MILANO 2025
Located in northern Italy, it is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, recognized as the country’s economic capital. It is renowned for its influence in fashion, design, and finance. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, Milan has been a strategic and cultural center through the centuries. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world thanks to its iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, La Scala, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, among others.
Don’t be fooled by the photo above, taken quite early in the morning, this square is packed with people during the day.
I have ten days to explore it.
Departure on April 30th from Brussels Airport, with a flight duration of one hour and thirty minutes.
There are three airports in Milan. I personally chose Linate Airport, located just 20 minutes from my accommodation. I opted for a taxi, but if you're looking to save on transport, metro line M4 or bus 73 are good alternatives.
I arrived at the hotel in the early afternoon, where I received a warm welcome. The star rating matched the service which isn’t always the case in Italy.
Once settled in, I headed to Piazza del Duomo, though I didn’t start my visits until the following day.
With a metro station just three minutes from my accommodation, I chose this mode of transport.
There’s quite a lot to see around the Duomo:
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The Duomo Museum
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The Museo del Novecento
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The Palazzo Reale
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The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
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The Leonardo3 Museum
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The Gallerie d’Italia
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La Scala
1-Duomo museum
The Duomo Museum in Milan, located near the cathedral, traces the fascinating history of this iconic monument. It was inaugurated in 1953, but its origins date back to the late 19th century, when the idea of preserving materials and artworks related to the Duomo’s construction first emerged.
The museum showcases an impressive collection of sculptures, stained glass windows, sacred objects, and wooden models that illustrate the various phases of the cathedral’s construction. It offers a true immersion into Milan’s religious and artistic heritage.
A must-see, it’s absolutely stunning.
I took advantage of the visit to purchase a combined ticket with the cathedral.
Visit: morning
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
2-The Duomo
The Duomo of Milan is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. This Gothic cathedral, located on Piazza del Duomo, is the third largest church in the world after St. Peter’s Basilica and Seville Cathedral. Its construction began in 1386 and was completed more than five centuries later, in 1892.
With its 135 spires, countless statues, and pinkish-white marble façade, the Duomo is an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic, Neoclassical, and Neo-Gothic styles. At its summit stands the famous golden statue of the Madonnina, installed in 1774, watching over the city.
To enter the Duomo, security measures are quite strict: metal detectors, bag checks, and be aware, drinks are not allowed inside, even if your bottles are plastic.
Visit: afternoon
Booking : no
Waiting time : 10 minutes
3-muséo del Novecento
This museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.
Inaugurated in 2010, it highlights the major artistic movements of the 20th century with a collection of around 300 works from the city’s municipal holdings.
Visitors can admire iconic pieces from Futurism, a movement founded by Italian artists such as Umberto Boccioni and Giacomo Balla, as well as creations by international artists who contributed to the evolution of modern art.
Since its opening, artists, collectors, and patrons have actively contributed to enriching its heritage.
Visit: afternoon
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
4-PALAZZO REALE
Once the official residence of Milan’s governors and sovereigns, notably under the Habsburgs and the House of Savoy, the palace was partially demolished to make way for the Duomo.
In the 18th century, under Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, it was rebuilt in a Neoclassical style by architect Giuseppe Piermarini.
It later became the residence of Viceroy Eugène de Beauharnais under Napoleon, who commissioned major renovations.
During World War II, the palace was bombed, damaging several rooms, including the famous Hall of the Caryatids. After the war, it remained abandoned for several years before being restored and transformed into a cultural center.
Today, it hosts international exhibitions and major artistic events.
I focused on two of its exhibitions.
Each required a separate ticket.
The exhibition From Cindy Sherman to Francesco Vezzoli was held at the Palazzo Reale in Milan from March 7 to May 4, 2025.
It brought together over 140 works by 80 international artists, exploring themes such as identity, the body, collective memory, and the relationship between reality and imagination.
A truly beautiful exhibition.
The exhibition Art Deco: The Triumph of Modernity is being held at the Palazzo Reale in Milan from February 27 to June 29, 2025.
It celebrates the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris, which marked the rise of the Art Deco style.
More than 250 works are on display, ranging from glassware, porcelain, textiles, and jewelry to paintings and sculptures — all illustrating the elegance and innovation of the era.
A visual and historical immersion into a movement that shaped 20th-century aesthetics.
Magnificent!
Visit: morning
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
5-GALLERIA VITTORIO EMMANUEL II
It is one of Milan’s most iconic shopping galleries. Its history dates back to the 19th century, when the city sought to modernize its center and create an elegant passage between Piazza del Duomo and La Scala.
Construction began in 1867 under the direction of architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who drew inspiration from Parisian covered passages. Its style blends Neoclassicism with Baroque elements, featuring an iron-and-glass structure that was revolutionary at the time. Sadly, Mengoni never saw his masterpiece completed, as he died tragically in 1877, shortly before the official inauguration.
