MILAN
Milan is the undisputed global capital of finance, fashion, and design, driven by a relentless energy. It blends historic masterpieces with cutting-edge modernity, setting trends for all of Europe.
This city is the engine of northern Italy, home to breathtaking Gothic architecture and Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy. Milan is a sophisticated hub of commerce, culture, and high Italian style.
Most Popular Attractions
Milan City Core & Historical Masterpieces (Renaissance & Gothic)
Duomo di Milano: The largest Gothic cathedral in Italy, famous for its intricate facade and stunning rooftop views.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade, a majestic four-story glass-and-iron structure.
Teatro alla Scala: One of the world’s most renowned opera houses, which also houses a museum dedicated to its history.
Castello Sforzesco: A massive medieval fortress and museum complex containing Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Pietà Rondanini.
Leonardo’s The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo): Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural painting located in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Pinacoteca di Brera: A premier public gallery featuring masterpieces by Italian masters like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bellini.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio: One of Milan’s most ancient churches, consecrated in 387 AD and a masterpiece of Lombard Romanesque style.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore: Often called the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its walls entirely covered in stunning Renaissance frescoes.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana: A historic library and art gallery housing Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus and Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit.
Colonne di San Lorenzo: A set of 16 ancient Roman columns standing in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, a popular gathering spot.
Milan Modernity, Design & Cultural Districts
Navigli District: A charming network of historic canals (Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese), known for aperitivo bars and bohemian nightlife.
Bosco Verticale: Two award-winning residential towers famous for their vertical layering of over 20,000 trees and plants.
Fondazione Prada: A complex dedicated to contemporary art and culture, featuring permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in an industrial setting.
Piazza Gae Aulenti: A futuristic circular square and the heart of the modern Porta Nuova business district, surrounded by skyscrapers.
Museo del Novecento: A museum housed in the Palazzo dell’Arengario, dedicated to 20th-century Italian art, with a focus on Futurism.
Parco Sempione: The largest public park in the city center, acting as a green lung and home to the Arco della Pace.
Cimitero Monumentale: An elaborate cemetery that serves as an open-air museum, filled with spectacular tombs, sculptures, and monuments.
Lombardy Day Trips & Surrounding Area
Lake Como: A stunning Y-shaped glacial lake surrounded by mountains and dotted with famous scenic towns like Bellagio and Varenna.
Bergamo: A historic city split into Città Bassa (Lower City) and Città Alta (Upper City), the latter of which is enclosed by Venetian walls.
Monza: Home to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, the historic Formula 1 racetrack, and the city’s beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Lake Maggiore: Italy’s second-largest lake, known for the scenic lakeside town of Stresa and the beautiful Borromean Islands.
Activities & Experiences
Marvel at the Duomo di Milano and Climb the Terraces: Visit Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral. Book a ticket to ascend the rooftop terraces (by stairs or elevator) for a stunning panoramic view of the city and a close-up of the spires and the Madonnina statue.
View Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper: Secure tickets months in advance to see this world-famous mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Wander through Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery, a stunning 19th-century glass-vaulted arcade known as “Il Salotto di Milano” (Milan’s living room).
Experience the Aperitivo Tradition in Navigli: Head to the charming canal district in the early evening (around 6 PM – 9 PM). Buy a cocktail or wine and enjoy the complimentary, often generous, buffet of food—a classic Milanese ritual.
Explore the Castello Sforzesco: Discover this expansive medieval fortress and Renaissance palace, which houses several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s final sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera: Immerse yourself in Italian Renaissance masterpieces at this prestigious art gallery, featuring works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Tintoretto, located in the artsy Brera district.
Attend a Performance or Tour Teatro alla Scala: Visit one of the world’s most famous opera houses. If you can’t see a performance, take a tour of the adjacent museum to peek into the magnificent auditorium.
Indulge in Retail Therapy in the Quadrilatero della Moda: Window-shop (or actual shop) in the “Fashion Quadrangle,” comprised of streets like Via Monte Napoleone, which house the flagship stores of the world’s top luxury brands.
Take a Day Trip to Lake Como: Hop on a train from Milano Centrale to Como or Varenna for a scenic escape to the stunning pre-alpine lakes, with options for boat trips to picturesque towns like Bellagio.
Hike or Ride the Bernina Express: Take a memorable train journey from Milan (via Tirano) onto the UNESCO-listed panoramic Bernina Express route, traveling through the Swiss Alps to St. Moritz.
Take a Milanese Cooking Class: Learn to make classic Lombardian dishes like Risotto alla Milanese (saffron-infused risotto) or Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet).
Relax at a Thermal Spa: Visit a spa like QC Termemilano, housed in a former tram depot, for an indulgent day of relaxation, including a unique ‘archeo-aperitif’ in a warm pool built around ancient ruins.
