Previous post
Now reading
When in Milan – top things to see and do
Milan is a city of contrasts, with historic landmarks towering over some of the most modern and trendy buildings. I spent a few days in the world’s fashion capital in October, and it has easily become one of my favourite cities in Europe! All the main attractions are located literally within minutes of each other, so it is very walkable and do-able if you are under time constraints. Continue reading to find out the best things to see and do whilst in Milan…
Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s main square and it’s the geographic centre of the city. This is the perfect spot to begin your sightseeing tour of the city of fashion and economic capital of Italy!
As you walk through Piazza del Duomo, you will find yourself at the forefront of the magnificent Duomo Di Milano. The cathedral is the largest church in Italy, the second largest in Europe, and the third largest in the world! It has 135 spires, 3,400 statues and a 108m tall marble facade. I was in awe of its sheer size and the architectural detail of its facade.
I purchased a €20 ticket to explore both the inside of the church and the rooftop terraces. Fair to say, I was blown away by the whole experience…
Next to the Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is Italy’s oldest shopping mall, consisting of two glass-vaulted arcades, intersecting in a central octogan. The design of the facade and the arching glass dome has inspired the creation of many other structures including London’s very own Burlington Arcade! Again, be prepared to be amazed by its magnificent architecture.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has many restaurants, cafes and luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton.
Castello Sforzesco houses art collections and historical exhibitions, there is a waterfall outside and the building illuminates at night. The courtyard of the castle is open to everyone for free.
This Arch is situated in the centre of Piazza Sempione, and its construction dates all the way back to 1807. It reminds me of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and I was surprised to learn that the road of Arco della Pace connects Milan to Paris, through the Simplon Pass crossing the Alps!
Milan’s tram network dates all the way back to 1881 and is almost 182km long, making it one of the biggest in the world. The Milanese trams make for postcard-perfect pictures and are really fun to ride on, at a cost of only €1.50, with allows unlimited riding for 90 minutes.
Milan’s neighbourhoods range from buzzing and cosmopolitan, to quiet and peaceful. The compact nature of the city makes it the perfect place to walk and roam around, and discover some unhidden gems by foot.
Italy is food heaven! I had a range of Italian food including margherita, lasagne, piadina and gelato…yumm!
This looks amazing! I love trams so this is a city I must visit.
Milan looks like a lovely city to visit, the Galleria Vittorio and views of the Castello with the waterfall in front of it at night would be amazing sights to see!
4 Comments