Milan - the place where history, fashion, and culture come to life

        Welcome to Milan—the fashion capital of the world and a city bursting with history, culture, and breathtaking architecture! Whether you’re here for the art, the food, or the vibrant atmosphere, Milan has something for everyone. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour of the top must-visit spots, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.

        Sempione area

        Sempione Park is one of Milan’s largest and most beautiful green spaces 🌳, right in the heart of the city. It’s surrounded by several important historical landmarks, including the iconic Castello Sforzesco. Originally built in the 15th century as a fortress, the castle later served as a palace and military base. Today, it’s a cultural hub, home to multiple museums and impressive art collections. If you’re planning to visit, I’d recommend setting aside a full day—there’s so much to see, and the surrounding park is also worth a stroll.

        Inside the park, you’ll find Branca Tower, the highest public viewpoint in Milan. For just €6, a glass elevator takes you to the top, offering breathtaking 360° views of the city.

        At the northern entrance of the park stands Arco della Pace, Milan’s own Triumphal Gateway. Originally built to mark the road from Milan to Paris, its meaning was later changed by the Austrians after Napoleon’s fall, turning it into a symbol of peace.

        If you’re planning your Milan trip well in advance, take a 15-minute walk from Sempione Park to Santa Maria delle Grazie Church—the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary masterpiece, The Last Supper. Keep in mind that tickets sell out months ahead, as visitors are limited to 15-minute viewing slots. Entry costs around €15, so be sure to book early!

        Science and Technology Museum Leonardo da Vinci

        This is Italy’s largest science and technology museum and one of the most important in Europe. Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, it showcases his groundbreaking inventions, scientific contributions, and even original pages from his famous notebooks, Codices. These pages are filled with sketches of inventions, anatomy studies, and engineering concepts, alongside interactive exhibits on space, transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

        One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of full-scale models of da Vinci’s machines, meticulously reconstructed from his drawings. These include flying machines, war devices, hydraulic systems, and mechanical innovations. Visitors can also explore hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits covering fields like robotics, sustainable energy, and engineering.

        Beyond da Vinci’s work, the museum houses a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including a real Cold War-era submarine, 19th-century steam locomotives, historic ships and airplanes, and even a full-scale replica of an International Space Station (ISS) module. Located in a beautiful 16th-century monastery, this museum is a must-visit for anyone passionate about innovation, engineering, and history.

        Naviglio district

        The Naviglio district, often called ‘Little Venice,’ is known for its charming network of canals, originally built for transportation and trade.

        Naviglio Grande is the oldest and most famous canal in Milan. Built in the 12th century, it played a crucial role in transporting goods—especially the marble used to construct the Duomo di Milano. Running alongside it is Naviglio Pavese, a quieter, more residential canal. Both canals meet at Darsena, a historic dock area that has been transformed into a lively hub for cafés, bars, and boating. You can take a boat trip along the canals, but we found the prices quite steep—€20 for a one-hour ride. The first departure was in the afternoon, but since we visited in the morning, we didn’t get the chance to try it.

        Now, here’s where things got a bit… sus (yes, Among Us meme incoming) We tried to grab a coffee at several places, only to be repeatedly turned away. To quote a waiter: “Coffee?! Oh, no! No coffee, this is a restaurant!”—while the menu clearly listed coffee 🤯. It seems they don’t want people occupying tables just for a quick caffeine fix, even though we were literally the only customers there. After being rejected by every pub and restaurant in sight, we gave up and found our much-needed morning booster elsewhere.

        That said, Naviglio is famous for some of the best traditional food in Milan, so I highly recommend coming here for lunch or dinner. Just… maybe not if you’re only craving a coffee.

        Bone Chapel

        San Bernardino alle Ossa is a small yet fascinating church, best known for its eerie ossuary ☠️—where human skulls and bones line the walls in intricate patterns. Unlike what you might expect, the church was actually built after the ossuary, which dates back to 1210. It was constructed when a nearby cemetery became overcrowded due to plagues and conflicts of the time. It’s believed that frequent exhumations took place to make room for new burials, with the bones carefully stored in the ossuary chamber.

