
What to see in Milan: 30 places, route and tickets
It's easy to get overwhelmed in Milan. The Duomo, the galleria, dozens of churches and museums are scattered across the center, and you can't cover them all in one day.
A ticket to the Duomo terraces costs 16-18 € (as of 09/2026, rates on the official website), and the Last Supper is accessible only with advance booking (as of 09/2026, visiting rules).
We've put together thirty places in Milan that are worth your time. The result is a route from the cathedral to the Naviglio Grande canal. For each spot, you'll find a short history and a practical tip. The list is structured so you can walk it in a day or spread it over several weekends. We verified the Duomo terrace prices and the Last Supper booking rules for fall 2026.
Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.
1. Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
💡 In short:
- Duomo terraces: elevator 18 €, stairs from 16 € (as of 09/2026, tickets and prices).
- The Last Supper requires advance booking, even for a free visit (as of 09/2026, how to book).
- Plan the Duomo for the morning or after 6:00 PM. By midday, the square and entrance fill up with groups, and standing in line in the heat is harder.
- Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Duomo website.
© Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, or simply the Duomo, stands in the very center of the city. Milan's old streets converge on it, and this is clearly visible from the cathedral roof. Construction began in the late 14th century on the site of ancient Celtic sanctuaries. The facade was completed only in the 19th century, by order of Napoleon. Different masters worked on the cathedral, which is why construction stretched over nearly six centuries.
The facade is held up by spires, columns, and hundreds of statues. The highest point is crowned by a gilded figure of the Madonna. Inside, 15th-century stained glass, paintings, and an unusual sculpture of Saint Bartholomew have been preserved. Above the altar is the cathedral's main treasure, a nail from the crucifixion of Christ. The tombs of saints are also located here. There is an entrance fee for the cathedral, and a separate bracelet is purchased for photography inside.
If you want to see the city from above, go up to the terraces. The three-level roof is considered Milan's best observation deck. An elevator and stairs lead to the very top, and a ticket costs from 16 to 18 € (as of 09/2026, Duomo ticket office).
- The catch: lines at the entrance and the elevator, longest by midday.
2. Piazza del Duomo
© Steffen Schmitz · CC BY-SAPhoto: Steffen Schmitz, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe cathedral square is called the heart of Milan. It's always lively, and the city's main buildings are gathered around its perimeter. The square was laid out back in the 14th century by order of the statesman Azzone Visconti. The buildings around the perimeter were designed by the city's most famous architects. In the second half of the 19th century, the square was rebuilt under the direction of architect Giuseppe Mengoni.
The main building on the square, the Duomo itself, sets the tone for the whole place. Next to it stands the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Europe's first shopping arcades. Opposite, you'll see the Royal Palace. A little further are the Archbishop's Palace and the Palazzo dell'Orologio. All of them belong to different eras.
The square also remains the city's main stage. Milanese meet here, and holidays and city events take place. If you want to go up to the cathedral terraces without standing in the ticket line, buy your ticket in advance: Duomo and terraces ticket with audio guide.
- Who it's for: for a first introduction to the city and evening walks by the illuminated buildings.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe gallery is named after the king of a united Italy. Victor Emmanuel II came to the opening of the arcade and personally inspected the building. Architect Giuseppe Mengoni designed the structure but did not live to see the celebration. He died after falling from scaffolding.
The arcade is built in the shape of a Latin cross and has four exits. Each exit symbolizes a part of the world, Australia was not counted at the time. The roof is supported by a glass dome with an iron frame, which was innovative for its era. In the center of the floor, a mosaic depicts a coat of arms with a bull, the symbol of Milan.
Milanese people believe in a local superstition. If you place your heel on the bull and spin around three times on the spot, good luck will follow you. The gallery hosts fashion shows, concerts, and exhibitions. Along the sides there are shops, bookstores, and cafes where coffee is drunk standing up. Mengoni brought together a street and a square under one roof, which was a bold decision for the 19th century. During the day, light floods the mosaic floor, and in the evening the arcade is illuminated and turns into a stage for city events.
