Milan offers a remarkable blend of historical depth and contemporary energy, making it a surprisingly accessible destination for a diverse range of interests. Imagine stepping off a direct flight from Boston and finding yourself in a city where centuries-old art and cutting-edge fashion coexist. This guide explores how you can experience the best of Milan and its surroundings, from indulging in world-class art to exploring charming nearby towns.
Milan’s Artistic Heart
Art and Architecture in the Historic Center
As you begin your exploration, the historic center, or Centro Storico, is the logical starting point. For a taste of Milanese breakfast, seek out a local pasticceria. While many offer simple cappuccinos and pastries, a special stop is Marchesi 1824 on Via Santa Maria Alla Porta. This historic bakery, now owned by Prada, serves exquisite treats like maritozzi, which are fluffy buns filled with whipped cream, and cornetti, a softer version of a French croissant often filled with pistachio, chocolate, or cream. You can often catch delightful glimpses of these creations at the Marchesi 1824 outpost within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Milan’s unique flat tax introduced in 2017 has attracted a significant influx of ultra-wealthy international visitors, contributing to the city’s dynamic and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
For art lovers, the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore offers a stunning visual experience. This 16th-century church is renowned for its brightly colored, intricate frescoes painted by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. Just a short walk away, the Pinacoteca di Brera stands as Milan’s foremost art museum, housing Italian masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Bellini, and Tintoretto. Continuing your artistic journey, the Ambrosiana, a combination library and art gallery, presents the full-scale drawing for Raphael’s “The School of Athens” and original pages from Leonardo da Vinci’s 12-volume Codex Atlanticus.
Where to find Leonardo da Vinci’s work
A visit to the Cenacolo Vinciano Museum is essential to see Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “The Last Supper.”
Tickets for “The Last Supper” are highly sought after and should be booked months in advance.
Gothic Grandeur and Evening Rituals
No visit to Milan is complete without marveling at the Duomo di Milano. This magnificent Gothic cathedral, with construction beginning in 1386, took nearly six centuries to complete. The sheer scale and collaborative effort required for its creation are awe-inspiring. A combined ticket grants access to both the cathedral interior and its rooftop, offering spectacular panoramic city views achievable by foot or elevator.
After a day immersed in art and history, embrace the Italian tradition of “aperitivo.” This transition from afternoon to evening is best experienced at Camparino, located next to the Duomo. Since 1915, this historic bar has perfected the Campari Spritz. Enjoying a Spritz while watching the sunset cast golden hues on the Duomo’s white-pink marble facade is an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget the complimentary crackers and olives that accompany your drink.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Stay in the historic center (Centro Storico) for convenience.
- Consider neighborhoods like Zona Risorgimento or Isola for more affordable options.
- Utilize e-bikes from operators like Lime or Dott for efficient city travel.
For dinner, Pane al Pane Vino al Vino offers authentic Lombardian cuisine popular with locals. Here, you can savor comforting dishes such as risotto with tender veal, classic Milanese cutlets, and tortelli with porcini mushrooms or butter and cheese. After dinner, you might explore the Navigli district, a lively nightlife area centered around two canals, offering numerous bars and music venues.
Day Trips and Nearby Gems
Bergamo A City on a Hill
A short 50-minute train ride from Milan, costing around $7, takes you to Bergamo, a city perched dramatically on a hill. Its historic upper town, Città Alta, was once a prosperous part of the Venetian empire. You can reach Città Alta by walking up the hill or by taking the funicular. Once at the top, Via Bartolomeo Colleoni leads to the main plaza, lined with restaurants, gelaterias, and boutiques.
Exploring Bergamo’s Historic Center
Don’t miss the Museo della fotografia Sestini, a museum dedicated to the history of photography within a former convent.
The Rocca di Bergamo, a 14th-century fortress, houses a history museum with panoramic views.
During your visit, explore the 17th-century Palazzo Moroni, a former private residence adorned with opulent Baroque frescoes. Its terraced gardens offer a peaceful retreat. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, a Romanesque church, is another significant landmark in the old town. The true essence of Città Alta lies in simply wandering its ancient streets, admiring colorful houses, and discovering unexpected vistas. When evening returns, consider dinner at Vico Milano back in Milan. It’s a reservation-only restaurant in a quiet courtyard, offering a sophisticated take on Italian classics. Their Milanese-style risotto with wild boar ragù or tender ossobuco are highlights.