        Adding to its haunting atmosphere, a local legend claims that many of the bones belong to Black Death victims and that the spirit of a child roams the chapel. Despite the macabre decor, the ceiling presents a striking contrast—a breathtaking Baroque fresco painted by Sebastiano Ricci in 1695, depicting heavenly imagery.

        San Bernardino alle Ossa remains a hidden gem, far less touristy than Milan’s other attractions, but it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience—unlike anything else in the city

        Porta Nueva district

        Explore Milan’s most modern and dynamic districts, where cutting-edge skyscrapers, sustainable urban design, and a vibrant city life come together. Be warned—you might end up with a sore neck from staring up at the impressive buildings!

        We admired the Unicredit Tower, Italy’s tallest skyscraper, and the Bosco Verticale, or ‘Vertical Forest’—two stunning residential towers covered in thousands of trees and plants. Designed with sustainability in mind, they help reduce air pollution and provide natural insulation.

        At the heart of the district lies Piazza Gae Aulenti, a lively square surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cultural spaces. We also enjoyed a relaxing walk through Biblioteca degli Alberi, or ‘Library of Trees’—a sprawling urban park with gardens and winding paths, nestled among the skyscrapers.

        If you’re a food lover, don’t miss Eataly Milano Smeraldo, a massive Italian food market filled with gourmet delights.

        Just a short walk away, we visited the Monumental Cemetery ⛪️ —one of Italy’s most impressive cemeteries. While it might sound a bit eerie, this place is actually an open-air museum, showcasing breathtaking Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Neoclassical architecture. You’ll find stunning sculptures, grand mausoleums, and artistic tombs that make it one of the most unique spots in Milan.

        While you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of Milan’s emblematic arches: Porta Nuova, Porta Venezia, and Porta Garibaldi.

        World of Leonardo da Vinci Museum

        This fascinating exhibition is dedicated to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, showcasing his inventions, artworks, and scientific studies. Located inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the museum features an extensive collection of mechanical inventions and machines inspired by Leonardo’s sketches—including flying machines, war devices, and engineering tools.

        His brilliance is also evident in his manuscripts, where he explored anatomy, engineering, and physics—fields that would go on to influence modern technology and medicine. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, featuring 3D reconstructions and holographic displays of his most famous masterpieces, such as Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Vitruvian Man. The museum even offers VR experiences that bring Leonardo’s ideas to life in an entirely new way.

        It’s incredible to see what the human mind was capable of long before the technology we rely on today. His fascination with flight was particularly ambitious—he meticulously studied birds and designed numerous flying machines, such as the Codex on the Flight of Birds, the Ornithopter (a flapping-wing flying machine), the Helical Air Screw (an early helicopter concept), and even a parachute design. Although none of his flying machines were built or tested in his lifetime, his studies laid the foundation for future aviation.

        While many of Leonardo’s inventions were far ahead of his time and impractical with 15th-century technology, some of his engineering projects proved successful—such as his water management systems, fortifications, and mechanical innovations. His genius continues to inspire the world, making this exhibition a must-visit for anyone fascinated by art, science, and innovation.

        Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

        The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks and among the world’s oldest shopping galleries. Built in the 19th century in a Neo-Renaissance style, it boasts a grand octagonal space at its center, high iron arcades with a glass roof, columns adorned with marble and stone elements, mosaic floors, and intricate frescoes. It’s the perfect symbol of Italian elegance and luxury. The Gallery is home to high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, along with a variety of cafes and restaurants.

        If you’re passionate about fashion or just want a taste of the high life, you can also stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the Quadrilatero della Moda 💅, both nearby.

        We also visited Rinascente, a prestigious 8-floor luxury department store… and, well, we almost dropped dead from exhaustion! The place is enormous, and I think the high prices and opulence were what really did us in. 😅

        Starbucks Reserve Roastery

        This is the first Starbucks in Italy, opening its doors in September 2018. It was a bold move by the company, stepping into a country known for its deep-rooted coffee culture ☕️. Located just a few minutes from the Duomo, it’s housed in the historic Palazzo delle Poste. The store offers on-site roasted coffee from around the world, with unique brewing methods, a dedicated bar for coffee-based cocktails, Italian-inspired drinks, and a stand for freshly baked pastries. At the center, there’s a large coffee roasting machine where visitors can watch the roasting process and learn about the art of coffee craftsmanship. This is definitely a must-visit for any coffee lover!