Local Tips & Transport
The Metro is Your Best Friend: Milan has a modern, clean, and efficient Metro (subway) system (ATM), with four main lines (M1-M4) that cover the city core and key attractions. It’s the fastest way to get around.
Integrated Ticketing: A single standard urban ticket is valid for 90 minutes of travel on all modes of transport (Metro, trams, and buses) within the core city zones (Mi1-Mi3), though you can only enter the Metro once. Day and multi-day passes are also available. Always validate your ticket upon boarding a bus/tram or entering/exiting the Metro.
Historic Trams: Milan’s historic yellow trams are an iconic and scenic way to get around the city above ground. Tram Line 1 is particularly known for passing by many beautiful sights.
Airport Connections:
- Malpensa (MXP): The Malpensa Express train connects directly to Milano Centrale and Cadorna stations and is generally the fastest option. Shuttle buses are a more budget-friendly alternative.
- Linate (LIN): This is the closest airport; it is connected directly by the new Metro Line M4 and local bus services like Bus 73.
Bike Sharing: Milan is relatively flat and has a public bike-sharing service, BikeMi, and an increasing number of bike lanes, making cycling a great way to explore the center.
Embrace the Aperitivo: This is the most famous Milanese ritual. From roughly 6 PM to 9 PM, you pay a higher price for a first drink (€8-€15) which grants you access to a buffet of snacks, sometimes turning into an informal dinner. It is a social event and a key part of the local evening culture.
Late Dining Times: Like much of Italy, dinner starts late. Locals rarely dine before 8:30 PM, with 9 PM or 9:30 PM being common. Restaurants are often quiet before 7:30 PM. Lunch is typically between 1 PM and 3 PM.
Area C Congestion Charge: Be aware that driving a car into the historic city center on weekdays often incurs a congestion charge (Area C), which must be paid. Public transport is highly recommended for tourists.
Fashion Forward: Milan is the capital of fashion and finance. While comfort is key for sightseeing, locals are generally very well-dressed. You may feel more comfortable if you aim for smart casual attire, especially in the central areas.
Tickets in Advance: For major attractions like The Last Supper, the Duomo Terraces, and Teatro alla Scala, tickets must be booked well in advance—sometimes weeks or months ahead, especially during high season.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not mandatory or expected as it is in some other countries. A service charge (servizio) is sometimes included, or a small cover charge (coperto) for bread and setting is added. For good service, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra Euros is a nice gesture, but not necessary.
Hidden Gems
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore: Often called Milan’s “Sistine Chapel,” this stunning 16th-century church has an interior completely covered in beautiful, well-preserved frescoes.
Cimitero Monumentale: Not a typical tourist spot, but this massive, open-air gallery of impressive Gothic and Art Nouveau funerary monuments, mausoleums, and sculptures is worth a visit.
Flamingos of Villa Invernizzi: A peculiar and charming sight—a private palazzo in the city center (Via Cappuccini) where a flock of pink flamingos lives in a hidden courtyard.
San Bernardino alle Ossa: A small, unique chapel whose walls are decorated entirely with human skulls and bones, arranged in macabre but artistic patterns.
Top Restaurants
Osteria del Treno [$20-$35] – A historic osteria near the Central Station serving classic Lombard dishes like risotto alla Milanese and cassoeula in an authentic, grand setting, popular with locals.
Trattoria Trippa [$25-$45] – Highly acclaimed by locals, this trattoria offers traditional Milanese cuisine with a modern twist, focusing on cucina povera (peasant food) and unique ingredients.
Ratanà [$35-$55] – Located in a former Milanese tenement house (cascina), this spot in the Isola district offers modern Milanese cuisine with high-quality, local, and seasonal ingredients, including excellent risotto.
Antica Osteria Il Ronchettino [$30-$50] – A true countryside escape within Milan, serving traditional Lombard dishes with fresh ingredients in a rustic, welcoming ambiance that’s well off the main tourist paths.
Osteria Conchetta [$30-$50] – Famous for its superb Lombard cuisine, particularly the classic risotto alla Milanese and risotto al salto (pan-fried to a crispy crust), in a traditional, quintessentially Italian setting near Navigli.
Osteria Milanese OSSBUS [$25-$40] – A local favorite known for serving high-quality Italian cuisine and a genuine Milanese atmosphere in the Navigli area.
Antica Trattoria della Pesa [$35-$55] – An elegant, historic trattoria dating to 1880, known for its commitment to classic Milanese dishes like cotoletta and ossobuco in a refined atmosphere.
Trattoria Mirta [$20-$35] – A genuine, hidden trattoria in the Casoretto district, praised for its simple, seasonal, and authentic cuisine with a menu that changes daily.
