Things to Do in Milan
50 curated spots from Milan itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Walk through Milan’s grand shopping gallery and browse its historic arcades and luxury storefronts.
1h · Free
Pinacoteca di Brera
Art museum housing Italian masterpieces in an elegant palazzo, with a peaceful internal courtyard.
2h · $15-20
Duomo di Milano & Rooftop Terraces
Visit the cathedral interior, then take the lift up to the terraces for panoramic views over the city’s spires—an ideal spot for romantic photos.[1][3]
2h · $20-30
Castello Sforzesco & Parco Sempione
Walk from Brera or the Duomo through Via Dante to reach Sforza Castle, then explore its courtyards and museums before strolling through Parco Sempione’s lawns, pond, and paths for relaxed photos.[8][9][10][12]
2h · $10-15 per person (castle museums) or Free for exterior and park
Duomo di Milano
Enter the Gothic cathedral (religious site), climb terraces for **photography spots** overlooking architecture.
1h 30m · $12 or Free
Duomo di Milano and Rooftop Terraces
Visit the cathedral and, if possible, go up to the terraces for skyline views and close-up stonework detail.
2h · $15-30
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
Stroll shaded paths, small ponds, and tree-lined avenues in one of Milan’s central parks.
1h · Free
Parco Sempione
Picnic, rent bikes, or relax by the lake and Arch of Peace.
1h 30m · Free
Brera District Walk
Stroll the cobblestone streets, browse galleries and boutiques, and linger over an unhurried evening walk.
1h · Free
Cimitero Monumentale
Explore monumental tombs and sculptures in this grand cemetery, effectively an open-air art museum.
1h 30m · Free
Colonne di San Lorenzo & Corso di Porta Ticinese
Visit the Roman columns and walk along Corso di Porta Ticinese, dotted with vintage shops and street art.
1h 30m · FreeDuomo di Milano & Rooftop
Visit the cathedral interior and take the elevator up to the rooftop terraces for close-up views of spires and city panoramas.
2h · $20-30
Duomo di Milano & Terraces
Tour the Gothic cathedral interior and climb to the terraces for 360° views; great photography spot.
2h · $20
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & Piazza Exploration
Walk through the 19th‑century glass-vaulted shopping arcade for architecture, window-shopping, and people-watching; step into nearby Piazza della Scala for more photo angles.[1][3]
1h · Free
Mercato Comunale Wagner
Explore a traditional covered food and produce market with stalls selling cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta, and seasonal fruit; ideal for people-watching and tasting inexpensive local bites.[2]
1h · Free to enter; $5-15 if you snack
Museo del Novecento
Explore 20th-century Italian art in a modern space overlooking Piazza del Duomo; don’t miss the view from the upper floors.
1h 30m · $12-18
Navigli Canals
Wander the canals, browse artisan shops, and enjoy street performers.
1h 30m · Free
Porta Nuova & Bosco Verticale Evening Walk
Take the metro to Porta Garibaldi, explore Piazza Gae Aulenti and the modern high-rises, then walk to the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers for golden-hour photos.[1][3]
1h 30m · Free
Quadrilatero della Moda Walk
Explore Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, and surrounding streets, admiring high-fashion window displays.
1h 30m · Free
Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione
Tour the castle exterior and courtyards, then decompress with a long walk through the park and around the water features.
2h 30m · Free
Aperitivo in Navigli
Spend the evening by the canals for aperitivo, a relaxed drink, and a lively nightlife atmosphere.
2h · $15-25
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Visit one of Milan’s most important churches and admire its Romanesque architecture.
1h · Free or small donation
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Walk to this ancient basilica with its Romanesque façade and peaceful cloistered courtyard, a quiet contrast to the Duomo’s grandeur.[1][3]
1h · Free (donation appreciated)
Basilica di Sant'Eustorgio & Museo Diocesano Area
Visit the historic basilica with its chapels and peaceful cloister, then wander nearby streets toward Porta Ticinese for layered medieval and early Christian history.
