Milan is one of Italy’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, and tourists have multiple reasons for visiting the city. It is the beating heart of northern Italy and a city where history, art, fashion, and gastronomy blend seamlessly.
From the breathtaking Gothic spires of the Duomo to the world-famous boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan offers an irresistible mix of old-world charm and modern elegance.
Whether you’re an art lover eager to see da Vinci’s The Last Supper, a foodie craving authentic risotto alla milanese, or a football fan looking to experience the energy of San Siro Stadium, this vibrant city has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the 21 best things to do in Milan—ensuring you make the most of your time in Italy’s style capital.
Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral, known as Duomo di Milano, is a magnificent Gothic cathedral renowned for its intricate architecture, rich history, and panoramic city views. It is also the largest church in Italy and home to the Holy Nail, believed to be from the crucifixion of Christ. As the cathedral church of Milan, it is dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary. Its construction began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries, finally completed in 1965.
Tourists should visit the Duomo for its architectural grandeur, which includes more than 3,400 statues, 135 spires, and 55 stained-glass windows. Visitors can explore the Duomo Museum’s historical and cultural artifacts, admire the forest of openwork pinnacles and spires, and enjoy stunning views of Milan from the rooftop terraces. The Duomo’s central location and spiritual atmosphere make it a must-see.
Hours: 8 am to 7 pm
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
Location: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
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Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforzesco, is a medieval fortification in Milan, constructed in the 15th century on the remnants of a 14th-century structure. Tourists should visit Sforza Castle because it is one of the largest castles in Europe. It has served as a defensive fortress, ducal residence, and military barracks.
The castle now hosts several of Milan’s municipal museums and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Ancient Art and the Pinacoteca. Highlights include Leonardo da Vinci’s frescoed ceiling in the Sala delle Asse and Michelangelo’s final masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini. A tour of the ramparts offers stunning views of Milan and Parco Sempione.
Hours: 10 am to 5.30 pm (Mondays closed)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
La Scala Theatre & Museum
La Scala Theatre, officially known as Teatro alla Scala, is a historic opera house in Milan, Italy, inaugurated in 1778. Regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres globally, it is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, Ballet, Orchestra, and the Filarmonica della Scala orchestra.
Tourists should visit La Scala to experience its rich history and cultural significance. The Museo Teatrale alla Scala houses a collection of paintings, drafts, statues, costumes, and documents related to the history of La Scala and opera. The theatre also has an associate school, known as the La Scala Theatre Academy, which offers professional training in music, dance, stagecraft, and stage management.
Hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza Scala, 20121 Milano. Get Directions
Leonardo’s Last Supper
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is a renowned mural painting created between 1495 and 1498 in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The painting depicts Jesus’s last meal with his apostles, capturing the moment he reveals that one of them will betray him, stirring intense emotions among them.
Tourists should see this iconic masterpiece known for its innovative perspective, emotional depth, and historical and religious significance. The artwork has had a considerable influence on the development of art. Though fragile, it provides a unique experience, with visits limited to 15 minutes to preserve it.
Hours: 8.15 am to 7 pm
Duration: 15 mins to 20 mins
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria Delle Grazie, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Leonardo’s Science Museum
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan is Italy’s largest science and technology museum. It is housed in a 16th-century Olivetan monastery. Tourists should visit to explore exhibits and interactive workshops on subjects including energy, materials, communication, and transport.
The museum contains historical models based on Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings. You can board the Enrico Toti submarine, see steam trains, and view the only Moon fragment visible in Italy. The museum also provides insights into Leonardo da Vinci’s work as an engineer and humanist, with 170 historical models, artworks, and ancient volumes.
Hours: 9.30 am to 5 pm
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Location: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Leonardo3
The Leonardo3 Museum in Milan is an interactive exhibition center dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, portraying him as both an artist and inventor. Tourists should visit to discover 3D restorations of his paintings and working models of his inventions.
The museum hosts over 200 interactive 3D reconstructions. Visitors can explore da Vinci’s works through physical models, interactive software, and 3D reproductions. It is located near Piazza della Scala, the main square of Milan, and provides an immersive experience suitable for all age groups. The museum is accessible and provides audio guides in multiple languages.
Hours: 9.30 am to 8 pm
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 11, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
AC Milan Museum
The AC Milan Museum, also known as Mondo Milan Museum, is located at Casa Milan, the headquarters of AC Milan. Tourists, especially football enthusiasts, should visit to explore over 120 years of the club’s history within 1000 square meters of exhibition space.
