10 Best Things to Do and See in Milan
Exploring Milan on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Milan, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Milan. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Duomo of Milan
The Duomo of Milan, in the heart of the city, is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. This grand cathedral impresses with its Gothic architecture, numerous spires, and richly sculpted façade. A visit reveals a vast interior filled with a solemn atmosphere, towering pillars, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The site is also popular for its terraces, which offer remarkable views over Milan and allow visitors to admire the building’s details up close. It is a must-see stop for understanding the city’s identity.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most iconic places in Milan, Italy. This elegant covered shopping arcade is famous for its monumental architecture, its vast glass roof, and its mosaic-decorated floor. Visitors will find luxury boutiques, historic cafés and restaurants, in a lively atmosphere that combines everyday foot traffic with leisurely sightseeing. Located near Piazza del Duomo, it offers a beautiful glimpse of Milanese elegance and is a must-see stop for admiring the city center from a prestigious perspective.
3. Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle, in the heart of Milan, is a vast brick fortress that has become one of the city’s major cultural landmarks. A visit reveals elegant inner courtyards, impressive ramparts, and several museums showcasing a wide range of collections, from fine arts to ancient objects. The site also includes exhibition spaces and rooms that let you appreciate Renaissance architecture. Located near the historic center, it offers a pleasant walk through military heritage, art, and Milanese history.
4. Sempione Park
In the heart of Milan, Parco Sempione offers a large stretch of greenery that is much loved by both locals and visitors. This vast landscaped park invites you to go for a walk, a jog, or simply relax in the shade of its trees, with wide lawns, pleasant paths, and several viewpoints over the city. It is also home to iconic features of the area, such as monuments, nearby cultural spaces, and the Arco della Pace just around the corner. It’s the ideal place to take a break between sightseeing stops and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
5. Simplon Gate
The Simplon Gate is a grand triumphal arch located in Milan, at the entrance to Parco Sempione. Visible from wide urban viewpoints, this monument draws attention with its imposing neoclassical architecture and decorative sculptures. By visiting it, you discover an emblematic landmark in central Milan, appreciated both for its architectural interest and for its pleasant setting near green spaces, walking paths, and the city’s lively thoroughfares. It is a place to pass through and admire, ideal for a stop during a visit.
6. Brera Art Gallery
The Pinacoteca di Brera, in Milan, is one of Italy’s major art museums, located in the historic Brera district. It features a rich collection of Italian paintings, ranging from the Middle Ages to the modern era, with major artistic schools and outstanding works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. A visit offers the chance to admire paintings with religious, mythological, and portrait themes, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the evolution of Italian art in an elegant and culturally vibrant setting.
7. La Scala
La Scala of Milan is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and a must-see for discovering the city’s cultural sophistication. Visitors can admire an elegant auditorium, renowned for its acoustics, as well as a prestigious interior where musical history and stage art come together. The venue also houses a museum dedicated to opera, with costumes, instruments, portraits, and memorabilia connected to its world. Even without attending a performance, a visit lets you experience the unique atmosphere of this Milan landmark.
8. Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
In Milan, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology invites visitors to explore a vast world dedicated to innovation, industrial history, and major scientific discoveries. Here, you can discover a wide range of collections on mechanics, transport, energy, astronomy, and communication, as well as models and objects linked to Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenuity. The museum also offers interactive areas and accessible exhibits that appeal to both curious visitors and families, making for an enriching visit in the heart of one of Italy’s most important science museums.
9. Royal Palace of Milan
The Royal Palace of Milan is a large historic complex located in the heart of the city, near Duomo Square. Formerly a royal residence and seat of power, it now hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events in elegant rooms with refined decor. A visit reveals ceremonial spaces, art galleries, and collections displayed in a monumental setting that blends classical architecture with traces of Milan’s different eras. It is an ideal place to combine heritage, art, and a stroll through the city center.
10. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, in Milan, is an iconic landmark that attracts both art lovers and visitors curious about religious heritage. Here you will discover a distinctive church, renowned for its harmonious architecture and peaceful atmosphere, in the heart of a central district of the city. The site is especially known for its monumental complex, where visitors can admire sober and elegant interiors, as well as remarkable artistic features. A visit offers a great insight into Milan’s cultural history and a refined Italian architectural tradition.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
