Things to Do in Milan

Choose from 46 Fun Things to Do in Milan

Via Manzoni

Milan is world-famous for its fashion industry, much of which is located in one small section of the city – including along the Via Manzoni. The Quadrilatero della Moda, or “fashion quarter,” sits northeast of the Duomo, with Via Manzoni serving as its northwestern border. Unlike some of the other streets in the quarter, Via Manzoni is not pedestrianized – it's a relatively major street leading from the Teatro della Scala almost to the Giardini Pubblici in the northeast of the city.

In addition to the shops on Via Manzoni – Armani Casa and Paul Smith among them – this street is also home to the Armani Hotel, the Grand Hotel et de Milan (where Verdi died in 1901), and the Museo Poldi Pezzoli (with a collection of artists from northern Italy, the Netherlands, and Flanders).

Practical Info

Via Manzoni cuts through Milan's historic center, running southwest-to-northeast, from the Teatro della Scala nearly to the Giardini Pubblici. The Montenapoleone Metro stop is right in the middle of the street.

Via Manzoni, Milan, Italy

From $ 41

Stresa

Lying on the western flank of thin, wispy Lake Maggiore, Stresa is an elegant resort backed by the Alpine foothills of Monte Mottarone and beloved of travellers for the grandiose hotels spread along its tree-lined promenade. Summer sees lidos bordering the lake and visitor-thronged craft markets on Thursday afternoons; come the balmy evenings the cobbled streets of the town are equally packed with locals and tourists alike enjoying a passeggiata (nightly stroll) before they settle down to dine al fresco in leafy Piazza Cadorna.

Once the hang out of literary stars Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway, the jewels in Stresa’s crown are undoubtedly the three miniature Isole Borromee (Borromean Islands) just minutes away across Lake Maggiore by ferry. Owned by the all-powerful Borromeo clan since the 12th century, today they exist in a Baroque time warp; while Isola Bella and Isola Madre both boast extraordinary 17th-century palazzi decorated with unbelievable decadence and surrounded by formal terraced gardens – built as the Borromeos’ private pleasure grounds – every inch of Isola dei Pescatori is smothered in miniscule churches, art galleries, souvenir shops and fish restaurants with lake views at each turn. The aristocratic Borromeo family ruled over tracts of Lombardy for centuries, building another elaborate palace at Rocco Borromeo on Maggiore’s southwestern shore; Archbishop Carlo Borromeo was canonized in 1610 and a vast bronze statue stands in his honor at Angera.

Practical Info

The tourist office is at Piazza Marconi on the lakefront and opens daily from 10am to 12:30pm and from 3 to 6:30pm. From November to February, it is closed on Sunday. Ferries to the Isole Borromee also leave from Piazza Marconi. Stresa is linked with Milan by 20 trains a day and journey time is about 90 minutes. Boats operated by Navigazione Laghi leave Arona at the southern tip of Maggiore and take 40 minutes to reach Stresa. For drivers, the A8 runs west from Milan to Sesto Calende near the southern end of the lake; from there Route SS33 follows the western shore to Stresa. The trip takes just over an hour, much longer at the weekend in summer.

Stresa 28838, Italy

From $ 48

Palazzo Lombardia

While most palazzos are historic, Milan's Palazzo Lombardia is modern skyscraper. Completed in 2010, the building reigned as the tallest building in all of Italy at 529 feet (161 meters) tall for about a year until another Milan skyscraper was built in 2011.

Today, the Palazzo Lombardia serves as the headquarters for Lombardy's government. Even with that main administrative purpose, the ground level is open to the public with shops, restaurants, bars, and even an auditorium for performances.

Practical Info

Palazzo Lombardia, also called Regione Lombardia, is located on Via Melchiorre Gioia in the Porta Nuova district to the north of Milan's city center.

Piazza Città di Lombardia, 1, Milano 20124, Italy

From $ 75

Palazzo Real (Royal Palace)

Today, Milan is part of a unified Italy – but centuries ago, it was the center of its own empire, and has a Royal Palace to prove it. Milan's Palazzo Reale sits to one side of the Piazza del Duomo, a U-shaped building with its own piazza in the center (called the Piazzetta Reale). The Dukes of Milan moved into the Royal Palace from the Castello Sforzesco in the early 16th century, though the building predates that move. Much of the exterior we see today dates from the 18th century.

