Milan… The original fashion capital of the world. The place where shopping is unprecedented. A city you can’t fully explore in a short holiday. A place any trip to Europe would be incomplete without. There are so many places to visit and things to do in Milan when visiting for the first time. And you will always be wanting more. The second-largest city in beautiful Italy boasts some incredible historical and cultural places. History is everywhere around you in this millennia-old city, and you can feel it in the air. At the same time, Milan is a modern place with edgy and innovative architectural designs. It masterfully combines the old and the new as images seamlessly transition from historically significant structures such as the Milan Cathedral to Bosco Verticale, a pair of residential towers whose magnificence is impossible to capture with words.
If you are planning your first visit to Milan, you should prepare. Begin by placing your valuables in storage. Milan is not a short bus drive away. Also, you will have a lot of exploring to do, and you don’t want to be distracted by worries about your possessions back home. Ensure their safety while away so you can be relaxed while soaking the beauty of one of the greatest European cities. Milan has so much to offer, and this one visit will not be enough. So, you want to make the most of it. I will help you with a list of things to do in this majestic Italian city.
Go and See Duomo
The first of the things to do in Milan when visiting for the first time is to go and see the Duomo.
The Duomo di Milano, the Cathedral mentioned before, is the symbol of the city and the place you can’t skip. There is something special about Gothic architecture that is just so captivating. The stunning beauty and incredible intricacy of the facade are bound to leave you breathless. Right on top of it, reigning the city is the golden statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Cathedral and Piazza Duomo, the square in front of it, are at the very heart of the city. It is an amazing place to begin your exploration of the city because wherever you head from there, you will arrive at someplace incredible.
Like so many other tourists, I took some impressive pictures there. I try to steer clear of cliches, but sometimes, cliches exist for a reason. And when it comes to Duomo, no amount of photos of the same will ever be enough to capture the true beauty of this structure.
Also, make sure to go inside. No matter how long the line, it will be worth it. Climb to the terrace as well, especially if the day is nice. The ticket may be on the pricy side, but it’s worth every cent.
Check Out Some More Churches
Duomo is not the only church in Milan, although it is the most notable. Since your visit will probably limit you to a few other churches, here are some you absolutely have to see:
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio – one of the oldest churches in Milan.
- Chiesa di San Maurizio – aka the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” due to its spectacular frescoes covering the entire ceiling.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie – The Last Supper, Leonardo’s masterpiece, and more incredible art is here, so you absolutely must see it.
No Visit Is Complete Without a Few Museums
There are so many fantastic museums in Milan that it’s hard to pick just a few. Alas, here are my favorite picks:
- The Pinacoteca di Brera – This museum is home to an impressive collection of paintings by Italian masters, including Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna. What is more, it is located in an artsy part of Milan. You will love a leisurely stroll down cobbled streets, a cup of coffee in one of the charming cafes, and an opportunity to take a romantic photo at every step.
- The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana – An art gallery any art lover should visit. It is the first art gallery in the world open to the public.
- The Museo del Novecento – A new museum that opened in 2010 and is dedicated to the twentieth-century art
- The Museo Poldi Pezzoli – The museum originated in the 19th century as a private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. The exhibition includes a wide range of pieces, such as weaponry, glassworks, ceramics, jewelry, and furnishings.
- Museo delle Culture – This museum is dedicated to foreign cultures and exhibits artifacts from the entire world.
- Triennale di Milano – The museum of design and art; a place true design connoisseurs must visit. I found it incredibly engaging, and the exhibitions do a fantastic job at making you ponder the meaning of the displays.
- The Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia – It is a great place if you are traveling with kids because there are many activities and interactive labs designed specifically with children in mind.
What’s a Visit to Milan Without Some Shopping?
Shopping in Milan… There is nothing better!
Not everyone can afford a shopping spree in Milan. But if there is a place in the world where you should treat yourself to something special, it’s Milan. It had been my biggest wish to go shopping in Milan, so you can imagine my thrill when I finally got there. Sure, my wallet took some beating, but I will not lie – it was well worth it! So, shopping, or at least window-shopping, is one of the things to do in Milan when visiting for the first time.
The high-end shops are mesmerizing. The affluence that the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II exudes is intoxicating. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, just walking around this place that looks like a veritable piece of art is a tremendous experience. Also, take a walk in Quadrilatero d’Oro, aka Quadrilatero della Moda. It is one of the most exclusive shopping districts in the whole world and where Milan’s fashion week takes place.
This area consists of four famous streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea, and Via Manzoni.
Of course, shopping on a budget is possible in Milan, too. The Highline Outlet, right there in the heart of Milan, offers a plethora of fantastic brands at discounted prices.
Experience the Local Life
Roam and experience life in this city.
Something I always love to do when I travel is to take some time to just walk around, without visiting any landmarks, and with no specific plan. I always like to see what it’s like to be there as a local. All the places in the world are a lot more than famous monuments, museums, or restaurants. Thus, one of the things to do in Milan when visiting for the first time is to walk around its many different neighborhoods without a definite purpose. Get on the Metro to one of the areas, and start exploring and looking around. You don’t need a goal or a final destination. Just experience the area.
About the author:
Anita Atkins is a travel blogger and a true lover of art. She has visited all seven continents and made it her mission to travel to as many countries in the world as possible. Anita loves to bring a souvenir from her trips, and she has a massive collection of magnets and cookbooks from all over the world.
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