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Located in Central Milan, Duomo di Milano is the city’s most important and proud landmark, one of the best places to visit in Milan and one of the best things to do in Milan. This gothic Cathedral is not just another Church, Duomo di Milano represents not only the spirit of Milan but also the rich history of the city. With construction beginning in 1386, the Cathedral took six centuries to build with the finishing touches not completed until 1965. The Cathedral has a magnificent, grand architecture and interior with the best feature the rooftop – Duomo Rooftop. The rooftop features an exquisite design and allows you to stroll through the Cathedral spires whilst admiring views of the city.

For the best view of the Duomo itself, head to Boscolo Milano rooftop bar or Duomo 21 Terrace rooftop.

In the past, Milan was a city similar to Venice and linked with canals. Whilst most of the canals have now gone, the Navigli neighbourhood represents this important part of Milanese history with its interconnecting waterways. Navigli is one of the top places to visit in Milan and provides a great escape from the city centre. The canals are lined with brilliant cafes, restaurants, and bars including Backdoor 43, one of the world’s smallest bars. Not only can you choose from great menus for food and drink, you can enjoy a ride along the canals and take in the scenery of the waterways. Whilst the neighbourhood is charming to visit any time, the best time to visit is during sunset and join the locals for an aperitivo. 

 

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Milan boasts an exceptional number of rooftop bars allowing you to enjoy an apertivo whilst overlooking the city and viewing it from a new perspective. With a 360 degree view of the Milanese skyline, Ceresio 7 is one of the best bars the city has to offer and features two pools, an exquisite menu of contemporary Italian cuisine and an extensive list of delicious cocktails.

Another top contender is Terrazza Triennale, a modern bar in a prime location with spectacular city views. Meanwhile on the 10^th floor of the ME Milan il Duca hotel, Radio Rooftop is a bar of elegant minimalism. A bar with a vibrant energy, Radio Rooftop also offers a seasonal menu alongside a brilliant selection of drinks.

Sforzesco Castle was once one of the largest citadels in Europe and is one where visitors could get lost for days exploring the endless wonders the castle has to offer. Built in the 14^th century as a fortress, Sforzeso Castle is one of the best things to do in Milan. The castle’s interior is bursting with exquisite artwork, and museums including The Museum of Ancient Art, home to the Rondanini Pieta, Michaelangelo’s last and unfinished work. Head outside to explore the grounds that include Fontana Piazza Catello, a spectacular fountain in front of the south-east entrance and Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s most beautiful parks and known as the city’s ‘green lung’.

This elegant 19^th century shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping mall on the Italian peninsula and one of the top places to visit in Milan. Built between 1865 and 1877, Grand Galleria Vittorio is named after the first King of a unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II and comprises of two, four-storey arcades that resemble a Latin cross. Nestled next to Duomo di Milano, the shopping centre is home to luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada as well as delicious restaurants including Caffe Biffi, one of Milan’s oldest establishments.

Milan is a go to destination when it comes to luxury shopping especially for luxury fashion. Quadrilatero d’Oro also known as Golden Rectangle is home to Milan’s most exclusive stores. Encompassing four streets in Central Milan, via Monte Napoleone, via Manzoni, via della Spiga and corso Venezia. One of the top things to do in Milan for shopping lovers, the Golden rectangle features a fantastic mix of designer shops and some of Milan’s most exclusive stores.

Take a stroll down through Monte Napoleone and you’ll see why it’s considered one of the world’s most fashionable streets in the world. The streets are lined with the designer fashion stores, like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani, and many, many more. The Golden rectangle is a love story to the fashion industry and Milan’s devotion to turning fabric into art.

Viewable across Milan, Torre Branca is a 108.6m high iron structure in the middle of Parco Sempione ( City park of Milan ). At the time of the fascist government of Mussolini, Torre Branca dominated the Italian architecture scene and is a brilliant example of Gio Ponti design. Torre Branca tower is a great view point in Milan offering incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Lombardy countryside that can be admired after taking an elevator to the top.

Villa Invernizzi is a majestic villa with a garden of pink flamingos. Imported from Chile and Africa, the exotic birds call the grounds of Villa Invernizzi their home. About a dozen flamingos may be seen, some of which are over 25 years old. The flamingos spend the day strolling around the peaceful villa or swimming in the pond and drinking from it. The tranquil settings and magnificent architecture of Quadrilatero del Silenzio make each visit there a memorable one. Whilst the property is private, the flamingos can be viewed from outside and a visit provides a change of pace to the hustle and bustle of city life. 

 

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Carrying on the spa tradition of Imperial Rome, QC Terme Milano is one of the best things to do in Milan. A former tram depot, the outside section of this incredible wellness centre is home to three pools as well as the famous tram sauna, a bio-sauna built inside an original tram. Meanwhile, the ground floor features saunas and an elegant tea room whilst downstairs is the real star of the show. The underground section of QC Terme Milano is a labyrinth of stone rooms with geyser pools, themed relaxation rooms, a Jacuzzi waterfall and many other relaxing features.

Not only is Santa Maria delle Grazie an architectural work of art and a symbol of Catholicism, it is also home to Da Vinci’s most famous work. One of the top places to visit in Milan, this former Dominican monastery features Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper exquisitely painted on the refectory wall. Classified on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a testament to artist genius in terms of architecture, design and art.