If you want to understand the city more deeply, take a walking tour with a local guide: Milan sightseeing tours.
4. Leonardo da Vinci monument
© Harvinder Chandigarh · CC BY-SAPhoto: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsIf you walk straight through the gallery, you will come out onto the square in front of La Scala theater. In the middle of the square stands the monument to Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo excelled in painting, anatomy, engineering, and architecture. He even wrote his notes in mirror writing.
The monument is made up of several figures. Leonardo himself stands on the pedestal, while his best pupils are placed at the base: Marco d'Oggiono, Cesare da Sesto, Giovanni Boltraffio, and Andrea Salaì. Each one looks in a different direction.
From here you can already see the next stop on the route, La Scala theater. A pause at the monument is also convenient for photos: the statues stand against a backdrop of palaces.
- Who it's for: for those walking from the gallery to the theater who want to make a stop.
5. La Scala theater
© Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SAPhoto: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe theater's name is often linked to the word "staircase," but that is a mistake. La Scala was built on the site of the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, hence the name. The design was created by architect Giuseppe Piermarini.
From the outside, the building looks modest compared to the neighboring palaces. Piermarini was in a hurry and did not spend the budget on the facade. In return, the theater was built in just two years. Inside, you will find rich decoration and famous acoustics. Salieri, Verdi, and Puccini all rose to fame here. The hall seats the audience across several tiers of boxes, and the stage can be heard clearly even from the upper seats.
- The catch: the grand facade is easy to miss, the entrance is barely highlighted.
6. Piazza Mercanti
© Stefano Stabile · CC BY-SAPhoto: Stefano Stabile, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsFrom La Scala, walk along Via Santa Margherita past the palace of jurists, and you will reach Piazza Mercanti. In the old days, six passageways led into it. Each was named after a craftsmen's guild, such as the street of jewelers.
The square is small and is not part of the must-see routes. Tour guides often pass it by. Yet Renaissance-era buildings survive here: the Palace of Jurists, the Palazzo della Ragione, and the Scuole Palatine. A book market still operates on the square today, where rare editions can be found.
Merchant guilds once gathered here and justice was administered. If you are tired of the crowds at the Duomo, this square offers a short breather.
- Who it's for: for those who want to see medieval Milan without the lines.
7. Piazza Cordusio
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsPiazza Cordusio has an elliptical shape and closes off the beginning of Via Dante. It was created in the late 19th century. Three buildings with concave facades give the square its unusual look. Six streets intersect here, making it a convenient starting point for a route through the center.
Milanese people call Cordusio the "square of banks." The headquarters of major financial institutions stand here. The name comes from the words Curia Ducis, meaning Ducal Court. Another detail: it was here in the late 19th century that the city's first electric tram was launched. You can see that very tram in the Museum of Science.
8. Via Dante
© Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom · CC BYPhoto: Daniel from Glasgow, United Kingdom, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsVia Dante is considered one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets in the city. It was named after the poet Dante Alighieri. Not long ago, a tram still ran along it, but then the street was given over to pedestrians. The buildings were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries and are well preserved.
City authorities banned new construction on Via Dante. Thanks to this, the street has remained as it was centuries ago. Today you can not only stroll but also step into theaters. The Piccolo Teatro is especially interesting, having been awarded the title of Theater of Europe. Its first production was Gorky's play "The Lower Depths."
If you want to cover more neighborhoods and avoid walking all day, take a sightseeing bus: Milan bus tour ticket.
- Who it's for: for a leisurely walk between the Duomo and Sforza Castle.
9. Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi
© Pivari.com · CC BY-SAPhoto: Pivari.com, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsFrom Via Dante you come out onto Piazza Cairoli, where the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi stands. Garibaldi fought for the unification of Italy and became a national hero. One of the adjoining streets is named after Napoleon. Yet it leads straight to the monument of the liberator.
