Known as a global capital of fashion and design, Milan is a must-see if you are planning a trip to Italy. Located in the northern Lombardy region, this city is a financial hub in Italy with many high-end restaurants and shops. Milan is a city with centuries of art, history and cultural heritage as well as many attractions. The architecture of Milan is so unique, and you will be amazed by the city’s personality. In this guide, we will cover the top tourist attractions in Milan, Italy.
Duomo di Milano (The Milan Cathedral)
Situated in the heart of Milan, the majestic Duomo di Milano is an iconic architectural landmark of the city. The cathedral is one of the largest and the best Gothic building in Italy. The construction of the building began in 1386, and it took over 500 years to finish it. The highlight of this building is its terrace, so make sure you climb to the top where you can enjoy the beautiful breathtaking view of the city. Being the most visited landmark in the city, you will have to wait in line to get in.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Pinacoteca di Brera is a gallery that holds many unique paintings from famous painters like Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio and the Bellini brothers. There is also a big Napoleon statue in the palace’s courtyard. Pinacoteca di Brera is considered to be one of the most prestigious galleries in the world and without a doubt, it is a must if you are an art lover. If you want to avoid the line at the entrance, you can book your ticket online in advance. The fare is 12 euros and the working hours of the gallery are from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am until 7:15 pm.
Castello Sforzesco
Another iconic landmark in Milan is the Sforza Castle. You will find the castle located in the heart of the city near the famous Piazza del Duomo. Sforza Castle is home to several different museums, that often display many paintings and historical artefacts, including works by the famous painters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. If you don’t want to visit the museums, the castle offers a beautiful and green courtyard that serves as a local park. There you can also see the castle’s artefacts, some architecture details and a collection of musical instruments. The entrance to the castle is free and its working hours are every day from 7 am to 7 pm.
Basilica Sant’ Ambrogio
Basilica Sant’ Ambrogio, one of Milan’s oldest churches, is very popular among tourists. It is a symbol of faith, worship and history. The church is an outstanding example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Basilica Sant’ Ambrogio contains the remains of three saints: Saint Ambrose, Saint Gervasius and Saint Protasis.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
Santa Maria Delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent in Milan that houses Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco, The Last Supper. The church is a renowned attraction and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to see the iconic mural, you must book your tickets in advance, sometimes more than three months ahead of time.
Shop Till You Drop
Milan is known as a fashion city, and it’s the perfect place to shop for designer clothes, shoes, and accessories. The best shopping streets are Corso Vittorio Emanuele II that is near the Piazza Della Scala and the streets between the Duomo and Castle. The street Corso Buenos Aires offers less expensive shops and stores.
Getting Around the City
Being one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy, Milan can be very crowded and confusing during the summer period. The city’s public transportation is simple, easily accessible and, pretty well-priced. It includes buses, metro, tram and taxis. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the main airport that serves the city and has over 19 million passengers each year. It is a perfect landing point if you want to visit the regions of Aosta where you can find numerous castles. You can get to the city by shuttle bus service or a private airport transfer. Our service offers transport to the city centre and also to other locations that are near the city. They are Baveno, Bellagio, Como Town and Stresa.