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Milan, Italy, is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. This list will help you plan your trip. These suggestions come from many visits to Milan.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Milan:
The Duomo di Milano is in Piazza Duomo, the main square in Milan. The Milan Cathedral is a large Gothic cathedral. It took centuries to build, finishing in 1965. The Duomo has many spires and statues. Inside, there is artwork and detailed designs.
The Duomo has over 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures. It is said to have the most statues of any church in the world. The Duomo’s bells only ring for special events to protect the building.
You can go to the rooftop for great views of the city. You can also see the details and sculptures up close.
While in Piazza Duomo, visit nearby places like:
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. It has many high-end fashion brands, designer stores, and trendy shopping areas.
The Quadrilatero della Moda is a famous fashion district in the city center. It has some of the world’s top fashion designers and luxury brands.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the oldest and most famous shopping centers in the world. It was built in 1877 and named after the first king of Italy. The Galleria has a glass and iron roof, a mosaic floor, restaurants, and shops. You can find brands like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.
If you love fashion, visit:
Milan has something for every shopper, from designer clothes to souvenirs.
Milan has a network of canals that started in the Middle Ages. They were used to move goods around the city. The canals helped the city’s economy and culture.
As Milan grew, the canals became less important. Some were filled in or used as sewers. Now, there is interest in fixing up the canals.
Today, the canals are for tourism and fun. People take boat tours or walk along the canal banks. The Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are two famous canals.
The canals have nice views and are surrounded by old buildings. The bars and restaurants along the canals have many food and drink choices. The area is known for aperitivo, especially after 5 pm and on weekends. Many places have outdoor seating by the canal.
Visit Vicolo Lavandai, also known as Alley of the Washers. Washerwomen used to wash clothes in the canal here. Also, check out Darsena, a man-made basin where boats used to dock.
Milan has a great food scene. You can find traditional dishes like risotto alla Milanese, panettone, and gorgonzola cheese. There are also pasta, pizza, gelato, and pastries. Milan’s food scene combines Italian flavors with international tastes.
Eataly Milano is a food store that celebrates Italian food. It has local products, dining options, and cooking classes.
You can enjoy “aperitivo” or a meal in the Navigli area. Also, visit a Starbucks Reserve Roastery, where you can enjoy coffee and desserts.
The trams in Milan are part of the city’s transportation. They show a mix of old charm and city life. You can ride these old trams.
The first trams in Milan were horse-drawn in 1876. Electric trams came later, in the early 1900s. The vintage trams still running today are from the 1920s and 1930s. They have been fixed up.
The tram system has over 17 lines. One popular route takes you to the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the Navigli district.
Milan has a good transportation system, with metro lines, buses, and trains. This makes it easy to get around the city.
Fondazione Prada is an art and culture center started by fashion designer Miuccia Prada and her husband in 1993. It shows contemporary art, architecture, cinema, and philosophy through exhibits and events.
The main location is in a former gin distillery. It was renovated by a Dutch architect. It has buildings and spaces that show art and culture. You can see works by artists from around the world.
Other art places in Milan include:
Porta Nuova is named after a gate built in 1810. It shows Milan’s modern transformation. This area has modern buildings, urban planning, and residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. It is home to three big companies, including Pirelli.
Piazza Gae Aulenti has modern buildings. Bosco Verticale is two towers covered in plants. It is a new idea for sustainable living. You can walk around Biblioteca degli Alberi, a park with paths and plants.
The Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci is in a former monastery. It celebrates science and technology. The museum is about the life, work, and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci. It has sketches, models, and reconstructions of his ideas.
The museum has exhibits about aerospace, energy, communication, and materials. It also has a collection of transportation and communication devices.
One of the main attractions is the Vega rocket and submarine Toti. The Toti was the first submarine built in Italy after World War II. It watched for Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean.
If you like Leonardo da Vinci, visit the Leonardo3 Museum in Galleria. It has interactive exhibits and displays about his inventions. Also, see The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Parco Sempione is a large park created in the late 1800s. It is a popular place for tourists and locals. The park has paths, benches, and picnic areas.
The park has monuments and buildings, including the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), built in the early 1800s. There is also Branca Tower (Torre Branca), a tower with views built in 1933. Milan has other parks, such as Giardini Indro Montanelli.
Castello Sforzesco, also called Sforza Castle, is in the city center. It has courtyards and gardens. The castle was built in the 1400s as a fortress. Later, it became the home of the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. Other rulers renovated and expanded the castle.
During the French occupation in the late 1700s, the castle was used as a barracks and prison. Many treasures were stolen or destroyed. Today, the castle has museums and art collections, including Pinacoteca Castello Sforzesco and the Museum of Ancient Art.
The castle has art and artifacts, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.
Milan is a city with a rich history, culture, and fashion. From the Duomo to the canals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to explore these top 10 attractions and make the most of your visit to Milan!
Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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