Attractions in Milano
Highlights
5 centuries, 33 km and 12 locks to unite Milan and Pavia.
The Mailänder city castle dates back to the 14th century.
Founded in 1135 by St. Bernard, this abbey is among the most beautiful in Italy.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary of the Archdiocese of Milan is one of the largest churches in ...
Rogues, marshlands, poplars, finches and dragonflies: a treasure trove of biodiversity.
This Milan neighbourhood is home to numerous charming cafés and restaurants right on the medieval ...
The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is ...
Milan's Parco Sempione is located next to the Castello Sforzesco and boasts beautiful gardens and ...
Winter in five rings
- Milan Ice Skating Arena
- Milan Rho Ice Hockey
- Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena
- Milan Speed Skating
The city also hosts the Opening Ceremony at the San Siro Stadium.
Milan: a city between past and future
What to see in Milan?
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects the Duomo with another city icon: the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses. Built from 1865 in the neoclassical style, this covered arcade—lined with exclusive restaurants and luxury boutiques—quickly became known as the “drawing room of Milan.” Its lavish decorations—sculptures, frescoes, and mosaic floors—not to mention the spectacular iron-and-glass roof, never fail to impress visitors.
Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas, CC0, Pixabay
Art lovers should not miss the Accademia di Brera either. Housed in the Palazzo di Brera, its art gallery (Pinacoteca) features one of Italy’s most important collections, with masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna.
Among the city’s treasures, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is a must-see as well—one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Built in the 4th century and later rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the 11th century, the basilica captivates with its simplicity and beauty. Notable features include the octagonal tiburium, the four-sided portico, various mosaics, and the altar of Sant’Ambrogio.
Among Milan’s many attractions, here’s a final insider tip: Villa Necchi Campiglio. This refined example of a Milanese upper-class residence from the 1930s is now managed by the FAI and open to visitors. It features Italy’s first private swimming pool, a tennis court, exquisite furnishings, and prestigious art collections. Not far away, you’ll find Villa Invernizzi, where you can admire graceful flamingos.
This Milan neighbourhood is home to numerous charming cafés and restaurants right on the medieval ...
Outdoor activities in Milan
Urban trekking in vibrant Milan
Photo: Daniel Seßler, CC0, Unsplash
A bit further south, you can stroll through a quieter area of Milan stretching between the pedestrian-friendly Via San Calimero and Bocconi University, taking in colorful murals along the way. The Ortica neighborhood, a former industrial zone now undergoing transformation, is also a great spot for urban walks focused on street art and creative murals.
The brand-new district of Porta Nuova, with its skyscrapers and the Bosco Verticale, is perfect for a stroll or some relaxation. CityLife will surprise you too, often called the “little Manhattan” for its modern skyscrapers, numerous shops, historic villas, art installations, and parks ideal for running and walking.
And of course, no visit to Milan is complete without shopping! At least once, you should wander through the Quadrilatero della Moda—even if it’s just to admire the dazzling window displays of luxury boutiques along Monte Napoleone, Santo Spirito, della Spiga, and Sant'Andrea.
Who says Milan is a grey city? In reality, it boasts 97 parks and gardens, offering endless opportunities for anyone wanting to stroll in nature or relax on a bench. Besides the five main city oases—Parco Sempione, BAM - Biblioteca degli Alberi, the Indro Montanelli Gardens, Parco Industria Alfa Romeo – Portello, and Parco Forlanini—every part of the city is enriched with green spaces that provide relaxation and fun for young and old alike.
Some examples: In Parco Sud, you can unwind among old rice fields and farmhouses, always with the city’s high-rises on the horizon. The Parco Agricolo Sud Milano even includes the famous Abbey of Chiaravalle. Parco del Ticinello is a small, unexpected green oasis along the course of the little river it’s named after. And Parco Nord is a peaceful spot, little known and perfect if you’re really looking to escape the crowds.
Jogging and running: Milan at your own pace
Milan is always on the go— and not just for work! Jogging is hugely popular among locals and is a healthy, fun way to explore the city while staying in shape. The city offers numerous running routes for all levels, from city center to outskirts, through parks and quiet urban areas.
If you’re looking for some elevation, the Montagnetta di San Siro (Monte Stella) is ideal: with 185 meters of elevation gain and loops for every level, it’s the go-to spot for hill training in the city.
Throughout the year, Milan also hosts a variety of sports events for both professional athletes and amateurs—including Stramilano, the Milano Marathon, Salomon Running Milano, and Deejay Ten. So, whatever your pace, you’ll always find a race waiting for you in Milan!
Photo: wal_172619, CC0, Pixabay
Cycling along the canals
The bicycle is the ideal way to explore the Navigli, the historic artificial canals that once served to transport goods and people, and today make up one of the most fascinating areas of the city. Cycling along the bike paths that run alongside these waterways, you’ll discover a quieter, more picturesque side of Milan, far from traffic and surrounded by greenery.
If you’d like to venture beyond the city limits, the Navigli are also perfect for out-of-town excursions. The Naviglio Grande leads all the way to Abbiategrasso, passing historic villages and agricultural landscapes; the Naviglio Pavese takes cyclists to the university city of Pavia; and the Naviglio Martesana, one of the greenest and most relaxing canals, runs all the way to Cassano d’Adda.
Water sports in Milan
If you’re a water sports enthusiast, you need to check out the Idroscalo—a man-made lake fed by the groundwater of the Lambro River. Here, you can try cable-ski water skiing, canoeing and kayaking, sailing, or simply swim and relax on a well-equipped city beach just a few steps from downtown.
Looking for a more thrilling and unusual experience? At Idroscalo, you can even go surfing or wakeboarding thanks to a giant wave pool—real adrenaline right in the heart of Milan!
Photo: Erin Brundage, unsplash.com