The museum creatively showcases AC Milan’s wins and losses through memorabilia, rare historical artifacts, and 42 trophies. Interactive technology, including touch screens and monitors, displays fun facts and important moments in the club’s history. The museum also features the largest replica of the Champions League trophy. And, even if you’re not a hardcore Calcio fan, it’s still a fun place to let the spirit of the beautiful game infect you for a few hours.
Hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Duration: 30 to 40 mins
Location: Via Aldo Rossi 8, Milano. Entrance off Piazza Gino Valle. Get Directions
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions Milan is an interactive museum featuring over 70 illusions that offer entertainment and challenge the brain. Tourists should visit to experience a mind-bending adventure suitable for all ages. Exhibits include the Anti-Gravity Room, Infinity Room, and Vortex Tunnel, providing fascinating visual experiences.
The museum aims to confuse perceptions of up and down while exploring disciplines like biology, science, mathematics, and psychology. Visitors can also enjoy the Smart Shop, offering games, puzzles, and educational toys. It is conveniently located near Milan Central Station.
Hours: 10 am to 8 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Via L. Settembrini 11 20124 Milan, MI. Get Directions
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is one of Milan’s most important museums, founded in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo to make art accessible and inspire future artists. Tourists should visit to see masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Raphael, including Leonardo’s Portrait of a Musician and the Codex Atlanticus. The gallery features works by Botticelli, Titian, and Brueghel.
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, with its ancient reading room, retains original shelving and volumes. Highlights include a lock of Lucrezia Borgia’s hair and Raphael’s School of Athens cartoon. The Pinacoteca offers a journey through art history in a remarkable palazzo near the Duomo.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Location: Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Villa Necchi Campiglio is a historic house museum located in the heart of Milan, built between 1932 and 1935 by architect Piero Portaluppi for the Necchi Campiglio family. Tourists should visit to delve into the Milano of the first half of the 20th century and experience the opulent lifestyle of the industrial bourgeoisie.
The villa showcases a harmonious mix of architecture and decorative arts, with rationalist design and lavish interiors. It features a large garden with a swimming pool and tennis court. The villa also houses significant art collections and a stylish bistro.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Duration: 60 to 90 mins
Location: Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
San Siro Stadium
San Siro Stadium, officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, is a football stadium in Milan, home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. It is Italy’s largest stadium, with a seating capacity of 80,018. Tourists should visit San Siro to experience Italy’s football culture, tour the San Siro Museum with its memorabilia collection, and explore normally off-limits areas like the changing rooms and the Tunnel of Champions. Although there are plans to replace it, San Siro remains a monument to Italian football.
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a major Milan landmark. It is situated in a four-story double arcade and links the Piazza del Duomo to the Piazza della Scala. Designed in 1861 by Giuseppe Mengoni, it was built between 1865 and 1877. The gallery is nicknamed “Milan’s drawing room” because it is a common Milanese meeting and dining place.
Tourists should visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to experience its luxury shops, restaurants, and historical significance. The glass and iron roof is an architectural marvel. A local superstition involves spinning around on the Turin bull mosaic for good luck. The Galleria’s elegance and status as the oldest shopping mall make it a unique destination.
Hours: Open 24×7
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Location: 20123 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Get Directions
Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is Milan’s large urban park in the historic centre. Established in 1888, it spans 38.6 hectares (95 acres). Tourists should visit Parco Sempione to enjoy a green escape with winding paths and ornamental ponds.
Key attractions include the Sforza Castle, Arco della Pace, Arena Civica, Civic Aquarium, and Torre Branca. The park offers a blend of history, nature, and recreational activities, ideal for relaxation and exploration during a Milan visit.
Hours: 6.30 am to 9 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Location: 20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Get Directions
Arco della Pace
The Arco della Pace (“Arch of Peace”) is a 25-meter-high triumphal arch located in Milan’s Parco Sempione. It was designed in 1807 by Luigi Cagnola. Tourists should visit the Arco della Pace to admire its neoclassical style and ornamental marble statues.
Originally built to commemorate Napoleon’s victories, it was later dedicated to the peace of Vienna in 1815. The arch marks the start of Corso Sempione, connecting Milan to Paris. The bronze “Sestiga” (a chariot drawn by six horses) at the top of the arch is a striking feature.