        Duomo di Milano

        The Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy and one of the largest in the world! Construction began in 1386, and it took nearly 600 years to complete. It boasts an elaborate Gothic design with 135 spires and over 3,400 statues—holding the record for the most statues on any building in the world! At the top of the cathedral stands the golden ‘Madonnina,’ a statue of the Virgin Mary that has become a symbol of Milan.

        The cathedral’s stained glass windows are some of the largest and most intricate in the world, depicting biblical stories in vivid detail. One interesting fact is that the Milan Cathedral is said to house a Holy Relic—a nail from the Crucifixion of Christ—which is displayed once a year during a special ceremony.

        You can climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of Milan, but honestly, forget the view—just LOOK AT THAT ARCHITECTURE! 🫠 It’s absolutely stunning! I’m in love with the mesmerizing Gothic design, and seeing it up close left me in awe. I found myself surrounded by an intricate forest of marble spires, pinnacles, and statues stretching toward the sky. The complexity of the carvings—saints, angels, and mythical creatures—emerges from the pale marble in such a detailed, delicate way. To me, it’s more than just a cathedral; it’s a work of art carved from stone.

        And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, you might even get a glimpse of the Alps in the distance. Oh, and the Alps are nice too!

        Ticket prices are listed here: https://ticket.duomomilano.it/en/categoria/biglietti/. But be sure to book in advance—chances of getting in on the same day without a reservation are very slim.

        Get lost in Milan! 

        Hop on Milan’s surface public transportation 🚃 and get off whenever something catches your eye outside the window. For an even more authentic experience, take a vintage tram like the one you saw at the Science and Technology Museum to tour the city.

        For a faster, more efficient option, take the subway 🚇 to get around Milan. We used the subway as our main way of getting around because it’s quick and easily accessible from anywhere. The trips between stations are short, and trains arrive every 2 minutes. Fun fact: on the newest routes, the subways are driverless, so you can sit in the front seat and watch the track ahead!

        The price for any public transport is €2.20 for a 90-minute trip, and you can pay directly with your card. Just be sure to validate your card when you enter and exit the vehicle, and the payment will be processed the following day.

        Experiment with the food!

        Honestly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of just pasta, pizza, and sandwiches the entire trip. We were desperately searching for restaurants serving soups or anything else besides carbs and street food! But there were a few places where we went back twice because the food was so good.

        🍝Pasta: Via Pasteria – This place offers a wide variety of pastas. The prices are a bit high, and the portions are on the smaller side (or maybe we were just really hungry!), but the taste is like nothing we’ve ever had before. When you arrive, the host greets you with a little tour of the restaurant, presents the menu, and even opens the fridge to show you all the fresh pasta options they have.

        🍕Pizza: Pizzeria Oceania – No exaggeration, this place serves the best pizza we’ve ever had. The dough is fried in a pan before being cooked in the oven, giving it the perfect crispiness without being overly crunchy, and the flavor is amazing. This pizzeria, which opened in 1972, is a family-run business passed down through generations.

        🥪Sandwich: Cesarino – A sandwich shop located near the Duomo, serving a wide variety of fresh panini. It’s so good that it’s won the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award every year since 2021.

        Enjoy the Italian coffee! ☕️

        Whether it’s a tiny espresso or a large cappuccino, take your time to savor it and soak in the atmosphere. You honestly can’t go wrong with coffee in Milan – even the takeaway coffee from a random shop in the park is good and authentic. One of the nice spots we visited for a couple of coffees is The Roof. We went in the afternoon to catch the sunset, and it was absolutely beautiful. However, be warned – the place is pretty pricey if you’re looking for anything other than coffee. Alcohol starts at 20 euros after 6 PM.

        Explore the museums! 🏛️

        Milan is brimming with culture, art, and architecture. While walking the streets feels like strolling through an open-air museum, there are still incredible treasures to discover inside its museums. Dive into the genius of the Renaissance with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and many others. Explore their worlds, their brilliance, and their creations. Learn about Italy’s history and present through contemporary art.

        So, there you have it – 10 things you absolutely must not miss on your next trip to Milan. I hope you found this guide helpful and that you’ll join us on our future adventures!