Must See Places in Milan

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, is one of the biggest cities in Italy and a major hub for fashion, art, finance, and culture. It is a city with a long and interesting history, having been the capital of the powerful Roman Empire and the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Today, Milan is known as a stylish city of culture and is home to some of the world’s most renowned attractions. Here are some of the must-see places in Milan that you should definitely check out when visiting the city.

History and General Information

Milan has been inhabited since around 400 BC and has a long history of being a major center for politics, art, fashion, and culture. It was once the capital of the powerful Roman Empire and was then a major center for the Italian Renaissance. During the 20th century, Milan was heavily damaged during World War II, but then quickly recovered and became an important center for fashion, art, and culture once again.

Today, Milan is the largest city in Lombardy and Italy’s second most populous city with a population of 1.3 million people. It is home to two major football teams in Italy – A.C. Milan and Inter Milan – as well as many museums and galleries, including the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museo del Novecento. It is also known for its fashion industry and its many luxury shopping centres.

Duomo di Milano

The Duomo di Milano, commonly known as Milan Cathedral, is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy and one of the largest churches in the world. The Gothic-style cathedral was built in 1386 and took almost 600 years to complete. It is one of the most iconic symbols of Milan and is a must-see when visiting the city. The cathedral is made of white marble with thousands of statues and ornate decorations adorning its façade. Inside, you can find beautiful stained glass windows, marble floors, and frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. The Duomo di Milano is open daily from 7am to 7pm, with extended hours on Sundays (until 8pm).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of Milan’s most iconic sights. The grand shopping arcade was built in 1867 and is one of the oldest shopping centres in Europe. It is located in the heart of Milan and is home to some of the city’s most prestigious stores and restaurants. The Galleria is an impressive building with its glass-vaulted roof supported by four large arches. Inside, you can find luxury boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and more. The Galleria also has some beautiful mosaics on its floors depicting scenes from Italian history as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Castello Sforzesco

The Castello Sforzesco is a huge 15th-century castle located in central Milan. It was originally built by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, but later expanded by his son Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Today, the castle houses several museums including The Museum of Ancient Art and The Museum of Musical Instruments. It also has several beautiful courtyards, gardens, and a moat surrounding it. The Castello Sforzesco is open daily from 9am to 6pm (5pm on Sundays), with extended hours on some holidays.

Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is a large public park located in central Milan. It was opened in 1888 by King Umberto I and has since become one of the city’s most popular attractions. The park is home to a variety of trees, plants, and flowers as well as several monuments and sculptures. It also has a large lake where visitors can enjoy boat rides or go fishing. Parco Sempione also hosts several events throughout the year including concerts, exhibitions, and markets.

Navigli

Navigli is an area of Milan located along two canals – Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese – that were built in the 12th century to facilitate transport between Milan and other cities. Today, Navigli has become one of the city’s most vibrant areas with a variety of shops, bars, cafes, clubs, and restaurants lining its streets. It is also home to several art galleries and studios as well as some beautiful old buildings.

Tours in Milan

If you’re looking for an immersive way to experience all that Milan has to offer, why not check out one of these two popular tours?

The Milan Highlights Private Tour

This private tour will take you on a journey through some of Milan’s most historic sights including the Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione, and Navigli. You will be taken around these iconic landmarks by an experienced English-speaking guide who will explain their significance and share fascinating stories about them. The tour also includes a stop at a local market where you can experience the unique flavors of Italian cuisine. You can book this tour here.

Milan Nightlife Tour

This tour will take you around some of Milan’s hottest nightlife spots including bars, pubs, clubs, live music venues, and more. You will learn about the local culture and get to experience it first-hand with an experienced guide who will show you the best places to visit after dark. The tour also includes access to some exclusive nightlife venues that are not normally open to the public. You can book this tour here.

Whether you’re looking for historical sights or modern nightlife experiences, Milan has something for everyone! Be sure to check out all these must-see places when visiting this magnificent city!