From decadent food to luxurious shops to incredible cultural sites, you’ll find tons of amazing things to do in Milan. So, whether you’re planning a romantic weekend break or a fun family holiday, we’ll take you on a tour of the best places to visit in Milan in 2023.
10 things to do in Milan in 2023
The list includes Milan attractions to suit all tastes and all types of travellers.
1. Duomo di Milano
Milan has hundreds of beautiful historical sites, but few are more spectacular than the Duomo di Milano cathedral, located in the heart of Milan’s city centre. Along with the stunning Gothic facade and exquisite central nave, the Duomo Cathedral also has a fascinating archaeological area and an internal museum. Visitors to the Duomo can buy tickets online in advance, with day passes to the cathedral and archaeological zone usually costing between €5-10 (£4-9).
Visitors can also buy passes to see the Duomo rooftops and take in the amazing panorama from the cathedral spires. This will generally cost slightly more, but it’s well worth it for the breathtaking views and stunning decorative sculpture. Truly a day out that’s not to be missed in Milan.
2. The Last Supper
Milan is home to many world-famous artistic works, including The Last Supper fresco, which was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci in the late 1400s. Preserved in beautiful condition, the fresco can be visited at its original site, which is now the Cenacolo Vinciano Museum. Visitors are advised to book tickets well in advance, as this exhibit is extremely popular with tourists. Tickets usually cost around €20 (£18), but those under 25 can enter at a reduced rate.
3. Navigli District
Want to enjoy some nightlife in Milan and soak up the city’s rich cultural ambience? Visitors looking for great bars and places to eat in Milan should schedule a trip to the famous Navigli District. Situated on the banks of the Naviglio Grande Canal, the area offers plenty of waterfront cocktail bars and a host of well-known bistros and restaurants.
The district is also home to the Robert Baden-Powell Park and Garden, perfect for an early evening stroll followed by dinner and drinks.
4. Sempione Park
Looking for a family-friendly way to spend a day in Milan? Sempione Park is a great location to visit with kids or to enjoy some nature away from the bustling city streets. Sempione Park has lots of green spaces where children can run around and explore. The park also has an observation tower, known as the Torre Branco, where you can take pictures of the surrounding views.
Sempione Park also has beautiful ponds and water features and is home to the Triennale di Milano and Palazzina Appiana museums. If you want to get out of the midday heat, you can also wander around the Civic Aquarium of Milan. The aquarium is a relaxing place to explore and entry fees are super affordable, with tickets costing around €5 (£4).
5. Brera District
Milan is a global centre for couture and stylish boutiques. If you’re visiting Milan on a shopping spree, you should make time to visit the trendy Brera District, in the city centre. Most of the premier boutiques can be found along fashionable streets, like Via Solferino and Via Pontaccio. As well as great shops, the Brera District also boasts numerous interesting museums, an art gallery, and many fantastic places to eat.
Serious shoppers should also take a trip to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping centre, which is located beside the Piazza del Duomo. This historic department store combines magnificent architecture with glamorous boutiques for an unbeatable Italian experience.
6. Pinacoteca di Brera
Visiting Italy is an art lover’s dream and Milan is no exception to this. If you want to revel in all the cultural delights that Milan has to offer, make sure you put the Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery on your travel itinerary. Filled with works by Italian Old Masters and famous Italian painters, like Caravaggio and Mantegna, the Pinacoteca offers hours of browsing amongst some of the world’s greatest artworks. The gallery also features a beautiful reading room, where bookworms will love to spend an afternoon.
Tickets for entry to the gallery usually cost around €5 (£4). Visitors will also need to book tickets online in advance of their trip. You should also be prepared for some crowds, as Pinacoteca is a favourite tourist hotspot, especially in the high season.
7. Castello Sforzesco
Just when you thought Milan couldn’t offer any more in terms of history and culture, you remember the Castello Sforzesco. The Castello Sforzesco, or Milan Castle, is located on the edge of Sempione Park and was built in the 15th century. The external facade alone is worth walking around, with its beautiful red stone, Gothic towers, portcullises and impressive battlements. However, the interior is also well worth exploring, as the castle is home to numerous museums and galleries.
Here, visitors can see yet more examples of amazing Italian art, including a wooden sculpture museum and a musical instrument gallery. When you’ve finished exploring inside, you can also check out the beautiful fountain located right on the doorstep.
8. Stadium of Giuseppe Meazza
Football fans in Milan should make time to visit the Stadium of Giuseppe Meazza, otherwise known as the San Siro football grounds. This colossal stadium is the home ground of famous Italian teams A.C. Milan and Inter Milan and is the location for many heart-stopping clashes between rival squads. Visitors can explore the stadium’s football history museum and book a tour of the grounds. If you’re planning to drive to the stadium for your visit, be sure to book a parking spot online through the official website before you arrive.
9. UniCredit Tower
Fancy discovering Milan’s more modern side? If you find yourself overwhelmed with all the history in Milan, why not take a trip to the UniCredit Tower, located in the ultra-modern Piazza Gae Aulenti? The tower is Italy’s tallest skyscraper and has a unique pointed spire and curved glass design. Visitors can walk around the building exterior and enjoy the bustling atmosphere in the square.
This modern hub in Milan’s business district is also home to tons of great bars and places to eat. It also has some fantastic shops and is close to the Galleria Vittorio shopping centre, if you’re on a shopping spree – perfect if you want to enjoy the lively bustling energy of modern Milan close to the historic district.
10. Langosteria
One of the best things to do in Milan is sample some of the amazing local cuisine and signature delicacies. Milan is filled with incredible restaurants, from seafood eateries to unbeatable steakhouses. One of the most highly rated places to eat in Milan is the seafood restaurant Langosteria, which is situated in Milan’s centre, just a short walk from the Duomo di Milano. Langosteria’s menu features incredible dishes such as scampi tartar and king crab and is also well-known for its tasty house cocktails.
Langosteria also has a bistro and cafe located nearby, so you can sample different cooking styles. Other popular nearby restaurants include 28 Posti and Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia. 28 Posti is known for its delicious seafood dishes and scrumptious meat specials, while Il Luogo is known for putting a contemporary spin on classic Milanese cuisine – perfect for professional Italian foodies and adventurous eaters alike.
Finding fascinating things to do in Milan isn’t hard. With so much incredible art and culture available, you will find plenty of ways to entertain yourself. Whether you’re in the market for a beautiful Italian wardrobe or you dream of getting lost amongst the breathtaking historical sites, these Milan highlights can help you on your way in 2022.
