Tourist Attractions in Milan

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Milan

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Milan

Milan is the driving force of the Italian economy, a trendsetter of European fashion and a city with an ancient history. The Romans, Goths, Gauls, Franks and Lombards left their traces on its territory. Many of Milan’s cathedrals were founded in the first centuries AD, in the Middle Ages the city flourished under the ruling Sforza dynasty and the fertile seeds of the Renaissance bore fruit in the lands of Langobardia.

Milan is known worldwide as the fashion capital of the world. Tens of thousands of tourists come here to attend fashion shows, shop in the best designer boutiques or go out and show off among the fashion elite. For opera fans, a trip to the legendary La Scala theatre is a real treat, where you can enjoy the sound of the best opera voices.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Milan

Duomo di Milano

 4.8/5

143500 reviews

The magnificent cathedral of Milan, a striking representative of the elegant architectural style of the Flaming Gothic. The temple was begun in the XIV century, the finishing of some elements of the facade was completed only by 1965. Milan Cathedral is completely built of white marble, it is one of the most beautiful temples not only in Italy, but also in the whole Europe. Inside is a golden statue of the Madonna, the patron saint of Milan.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Teatro alla Scala

 4.7/5

27028 reviews

The theatre is rightly considered the best opera house in the world. Behind the austere and modest facade of the neoclassical building lies a luxurious auditorium with perfect acoustics. La Scala was inaugurated in 1778, with Salieri’s opera Acclaimed Europe as its premiere production. The stage of the famous theatre hosted the first shows of great works by Verdi, Puccini, Bellini and Donizetti. E. Caruso, F. Chaliapin, M. Callas, L. Pavarotti and other famous soloists performed here at different times.

Open time

Santa Maria delle Grazie

 4.6/5

13782 reviews

A picturesque Milanese church attached to a Dominican monastery, built during the height of the Renaissance. The church was begun during the reign of Duke Francesco Sforza I, who planned to build a family tomb here. The main attraction of the church is the magnificent fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. It depicts the last supper of Jesus with his disciples, after which Christ was betrayed by Judas and crucified.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:20 PM, 3:00 – 5:50 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 5:50 PM

Basilica di San Lorenzo, Milano

 0/5

One of the oldest churches in Western Europe. Presumably, the first church appeared on this site already in the 4th century AD, it served as an imperial chapel. The building, which survived to our days, belongs to a later period, but the outer walls of the basilica of the IV century have survived. In the church square there is a statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine, under whom Christianity became an officially recognised religion.

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

 4.7/5

12953 reviews

A 4th century AD temple, supposedly built with the participation of St Ambrosius of Mediola. It is believed that the basilica was built on the very spot where the first Christians were martyred. At first the church was called “Basilica of Martyrs”. The building took on a Romanesque appearance in the 11th century. During the bombing of Milan in 1943, the Basilica was damaged, but the medieval buildings survived and have been preserved to this day.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 3:00 – 5:00 PM

Pinacoteca di Brera

 4.7/5

26868 reviews

Picture Gallery, an outstanding collection of Italian painters and sculptors. The 38 rooms of the museum house paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Lotto, Tintoretto and other renowned masters. The museum collection also includes paintings by recognised artists from other countries, such as Goya, Rembrandt and El Greco. The Pinacotheca is housed in a 16th century palace and shares its premises with the Academy of Fine Arts.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Ambrosian Library

 4.6/5

1053 reviews

The oldest public library in Europe, founded in the early 17th century. The book collection was opened with the participation of the hierarchs of the Catholic Church. The main purpose of the library was to fight against the ideas of the Church Reformation, which was spreading very quickly through European countries. In the course of time, it has its own picture gallery. The library houses unique manuscripts, folios, medieval books (some dating back to the 5th century A.D.), drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology

 4.5/5

22993 reviews

The exposition is housed in a 16th century monastery. It is one of the most interesting museums in Milan. Here are presented the inventions of mankind, created in different historical periods. Visitors will see various models of engines, clocks, musical instruments, cars, telegraph, telephone and other technical devices. The main hall is dedicated to the creative work of Leonardo da Vinci.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Poldi Pezzoli Museum

 4.7/5

2414 reviews

The first exhibits in the museum’s Poldi-Pezzoli collection were medieval weapons and armour from the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi-Pezzoli. Subsequently, the aristocrat’s mansion was turned into a museum. Italian antique furniture, sculptures, Flemish tapestries, Venetian glass and antique ceramics are exhibited here. Paintings make up an impressive part of the collection.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Villa Reale

