Things to See in Milan: Some of the City's Highlights

Historical Sights in Milan

A premier spot for anyone interested in history is the Piazza del Duomo. This grand square is where the Duomo (Milan Cathedral) is located. Taking nearly six centuries to complete and being the fifth largest church in the world, it is a true architectural wonder, and needs to be seen to be believed. Marvel at its innumerable statues and spires and visit the treasury, which has a wide array of artefacts and art on display. For a fee of €9.50, visitors can also climb up to the rooftop, which offers stunning views of the city.
Directly opposite the cathedral is the Duomo Museum, which houses and preserves many of the historical treasures that were once in the cathedral. Around two hundred pieces, including statues, paintings, tapestries and stained-glass windows can be found here. Full price entry to the museum is €6 euros and it is open everyday of the week, with the exception of Monday.

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the mid-15th century, the church is most famed for housing da Vinci's masterpiece 'The Last Supper' on one of the refectory walls. The church is also noteworthy for its striking combination of gothic and renaissance architecture.
Another of the many things to see in Milan is the 15th century Sforza Castle. The castle encompasses the Museo d'Arte Antica, which displays a wealth of ancient historical treasures. Note that admission to the castle is €5 and that it is closed on Mondays.

Milan's Museums and Galleries

Milan has countless museums and art galleries to delve into. Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, which has one of the best collections of Renaissance art in the world, including works by artists such as Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio and Rubens. A modest collection of contemporary works are also on display. Entrance to the gallery is €10 and well worth it.
For a broader collection of contemporary art, visit the Museo del Novecento, which showcases a fine collection of modern Italian art. Entrance to the gallery is €10.
Milan's National Science and Technology Museum is another intriguing museum that merits a visit. Amidst the many enlightening exhibits is a version of a flying machine as designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Submarines, aeroplanes and steam trains also feature.

Opera and Theatre in Milan

La Scala is the most famous of all the opera and theatre venues in Milan, and one of the most famous in the world. Ballets, operas and concerts are all performed at the renowned venue which underwent major renovation around the beginning of the millennium. Even if you are not seeing a show, you can always check out the Scala Theatre Museum which documents the history of Italian theatre and the opera house. The museum admission fee is €9.

Another theatre that is worth visiting is the Teatro Ventaglio Smeraldo which presents a mixture of Italian and foreign musicals, whilst the Teatro Manzoni is another of Milan's more famous venues.
Football fans should not miss out on the San Siro stadium, which is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. If you cannot get tickets to one of the matches, why not try a tour of the stadium's grounds? The excellent museum covers the history of the two great clubs and displays the many trophies won by the teams. Admission to the museum is €7 whilst combined museum admission and tour are €17.

Getting There

The main airport in Milan is Malpensa Airport, which has two terminals. Free shuttle buses connect with the two terminals. The Malpensa Express Train links the airport with Milan Cadorna Train Station. The primary rail station in Milan is the Central Station which is served by the MM2 and MM3 metro lines.

Planning your trip to Milan? Check out our favorite downtown hotels in Milan.