Location: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Brera Picture Gallery
The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s main public art gallery for paintings, located in the Palazzo Brera. Established in 1809 by Napoleon I, it is one of Italy’s largest art galleries. Tourists should visit the Pinacoteca di Brera to view its foremost collection of Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century.
The museum houses masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Bellini. Moreover, visitors can witness conservation activities in the glass-walled restoration laboratory.
Hours: 8.30 am to 6 pm (Mondays closed)
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Location: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie (“Holy Mary of Grace”) is a church and Dominican convent in Milan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Francesco I Sforza ordered its construction in 1463, with Guiniforte Solari as the main architect.
Tourists should visit it to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper mural, which is located in the refectory. The church also reflects the Lombard style of the early Renaissance. The design of the apse is attributed to Donato Bramante.
Hours: 7 am to1 pm and 3 pm to 7:30 pm
Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
Location: Via Giuseppe Antonio Sassi, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Get Directions
Leolandia
Leolandia is Italy’s most popular theme park, located in Capriate San Gervasio, near Bergamo. Tourists, especially families with young children, should visit for a day of guaranteed fun with over 50 attractions spread across eight themed areas. It is particularly suited for younger children, offering 28 rides designed for kids under 90 cm.
Leolandia offers a journey through Italian culture with the historic Minitalia, featuring 160 miniature monuments. Visitors can also enjoy live shows, an aquarium, and a reptile house. Leolandia was founded in 1971 and was known as “Minitalia” until 2008.
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Location: Via Vittorio Veneto, 52, 24042 Capriate S. Gervasio (BG). Get Directions
Note: From June to September, the attraction is open every day. However, during the non-peak season (October to May), the theme Park opens only on certain days.
Explore TicketsGardaland Park
Gardaland is Italy’s largest theme park and one of Europe’s best. It is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, next to Lake Garda. Tourists should visit Gardaland for its wide variety of rides, attractions and shows suitable for all ages, from Peppa Pig Land to thrill rides like Oblivion and Blue Tornado.
The park includes Gardaland Park, Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium, and Legoland Water Park. With themed areas, live entertainment, and diverse dining options, Gardaland offers a memorable experience for families and thrill-seekers alike. Consider a two-day visit to explore everything fully.
Hours: 10 am to 11 pm
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Location: Via Derna, 4, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda VR, Italy. Get Directions
Note: Gardaland is open from the beginning of March to the end of September.
Explore TicketsPeppa Pig Land at Gardaland Park
Peppa Pig Land is a themed area within Gardaland Park, designed as a wonderland for children. Tourists, especially families with young children, should visit to meet Peppa Pig and George and enjoy Peppa Pig-themed rides, including Grandpa Pig’s Train Ride, Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, and Pirate Island Boat Ride.
Additionally, there is a replica of Peppa’s yellow house. The area provides interactive zones and water activities, along with Mr. Fox’s Supermarket for souvenirs.
Hours: 10 am to 11 pm
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Location: 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda, Province of Verona, Italy. Get Directions
Legoland at Gardaland
Legoland Water Park is a water-themed park inside Gardaland Resort, and it can only be accessed via the main theme park. Tourists, especially families with children, should visit to experience the Lego-themed attractions and immerse themselves in a world built with millions of Lego bricks.
Highlights include Miniland, featuring scaled replicas of Italian monuments made from over 4 million Lego bricks, and the Lego River Adventure, where visitors can customize rafts and float along a gentle current. The park also offers themed areas like Beach Party and Duplo Water Works, ensuring a fun-filled day.
Hours: 10 am to 11 pm
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Location: Via Derna, 4, 37014 Castelnuovo del Garda VR, Italy. Get Directions
SEA LIFE Aquarium
If you’re visiting Gardaland Theme Park, you cannot miss the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium is a themed aquarium within the Gardaland Resort accessible on foot from the park. Tourists should visit to explore the underwater world with over 5,000 creatures from 100 different species in 40 themed tanks.
The aquarium aims to raise awareness about marine conservation. Key attractions include the ocean tunnel, interactive tanks, and themed areas such as the coral reef and tropical lagoon. You can also look at the different species through large windows and transparent domes.
Hours: 10.30 am to 6 pm
Duration: 90 mins to 2 hours
Location: Via Derna, 437014, Castelnuovo d/G, Verona. Get Directions
