Milan is one of the world’s fanciest cities. Famous for its fashion week, it’s also home to dozens of museums and art galleries. Some of the most important masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance are exhibited in Milan.
Location: Milan – Northern Italy in the region of Lombardy.
Language: Italian
Population of city: 1,330,000
Nearest airport: Milan Malpensa Airport
Main train/bus station(s): Milano Centrale is the main train station, whilst Lampugnano is the main bus station, but bear in mind that this is a little way out of town!
Best time to visit? April-May and September-October are the best times to go to avoid peak tourist season and the crowds of seasonal shoppers!
Budget level? £££
Best for: Shopping, Nightlife, Arty
How long should I go for?
One or two days is just enough to see the main sights and get a real feel of what Milan is about, but an extra day won’t hurt if you’re here to shop!
Getting there:
Italy’s high-speed trains mean that Milan is always within easy reach of other big Italian cities, but you can also head here from Switzerland and most French cities within a day, and even from Germany and Austria by night train.
Built over 600 years, the Duomo is the most popular and iconic landmark of the city. It’s the largest church in Italy, dominating the city’s main piazza. From its rooftop, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Sforza Castle is a large medieval citadel in the city centre. The former military fortress now houses several of the city’s museums. Giant tapestries, ancient furniture and works of art by Michelangelo or Da Vinci are exhibited there.
One of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous works of art isn’t held in a museum. It’s a mural inside the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
La Scala is probably one of the most famous operas in the world. From Giuseppe Verdi to Maria Callas, La Scala holds a special place in musical history. You can visit the theatre and see the treasures of its museum.
The hub for the city’s main historical attractions. The Cathedral and Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Palazzo Reale are all clustered here; this is the place to go if you want to cram it all in in one day.
This canal quarter is known for its winding streets filled with late-night drinking dens and unique art galleries. Quirky vintage shops and cafes also frequent this part of town, so it’s the ideal place to spend a full day away from sightseeing!
Art buffs and shoppers should head straight here! Designer boutiques and art galleries are what this district is renowned for, so it’s definitely a must-visit if you have a lot of time here.
The Corso Como concept store is one of the most well-known attractions in this area, but this is not just for shopping fanatics; there is the Modern Art Gallery and gorgeous Giardini Pubblici public gardens to have a wander around!
