Milan, a fashionista's paradise and one of the most famous and important fashion capitals in the world. It is always bustling and manages to shower the locals and foreign visitors with endless shopping options.
Originated from Milan, luxurious brands such as Armani, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Valentino and many others that are household names worldwide.
Milan is commonly known as the economic capital, but this definition is somewhat misleading for a city that has a lot to offer from a cultural point of view and entertainment.
There is Sempione Park, which surrounds the Palazzo Sforzesco which is a symbol of the power of the past dukes of Milan. Through to the famous Cathedral which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the square. Visit The Last Supper painted in the refectory of Santa Maria Delle Grazie or The San Babila area with the beautiful church in the neo-Romanesque style.
There is a private tour of Milan available in many of the iconic city structures. Read More...
Take a Sightseeing Tour to See Fabulous Medieval Fortress, Massive Gothic Cathedrals or Visit Fashion Central in Via Monte Napoleone
With so much to do in Milan whether it is sightseeing the history and Culture or taking private tours to the fashion hub Via Monte Napoleone, it is no wonder that the need to relax at nighttime is a must. Well in Milan luckily there are plenty of options, the quiet sedate night or the exciting wild night depending on your mood.
We are in Italy after all and needless to say the food is exceptional, almost everywhere you go and Milan is no different. You can even go to one of the markets held in the city and sample fantastic food that is made right in front of you.
Top 10 Things to Do in Milan
Milan Cathedral
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The building of the Milan Cathedral began in 1386 and so began the birth of a magnificent monument with wonderfully sculpted decorations and beautiful stained glass. To take a guided tour of this majestic building of Gothic Architecture is a must when in Milan. The main spire has the famous gilded copper Madonnina statue that is 4 metres high. There is also the Holy Nail of the Cross in the Apse Vault.
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
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If you go on a guided tour of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the main thing to see is Leonardo Da Vinci’s fresco of ‘The Last Supper’ which is stored in special environmental conditions, determined by the treatment of the air. Visitors can take a guided tour up to 25 people at a time, every 15 minutes. The architecture of this church is exceptional and sometimes overlooked because of its content.
Pinacoteca di Brera
3
The Pinacoteca di Brera, is very different from other prestigious Italian museums because it does not come from private collections of the aristocracy, but from the state. See on guided tour some of the most famous works in the world such as 'The Supper at Emmaus' by Caravaggio and the 'Dead Christ' by Mantegna, 'The Brera Altarpiece' by Piero Della Francesca and 'The Marriage of the Virgin' by Raphael.
Castello Sforzesco
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This Castle is still one of the largest castles found in Europe. It is a place that is linked to war, rulers and grief, that was both a place of love and hate to the Milanese.
Nowadays the Sforzesco Castle is a museum of Ancient Art, history and musical instruments. The Apocalypse Tapestry depicting the twelve months of Bramantino, in the Sala Della Balla is found here too. Take a guided tour to explore the Castle Sforzesco.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
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The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan is the so-called drawing room of Milan, that was built in the first half of the nineteenth century when the city was looking with envy on the urban evolution of the major European capitals and wanted to live up to them.
The Gallery is an elegant structure and one of the oldest shopping malls in the world with a four storey double arcade. On a city tour of Milan, it can be a rest stop!
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
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After just 30 years of restoration, the magnificent Renaissance church of St. Maurice has returned to shine. Built in the early '500 on the ruins of an ancient place of worship, it is attached to the order of the Benedictine Monastery Maggiore. Of great value in this place is the organ built by Gian Giacomo Antignani (1557) originally intended for liturgical concerts, and today used on occasion for concert events taking place in town.
The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
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Dedicated to the patron saint of Milan, this Basilica is known to be the 2nd most important church after the Duomo. In the 4th-century at the behest of Ambrose, bishop of Milan, the church was rebuilt to the canons of Romanesque architecture between 1088 and 1099. Inside the basilica, on guided tour, you can admire the small chapel in the Golden Sky and a Roman column of which there are two holes made, according to legend, by Satan.
Parco Sempione
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Widely regarded as the 'green lung' of Milan, Parco Sempione is located in the hyper-center area of the city, it stretches some 386 thousand meters and connects most of the important areas within the city. It is a great place to relax after city tours or take the children to play. There is a view of the castle on one side and Peace Arc on the other side. The bright colours and landscaped gardens make a walk in the park very enjoyable.
Via Monte Napoleone
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There is no way anyone can visit Milan without taking a city tour which will bring you to 'Via Monte Napoleone' the upscale shopping street of Milan. It is in this area you will find the fashion houses of many famous Italian designers. Relax in one of the cafes and people watch, you never know which celebrity will pass by. It is not the cheapest place to buys anything but who cares it is not every day you get to visit.
Planetaria di Milano
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Take a guided tour to see Italy’s largest and oldest planetarium. It is an institute for communications and education in astronomy. Named after an instrument installed, the ‘planetarium’ is a projection system that realistically reproduces the starry night sky. Also, astronomical phenomena as observed from any place on earth at any time in the past. It is a wonderful place to visit especially with children.
Travel Tips for Milan
Best Time To Visit Milan
The best time to visit Milan will all depend on your preferences; If it is a sun-soaked holiday beside the pool or on the beach then anytime during the summer months is for you. If you are more interested in sightseeing or want to do more activities then April, May, September and early October are better-suited weather wise. Those months are also ideal months for going on private tours as they are less crowded and cheaper.
Typical Costs in Milan
The prices of food, drink and accommodation may vary slightly within Italy, but there are always good places to find that are reasonable. On average you are looking at a B&B for one night for around 22Euro offseason and 40Euro peak season. There are lots of small restaurants the will do great deals for early bird meals. For private tours, the prices again will vary depending on the time of the year you are looking to go on one.
Know Before Visiting Milan
Always do good research on the destination you are travelling to and book any private tour you can before travelling. Keep all valuables in a safe place and only carry enough money to do you for the day. When carrying money be aware of pickpockets, it does not matter what country you are in; they are everywhere. Drink bottled water to be on the safe side and always check that the cap is sealed before opening it. Never walk alone at night in dark streets.
Weather in Milan
Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate which means that it is cool in the winter with a good bit of rainfall. The northern mountainous areas have snowfalls that can be extreme during January. In Southern Italy however, the temperature rarely drops to freezing in the winter. The summer months are very hot with temperatures rising to 32-degree Celsius or higher. Spring and Autumn's months have lovely warm days and chilly nights.
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