Milan is a vibrant city in northern Italy with a load of treats and experiences to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking to experience the robust football culture witnessed at AC Milan and Inter Milan matches or take in a bit of Renaissance art, the city has something for everyone. To help you plan your future trip to Milan, we have listed six of the city’s must-see sights.
San Siro: A Football Temple
No visit to Milan is complete without visiting the San Siro – the legendary stadium used by the city’s biggest clubs; AC Milan and Inter Milan. The best time to visit is on a match day, which will give you a feel of what football means to the city. However, we also recommend that you make a second visit on a non-match day too as you will have the opportunity to take a tour where you’ll have the chance to explore the trophy room, dressing rooms and museum.
Few stadiums can claim to have as much history as the San Siro. With the stadium due to close after the 2026 Winter Olympics, time is running out to visit this wonderous venue.
The Duomo: An Architectural Marvel
The Duomo di Milano (also known as the Milan Cathedral) is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. So large in fact that it took almost six centuries to complete. It is a landmark that is hard to miss on as the structure really dominates the centre of Milan. While there are many great cathedrals across Italy, few offer as beautiful views as the Duomo di Milano. Climbing atop the structure and you will get a panoramic view that if captured well, can make anyone an award-winning photographer. Whether you’re into history or just want to get an amazing shot of the city, you can’t go wrong with visiting the Duomo.
La Scala: The Temple of Opera
La Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses, which is renowned for its musical excellence and artistic tradition. If you have the opportunity, we suggest you attend an event at this legendary concert hall. Even if you can’t attend a performance, a guided tour of La Scala allows you to explore the majestic interior and discover unique costumes and sets. It’s a place where art and music come to life.
Galerie Vittorio Emanuele II: Shopping and elegance
Milan is widely considered to be one of the fashion capitals of the world. If you’re looking to get a head start on filling your wardrobe for the new season, we recommend visiting the Galerie Vittorio Emanuele II, a historic shopping centre with a beautiful interior. In the shopping centre, you’ll find a load of luxury boutiques as well as some cafés and refined restaurants. Stroll under the magnificent glass roof, admire the frescoes on the floor, and enjoy a delicious Italian coffee as you tick this destination off your Milan list.
Santa Maria delle Grazie: Leonardo da Vinci’s Masterpiece
Milan is home to one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces: “The Last Supper”. Housed in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this artwork is a historical treasure that all art lovers and history buffs should see at least once in their lives. Be warned, this is a very popular attraction. So, you will need to book your tickets in advance to admire one of the most famous artworks to come out of the Italian Renaissance.
The Navigli: Charm and romance along the canals
You can’t visit Milan without taking a leisurely stroll along the Navigli. These picturesque canals are lined with cute cafes, cool bars, and quirky boutiques. The vibe there is totally bohemian and romantic, making it the perfect spot to chill, sip on an Italian aperitif, and soak in the colorful charm of the houses. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a boat cruise to explore the canals even more and discover some hidden treasures of Milan. And hey, if you’re lucky to be there during certain times, you’ll stumble upon a lively market where you can score some awesome Italian handicrafts. Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t wanna miss!
Final Thoughts
Milan offers an amazing city trip experience for everyone. In this city, you’ll experience everything from the majestic Duomo cathedral to the excitement of a match at the San Siro. While some visitors may initially visit with attending a football match in mind, there are many other reasons to explore the city. Quite simply, Milan promises all types of visitors many unforgettable memories. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of this captivating Italian city.