From here you can already see the next attraction. That is where you will head next.
- Who it's for: for a brief stop on the way to Sforza Castle.
10. Sforza Castle
© TeKappa · CC BY-SAPhoto: TeKappa, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsSforza Castle was built in the 14th century by Duke Visconti. Power later passed to Francesco Sforza, who set about restoring the damaged castle.
The fortress later survived Napoleon's arrival, Austrian troops and World War II. It is now fully restored and open to tourists. One of the city's most popular museums operates on the grounds. It houses works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other Italian masters.
Near the castle, the remains of the old gates that led to it back in Visconti's time have been preserved. If you plan to visit several museums, check tickets in advance: Milan museum and exhibition tickets.
- Who it's for: for those willing to give the castle and museums half a day.
11. Parco Sempione
© Alessandro Perazzoli · CC BY-SAPhoto: Alessandro Perazzoli, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsNext to Sforza Castle lies Parco Sempione, the city's green lungs. It was laid out by the Italian Alemagna in the late 19th century. The park has survived almost in its original form and covers dozens of hectares. Milanese love strolling here on weekends.
An extensive system of ponds and channels, well-kept lawns, roses and fountains make the park popular. Ducks, swans and turtles live in the ponds. Cycling tracks and playgrounds are provided for active recreation. The area used to hold outbuildings and the castle owners' grounds.
- Who it's for: for a breather after museums and a walk with children.
12. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
© Giovanni Dall'Orto · CC BYPhoto: Giovanni Dall'Orto, CC BY, Wikimedia CommonsSanta Maria delle Grazie is considered a symbol of the Italian Renaissance. The church was built in the late 15th century as part of a Dominican monastery. Inside, it was divided into two halves. Parishioners had access only to the first; the second was occupied by monks.
The church's greatest treasure is hidden in the refectory. Leonardo's fresco "The Last Supper" is kept there. During an Allied bombing raid, parishioners covered the wall with sandbags, and the painting survived. Time and natural factors still damaged the fresco.
The fresco can only be viewed by advance reservation (as of 09/2026, official website). Groups are formed of twenty-five people, and visitors are allowed to stay in the refectory for no more than fifteen minutes. The church itself is open every day, and admission is free. The church closes for a break in the middle of the day, so it is better to plan your visit for the morning or evening.
If you need a guide and a clear route, take a guided tour: Milan tours.
- The catch: the refectory is accessible only by reservation, for everyone without exception.
13. Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
© Blackcat · CC BY-SAPhoto: Blackcat, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/it/deed.en), Wikimedia CommonsSan Lorenzo Maggiore is considered one of the oldest churches in Europe. Many of its walls were built as early as the 4th century on the site of ancient Roman pagan temples. The church burned down and was rebuilt many times. It was finally restored in the 16th century.
The Chapel of Sant'Aquilino is especially interesting. It was built back in the 5th century as the burial place of the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I. The chapel is decorated with mosaics depicting Christ and the apostles. The relics of Saint Aquilino and the martyr Natalia are also kept here.
Twelve Corinthian columns stand in front of the basilica, which is why the church is called San Lorenzo alle Colonne. The columns date back to pre-Christian structures. A monument to Emperor Constantine rises in the square in front of the church. The church is open every day, and on Sundays the doors close later than on weekdays.
- Who it's for: for those interested in early Christian architecture.
14. Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
© Ludvig14 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ludvig14, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsSaint Ambrose is considered the protector of Milan. He was born here and in the 4th century founded a church in memory of the martyrs Protasius and Gervasius. After the priest's death, the church received his name. The old basilica has not survived.
The new church was built in the 9th century and rebuilt again in the 12th century. That was when it acquired its Romanesque features. The basilica was once the city's main cathedral, and pilgrims came here from all over Italy.
