#bestthings

  Milan is an easy sell. The fashion capital of Italy is famed for all things glitz and glam, and even just one day in Milan will treat you to some incredible things to do. The city is set in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, and it is easily accessible worldwide. The main attractions in Milan include the fabulous Duomo di Milano, the World of Leonardo da Vinci, and Italy’s oldest shopping mall – a quick fun fact for you. You are in for a huge treat if you want to build a Milan itinerary. Whether you want to snap photos of colorful buildings, a day trip to picturesque canals in other cities (we are looking at you, Venice), or see the painting of the Last Supper up close, Milan has much on offer. The list of the best things to do in Milan is anything but short.

Best Things to Do in Milan

Planning to visit Milan? Congratulations, the city is full of attractions, from within the city center to its outskirts, neighboring regions, and day trip destinations. Milan is essentially a large circle of wonderful things to do. In this guide, we will pick the best of its attractions and activities to compile a valuable list for your itinerary. These are the top 28 best activities to do in Milan – how many are you going to fit in?

1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele iI

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is allegedly one of the oldest shopping malls in the world, let alone just Milan. The grand shopping center has a famous glass domed roof and dates back to the 19th century. If you want an indoor activity for your Milan itinerary, shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a great option. It’s worth noting that the shopping center is primarily dedicated to luxury clothing brands, so be prepared to window shop if you are on a budget. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth visiting even just to soak up the architecture and admire the architecture, too. Don’t worry if you are on a budget to mid-range spending mission. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is feasible if you have one day in Milan since it is within walking distance of the Duomo di Milano and Teatro alla Scala. Most of the walking tours of Milan include the mall. If you decide to take a walking tour this is the the best one in Milan.

2. Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala, aka La Scala Opera House, is where to go for evening entertainment in Milan. The vast theater is nothing short of lavish, with those typical red plush seats and a traditional, multi-level auditorium with rows of individual seating boxes. Teatro Alla Scala dates back to the 18th century and is one of the prettiest buildings to see in Milan. It predominantly showcases Italian opera shows and ballet performances, and you can just keep an eye on its schedule to see what’s coming up during your stay. Think regal and luxurious, this theater is brilliant. Watching a show at the theater is easily one of our top recommendations for activities in Milan. A museum and library are also on-site, which is a big win. You can grab your tickets here before you arrive.

3. Museum of Musical Instruments

The Museum of Musical Instruments is one of the most fun and lighthearted places you can visit in Milan. The collection showcased at the museum was once the lifetime collection and pride and joy of Natale Gallini. Upon Natale’s passing, the group was transferred to the possession of the City of Milan. Natale’s generosity sparked a massive movement of donations – eventually growing the modern collection to its current size. You can walk through hundreds of exhibits, including rare instruments passed down through multiple generations of distinguished families in Milan. If you are interested in music history, this place is magical. But equally, it is immersive enough to suit those interested in museums. Admission is fairly priced, and the museum runs free entrance on the first and third Tuesday every month after 2 pm. For budget travelers, Sundays are also free entry, so keep that in mind.

4. Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site and basilica, which also houses one of the most famous paintings in the world – Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. The building is iconically made from terracotta, with a striking red-brown-brick exterior. You have to book tickets to enter, and we’d advise doing so as far in advance as possible, as tickets sell out weeks in advance. It is one of the most famous Leonardo da Vinci paintings in the world, after all. While there are no further notable art collections in Santa Maria delle Grazie, people flock to see just the Last Supper painting and Gothic interior. If you are looking for iconic things to do in Milan, even if you just have one day in Milan, Santa Maria della Grazie is a must for your Milan itinerary. It is Leonardo da Vinci; you must just carve time for it.

5. Branca Tower

We won’t lie; Branca Tower looks a bit strange. From some angles, it looks like a pylon. However, Branca Tower is the best viewpoint available in Milan. The tower can be scaled with the help of an elevator and staircase combination, taking you to 109 meters above the ground to enjoy expansive views of the city. It was built as part of the 1933 Triennale art event but has remained a leading tourist attraction ever since. Branca Tower is one of the best Milan attractions for brilliant views. Make sure to bring a good camera.

6. Piazza Mercanti

Most people know of the Piazza del Duomo, but what about the Piazza Mercanti? The square is surrounded by famed medieval buildings and has a much more quiet, fairytale vibe. The building bordering Piazza Mercanti dates back centuries. For instance, the Palazzo della Ragione was built in 1233. Others also date back to the 15th and 17th centuries, with a pit in the center of the square that dates back to the 16th century. Piazza Mercanti, which translates as Merchants Square, was a meeting point for politics and business. Visiting Piazza Mercanti is free and a quick activity to tick off in Milan. It requires little effort and offers high rewards. It is also just a short walk from Duomo di Milano, so combining with the classics is easy.

7. The Vertical Forest

The Vertical Forest (aka Bosco Verticale) has become quite a trend on social media platforms. What is it? Two twin high-rise flats sporting thick greenery and miniature trees create the image of a ‘vertical forest’. It is an unusual way to develop inner-city greenspace but an eye-catching and bold effort. Each apartment in the high-rise has its own balcony and greenery to care for, which equally provides privacy and natural screening for the residents to enjoy their private outdoor space. You can’t go into the high-rises for apparent reasons. However, it is well worth using public transport to reach Bosco Verticale and admiring the spectacle from outside. The best views are from Area Cani and TreeVilla Park, where you can also spot funky street art.

8. Monumental Cemetery

A cemetery may seem a slightly weird addition to a list of must-see attractions. However, Milan’s Monumental Cemetery is definitely worth a visit. The cemetery is situated in the north of the city, near Chinatown, and it is a breeze to reach via public transport, earning it its first green tick for accessibility. As an attraction itself, it is most famed for its gravestone architecture. Trust Italy to impress with funerary sculptures, right? Everything from mourning women to what appears to be a scene of the Last Supper. Slightly morbid, but all-in-all a fascinating visit, Monumental Cemetery is a must when visiting Milan. It’s also free to visit, which is always a huge plus, especially if you travel on a budget.

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