Milan

A LOOK AT BEAUTIFUL MILAN, ITALY

A Complete Guide to Milan: Tourist Sites, Culture, and Travel Tips

Milan’s is a must-visit Italian city with tourist sites, cultural treasures, and practical details about its main airport, Milan Malpensa, along with other transportation hubs. .

Historical and Cultural Context

Milan, or Milano in Italian, is the capital of Lombardy and Italy’s second-largest city, with a population of approximately 1.4 million in its metropolitan area. Founded around 400 BCE by Celtic tribes, it later became a significant Roman city known as Mediolanum. Over the centuries, Milan evolved into a hub of trade, finance, and culture, particularly during the Renaissance under the rule of the Sforza family.

Today, Milan is synonymous with high fashion, hosting Milan Fashion Week, and is home to global brands like Prada, Versace, and Armani. Yet beneath its modern veneer lies a city steeped in history, with medieval churches, grand palaces, and artistic masterpieces that rival those of Rome and Florence.

Milan’s appeal as a tourist destination lies in its diversity. From the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral of the Duomo to the historic La Scala opera house, from bustling piazzas to serene parks, the city caters to a wide range of interests. Its status as a transport hub, with three major airports, makes it an accessible gateway to northern Italy, the Alps, and beyond.

Iconic Tourist Sites in Milan

The Duomo di Milano

The Duomo di Milano is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Located in the heart of the city at Piazza del Duomo, this architectural marvel took nearly six centuries to complete—from 1386 to the 19th century.

The intricate façade is adorned with over 3,400 statues and 135 spires. Its rooftop, accessible by stairs or elevator, offers panoramic views of Milan and, on clear days, the distant Alps. The golden Madonnina statue atop the cathedral is a beloved symbol of the city.

Inside, the Duomo houses treasures like the Nail of the True Cross and the eerie San Bartolomeo Flayed statue by Marco d’Agrate. The adjacent Duomo Museum showcases original sculptures and artifacts. Tickets typically cost €10–€20, with combination passes available.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) is housed in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Painted between 1495 and 1498, this Renaissance masterpiece captures the moment Jesus reveals the betrayal.

Due to its fragility, viewing is limited to 15-minute sessions in small groups. Tickets cost around €15 and must be booked in advance. The adjoining church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features Renaissance architecture and a dome designed by Donato Bramante.

Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala, or La Scala, is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world. Opened in 1778, it has premiered works by Verdi and Puccini. The lavish interior, complete with velvet seats and a massive chandelier, offers a truly regal experience.

Visitors can attend performances (tickets range from €30 to €300) or tour the Museo Teatrale alla Scala for €10–€15.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Next to the Duomo, this 19th-century arcade is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls. The glass roof and mosaic floors make it a destination in itself, hosting boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

The Galleria is also known for historic cafés like Caffè Camparino. Spinning on the mosaic bull’s heel is a quirky tradition believed to bring luck.

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)

This 15th-century fortress reflects Milan’s Renaissance era under the Sforza family. Today, it houses several museums, including:

  • Museum of Ancient Art (featuring Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini)

  • The Pinacoteca (with works by Bellini and Mantegna)

The castle’s courtyards and Parco Sempione provide a relaxing escape. Entry to the grounds is free; museum tickets are €5–€10.

Brera District and Pinacoteca di Brera

Brera is Milan’s artistic soul, filled with galleries, cafés, and boutique shops. The Pinacoteca di Brera is its centerpiece, showcasing works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Hayez.

Set in a former Jesuit college, the gallery costs around €15 to enter, with discounts available.

Navigli District

Known for its canals, the Navigli district is Milan’s bohemian heart. Once used for trade, the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are now lined with bars, restaurants, and art studios.

Monthly antiques markets and evening canal cruises make Navigli a must-see. The nearby Porta Ticinese area offers vibrant nightlife and street art.

Piazza dei Mercanti and Palazzo della Ragione

This medieval square was Milan’s historic commercial hub. Highlights include:

  • Palazzo della Ragione: A 13th-century courthouse with open loggia

  • Loggia degli Osii

  • Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine

It’s a quiet corner perfect for history lovers and those avoiding crowds.