Direct flights from Boston to Milan launched starting May 11, making the city more accessible than ever for North American travelers.
Lake Como’s Natural Beauty
For a refreshing change of scenery, consider a trip to Lake Como. You can drive or take a 45-minute train to the city of Como, or opt for Lecco, a quieter alternative with good transport links to other towns along the eastern side of the lake and to hiking routes. From Como, the funicular to Brunate provides spectacular lake views from a height of 1,600 feet.
Scenic Lake Como Experiences
Visit Villa Balbianello, famous as a filming location for “Casino Royale,” and Villa Carlotta, an art museum with beautiful gardens. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for both.
Explore the Lake Como Greenway, a path for walking and cycling through several villages with stunning vistas.
If time permits, ferry hopping among lakeside towns like Bellagio or Varenna offers charming cobblestone streets and gelato shops. For a more active day, consider the Parco Termale del Garda, a park with a naturally heated thermal lake, about a 15-minute drive from Peschiera del Garda. It’s a perfect spot to relax, especially when illuminated by string lights after sunset.
Experiencing Milan’s Local Flavors and Style
Neighborhood Exploration and Culinary Delights
Porta Venezia, adjacent to the historic center, is an excellent neighborhood for experiencing Milan’s celebrated street style and for people-watching. Pull up a chair at a sidewalk table at Pasta Fresca Brambilla, a casual spot serving freshly made pasta dishes like ravioli and tagliatelle. Afterward, wander through Porta Venezia’s streets, admiring buildings in the Liberty style, Italy’s version of Art Nouveau. A notable visit here is Villa Necchi Campiglio, a 1930s house-museum that was once home to a prominent Italian industrial family. Wandering its rooms, filled with period furniture and vintage items, is a delight.
For a taste of Milan’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, head to NoLo. Piazza Morbegno in NoLo is a lively spot where young adults often gather with drinks. For a more seated experience, Enoteca La Botte Fatale offers a selection of natural wines. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Spore presents a seven-course tasting menu focused on fermentation, which changes every two months. Dishes can range from inventive seafood skewers to more unusual preparations like lamb’s head, offering a truly memorable culinary adventure.
Alternative Milanese Breakfast Options
Beyond the traditional cornetto and coffee, try Pasticceria Cucchi for yogurt with granola or pancakes with Gianduja and bananas.
Loste Café offers filtered coffee and unique pastry fillings like pear and miso caramel.
Ammu, a Sicilian cafe with multiple locations, serves cannoli and brioche buns with gelato or granita.
For a more traditional breakfast, consider Pasticceria Cucchi, known for options like yogurt with homemade granola and berries, or pancakes with Gianduja and bananas. Loste Café provides artisanal coffee and pastries with inventive fillings such as pear and miso caramel. Alternatively, Ammu, a Sicilian cafe with several locations, offers classic cannoli and brioche buns filled with gelato or granita, a perfect excuse to enjoy ice cream any time of day.
Family Moments in Milan
During our visit to Milan, taking the kids to explore the Duomo’s rooftop was a highlight. Lily, my seven-year-old, was absolutely fascinated by the sheer number of spires and gargoyles. Ethan, at four, was more interested in the pigeons, but his wide-eyed wonder at the vastness of the piazza below was just as precious. Later, enjoying a simple pizza at Piz, a casual eatery in the historic center, felt wonderfully relaxed. While many would expect us to have a more sophisticated dining experience, the fun atmosphere, the surprisingly fantastic and affordable pizzas, and the complimentary Prosecco for us adults made it a fantastic family spot. We also found a lovely gelato shop near the Pinacoteca di Brera where the kids could pick out their favorite flavors after a morning of art.
This city truly offers pockets of discovery for everyone, ensuring that even a short trip can be memorable and enriching for a family. From world-class art to simple pleasures like gelato, Milan provides a rich backdrop for creating lasting memories.