Today, the Palazzo Reale houses a Palace Museum tracing the history of the building's use, the Great Museum of the Duomo of Milan, as well as regular exhibitions of contemporary art – including displays of work by Monet, Picasso, Klimt, Kandinsky, and more. The artwork on display changes on a regular basis, loaned from major museums worldwide.

Practical Info

Milan's Royal Palace is adjacent to the Duomo, and is open Mondays from 2:30-7:30pm, Tuesday-Sundays from 9:30am-10:30pm. Tickets are €9.

Piazza del Duomo, 12, Milan, Italy

Mondays from 2:30-7:30pm, Tuesday-Sundays from 9:30am-10:30pm.

€9

From $ 36

Pinacoteca di Brera

The Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s most important museums, is a highlight of Milan’s fashionable Brera neighborhood. This impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings includes masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Tintoretto, Piero della Francesca, and Andrea Mantegna.

The Basics

Housed in the baroque 17th-century Palazzo di Brera, the Pinacoteca di Brera has grand interiors and a lovely neoclassical cloister, and a visit to its stellar collection is a must for any art enthusiast. The museum's headliner is The Lamentation of Christ by Andrea Mantegna, a Mannerist gem. The surrounding Brera district, a charming maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafés near the Duomo in the city center, is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Milan. Join a walking tour of Brera that includes skip-the-line tickets to the Pinacoteca di Brera to explore both the neighborhood and its most famous attraction. Brera is also a great place to experience Milan’s excellent food and wine scene, so consider joining a small-group food walking tour that has a gastronomic bent.

Things to Know Before You Go

Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the Brera Pinacoteca, but the surround neighborhood is one of the most photogenic in the city, so bring your camera anyway.
A visit of the museum and tour of Brera requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
The Pinacoteca is accessible to people with limited mobility via an entrance with an elevator, which is located at Via Fiori Oscuri, 2.

How to Get There

The Pinacoteca di Brera is right in the center of Milan, an easy walk north from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Otherwise, the nearest metro stops are Lanza (M2 line), Montenapoleone (M3 line), and Cairoli (M1 line).

When to Get There

Try to avoid visiting the first Sunday of the month, when the Pinacoteca is free to enter—and therefore very crowded. Better to visit on a weekday morning (Tuesday through Sunday; the gallery is closed on Mondays) and take the afternoon to explore the surrounding neighborhood.

Milan’s Food and Wine Scene

You may be surprised to discover that the cosmopolitan city of Milan is known for more than just fashion. This northern Italian capital also has a thriving food and wine scene that features both traditional dishes rooted in the area’s history and up-and-coming contemporary cuisine, especially in Brera. Take a food or wine walking tour through the neighborhood, and experience the city’s gourmet side for yourself.

Via Brera 28, Milan 20121, Italy

Varies

From $ 19

Sempione Park (Parco Sempione)

Chic Milan is known for its contemporary elegance and relentless pace, so it may come as a surprise to learn that one of Italy’s loveliest city parks sits at its heart. Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) covers 116 acres (47 hectares) of central Milan, offering a welcome respite from the surrounding urban hustle and bustle.

The Basics

Located just behind Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) and adjacent to the fashionable Brera neighborhood, this public park was laid out in the late 1800s. The grounds include gravel paths, the triumphal Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), a lake, and even the small Arena Civica used for concerts and sporting events. The park’s Torre Branca tower offers a bird’s-eye view of the entire city. Museums inside the park include the Triennale contemporary art and design museum in the Palazzo dell’Arte and the city’s small aquarium.

