12 Essential Experiences in Milan to Feel Like a Local

Renowned as Italy's fashion capital, a trip to Milan is always a stylish adventure. Yet, this vibrant city offers much more than just luxury boutiques and avant-garde designers.

Visiting an acclaimed art gallery or museum, marveling at a stunning cathedral, and enjoying a night at the opera are among the top experiences in Milan. With its compact layout, the city center is easily navigable on foot, allowing you to wander through Milan’s charming cobbled streets and soak in the lively cosmopolitan vibe. Continue reading for my top picks of must-do activities in Milan.

How was this guide put together?

Thanks to my Italian roots, I make it a point to visit Italy as often as I can, and Milan is among my favorite cities (it's also home to one of my closest friends). To compile this guide on the best things to do in Milan, I drew from my personal experiences, supplemented by local insights and online research.

The Finest Museums in Milan

Milan boasts an abundance of exceptional museums where you can admire Renaissance masterpieces, explore avant-garde art, and appreciate stunning architecture.

Pinacoteca di Brera

When considering the top attractions in Milan, a trip to the Pinacoteca di Brera is certainly a must. Renowned as the city’s premier art gallery and museum, it was inaugurated by Napoleon in the early 19th century to showcase art stolen from French-occupied Italy.

You’ll be captivated as you stroll through the Neoclassical palace, home to over 500 Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Giovanni Bellini, Andrea Mantegna, and Raphael. Be sure to visit the glass-paneled studio in Room XVIII, where you can observe conservators carefully restoring artworks in the Laboratorio Trasparente.

After your visit, take some time to wander the charming neighborhood of Brera, famous as Milan’s artists’ quarter. The cobblestone streets are lined with stylish boutiques, trendy cafés, and several additional galleries worth exploring.

Fondazione Prada

This contemporary art gallery was envisioned by designer Miuccia Prada and architect Rem Koolhaas, making it one of the most visually stunning and innovative spaces in Milan.

Begin your visit with a tour of the gallery’s nine-story tower, home to works by Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, then explore the shimmering Haunted House adorned in gold leaf, showcasing pieces by Robert Gober and Louise Bourgeois (be sure to book your ticket in advance for this one).

For cinema enthusiasts, there’s a mirrored cinema offering screenings in their original language, alongside creative performances as part of the cultural offerings. Don’t miss the Wes Anderson-designed Bar Luce, featuring pink terrazzo floors and retro patterned wallpaper.

Mudec

This art and culture museum, located in the former Ansaldo factory, serves as a connection between diverse cultures and communities. The building’s sleek, modern design is a masterpiece in itself, featuring an industrial complex reimagined by British architect David Chipperfield into a series of studios and workshops made from translucent glass and concrete.

The exhibitions here rotate throughout the year. Recent highlights include a retrospective on Jean-Michel Basquiat that delves into race and identity politics, as well as a showcase on Frida Kahlo that highlights the museum’s collection of indigenous Mesoamerican artifacts that influenced her visual style.

No matter what you come to see, you can expect an enlightening experience that will leave you with new insights, which is why I had to include this in my top things to do in Milan.

Museo del Novecento

Milan’s 20th-century art museum showcases some of the city’s most avant-garde artworks, including pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Modigliani, and Kandinsky.

Designed as a tribute to the Guggenheim and centered around a spiral ramp, this striking space features galleries organized chronologically, showcasing everything from impactful neo-impressionist paintings to Futurist masterpieces, along with dedicated areas for the Novecente movement and Abstraction.

You could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering through the artworks here, which provide a captivating glimpse into Italy’s social evolution over the past century. While you’re visiting, be sure to stop by the charming Giacomo Arengario bistro on the third floor, complete with a terrace that offers views of the nearby Duomo.

Top attractions and must-see experiences in Milan

The most captivating monuments and attractions waiting to be explored in Milan.

The Duomo

No list of must-see sights in Milan would be complete without the iconic Duomo. This stunning Gothic cathedral, crafted from pink marble, is the third largest church in Europe (following St. Peter's in Rome and the Seville Cathedral) and took about 600 years to complete, featuring delicate spires, flying buttresses, and thousands of statues.

To truly appreciate its breathtaking architecture, take the lift or ascend the 251 steps to the cathedral's rooftop, where you can closely examine the intricate spires and gargoyles while enjoying panoramic views of the city and the snow-capped Alps in the distance.

The interior is equally breathtaking, featuring expansive stained-glass windows, and in the crypt, you can find Carlo Borromeo laid to rest in a stunning rock-crystal casket.

La Scala

Few opera houses rival the fame of La Scala in Milan. This opulent Neoclassical structure opened its doors in 1778, rising from the ashes of the original theater that was lost to a fire following a carnival gala. Its construction was financed through the sale of private boxes, which are beautifully arranged across six glittering tiers of gold and red.

