Known for being synonymous with elegance and sophistication, Milan is a city of contrasts. From fast-paced urban neighbourhoods to laid-back quiet corners, this city has both. While one day you’ll feel amazed by iconic architectural landmarks, like Sforzesco Castle and Duomo, the next day you’ll find yourself surrounded by dozens of undeniably impressive skyscrapers. Or, if you want to explore the world of art, you can head out to any of the awe-inspiring museums Milan is home to. In short, this city will never disappoint you in terms of places to visit, no matter what your preferences are.

Every time there is a mention of Italy, images of large vineyards, cobblestone streets and ancient ruins often come to mind. But there is a lot more this country offers than the old-world charm it is known for. There are several Italian cities that are known for their distinct cosmopolitan vibe, and Milan is one of them. Often referred to as the global fashion capital, this city literally breathes style and is home to several high-end fashion houses and endless trendy vintage shops. While Milan is famous for being a fashion lover's paradise, there is a lot more that makes it popular among tourists. This fascinating city is home to various art galleries and museums that enthral visitors from different parts of the world. Apart from this, the exquisite bars and restaurants of Milan are also one of the main reasons why people feel drawn to visit this place.

Best Time to Visit Milan

Milan is a year-round destination that offers an array of experiences in every season. So, the best time to visit depends on the kind of trip you are planning for.

Spring (March - May)

During this time, you can expect mild weather here with occasional showers. Temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C, and days remain warm, while evenings can be relatively colder. This is the best time for a relaxed exploration of all the major attractions in Milan, due to fewer tourist crowds.

Summer (June - August)

In summer, the city can get slightly hot at this time, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, but this is also the time when several festivals and outdoor events take place here. This is often considered the peak season for Milan tourism.

Autumn (September - November)

At this time, the weather is incredibly comfortable, and the crowds also start to dissipate. So, you can easily head out for sightseeing without having to worry about extreme temperatures. This is also the right time to indulge in all kinds of outdoor activities like walking tours, etc.

Winter (December - February)

The winter season brings a magical time to Milan, and the weather also remains pleasant. You can enjoy a variety of winter-specific activities and events at this time. However, it is crucial to pack enough warm clothes.

Places to Visit in Milan

• Milan Cathedral
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• La Scala Theatre
• Castello Sforzesco
• Parco Sempione
• Brera

 

Milan Cathedral

Timing: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM

Entry Fee: Cathedral Only - Free

Cathedral + Rooftop (Stairs): Around €13.50 - €18.

Cathedral + Rooftop (Lift Access): Around €19 - €25.

Full Experience (Cathedral, Rooftop, Museum, Archaeological Area): Around €26 - €31

Officially known as Duomo di Milano, this cathedral is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Milan. Dating back to the 14th century, this iconic structure is famous all over the world for its grandeur and beauty. From its intricate Gothic spires to large stained glass windows, every single thing is an excellent work of art. Upon entering this cathedral, you’ll get to see thousands of statues and hundreds of gargoyles and church figures it is home to. For a more magical experience, you can go to the rooftop of this cathedral, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Pro Tip: No matter what time of the day you come here, the queues can be terribly long and test your patience. So, don’t forget to book a skip-the-line ticket for a peaceful, crowd-free experience. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Timing: 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee

This is a stunning 19th-century arcade known for being home to several high-end boutiques and quaint cafes. Famous for its distinct Milanese charm, this is one of the best places to visit in Milan. Whether you are planning to indulge in luxury shopping or just want to relax and enjoy a delicious meal, this place is an excellent choice for both. Or, you can simply walk through the Galleria, witnessing the beauty of its stunning glass dome and intricate mosaics.

Pro Tip: If you want to avoid the touristy crowd, you can choose to walk along the Galleria’s rooftop, called Highline Milano. From here, you’ll get incredible views of Milan and its major landmarks.