Sempione Park is one of the best places in Milan to take a relaxing stroll or bike ride, perhaps as part of a walking or bike tour of the city’s highlights. On sunny weekends, many city residents relax in the park—and there’s no reason you shouldn’t follow suit. It’s also an excellent stop on a Segway or rickshaw tour and is especially recommended as a stop on a kid-friendly private tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

If visiting Milan with kids, Parco Sempione is a great place for them to run around.
The park is the perfect spot to snap unique photos of the city, so be sure to bring your camera.
The park is best explored on foot; choose comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
There are a number of well-maintained gravel and paved paths accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

Parco Sempione is in Milan’s city center, an easy walk from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Cadorna and Cairoli Castello metro stops are both just outside the park. Milan is well connected by train to other Italian cities like Venice, Florence, and Rome.

When to Get There

Sempione Park opens at 6:30am daily and closes at 9pm in winter and as late as 11:30pm in summer. It’s relatively empty in the early morning and late evening hours, but during the day—especially in summer—the park serves as a cool oasis for locals and tourists alike.

Seeing the Nearby Last Supper

Santa Maria delle Grazie, the church and monastery that houses Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic The Last Supper mural, is just a 15-minute walk from Parco Sempione, so it’s easy to combine the two sights into a single tour.

Italy

From $ 25

Serravalle Designer Outlet

Shopping in Milan isn't limited to the boutiques in the city center; there are outlet malls near Milan, too, including the Serravalle Designer Outlet. The town of Serravalle Scrivia is southwest of Milan, en route to Genoa, and the outlet center there has nearly 200 shops. You'll find designer brands like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, and more, all at discounted outlet prices of 30 to 70 percent off retail.

The outdoor shopping center at Serravalle is Italy's first and largest shopping mall, and the architecture is designed to reflect Italian style.

Practical Info

Serravalle Designer Outlet is open daily from 10am-8pm, and is just under 60 miles from Milan. There's a special shuttle bus service to/from Milan which costs €20-25 for adults and €10 for children ages 4-12. There are three departures from Milan (10, 11am, and 1:30pm) and two departures from the outlets (5 and 8pm).

Via della Moda, 1, Serravalle, Italy

Daily 10am-8pm

From $ 23

San Sepolcro Church (Chiesa di San Sepolcro)

The Church of San Sepolcro in Milan was originally founded in the 11th century. It has gone through several changes over the centuries since then, but the main attraction for most visitors is the crypt underneath the church.

Most of the renovations to the church were made in the 17th century. The crypt under San Sepolcro was reopened in 2016 after 50 years of being closed. There are 11th-century frescoes, Medieval graves, and Roman paving stones in the crypt. The 14the-century sarcophagus in the church is said to contain earth brought to Italy from Jerusalem by the crusaders, as well as a lock of Mary Magdalene’s hair.

The church is just behind the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and was a particular favorite of Leonardo da Vinci - so much so that when he drew his map of Milan, he put the Church of San Sepolcro at its center. Some of those drawings are on display in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.

Practical Info

An audioguide is included with the price of admission to the crypt, so visitors can take a self-guided tour.

Piazza S. Sepolcro, Milan 20123, Italy

Daily 12pm-8pm

Crypt - €10

From $ 12

Quadrilatero d'Oro

The Quadrilatero d’Oro, or the Golden Rectangle, is the center of high fashion in Milan—a district filled with luxe boutiques, swanky bars, smart cafés, and cool restaurants. The windows boast the latest haute couture from high-end labels such as Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Versace, Valentino, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana.

The Basics

The Quadrilatero d’Oro is located just north of the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and is a beautiful area to walk around. For those without the deep pockets for these high-fashion stores, the window displays alone are worth a gander and give visitors a taste of the high life. Book a tour of Milan’s fashion district to learn more about the industry and how the city came to be a center for style and design.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Quadrilatero d’Oro is a must-visit for fashionistas.
Wear comfortable shoes as most of the district’s streets are cobbled.
Along with high-end shops, you can also find cinemas, bookstores, cafés, and department stores in the area.

How to Get There

The Quadrilatero d’Oro is located in the center of Milan, at the crossroads of Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Montenapoleone. To arrive by public transit, you can take the M3 metro line to Montenapoleone and walk three minutes down Via Montenapoleone. Alternatively, the district is a 15-minute walk from the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

When to Get There

Many of the shops in the Quadrilatero d’Oro are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 7:30pm and on Mondays from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Shoppers can score great deals on haute couture during Italy’s two national sales periods, in January and July.