The gallery quickly became a symbol of Milanese refinement, home to luxury boutiques, historic cafés, and prestigious restaurants.
It gets very crowded on weekends and public holidays, so be patient when crossing through…
6-MUSEO LEONARDO3
This is an interactive museum dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, located at one end of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, heading toward Piazza della Scala.
It offers a fascinating immersion into the world of the Italian genius, showcasing his inventions and machines based on the Codex Atlanticus, a collection of drawings and notes preserved at the Ambrosian Library in Milan.
You can also view digitally restored versions of his artworks.
Don’t hesitate to ask for the audio guide, it provides very insightful information, especially about his famous painting The Last Supper.
When purchasing your ticket, you’re given a leaflet informing you about a petition that was launched in response to the threat of closure facing the museum due to administrative issues related to the renewal of its concession.
Visit: afternoon
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
7-GALLERIE D'ITALIA
Located on Piazza della Scala, the Gallerie d’Italia is a museum housed in part of the former Banca Commerciale Italiana.
Created by Intesa Sanpaolo, the museum offers temporary exhibitions, permanent collections, and cultural events, making it a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.
Visitors can admire a beautiful collection of reliefs by Antonio Canova and paintings by Francesco Hayez — an artist prominently featured in Milanese museums.
Visit: morning
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
8-LA SCALA'S ORCHESTRA
The opera house was built in just two years by architect Giuseppe Piermarini, commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria after the former Ducal Theatre was destroyed by fire. It was inaugurated on August 3, 1778, in the presence of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria, with the opera L’Europa riconosciuta by Antonio Salieri and the ballet Apollo placato by Giuseppe Canziani.
It was Giuseppe Verdi who premiered several major works here, helping the venue achieve its current prestige.
La Scala’s orchestra has been led by many renowned conductors, the most famous being Arturo Toscanini.
Among its legendary performers is Maria Callas, who sang 23 roles at La Scala between 1950 and 1961.
As for the ballet company, it has welcomed stars such as Rudolf Nureyev, Patrick Dupond, and Margot Fonteyn — iconic names for a truly prestigious stage.
Visit: afternoon
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
Just across from La Scala, in a small square, you can admire a beautiful statue of Leonardo da Vinci, who seems to gaze thoughtfully at the world from atop his pedestal.
9-POLDI PEZZOLI MUSEUM
The Poldi Pezzoli Museum is a house-museum located in the heart of Milan, near the renowned Teatro alla Scala. It was inaugurated in 1881 and was once part of the residence of Count Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, an art enthusiast who assembled an impressive collection.
This museum houses an exceptional private collection, including Italian Renaissance paintings, sculptures, tapestries, weapons and armor, as well as clocks and decorative objects. Among its most famous works is The Madonna of the Book by Botticelli (see below).
The visit begins in the beautifully arranged arms room.
It’s a truly impressive museum.
An audio guide is available, but only in English.
Visit: morning
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
10-SFORZA CASTLE
Originally built as a fortress at the request of Galeazzo II Visconti between 1360 and 1370, the castle became a ducal residence during the Visconti era. It underwent partial demolition during the Ambrosian Republic (1447–1450), but was rebuilt by the new lord of the city, Francesco Sforza.
Under Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Ludovico il Moro, it became the refined setting of one of Europe’s most sumptuous courts, a period that saw artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante working in Milan.
Having lost its noble appearance, the castle was later used as a barracks during foreign dominations over the State of Milan: Spanish (1535–1706), Austrian (1706–1796), French (1796–1814), and Austrian again (1814–1859). It was only at the end of the 19th century, in unified Italy, that the historic building was reconstructed, restored, and transformed into a museum by Luca Beltrami.
The museums within the castle include:
– Museum of Ancient Art
– Pinacoteca
– Egyptian Museum
– Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory – Museum of Decorative Arts
– Museum of Musical Instruments
– Furniture Museum
Unfortunately, two of the museums (highlighted in red) were not accessible during my visit
a pity.
To see Michelangelo’s Pietà, the artist’s final unfinished work, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of €5.
Your ticket includes a scheduled time slot — be punctual, or you may be denied entry.
Visit: morning
Booking: no
Waiting time : no
11-SEMPIONE PARK
Sempione Park is the largest green space in central Milan, located just behind Sforza Castle. Designed between 1890 and 1893, it was inspired by English-style gardens and spans 386,000 square meters.
This park is a true green lung for the city, offering shaded paths, an artificial lake, and wide open lawns.
It features several monuments and cultural sites, including:
– The Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch built to celebrate the peace of 1815.
– The Arena Civica, inaugurated in 1806 in the presence of Napoleon, now used for sporting events. It is not open to visitors.
– The Triennale di Milano, a center dedicated to art and design, which was closed for renovations during my visit, so I can’t give an opinion.
