5 Things You Have to See in Milan, Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Milan, Italy, whether it’s a short trip or a long trip, you won’t want to miss the city’s top attractions. If you do nothing else in Milan, make sure you see these top 5 sights.

It’s no surprise that the Italian city of Milan is a must-see destination for travelers. From the iconic architecture of the Duomo to the array of museums, galleries and restaurants, the city offers something for everyone.

To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve rounded up the top 5 things to do in Milan. From visiting the iconic Duomo Cathedral to seeing a show at one of the world’s most famous opera houses, these 5 must-dos will guarantee an unforgettable visit to Italy’s most stylish city.

Top Things to Do in Milan

If you’re looking for a vacation destination with culture, museums, and beautiful scenery, the city of Milan, Italy, is the place to go. Whether this is your first visit to Milan or you’re a returning traveler, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the city’s unique history, architecture, and culture.

Check out these top things to do on your next visit to Milan, Italy.

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) was built by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, in the 15th century. The castle was decorated with frescoes and paintings by Leonardo di Vinci, Donato Bramante, and Cesare Cesariano. Now, Castello Sforzesco is home to many art museums, archaeological museums, and a museum of musical instruments.

The castle itself is free to enter, but admission to the museums costs extra.

Read my guide to visiting Castello Sforzesco here.

Related tour: Sforza Castle and Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini Guided Experience

Duomo di Milano

Duomo di Milano is the largest cathedral in Italy (the larger St. Peter’s Basilica is located in the Vatican, an independent state technically separate from Italy) and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This massive Gothic cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete.

Entrance to the Duomo is ticketed. You can opt to see just the cathedral and museum, or you can do the popular cathedral and rooftop terrace tour.

As with other churches in Italy, remember to cover your knees and shoulders or they will refuse to admit you.

Related tour: Duomo and The Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, so shopping is a must.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest shopping mall, and it’s located just next to the Duomo. The Galleria is complete with designer brands, intricate mosaic floors, and a beautiful glass-covered arcade ceiling.

Entrance to the Galleria is free, but you might find yourself spending more than you bargained for.

Related tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals

Palazzo Reale

Palazzo Reale, or the Royal Palace of Milan, was once the seat of government in Milan. Now, the palace exhibits international works of art. This neoclassical palace is located next to the Duomo, opposite of the Galleria.

Entry to the Palazzo Reale is ticket and includes an audio guide.

Related tour: Essential Milan 3-Hour Private Walking Tour

Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Opera House) is one of the world’s most famous opera houses. The opera house opened in 1776 and it has hosted the first productions of many famous operas.

You can visit the Teatro all Scala to see a performance, or you can visit their museum. You can visit the theatre and museum on a self-guided tour, or you can take a guided tour.

Related tour: Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Theatre

Top Milan Tours

With so much to see, Milan can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Milan tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful Italian city.

• Da Vinci’s Last Supper Guided Tour
• Private Best of Milan Guided Tour with Duomo, La Scala Theatre and Sforza Castle
• Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

Mapping Out Your Stay in Milan

Ready to explore Milan’s top attractions? Use the map below to help plan out your time exploring Milan, Italy.

With its beautiful architecture, rich history, and thriving art and culture, Milan is sure to captivate and enchant you.

I hope this list of must-see attractions helps you plan the perfect vacation to Milan!

Where to Stay in Milan

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Milan, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Top Hotel: The Street Milano Duomo
• Great Value: Lancaster Hotel
• Unique Stay: Apartment in front of Castello Sforzesco

More Things to Do in Italy

Make the most out of your vacation to Italy! Check out these other Italian travel guides to plan your perfect trip:

• Pros and Cons of Taking a Group Tour of Italy
• 2 Days in Venice, Italy Travel Itinerary
• What to Do With 1 Day in Florence, Italy
• Wine Tasting in Tuscany Should Be on Your Bucket List
• How to Spend 3 Days in Rome, Italy
• Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Italy

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Ready to visit Milan, Italy? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book your flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Milan using Booking.com.
• Get a Guide Book: Check out the guide books from Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, or Rick Steves for in depth info about traveling to Italy.

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Cheers!

Paige

What are your top things to do in Milan, Italy? Let me know in the comments!