Things to do in Milan
Many of Milan's sights surround the flamboyant Duomo cathedral, which dominates the city's central square, Piazza del Duomo. Nearby Brera boasts world-class religious art in the Pinacoteca di Brera, while the Santa Maria delle Grazie church is home to the famous Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci (both are closed Monday). A leisurely boat trip on serene Lake Como provides a scenic retreat north of the city.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Castello Sforzesco - Impressive Renaissance architecture
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An impressive piece of 14th-century architecture, the vast Castello Sforzesco fortress in Parco Sempione encircles an arcaded Renaissance courtyard. Its collection of museums exhibit decorative arts, musical instruments and tapestries. Highlights include Michelangelo's emotive Rondanini Pietà.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free (castle); €3, concessions €1.50, under-18s free (museums)
Opening Hours
Castle: Daily 7am-6pm (until 7pm in summer); Museums: Tue-Sun 9am-5.30pm
Address
3, Piazza Castello, Milan 20121
Telephone
+39 02 88 46 37 00
2. Pinacoteca di Brera - Renaissance masters
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Napoleon's ill-gotten gains form one of the world's best Italian Renaissance art collections, Pinacoteca di Brera, housed in a fine Renaissance palace in Brera. The 38 rooms are brimming with 13th-20th-century artworks by Veronese, Mantegna, Bellini, Carpaccio, and more.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€10; concessions €7.50
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 8.30am-7.15pm
Address
28, Via Brera, Milan 20121
Telephone
+39 0 2 722 631
3. Poldi Pezzoli Museum - Pre-19th-century paintings
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The Poldi Pezzoli Museum, just north of the city centre, displays 15th-18th century paintings in a private house organised into themed rooms. Highlights include medieval armoury and works by Raphael and Botticelli, plus Pollaiolo's famous Portrait of a Woman.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€8; concessions €5.50; under-11s free
Opening Hours
Wed-Mon 10am-6pm
Address
12, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Milan 20121
Telephone
+39 02 79 48 89
Attractions
Expand all4. Duomo - Gothic masterpiece
Show more Dominating the central square, Duomo is the world's largest Gothic cathedral, with 135 spires sprouting from the roof. Climb up among the 2300 statues adorning its façade for views of Milan. Inside, marble-patterned floors and decorative stained-glass windows impress visitors.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily 8.30am-6.45pm
Address
Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20122
Telephone
+39 02 7202 3375
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Elegant 19th-century precinct
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Beautiful 19th-century arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is situated on Milan's central square. Its glass dome forms a roof over elegant cafés and fashionable boutiques. Pirouette on the bull mosaic for good luck before joining affluent locals for an espresso.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20123
Transport
Duomo Metro
6. Santa Maria delle Grazie - Leonardo's Last Supper
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UNESCO world heritage site, Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent in Sant'Ambrogio was completed in the late 15th century. It is most famous for housing Leonardo's exquisite Cenacolo (The Last Supper) painting. Telephone in advance for a 15-minute viewing.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€6.50; concessions €3.25; under-18s free (plus €1.50 booking fee)
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 8.15am-7pm
Address
Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2, Corso Magenta, Milan 20100
Telephone
+39 02 928 00 360 (booking line)
Special things to do
Expand all7. Palazzo Reale - Exhibitions amid Renaissance splendour
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Despite on-going renovations, Palazzo Reale on Milan's main square exhibits temporary exhibitions of art in ornately gilded and decorated Neo-classical halls. The exhibitions cover a wide range of subjects, from Japanese art to French Impressionism, Futurism and American contemporary art.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Various, according to exhibition
Opening Hours
Mon 2.30pm-7.30pm, Tue & Wed & Fri & Sun 9.30am-7.30pm, Thu & Sat 9.30am-10.30pm
Address
12, Piazza del Duomo, Milan 20123
Telephone
+39 02 80509362
8. Lake Como - Weekend cruising
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A favourite with Hollywood celebrities, beautiful Lake Como is surrounded by opulent villas, high-peaked mountains and luxurious boutiques. Located 40km north of Milan, it is a popular weekend escape from the bustling city. Take a cruise starting from Como town.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
€1.90-€10 (single adult boat fare)
Opening Hours
Ferries run daily, roughly every half hour from about 7.15am to around 11.30pm
Address
Navigazione Lago di Como (ferry service office), Piazza Cavour 3, Como, Milan 22100
Telephone
+39 031 57 92 11
9. Ripa di Porta Ticinese, Navigli - Bohemian canalside street
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The old canal district in south-west Navigli is picturesquely filled with artists' studios, eccentric boutiques, antique shops, bars and restaurants. A perfect place for a relaxing stroll or to mingle with the locals is the street Ripa di Porta Ticinese.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
Ripa di Porta Ticinese, Navigli, Milan 20143
Transport
Porta Genova FS metro
