Last updated on April 7th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Have Milan on your mind?
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and attracts a lot of visitors every year.
It is a big city and both trendy and traditional at the same time. While there are modern skyscrapers on one side, the city also has historical buildings dating back to centuries.
When we were planning our holiday in Italy, we only had Rome, Venice and Florence in our itinerary as the places to visit. But then, a little bit of research revealed that Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous artwork “The Last Supper” is in Milan! After that, we reworked on our itinerary and included Milan in it.
And glad that we did!
In this post, I am outlining the awesome things to do in Milan and make the most of your stay here. You can cover all these if you have 2 days with you in Milan.
1) Visit Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is the icon of Milan and one of the largest cathedrals in Italy and Europe. The impressive Gothic-style cathedral took five centuries to complete.
Milan cathedral is located in Piazza del Duomo in central Milan. While entry to the Duomo is free, visiting the roof requires tickets and they are very reasonably priced. Here you will get to have a closer look at the spires, and statues and admire a panoramic view of Milan.
Spend some good amount of time in the square in front of Milan Cathedral and feel the vibe. It is the hub of Milan and a meet-and-greet place for the locals as well.
This place is a sought-after photo location and the cathedral acts as the most majestic backdrop. Taking photos with Milan Cathedral in the background is one of the best things to do in Milan.
2) Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest and functional shopping center which connects the Cathedral complex with Piazza della Scala. Built-in 19th century, this cross-shaped glass vaulted structure currently hosts multiple elegant luxury designer brands.
Well, I can’t say you can go ahead and be on a shopping spree here given the price tags, but you can surely go for a lot of window-shopping and have a gelato or quick snack from one of the cafes inside while indulging in people-watching.
If you are lucky enough, you might get to see some photo shoots also going on as we did!
3) Visit La Scala Opera House
La Scala is an iconic Opera house in Milan. Located at Piazza della Scala, La Scala is known for its elite neo-classical architecture dating back to the 18th century. It hosts highly acclaimed operas as well as Orchestra, ballet, and choir performances.
The opera house offers a tour of the museum and you can view the auditorium if no rehearsals are in progress.
The tickets for opera performances are released online two months before the performance as well as sold on the phone.
If you are coming from the side of the Milan cathedral complex, La Scala is easily accessible via the walkway of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is at the city center and well connected by bus-routes.
4) Experience Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
Let me be candid here. “The Last Supper” by Da Vinci was the primary reason for adding Milan to our Italy holiday! This 15th-century mural painting depicting Jesus and his 12 apostles having the supper just before Jesus’s crucifixion attracts thousands of people across the world.
I have a detailed write-up on The Last Supper that you can read to plan a visit to and experience this iconic painting.
5) Take a Walking Tour of Milan
You can maximize your time in Milan by availing a walking tour accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The tour usually starts from a central location in Milan and then traverses some of the major attractions including hidden treasures.
We booked a 3-hour walking tour from Viator. It included attractions like the Milan Stock Exchange, Santa Maria delle Grazie Church (UNESCO Heritage Site) and ended with a visit to Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
The guide accompanying us was extremely knowledgeable. She explained the history and provided a lot of information about the sites we visited. The walking tour was indeed an enriching experience for us and a great way of exploring the city.
6) Go On a Day Trip
Did you know you can go for a day trip to Switzerland from Italy?
Yes! You can take a cruise at Lake Como and then move on to Lugano in Switzerland.
We went to Lugano via train and then took a bus from Lugano station to the funicular stop that goes up to Monte Bre. Monte Bre was recommended by one of the friends who mentioned that it is the place where the locals go on excursions to spend a day.
Alternatively, you can cruise on Lake Lugano and then take a Lugano city tour.
7) Shopping
One of the key things to do in Milan is Shopping! I mean does this even need a mention!
Right across the city center, there are several independent stores with designers as well as non-designer clothing. A lot of shopping malls are also present nearby. You can buy fine jewelry, accessories, and perfumes from here.
Walk along the roadside and you will get to see many street vendors selling souvenirs like wall plates, key chains, fridge magnets, and a lot of knick-knacks to bring back home. You might get a good deal if you buy things in bulk.
What To Eat In Milan?
Italian food is a gift to mankind!
There are good restaurants, pizzerias present all over the city. You can choose outdoor seating for people-watching while enjoying delicious Italian food.
After a shopping haul, we settled for Pizza, Risotto and Spaghetti accompanied by a Tiramisu at a restaurant on the opposite lane of Milan Cathedral complex.
Do not forget to round it up with gelato – that’s a must if you are in Italy.
Where To Stay In Milan?
Milan seems to be more expensive than other cities. Hence, you need to choose your accommodation carefully.
We found accommodations near Milan Cathedral more expensive as compared to other parts. While choosing accommodation at a neighborhood, it is also important to bear in mind your preferences. Are you looking for an accommodation at a place to feel the local vibe or for nightlife or a place which is calm & quite.
If hotels are what you are looking for then Booking.Com has lot many good options to check. Airbnb is also an option to check if you want to stay centrally.
How To Commute In Milan?
The best way to get around Milan is the public Transport.
Milan has a well-integrated pubic transport system. There are buses, metros, city trains, trams that connect all parts of the city. Cabs are available as well although they can get expensive.
We extensively used the train system during our stay in Milan. Milan Centrale is the main railway station (a terminus) and also the largest in Europe in terms of volume. We ended up taking trains to and from Milan Centrale during our stay.
Train tickets can be purchased at self-service machines at the stations.
Another great option for a hassle-free commute is availing the Milano travel Card. This card has covers all the public transport system and can be used for 1 day, 2-day, 3-day stays in Milan. It is a one-time purchase and is reasonably priced. Check out their website for latest details.
Final Thought
Over to you! Have you been to Milan? What all places did you like the most in the fashion capital? Let me know in comments below.
