Compared to other Italian cities, Milan certainly has a less historically charming look to it but is beautiful, nonetheless. It is urban, young and cool and has many things to offer.
Clearly, there is some must-dos in Milan that everybody knows. For instance, you can’t miss seeing the Duomo. The majestic front, and the pigeon-filled square right in front of it, is probably one of the most iconic images of Milan.
Furthermore, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” (located in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie) is, of course, well worth a visit. And even just having a proper Italian espresso or cappuccino at on of the many Piazzas can give your trip to Milan the right taste.
From Porto Garibaldi, a district full of futuristic skyscrapers and fancy buildings, to the many churches and basilicas – Milan is filled with amazing and breath-taking architecture and contrasts of old and new. Even if you already stopped at the Duomo – don’t miss out on visiting some of the wonderful basilicas and be amazed by their beautiful architecture, frescoes and patterned tiled floors.
Even while shopping, you can marvel at architectural finesse: at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. The impressive design in a classic neo-renaissance style will make window-shopping feel as though you were in a museum, while at the same time the gallery is considered one of the focal points of the Milanese shopping.
One of the nicest places in Milan to spend your evenings must be Navigli. A quarter of canals, restaurants, bars and cafés, brimming of liveliness. Dive in to the Italian cuisine, get your aperitivo or even your after-supper-gelato and enjoy the lights reflecting on the water.
Had enough of all the city buzz? The Sempione Park is the right stop for a breather – and also hosting the picturesque Arco della pace (Arch of Peace). Another great and peaceful place is the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). It’s a great place for a stroll not only for the morbid ones as it features many artistic tombs – locals sometimes even call it an open-air museum.
For a more flowery, playful break visit the Orto Botanico di Brera, smell the scent of the flowers, plants and soil and indulge the feeling of secludedness and savety. The garden is definitely one of my favourite spots in Milan!
We've got even more favourite spots and some recommendations for you from our last #phototalk with @neevenr – including Bar Luce, designed by film director Wes Anderson and the Milanese Aesop store. While the latter one might seem unusual, it’s actually a tradition from Ryan: “Every time I’m in a new city, I visit the Aesop stores. All of them are so cool, every single store is different as they are all designed by different architects. They take inspiration from the area the store is located in which makes them all so unique.”
Last but not least, if you have the time and fancy to see a bit more of Italian beauty, why not plan a trip to one of the large lakes close by. You might already know of Lago di Como (Lake Como) but Lago di Maggiore is stunningly beautiful as well!
Craving more Italian delights? Check out #awalkthrough Venice if you haven’t already or browse the whole category. For even more travel inspiration, marvel at our Top10 #travelaperitivos for wonderful places near and far or jump right into the magic of cities in our Top10 #cityfootprints!