Milan is Italy’s city of the future. It’s a fast-paced city where money talks, creativity drives major business, and everything looks good as a form of art. Milan was ruled by Caesars, Napoleon, the Austro-Hungarians, and Mussolini. After the unification of Italy in 1861, it also became an important industrial and cultural center—a title it still holds to this day.
While it may not boast the historical attractions of other Italian cities, it offers both classic and modern art collections that highlight the genius of old masters and spark new conversations about where the world is heading. Among the top tourist attractions in Milan are the Milan Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Museum.
The prestigious nights at La Scala, the brilliant literary heritage, and the vibrant music scene also contribute to exposing the city's workaholic image. Since Leonardo da Vinci broke all the rules with his stunning Last Supper, it seems that Milan’s innovative minds, who appear to have skipped straight from the Renaissance to the 20th century, have continued on that path.
Developments in Milan
Milan is not only a treasure trove of 20th-century art but also of Art Deco and Rationalist architecture.
Today, the city leads the way with the largest post-war redevelopment in Italy.
It is also home to sustainable and stunning architecture, with a futuristic skyline influenced by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind, and César Pelli.
The city is also thriving as a high-tech hub, home to startups and major companies like Google, Microsoft, Alibaba, and Apple.
Although Italian design is world-famous, its roots lie in the 1930s in Milan—its vision presented in a context that offers renewed appreciation.
Visiting the Triennale Design Museum is a great way to pay tribute to Italy’s finest and brightest works.
Additionally, Milan is home to all the major design galleries and an endless series of trade exhibitions, including the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, which remains ever-popular.
Italian fashion houses have also branched out into resorts, hotels, galleries, and cultural centers throughout Milan, meaning you can refresh your style pretty much everywhere.
Top Tourist Attractions in Milan
Milan offers many tourist spots that attract a large number of visitors to the city. Among these are the Milan Cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Museum, La Scala Theater, and the Brera Art Gallery.
1. Il Duomo (Milan Cathedral)
Il Duomo is a story of faith and art that spans six centuries. The Duke of Milan began construction in 1386, just as the Gothic cathedral style was reaching its peak. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Tecla, along with the Baptistery of San Giovanni alle Fonti, were still visible in the archaeological area.
In October 1387, the Fabbrica del Duomo was founded by Gian Galeazzo Visconti to design and construct the church.
Gian Galeazzo’s decision to use Candoglia marble instead of the traditional Lombard brick was inspired by Gothic architectural choices.
As a result, the Fabbrica had to seek engineers, architects, sculptors, and stonemasons from across Europe.
The construction site became a dynamic space for diverse ideas, experiences, and skills from workers all over the world—making the Duomo a crossroads of peoples and cultures.
The long succession of chief architects and engineers made the innovative construction site truly original.
This made it impossible to attribute the project to a single designer.
Construction began at the apse with its stunning, oversized, and continuous stained-glass windows and elongated doors, leaving the vault open with an ancient problem to solve.
Church Design
By the end of the 15th century, some of the greatest architects and artists of the time, including Leonardo da Vinci, attempted the challenging task of designing the tiburium. Once this phase was completed and a consensus reached, construction continued and a new phase of pastoral inspiration began under Carlo Borromeo.
The Duomo was inspired by the concepts and styles of Roman church architecture and furnishings.
It left a new mark inside the Duomo, as seen in the magnificent architectural framework, side altars, the vault, the baptistery, and the flooring.
The church’s design began in the late 16th century when the base of the façade was laid.
This included the old façade of Santa Maria Maggiore Church (which was demolished in 1683).
Its original position, like many other architectural elements of the cathedral, remained for a long time—until the final plan was completed at the end of the 18th century.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper Museum
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) is one of the most famous paintings in the world.
This artwork was painted between 1494 and 1498 during the rule of Ludovico il Moro and depicts the last “supper” between Jesus and his disciples.
To create this unique piece, Leonardo conducted extensive research and preparatory drawings.
He abandoned the traditional fresco technique and painted the scene on a “dry” wall in the refectory.
Traces of gold and silver leaf were found, proving the artist’s desire to render the characters in a more realistic way, including precious details.