 4.6/5

865 reviews

Classic palace and park ensemble of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The palace was built for Count Belgioioso. For some time it was the residence of Napoleon and his wife Josephine. After the reign of the Habsburg dynasty over Lombardy, the villa was used as a royal palace for the Austrian viceroys. Since 1921, the palace has housed the Museum of Modern Art.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Sforzesco Castle

 4.6/5

70635 reviews

The majestic Castello Sforzesco is located in the historic centre of Milan. It was built as a defence fortress in the 15th century after the Sforza family seized power. The luxurious interiors of the castle were created with the participation of Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci. By the end of the 15th century, Sforzesco had become one of the richest and most luxurious ducal palaces in Italy. The castle survived Spanish rule and Napoleonic domination. In the 19th century it was extensively reconstructed.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Pirelli Tower

 4.4/5

1301 reviews

A mid-20th century high-rise building designed by architect D. Ponti. It was built on the decision of the head of the Pirelli company (Italian car tyre manufacturer). The building was used as the headquarters and production facilities of the organisation. The tower became known as the first skyscraper in Italy. The height of the structure is 127 metres. Nowadays, the Pirelli Skyscraper houses office space.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Velasca Tower

 4/5

1333 reviews

An Italian skyscraper that once made the list of the most unattractive buildings in the world. It is a mid-20th century building with elements of neo-modernism, symbolising a medieval bastion. The shape of the tower resembles a mushroom or a giant rocket crashing into the ground. The building is on the list of Milan’s main landmarks and has been designated by the City Hall as one of the city’s symbols.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Needle, Thread and Knot

 4.3/5

186 reviews

The monument is located on the central square opposite the Stock Exchange building. Many residents of the city do not like this controversial art object of modern art. The sculpture is a giant human hand with all the fingers cut off except the middle one. The composition resembles a famous obscene gesture. The monument was created by the master Maurizzio Cattelan.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

San Siro Stadium

 4.7/5

83718 reviews

Arena of football clubs Internazionale and AC Milan, built in the early 20th century. It was originally designed for 35,000 seats, but as a result of expansions could accommodate up to 65,000 spectators. The stadium was renamed in 1979 in honour of player Giuseppe Meazza. For fans, this lanky forward was an object of adoration. Nowadays, both names of the football arena are used. The San Siro regularly hosts concerts of famous bands.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Parco Sempione

 4.6/5

74235 reviews

Milan’s city park near Castello Sforzesco. The area is decorated with fountains and sculptures, lawns with fragrant flowers are scattered between the walkways, and the most picturesque space has been created for visitors. Every resident of Milan or visitor to the city can relax under the shade of Sempione trees. The park was organised at the end of the 19th century on the site of ducal hunting grounds.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Monumental Cemetery

 4.8/5

1935 reviews

A burial ground and at the same time an open-air sculpture park. There are graves of famous people – writers, composers, artists. Italy’s great musical genius Giuseppe Verdi is buried in the cemetery. The crypts and tombstones are real works of art, each sculpture as if trying to surpass its neighbours in beauty and elegance.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Canal Naviglio Grande

 4.3/5

219 reviews

Milan’s urban canal, along which is a street with the city’s most famous and frequented shops, restaurants, art workshops. The Naviglio Grande is part of a system of five canals that have survived from past times. A few centuries ago, the Milanese wanted to turn their city into a likeness of Venice, so intensive canal construction began, but this idea quickly lost favour.

Open time

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

 4.7/5

93503 reviews

A passageway connecting the square near the La Scala theatre with the square of Milan Cathedral. The gallery was inaugurated in 1877 and named in honour of King Victor Emmanuel II, who was present at the ceremony. The structure is built in the shape of a Latin cross, with one entrance at each end. The gallery is decorated with mosaic frescoes and statues by some of Italy’s most skilful craftsmen.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Quadrilatero d'Oro

 4.5/5

913 reviews

A haute couture neighbourhood, a popular shopping destination. The best boutiques in Italy are located here. In the Golden Quadrangle you can not only buy clothes by designers Valentino, Prado, Ferragamo, Dolce, but also have shoes made to order, dine in a restaurant for the fashion establishment or choose a piece of jewellery from the world’s best jewellery brands.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM