The top five places to visit in Milan.
Milan, a sprawling metropolis in the North of Italy, is both the financial and fashion capital of the country. The city also boasts a wealth of high-end restaurants and shops, making it a popular destination for wealthy travellers seeking retail therapy, fine dining and café society.
Milan is also a hive of history and art, offering visitors a wealth of architectural and cultural attractions that are woven into modern city life.
With so much to do, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a visit to Milan. These five Milanese attractions are must-see’s when visiting the city, so be sure to add them to your itinerary today.
Duomo Di Milano
Piazza del Duomo, 20122, Milano.
Take a guided tour of the breath-taking Duomo cathedral, discovering all of its attractions – from the archaeological area beneath to the rooftop terrace above (home to the famous golden virgin statue, arms stretched wide to embrace the city.) With its 3400 statues, 55 stained glass windows and a vast array of other stunning features, the Duomo is a must see for those who wish to discover the city’s rich history and amazing architecture.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Piazza del Duomo, 20122, Milano.
This 18th century, four storey double arcade is Milan’s oldest shopping mall and a stunning architectural landmark in its own right. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a glass and iron covered gallery that plays host to a multitude of beautiful shops, restaurants and cafes. With its stunning mosaic floor and magnificent central dome, the gallery is a hybrid of art, culture
and commerce. Shopping addicts can truly indulge in the very best retail therapy here, with numerous haute couture boutiques that more closely resemble museums than shops! Feast your eyes on Prada, Versace, Gucci and Armani before enjoying a spot of people watching in one of the many cafes and eateries.
KOWA restaurant.
Via Benvenuto Cellini 14, 20129, Milano.
Milan’s premier pan-Asian restaurant is located in the heart of Milan, close to the Duomo, and housed within the luxurious design hotel ‘Fifty House.’ The restaurant’s interior décor is a modern twist on the art deco genre of Orientalism, with rich hues of teal and deep purple contrasting with lacquered black detailing to give the space a luxurious, sensual feel. Head Chef Luca Rossi has created a stunning menu that features Asian favourites served in both a traditional and modern style, with lots of new twists on old favourites. Enjoy a mouth-watering selection of sashimi, dim-sum, uramata and robaka, with plenty of vegetarian options, along with the finest quality meat and seafood. From April to October, you can also dine in KOWA’s 6- seat summer garden which surrounds an Asian style fountain.
La Scala Opera House.
Via Filodrammatici 2, 20121, Milano.
Milan’s famous opera house, dating back to 1778, has played host to many of the worlds most renowned classical singers, orchestras and ballet companies along with being home to a host of famous composers and conductors in their heyday (the likes of Rossini, Puccini and Verdi.) If your budget doesn’t stretch to enjoying a performance at the opera house, a visit to the Museo Teatrale alla Scala includes a tour and visit to one of the boxes overlooking the stage. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the backstage area and learn how the theatre’s mechanized movement system works along with discovering more about La Scala’ rich and varied history.
The Last Supper
Piazza della Maria delle Grazie 2, Milano.
The monastery attached to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, an unassuming rectory on the western outskirts of the city, is host to one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces, a 15th century mural of The Last Supper. Covering an entire wall in the former dining hall, admission to view the work is strictly limited to 25 people every fifteen minutes, in order to preserve this amazing painting for future generations. Tickets are often sold out months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to take in one of Italy’ most prized pieces of art. Many of the city’s organised tours include entrance to view The Last Supper, so if you’re planning a last-minute trip to Milan, this is an option work considering.
