Attractions in Milano

Milano, the fashion capital of the world, offers much more than prestigious designer stores, colorful fashion week events and style, and a lot of chics that are hard to ignore. Milano is also a very important city economically, where the Italian Stock Exchange is located, and also the second most populated city in Italy (after Rome). Although some think that it is perhaps less beautiful and attractive than other cities in the country, Milano has quite a lot to offer, as you can discover while wandering around it. After being almost completely destroyed by bombing during World War II, Milano rebuilt itself and became a thriving and successful business capital. It is a paradise for lovers of shopping, football, opera, and nightlife and is undoubtedly a city that justifies a visit of a few days. There is a wide variety of attractions in Milano that are worth a stop while visiting it and not far from it, those that are suitable for a short or long day trip.

Historical Sites and Heritage Sites in the City

It is hard not to notice the special architectural buildings in the city, buildings that are quite a few years old and tell the story of Milano. Milano has a selection of historical and heritage sites that contribute greatly to its atmosphere and are an integral part of its rich past.

Milano Cathedral (Duomo di Milanoo)

This magnificent and impressive cathedral decorates the city’s skyline and is one of Milano’s main attractions. It is dedicated to the birth of the Virgin Mary and is the seat of the Archbishop of Milano. The story of the Milano Cathedral begins more than 600 years ago. Its construction began in 1386 but was completely completed only in 1965. It is the largest church in Italy, the second largest in Europe, and the fourth largest in the world. It is designed in a Gothic style and is considered one of the most interesting and prominent Gothic buildings in the country. The length of the cathedral is about 157 meters and its height is 108 meters. In this huge cathedral, 40,000 people can stay at the same time and it is, without a doubt, a must-stop.

Basilica di Sant Ambrogio

This special basilica is in the center of Milano and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was built by Saint Ambrose in the years 386 to 379, where several saints were buried during the Roman persecutions. After it was built, its structure went through quite a few reconstructions and changes until it received its appearance in the 12th century, which we see today, as a Romanesque style design. At first, the church was outside the city but during the centuries after its establishment, the city grew around it. It became the center of religious life and in 789 a monastery was established in its area. The church has two towers, which symbolize its division. One tower was used by the monks to call the faithful and a second tower, on its northern side, was used by others. In August 1943, it was badly damaged by the Allied bombings, which led to the construction of a new building, painted pink, intended to house the monastery’s offices and serve as the home of the local museum.

The Royal Palace of Milano (Palazzo Reale di Milano)

This magnificent building served the local government of Milano for hundreds of years and today it hosts international art exhibitions and is a center of attraction for many. This is a highly regarded cultural center with an area of ​​7,000 square meters, which presents visitors with permanent exhibitions, which include a multitude of contemporary works of art as part of impressive collections, some of which are displayed all over the world. Each year, you can see over 1,500 works, which tell the story of many artists. Originally, as mentioned, the Royal Palace of Milano was the seat of the city’s government during the Middle Ages and became, over the years, an important political center in the region. The palace has undergone quite a bit, including a massive restoration. Its magnificent halls have been restored to illustrate the beauty and splendor that were typical in those distant years.

Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie

This is one of the well-known attractions in the city and a special point of interest. The construction of the Church of Santa Maria della Grazia, declared by UNESCO in 1980 as a World Cultural Heritage Site, was completed in 1482 and over the years has undergone quite a few ups and downs. It is known for Da Vinci’s famous work, “The Last Supper”, which glorifies One of its walls. Da Vinci worked on this work between 1495 and 1498, when today, in practice, it does not belong to the church but to the National Museum of Milano. The work was commissioned by the Duchess of Milano, as part of renovations carried out in the church and the monastery. It depicts Jesus’ last supper, which he shared with his apostles, a supper that took place before his crucifixion, on the eve of Passover (hence its name, “The Last Supper”).

Leonardo’s Vineyard (La Vigna di Leonardo)

In this charming place, Leonardo da Vinci grew his grapes, which were used to make wine, while he worked on his famous work “The Last Supper” in the complex of the church of Santa Maria della Grazia, which is just on the other side of the road. The vineyard, measuring 60 by 175 meters, was given to Leonardo as a gift by the Duke of Milano, Ludovico Forza, in 1498 and was transferred, when Leonardo left Milano, to a family of winemakers. But because she meant so much to him, Leonardo remained involved in everything related to her, even after he left. A visit to the vineyard, today, also includes a visit to the magnificent house adjacent to it, which once belonged to a family of diplomats. You can join a 25-minute guided tour, which also includes audio guides available in 10 different languages.

