Top 20 Milan Attractions: Exciting Places To See

This post will share the top 20 Milan attractions, including exciting places to see.

If there’s one common misconception I keep hearing about Milan, it is boring, and there’s nothing to see except the Duomo, which I’m afraid I honestly have to disagree with.

Granted, you might not necessarily enjoy Milan if you’re not into Art and Fashion, which is fine.

But simply generalizing a city is honestly not the best.

While preparing to return to Italy for my 29th birthday in a few weeks, I decided to reflect on my earlier visit to Milan in February.

Milan is a city in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy.

It is also known as one of the world’s fashion capitals after London, Paris, and New York.

So, you’ll expect a lot of luxury and high-fashion Italian brands based in Milan.

You’ll also notice that many Milanese dress quite fashionably well, which is expected.

But don’t feel pressured about that, especially if you’re not fashion-forward.

Wear what you’re comfortable with, and you’ll be fine.

If you’re looking to visit Milan for the first time and are unsure what the city offers besides luxury brands, this post is for you.

Here Are Some Must-See Milan Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss.

If you’re pressed for time, I’d suggest you stick to the iconic landmarks and keep the rest for next time.

Depending on your interests, the attractions can be scattered across the city, so make sure you use the Metro to get around quickly.

That way, you maximize your trip, especially if you’re going during the Spring or Summer when we have longer days.

Iconic Historical Landmarks

• Duomo di Milano: an iconic 13th-century cathedral that took six centuries to complete. Coming out through the Duomo station gives you such a surreal experience. Go early to avoid the crowds buy tickets for a tour and climb the rooftop!
• Sforzesco Castle: a 15th-century medieval fortress built over a 14th-century one. It’s a great place to relax after exploring Milan. You’ll also find museums, a large public park on the premises and restaurants nearby.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Italy’s oldest shopping gallery, which also doubles as a landmark. The architecture is stunning! Walk in, take some pictures and admire the beauty even if you can’t afford to buy anything.
• Arco Della Pace: Similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Montpellier, France, you’ll find this at the other end of the Sforzesco Castle. It’s a 19th-century triumphal arc manned at the city gates.
• Santa Maria Delle Grazie: a 14th-century UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll find the mural painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci.
• Sempione Park: the large city park between the Arco Della Pace and Sforzesco Castle. You can relax and enjoy quick meals here instead of in indoor restaurants.
• Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of Milan’s most ancient churches, completed in the 10th Century.
• Piazza Duomo: 14th-century grand square flanked by historical buildings. Find a restaurant nearby and enjoy the view of the Duomo.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard: this was given as a gift to Leonardo by the Duke of Milan while painting The Last Supper in the Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
• Columns of St. Lawrence: a collection of 4th Century 16 tall Corinthian columns overlooking the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
• Porta Venezia: 19th-century historical medieval city gates.

Museums, Libraries & Galleries

• Royal Palace: the former city of the Italian government; now a museum and gallery.
• Musée le Monde de Léonardo: an interactive museum dedicated to the works of Leonardo Da Vinic.
• Triennale di Milano: dedicated to Italian contemporary art and design.
• Pinacoteca di Brera: a collection of 13th to 20th-century Italian paintings.
• Ambrosian Library: a 16th-century historic library where you’ll find a collection of Ambrosian art named after the patron saint of Milan.
• Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci: a Science & Technology museum dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci. It’s fun stuff if you’re into automobiles.
• Civic Aquarium and Hydrobiological Station of Milan: the third oldest aquarium in Europe, built in the 19th Century.
• Jardín Botánico de Brera: 18th century botanical garden and arboretum.
• Teatro Alla Scala: the famous Italian Opera house.

Finally

Understandably, Milan attractions are super niche and cater to a specific target audience.

But that doesn’t mean it should be classed as a boring city.

You can easily spend one to two nights here before heading to other parts of Northern Italy.