The History of the Golden Rectangle

The brands might be new, but the streets surrounding the Quadrilatero d’Oro have always been a place of high society. Interspersed among the haute couture boutiques are old mansions once owned by Milanese nobility. Today the Poldi Pezzoli and the Bagatti Valsecchi Palazzo are house-museums and the Palazzo Morando is home to the city’s fashion museum.

Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni and Via della Spiga, Milan 20100, Italy

From $ 43

San Siro Stadium (Stadio San Siro)

Milan hosts two top-division soccer (football) teams at San Siro Stadium, the largest in Italy. Also known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the stadium was built in 1925 for the AC Milan team, and in 1947, the rival FC Internazionale team, known as Inter, also moved in. Today, up to 80,000 fans fill the stadium to watch live games.

The Basics

True footie fans can join a Milan football tour that includes a San Siro Stadium tour of the field, the team locker rooms, and the stadium museum dedicated to the history of both the Milan and Inter clubs. Many soccer-centric tours also stop at Casa Milan, the stylish AC Milan headquarters. Otherwise, hop on a city sightseeing bus and combine stops at the stadium and museum with visits to other city highlights such as the Duomo and La Scala. San Siro is also used for concerts and other large events, so there are non-football opportunities to see the stadium as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

Watching a soccer game in Italy is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by chanting and cheering fans. Be sure to book tickets well in advance, as they quickly sell out for home games.
Large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside the stadium, and there is a security check where bags are searched for banned items.
Inter players dress in blue and black, and Milan players in red and black.
An official store sells team scarves and other souvenirs for fans.

How to Get There

San Siro, located on Piazzale Angelo Moratti in the San Siro neighborhood west of downtown Milan, is easy to reach on public transportation: take the metro purple line (M5) or bus/tram 49 and 16.

When to Get There

The soccer season runs from August to May. The stadium museum is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, though the hours may change on game days.

Italy’s Soccer Clubs

Football is Italy’s national sport, and home matches of Milan’s two Serie A teams are the greatest highlights of the year for fans. Emotions run high at their derbies—especially when the teams are vying for a spot in the Champions League or World Cup. Nearly every Italian city and town has a home football team. Milan and Inter are the two teams based in Milan, while other famous big-city clubs are Roma, Lazio, Juventus, and Napoli.

Italy

Varies

From $ 16

Sirmione

The town of Sirmione occupies the tip of a tiny peninsular that protrudes into the southern edge of Lake Garda in northern Italy. Its unique position makes it a popular tourist destination.

Sirmione is known to have been a popular resort town since the 1st century B.C.E., largely because of its thermal hot springs. Much of what you see in Sirmione today is newer, but there are Roman ruins in the historic center, too. The remains of a Roman villa are at the end of the peninsula, and are called the Grottoes of Catullus - the name of a Roman poet whose family lived in Sirmione in the 1st century B.C.E.

Another attraction is the Rocca Scaligera, a 13th-century castle. The picturesque and small historic center gets very crowded during the summer months, so if you can spend the night you may enjoy some peace and quiet.

Practical Info

Sirmione is roughly 80 miles from Milan, or about two hours on the faster train. You would need to take the train to nearby Desenzano del Garda, and then take a bus to Sirmione. It may seem easier (and faster) to drive, but because space is limited and the historic center is pedestrianized, parking can be very difficult.

Sirmione, Italy

From $ 80

Navigli District

The center of Milan was once crisscrossed with a series of interconnecting canals, called “navigli,” used to transport goods and people. Two still exist just south of the city center, and the surrounding Navigli District is one of Milan’s trendiest areas, full of galleries, cafés, restaurants, and clubs. It’s a hot spot worth a visit.

The Basics

The Navigli District is known for its vibrant nightlife. On summer evenings and weekends, the streets come to life with teeming bars and nightclubs, many with outdoor tables along the canals or located directly on the water on floating barges. This is the great place to discover Milan’s thriving food and wine scene, so consider joining a Milan aperitivo tour or beer tasting, or a walking tour of the neighborhood with a gourmet slant.