Museums in the City

Milano’s museums are a very important and significant part of the city, one that teaches a lot about it, the local culture, and the entire environment. Some museums focus on art, others on technology, science, and history, and there are also museums that present extraordinary exhibits, which are a source of attraction for crowds of tourists. Either way, they are definitely an attraction not to be missed, especially on rainy days.

The National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci (Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologoa Leonardo da Vinci)

It is considered the largest science and technology museum in Milano and is dedicated to the famous Italian painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci. The museum was opened to the public in February 1953 and from then until today attracts crowds of curious visitors, including families with children. The museum, located in a building that was used as a monastery in the very distant past, is divided into seven main departments: materials, transportation, energy, communication, Leonardo da Vinci – art and science, new frontiers, and science for young people. In each of these departments, there are special laboratories for children, which allow hands-on experience and learning. In the transportation department, you can learn a lot about the traffic in the air, on the rail, in the water, and also about the famous submarine Enrico Totti-S-506.

Civic Museo Archeologico di Milano

If archeology and history in general interest you, this museum is the place you should not miss. The Archaeological Museum of Milano is located inside a former monastery next to a very old church (the church of San Maurizio al Monstro Maggiore) with its first part dedicated to the history of ancient Milano (Mediolanum). This part of the museum is inside a building from the 4th century BC that was occupied by the ancient Romans. On its basement floor, there is also an area dealing with art and you can find Roman remains from the 1st century to the 3rd century AD as well as two towers from the Middle Ages, which connect the ancient building to the new, modern building of the museum. The new part of the museum has four floors, focusing on the Middle Ages, Ancient Greece and more.

The Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d’Arte Moderna)

This special gallery is a museum of modern art, presenting to its visitors a large collection, consisting of the works of various European artists, including Italian artists, from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Among the works displayed there, you can see the works of Francesco Filippini, Giuseppe Ferrari, Giovanni Pettori, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, and many other good ones. The gallery received donations from local families, including the Grassi, Ponti, Traves, and Wismara families. After World War II, the 20th-century artworks in the collection were moved to another location, which was built in 1955 after the original building in the same area was destroyed in the bombings of the war. In 2011, some of the works were transferred to the Museo del Novento, while the others remained in the museum as they are. In recent years, the Modern Art Gallery has begun presenting rotating exhibitions, which include, among other things, listings of important art collections and art collections.

Museo Poldo Pezzoli

Milano is a great destination for art lovers thanks to its multitude of special museums, which sanctify and glorify this field. Along with quite a few museums in the city, you will find the next museum, an art museum, the visit of which is much more than a recommendation. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum contains a private collection from the 19th century that belonged to Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother. The museum is actually a palace in that many of its rooms were remodeled in the mid-19th century and the current palace, which can be seen today, was rebuilt in a neo-classical design style. During the Second World War, the palace suffered very serious damages, but the works were stored in a safe place and therefore completely preserved. In 1951 it was reopened after being restored and today it is outstanding and considered one of the best museums thanks to its wide collection of artists from the Italian north and Flemish Dutch artists.

Museum of Cultures of Milano – Mudec

This special museum is also a center for exhibitions and it was inaugurated in 2014 since then it has been attracting crowds of visitors. Its purpose is to improve interdisciplinary research on world cultures and expose them to as many people as possible. The museum presents spectacular finds and collections belonging to the municipality of Milano and large parts of its area are dedicated to various exhibitions and events. The permanent exhibition displayed in the museum has 7,000 works of art, everyday objects, remains, and musical instruments from all continents and aims to present the production of the human cultural diversity in the space. It is also possible to find ethnographic and archaeological collections from the 19th century and objects from the colonial period. The highlight of the museum is the art and culture collections of the Far East, especially Japan, Africa, and pre-Columbian America.

Alfa Romeo Museum

Whether you are a fan of cars of all kinds or not, the Alfa Romeo Museum is a museum you should not miss. This is the official museum of Alfa Romeo, one of the most well-known Italian car brands, a museum that focuses entirely on the well-known brand and displays a permanent collection of Alfa Romeo cars and matching engines. The museum was closed for a few years and reopened in 2015 and has been attracting crowds ever since. It is dedicated to more than a hundred years of Alfa Romeo history, a hundred years of manufacturing cars, commercial vehicles, locomotives, tractors, buses, trams, and even airplanes. The museum has 6 floors with four different departments, which review its long history.