The entrance leads through an atrium surrounded by columns. Each one has reliefs illustrating the struggle between God and the Devil. On one column, small round holes are visible. According to legend, these are marks from the Devil's horns. Tradition says that if you put your ear to the column, you will hear his whisper. Inside, the 9th-century golden altar with Gospel scenes has been preserved.
In the Chapel of San Vittore, a golden 5th-century mosaic is visible under the dome. The church's main relics are kept in a silver sarcophagus in the crypt. The burial of King Louis II and the sarcophagus of the Roman general Stilicho are also here. Entry to the basilica is free every day.
- Who it's for: those who want to see Romanesque Milan without a ticket.
15. Pinacoteca di Brera
© Jean-Christophe BENOIST · CC BYPhoto: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Pinacoteca di Brera is considered one of Italy's best art galleries. It houses masterpieces by Italian and European painters from the 14th to 17th centuries. The gallery occupies a 16th-century palazzo.
In the 18th century, Maria Theresa of Austria founded a gallery here. It reached its peak under Napoleon. He was preparing the city for a capital role and ordered the best examples of painting to be collected. Here you will see works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and El Greco. The gallery's main treasure is considered to be Raphael's "The Marriage of the Virgin."
The Academy of Fine Arts of Milan operates on the ground floor of the palace. The gallery has its own botanical garden and observatory. The Pinacoteca is open every day, closed on Mondays. On Thursdays, visiting hours are extended into the evening. The gallery is also closed on holidays.
If you plan to visit several museums, buy a ticket online: Milan museum tickets.
- The catch: Monday is a day off, and the gallery is closed on holidays.
16. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsMilanese archbishop Federico Borromeo was a patron of art and science. He collected manuscripts from Greece, Syria, and European countries. In the early 17th century, he decided to build a library. Later, a pinacoteca and an art academy were founded alongside it. The archbishop's personal collection became the basis of the gallery.
Today, autographs of Virgil and Aristotle are kept here, as well as manuscripts by Leonardo da Vinci. His drawings and diagrams are known as the "Codex Atlanticus." Besides manuscripts, you will see works by Leonardo, Raphael, Caravaggio, the Bruegels, Botticelli, Titian, and Dürer.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Mondays and holidays. Photo and video shooting inside is prohibited; only the facades and inner courtyards may be photographed.
- The catch: photography is prohibited inside; you can only shoot the facades and courtyards.
17. Leonardo da Vinci museum of science and technology

The Museum of Science and Technology will interest even those far from technology. It occupies the premises of an old monastery, and some exhibits stand in the open air. Here you will see wooden models of Leonardo's inventions: drawings of a diving suit, a description of a parachute, and a submarine.
In the museum, you can look through a telescope from Galileo's time and peek inside an old submarine. A tram and a sailing ship are displayed nearby. A separate hall compares an old train with a modern high-speed one.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday during daytime hours, and it stays open longer on weekends. It is closed on Mondays and during the Christmas holidays. It is better to buy tickets in advance to avoid standing in line. The exhibition spans several buildings, so you should allow at least half a day for the visit.
- The catch: the museum is closed on Mondays, and on weekends there are many school groups.
18. Museo Poldi Pezzoli
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe city has many exhibitions, and it is not easy for a museum to win attention. The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is chosen by seasoned travelers. The building was constructed in the 17th century. The collection was started by Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, who traveled extensively and became acquainted with world art.
He began turning his home into a museum in the second half of the 19th century. Masterpieces of painting sat alongside antique weapons here. The collector bequeathed the collection to the city. After World War II, the building suffered significant damage, and its doors reopened only several years later. Many exhibits were saved.
- Who it's for: for those who want to see paintings and antique weapons in the same room.
19. Villa Reale
© Sailko · CC BYPhoto: Sailko, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia CommonsVilla Reale is considered a prime example of the Neoclassical era. It was built for Count Belgioioso, ambassador to England, in the late 18th century. Its main attraction became the first English-style park in Italy. It is adorned with sculptures, pavilions, and small bridges.