– The Municipal Aquarium, built for the 1906 Universal Exhibition. While housed in an interesting Art Nouveau building, I wouldn’t recommend visiting, the site is in need of renovation, both in terms of its display panels and its tanks.
Above all, enjoy the walk through this beautiful park.
Visit : afternoon
Free entry except the aquarium
Waiting time : no
12-THE AMBROSIAN PINACOTECA
The Ambrosian Pinacoteca was founded in April 1618, when Cardinal Federico Borromeo donated his collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures to the Ambrosian Library, which he had established in 1607. The museum consists of 24 rooms, where visitors can admire masterpieces such as Portrait of a Musician by Leonardo da Vinci, floral still lifes by Jan Brueghel, the preparatory cartoon for The School of Athens by Raphael, as well as works by prominent Lombard artists.
The Ambrosian Library, founded by Cardinal Federico Borromeo on September 7, 1607, and inaugurated on December 8, 1609, was one of the first libraries to grant access to anyone who could read and write.
It was conceived by its founder as a center for study and culture.
This is where the pages of Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus are preserved.
A truly beautiful museum to visit.
Visit: afternoon
Booking: no
waiting time: no
12-BASILICA AMBROSIANA
The Basilica of Saint Ambrose in Milan is one of the city’s oldest churches, built between 379 and 386 at the initiative of Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan. It is a masterpiece of Lombard Romanesque architecture, although its structure has evolved over the centuries.
Located on Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, it is distinguished by its two brick towers of unequal height and its vast atrium that precedes the main entrance. Inside, visitors can admire the Sarcophagus of Stilicho, a 14th-century masterpiece, as well as the chapel San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro, whose vaulted ceiling is entirely decorated with gold leaf.
The basilica also houses the relics of Saint Ambrose, Saint Gervasius, and Saint Protasius, displayed in the crypt.
There is a small museum that can be visited for €3.
Visit : morning
Free entry except the little museum
13-CIMITERO MONUMENTALE
This unique site is among the attractions recommended to tourists.
It’s not just a cemetery, it’s truly an open-air museum, and it lives up to its name.
Located in the Porta Volta district, it spans 25 hectares.
In 1837, the idea emerged to create a single large cemetery in Milan to replace the many unsanitary burial grounds scattered throughout the city.
Designed by architect Carlo Maciachini, it opened in 1866 and blends Byzantine and Romanesque influences.
The cemetery features a wide variety of funerary monuments, ranging from Greek-style temples to obelisks even a scaled-down version of Trajan’s Column.
A visit that’s both serene and spectacular !
Visit : morning
Free entry
14-PINACOTECA DI BRERA
The Brera Pinacoteca was officially founded in 1809, but its history dates back to 1776, when Empress Maria Theresa of Austria created an initial collection of artworks for educational purposes. Originally, it served as a resource for students of the Academy of Fine Arts, allowing them to study masterpieces up close.
When Napoleon made Milan the capital of the Kingdom of Italy, he transformed this collection into a true museum, gathering works from territories conquered by the French army. As a result, the Pinacoteca was enriched with numerous religious paintings, especially altarpieces from churches and monasteries that had been suppressed.
Today, the Brera Pinacoteca is one of Italy’s most prestigious museums, housing works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bellini, Mantegna, and many others.
End your visit to Brera with a stroll through the Botanical Garden, created in 1774 by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, alongside the Brera Astronomical Observatory.
Its original purpose was to serve as a study center for medicinal plants, supporting the teaching of pharmacy and medicine.
Covering an area of about 5,000 square meters, it is home to over 300 plant species.
After a long period of neglect, it was restored by the University of Milan and reopened to the public in 1998.
Visit : morning
Booking : no
Waiting time : no
15-SAN MAURIZIO AL MONASTERO MAGGIORE CHURCH
I couldn’t conclude without mentioning this hidden gem of Milan.
Built in the early 16th century, it was originally part of a Benedictine convent. What makes it truly special is its complete decoration with stunning frescoes.
The interior of the church is divided into two sections: a public area for worshippers and a space reserved for cloistered nuns, separated by a rood screen.
This unique layout reflects its monastic origins.
Among the artists who contributed to its decoration are Bernardino Luini, a pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, as well as Antonio Campi and Simone Peterzano.
Today, the church is beautifully preserved and forms part of the Milan Archaeological Museum.
Visit: afternoon
Free entry except museum
Shopping enthusiasts are sure to find what they’re looking for in Milan, which offers plenty of stores that are likely more affordable for many than the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and you might even stumble upon some quirky or creative window displays like the ones shown here.
If you still have some time, take a stroll through the Navigli district, famous for its historic canals, especially the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, which were part of a vast network of waterways built between the 12th and 19th centuries.
Enjoy a walk along the banks, where you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and street vendors.
My stay in this beautiful city of Milan has already come to an end, a vibrant, exciting, and welcoming place.
Not once did I feel unwelcome, no matter where I went.
I’d gladly return someday… perhaps for a special event, who knows?