Museum of Musical Instruments

If music and musical instruments interest you, the Musical Instruments Museum in Milano is the right place to spend time. The museum presents to the visitors over 700 musical instruments from the past (from the 15th to the 20th century) as part of a spectacular collection that includes a huge variety of instruments, including those made of different types of wood, such as flutes, oboe, clarinet and more, as well as pianos and several instruments ancient music. And if you are interested in ancient art, in the same complex, where the museum is located, there is also a museum of ancient art, the “Pinacotheca”, which presents collections of ancient Egyptian art (including prehistoric finds from the Archaeological Museum in Milano).

The Gallery of Contemporary Art and Culture (Fondazione Prada)

This special gallery has been officially operating since 1995 and is considered one of the most interesting in Milano. In the last twenty years, the gallery has promoted a rich cultural program, which included, among other things, film festivals, multidisciplinary talks, and various architecture and design projects. In 2011, the gallery opened a new exhibition space in Venice, which quickly became a very prominent tourist destination in the city, and today you can see quite a few special international projects focused on contemporary art in the one in Milano.

Casa Milano

A visit to Milano must also include a visit to the museum of the football team, considered one of the most successful in the world, the AC Milano team. This museum is in the outer ring of the city center, where the offices of the group known, among other things, as one of the three most beloved groups in the country are located. In the museum you can learn a lot about the history of the team, from the moment it was founded until today, and watch videos and even see up close the trophies won by the team. Don’t miss the adjacent souvenir shop to buy a special souvenir to take home.

Parks and Gardens

As befits a large and very touristic city, Milano is also decorated with a multitude of beautiful parks and gardens, which are considered an attraction in themselves. They are a wonderful opportunity to escape to a place of their own and quieter and enjoy the luxury and splendor that characterizes some of them. It is recommended on a warm and pleasant day, or a day that is not rainy, to combine a stop at one of them and stop even for a short picnic.

Parco Sempione

This is, perhaps, the most favorite public park of the city’s residents, and for good reason. Sempione Park is a large and very popular park, which was first opened to the general public in 1888, following the great pressure exerted by the residents following their opposition to the transformation of green areas into active urban areas. Today this park provides a solution for all sports and jogging enthusiasts, for those who are looking for a quiet and calm place and want to enjoy peace and quiet. It has running and walking tracks, it has green lawns and romantic bridges, and in short – everything you need to escape from all the noise and bustle of the city. The park opens daily at 06:30 in the morning and closes to visitors at 22:00 at night.

Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli Park

Here, too, it is a very popular park in the city that was opened in 1786 and since then serves quite a few people. The wide paths in it, the beautiful flower beds, the charming gardens that host the natural history museum and the planetarium, and many more surprises, all make it a park that should not be missed. The park gardens have several special species of plants and also a special area dedicated entirely to butterflies. You can find shady spots and benches to rest on and enjoy peace and quiet at any hour of the day. The park is open in the summer between 06:30 and 23:30.

Giardini della Guastalla Park

Although this is not a large park, it also definitely warrants a visit. It is not far from the Universita Statale and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful gems in the city. It has lovely gardens with ancient trees, a baroque swimming pool, and a small temple from the 17th century.

Monte Stella Park (Parco Monte Stella)

Not far from the Meazza Stadium, northwest of the city center is Monte Stella Park, which was built on the ruins of World War II bombs. Due to the city’s desire to start over after the war, it was decided to establish this park, which symbolizes hope. The park, like other parks in Milano, is a refuge for travelers from outside the city as well as for its residents and an opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Markets and Shopping Centers Not to Be Missed

There are quite a few ways to get to know a new city. One of them is while wandering through its markets and meeting the locals. In Milano, there are several markets, which are worth a visit, if only to get an impression of the atmosphere and the local culture, which comes close to me at almost every corner. You don’t have to leave with your hands full of goodies, but it’s definitely worth buying a few products to take home as a souvenir of the whole experience.

Marcatone del Naviglio Grande

If you want to buy unique collectible antiques, this market is the right place to go. You will find a huge variety of second-hand items and products, including bicycles, vintage-style lamps, jewelry, and much more. The market operates on the last Sunday of every month.

Fiera di Singaglia

It is considered the best flea market in the city and it attracts crowds every Saturday. Here you can rummage through large piles of clothes and find interesting and very cheap items, find CD collections from the 70s, and not a few good food stalls, offering delicious street food.

Viale Papiniano

This market is a very busy market, where crowds of locals come. You can find different food products, clothing, textiles, very cheap shoes and even plants of all kinds.