Things to Know Before You Go

The picturesque Navigli area, with its canals and colorful period buildings, is one of the most photogenic neighborhoods in Milan. Be sure to bring your camera.
One of the prettiest corners is Vicolo dei Lavandai, an offshoot of Naviglio Grande, where the Milanese would do their washing by hand. Today, the lane is lined with restaurants and shops.
The area is paved and well-maintained, so it’s easy to manage with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to Get There

It's a pleasant walk from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo di Milano along Via Torino past the Colonne di San Lorenzo to Corso di Porta Ticinese, which brings you to the Navigli. Or, take metro line 2 to the Porta Genova stop. Milan is one of the most important cities in Italy and the capital of Lombardy, so it’s well-connected by train to Venice, Florence, and Rome.

When to Get There

The Navigli District is most vibrant in summer from late afternoon through the evening, as the area's bars and restaurants start to fill up, so join an afternoon food tour or evening walking tour to see the canals of Milan at their best.

Navigli District History

The first navigli canals were built in the 12th century, and over the centuries the system created by channeling existing rivers and dredging new waterways has been used for everything from irrigation to defense. By the beginning of the 20th century, most of Milan's navigli had fallen into disuse and were paved over in the 1930s, leaving only Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese in the working-class neighborhood just outside the wealthy city center. Low rents began to attract artists, who set up galleries and studios, and today the Navigli District has funky, bohemian atmosphere, making it one of the most desirable areas in the city.

Italy

From $ 39

Milan Duomo

Milan’s Duomo (duomo di Milano) is a much-loved symbol of the city. The most exuberant example of Northern Gothic architecture in Italy, the cathedral and its spiky spires and towers dominate Piazza del Duomo, the city's beating heart. One of the highlights of a visit to the cathedral is the view from the roof, where you can scope out Milan from the highest terrace surrounded by statues. On a clear day, it’s possible to see the Italian Alps.

The Basics
There are a number of tour options that visit the Duomo, with most ranging from one and three hours in length. A comprehensive tour of the cathedral includes a visit to its spacious interior with its stained-glass windows, the rooftop terraces, and the church’s archaeological area, an underground crypt holding the 16th-century tomb of St. Charles Borromeo. Other tour options combine a visit to the Duomo with a tour of the adjacent and famously beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade or entrance to Milan’s famous La Scala Opera House. For art lovers, a Duomo tour can be combined with a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, or a tour of the artist’s former vineyard. Those interested in the history and architecture of the church should visit with an expert tour guide who can offer detailed insight into the construction.

Things to Know Before You Go

Short on time? Skip the line with a priority-access ticket to the Duomo.
If traveling with kids, book a family-friendly tour to keep them engaged.
Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the city you’ll get from the rooftop terrace.

How to Get There
The Duomo is located in the historic center of the city, on pedestrianized Piazza del Duomo. Since it cannot be directly accessed by car, it is best to reach the cathedral on foot or by public transport; the closest metro station is right in front of the cathedral. You can also book a private tour with included transportation. If you’re visiting Rome, Venice, or Verona but want to see the cathedral of Milan, note that high-speed train tickets are a very effective means of travel.

When to Get There
The largest church in Italy stays consistently busy throughout the day, but skip-the-line entry allows visitors to jump the queues no matter what the time. Evening tours are available for visitors who would prefer to spend their rooftop visit peering over an illuminated and breathtaking skyline.

Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20122, Italy

Daily: 7am–7pm; Museum Tues–Sun: 9:30am–12:30pm, 3pm–6pm

Free. Roof Admission: € 4 by stairs, € 6 with elevator. Other areas have separate entrance fees

From $ 12

Piazza Fontana

A short walk from the Duomo, Piazza Fontana is one of the prettiest squares in Milan’s center, a quiet respite from the hubbub of nearby Piazza della Scala and Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is named for its 18th-century neoclassical central fountain, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and is encircled by trees and benches.