Latteria San Marco [$20-$35] – A tiny, no-frills, cash-only former dairy shop known for authentic, rustic Milanese pasta dishes and an endearing, family-run atmosphere (no website, limited seating).
Il Brutto Anatroccolo [$20-$35] – An authentic, no-frills osteria where you can find simple yet flavorful traditional Italian and regional dishes at great value.
Trattoria del Pescatore [$35-$60] – A respected trattoria specializing in seafood, offering high-quality dishes often frequented by locals.
Silvano Vini & Cibi al Banco [$25-$40] – A contemporary osteria/bistro in the Nolo neighborhood offering simple, excellent dishes (many oven-baked) and a great selection of natural wines below city average prices.
Nebbia [$35-$55] – A modern bistro in the Navigli district that presents modern twists on classic Lombardian fare, featuring a relaxed setting and an impressive natural wine list.
28 Posti [$40-$60] – A small, welcoming spot in the Navigli area putting a fresh, seasonal spin on cooking, committed to local products and featuring a frequently changing menu.
Bentoteca [$40-$65] – Known for its amazing treatment of local raw materials, offering creative Italian cuisine blended with unique international influences.
La Candela [$30-$50] – An incredible tapas bar in the heart of the city with a modern fusion approach to its delicious food.
Bauscia [$30-$50] – Offers a Mediterranean focus with a contemporary flair in the Brera area.
Il Santo Bevitore [$30-$50] – A casual bistro known for an excellent selection of natural wines and creative, unusual dishes for those seeking something different.
Seta by Antonio Guida [$150-$250+] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, offering refined Italian contemporary cuisine with a focus on seasonal and regional excellence.
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia [$140-$240+] – A two-Michelin-starred institution celebrating Italian heritage with upscale modern Italian cuisine, known for its creative use of regional ingredients.
Iyo [$120-$200+] – The first and only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant in Italy, offering a high-end, contemporary dining experience with a focus on Japanese-Italian fusion.
Enrico Bartolini al Mudec [$200-$300+] – Chef Enrico Bartolini’s three-Michelin-starred flagship restaurant, located in the Mudec museum, known for creative, contemporary cuisine with deep Italian roots.
Ristorante Berton [$100-$180] – A modern and elegant dining establishment in the Porta Nuova Varesine district, focusing on contemporary and creative tasting menus.
Joia [$80-$140] – The first vegetarian restaurant in Europe to earn a Michelin star, offering exceptional, highly creative, and contemporary plant-based cuisine.
Cracco [$180-$300+] – A highly-regarded, two-Michelin-starred fine dining spot by celebrity chef Carlo Cracco, offering classic Milanese dishes with a sophisticated, modern twist (located in the Galleria, but worthy).
Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant [$60-$100] – A luxurious rooftop dining spot atop the Dsquared2 headquarters with a terrace, pools, and a stunning 360-degree city view, serving modern Italian cuisine.
Gastronomia Yamamoto [$20-$40] – A unique Japanese staple near the Duomo, focusing on authentic Japanese home cooking and takeaway bento boxes (no sushi).
Vasiliki Kouzina [$35-$60] – A bold-colored bistro that stands out for its fresh, clean Greek/Mediterranean flavors, providing an alternative to Italian dining.
Carlo e Camilla in Segheria [$60-$100] – A former sawmill transformed into a dramatic, industrial-chic space, perfect for stylish aperitivo or dramatically-lit dinner with modern Italian cuisine.
Tenoha [$25-$45] – A Tokyo transplant offering a 360-degree Japanese experience, including a shop and a restaurant/ramen joint in the Navigli area.
Osteria Alla Concorrenza [$30-$50] – A busy wine bar focusing on natural wines and simple, high-quality homemade dishes intended for sharing.
Pescherie Riunite [$35-$60] – Popular for its fresh seafood, offering a fish market atmosphere with restaurant quality.
La Società [$40-$70] – A gourmet restaurant in Porta Venezia with a unique dining experience, featuring three differently-themed rooms and creative, transformed Italian dishes.
Panificio Davide Longoni [$10-$20] – Not a full restaurant, but one of the most formidable bread-makers in town, perfect for a high-quality, authentic michetta sandwich.
Peck [$40-$80] – Milan’s most famous delicatessen; while a shop, it also offers a high-end gourmet dining area for exquisite Milanese specialties and Italian products.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Camparino in Galleria: An iconic, historic bar, found inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II right next to the Duomo. It is a shrine to Campari, renowned for its classic Milanese aperitivo cocktails like the Campari Seltz and Negroni.