Viale Fauche

This market is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 08:00 in the morning until 14:00 in the afternoon and is highly recommended for fashion lovers. It has a selection of luxury brand clothes at excellent prices, and original and good brands. And of course, it is impossible without fresh and delicious food products, such as fine Italian cheeses, excellent butter, and much more.

Piazzale Martini

It is a busy and lively market street, which offers its visitors interesting vintage pieces, textile products of all kinds, and a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.

Milano, also known as the “fashion capital”, attracts quite a few shopping enthusiasts, who are looking for reputable and high-quality brands. There are plenty of good luxury stores and shopping centers around the city that you should visit if shopping is one of your reasons for visiting the city.

Milano’s Fashion District (Quadrilatero della Moda)

This district includes a cluster of some of Milano’s more elegant streets and is packed with high-end boutiques and reputable brands, such as Prada, Gucci, Versace, and more. If you expect to find cheap stores this is not the place to go but if you expect high quality and high fashion, don’t miss it.

Galleria Vitorio Emanuella II

This fancy shopping center is completely covered in glass and contains some of the most prestigious stores in Milano. You can come to it only to smell the scent of the well-known brands and enjoy a slightly different atmosphere, or go on a shopping trip if your budget allows it.

Additional Streets for Shopping at Affordable Prices

Alongside prestigious boutiques and fancy shopping centers, there are also quite a few shopping streets in Milano, which offer shopping options at affordable prices. The most popular fashion stores in the city are located in the following streets:

Corso Vittorio Emaniela II (Corso Vittorio Emaniela II) where Diesel, Ripley, Zara and H&M stores operate

Corso di Porta Ticinese where Milano’s alternative shops are located, including boutiques of young designers and vintage clothes Maximitz

Via Torino with well-known brands such as Zara, Pull and Bear, Foot Locker, and more.

Corso Buenos Aires (Corso Buenos Aires) which, despite being a little far from the city center and not particularly beautiful, is still an important and very prominent street with shops reminiscent of those in Turin.

It is also worth taking a walk in the Berra district full of shops, excellent restaurants, and fine cafes that provide a great urban experience.

Sites Close to the City as Part of Day Trips

There is quite a bit to see and do in Milano itself and this is also the reason why many who come there spend three, four days and sometimes even more. Those who choose to stay overnight in the city and want to get out of it a bit to enjoy what’s around them as well will discover a variety of interesting sites and special points of interest, and all of this, less than 50 km from the city.

The city of Monza

This beautiful city is a few kilometers away from the great Milano and when visiting it you discover the great wealth, which was (and still is) typical of many Italian cities in previous years. It is a city that is lush with green thanks to its lovely park, a city with a fascinating historical center, which presents quite a few important monuments that tell its story.

The Town of Castiglione Olona

At a distance of 40 km from Milano, you will find this charming town. A visit to it is an opportunity to learn a lot about the cultural heritage of Italy and to absorb the typical atmosphere of the more northern region of the country. This is a small town, which is located between the two famous lakes of Italy – Maggiore ) and Como, a city with a rich historical past dating back to the 15th century, the beginning of the Renaissance period. It is recommended to plan to visit it on one of the Sundays when there are wonderful colorful markets that attract both locals and tourists.

Vigevano

It is 45 km from Milano (less than an hour’s drive) and is surrounded by a beautiful forest. Vigbano offers quite a few attractions to its visitors, the main one being the famous Piazza Ducale, described by the composer Arturo Toscanini as a “four-sided siponia”. It was designed by Bramenta with the help of Leonardo da Vinci and it served as a magnificent facade for the city’s impressive castle. Vigbano is also known worldwide as the “Cobbler Capital of Italy” and you should not miss when visiting it, the International Footwear Museum.

The Lakes of Lombardy

Have you spent several days in a row in Milano and you want to rest a bit and are you looking for calm and peace? The lakes of Lombardy, which are half an hour’s drive (more or less) from the city are the perfect place to do this. Some of the most beautiful views in the country (and some claim – in the entire world) await you there and throughout all months of the year. The beautiful Lake Como, which offers lush vegetation around it and a town adjacent to it, the town of Como, with its picturesque alleys and excellent restaurants scattered throughout it, the nearby town of Bellagio with its beautiful botanical garden, which overlooks the lake and an ancient monastery in Fiona. Another lake, in the cluster of these lakes, is Lake Maggiore, which offers romantic itineraries in its surroundings and beautiful towns nearby. It is possible, and even highly recommended, to take a cruise on one of the lakes, if you have caught a beautiful sunny day, and take advantage of it for a pleasant time with the people you love. You can also combine a picnic at one of the stopping points or a good meal at a local Italian restaurant.