The Basics

Milan is known for its urban hustle and bustle, but there are a number peaceful corners of the city worth exploring. If you need a few minutes to regroup during your walking or Segway tour of Milan's most famous sights like the Cathedral (Duomo) and Sforza Castle, take a quick detour to this lovely square where the pace is slower and the crowds thinner.

Things to Know Before You Go

The square is a short walk from the Duomo and there is a wide pedestrian area encircling the center fountain, so perfect for cooling off in the shade for a few minutes with kids.
There is a high curb around the central fountain area that may be hard to manage with a wheelchair or stroller.
There are a number of cafés along the outside of the square that serve snacks and coffee.

How to Get There

Piazza Fontana is located just behind Milan’s Duomo, less than a 5-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo.

When to Get There

The central fountain in Piazza Fontana has a number of water jets that are street level, ideal for cooling off hands and feet on a hot summer day.

A Violent Past

Piazza Fontana has a violent history that belies its peaceful atmosphere. In 1969, the square was the site of the bombing of the National Agrarian Bank, a domestic terrorist attack that resulted in 17 people killed and scores more injured. A plaque stands in the square in their honor.

Milan, Italy

From $ 70

Via della Spiga

Milan's fashion sense is world famous, and one of the streets to visit to see where the locals buy their designer brands is Via della Spiga. Along with other nearby streets such as Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga is considered to be part of the Quadrilatero della Moda, or “fashion quarter.” Via della Spiga forms the northeastern border of the quarter.

Some of the designer names you'll see along Via della Spiga are Prada, Bulgari, Tod's, Armani, Hermes, Tiffany, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, and Moschino. It's a pedestrianized street, making it a pleasure to wander – even if you're not planning to buy.

Practical Info

Via della Spiga is parallel to Via Monte Napoleone, further to the northeast of that street. It also runs roughly between the San Babila and Montenapoleone Metro stops, although a few blocks northeast of the stops.

Via Della Spiga, Milan, Italy

From $ 203

Leonardo's Vineyard (Museo Vigna di Leonardo)

Across the street from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco of “The Last Supper” is the vineyard he was given by Milanese ruler, Ludovico Sforza, in 1495. The type of vines was identified during excavations in 2015, and the vineyard has been replanted with the same varietal Leonardo grew. The plot has been designed as it was in Leonardo’s time.

The house behind which the vineyard sits was not Leonardo’s, but he tended the vineyard himself. Visitors to the vineyard first get to see the beautifully-renovated Renaissance villa, Casa degli Atellani, and then a walk through the picturesque gardens and vineyard.

Tours of the house and vineyard are guided by a member of the staff, and every visitor receives an audio guide to help navigate through and learn about the seven distinct areas on the tour. For a special visit to this unique attraction, visitors can enjoy an evening tour with aperitivo in the vineyard or a combination ticket that includes “The Last Supper” fresco and the vineyard in one tour.

Practical Info

Tours run every 30 minutes during open hours from Monday-Thursday, and then every 15 minutes from Friday-Sunday. Tours last about 25 minutes. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends.

Corso Magenta 65, Milan 20123, Italy

Daily 9am-6pm

Adults: €10; Children: Free

From $ 13

Porta Nuova

The Porta Nuova neighborhood in Milan was named after an historic monument in the area, the "new gate" built between 1810 and 1813. When compared to the ancient Roman gates that were once the entry points to the city of Milan, the Porta Nuova is considered quite new.

Located to the north of the city center, the Porta Nuova district underwent a revitalization after 2009 and today is used mainly for business. The skyline features several modern buildings and a large public park.

Practical Info

The Porta Nuova district is north of the historic center, with Stazione Garibaldi just to the west of the neighborhood. The Napoleonic gate is just south of the district on Via Monte Santo.

Piazzale Principessa Clotilde, Milano, Italy

From $ 75

Piazza Mercanti

While the Piazza del Duomo is the most important square in central Milan today, that title went to the Piazza Mercanti in the Middle Ages. The Piazza Mercanti, or Merchants Square, is in Milan's historic center, a short walk to the northwest of the Duomo. The square originally was much larger than it is today, once occupying part of present-day Via Mercanti. Some of the buildings on the square date from its heyday, including the 13th century Palazzo della Ragione (essentially Milan's city hall at the time) and the 14th century Loggia degli Osii (another administrative building).