Nottingham Forest: Located near Porta Venezia, this world-renowned cocktail bar offers an incredibly unique experience with a menu inspired by world travel, molecular gastronomy, and artful presentations. Be prepared for a wait, as it’s small and doesn’t take reservations.
Mag Cafè: A bustling and beloved institution in the Navigli district, set right on the canal. It boasts an eclectic, vintage-inspired decor and is known for creative, high-quality cocktails in a friendly atmosphere.
1930 Speakeasy: A highly exclusive, secret speakeasy in an undisclosed location (hints may be found at other bars in the Farmily Group, like Mag Cafè). It transports guests back to the Prohibition era with its intimate setting and exceptional mixology.
The Doping Bar: Situated within the Aethos Milano luxury hotel near Piazza XXIV Maggio, this sophisticated bar offers a refined, British-style ambiance and award-winning creative mixology.
Iter: A cocktail bar in the Navigli area with a fun, travel-inspired concept. Its menu changes regularly, representing different international destinations with themed cocktails and cuisine.
Rita & Cocktails: A long-standing Navigli institution known for its spirited menu, great vibes, and a no-frills yet stylish Milanese approach to modern mixology.
Bar Basso: Located near the Porta Venezia/Città Studi area, this historic bar is an Milanese institution, famous for inventing the Negroni Sbagliato (Negroni “mistake”). It’s a classic meeting point for the creative community.
Kilburn Cocktail Bar Milano: Inspired by London’s high-end cocktail scene, this stylish bar near Porta Venezia focuses on using premium spirits and quality ingredients for its expensive but worthwhile drinks.
Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant: Situated on the roof of the Dsquared2 headquarters in the Monumentale area, this sleek spot features stylish rooftop swimming pools and offers fashionable drinks with stunning views of the Milan skyline.
The Dome Rooftop: This elegant bar, located near the Duomo, offers stunning, direct views of the Cathedral and its piazza from its seventh-floor position, perfect for a memorable aperitif.
Terrazza Aperol: Overlooking the Duomo square, this modern bar provides a lively setting to enjoy the classic Aperol Spritz, with an interior design that pays homage to the vibrant liqueur.
Terrazza 12: Found on the 12th floor of the Brian&Barry Building, in the heart of the fashion district off Piazza San Babila, this bar is known for its stylish atmosphere and striking skyline views, including the Duomo.
Radio Rooftop Milan: Located atop the ME Milan Il Duca hotel in Piazza della Repubblica, this is an elegant, international hotspot known for its chic ambiance and breathtaking views over the Porta Nuova skyline.
White Rabbit Speakeasy: Located in the trendy Isola district, this clandestine spot requires a password and has an Alice in Wonderland theme, with staff dressed as rabbits and cocktails inspired by famous gangsters.
Backdoor43: Right next to Mag Cafè on the Navigli canal, this bar bills itself as the world’s smallest, accommodating only four people at a time by reservation. The bartender often serves drinks through a window to maintain the speakeasy’s anonymity.
The Roof Milano: Located on the 10th floor near Piazza Missori, this panoramic terrace offers wonderful views of the city center’s Liberty buildings and the distant Alps, providing an elegant setting for cocktails.
Just Cavalli: One of Milan’s most famous and exclusive clubs, designed by Roberto Cavalli, located at the foot of the Torre Branca in Parco Sempione. It’s a high-end spot known for attracting VIPs and hosting glamorous Fashion Week events.
Armani/Privé: An elegant and refined club located within the Armani Hotel in the Montenapoleone fashion district. Its sophisticated design by Giorgio Armani makes it a premier spot for a fashionable night out.
Il Gattopardo: Located near Corso Sempione, this club is set in a spectacularly renovated, former deconsecrated church. It features a majestic chandelier and offers a unique, elegant atmosphere for clubbing.
The Club: Since 2005, this venue in the city center has been a landmark for Milanese nightlife, hosting international DJs and official parties during Fashion and Design Weeks.
Amnesia Milan: Known for its focus on electronic music, this large venue (near Fabrique, outside the central area) hosts exclusive events with major international techno and house DJs, catering to a serious clubbing crowd.
Apollo Club: Located in the Navigli area, this club has a cool, fashionable atmosphere, blending music, fashion, and artistic expression, and is a key meeting point for creative professionals.
Plastic Club: A historic staple of Milanese nightlife, now located in the industrial area of Viale Umbria/Corvetto. It’s famous for its wild, uninhibited parties and is a favorite among fashion and art insiders.
Tunnel Club: Literally located in a tunnel under Milan’s Central Station, this underground venue has a loyal clubbing atmosphere and is known for quality techno and house music events.
Fabrique: While often used as a concert hall near Linate Airport, Fabrique is one of the city’s most versatile venues, hosting major electronic music and pop club nights, attracting large crowds.