Restoration Process
After completion, Leonardo’s technique and environmental factors led to the mural’s eventual deterioration, prompting several restorations.
The latest restoration was completed in 1999, using various scientific methods to recover the original colors as much as possible, correcting past attempts to apply paint to the fresco.
The Last Supper remains in its original location—the refectory of the former Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Just like the refectory itself, the mural is one of the world’s most renowned masterpieces.
Leonardo’s Last Supper is a massive painting, 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide, made using tempera and oil on a gypsum preparation instead of traditional wet plaster.
Several measures have now been taken to protect the painting from further deterioration, ensuring it is kept at a controlled room temperature.
Since the last restoration, visitor entry is limited to groups of 25 people every 15 minutes.
This world-famous masterpiece, surrounded by many mysteries and analyzed by countless historians, researchers, and novelists, was even endangered during World War II.
In 1943, during the French Revolutionary Wars under Napoleon, bombings left the Dominican refectory open for several years.
Today, The Last Supper Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in Milan, Italy.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Luxury Shops and Elegant Cafés
The stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is arguably the ultimate shopping arcade, home to some of the most famous Italian and international designers.
It’s ideal for those who want to shop under one roof across various brands.
You can also observe an old Milanese tradition known as the Galleria floor mosaic ritual.
Indulge in some retail therapy by visiting upscale boutiques, some of which have been here for years, while others are newer additions.
From Prada to the jewel of Versace, it’s impossible not to be dazzled by the collections in these spaces, which feel more like museums than stores!
In the Galleria, haute couture design takes center stage, alongside historic workshops that reflect the rich legacy of these brands.
If you’re feeling hungry, head straight to Camparino in Galleria—a famous bar and social hotspot that represents one of Milan’s oldest traditions.
For those seeking refined taste, you can try the city’s most in-demand gourmet experience at Ristorante Galleria, a city landmark since 1968.
Here, you can savor the flavors of Italian cuisine.
Fashion finds its ultimate home here, offering unmatched views of the square—an assured choice for moments of bliss.
Michelin-Star Chefs
If you’re seeking Michelin-star chefs, the Galleria boasts some of the best dining spots.
On the 5th floor of the TownHouse hotel, elite diners enjoy panoramic terraces and Mediterranean cuisine from a vibrant and creative menu—guided by Michelin-awarded chef Felice Lo Basso.
Or visit the world-renowned Michelin-star chef Carlo Cracco, who runs his restaurant Cracco, offering creative spins on traditional Milanese and Italian dishes—from pastas and salads to exquisite signature creations.
If you’re still in a shopping mood, we recommend exploring some unique spots just a stone’s throw away.
4. Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Castello Sforzesco was originally built as a fortress in the 14th century and is now one of Milan’s most famous landmarks, housing some of the city's finest museums.
The first fort was built on this site in 1368.
Years later, it was expanded into a magnificent ducal palace, which was almost entirely destroyed during the Golden Ambrosian Republic.
The Sforza family rebuilt the castle and turned it into one of the most splendid residences in Italy.
Later, the castle was again used for military fortification under Spanish and Austrian rule.
Napoleon ordered the castle demolished in 1800, and a year later, the Spanish fortifications and towers were destroyed.
In the second half of the 19th century, residents debated whether to keep the castle or demolish it to build a residential district.
Ultimately, the castle was preserved, and architect Luca Beltrami was commissioned to restore it to its former glory as a Sforza residence.
Restoration
The restoration was completed in 1905, and the central tower (Torre Filarete) and Sempione Park were opened.
The park was built on former exhibition grounds.
During World War II, the castle was severely damaged, and by the late 20th century, the castle square with its central fountain was built.
However, in the 1960s, it was demolished again to make way for the Milan Metro.
Castle Museums
The castle houses several museums:
Museum of Ancient Art: This museum includes frescoes and statues of the Sforza family from various eras such as antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. One of the highlights is the Rondanini Pietà , Michelangelo’s final, unfinished work.
Pinacoteca del Castello: This art gallery contains more than 1,500 works created between the 13th and 18th centuries.
Museum of Musical Instruments: This museum displays rare instruments from around the world.