In the center of the piazza is a 16th century well that was later fitted with two columns in the 18th century. It's covered and unused today There was a stone found nearby upon which merchants found guilty of cheating – or bankruptcy, depending on the story you read – were punished by public shaming, forced to stand on the stone with their pants down, before being sent to jail.

Practical Info

To reach Piazza Mercanti, walk from Piazza del Duomo's northwest corner along the angled street Via Mercanti. You'll see the piazza on your left in just a few steps. It's between the Metro stops of Duomo and Cordusio.

Milan, Italy

From $ 35

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Visitors flock to the modest 15th-century Santa Maria delle Grazie—built by Duke Francesco I Sforza and later reworked by Bramante—primarily to take in one of Italy’s most celebrated works of Renaissance art: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which decorates the refectory wall of the adjoining Dominican convent.

The Basics

Da Vinci’s groundbreaking mural is among the world’s most famous masterpieces, but the convent’s church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important attraction in its own right. Built in Gothic and Romanesque styles as a private place of worship by Milan’s powerful Sforza family in 1490, the church has a brick facade decorated in a restrained pattern of pilasters and circles and a soaring Gothic nave. The great Renaissance architect Donato Bramante modified the design at the end of the 15th century, adding large semicircular apses, a striking drum-shaped dome lined by columns, and an elegant cloister and refectory.

The church is a must-see attraction, but as da Vinci’s mural can only be viewed upon advance reservation, it’s best to book a private guided tour with skip-the-line entrance to visit both the church and refectory. Many walking tours include the church along with other ara highlights, including the Duomo cathedral and nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, and Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entry to see The Last Supper is only allowed every 15 minutes for groups of 30 people at a time, and reservations are mandatory. You must book your entrance ticket or a tour with skip-the-line entry in advance.
The Last Supper tickets include entrance to the entire Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie: church, cloister, and refectory.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a place of worship, so attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
The church and refectory are accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

Milano's Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is located between the Cadorna Triennale and Conciliazione metro stations, or you can walk from the Duomo in just 15 minutes.

When to Get There

Santa Maria delle Grazie is busiest in summer, so private tours or skip-the-line tickets must be booked well in advance. The refectory is closed on Mondays and holidays; the first Sunday of the month, entrance is free but still requires reservations.

The Last Supper Painting

Commissioned by Ludovico Il Moro in the late-15th century, this mural depicts Christ surrounded by the apostles in a composition featuring perspective and human emotion so revolutionary at the time that it changed the course of Renaissance art.

Piazza della Maria delle Grazie 2, Milan 20100, Italy

Tue - Sun 8:15am - 6:45pm. To view The Last Supper make a reservation several days in advance

Church admission: Free. Last Supper viewing at additional charge

From $ 35

Piazza Gae Aulenti

One of the newest areas of construction in Milan is north of the city center near the Garibaldi train station, including the futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti. The piazza, which opened in 2012 and is named after the Italian architect who designed Paris’ Musee d’Orsay, is surrounded by three new towers, including one that has the distinction of being Italy's tallest building. The piazza is circular in shape, and elevated above the surrounding ground level, with walkways running around and across its central pool and dancing water fountain displays.

A footbridge connects the piazza to the trendy Corso Como and its many restaurants and bars, making it a popular meeting place for locals, as well as a location for photo shoots. Take a photo walking tour of Milan to expertly capture Piazza Gae Aulenti's reflective surfaces and bring home a beautiful souvenir—or opt to visit as part of a city highlights tour, including admission to Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Last Supper,' as well as the Duomo.

Practical Info

The piazza is located in Milan's financial district, near the Garibaldi and Gioia metro stops. To get there, take the green or purple line to either stop, and walk toward Corso Como. The square is located below the huge Torre UniCredit skyscraper.

Look out for the nearby Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, which consists of two apartment towers with trees growing on every balcony all the way to the top.

Piazza Gae Aulenti, Milan, Lombardy 20124, Italy

From $ 46