San Siro Stadium

Football fans shouldn’t miss San Siro Stadium (Stadio Giuseppe Meazza), home to AC Milan and Inter Milan.

Guided tours (around €20–€30) include locker rooms and pitchside access. The on-site museum features trophies and memorabilia.

Modern Milan: Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti

Porta Nuova is the face of modern Milan. Skyscrapers like the Unicredit Tower and Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) dominate the skyline.

Piazza Gae Aulenti is a sleek, contemporary square ideal for shopping, dining, or enjoying rooftop bars.

Lesser-Known Gems

  • Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio: A Romanesque church with ancient mosaics

  • Cimitero Monumentale: An open-air museum of elaborate tombs and sculptures

  • Fondazione Prada & HangarBicocca: Contemporary art museums housed in industrial spaces

Culinary and Shopping Highlights

Cuisine

Must-try dishes include:

  • Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto)

  • Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet)

  • Panettone (traditional Christmas cake)

Great spots for dining include Trattoria Milanese, Peck, and Michelin-starred Cracco.

Shopping

  • Quadrilatero della Moda: Home to luxury brands

  • DMagazine Outlet & Via Torino: Budget-friendly fashion

Practical Information: Getting Around Milan

Public Transport

Managed by ATM, Milan’s system includes metro, buses, and trams:

  • 5 Metro lines (M1–M5)

  • Single ticket: €2.20

  • 24-hour pass: €7.60

Historic trams, like Line 1, offer scenic routes.

Taxis & Ride-Share

Taxis and Uber are widely available. Taxis can be more expensive but convenient for airport travel or late nights.

Milan’s Airports: A Gateway to Italy

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

  • Location: 45 km northwest of Milan

  • Passengers: 28+ million annually

  • Terminals:

    • Terminal 1 (international/long-haul)

    • Terminal 2 (low-cost carriers like Ryanair)

Facilities

  • Duty-free shops, designer boutiques, and dining

  • Free Wi-Fi, lounges (Montale Lounge), currency exchange

Transportation

  • Malpensa Express: To Milano Centrale/Cadorna in 50–60 min (€13)

  • Buses: Terravision, Autostradale (€10)

  • Taxis: Fixed rate of €100–€120

  • Car rentals: Hertz, Avis, etc.

Tips

Arrive early for international flights. The on-site Sheraton is ideal for layovers.

Milan Linate Airport (LIN)

  • Location: 7 km from central Milan

  • Use: Domestic and short-haul European flights

Facilities

  • Compact terminal, shops, and cafés (Caffè Milano, Venchi)

Transportation

  • Bus 73: To Piazza San Babila in 25 min (€2.20)

  • M4 Metro Line: Direct to city in under 15 min

  • Taxis: €20–€30

Tips

Ideal for short trips due to proximity. Parking is limited.

Orio al Serio Airport (BGY)

  • Location: Bergamo, 50 km from Milan

  • Use: Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air)

Facilities

  • Basic terminal, shops, fast food, and 4-hour free Wi-Fi

Transportation

  • Buses: Orio Shuttle, FlixBus to Milano Centrale (€7–€10)

  • Taxis: €80–€100

Tips

Popular for budget travel. Allow time for travel to Milan.

Practical Tips for Visiting Milan

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (Sept–Oct)

  • Language: Italian; English is common in tourist zones

  • Currency: Euro (€); budget €100–€150/day for mid-range

  • Safety: Safe overall, but watch for pickpockets

  • Dress Code: Stylish yet modest, especially for churches and upscale venues

Milan is a city of contrasts—where history and innovation coexist. Whether admiring the Duomo, exploring Navigli, or indulging in haute couture, Milan offers something for every traveler.

Its international airports, especially Malpensa, make Milan an ideal base for exploring northern Italy, Lake Como, or the Alps. From da Vinci’s Last Supper to rooftop aperitivos, Milan promises an unforgettable Italian experience.

Pack your bags, book your tickets, and prepare to be captivated by this dynamic city.