Plan your next trip with this guide to the top 5 things to see in Milan, Italy!
Milan is one of my favorite cities that I’ve visited so far. It was the first city I visited in Europe. I spent an entire semester here in 2019 studying at Universitá Bocconi. I started my handbag brand, Vogelle, here and all of my collections are handmade here by luxury leather artisans. Milan has helped shaped me into the person I am today and it feels like my second home.
The city is filled with amazing art, architecture, design, fashion, food, museums, culture, and more! I’ll be writing so many more posts about Milan but for now, here are my top 5 recommendations for things to see in Milan, Italy!
1. Duomo di Milano
This is at the top of everyone’s list when visiting Milan, as it should be! This cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and is the fifth largest in the world. The construction of this church started in 1386 and is still technically not finished. There is still construction happening at this site to this day. It is rumored that one of the nails from Jesus’s crucifixion is actually inside of this cathedral above the altar! The largest organ in Italy also resides in this church.
With a purchased ticket, you are able to enter the church, go on the rooftop, and go below the church to see the archaeological ruins from before the church was built. The ticket linked HERE gives you access to the church, the rooftop, and the archeological site! If you’d prefer to do this with a tour guide, I’ve linked that option HERE.
2. Navigli Canals & Neighborhood
The Navigli neighborhood is my absolute favorite place in Milan. I lived in an Airbnb here when I was studying at Università Bocconi. The neighborhood is in the southwest corner of the city and consists of two canals that were actually designed by Leonardo Da Vinci himself. There are aperitivo restaurants lining the main canal and every night it’s buzzing with locals who are catching up after a day of work. There’s also live music, weekend flea markets, and thrift shops here.
I guarantee that every local you meet would recommend the Navigli canals as one of their top 5 things to see in Milan.
3. Castello Sforzeco – The Sforza Castle
The stunning Sforza Castle is located just up the street from the Duomo plaza and is quite the site to see. This castle was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza in the 15th century. Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo both lived here. Michelangelo’s last ever sculpture is in this castle. It is unfinished because he passed away before it’s completion. This guided tour grants access to the iconic sculpture as well as the castle grounds and interior.
It is free to enter the castle and it’s grounds on your own, but there is a small fee to go into the museums. This castle sits on the biggest park in Milan and it’s a perfect place to go on walk or run, read a book, or to enjoy some gelato!
After exploring the castle, enjoy the rest of the day shopping & dining in the Brera district! If you’re looking for another incredible work of art to see, walk just a few blocks from the castle to see The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci.
4. The Last Supper Painting
Located in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie convent and church. This historical painting is absolutely one of the top 5 things to see in Milan, Italy. Don’t miss it!
The Last Supper painting was commissioned by Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, in 1495. Leonardo Da Vinci completed the painting in 1948. The Last Supper depicts the reactions of the Twelve Disciples reacting to Jesus when he said that one of them would betray him.
This painting is famous for many reasons. Leonardo Da Vinci perfectly created depth and symmetry through his horizon line and his light nearing the center of the painting. There are also theories suggesting that St. John (directly to the left of Jesus) could actually be Mary Magdalene. There is so much to analyze and appreciate in this painting and I highly recommend taking the time to see it!
If you’re hoping to see The Last Supper painting, you will need to book your ticket well in advance through the official Last Supper Museum website for 15 euros. They release the tickets 2-3 months in advance and they go quick. This is the only way that you can gain access to see the painting. Don’t expect to show up and purchase a ticket on the spot because the chances of any availability are slim to none!
This is the one thing in Milan that you absolutely have to book in advance.
Plan to arrive to the church 15-20 minutes before your scheduled entrance time. They require you to be 15 minutes early anyways or else your ticket may not be valid.
Visiting this painting is a very unique experience because upon entrance, you actually are required to stand in a small dehumidifying room before entering the room where the painting is housed. This is done to preserve the painting as has been deteriorating for hundreds of years. Leonardo used the fresco technique Once you are in the presence of The Last Supper painting, you will only have a few minutes to appreciate it, as they will begin to guide you out the back entrance in order to let the next group in.
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery is located directly to the left of the Duomo. This Galleria is famously known for housing some of the most expensive commercial real estate in the world. The architecture in this building is immaculate and overall SO luxurious. There are great restaurants and shopping in this building. If you walk the street directly between the Duomo and the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, you will find much more accessible shopping like Zara, Bershka, Sephora, and more. It’s the place to be on a Saturday!
It’s also SO easy to get to The Duomo Plaza! I took this photo walking out of the Duomo metro station which spits you out into the center of the plaza. Very convenient!
BONUS – Rooftop Bar!
Did I mention there’s a stellar rooftop bar with one of the best views of the city at the top of the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery? It’s called Obicà. You can always find me here on spring/summer nights. 🙂
I hope you all get to visit Milan someday! It’s such an amazing and vibrant city full of amazing art, cuisine, architecture, fashion, and nightlife.
Ciaooo for now!
Laura xx