Napoleon made the villa his home, after which it was called Villa Bonaparte. After his overthrow, the residence of the Austrian viceroy of Lombardy was established here. In the 20th century, the Gallery of Modern Art opened here.
The gallery houses works by Modigliani, Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and other masters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The villa is open to visitors every day except Monday.
- The catch: the villa has a midday break, so plan around it.
20. Pirelli Tower
The Pirelli Tower was built in the mid-20th century. The initiator was Alberto Pirelli, president of the Pirelli company. The tower took ten years to build on the site of the family's first factory. In the end, it rose higher than the spire of the Duomo.
Building higher than the Madonnina was forbidden. So an exact copy of her figure was placed on the tower's roof. Later, a private plane crashed into the tower's spire. The building is made almost entirely of concrete, glass, and aluminum and is decorated with glass mosaic.
Inside, the tower looks no less original. The floors here are made of the rubber Pirelli uses for its tires and are painted yellow.
- Who it's for: for lovers of 20th-century architecture.
21. Torre Velasca
© https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidorban/ · CC BYPhoto: https://www.flickr.com/photos/davidorban/, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsTorre Velasca stands in the city center, not far from the Duomo. This high-rise regularly appears on lists of the world's ugliest buildings. Yet its controversial appearance has made the tower popular with tourists. It was built in the second half of the 20th century in the neo-modernist style.
The lower part is used for offices, and above it sits a wider section with apartments. Because of this, the building resembles a mushroom: a square "cap" sits on a wide "stem." The facades are unusually designed. The architects drew inspiration from the industrial architecture fashionable at the time and combined it with motifs from medieval fortresses and monasteries. The building turned out gloomy and forbidding, like a castle.
- The catch: the tower's look is controversial, and some locals consider it ugly.
22. The middle finger monument
The Middle Finger Monument ranks among the most scandalous examples of contemporary art. Sculptor Maurizio Cattelan created it for the exhibition "Against Ideology." The monument was supposed to stand in Piazza Affari in front of the stock exchange for just two days. However, after the exhibition closed, it stayed in place.
© Ralf Steinberger from Milan, Berlin + Munich, Italy + Germany · CC BYPhoto: Ralf Steinberger from Milan, Berlin + Munich, Italy + Germany, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsA huge marble fist stands on a tall pedestal. Directly behind the monument is the building of the Milan Stock Exchange. You will easily pass this object on your way to the Duomo.
- Who it's for: for those who love controversial contemporary art.
23. San Siro Stadium
© Prelvini · CC BY-SAPhoto: Prelvini, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe first match at the stadium took place almost a hundred years ago. At that time, the arena belonged to AC Milan and bore the name of a nearby church. Later, the stadium was modernized several times. After the war, it came to be shared by two clubs, AC Milan and Inter. The arena was then renamed in honor of Inter player Giuseppe Meazza. Fans still call it San Siro.
For the FIFA World Cup, the stadium underwent a large-scale reconstruction. Today it is one of the best and most modern stadiums in the world. The stands hold about eighty thousand spectators, and there are VIP boxes and a large press area. Club matches and major tournaments take place here, including Champions League and European Cup finals.
On match days, the city fills with fans and takes on the colors of the clubs. Special buses run from Piazza del Duomo to the stadium. A sports museum is open at the arena, located under the stands. Most of the collection is dedicated to the history of Italian football and the home clubs.
- The catch: on match days the area is overcrowded, and the museum is open only during the day.
24. Monumental Cemetery
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Monumental Cemetery looks more like a sculpture park than a final resting place. It was designed by Carlo Maciachini in the 19th century. At that time, only noble and wealthy citizens could be buried here. Plots were bought in advance, and sketches of tombstones and inscriptions were approved during one's lifetime.
