Things to Do in Milan
50 curated spots from Milan itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Stroll the opulent arcade, spin on the bull mosaic, and window-shop luxury boutiques.
1h · Free
Pinacoteca di Brera
Spend a couple of hours with major Italian paintings, then linger in the surrounding streets for galleries, boutiques, and people-watching.
2h · $15-20
Duomo di Milano & Rooftop Terraces
Visit the cathedral interior, then take the lift up to the terraces for panoramic views over the city’s spires—an ideal spot for romantic photos.[1][3]
2h · $20-30
Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione
Walk through the courtyards of Sforza Castle and then wander hand-in-hand through Parco Sempione, finding quiet corners and city viewpoints.
2h 30m · $5-15 (park free, castle museums small fee)Duomo di Milano and Rooftop Terraces
Visit the cathedral and, if you like, go up to the terraces for close-up views of the spires and skyline.
2h · $20-35 or Free
Duomo di Milano
Visit Milan’s vast Gothic cathedral, admire the stained glass and altars inside, and, if budget allows, consider the basic entry ticket; cover shoulders and knees, and avoid carrying large bags.
1h 30m · $10-15
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
Stroll Milan’s historic public gardens with tree-lined paths, ponds, and benches perfect for easing into the trip.
1h · Free
Parco Sempione
Picnic, rent bikes, or relax by the lake and Arch of Peace.
1h 30m · Free
Brera District Walk
Wander narrow streets, small squares, and artisan shops; pause in hidden courtyards and browse galleries and boutiques.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Cimitero Monumentale
Explore monumental tombs and sculptures in this impressive historic cemetery.
1h 30m · Free
Colonne di San Lorenzo & Corso di Porta Ticinese
Visit the Roman columns and walk along Corso di Porta Ticinese, dotted with vintage shops and street art.
1h 30m · FreeDuomo di Milano & Rooftop
Tour the interior of Milan’s Gothic cathedral, then take the lift up to the rooftop terraces to walk among intricate spires and enjoy some of the best city views and photo angles in Milan.[1][2]
2h · $20-30 (combined ticket with rooftop)
Duomo di Milano & Terraces
Tour the Gothic cathedral interior and climb to the terraces for 360° views; great photography spot.
2h · $20
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & Piazza Exploration
Step into the 19th‑century glass-roofed shopping arcade beside the Duomo, admire its mosaics and ironwork, window-shop the luxury boutiques, and wander the surrounding piazzas.[2][5][6]
1h · Free
Mercato Comunale Wagner
Browse this covered neighborhood market with fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and prepared foods, observing daily local life.
1h · Free (purchases extra)
Museo del Novecento
Explore 20th‑century Italian art with big windows overlooking Piazza del Duomo, offering both culture and views.
1h 30m · $12-18
Navigli Canals
Stroll canals, bridges for photos, street art (20-min metro from Fashion area).
1h 30m · Free
Piazza Gae Aulenti & Bosco Verticale
Explore the elevated Piazza Gae Aulenti, then walk to see the tree‑covered Bosco Verticale towers and the creative Isola district.[1][4][14]
2h · Free
Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale Evening Walk
Take the metro to Porta Garibaldi, explore Piazza Gae Aulenti and the modern high-rises, then walk to the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers for golden-hour photos.[1][3]
1h 30m · Free
Quadrilatero della Moda Walk
Explore Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and surrounding streets, admiring high-fashion window displays.
1h 30m · Free
Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper
Visit the Renaissance church and see Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ in the refectory; entry is strictly timed and must be pre-booked days or weeks ahead.[1][3]
1h 30m · $20-30 (with reservation/booking fee)
Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione
See the castle grounds, then take a relaxed walk through the park for a softer, greener side of Milan.
1h 30m · Free
Aperitivo in Navigli
Spend the evening by the canals for aperitivo, a relaxed drink, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
2h · $15-25
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Visit one of Milan’s most important churches and admire its Romanesque architecture.
