Best Attractions in Milan: Top 10 Must-See Places & Free Things to Do
Explore the best attractions in Milan like Duomo and Brera. Discover must-see places, a few free things to do and top spots for a perfect visit!
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Milan is Italy's capital for fashion and finance, with over a thousand years of history, exquisite culture and some of the most eye-catching architecture in the world. The tour of the city, from the symbol of Duomo di Milano to the tranquil Navigli canals, will leave you in love with the art, shopping and energetic nightlife the Italian city has to offer.
Whether you're planning a weekend trip or just a day out, this guide will take you through the best attractions in Milan, including landmarks and free places to visit. Do you want to explore? Let's go!
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Milan
Milan is a city that combines the past with the present, the culture with modernity, and it offers the visitors a collection of different buildings of great architecture, museums of international standard and neighbourhoods with night entertainment.
If you are stopping in the area for a short weekend getaway or a longer stay, this is the checklist for the 10 must-see attractions that will give you the whole picture of the city.
1 - Duomo of Milan
Duomo, which is the most notable landmark in the city, and the top Gothic cathedral in the world, is for sure at the top of our list. Its 135 intricate marble spires, thousands of statues and beautiful colored-glass windows are the features of this masterpiece that took nearly 600 years for completion.
You should go to the rooftop terrace, where you can either take the stair steps or the elevator, and enjoy the gorgeous panoramic view of Milan plus a close-up look at the finely-crafted cathedral’s architecture.
Inside Duomo, admire the grand columns, a lot of finished wall paintings and also the interpretation of the shadow, which is that the sun was used to mark the time of the city, it is so-called "sundial".
At the very top of the cathedral stands the Holy Virgin, also called the Madonnina, which is a gold-plated statue and is a truly significant indication of the city.
- The Duomo area and the cathedral can get very busy during the day. Get there as early as you can to avoid the crowds.
- There are many scammers and pickpockets in that area, so keep your wits about you!
- Tickets to the Duomo sell out pretty fast, so make sure to get yours as soon as possible!
2 - Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione
Originally built as a fort in the 15th century, the Castello Sforzesco was the ducal residence of the powerful Sforza family. Today, they house several museums such as the Museum of Ancient Art which features Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà Rondanini.
Here you can see the Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, with a unique ceiling covered in interweaving branches of trees.
Parco Sempione is a beautiful park situated right behind the castle and it is perfect for long walks. Moreover, the Arco della Pace is a grand triumphed arch from the Napoleonic era which you cannot miss.
3 - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This magnificent 19th-century building of trading, which is known as the "Salotto di Milano", serves as a connector between the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an eminent achievement of the Neoclassical and Art Nouveau design styles. Its most astounding features include the domed ceiling made of iron and glass and the intricate mosaic flooring, which enhances the gallery's elegance.
And do not forget to look for the Torino bull on the mosaic flooring. According to tradition, spinning three times on its genitals is said to bring good luck!
4 - Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'
The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495 and 1498, is a masterful portrayal of the solemn latter supper of Jesus Christ with his twelve disciples. Depicted in the murals of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the painting celebrates the event when Jesus foretold his impending betrayal by one of his apostles.
Unlike traditional frescoes, Da Vinci painted The Last Supper on dry plaster, a technique that was both fragile and labor-intensive. As a result, the painting required extensive restoration over the years.
It is very important to book your tickets in advance, as tickets are sold out months in advance!
5 - Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala, since 1778, has made history in music as it has hosted some of the greatest operas, ballets and concerts ever. The magnificent interior, featuring red velvet, gleaming golden balconies and a fabulous chandelier, makes it one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
Experience fine performances of Verdi, Puccini and Rossini, or visit the museum of La Scala, which entails historical garments, music instruments and set style items.
If you cannot attend a show, a guided tour can help you to get inside the theater and experience its majesty also.
6 - Brera Art Gallery & District
The Pinacoteca di Brera is an essential part of the art museum in Milan and the main area where Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna's masterpieces are displayed. The area itself has a bohemian charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, numerous art studios and a variety of trendy cafés waiting to be explored.
Some works that you must watch are "The Kiss" by Francesco Hayez, "The Supper at Emmaus" by Caravaggio and Raphael's "The Marriage of the Virgin".
Outside the museum you can visit the Brera Botanical Garden or the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.