Egyptian Museum: It includes numerous artifacts from Egypt, such as statues, mummies, coffins, and death masks.
Archaeological Museum of Milan: This museum showcases items and artifacts from the main cultures that lived in Lombardy from the Neolithic era to the Roman period.
5. San Maurizio and the Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Milan is located in the former San Maurizio Monastery and is distinguished by its archaeological discoveries from various periods.
The museum is housed in a former monastery—Monastero Maggiore—and the Church of San Maurizio, founded between the 8th and 9th centuries.
The museum features archaeological finds from several time periods, with the collections grouped based on where they were discovered.
The first section of the museum is dedicated to ancient Milan (Mediolanum).
After walking through the cloister, where visitors can see remnants of a wall and a tower built in the 3rd century, they will encounter Roman, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts.
The museum’s prehistoric and Egyptian collections are located at the Sforza Castle.
One of the most remarkable features of Milan’s Archaeological Museum is its exceptional location.
Visitors will be able to see remains of the Roman city wall—which are truly impressive.
Besides this, the museum is highly recommended for those particularly interested in archaeology.
The collection spans a wide range of periods, regions, and artifact types—from Etruscan statues to ancient Milanese coins, from Greek vases to medieval gold rings.
The Archaeological Museum of Milan is an inspiring place for anyone interested in archaeology and history.
Here you can see the only two remaining Roman towers in the city—generally considered the best-preserved remains of ancient Rome in Milan.
Next to the museum stands the beautiful Church of San Maurizio.
There’s a lot to explore in the Archaeological Museum.
Beyond the vast number of artifacts on display across three floors, there are also two towers from the ancient Roman era in the museum courtyard.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Church of San Maurizio next door has stunning frescoes.
The complex where the museum is now located was once occupied by a residential building dating back to the 1st century BC.
The city walls and the large Roman circus, which stood next to the imperial palace, have left significant ruins.
Most notably, the two towers—one of which stands 14 meters high—were part of the Roman circus and were later integrated into the Maggiore Monastery.
The museum’s collection is organized thematically, with different artifacts displayed in separate rooms based on their subject matter.
6. Top Tourist Attractions in Milan: Brera Art Gallery
The Brera Art Gallery contains one of the leading art collections in Italy, featuring masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio.
It is located in a palace built between the 16th and 17th centuries.
The building was originally a church and monastery constructed by the Humiliati (an Italian religious order).
The monastery and new Brera Palace were transformed into a Jesuit college with a library and an astronomical observatory.
In 1773, after the suppression of the Jesuits, the Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di Belle Arti) was opened.
In 1882, the Pinacoteca (Art Gallery) became independent from the academy, and since then, its art collection has grown year after year.
The Gallery's Paintings
The paintings are displayed chronologically across the gallery’s 38 rooms and are grouped according to the schools they belong to.
Among the gallery’s highlights are: Finding of the Body of Saint Mark by Tintoretto, The Sacred Conversation by Piero della Francesca, and especially The Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Andrea Mantegna—a painting studied for centuries by mathematicians, artists, and physicians.
Although the Brera Art Gallery is considered one of the finest in Milan and Italy, most of its paintings are religious in nature.
For this reason, it may not appeal to everyone. In addition, admission fees are also relatively high.
One of the museum’s most prominent features is the palace’s stunning courtyard, which is free to visit.
When Milan became the capital of the Italian Kingdom, Napoleon transformed the collection into a museum designed to showcase the most important paintings from the territories conquered by the French army.
So unlike other major Italian museums—such as the Uffizi, for example—this collection did not originate from princes or aristocrats but rather from political and state-led efforts.
Starting in the 19th century, after the suppression of many religious orders, paintings were collected from churches and monasteries in Lombardy.
Additional works of matching origins were removed from various departments of the Italian Kingdom and added to the gallery.
This origin explains the prevalence of religious paintings in the collection—often grouped in large numbers—and gives the museum a distinctive, almost physical identity that is only partially softened by later acquisitions.
7. Top Tourist Attractions in Milan: La Scala Theater
La Scala Theater in Milan is among the most renowned opera houses in the world.
Most of the greatest singers of the past 200 years have performed there.
