15 Things to Do in Milan: Perfect For Your First Trip

1- Duomo

Milan’s Duomo is unlike any cathedral I have visited. The outside is beautiful, and so is the square surrounding it. But the best part of a visit is to tour the roof! You can see the structures in the arches on top and then view the plaza and city below.

There aren’t a lot of churches on my itineraries because they all run together. But this one is unique and offers an experience you won’t find elsewhere.

2- Last Supper

The Last Supper is a masterpiece by Da Vinci, but it’s in a small church in Milan. It’s a must on your trip to Milan. And I didn’t even know it was there until I visited!!

Walking by the church, you don’t even know it’s there. The lines of people waiting to get in are the only sign that something extraordinary is inside.

Tickets sell out fast. Plan your trip early so you don’t miss out.

The tour groups are tiny, smaller than most public school classes, and the tour is very structured.

The pro is that you don’t have to battle the crowds to see the masterpiece once you’re inside. And it’s a quick visit. So it won’t take much of your time.

The con is that you must get your tickets early and be on time. Otherwise, you’ll miss out.

3- Galleria Vittoria Emanuele 

The Galleria Vittoria Emanuele is an indoor shopping mall near the Duomo. But it’s not like any other mall. Window shop at high-end fashion shops surrounded by an ornately decorated gallery.

You’ll see tour groups and people trying to take perfect photos among the crowd. Expect to interrupt someone’s perfect shot. It is what it is.

You can spend some time people-watching and taking in the ambiance. But, get here before the crowds, and you can enjoy the space.

4- Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle is a 15th-century Castle built by the Duke of Milan. It was expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries. Now the castle houses art and history museums. It only costs €5 to enter the castle and see the museums and exhibitions. There are museums for art, musical instruments, history, archeology, and more. Use the website to help plan your visit.

Even if you don’t plan to visit the museums, it’s still worth seeing the castle.

5- Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is a famous park in the heart of Milan. The park is home to Sforza Castle, but there’s much more to explore here. Look at the map to see what walking trails go through. Or have lunch or spend an afternoon strolling through a park. 

There are also some sculptural artistic exhibitions on display throughout the park. This park is like traditional English Gardens and is an excellent escape from the bustle of the city.

6- Navigli District

Milan used to be a city of canals, like Venice. Over time, those canals were filled in, and now they’re only two. Both of Milan’s canals are in the Navigli part of the city. Since the canals are here, this part of the city has beautiful bridges. Plus, excellent food and shopping. 

Wander around and shop before an aperitif and dinner with a canal view.

7- Brera District

The Brera part of the city is beautiful!  There are cobblestone streets lined with beautiful buildings. It’s artsy and charming at the same time.  Spend time in cafes, window shop some major fashion houses, have an aperitif, or enjoy the scenery. It’s not a large part of the city, so it may not take long to visit. But it may be one of your favorite areas!

8- Pinacoteca of Brera

While in Brera, head to the Pinacoteca de Brera if you’re into art museums. The Pinacoteca is home to works of art by Raphael and Caravaggio. It’s the best museum in the city to see the artwork of the Italian masters.

This recommendation depends on your trip and what you’re interested in. You may be museum-ed out if you visit several others on your trip to Italy. After the museums in Florence, I couldn’t make another museum happen.

But, if Milan is your main stop in Italy, the Pincaoteca should be on your list.

9- Eat Of Course!

Milan’s food is different from the rest of the country. You’ll still find pasta and pizza, but there are other things too!

Milan is known for its risotto, including a Milanese risotto. You’ll also find Milanese meatballs and a heavy dose of seafood dishes.

No matter where you are in Italy, the food is a highlight. Don’t get so busy seeing the sites that you miss out on delicious meals.

Milan is home to my favorite gluten-free bakeries. You could easily spend a whole day going from bakery to bakery. And I wouldn’t judge you at all! Actually, I’d recommend it!

10- Window Shop on Major Fashion Streets

Milan is a fashion capital! In fact, as of 2024, it became home to the most expensive street in the world! Spend time wandering down the shopping streets.

You may not go to any major fashion houses. I didn’t. It’s still fun to window shop! Plus, you can find more affordable stores as well. 

Fashion is an iconic part of Milan, and walking the streets home to big fashion week brands is a great way to experience it.

11- La Scala Theatre

La Scala Theatre is a famous theater in Milan. It’s a beautiful theatre built in the 1700s that has seen many famous operas! It took some damage during wars and has been rebuilt, but it’s still stunning. You can tour the museums or see a performance in the theater. It’s located near the Piazza della Scala, which is worth a visit all on its own!

12- Aperitvos and Cafes

Aperitif and cafe culture is vibrant in Milan. Find a cute cafe for a morning coffee. Have a pre-dinner aperitif drink in Navigli or at a rooftop bar overlooking the Duomo. There are great views everywhere!

Some of the best parts of Italy involve slowing down and taking in the sites. The aperitifs and cafes in Milan can help you do that. Plus, it’s a great way to rest your feet after walking around the city to explore.

13- Arco della Pace

The Arco della Pace (Arc of Peace) is at one end of the Parco Sempione. The arch stands on the site of the original Roman gate to the city.

Built during Napoleonic times, the two sides of the arc served as customs and the main entrance to the city. 

It’s easy to visit alongside the Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione.

14- Ambrosian Library

The Ambrosian Library is a library and an art museum. It started as a museum in the 1500s and grew! It’s home to drawings by da Vinci and other Italian artists.

The museum is home to artwork by da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, and others.

15-Day Trip to Lake Como

Okay, this isn’t technically in Milan. I usually hate when lists do this to me. But Como has to be mentioned!

Lake Como is a beautiful lake about an hour’s train ride from Milan. It’s famous as a vacation area for the rich and famous. It’s also easy for regular people to visit!

Lake Como is so pretty, and it’s also easy to visit!

There is a train to take you from Milano Centrale Station to Lake Como or Varenna.

Then, take the ferry to visit other cities, like Bellagio. You can see a lot of the lake in one day.

This is a change of scenery from Milan, and it is terrific!

If you have an extra day in Milan, consider planning a day trip to Lake Como.

Enjoy All These Things to See in Milan On Your Trip

Even though it doesn’t have all the sites of Rome, Milan has so much to offer. Competing with Rome or Florence is hard, but don’t count Milan out yet.

You can explore history and art here and eat fantastic food.

Plus, it’s easy to see many of the highlights of Milan, even if you only have a few days. The city has its own character, and you’ll love it!