1h · Free or small donation
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Walk to this ancient basilica with its Romanesque façade and peaceful cloistered courtyard, a quiet contrast to the Duomo’s grandeur.[1][3]
1h · Free (donation appreciated)
Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio & Museo Diocesano Area
Visit the historic basilica with its chapels and peaceful cloister, then wander nearby streets toward Porta Ticinese for layered medieval and early Christian history.
1h 30m · $6-10 for museum areas, basilica entry by donation or small fee
Bosco Verticale & Isola Architecture Walk
Loop through Piazza Gae Aulenti and pedestrian bridges to see the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers and new skyline.[1]
2h · Free
Bosco Verticale & Piazza Gae Aulenti
See the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers and explore the modern Piazza Gae Aulenti with its elevated walkways and fountains.
1h 30m · Free
Brera District
Explore Pinacoteca di Brera gallery, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops.
2h · $20
Brera District Evening Walk
Explore cobbled streets, small piazzas, and art galleries, then browse artisan shops.
1h 30m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Pavé
Have pastries, good coffee, and a relaxed morning start before exploring the neighborhood.
1h · $10-20 per person
Trattoria Torre di Pisa
Order a classic Milanese lunch such as risotto alla milanese or cotoletta with a simple glass of wine.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Ratanà
End with a polished dinner in a contemporary but easygoing setting; try a Milanese classic such as cotoletta or another seasonal northern Italian dish.
1h 30m · €35-50 per person
Luini Panzerotti
Famous spot for panzerotti—fried or baked stuffed dough pockets—perfect for a quick, tasty lunch near the Duomo.
45m · $8-12 per person
Mag Cafè
Aperitivo with spritz and small plates; canal views.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Ristorante Nabucco
Classic Brera trattoria with outdoor seating on a charming lane; try risotto alla milanese or ossobuco for a local specialty.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Panificio Pattini
Traditional bakery with focaccia, simple pastries, and good coffee; grab something quick at the counter.
30m · $5-10 per person
N’Ombra de Vin
Atmospheric wine bar and restaurant set in a historic cellar near Brera’s main streets; share a tagliere (meat and cheese board) or pasta and explore the extensive wine list.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Osteria del Gnocco Fritto
Emilian-style osteria known for plates of cured meats and warm gnocco fritto bread to share.
1h 30m · $20-28 per person
Panini De Santis
Grab a coffee and a filled focaccia or panino to start the day near the Duomo; they have many combinations with quality ingredients.
45m · $8-15 per person
Pasticceria Marchesi 1824
Start with a cappuccino and a cornetto before you begin the Duomo area; it is an easy, classic Milanese breakfast in a refined setting.
1h · $10-20 per person
Pavé Brera
Chic café; get cornetto and espresso (10-min walk from Sforzesco).
45m · $10-15 per person
Bar Brera
Classic café with outdoor tables on a Brera square; good for a simple pastry and coffee as the neighborhood wakes up.
45m · $8-15 per person
Eataly Milano Smeraldo
Multi-level food hall with several sit-down restaurants serving regional Italian dishes; book a table and sample fresh pasta, seafood, or pizza after your Porta Nuova walk.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Fioraio Bianchi Caffè
Flower shop turned bistro; order pasta or salads in garden setting.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
Book a refined dinner in the fashion district with Italian classics and a polished terrace-like feel.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
Luini
Grab a classic panzerotto and coffee near the Duomo before starting the day; go for the spinach-and-tomato version if you want a local favorite.
45m · $10-18 per person
Marchesi 1824
Stop in for coffee, dessert, or a refined early dinner in an elegant historic pastry-house setting.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Nabucco Ristorante
Classic restaurant with outdoor tables on a pretty Brera square, serving pasta, risotto, and seasonal dishes; linger over a glass of wine.
1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Osteria Brunello
Stylish but comfortable osteria on Corso Garibaldi serving refined Lombard dishes and a solid wine list; dress smart-casual for the evening.
1h 30m · $35-55 per person