Cathedral, Lookout

No visitor should miss the city’s main landmark, the Duomo cathedral, situated in the very heart of the metropolis. Officially known as the ‘Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary’, this Catholic church is the fifth-largest cathedral and the largest in Italy, and the second-largest on the Apennine Peninsula after St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The Duomo di Milano is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and can accommodate…

Shopping class

The Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Arcade is Milan’s number one tourist attraction. Crowds flock here to admire the unique architecture of the covered shopping arcade and to spin on the bull’s testicles (a mosaic of a bull in the paving), which is said to bring good luck. [btn "Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-galleria] The arcade is a symbol of Milan’s opulent luxury…

Opera

At first glance, the unassuming La Scala theatre building is situated in Piazza della Scala, which can be reached directly fromthe Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.  La Scala is one of the most respected opera houses in the world. It hosts performances by some of the world’s most renowned opera singers, and attending a performance here is an unforgettable cultural experience. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide…

Castle, Museum

Originally the Visconti Palace and later Castello Sforzesco, the home of the powerful Sforza dynasty, it is now home to more than a dozen museums and is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. This unusual red-brick building once hosted the master Leonardo da Vinci, who designed the castle’s defences. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in…

Shopping class

The pedestrianised Via Dante is one of Milan’s most important boulevards and a popular tourist attraction. Via Dante connects Piazza Cordusio, near the centre of Milan (close to the Duomo), with Largo Cairoli, home to the famous Castello Sforzesco. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels. The street is therefore a natural tourist route between Milan’s two most important…

Park

The city’s largest park is a favourite spot for both Milanese locals and visitors. Take a lovely stroll to the Arco della Pace, where you can satisfy your hunger at one of the restaurants, or lie down on the grass and relax with a good book. Those looking for a bit more activity can join the many runners who use the park for their daily jog. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and…

Gateway

Many European cities have built triumphal arches in the past, and Milan is no exception. It boasts the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), which was built on the site of the ancient Porta Semipone gate, which formed part of the city’s Roman fortifications in antiquity. Although Milan’s arch certainly does not rival the fame of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, it is nonetheless one of the city’s main landmarks. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to…

Gallery, Church

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie will captivate you not only with its unusual red façade, but also with the treasure hidden within its walls: the mural *The Last Supper* by the master Leonardo da Vinci. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels. [btn "Book your hotel in Milan in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-posledni…

Gallery

One of Italy's most prestigious art schools and Milan's largest gallery is located in the historic Brera district, just a few hundred metres from the city centre. Allow extra time to visit, as the local collections, which include greats such as Titian, Tintoretto and Caravaggio, are truly vast. If you are at least a little bit interested in art, it is no problem to spend 3 hours or more here. [btn "Book a hotel in Milan at a discount here"…

Shopping class, City Quarter

One of the most popular activities that draws crowds from all over the world to Milan is, without a doubt, shopping. Milan is a global fashion capital; it is here that many famous brands were born, and it is here that you can experience a real shopping spree. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels. [btn "Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it…

Basilica

Saint Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, is buried in the crypt of the Basilica of Saint Ambrose. This church is one of Milan’s most significant landmarks and one of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in the city. [btn "The 10 cheapest hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-ambrogio] Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity during the 4th century and,…

City Quarter, Water Canal

The Navigli district stretches along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals. These canals were the city’s main arteries, along which vast quantities of goods were brought into Milan. 👉 Not sure which part of Milan to stay in? Take a look at our guide to the best neighbourhoods and hotels. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-navigli] The most picturesque…

Street

Corso Como is a popular shopping street on the border between the city centre and modern Milan, near Porta Garibaldi railway station and Piazza Gae Aulenti, which is considered the heart of modern Milan. You certainly mustn’t miss Corso Como if you’re heading to Milan for a spot of shopping. [btn "Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-como] 10 Corso Como The shopping…

City Quarter

Lovers of Italy often find that Milan lacks the atmosphere of traditional Italy – those narrow streets lined with little houses featuring colourful wooden shutters, home to tiny cafés and ice-cream parlours. And it is precisely in the small Brera district that you’ll find just that. Wander aimlessly through the narrow streets, admire the traditional Italian architecture and listen to the hum of the Vespa, so beloved in Italy. 👉 Not sure…

Palace

The Royal Palace, Palazzo Reale in Italian, is one of the central monuments of the historic centre and is located right on the Piazza del Duomo. It is the largest urban palace in Milan and has been one of the main seats of many Milanese governments across several centuries. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-reale] The palace covers an area of over 7,000square meters and…

Archaeological site

The Colonne di San Lorenzo (Columns of St. Lawrence) is one of the most important remains of the ancient world in Milan. They were probably originally part of a pagan temple or baths and probably date from the 2nd century AD. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-colonne] Colonnade of 16 columns During the 4th century, the columns were moved to their current location to form…

Park

After Parco Sempione, the second most popular city park is the Giardini Pubblici, the public gardens on the northern edge of the city centre. The gardens were founded in 1784, at a time when Milan was ruled by the Habsburgs, and thus became Milan’s first park intended for public recreation. [btn "Top 10 most luxurious hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-giardini] Relaxation and culture The…

City Quarter, Skyscraper

Milan is the economic heart of Italy and one of the main economic centres of southern Europe. If you’d like to visit a modern district home to the Italian branches of many global companies, head to the northern edge of the city centre, to the Porta Garibaldi district and the central square, Piazza Gae Aulenti. This is the heart of modern Milan; it is here that you will find the greatest concentration of skyscrapers, shopping centres and…

Museum

The Twentieth Century Museum is an ideal retreat on rainy days. In addition to artworks by world-famous painters, photographers and sculptors, the view of the city's central Piazza Duomo will captivate your gaze. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-novecento] Museum collections The Museo del Novecento was only opened in 2010 with the aim of establishing a major…

Skyscraper

The Velasca skyscraper is one of the symbols of Milan. Much hated and much loved, nothing in between. Milanese are divided into two camps, there is simply no neutral opinion on this controversial building. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-velasca] A symbol of modern Milan The building was built in 1956 as Italy's first ever skyscraper to exceed 100 metres,…

Modern Building

The pair of residential buildings known as Bosco Verticale, or ‘Vertical Forest’, are among the jewels of modern Milanese and indeed global architecture. The buildings are 111 and 76 metres tall, and their entire façade is covered by more than 900 specially treated trees, which grow on numerous terraces. [btn "View the 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-bosco] Construction of the…

Cemetery

Although cemeteries are generally not among the most popular sights, Milan's largest Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale) is definitely worth a visit. The entrance to the cemetery alone is more reminiscent of a cathedral than a regular entrance gate. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Milan" https://www.booking.com/city/it/milan.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-milan-hrbitov] Majestic tombs and famous personalities The new cemetery was opened in…

Shopping class

The upmarket shopping district of Quadrilatero d'oro della Moda is connected to the long, bustling Corso Buenos Aires, stretching from Porta Venezia to Piazzale Loreto. Unlike the centre of Milan itself, where you'll find mainly luxury brands, Corso Buenos Aires combines expensive shops of famous brands with cheaper outlets, making it suitable for the more frugal traveller. [btn "Book a hotel in Milan at a discount here" https://www.booking…