The theater opened on August 3, 1778, and was originally known as the "New Royal Theater – Scala."
The word “Scala” means “staircase”, and the theater was built on the site of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala.
It is said that a sick child was once healed after the mother placed a statue of the Virgin at the church’s steps.
La Scala has hosted not only opera and ballet but also the debut of the pioneering violinist Paganini, who made his first appearance there in November 1813.
It was a tremendous success and marked the beginning of a brilliant career for him—he never looked back.
Conditions in La Scala's hall could be frustrating for serious opera fans in the audience.
As writer Mary Shelley discovered in September 1840, she noted that:
“La Scala serves not only as a drawing room for all of Milan’s society but also as a place where every kind of business transaction takes place—from horse trading to stock exchange. The short, rare moments between musical pieces are all one can catch.”
Bellini’s opera Norma was first produced at La Scala on December 26, 1831.
It is generally considered the highest point of the bel canto tradition and one of the most celebrated melodies.
Opera Developments
La Scala had a special relationship with Giuseppe Verdi. For several years, however, the composer did not allow his works to be performed there.
This was because some of his music had been altered by the orchestra.
Nevertheless, Verdi later conducted his Requiem there on May 25, 1874, and in 1886 announced that La Scala would host a premiere of his work.
Today, La Scala Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in Milan, Italy.
8. Basilica of Saint Ambrose
The Basilica of Saint Ambrose was consecrated in 387 by Saint Ambrose himself.
It was later restored in Lombard Romanesque style in the 11th century.
It was the first church to adopt this style and thus became a model for this type of church for years to come.
Church Design
The church's exterior is authentic and fascinating.
It features two red brick towers, one taller than the other—nearly the height of the entire church—and it contains a few ancient remains.
Inside the church is the Tomb of Stilicho, a magnificent 4th-century sarcophagus with high-relief carvings.
The crypt of the basilica holds the remains of three saints: Saint Ambrose, Saint Gervasius, and Saint Protasius—all fully dressed from head to toe.
At the end of the southern nave is the Oratory of San Vittore, a chapel built before the original cathedral.
When the site was still a cemetery, a small structure was erected in honor of the local martyr, Saint Vittore.
During the construction of the cathedral, this structure was incorporated into the larger church.
Although the basilica suffered severe damage during World War II, its striking interior and exterior have been beautifully preserved. It is considered one of the most fascinating churches in Milan.
The largest part of the complex is the Chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro (Golden Sky), built in the 4th century by Bishop Maternus to house the remains of Saint Victor—an important early example of Christian architecture.
The current Romanesque version of the cathedral features three naves with a ribbed vaulted ceiling and an alternating system of large and small columns. This design allows a transition from four spans in the central nave to eight in the side aisles.
However, there is no full agreement on the exact dating of nearly all the basilica’s structural elements, due to the many changes over the centuries.
Restoration Process
Immediately after the war, restoration work began.
It was completed in the 1950s, returning the church to its former glory.
Today, the Basilica of Saint Ambrose is one of the top tourist destinations in Milan, Italy.
9. Best Tourist Attractions in Milan: The Monumental Cemetery
Although it might seem like a somewhat grim visit, the Monumental Cemetery is actually an open-air museum, featuring a large number of artistically significant tombs.
This enormous cemetery in Milan is famous for its beautifully adorned graves.
The mausoleums are so grand and unique that it is considered an open museum with true “artworks” dating from the 19th century to the present day.
Design of the Monumental Cemetery
The Monumental Cemetery was established in 1866 to consolidate the many small, unhygienic cemeteries scattered around Milan.
Spanning more than 250,000 square meters, it houses a vast collection of Italian statues, Greek-style temples, obelisks, and even a small replica of Trajan’s Column.
Upon entering through the main gate, you’ll encounter a sort of "Hall of Fame," where hundreds of Italy’s most notable architects, athletes, actors, journalists, musicians, and others are buried.
Among the most impressive (and unmissable) graves is a white sculpted tower that depicts the life and death of Christ.
This belongs to the Bernocchi family. There's also a bizarre pyramid built for the Bruni family, and numerous sculptures including one of the Last Supper commissioned by the Campari family.
