Daytrip's guide to Milan

Milan is home to works by some of history’s greatest artists, from da Vinci and Michelangelo to Caravaggio. The most popular ones require advance booking, so plan ahead.

• Stand before da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie
• See Michelangelo’s marble Pietà Rondanini at Castello Sforzesco
• Head to the Pinacoteca di Brera for Hayez’s famous The Kiss
• Explore Italian art from the 20th century at the Museo del Novecento
• Admire works by Caravaggio and da Vinci at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Milan’s iconic Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to build and remains one of the city’s defining landmarks. Step inside, then head up to its famous terraces.

• Admire the cathedral’s vast interior and intricate marble details
• Climb to the rooftop and wander among 135 marble spires
• Spot the gilded Madonnina, perched atop the main spire
• Visit the cathedral’s archaeological area and historic Baptistery
• Cover your shoulders and knees before entering
• Book ahead, especially for weekends and peak travel periods

Milan knows how to turn eating and drinking into an occasion, from afternoon aperitivo to late dinners and nights that stretch well beyond the meal.

• Choose Navigli for a lively aperitivo, or Brera for something calmer
• Browse the food stalls at Mercato Centrale near Milano Centrale
• Have your coffee at the bar for a quicker, more local experience
• Time aperitivo for 6 to 9 pm, when nibbles can turn into dinner
• Try Isola or Porta Venezia for lively evenings away from the center

There’s more to Milan than the Duomo. Set aside time to explore its grand landmarks, historic corners, and green spaces, each offering a different glimpse of the city.

• Catch a performance or visit the museum at Teatro alla Scala
• Wander through Castello Sforzesco and its grand courtyards
• Walk through Parco Sempione to the Arco della Pace beyond the castle
• See Cimitero Monumentale’s sculptures and tombs, closed Mondays
• Step inside the ancient Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

Milan takes fashion seriously, and shopping here can be an experience in itself. Browse legendary luxury houses or hunt for bargains beyond the center.

• Browse the luxury boutiques lining Via Montenapoleone
• Shop beneath the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’s glass roof
• Head to Corso Buenos Aires for familiar high-street brands
• Look for vintage shops around the Navigli or Brera
• Find discounted designer pieces at Scalo Milano outlet

Beyond the historic center, Milan has a bold contemporary side shaped by ambitious architecture and cutting-edge art. Set aside a few hours to see it for yourself.

• Head to Piazza Gae Aulenti for the tree-covered Bosco Verticale towers
• Walk through CityLife for its striking skyscrapers and car-free park
• Explore Fondazione Prada, including its golden Haunted House
• See free contemporary art installations at Pirelli HangarBicocca
• Visit the Triennale for exhibitions celebrating Italian design