Compared to other Italian cities, Milan has less of the historic charm of old buildings, but it is still a beautiful city. It is urban, young and cool and has a lot to offer.
Of course, in Milan, like in any other city, there are some must-dos that you've probably heard about. For example, you can't avoid visiting the Milan Cathedral. The impressive façade, together with the cathedral square full of pigeons right in front of it, is probably one of the most famous images of Milan.
Furthermore, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (in the refectory of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie ) is of course worth a visit. And a classic Italian espresso or cappuccino on one of the many piazzas can give the trip to Milan the right taste.
From Porto Garibaldi , a district full of futuristic skyscrapers and quirky buildings, to the many churches and basilicas, Milan is full of stunning architecture and contrasts of old and new. Even if the Duomo is the first stop, the many beautiful basilicas should not be neglected. A visit will enchant you with their beautiful architecture, frescoes and patterned tiled floors.
And even while shopping you can admire architectural finesse: in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , one of the oldest shopping centers in the world. At the same time, the gallery is considered one of the hotspots of Milan's shopping. The impressive design in the classic neo-Renaissance style makes window shopping almost feel like a trip to a museum.
One of the most beautiful places in Milan to spend the evening is Navigli . A district with many canals, restaurants, bars and cafes and full of life. Immerse yourself in Italian cuisine and enjoy an aperitivo or a gelato for dessert. In Navigli you could literally taste La Dolce Vita !
If you want something a little quieter, the Parco Sempione is a great place to take a breather. It is also home to the picturesque Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace). Another peaceful spot is the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery), which is a great place for a stroll. There are dozens of artistic tombs here, so much so that locals sometimes refer to it as an open-air museum.
For a more flowery, playful break, the Orto Botanico di Brera , a small, hidden botanical garden, is particularly suitable. Here the air is filled with the scent of flowers and plants - a small paradise in the middle of the city that gives you a feeling of peace and security. The garden is definitely one of my favorite places in Milan!
We also brought back some Milanese favorites from our last #phototalk with @neevenr - including the Bar Luce, designed by cult director Wes Anderson and the Milan Aesop store. While the latter may seem unusual, for Ryan it's actually a tradition: "Every time I'm in a new city, I visit the Aesop stores. All of them are cool because every single store is different as they were all designed by different architects. The design is inspired by the area where the store is located. That's what makes them all so unique."
Last but not least, if you have the time and desire to see a little more Italian beauty, you should plan a trip to one of the large lakes nearby. You may have heard of Lake Como or Lake Garda, but Lake Maggiore is also breathtakingly beautiful!
Want more (Italian) travel destinations? Don't miss our #awalkthrough Venice or browse the entire category. You can find even more travel inspiration in our Top10 #travelaperitivos full of beautiful places near and far or in our Top10 #cityfootprints , which are dedicated to the magic of cities!