It’s the second-largest cemetery in Milan and includes a Jewish section and other burial areas for non-Catholic families.
To the left of the main entrance is a photo gallery showcasing the evolution of the cemetery.
At the end of this gallery, you’ll encounter two electric channels that were constructed during the 1920s.
The Monumental Cemetery is one of Milan’s most impressive attractions.
Far from being a typical gloomy graveyard, it’s a place full of remarkable sculptures and artworks in all forms and sizes.
At the main entrance, visitors can find cemetery maps highlighting the most impressive tombs.
It’s definitely worth grabbing one to ensure you don’t miss any of the beautiful mausoleums.
Behind the striped marble portico, the highlights of this landmark indicate the resting places of Milan’s wealthy and famous. An English map helps you locate the most significant examples.
No doubt, the Monumental Cemetery is one of the best tourist attractions in Milan, Italy.
10. Best Tourist Attractions in Milan: Santa Maria Church
Many renowned architects and painters contributed to the marvels of the Italian Renaissance, but fitting a large church onto a small plot of land required a special kind of talent.
Santa Maria Church had limited space due to a busy street, and the area behind the altar had to be cut off, making the church awkwardly short.
Architectural illusion was a common trick during the late Renaissance and Baroque periods, but architect Donato Bramante took visual deception to a whole new level.
Standing at the entrance, one gets the impression of a space much deeper than physically possible, extending far beyond the altar.
This illusion is enhanced by the relatively predictable lighting conditions inside the building.
Naturally, the illusion disappears just one step off the church's central axis.
But if you step back, the magic returns—like religious faith itself, truly seeing Santa Maria Presso San Satiro Church is about perspective and belief.
Features of Santa Maria Church
Santa Maria at San Satiro has a complex history.
To start, it’s actually made up of two parts from very different eras.
The earliest part dates back to the late 9th century and is now located off the far left side.
The shrine of San Satiro is especially fascinating from an architectural perspective, showing features reminiscent of Eastern European religious buildings.
The church is almost hidden away in a rather narrow courtyard.
It's unassuming from the outside, with a gray stone façade.
Construction began in 1480, commissioned by Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza and designed by the young architect Donato Bramante.
Inside, Santa Maria Presso San Satiro Church has a T-shaped layout and three richly decorated aisles.
The main nave’s golden ceiling gives the entire space a warm glow.
But the real treasure is the false apse, which appears to lie behind the altar but is actually a cleverly painted relief on the rear wall.
The illusion is so powerful that you need to get up close to realize it’s not real.
11. Best Tourist Attractions in Milan: Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The museum is located in a palace originally built for the noble art collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (1822–1879).
It was converted into a museum in 1881 and today holds a collection that primarily focuses on Italian Renaissance paintings.
The collection was amassed over many decades by the Pezzoli family, who made their fortune as tax collectors for the Austrian government.
Museum Contents
The thirty-three paintings on display at the Poldi Pezzoli Museum include masterpieces by Piero del Pollaiuolo.
The museum also features a superb collection of applied and decorative arts, including weapons, ceramics, glassware, carpets, textiles, watches, jewelry, rare books, and manuscripts.
The permanent collection is displayed across various themed rooms on two floors of the building, each dedicated to individual artists, art movements, or different forms of artistic expression.
The museum’s programming includes special exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, concerts, educational programs for teachers, and learning courses for schools and children.
Temporary exhibitions primarily focus on the history of art collecting, showcasing works in detail from the museum’s own holdings and inviting contemporary artists to reinterpret one of its masterpieces.
Since 2010, during Milan’s Furniture Fair, the museum has hosted a special exhibition exploring the relationship between art and contemporary design.
One of the museum’s highlights is the Armory, an exquisite hall with a vast and varied collection of weapons and armor.
Visitors should also not miss the Golden Room.
Though small in size, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum’s art collection is incredibly diverse. The visit is short, yet extremely rewarding—and the palace itself is worth seeing.
It is one of the most important historic house museums in Europe, reflecting the refined taste of one of the 19th century’s finest collectors.
The museum is also a research institute dedicated to preservation, art history, the history of collecting, and educational studies.
