Milan is a vibrant tapestry woven with contemporary energy, where hidden wonders await discovery. From bustling fashion districts to cultural extravaganzas, Milan truly has it all.
With all of Milan’’s attractions, a travelling guide is truly needed, so here are the 11 best things to do in Milan including the most fun and interesting things to do in Milan.
Best things to do in Milan
Visit the Duomo di Milano
Let’s get the obvious out of the way, the best thing to do in Milan has to be a visit to the Duomo di Milano.
Milan's iconic Duomo di Milano isn't just a stunning cathedral, it's a window into the city's soul. Unravel centuries of history and artistic expression through its intricate details. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination for visitors seeking cultural immersion and architectural wonders.
Time to visit: While the Milan Cathedral welcomes visitors year-round, winter offers a unique advantage; shorter lines for a more streamlined exploration. The Duomo's opening hours are daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, except Wednesdays.
Location:P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: Entrance to the Duomo di Milano requires a ticket, which you can conveniently purchase online through the official website.
Stroll Through Santa Maria delle Grazie church
Journey through time at Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of Milan's oldest churches and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of Renaissance architecture, artistic treasures, and historical significance. Undoubtedly, it is a must-see destination for any tourist.
Time to visit: Santa Maria Grazie church welcomes visitors daily with two opening periods: 9:00 AM to 12:20 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:50 PM. However, on Sundays, the church opens later, offering access only from 3:00 PM to 5:50 PM.
Location: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: Admission to the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is free of charge.
Immerse yourself in the Cenacolo Vinciano
Tucked away within the tranquillity of Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church, lies the Cenacolo Vinciano, a haven housing Leonardo Da Vinci's breathtaking masterpiece, 'The Last Supper', alongside other timeless artistic treasures. This captivating space, recognized as one of Milan's most beautiful sites, beckons visitors from across the globe to witness its wonders firsthand.
Time to visit: Note that the Cenacolo Vinciano is closed on Mondays. Otherwise, it welcomes visitors daily from 8:15 AM to 6:45 PM.
Location: Inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
Tickets: Tickets for the Cenacolo Vinciano Museum range from €2 to €15 and can be purchased online through the official website.
Walk through history in the Ambrosian Library
The Ambrosian Library, also known as the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana, is a historic institution in Milan, Italy that was founded in 1609 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo. It was one of the earliest libraries to grant access to all who could read and write.
Its collection boasts thousands of printed books and pamphlets (dating from the 15th century onwards), around 10,000 manuscripts, including Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus and the earliest illustrated manuscript of the Iliad, and 12,000 drawings by European artists, from the 14th through the 19th centuries.
Time to visit: The Ambrosian Library is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM except on Wednesday.
Location: Piazza Pio XI, 2, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: The Ambrosian Library Tickets are available for purchase online. Their prices are: Adults - €15, Children (5 & under) - Free, Children (6-14) - €5, Teens (15-18) - €10, Seniors (65+) - €13. For more information please visit the official website.
Fun things to do in Milan
See the extraordinary at the Teatro Dal Verme
Another one of the best fun things to do in Milan is forgetting the ordinary, and embracing the extraordinary at Teatro Dal Verme! This Milanese gem isn't just a theatre; it's an invitation to artistic discovery. Witness electrifying performances, delve into historical charm, and experience the magic of the I Pomeriggi Musicali Foundation and Orchestra. Curious travellers and adventurous art lovers, this is your Milan must-visit!
Time to visit: Teatro Dal Verme is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6 PM to 11 PM.
Location:Via S. Giovanni sul Muro, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: Enjoy budget-friendly theatre at Teatro Dal Verme! Tickets start at just €3 for children and young adults, with adult tickets available for €5. Purchase yours online for a seamless experience.
Attend a play at Teatro della Scala
One of the most Fun things to do in Milan is witnessing Milan's artistic legacy at Teatro della Scala. This iconic opera house, steeped in centuries of history, continues to captivate audiences with world-class performances. A must-visit destination for any traveller, Teatro della Scala offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Milanese culture.
