What to Do in Milan: A Complete Guide to Exploring the City

André Freitas February, 2025

Many people mistakenly believe that Milan is just the fashion capital of the world. While it does boast a cosmopolitan air, the city is also a hub of culture, rich in history, gastronomy, and design from every angle, for those willing to delve deeper into its essence.

Let’s explore what to do in Milan.

What to do in Milan: Churches 

Milan Cathedral

When you search for the city on Google, nine out of ten photos will feature this church as their backdrop. Also known as the Duomo di Milano, it is by far the most iconic image of the city. And with good reason: it is the fourth-largest church in Europe. However, it doesn’t just impress with its size. The cathedral’s majestic architecture, adorned with an extraordinary wealth of details, seamlessly blends Lombard and French Gothic styles.

Tickets to the Duomo di Milano

There are at least nine different types of tickets available for those who wish to explore this architectural gem up close. For this reason, it’s important to review the options on the cathedral’s official website. Ticket prices start at €8 and can go up to €30. To avoid long lines, it’s highly recommended to book tickets online—no worries, as Cieli di Toscana can handle that for you.

The cathedral is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

Continuing with the theme of churches, this one should definitely be on your list, as it houses one of the most famous artworks in the world: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Due to its global popularity, you should expect some competition for entry, as the number of visitors allowed inside at one time is limited to just 30 people.

Given the high demand to see this masterpiece of the High Renaissance, reservations are mandatory. Therefore, it’s also advisable to purchase tickets online in advance.

The church is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

What to do in Milan: Museums

Pinacoteca di Brera

Renowned as one of the finest art collections in Italy, the Pinacoteca di Brera houses works by prominent artists such as Raphael and Caravaggio. Adding to its allure, the gallery is located in a 16th–17th-century palace originally built for the Jesuits atop the old monastery of Santa Maria di Brera Humiliati.

The artworks are arranged chronologically and grouped according to the schools they belong to, spread across 38 rooms. Despite the extensive collection, a helpful tip for general visitors is that the most essential part lies in the building’s inner courtyard, which is accessible free of charge.

The Pinacoteca is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Modern Art Gallery of Milan

Housed in a neoclassical villa, this gallery preserves over 4,000 works, primarily paintings and sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries. However, you’ll also find masterpieces by 20th-century artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Amedeo Modigliani.

Additionally, next to the villa is the Contemporary Art Pavilion (PAC), which features 20th-century works and even more recent creations.

The villa is beautifully situated within Milan’s Public Gardens and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

What to do in Milan: Fashion and Design

Why Milan is the Capital of Fashion and Design

The birthplace of iconic brands like Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, Milan epitomizes fashion. This reputation stems from a luxury market deeply rooted in the textile industry, which dates back to the post-World War II era. Moreover, Milan serves as a melting pot of artistic and cultural trends and innovations in both design and fashion.

Quadrilatero della Moda

This district is where you’ll find the most emblematic luxury stores. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, it’s worth taking a stroll through the area.

The district is essentially composed of four streets: Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia. Here, the most exclusive brands showcase their most luxurious collections. In other words, you can expect a mix of glamour and fashion-forward extravagance.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Quadrilatero della Moda, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II exudes charm and serves as one of Milan’s main landmarks. Initially built to cater to the city’s affluent bourgeoisie, it connects the cathedral square to Piazza della Scala.

Take the opportunity to explore its restaurants, cafés, bookstores, and, of course, luxury boutiques. Interestingly, the world’s first Prada store is located in one of its magnificent corridors. Additionally, the architecture is absolutely breathtaking, both for its grandeur and the richness of its details.

The Galleria is open 24 hours a day, although the shops close at night. Entry is free.

10 Corso Como

You know that label “concept store,” used to emphasize how cool a particular shop is? Well, this store was the one that originated the idea, becoming the world’s first concept store. For that reason, you can expect something completely out of the ordinary here.

It starts with the fact that the store has no display window, often leading unsuspecting passersby to walk right past its façade, unaware that a temple of fashion lies within. Secondly, the atmosphere of the place lacks the pretentiousness typical of extremely luxurious venues. In other words, it’s a relaxed and enjoyable space to explore.

Additionally, you can take advantage of a bookstore, an art gallery, and a café-restaurant on the premises.

Beyond Fashion: Exploring Milan’s Other Attractions

Castello Sforzesco

This is one of Italy’s most stunning fortified structures. Originally frequented by the Milanese court until the French invasions of the 15th and 16th centuries, it was later used primarily by the military until it was returned to the citizens of Milan. Today, it stands as a major cultural institution, housing museums, libraries, and other facilities.

Not interested in visiting the museums? At the very least, make your way to the castle to admire its vast central courtyard, which is open to the public free of charge. Additionally, entry to the entire site is free all day on the first Sunday of every month and after 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays.

Navigli

Even the fashion capital has its bohemian side, and that’s Navigli. This is where locals gather for evening drinks. A unique feature of this area is the aperitivo tradition: when you order a drink at this time, it’s usually accompanied by complimentary snacks such as bruschetta, potato chips, pizza, olives, or biscuits.

So, why not do as the Milanese do? Enjoy a sunset drink at one of the many trendy and lively bars lining the neighborhood’s canals.

Lake Como

Just an hour’s drive from Milan, this luxurious Italian destination offers absolutely magical scenery. Beyond its natural beauty—mountains, forests, and waters in varying shades of blue—charming colorful houses, palaces, and gardens add an extra layer of enchantment.

It’s no wonder that Lake Como has become a favorite retreat for artists and celebrities, who have transformed their sophisticated villas here into places of relaxation.

Before immersing yourself in the lake’s allure, set aside some time to explore the delightful town of Como. Visit its cathedral, marvel at the palaces and beautiful buildings around Piazza del Duomo, and see remnants of a 12th-century medieval wall. Finally, don’t miss a visit to Varenna, considered by many to be the most picturesque village on the lake.

Customize Your Journey with Cieli di Toscana

We love Italy. But we love even more the opportunity to craft your dream trip. Get in touch with one of our specialists. They have all the expertise needed to create the perfect itinerary for you.

André Freitas é publicitário e já viajou pra 28 países, fazendo malabarismos pra sempre incluir a Itália no roteiro, o que rendeu 19 cidades e uma lista de dicas.