It regularly organizes exhibitions in Italy and abroad and coordinates academic research and publications.
The conservation department frequently publishes books about restoration practices involving various objects from the collection.
12. Best Tourist Attractions in Milan: Bagatti Valsecchi Museum
It was in 1883 when brothers Giuseppe and Fausto Bagatti Valsecchi began planning to transform their palace.
Their goal: to recreate the atmosphere of 16th-century noble Lombard residences.
Thus, the interiors were furnished with antiques that revived the feel of life three centuries earlier, achieving a historically immersive experience thanks to this ambitious project.
The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum’s collection remains one of the best-preserved among all historic house museums in Europe.
Its Renaissance collection features a wide range of items in addition to beautiful works like Santa Giustina with Saints.
From paintings to sculptures, tapestries, arms and armor, ceramics, goldsmith work, furniture, bronzes, and everyday objects, the range is impressive.
The rooms are also decorated with Latin phrases that explain to visitors the goals and ideals that inspired Giuseppe and Fausto in their vision of a museum-house.
A Tour Inside the Museum
The guided tour immerses you in this multifaceted atmosphere, with attention paid to every detail, giving visitors the sense of stepping into a home lost in time.
Driven by their eclectic taste for anything from the “Renaissance period,” the brothers began collecting sculptures, paintings, weapons, books, handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, fabrics, and many beautiful items made in Italy—often in Lombardy—between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Over the years, the building evolved into a harmonious whole, where decorations and artworks—including paintings by Giovanni Bellini and Lorenzo di Niccolò—perfectly recreate the Renaissance ambiance.
In 1975, the private palace of the brothers was opened to the public. Today, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is one of the finest historical house museums in Europe.
A visit here will surely allow you to rediscover the past with delight and experience what life was once like.
You can share in the thrill of the historical and artistic hunt, piece by piece.
This makes the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum one of the best tourist attractions in Milan, Italy.
13. Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology was founded on February 15, 1953.
Today, it operates as a private-law institution supported by founding members, ministries, public bodies, and universities in Milan.
In addition to its presidency and administration, the museum's daily operations and development are overseen by the General Directorate.
The museum staff and collaborators work to design, develop, and directly deliver daily activities and major projects.
Beyond this internal team, a wide network of external institutions, companies, professionals, researchers, experts, and volunteers supports the museum in fulfilling its mission.
The Leonardo Gallery houses working models of machines and inventions based on Leonardo's original drawings.
Other exhibits explore various scientific themes such as physics, astronomy, wireless communication, optics, and more.
There is also a collection of early motor vehicles, along with a large outdoor area featuring steam locomotives and historic aircraft.
The museum is located in a former 16th-century Olivetan monastery in the heart of Milan, featuring multiple exhibition wings and open-air displays.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Leonardo da Vinci’s most fascinating inventions and get inspired by his genius.
Guided Tours and Activities
The museum offers guided tours to explore key collections, such as the “Atlante Conti” in the Air and Sea Pavilion and a piece of lunar rock in the Space section.
The program also includes artistic performances, like live piano music by Caruso and jazz from the Cosimo Quintet.
All events are free until seats run out, and you can reserve your spot on the same day at the information center.
The museum traces the history of science and technology from the early pioneers to modern advancements.
One of its highlights is the Leonardo da Vinci exhibit, built around models from his original designs.
The physics section displays equipment once used by Galileo, Newton, and Volta, while other sections cover topics like optics, acoustics, electricity, transportation, shipping, railways, aviation, mining, automobiles, timekeeping, and woodwork.
Altogether, the museum features over 15,000 historical items that represent the evolution of science, technology, and Italian industry.
14. Top Attractions in Milan: Navigli District
The Navigli District has quickly become one of Milan’s most popular neighborhoods, but there’s much more to it than just the famous canals that give the area its name.
While it’s hard to imagine Milan without its buzzing scooters, iconic yellow trams, and flashy Italian sports cars, the city once ran on water rather than fuel.
Historically, Milan was crisscrossed by kilometers of canals that served as vital arteries through the city.
This canal system originally helped build many of Milan’s iconic landmarks.
The Duomo? You can thank the canals for that — they were essential for transporting the marble needed for construction into the city center.
