the Sforza Castle in Milan, where history meets a dash of medieval quirkiness! This impressive fortress-turned-museum is like stepping into a Renaissance time machine, so get ready to channel your inner Leonardo da Vinci. With its formidable stone walls and towers that seem to shout, "Hey, invaders, don't even think about it!" this castle surely made a statement back in the day.

www.milanocastello.it

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20. Acquario Civico

3.9 (5024)

V.le Gadio, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Welcome to Milan, where you can dive into the depths of entertainment at the Acquario Civico! This fishy wonderland boasts an ocean of aquatic creatures that would make even Ariel jealous. Prepare to be astounded as you witness fish that beg the question, "Who ordered the extra sprinkling of bling?"

www.acquariodimilano.it

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Milan, Italy by plane is by flying to Milan Malpensa Airport, which is the main international airport in the area. Many major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, and Delta operate flights to this airport.

Car

The best way to get to Milan, Italy by car is by driving from Florence to Milan. The journey takes around 3 hours and there are plenty of rental car options available in both cities, with several parking options in Milan.

Train

The best way to get to Milan, Italy by train is by taking the high-speed train from Rome to Milan. The journey takes around 3 hours and arrives at the Milano Centrale Station, which is located in the heart of the city.

Boat

The best way to get to Milan, Italy by boat is by taking a ferry from Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto in Sicily to Napoli, and then driving from Naples to Milan. It is a long journey, but quite scenic, and there are many interesting stops along the way such as Pompeii, Sorrento, and Rome.

Bus

The best way to get to Milan, Italy by bus is by taking the FlixBus from Paris to Milan. The journey takes around 11 hours and arrives at the Lampugnano Bus Station, which is located in the north-western part of the city.

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