What to see in Milan: essential activities to fall in love with the city

Duomo Milan

The majestic Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in the world, awaits you with its imposing façade and views from the terrace. The cathedral is the heart of Milan and an amazing sight, both inside and out. Its spiers seem to touch the sky and, from the terrace, the city opens up like a living model. Go early to avoid the queues and enjoy a more leisurely journey.
You know what? From Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá hotel  you can get to the city on foot and feel all the grandeur of the city as soon as you leave.

Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery

Right next to the Duomo, this covered gallery is a display of architectural style and elegance. This 19th century jewel envelops you with its mosaics and glass ceiling, luxury boutiques and historic cafés. An ideal walk to show off your style and enjoy a coffee or snack with so much class. 

Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione

A Renaissance fortress that is home to fascinating museums, where you can admire the Rondanini Pietà, the last work of Michelangelo. After discovering a huge park where you can relax in the sun and have a picnic. A walk through the Sempione Park takes you to the Arco della Pace, another Milan icon.

Leonardo's Last Supper

A cultural icon in Milan: a historical treasure, a mural that revolutionized art. This masterpiece is kept in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. You have to book tickets well in advance, but it is worth every minute of the wait to see one of the most famous paintings in the world.

Teatro alla Scala

A global icon of opera and theatre, its historical beauty and collections transport you to another era. Even if there’s no performance, the museum allows you to see the magic that lies behind the scenes of this temple of opera and the history of music. It could be your sophisticated evening, perfectly complemented by a dinner in the most fashionable district or a leisurely return to your hotel.

Brera district

Take some time to stroll around this charming, elegant district full of art. Stroll through its narrow streets full of galleries, craft shops, cafes and welcoming terraces. The Art Gallery is a mandatory stop, home to Italian and European masterpieces. But take my advice. The real charm is in getting lost at your own pace.

Navigli and its nightlife

The canals, designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci, are now full of nightlife. Perfect for an aperitif at sunset in one of its bars with a bohemian atmosphere or for a walk accompanied by the lights reflected on the water.

Isola district

Be impressed by the murals and other art that has taken center stage in Milan: and urban areas. 

Monumental Cemetery

They say it’s like an open-air museum thanks to its impressive mausoleums.

Porta Nuova

A modern neighborhood where you can admire the avant-garde Piazza Gae Auletti. 

Colonne di San Lorenzo

A place with a lot of local life, a young atmosphere and lively terraces between the Duomo and Brera. 

Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

The “Sistine Chapel of Milan”, with amazing frescoes. 

In less than two hours, the urban landscape is transformed into mountains, villages and crystal-clear waters.

Lake Como and Lake Garda

They are perfect for a day excursion. They offer picturesque scenery, charming villages and boat trips. 

Bellagio and Varena 

They amaze visitors with their colorful façades, cobbled streets and terraces alongside the water. From Milan, it’s easy to reach these destinations and take a excursion to breathe in the fresh air and relax for a few days. 

A quick visit to Milan may be enough for you to see all the highlights. I break down the route you can take for each day so you can take home photos of the most important things. Finding accommodation in a well-located area so you can move quickly and make the most of every hour of the day without wasting time making long journeys.

Day 1 in Milan:

Visit the Duomo then the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, next stop at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci and the Colophon in the Brera district.

Day 2 in Milan:

Start the tour at the Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione, continue at the Teatro alla Scala, and enjoy Navigli at sunset. If you can keep up with a dynamic pace, you can also add a brief halt or choose between the Monumental Cemetery or Piazza Gae Aulanti.

It’s a great city with so much to offer, so any common sense recommendations such as comfortable shoes, etc. should be asked. is always welcome. And I would also like to tell you about a few details that will make your experience an even more memorable memory.

The best time to visit Milan is in spring and autumn, two seasons with mild temperatures and the city light that enhances your photos.

Places in the city centre on foot. The metro and tram are great if you are traveling a little longer. You can make quick combinations and avoid traffic problems and hassles like finding parking.

Choose a central location to book your accommodation to make it easier to book visits on the same day and also have a place to rest or unload shopping.