From lively Brera to romantic Navigli, through the Pinacoteca: here are the 10 things you absolutely must do and see in Milan.
A metropolitan and European city with numerous facets, the undisputed capital of fashion and design, the nerve center of all northern Italy, Milan is a glimpse of the world that I love to define as “colorful and eclectic.”
A walk through the historic center, between fashionable streets and ancient churches, would be enough for you to realize how much cultural, artistic, and architectural vibrancy exists in this city. From the ultra-modern skyscrapers of City Hall to the ancient foundations of the most famous Basilicas, from the intact towers of Castles that made history here to the scenic beauty of the Navigli… Milan has so much to offer and, when seen through the slow and unhurried eyes of a tourist, it can move you in every corner.
WHAT TO SEE IN MILAN
To visit Milan, or at least its main attractions, you’ll need a long weekend. I strongly advise against using a car because many streets are off-limits or have limited traffic, and anyway, parking is expensive. Rather, rely on public transportation, which is precise and punctual. There are various solutions that can help you save money, including daily passes (€4.50 per day) that allow you to freely use buses, metro, and trams.
Below is a list of 10 things you absolutely must do and see in Milan, the Fashion Capital.
DUOMO
Among the things to do and see in Milan, the Duomo deserves a place of honor. It is one of the most visited monuments in Italy and, by extension, one of the largest churches in the world. The style follows the Gothic idea, with a Latin cross plan, five naves, and spires and pinnacles that “dazzle” with their majesty. The cathedral can be visited every day from 8 am to 7 pm, with a single ticket costing €3 that includes access to the Church, the Museum, and the Church of San Gottardo in Corte. I also recommend going up to the terraces, from which you can enjoy a splendid view of the entire Milan (the cost is €9 on foot and €13 by elevator).
ROYAL PALACE
Former seat of the Lombard-Venetian Kingdom, the Royal Palace rises right to the right of the Duomo’s façade, exactly opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Of particular importance is the Hall of the Caryatids, on the main floor, which stands where the ancient theater once was. Next to the Royal Palace is the Museum of the 900 (if you have time, I recommend visiting it).
GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II
It is one of the most chic and exclusive places, a symbol of the splendor and majestic beauty of Milan. The Vittorio Emanuele Gallery is the famous covered passage that connects Corso Vittorio Emanuele II with Piazza Beccaria. 10 meters wide and 85 meters long, it stands majestically with an iron and glass structure and is characterized by marble floors and Venetian mosaics. A curiosity? At the exact center is the image of a bull. It is said that, to ensure a second visit to the city, you must step on the animal’s testicles and turn on your heel… Is it true? I, to be safe, did it… twice!
LA SCALA THEATER
The preferred “home” of classic operas and ballets, La Scala Theater is one of the most famous theaters in the world. It rises in Piazza della Scala, right in front of the “back” entrance of the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery. Next to it is the Casino Ricordi, today the headquarters of the La Scala Theater Museum.
BRERA ART GALLERY
With almost 30,000 square meters of surface area, it is one of the most famous national galleries of ancient and modern art. The Pinacoteca is located in the palace of the same name, in the Brera district, one of the most lively and artistic areas of the city. It is one of the things you absolutely must see in Milan because, inside, it houses works of Venetian and Lombard painting, including paintings by Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Van Dyck, Hayez, Perugino, and Mantegna. The Pinacoteca is open Monday to Saturday, and the entrance ticket costs €10.
SFORZA CASTLE
It is one of the main historical symbols of the city and takes its name from Francesco Sforza, who became Duke of Milan in the 15th century. The Castle is one of the largest in Europe and, today, is also the headquarters of cultural institutions and works of great value. Inside, for example, is Michelangelo Buonarroti’s Pietà Rondanini, the work that the artist completed a few days before his death. Behind the Castle opens Sempione Park, which offers picturesque views and a long avenue that ends with the Arch of Peace.
SANTA MARIA DELLE GRAZIE
A Renaissance church with Gothic interiors, Santa Maria delle Grazie rises