The monuments preserve the tastes and ideas of beauty of that era. Most of them were made by renowned architects and sculptors. There are no repeating tombstones here. You will see Egyptian pyramids, ancient temples, angels, and entire sculptural groups. The Campari family tomb is adorned with a composition based on Leonardo's "Last Supper."
Not only wealthy citizens are buried here, but also cultural figures, patrons, and politicians. The cemetery is open every day except Monday.
- The catch: it is closed on Mondays, and on holidays the cemetery is open only until midday.
25. Naviglio Grande Canal

The Naviglio district is considered the most romantic in Milan. At one time, the Milanese wanted to turn the city into a second Venice. A network of canals was planned for this, and Leonardo da Vinci invested in the project. Today, only three canals remain from the entire network.
The most picturesque of them, Naviglio Grande, attracts the most visitors. Pedestrian bridges, small churches, and the famous Alley of the Washerwomen have been preserved here. In warm weather, tour boats travel along the canal, and antique and tourist shops operate on its banks.
In the evenings, bars and clubs open along the Naviglio, and performances are held. If you want to combine a walk with dinner, take an evening tour: food tours in Milan.
- Who it's for: for an evening stroll and dinner by the water.
26. Branca Tower
© Fred Romero · CC BYPhoto: Fred Romero, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia CommonsIt is not only the Middle Ages that attracts tourists to Milan. Branca Tower was built in the first half of the 20th century. The order to construct it was given by Benito Mussolini. He marked the opening of the jubilee exhibition at the Palazzo dell'Arte this way. The tower has a second name, Milan's Eiffel Tower. The lattice structure surprisingly resembles the creation of engineer Eiffel.
The structure was erected in a record-short time, just three months. Later, the fastenings weakened, and the authorities feared collapse. Restoration took thirty years. The costs were covered by Fratelli Branca, a liqueur producer. The tower received its name. After restoration, visitors once again went up to the observation deck. From there, views open onto Milan, the Lombard plain, and the peaks of the Alps.
- The catch: the observation deck is not always open, and access depends on the weather.
27. Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio
© Ludvig14 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Ludvig14, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsIn ancient times, Saint Barnabas preached here. Many of his followers were baptized at this very place. The basilica is revered by Christians. Tradition holds that it housed the relics of the Magi who came to worship the newborn Jesus. Later, Frederick Barbarossa took the relics and moved them to Cologne. In the Middle Ages, Inquisition trials were held here, and since the 13th century, the Dominican order has had its seat here.
The church was built gradually and absorbed older structures. From the early Christian temple, an apse remains under the choir. Chapels were later added: one contains Renaissance-era tombs, another holds masterpieces of Florentine art. In the late 20th century, the basilica underwent a large-scale restoration. An eight-pointed star was placed on the church, and beautiful lighting was installed.
- Who it's for: for those studying the history of Christianity and the Inquisition.
28. Church of San Fedele
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Church of San Fedele stands on the square of the same name in the historic center. Construction was initiated by Archbishop Carlo Borromeo. The architect was Pellegrino Tibaldi. The work took almost seventy years.
The building is designed in a strict and solemn classical style. The columns, niches, and decor look harmonious. The tall dome is designed to appear as if it is floating above the altar. Be sure to explore the chapels inside the church, each one is unique. The Pietà, a grieving Madonna by Peterziano, is especially compelling. If you are tired of Baroque opulence, this church offers a calm contrast.
- Who it's for: lovers of strict classical architecture in the center.
29. Brera Astronomical Observatory
© Paolobon140 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Paolobon140, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsThe Brera Palace houses an astronomical observatory founded by the Jesuits in the 18th century. The work was led by the Croatian priest and scientist Ruggero Giuseppe Boscovich. He also became the head of the institution. When the Jesuit order was dissolved, the observatory was transferred to the state.
The observatory served science for a long time, but by the early 20th century observing conditions had deteriorated. It was then decided to build a new observatory in the town of Merate. Important discoveries were made within the walls of the Brera Palace. Astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli discovered the asteroid Hesperia and later observed and sketched canals on Mars. Thanks to such work, the Milan observatory became known far beyond Italy.