Today, tourists can enjoy scenic boat rides along the canals.
Canal Cruises
In summer, canal cruises depart every hour. For something more off-the-beaten path, you can even take a ride along the original Milan canal — a unique experience.
During the daytime, Navigli offers a welcome break from the bustle of the rest of the city.
But everything changes at 5 PM when locals start to crowd the many canal-side cafés.
In recent years, the area has become the heart of Milan’s beloved “aperitivo” culture.
Order a drink and enjoy a spread of small complimentary dishes — often enough to serve as a light dinner.
This is how Milanese unwind after a long workday.
Milan might not have many wide-open spaces or skyscrapers for sunset views, but this is one place you shouldn’t miss.
The reflection of the sunset over the canal makes for a magical end to the day.
15. Top Attractions in Milan: Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio
The Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio stands on one of Milan’s most important historic roads, the one leading to Pavia — the former capital of the Lombard Kingdom.
According to a long-standing tradition, a ceremonial procession still departs from this basilica to mark the inauguration of a new Archbishop of Milan.
The current church is the result of multiple restorations over the centuries.
Remnants of the early Christian structure can still be seen beneath the apse, while elements of the Romanesque design remain in the rear section and in certain capitals.
In the 13th century, the church was entrusted to the Dominican monks, and its layout was adjusted to better suit their preaching activities.
This included removing internal partitions and structural obstacles to allow full participation in the liturgy and sermons.
Architecture and Design
On the left side of the gabled façade is a beautifully carved marble pulpit, replacing the original one associated with Saint Peter.
The bell tower, built between 1297 and 1309, is the tallest in Milan at 73 meters. It’s topped with a star symbolizing the Magi.
Inside the nave, visitors will find various rare frescoes and sculptures.
The church’s origins date back to the 4th century, when Saint Eustorgius — Milan’s ninth bishop — is believed to have lived beneath its foundations.
Sant’Eustorgio became famous because the bishop brought relics of the Magi (Three Wise Men) from Constantinople as a gift from the son of Emperor Constantine.
The relics were carried with great difficulty in a cart all the way to Milan, and then placed in a sarcophagus inside the church, where they remained for about 700 years.
When Frederick Barbarossa invaded Milan in 1164, he sacked and nearly destroyed the church, and the relics were taken to Cologne, Germany.
They were only partially returned to Milan centuries later.
Today, most of the relics remain in Cologne Cathedral, which was built specifically to house them.
By 1220, the Dominicans had taken over, and the church was rebuilt in its current form.
Inside, the frescoes and triptychs recount the story of the Three Kings and the journey of their sacred remains.
16. Galleria d'Arte Moderna (Modern Art Gallery)
The Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM) in Milan is housed in a beautiful 18th-century villa and features paintings and sculptures from the 18th to 20th centuries.
The art is spread throughout the elegant Villa Reale, which still retains much of its original decorative detail.
Among the highlights are works by renowned Italian masters such as Francesco Hayez, Pompeo Marchesi, Andrea Appiani, and Tranquillo Cremona.
The museum also hosts modern art pieces by international greats like Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Amedeo Modigliani.
The Building and Collection
Adjacent to the villa is a separate building that now houses more recent 20th-century works.
Even if you're not a fan of modern art, you'll likely enjoy this museum — it’s one of Milan’s most charming cultural destinations.
The Galleria is also known as GAM and is located in a historic palace where Napoleon once stayed.
The collection includes important Lombard artists and other Italian painters, as well as international modernists like Gauguin, Manet, Picasso, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.
The upper floors of the museum feature equestrian sculptures by 20th-century sculptor Marino Marini.
Designed by Leopoldo Pollack, the villa is a three-story building with majestic wings. Many first-floor and some ground-floor windows feature a striking mythological decorative cycle designed by Giuseppe Parini.
At the back of the villa lies a lovely garden — a peaceful escape where visitors can relax and unwind from the fast pace of Milan.
Inside the garden is a small but delightful botanical section filled with shrubs and herbaceous plants, perfect for a quiet stroll.
The Galleria d’Arte Moderna is truly one of Milan’s most captivating attractions.