1h 30m · $6-10 for museum areas, basilica entry by donation or small fee
Bosco Verticale & Isola Architecture Walk
Loop through Piazza Gae Aulenti and pedestrian bridges to see the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers and new skyline.[1]
2h · Free
Bosco Verticale & Piazza Gae Aulenti
See the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers and explore the modern Piazza Gae Aulenti with its elevated walkways and fountains.
1h 30m · Free
Brera District
Explore Pinacoteca di Brera gallery, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops.
2h · $20
Brera District Evening Walk
Explore cobbled streets, small piazzas, and art galleries, then browse artisan shops.
1h 30m · Free
Brera District Free Explore
Wander the charming streets around Via Brera and Via Fiori Chiari, browsing boutiques, artisan shops, and small galleries.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Brera District Shopping
Browse minimalist boutiques like Spazio Rossana Orlandi and galleries (walkable cluster).
1h 30m · $0-100Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Pavé
Beloved neighborhood bakery-café known for excellent croissants, brioche, and coffee, with a relaxed, creative vibe to start the day.
1h · $8-15 per person
Luini Panzerotti
Fried dough pockets filled with mozzarella and tomato; street-food style.
30m · $6-10 per person
Ratanà
Modern trattoria in a restored building, focusing on refined Milanese cuisine and a good wine list—reserve ahead.
2h · $35-50 per person
Trattoria Torre di Pisa
Classic trattoria in charming Brera serving risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco, and other regional dishes in a cozy setting.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Mag Cafè
Aperitivo with spritz and veggie/meat platters (no shellfish options available).
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Ristorante Nabucco
Classic Brera trattoria with outdoor seating on a charming lane; try risotto alla milanese or ossobuco for a local specialty.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Osteria del Gnocco Fritto
Emilian-style osteria known for plates of cured meats and warm gnocco fritto bread to share.
1h 30m · $20-28 per person
Panificio Pattini
Traditional bakery with focaccia, simple pastries, and good coffee; grab something quick at the counter.
30m · $5-10 per person
Panini De Santis
Grab a light Italian‑style start with espresso and a filled focaccia or panino; it’s casual and quick.
45m · $8-15 per person
Pavé Brera
Artisanal pastries and coffee; opt for cornetto, yogurt parfaits, or veggie frittata (no shellfish).
45m · $15-25 per person
Bar Brera
Classic café with outdoor tables; enjoy a simple pastry and coffee while watching the neighborhood wake up.
45m · $8-12 per person
Fioraio Bianchi Caffè
Flower shop-turned-bistro; pasta and wine in romantic greenhouse.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
Book a refined dinner in the fashion district with Italian classics and a polished terrace-like feel.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
Luini
Grab a classic panzerotto and coffee near the Duomo before starting the day; go for the spinach-and-tomato version if you want a local favorite.
45m · $10-18 per person
Marchesi 1824
Stop in for coffee, dessert, or a refined early dinner in an elegant historic pastry-house setting.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
N’Ombra de Vin
Atmospheric wine bar and restaurant set in a historic cellar near Brera’s main streets; share a tagliere (meat and cheese board) or pasta and explore the extensive wine list.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Nabucco Ristorante
Classic Italian restaurant with outdoor seating on a picturesque Brera street, serving risottos, pastas, and meat dishes.
1h 30m · $30-45 per person
Osteria del Binari
Go for an early dinner with Milanese specialties, then transition naturally into aperitivo time nearby.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Panini De Santis Duomo
Grab generous gourmet panini with quality cold cuts and cheeses just a short walk from the Duomo; pair with a soft drink or house wine for a satisfying, quick, and affordable lunch.
1h · $12-20 per person
Pasticceria Cucchi
Classic Milanese pastry shop near the Navigli with excellent brioche, maritozzi, and espresso; order a cappuccino only in the morning to fit in with locals.
45m · $10-15 per person