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JPY (¥)Milan is known for its incredible fashion, art, and culture. But the city has so much more to offer than you’d ever expect. If you’re planning a trip to Milan and not sure where to start, Tourist Italy is here to help. In this article, we’ll show you the highlights of this beautiful city with our picks for the best things to do in Milan, Italy. You’ll also learn about some incredible tours that will help you have memorable adventures at all of these sites.
1. Visit the Duomo
The Duomo di Milano is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Italy, standing tall in the center of Milan. A visit to the Piazza del Duomo, which surrounds the cathedral, will give you an even greater appreciation for its beauty and size. We offer two tours that feature the Duomo: the Milan Duomo Cathedral Rooftop Tour and the Historic Milan Half-Day Tour.
As the name suggests, the first features breathtaking views from the top of the Duomo explained by an expert guide with skip-the-line access. The second tour takes a slightly different approach, focusing on the magic felt within Piazza del Dumo itself. As you gaze up at the spectacular cathedral that stands before you, gain unique insights about its creation and history from your expert guide.
2. Explore Sforza Castle
Has our brief look at Sforza piqued your interest? This 15th-century fortress was once the residence of Milan’s most powerful family. On our Historic Milan Half-Day Tour, you’ll stop by the Sforza Castle as well as many other famous Milanese landmarks. Admire the exterior architecture and learn some insider secrets before heading to the iconic La Scala Theatre.
3. Indulge in the Navigli Food and Drink Scene
Looking to explore Milan’s drinking scene? The Navigli district is one of the best places to experience Milan’s nightlife. Here, you’ll find a variety of Italian restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs that stay open late. Our Milan Naviglio Grande Aperitivo Small Group Tour is the perfect way to discover the best of the best in Navigli. A guide will take you to a handful of different locations, where you’ll sample drinks against the beautiful backdrop of the neighborhood. You’ll try all kinds of Milanese alcohol, choosing your favorite to drink as an aperitivo overlooking the canal.
Book Your Milan Naviglio Grande Tour
4. See Da Vinci’s Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting, The Last Supper, can be seen at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the city. It’s a gorgeous fresco – or mural – that was painted by the master in 1498 and is still recognizable today.
Is this site at the top of your list? Be sure to book our Da Vinci’s Last Supper Skip-the-Line Guided Tour. You’ll have guaranteed access and maximized time with included skip-the-line tickets. Plus, a local guide will show you everything you need to know about the masterpiece.
Join a Last Supper Tour - Skip-the-line tickets included
5. Participate in an Authentic Milanese Cooking Class
Milan is known for its incredible food. What better way to experience it than by taking part in an authentic Milanese cooking class? We offer two exciting cooking classes that will help you bring the taste of Milan home: the Private Milanese Cooking Class with a Local and the Milan Pasta Cooking Experience.
Our private class gives you three hours with a Milanese home cook learning how to make a three-course meal for lunch or dinner. The pasta class features lessons on making two types of pasta with traditional sauce, which you’ll enjoy for lunch paired with wine.
Book Your Milan Cooking Experience
6. Shop Till You Drop in Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II
If you’re looking to shop in Milan, look no further than Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. This stunning glass-vaulted arcade is full of luxury stores where you can find the latest designer clothing and accessories. It’s definitely among the best things to do in Milan for young adults.
Fashion-savvy tourists are sure to enjoy our Milan Fashion Streets Day Tour, which ends at the Galleria. Before that, though, you’ll see luxury boutiques and the opulent fashion district of Quadrilatero della Moda. You’ll also learn about local trends and styles from a fashion expert.
If you’re in Milan in February 2024, make sure to check out the city’s festivities for Milan Fashion Week 2024. Our comprehensive overview will tell you everything you need to know about this popular fashion event.
Tour Milan's Shops With An Expert
7. See a Show at La Scala Theater
No trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to La Scala Theater. Originally built in 1776, it is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. La Scala has hosted some of the greatest operas ever written, including Verdi’s La Traviata and Puccini’s Turandot. Our Historic Milan Half Day Tour includes a stop at La Scala among other sites on this list, like the Duomo and Galleria.
8. Browse the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Gallery
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Gallery is a must-see for any art lover. This museum houses an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings by some of the most famous Italian artists. Aside from the artwork, there are also manuscripts, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts to admire.
Art and history buffs will have a memorable experience on the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Gallery Guided Tour. In less than 2 hours, you’ll be led through the 24 rooms of the gallery to see the works of Renaissance masters. A guide will teach you all about the nuances of the pieces as you go.
Join a Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Gallery Tour
Tick All the Things To Do in Milan With Tourist Italy!
The fun things to do in Milan are endless, especially with your friends at Tourist Italy. We have plenty of Milan tours, including all those listed throughout the article. If you’re looking to experience a bit of everything, we highly recommend our Milan Full Day Small Group Tour. Combining our Historic Milan Tour with our Modern Milan Tour, this experience provides visitors with a great overview of what the city has to offer. Our Milan Package Tours are an excellent way to do all of these activities in one trip as well.
For more insight on things to do in Milan and how to get around, check out our informative map of Milan and other articles. We’re here to help you learn about shopping, airports, where to stay, and more. We’ve even compiled a list of the best day trips from Milan. And before you fly, make sure to check out our top tips for planning a trip to Italy.
