Milan isn’t just about high fashion and coffee (though, trust me, it’s got plenty of both). It’s also a city packed with history, stunning architecture, and hidden gems. Whether you’re a culture buff, an art lover, or just someone who likes to eat and drink well, Milan has something to offer everyone. So, lace up your shoes, grab your camera, and let’s dive into some of the must-see spots in this beautiful city!
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A Few Tips Before We Start…
Because Milan is such a popular destination with iconic sights like the Duomo and the Last Supper, tickets tend to sell out FAST and EARLY! If you know you’re headed to Milan, try to buy all tickets as soon as possible!
Milan on a Budget
The awesome thing about Milan is that there is SO much to see. The downfall of Milan is that you have to pay for pretty much everything. Buying tickets to explore the Duomo and to see the Last Supper start to quickly add up. My two suggestions are this:
- Don’t buy tickets! There are tons of free things to see in Milan. You can honestly walk around through the beautiful streets, see the piazzas, explore the free churches and galleries, and so much more for free.
- If you still want to see the iconic Milan spots, you can buy the Milan card. It gets you all public transportation for free (metro, tram, buses, trains) and audioguides and discounted access to a ton of Milan attractions.
Visit the Duomo
The Duomo in Milan is probably the most iconic spot in the entire city. It’s a breathtaking building that you can spend forever just looking at! Take some time walking around the piazza and exploring the shops and and restaurants.
You have some options when it comes to how you want to visit the inside of the Duomo, depending on your budget and all that you want to see. Click the button below to see specific tickets. Overall, I recommend getting purchasing one to be able to see the terraces, the entire Duomo, and the crypts.
Visit the Teatro alla Scala (Opera House)
You can visit the inside as well as explore the museum for this famous opera house. You have options of how to explore the inside, from a show to guided tour to an individual tour.
See the Last Supper at the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
If you’re in the mood to visit literally one of the most famous pieces of art of all time, you HAVE to go to the Basilica di Santa Maria to see the Last Supper!
- Schedule
- Tuesday – Saturday: 8:15 am – 7 pm
- Sunday: 2 pm – 7 pm
There are a few options when it comes to buying tickets. You can take a self-guided tour, a guided tour, or just a ticket. You have to reserve times for these. If you choose a self-guided tour, you only have 15 minutes to walk through, so you may feel that is not enough time. If you want more time, I recommend a guided tour. You get more time and can also opt for a skip-the-line guided tour ticket to avoid crowds. For general tickets, it includes getting to see the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the museum. However, this is also only a 15 minute viewing time.
- Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early, regardless of ticket times! Lines tend to be very long, so you may want to arrive early.
Shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
This epic galleria is essentially a huge buildings with different shops (similar to an indoor market), but with super old and high end spots. For example, the original Prada store is there! They also have some incredible spots to eat and drink.
- There’s a fun tradition hidden in this gallery. On the ground in the artwork, you’ll see a bull and an indentation where one of his ~balls~ is. People line up to put their heel in the indentation and spin in 10 circles for good luck. Dumb? Yes. Fun? Also yes.
Explore Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense
This incredible library is the biggest public library in Milan. It’s absolutely breathtaking on the inside, and it’s also free to enter!
Visit Castello Sforzesco
This spot is awesome. There’s so much to see, and you can explore a ton of this castle for free! To see more museums and exhibitions, you can also buy a ticket. However, I felt perfectly content to walk around the courtyard and get a free taste of this castle. Click below for hours, tickets, and more information.
Explore the Ambrosian Library
This is a lesser known museum, but it’s definitely worth seeing if you have any extra time.
Head to the Chiesa di San Sepolcro Church
This church is so neat. It’s gorgeous on the inside and also had crypts that you can pay to see! It’s free to enter also. You do have to pay 6 euros for the crypt.
Basilica di Sant Ambrogio
This church is SO incredible! It’s definitely worth stopping to see. It ALSO has crypts that you can visit.
Walk the Navigli District
This area is on a canal and full of shops and small stores. Be sure to visit Vicolo dei Lavandai, (Washermen’s Alley) and head to the local bars.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
You’ve got to go here. I missed this spot while going to Milan, but I totally recommend it. It’s basically just this incredible villa with greenery and beautiful architecture. If you’re on a budget, however, this is something you can skip.
- Times
- Closed Monday – Tuesday
- Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
- Costs
- Under 18: 9 euros
- 19+: 15 euros
- Students: 9 euros
Explore the Streets of Brera
Stroll the streets of this famous and beautiful area of Milan.
See Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
Another awesome church. I stumbled upon this spot just walking down the street, and it blew my mind! It’s FREE to enter so it’s perfect for those on a budget!
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Thanks For Reading!
As always, you guys are changing my life by being a part of my little adventure family! Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting AnitaBelleBlogs. Keep playing and adventuring! You’ve got so much more to see!!! xoxoxoxox, Anita
