Known across the globe as one of the, if not the leading, fashion capitals of the world, Milan is one of the absolute must-sees of Italy. If you want to see Italian culture, history, architecture, and more, it easily competes with Rome as one of the richest and most dense cities in the country.
But where do you go to see the best of it? Here, we’re going to look at some of the most attractive spots for those who like to dig a little deeper into the places they visit.
Back To The Roman Roots
Like many of Italy’s great cities, Milan’s history dates right back to the time of the Romans, when it was once called Mediolanum. Although much of ancient Milan lies beneath modern structures, remnants of its Roman past still remain. Visit the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a set of Roman columns that hint at Milan’s imperial significance. Another great spot for history lovers is the Archaeological Museum of Milan, which has a huge collection of Roman artifacts, mosaics, and even old remnants of the city’s ancient walls. From there, you can see how the city evolved through the ages, being a central location in medieval and Renaissance Italy, as well. Those Roman foundations set up the city that we see today.
Milan’s cultural life also pulses through its festivals and exhibitions, from design weeks to international film festivals.
Take In The Scale Of The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a period of cultural, artistic, and even scientific flourishing that saw Italy becoming one of the dominant cultural influencers in the Western Hemisphere, and much of that began in Milan. A lot of that artistic legacy still very much lives in the city, as well. Chief among Milan’s treasures is Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Advanced booking is essential, but the experience is unforgettable and well worth making the time to set aside. You can also visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can see masterpieces by other greats like Caravaggio and Raphael, the gallery housed in a district that echoes Renaissance beauty itself, with its cobblestone streets and charming cafes.
Discovering The Duomo Di Milano
If you’re arriving in Milan by train, then the must-sees begin as soon as you step out of the station. One of the most impressive sights in the entire city is just a short walk away, with the Duomo di Milano standing tall and magnificent above the city. This Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in the world, took nearly six centuries to complete. Its intricate spires, statues, and elaborate facade inspire awe in just about anyone who sees it. What’s more, its proximity to the station makes it perfect for even those who are on their way through the city, if they use the luggage storage at Milano Centrale. For anyone in the city, it’s important to visit this place, which is considered by many to be its spiritual heart and identity.
Hitting Up The Fashion Districts
When going through the eras of Milan’s past, it’s easy to make the assumption that its glory days are behind it, but that’s far from true. In modern culture, Milan’s impact on fashion is undeniable. As one of the “Big Four” fashion capitals of the world, it’s no surprise that there’s excellent shopping to be found here, as well. You can begin your fashion exploration in the Quadrilatero della Moda, where Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga showcase luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Armani. Even window-shopping feels glamorous here, but you don’t have to stick to just the most high-end options, either. There are plenty of local boutiques and independent designers in Corso Como and Ticinese, as well.
A City For The Arts
Fashion is far from the only creative pursuit that drives Milan, of course. It is a city of opera, literature, cinema, and much more. One of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Teatro alla Scala, stands at the top of the must-see list for many a visitor, especially those fond of music. Museums like the Museo del Novecento and Fondazione Prada offer modern and contemporary art perspectives. Milan’s cultural life also pulses through its festivals and exhibitions, from design weeks to international film festivals. It’s always worth looking at the events calendar to see what’s happening in the city next.
Cuisine And Aperitivo Culture
As should be expected from any major Italian city, Milan has a serious food scene, as well, with a wide range of traditional dishes like risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta, and ossobuco that showcase local flavors and culinary pride. Dining here is both a sensory and social experience. One unique factor of Milan is the city’s aperitivo hour, a ritual that’s still practiced throughout the city where bars offer cocktails and complimentary small plates, particularly in Navigli and Brera. Of course, as a modern city and one that attracts a lot of international attention, global cuisines can be found in the city at their best, as well. If you want something a little more rustic and traditional, it’s well worth visiting the bustling food markets like Mercato Centrale, as well.
MIlan Is More Than Its Grandest
If you want to really see the city as it is, then it’s important not to get blinded by the architectural highlights and all of the bucket-list worthy locations in the city. There is a wide range of diverse neighborhoods that make daily life just as wondrous in Milan, as well. For instance, Brera exudes bohemian charm with art studios and boutiques, while Navigli captivates with its historic canals, vibrant nightlife, and weekend vintage markets. You can see the street art and indie shops of Isola, or the traditional osterias and modern galleries of Porta Romana, the city has much to offer in practically every corner, so take the time to really enjoy it.
While the list above has plenty of great things to see and do, it is by no means an exhaustive list of what Milan has to offer. Just start exploring and you’ll soon see that it’s not easy to exhaust this city’s charms.