Join a tour of the Ansaldo Workshops for an insider's view, where you can observe set designers and scenography technicians at work, along with thousands of costumes from over a century of theatrical productions.

More affordable limited-view gallery tickets are available for every performance, but if you’re keen to indulge, consider booking tickets for the opening night, typically held on December 7. It's one of Milan's most prestigious events and a top experience in the city.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

To see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, visit the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where this renowned mural is tucked away on the refectory wall. As one of the world's most iconic images, viewings can get very crowded, so it's advisable to book your ticket at least a month in advance, and up to three months ahead during summer or on weekends.

After your visit, don’t miss the Casa degli Atellani across the street, whose garden and vineyard were once owned by Da Vinci. To delve into Da Vinci's life in Milan, consider joining the roughly 45-minute guided tour of this charming Renaissance home.

Top restaurants and cafés to try in Milan

A culinary adventure in Milan reveals many hidden treasures.

Paper Moon Giardino

One of the must-do activities in Milan is indulging in its diverse dining scene. Among the top eateries, Paper Moon Giardino stands out, set in a stunning 200-year-old Neoclassical palazzo.

This chic restaurant is a beloved spot during Milan Fashion Week due to its prime location in the heart of the Golden Rectangle fashion district, but it attracts locals year-round. They adore its stunning interiors featuring original vaulted frescoed ceilings and Venetian terrazzo floors, though the true highlight is the enchanting garden, perfect for leisurely al fresco lunches.

The menu emphasizes freshly prepared fish and seafood, all sourced for their exceptional quality—no wonder it ranks among the best restaurants in Milan. While the offerings change with the seasons, standout dishes include tuna tartare, grilled langoustines, and baked seabass.

Marchesi 1824

This is Milan’s most renowned pastry shop, and for good reason. Established in 1824, it quickly set the standard for elegant confections, becoming famous for its exquisite creations that resemble miniature works of art rather than mere cakes.

The city boasts three locations, with the original on Via Santa Maria alla Porta; however, my favorite is the one above Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, offering views of the elegant shopping arcade. Here, you can indulge in delightful pastries, enjoy a robust coffee, and pick up a beautifully packaged box of chocolates to take home, all while relaxing in one of their mint-green velvet chairs (the interiors are just as celebrated as the desserts).

While walk-ins are welcome, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance if you desire one of the coveted window seats.

Caffe Napoli Exytus

For an authentic Italian coffee experience in Milan, Caffe Napoli Exytus is a must-visit. Don't let the name deter you—though it originated in Naples, where the founders fell in love with the espresso quality, these coffee shops are a true representation of Milanese charm.

Enjoy your espresso standing at the bar—the authentic Italian way—and if you're in the mood for something unique, try one of the sweet variations from the menu. There are several locations throughout the city, but my top pick is the one on Corso di Porta Ticinese, perfect for a quick boost while exploring nearby shops.

If you're traveling solo in Italy, this spot is also the best place to strike up a conversation with fellow coffee enthusiasts.

The finest shops in Milan

While you're in this renowned fashion capital, you won't be able to resist wandering through its iconic arcades and chic boutiques.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Looking for things to do in Milan? You can't visit the fashion capital of Italy without treating yourself to some retail therapy—or at least some window shopping—and the best spot for that is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

One of the must-do activities in Milan, this enchanting arcade, constructed of stone, wrought iron, and glass, is Italy's oldest shopping center, inaugurated by King Vittorio Emanuele II in 1867. The arcade connects Piazza del Duomo with La Scala and features luxury boutiques, including the original Prada store.

Be prepared for crowds during the day, as both locals and tourists flock to what is known as 'the drawing room of the Milanese.' For a quieter experience to appreciate the architecture, it's best to visit at night.

10 Corso Como

Renowned as Italy's fashion capital, Milan is home to the world's very first concept store. Established by former Vogue Editor Carla Sozzani in 1990, stepping into this 20th-century palazzo feels like entering a serene oasis, a welcome escape from the city's hustle.

Here, tranquility reigns, from the stylish clothing on display to the vine-draped courtyard where you can enjoy cocktails among Milan’s trendsetters. The space seamlessly fuses fashion, art, and design, showcasing pieces from Balenciaga and Vivienne Westwood alongside contemporary art and a bookstore filled with exquisite coffee-table books on fashion, photography, and design.

You’ll also find one of Milan’s most coveted dining spots, the 10 Corso Como Restaurant & Café, where you can indulge in fresh pasta and Sicilian shrimp.

This is merely a glimpse into the many fascinating experiences Milan has to offer—there are countless wonderful sights and tastes in the city, not to mention the delights of broader Italy that await exploration.

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