Milan
Everything you need to plan the perfect trip to the capital of Lombardy — what to see, where to stay and how to get around.
Italy's capital of fashion, design and Gothic grandeur
Milan is one of the world's great fashion capitals, but it's also a city of extraordinary art and architecture — from the Gothic Duomo and Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper to the glass-domed Galleria and the canals of the Navigli.
Relatively compact and easy to explore on foot, it makes a perfect weekend break and a gateway to the great northern lakes. In this guide you'll find everything you need to plan your stay and make the most of your trip.
Milan, Italy's capital of style
Milan is Italy's second-largest city and the beating heart of its economy, fashion and design. But beyond the catwalks and flagship stores lies a city of extraordinary history and art — from the pinnacled marble of its Gothic cathedral to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, one of the most important paintings in the world.
Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later a powerful medieval duchy, Milan wears its layers of history with understated confidence. Stroll from the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to the medieval Sforza Castle, catch an opera at La Scala, then finish the day among the canalside bars of the Navigli. It's a compact, walkable city that also makes the perfect base for exploring the great lakes of northern Italy — Como, Garda and Maggiore — all within easy reach by train.
Whether you're here for a weekend break, a shopping trip or a cultural city break, this guide brings together everything you need to plan the perfect visit: what to see, how to get around, where to stay and eat, and the best tours and day trips to book in advance.
Written by travellers, for travellers. This guide is put together by the Civitatis team — travellers ourselves — to help you make the most of your trip. Every recommendation is based on first-hand experience, kept up to date and written to be genuinely useful, not to sell you things you don't need.
Where to start
Five experiences that define a Milan visit — chosen for what they reveal about the city. See the full Top 10 →
What to see in Milan
Milan rewards curious travellers. The Duomo — Italy's largest Gothic cathedral — anchors the city, and its rooftop terraces are the finest viewpoint in town. A few steps away, the glass-roofed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II leads to La Scala, the world's most famous opera house.
The city's greatest treasure is Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, which must be booked months ahead. Round out your visit with the Sforza Castle and its parkland, the world-class art of the Pinacoteca di Brera, and an evening among the bars and canals of the Navigli.
Short on time? Our ranked Top 10 attractions and two-day itinerary help you see the best of the city in a weekend.
See all attractionsHand-picked experiences with free cancellation, reviewed by millions of travellers. Book in advance and pay online.
Other travel guides
Exploring more of Italy? Discover the rest of the country with our other Civitatis travel guides.