La Scala Theatre

Timing: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM (for tours)

Entry Fee: €10 - €30

La Scala Theatre, also called Teatro alla Scala, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. For every art lover visiting the city, this is one of the best places to go to in Milan. From a grand stage to velvet-lined seats and stunning chandeliers, every single thing in this theatre screams luxury and class. You can come here to attend an opera or ballet performance. Or, if that doesn’t fit into your schedule, you can opt for a guided tour of the theatre and its museum. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll never forget your first visit to La Scala.

Pro tip: Always book tickets in advance, as this place experiences a huge visitor influx even during the off-season.

Castello Sforzesco

Timing: 10:00 AM - 05:30 PM (Sunday-Tuesday)

Entry Fee: Free (for those under 18), €5 (for adults) and €3 (for individuals between 18 and 25 or above 65)

Castello Sforzesco is another addition to this list of places to visit in Milan. Located in the heart of the city, this 15th-century structure was built as a defensive fortress. But over the years, it turned into a museum where thousands of art pieces are being displayed. From ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, you can find a wide variety of art pieces here. For those with a huge interest in both history and art, planning a tour of this place is one of the best things to do in Milan. This will transport you back in time, giving a sneak peek into the glorious past of the city.

Pro Tip: Plan an early morning tour to avoid crowds, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll have to walk a lot here.

Parco Sempione

Timing: 06:30 AM to 09:00 PM (closing time varies seasonally)

Entry Fee: Not applicable

Being the largest park in the city, Parco Sempione offers the perfect escape from the urban chaos. It covers a total area of 47 hectares and has a few stylistic traits of typical English gardens. If you want to take a break from sightseeing and spend a relaxing day, you can come here. During afternoons, you’ll find large crowds here, enjoying day picnics and soaking up the sun. You can either take a stroll on the grass or visit the Palazzo dell'Arte and the Triennale Design Museum, which it is home to. Apart from this, you can also visit the Civic Aquarium, which houses over 100 different species of fish.

Pro Tip: Visit this park in the late afternoon if you want to capture some stunning golden hour pictures.

Brera

Timing: No fixed timing

Entry Fee: Not applicable

This is an elegant, artistic district in the city that is home to several art galleries, historical buildings and small, cosy cafes. If you’re seeking the quintessential “old world” Italian charm, this is among the best places to visit near Milan. With its quiet pedestrian streets, this place allows you to witness a completely different side of the city. Here, you can shop, eat, admire art and do a lot more.

Pro Tip: Brera is a great place to try aperitivo, which is a local tradition of having pre-meal drinks with small bites. You can sit at a café/bar of our choice and spend a relaxing evening.

The allure of Milan lies in its unique blend of high fashion, rich history, modern sophistication, and vibrant culture. This is a holiday destination that intrigues travellers from every age group, as it has a lot to offer. If you’re also planning a trip, this comprehensive list of places to visit in Milan can help you create the perfect itinerary. Or, you can explore Veena World’s range of all-inclusive Milan tour packages to avoid the hassle. These packages come with well-crafted itineraries that include all major attractions in and around Milan. Simply choose a package that caters to your travel needs and enjoy the vacation to the fullest.

 

FAQs

Q1. Is Milan only about fashion and shopping?

Beyond its style reputation, Milan offers world-class art, atmospheric canals, industrial-chic districts and some of Italy’s most innovative food scenes.

Q2. Is seeing The Last Supper difficult to arrange?

It can be, since tickets often sell out weeks ahead. Booking early or joining a small guided tour is the easiest way to secure a spot without stress.

Q3. Are the Navigli canals worth visiting during the day?

While famous for its nightlife, the canals are lovely in daylight for cafés, artisan studios and relaxed waterside walks that reveal a quieter side of the city.

Q4. Is the Duomo rooftop really worth the climb?

Without a doubt. The terraces offer close-up views of marble spires and skyline vistas you can’t get from below, especially striking at golden hour.

Q5. Can you experience Milan’s culture without visiting major museums?

Exploring Brera’s cobbled streets, browsing design shops, catching a neighbourhood market or enjoying an aperitivo gives a rich taste of local life without any formal queueing.