- Who it's for: those interested in the history of science.
30. Museo del Novecento
© Emanuela Terzi · CC BY-SAPhoto: Emanuela Terzi, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia CommonsFans of modern art should visit the Museo del Novecento. It occupies the Palazzo dell'Arengario, which underwent a major restoration for the exhibition. The restoration cost the city tens of millions of euros. The museum opened relatively recently, and the collection already includes more than four hundred works by renowned masters.
The museum takes pride in masterpieces by Picasso, Modigliani, and Kandinsky. There are works in the styles of Futurism and Abstract art. Lovers of mid-20th-century painting will find the collection of Manzoni and Bonalumi. The top floor is devoted to an exhibition of Lucio Fontana. In addition to paintings, you can enjoy a panorama of Piazza del Duomo through the huge windows. The museum also has a restaurant and a bookstore with a rich selection of printed materials.
- Who it's for: those who want to see Milan through the eyes of the 20th century.
Milan attractions on the map
All the places on the list are easy to check on a map. Milan's center is compact, and you can easily walk between the Duomo, the Galleria, Sforza Castle, and the Navigli. Mark the sights in advance so you don't waste time in the side streets.
Before your trip, check the museums' closing days. Some of them are closed on Mondays, and it's better to know this in advance so you don't plan your vacation around closed halls.
Museum or place | Closed or break |
|---|---|
Pinacoteca di Brera | Monday, some holidays |
Museum of Science and Technology | Monday, Christmas days |
Biblioteca Ambrosiana | Monday and holidays |
Monumental Cemetery | Monday, until noon on holidays |
Villa Reale | Monday and afternoon break |
If you need a ready-made day program with a guide, check out the city tour options below.
Tours and tickets in Milan
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and activities — most offers can be cancelled free of charge.
See offers on GetYourGuideThe widget loads once you give your consent.
⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to go up to the Duomo terraces?
The fare depends on how you go up: the elevator is more expensive, the stairs are cheaper. Buy tickets online to avoid waiting at the ticket office. Plan your visit for the morning: by midday, groups gather in the square and at the entrance.
Can you see The Last Supper without a reservation?
No. Advance booking is mandatory for everyone, even for free visits and infants. Reservations open once a quarter, and slots sell out quickly. If your date doesn't work, check the website regularly.
How many days do you need for Milan?
The center is compact, and you can cover the main sights on the list in one day on foot. The Duomo, the Galleria, La Scala, Sforza Castle, and the Navigli are all close to each other. Add another day for museums: the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Museum of Science and Technology, and The Last Supper all take time.
What to see in Milan with kids?
Kids usually enjoy the Museum of Science and Technology with Leonardo's models and Parco Sempione with its pond, swans, and playgrounds. Football fans will appreciate San Siro Stadium with its sports museum. In the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, show them the bull mosaic and the tradition of spinning on it.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable. In summer, the center is hot and crowded with tour groups, and the lines for the Duomo are at their longest. Reservations for The Last Supper open several months in advance, so it's better to plan your dates early.
How to get from the airport to central Milan?
From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express train and buses run to the center, and the trip takes about an hour. With luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is more convenient. An airport transfer will take you directly to your hotel.
How much time do you need for each museum?
Allow two to three hours each for the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museum of Science and Technology, as their collections are large. The Last Supper takes only fifteen minutes by reservation. The Duomo with its terraces takes an hour to an hour and a half.
In short: what to book
If you have one day, start with the Duomo terraces, walk through the Galleria to La Scala, and finish at the Navigli. Get your Duomo and terraces ticket in advance so you don't waste time.
If you came for art, plan museums on a separate day. Milan museum tickets are easy to compare online.
If you're flying into Malpensa, it's worth planning your route to the hotel in advance. You can book an airport transfer before your trip.


