Milan truly is a city that has it all. From soaring gothic cathedrals to world-class opera and legendary art, there’s so much to sink your teeth into. It’s also a paradise for anyone who loves fashion and food. Michael and I brought the kids here last spring, and it was an unforgettable trip.
Reaching new heights at the Duomo di Milano
You absolutely must start your visit at the Duomo di Milano. It’s the spiritual and geographic heart of the city, and honestly, it’s just breathtaking. It’s the largest church in Italy, and its rooftop is something else. We took Lily and Ethan up there, and they were wide-eyed at all the spires. There are 135 of them, called “guglia,” and each one has a statue of a saint. The main spire is enormous, topping out at about 108 meters, and it’s crowned with a golden statue of the Madonnina. To go up to the rooftop, you’ll need to buy a ticket, but it’s so worth it for the close-up views of the spires and the incredible panoramic sights of the city stretching out below. It’s a feeling you won’t soon forget.
The Duomo di Milano’s main spire reaches 108 meters and is topped with a gilded Madonnina statue.
Stepping back in time at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Just a stone’s throw from the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This was one of the very first shopping arcades in the world when it was built in the mid-19th century. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s a must-see for its architecture alone. The four-story facade is gorgeous, and the glass-vaulted ceiling is spectacular. All the major fashion houses have a presence here, from Prada and Louis Vuitton to Versace. It’s a real feast for the eyes, and it’s fascinating to think about its history. I remember standing there with Michael, just admiring the sheer artistry of the building.
A taste of Milanese life at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone
For lunch, we found a wonderful spot called Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone. It’s a place to see and be seen, but the food is truly exceptional. We asked for a table in the ivy-covered courtyard, and it felt like a little oasis. The locals who frequent this place have impeccable taste, and dining among them was a treat. You have to try their Burrata con pomodorini cherry; it’s divine. And of course, no meal in Milan is complete without Risotto alla Milanese, which they do perfectly here. It was one of those lunches where you just want to linger and soak in the atmosphere.
⚡ Quick Tips
- Consider booking a table at Il Salumaio di Montenapoleone in advance, especially for the courtyard seating.
- Don’t miss the Burrata con pomodorini cherry and the Risotto alla Milanese.
- Allow time to simply enjoy the ambiance of the food market within the restaurant.
An evening at the opera Teatro alla Scala
An experience not to be missed is attending a performance at the Teatro alla Scala. This famous opera house dates back to 1776. Even after many renovations, it remains an architectural marvel, adorned with rich golds and reds. The layout, with its multiple levels of boxes, resembles an inverted Colosseum. Tickets for popular shows sell out incredibly fast, and if you don’t book online as soon as they become available, they can be quite expensive. We managed to snag some gallery seats two-and-a-half hours before a performance, and it was such a memorable evening. The acoustics are incredible, and the history within those walls is palpable.
Is Teatro alla Scala worth the cost
If you’re on a budget, it’s possible to get more reasonably priced seats. The theatre releases 140 gallery seats for sale about two-and-a-half hours before each performance. Planning around this can make a world-class opera experience more accessible.
Department store shopping Milan style at la Rinascente
For a taste of high-end department store shopping, you have to visit la Rinascente. Its flagship store on Piazza del Duomo is an experience in itself, spread across eight floors. You’ll find all the luxury brands here, with their own dedicated spaces within the store. There are big sales events in January and July, which can be a great time to find a bargain. Don’t skip the food market on the seventh floor – it’s a feast for the eyes, even if you’re just window shopping. The rooftop restaurants are also a highlight; Maio is particularly good. While it can be a bit touristy, the food is solid, and if you can get a seat on the terrace, the view of the Duomo is absolutely staggering. It’s a perfect spot to capture some iconic photos.
A humbling encounter with The Last Supper
Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a profoundly moving experience. The painting has undergone extensive restoration, and it looks better than it has in centuries. While images of it are everywhere, standing in front of the original is something else entirely. It’s a humbling encounter that stays with you. It’s essential to pre-book your visit online or by phone. Tickets sell out within hours, especially during peak tourist season. You need to check the museum’s ticketing site for release dates, as this is crucial for planning.
📍 Pre-booking tickets for The Last Supper is absolutely mandatory, and they sell out very quickly.
Picnic perfection from Shop Peck
If you love food, you’ll adore Shop Peck. It calls itself an Italian temple of gastronomical delights, and for good reason. Founded in 1883, it started with sausages and smoked meats but has evolved into a foodie’s paradise. You can spend ages browsing the incredible selections of meats, fresh produce, sauces, cheeses, pastas, and olive oils. It’s the perfect place to assemble a picnic to enjoy in a park or even back at your accommodation. Don’t forget to stop by the gelato bar near the entrance – it’s a must, no matter the weather! Peck Italian Bar, right around the corner, is also a fantastic option for lunch.
Art and history at Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan’s premier art gallery, the Pinacoteca di Brera, is a treasure trove. It was established during Napoleon’s reign as King of Italy, conceived as an Italian Louvre. The gallery is housed within the Palazzo Brera, a building with a rich history that once served as a Jesuit college before becoming a Fine Arts Academy. Many of the artworks, dating from the 15th to the 18th century by Lombard and Venetian artists, were acquired during Napoleonic campaigns. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon losing yourself in masterpieces from this period.
Window shopping on Via Montenapoleone
For serious shoppers, Via Montenapoleone is the place to be. It rivals Fifth Avenue or the Champs-Élysées for pure indulgence. Milan is the birthplace of fashion giants like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Versace, and this street is where they, along with other global luxury brands, showcase their latest collections. While the street itself isn’t the most architecturally stunning, the boutiques within are where the magic happens. It’s a place to indulge your senses, and perhaps your wallet, with exquisite designs and unparalleled craftsmanship.
World-class art at Palazzo Reale
The Palazzo Reale, Milan’s former royal palace, now plays host to a different kind of royalty: incredible touring art exhibitions. It features works from some of the world’s most celebrated artists. You might find exhibitions dedicated to figures like da Vinci, van Gogh, Picasso, Klimt, or Warhol. The palace can host up to seven different exhibitions at once, offering a variety of options, some of which might be less crowded. If you’re planning to see a major blockbuster show, it’s a good idea to visit mid-week. Even during quieter times, the most famous artists can draw massive crowds on weekends.
Milan offers an incredible blend of experiences, from its awe-inspiring historical sites to its cutting-edge fashion and exceptional culinary scene. It’s a city that truly engages all your senses and leaves a lasting impression.