7 - Navigli (Canals & Nightlife)
Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most famous artists in our history, is one of the masterminds behind the design of the Navigli Canals, which were the transport and trade links between Milan and the local lakes and rivers.
Although it is now bustling with vitality, young people gather by the canals for drinks, while older visitors explore antique shops and art galleries, such as the MoCA.
The best experience is to stroll along the canals at sunset, sip an Aperol Spritz with an aperitivo at a local bar, and explore the lively Antiques Market, held on the last Sunday of each month.
For a more romantic experience, consider taking a boat tour, which offers a unique perspective of the Navigli district.
8 - Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale
This high-tech area is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers like the UniCredit Tower, which represents the tallest building in Italy and is a remarkable architectural specimen. The main attraction is the Bosco Verticale which consists of two residential towers adorned with greenery including over 900 trees and 2,000 plants, thus being an exceptional urban forest.
This area blends sophisticated urban living with eco-friendly architecture, offering some of the best panoramic views of Milan and stunning photo opportunities.
9 - Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion District)
The Quadrilatero della Moda is considered to be the centre of luxury shopping in Milan, which is the heart of the fashion industry in the world. This beautiful area is made up of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia.
Some of the leading brands in this area include Prada, Gucci, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and many more.
The best time to visit is during Milan Fashion Week, when the streets come alive with fashion events and exclusive parties.
10 - Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
The church, which is one of the oldest in Milan and was established in 379 AD by Saint Ambrose the city's patron saint, is an amazing example of Romanesque architecture comprising a large atrium, a medieval mosaic and crypts.
Don't forget to admire the golden altarpiece, the depiction of St. Ambrose as a martyr and the two bell towers, each from a different period.
According to legend, the Devil's Column, located outside the basilica, has two mysterious holes that were left by the devil himself.
3 Free Places to Visit in Milan
Milan has a reputation for being an expensive city, but you can still visit many of its most fascinating attractions for free. The parks offer peaceful retreats, while the city's artistic treasures are hidden in plain sight, providing plenty of cost-free experiences that allow you to admire Milan without spending a cent.
1 - Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione, situated directly behind the grandiose Castello Sforzesco, serves as the ideal retreat from the frenetic atmosphere of the city. This expansive area of greenery invites you to take a slow stroll down its leafy boulevards, lounge beside the pond, or just park yourself on a bench and observe nature's pacing.
The park features several striking landmarks, including the Arco della Pace, a magnificent neoclassical arch that once served as the city’s gateway.
As you continue your walk, the Torre Branca, a towering steel structure, catches your eye. On special occasions, it offers free entry, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Milan.
2 - Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Located in the city’s center, directly off Corso di Porta Romana in Milan, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is one of the greatest and unjustly forgotten treasures of the city. From the outside, it may appear unassuming, but as soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a whirlwind of colors, with stunning frescoes covering the walls and ceilings around you.
This church, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan”, is a true Renaissance art piece. In the paintings made by Bernardino Luini and his students, Bible stories are illustrated with absolute precision down to the details and with ability of the painter to create something rich with different colors.
Even though you may have seen a good few different churches, San Maurizio is surely able to bewitch you. The good news is that you can visit it for free, and you can spend as much time as you wish looking at it without crowds or rushing.
3 - Triennale Milano (free places)
Those who love contemporary art and design should visit Triennale Milano. While the main museum requires a ticket for entry, several spaces are open to the public for free.
Design, photography and architecture are among the innovative projects showcased in the entrance hall, which often hosts temporary exhibitions. As you browse through the main gallery, you might come across significant installations and interactive exhibits that offer a fresh perspective on the world.
The Triennale Garden is a peaceful retreat, featuring sculptures by renowned artists and offering a relaxing spot within Parco Sempione. Even if you’re not a design enthusiast, the atmosphere of this space is sure to captivate you, making it a worthwhile visit during your time in Milan.
Final Tips for Visiting Milan
Milan is a city rich in history, culture and fashion, boasting magnificent monuments, world-class museums and vibrant districts. To make the most of your stay, plan ahead, especially for popular attractions like The Last Supper, which require advance booking.
For easy and efficient travel, public transport should be your first choice, allowing you to move swiftly around the city.
It is advisable to explore on foot, enjoy a traditional aperitivo and soak in the city's unique blend of old and new.
Have a great trip!
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