Visiting Milan for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do
Long relegated to Italy’s B-list of tourist destinations, Milan has undergone a glow-up since hosting the 2015 World Expo. Today, this vibrant city hosts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its high-end shopping and world-class nightlife, plus its long-overlooked cultural offerings. In addition to its headliner—Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper—Milan is home to must-see museums, one of the world’s most spectacular cathedrals, and even a medieval castle. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping and sightseeing, the city offers a convenient base for exploring further afield, with Lake Como and the Alps to the north and the vineyards of Piedmont to the south. Use this Milan first-time visitor guide to make the most of your exploration of Italy’s most modern metropolis and its stunning surroundings.
1. Explore the Duomo from bottom to top
Kick off your adventures by touring Milan’s famous cathedral.
No Milan travel itinerary for newcomers is complete without a stop to marvel at the city’s show-stopping Duomo. It took six centuries to complete this colossal masterpiece of Gothic architecture, so plan to spend at least an hour enjoying the marble-clad facade, soaring interiors, and panoramic roof terrace. Most Milan walking tours include a stop inside the church, or you can visit on your own. Just remember to book tickets for this popular attraction in advance, especially if you want to access the rooftop overlook.
2. Get a peek at Leonardo’s masterpiece
Marvel at one of the most famous works of art history.
Many first-time visitors to Milan don’t realize that this bustling modern city is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s landmark Last Supper painting, which decorates the refectory wall inside the monastery adjacent to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie). Visitors are only allowed to view the painting in 15-minute time slots and it gets very crowded, so consider booking a skip-the-line tour so you’ll have plenty of time afterward to visit the neighboring church and admire its mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Related: An Art Lover's Guide to Milan
3. Admire the opulent La Scala Opera House
Milan’s iconic opera house has made musical history for more than two centuries.
Countless legends have graced the stage of La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala)—known affectionately as La Scala—and this landmark opera house is one of the must-see attractions in Milan. You can view the understated exterior on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or self-guided audio tour of the city, but to visit the lavish gilded-and-velvet interiors, you’ll have to visit with a guide as part of a La Scala theater and museum tour. Alternatively, book tickets to attend a performance of opera, ballet, or live classical music concerts during the season that runs from fall through late spring, with occasional summer events.
4. People watch in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The most elegant shopping mall in Italy sits in the heart of Milan.
A stroll beneath the soaring glass ceilings of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the essential experiences in Milan for first-timers, and most city sightseeing tours include a stop here to admire its Renaissance Revival architecture. It’s easy to fit this 19th-century shopping center into a Milan travel itinerary for newcomers as it sits directly between the Duomo and La Scala, and you can meander your way between the high-end fashion boutiques and bustling historic cafés that fill its double arcades along with the well-dressed locals.
5. Delve into Milan’s shopping scene
The city features top-notch districts for everything from home décor to high fashion.
Milan’s fashion and design are famous across the globe, and the city’s shops are among the top attractions for first-time visitors in Milan. There are several different areas to focus on during a shopping tour of the city, from the trendy thoroughfares of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Buenos Aires to the Quadrilatero d’Oro, or Golden Rectangle, where the lion’s share of the city’s haute couture boutiques are clustered. Lovers of interior design can find one-of-a-kind décor in the Brera district, while vintage enthusiasts can unearth treasures in the tiny shops in Navigli, the city’s canal quarter.
6. Check out the Navigli nightlife
Milan is known as Italy’s aperitivo capital for good reason.
It’s no surprise that this chic city is home to a buzzy nightlife scene, and an aperitivo break in the trendy Navigli neighborhood is one of the top things to do in Milan for beginners. Once the sun begins to set, make a beeline for the bars that line the historic canals and sip a classic Italian cocktail, or join a local insider for an aperitivo and street food tour to discover the best spots for bites and sips.
7. Channel the Middle Ages at the Sforza Castle
This time-capsule fortress is home to more than a dozen museums and collections.
The austere Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) lives in the middle of the modern metropolis, a surprising sight when exploring Milan as a first-time tourist. However, the 15th-century fortress is one of the most important historic sights in the city. Explore its sprawling interiors and visit a few of its resident museums, archives, and libraries, like the Museo Pietà Rondanini, home to Michelangelo’s last unfinished work, which is the most famous. Afterward, take a turn through the surrounding Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) to admire its triumphal Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), lake, and outdoor arena.
8. Visit Brera, the village within the city
Discover cobblestone lanes lined with vintage boutiques and trendy restaurants.
Most Milan sightseeing for beginners focuses on the city’s headliner attractions and legendary shopping. Step away from the bustle and traffic for a cultural tour of the charming Brera neighborhood. This largely pedestrian area in the heart of Milan is known for its historic townhouses, high-end shops, and fashionable eateries, but it’s also home to the Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera) and Brera Botanical Garden. Meander through the district on your own or with a private tour for personalized insights into Brera’s history and landmarks.
9. Take a day trip to the lakes and peaks
Milan is a strategic jumping-off spot for Italy’s northern lakes and Alps.
One of the most unexpected Milan travel tips for newcomers is to use the city as a base for day trips to explore the nearby attractions. Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta are ideal for an excursion, and the Alps lie just beyond. Join a Lake Como and Bellagio day trip from Milan, or opt to explore Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta on your own—both have fewer crowds than their A-list neighbor. Alternatively, set your sights on the Alpine peaks further north with a Bernina Express scenic rail tour all the way across the border to St. Moritz.
10. Sip your way through Piedmont
Italy’s most prestigious wines are produced in the hills south of Milan.
Milan may not be a wine destination, but the Piedmont wine country southwest of the city is the birthplace of Italian wines from Barolo to Barbaresco. Take a break from the urban bustle to explore the UNESCO–listed hills of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato with a wine tour from Milan. Or, visit boutique cellars to sip bold reds while enjoying views over the picturesque vineyard-covered hillsides, stopping to visit villages like Alba and sample the region’s legendary cuisine.
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