Milano, Italy is the wealthiest, most stylish Italian city where the old-world romance meets urban steel.
Milano may not be your first choice as a destination in Italy. However, you can visit this charming city for fashion, food, architecture, and art. Whether you’re looking to eat, drink, sightsee or shop, here are ten reasons to visit Milano.
10 Reasons to visit Milano, Italy
It’s less touristy than Rome, Florence or Venice
Milano is a city that thrives on business. You’ll find professional and working-class Milanese just going about their lives. There is a much higher ratio of locals to tourists and an excellent underground system to get around. Roam the fabulous streets and pretend you’re a resident of this city. One of my favourite things to do!
Admire the stunning architecture
Milano has many magnificent buildings, contributed over centuries by the world’s best architects. Unlike many other cities in Italy that are dominated by one particular architectural period, Milano has exemplary architecture from many epochs.
Buildings range from the Renaissance-style Santa Maria Delle Grazie church (designated Unesco World Heritage Site) to the 19th-century shopping plaza, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
See the masterpieces
Milano is home to one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in history, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. You could spend a lifetime searching for great art in this city.
Sample traditional Milanese cuisine
The food is typically rich, with meat, pasta, and rice. Make sure to sample traditional Milanese favourites such as risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto), cotoletta alla milanese (breaded veal cutlet) and at Christmastime, the world-renowned panettone (sweet fruit loaf).
Enjoy aperitivo in the city of its origin
It is believed that the aperitivo was invented by the creator of vermouth in Turin in the 18th century. However, the concept of aperitivo hour took off in the 1920s in Milano. Rumour has it that Gaspare Campari started mixing the types of cocktails now synonymous with the Italian version of happy hour.
Between 6 pm and 8 pm, the entire city seems to be grabbing a drink and complimentary snack before dinner. Do what the locals do and stand at a cafe counter, drink in hand.
Stand on the roof of a cathedral
Every major European city has a famous architectural site. In Milano, it is the majestic Duomo. Situated in the center of Milano, the gothic cathedral is the largest and most elaborate in Italy. Construction began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete. Visitors to the Duomo can climb up to the rooftop, where you can take in a sweeping view of the city.
Learn about modern Italian history
The Royal Palace and Castello Sforzesco provide insight into the age of the commune and the medieval dynasties that ruled in Lombardy. Traces of Mussolini’s fascist regime remain in Milano in the form of imposing architecture spread across the city. Milano Centrale train station is one of the most remarkable examples.
Learn about fashion and design heritage
The epicentre of Italian fashion and design, Milano is home to the biggest names in the industry, such as Valentino, Versace, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Missoni, as well as a new pool of talented emerging brands. Since the early 1900s, Milano is a trendsetter in interior and furniture design. To learn more, the Triennale Design Museum offers a comprehensive look into the history of design in Italy.
You can watch opera at La Scala
You don’t have to be an opera buff to enjoy a visit to the Teatro alla Scala. The extraordinary theatre was originally built in the 1770s but later had extensive reconstructions. The spectacular performance hall is one of the most lavish in the world.
You can ride the iconic Milano tram
The yellow tram has always been a famous symbol of Milano. Original versions from the 19th and 20th-century still circulate throughout the city. And you can even hitch a ride using your public transport ticket.
Bonus: You can explore the rest of northern Italy from Milano
Because of the amazing rail network connecting northern Italy and Switzerland, Milano is the perfect base to explore, whether for day trips or continuing on your travels. Swim in the sparkling waters of Lake Como; reach cured-meat heaven Parma, Romeo and Juliet’s birthplace Verona, or the expansive Lake Garda, or sample Turin’s exceptional wine in two hours or less. What’s more, you can get to Venice in just under three hours. If you have extra time on your hands, take a trip to the Alps or Dolomites for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.
Have you visited Milano, Italy? Share your experience, we would love to hear.