Time to visit: The Teatro della Scala is open to the public daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Tickets: Witness operatic magic at Teatro della Scala! Ticket prices range from €18 to €96 depending on the performance you choose. Secure your seats online at the official website for an unforgettable experience.
Things to do in Milan at Night
If you are interested more in Milan’s nightlife, here are our picks for the top things to do in Milan at night:
Party at the Tunnel Club
The Tunnel Club in Milan is a renowned underground club located beneath the train tracks leading to Milan's Central Station. It opened in the mid-1990s as a haven for electronic music enthusiasts and quickly gained a reputation for being one of Italy's most popular clubs. The Tunnel Club hosts international, corporate events and private parties throughout the week, with weekends dedicated to live performances and electronic music.
Time to visit: The Tunnel Club opens its doors only on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 PM to 5 AM.
Location: Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini, 30, 20125 Milano MI, Italy.
Free things to do in Milan
While Milan is known for being expensive that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy yourself with a budget, so here are our picks for the top free things to do in Milan:
Walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Stepping into Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's oldest and grandest shopping arcade, feels like entering a living museum. Housing top Italian brands alongside famous streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, it's a shopper's paradise steeped in history and by far the best free thing to do in Milan.
Time to visit: To truly appreciate the grandeur of the Galleria, skip the weekend crowds and aim for a weekday visit, ideally before noon.
Location: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: Admission to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is free, making it the best free tourist place in Milan.
Experience the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Step back in time at Milan's ancient Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, one of the city's oldest churches. This architectural gem, a portal to Milan's early Christian roots, dazzles with artistic brilliance. Take advantage of this must-see destination on your Milan trip!
Time to visit: While weekdays offer two separate slots to visit the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (10:00 AM-12:00 PM & 2:30 PM -6:00 PM), Sundays have a single, extended opening time from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Tickets: Entrance to Sant’Ambrogio Basilica is free, but guided tours are available every Sunday at 3:30 PM for €10 for adults and families.
See the Milan’s top Fashion district: Quadrilatero della Moda
Immerse yourself in Milan's fashion scene at the Quadrilatero della Moda. From the timeless elegance of historic ateliers to the trendsetting vibes of modern showrooms, this district is a must for every fashion enthusiast.
Time to visit: For a peaceful shopping experience with fewer crowds, consider visiting the Quadrilatero della Moda in spring.
Location: Located in the centre of Milan.
Tickets: Admission to the Quadrilatero della Moda is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Milan.
Immerse yourself in the Cimitero Monumentale
Cimitero Monumentale is an outdoor art gallery with stunning sculptures and ornate tombs. Explore its wonders, including the Sforza family's grand mausoleum, the atmospheric Camposanto, the Famedio's hall of honour, and the final resting places of literary giants Alessandro Manzoni and Carlo Cattaneo.
Time to visit: The Cimitero Monumentale is open daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, except Mondays.
Location:Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy.
Tickets: Entrance to the Cimitero Monumentale is free.
Milan Trip Preparations
Planning a trip to Milan? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Let's address any questions you might have about the city and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Q. How much budget is required for the Milan Trip?
The amount you'll need to budget for your Milan trip depends on a few factors, including travel style, length of the trip, travel dates, and what activities you are planning on doing. But, a good budget to have is around €35-€45 per day.
Q. What is the best time to visit Milan?
The "best" time to visit Milan depends on your priorities and preferences. If you are looking for fewer crowds, then consider April-May's milder weather or September-October's vibrant ambience – both offer respite from peak season crowds, though you might encounter limited hours for some of Milan‘s attractions.
Q. How to Reach Milan?
There are a plethora of ways to reach Milan. The most convenient and fastest way to reach Milan is by flying into one of its two main airports:The Malpensa Airport (MXP): This is the larger and busier airport.The Linate Airport (LIN): This is the smaller airport, which is also the nearest airport to Milan.
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