The world-renowned Milan Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Milano, took nearly 600 years to complete. It's a breathtaking example of Gothic architecture, with hundreds of spires and over 3,000 statues. Visitors can climb to the roof for panoramic views of the city.
Originally built as a castle for the Duke of Milan, the Castello Sforzesco now houses several museums and art collections. Highlights include Michelangelo's unfinished Rondanini Pietà sculpture and the Sala delle Asse, a room frescoed by Leonardo da Vinci.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan's main art museum, featuring works by Italian Renaissance masters like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. The building itself is a beautiful and historic palace, with spacious galleries and a lovely garden courtyard.
The Naviglio Grande is a canal that dates back to the 12th century. Today, it's a vibrant area with cozy cafes, vintage shops, and trendy bars. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the canal, admire the colorful buildings, and enjoy a drink or meal at one of the many outdoor tables.
One of the most iconic artworks in the world, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Due to the painting's fragility, only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day and reservations are necessary.
Sempione Park is a large and lovely public park in central Milan, adjacent to the Castello Sforzesco. Visitors can relax on the lawns, take a boat ride on the lake, or explore the numerous monuments and sculptures throughout the park. There's also a modern art museum and an aquarium on the park grounds.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful shopping malls, with elegant boutiques and restaurants under an impressive glass roof. Visitors should be sure to spin on the bull's testicle mosaic for good luck before leaving.
Travelers in Milan have several options for transportation, including metro, tram, bus, and taxi. The metro system is efficient and affordable (€1.50 for a single ride), while trams are also a scenic way to get around. Taxis can be more expensive, especially during peak traffic hours, and buses may not be as reliable. Uber is also available in Milan. Walking is a good option for shorter distances, and bike-sharing is also popular.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Lake Como or Bergamo. Both are beautiful and easily accessible from Milan by train. For foodies, make sure to try risotto alla milanese, ossobuco, and panettone. Avoid visiting Milan in August, when many locals go on vacation and some businesses may be closed.
Milan has two airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). Malpensa is located about 45 km northwest of Milan and is the main hub for international flights. It's connected to the city center by train and bus. Linate is smaller and closer to the city center, with mainly domestic and European flights. It's a quick taxi or bus ride from the city, approximately 7 km east of downtown Milan.