The outdoor swimming pools are open from the beginning of June till the end of August.
Wearing a swim cap (and obviously a swim suit) is obligatory but you can buy one for a relatively modest price at the entrance. If you haven’t brought a swim suit you can buy one at e.g. Calzedonia, Yamamay, H&M which you can find everywhere in the city., check out our shopping guide here.
Buy your tickets online before going, that way you are sure not to go and find the whole place full or maybe have to stand in direct sunlight in a queue for a long time inorder to get in
In the city
Bagni Misteriosi, 18, Via Carlo Botta (find on map), Bagni Misteriosi is now also open for evening swims Friday-Sunday 7-10 pm. Romano,20, Via Ampére (find on map) Argelati, 6 Via Segantinin (find on map) Solari, 20, Via Montevideo – located inside the small Solari Park (find on map)
In the photo you see Milan’s brand new neighbourhood Porta Nuova, you also find the famous “Bosco Verticale” (vertical forest) behind Piazza Gae Aulenti. You should visit HighTech, a great store with home and lifestyle objects even if this once big store has become much smaller since they lost a big part of their lease. In the rest of this area you find the quaint, trendy boutiques with the up-and-coming young designers where you can find cool, unique stuff.
Shops:
In Via Solferino is the world’s (perhaps) best men’s shoes shop – Iliprandi(find on map). Thursdays there’s a characteristic open air market here with fruit, vegetables and clothes. Via Solferino is a treasure trove of amazing, original boutiques (find on map) check out the unique clothes store Goodsat 2, Via Castelfidardo (find on map) the concept is exclusivity, they sell their own range of silk shirts but also have other brands from France and Spain they also have bags and shoes they have have frequent discount days and the jewellery is also unique. Also check out the luxury fashion outlet Outlet Matia’s in 4, Piazza Carlo Mirabello (find on map) and very close by is the fashion outlet with designer clothes for children aged 0-16 Matia’s Baby at 2, Via Eugenio Balzan (find on map). Nearby is the great workshop and shop Arzigogolo, that makes very beautiful and original necklaces, earrings and textile bags at surprisingly affordable prices, it’s in the courtyard at 4, Via Varese (find on map). On Piazza XXV Aprile you have foodie paradise Eataly, which is housed in the converted Teatro Smeraldo. Here you can get specialties from small Italains foodproducers, it is also a fantastic place to eat or just have coffee with pastries. If you want delicacies to take home with you should also vist the Esselunga supermaket situated beneath Piazza Gae Aulenti From here you continue down super chic Corso Como – with the shop 10 Corso Como, which also houses the art gallery Galleria Carla Sozzani and leads you into Milan’s brand new area Porta Nuova. And a couple of steps further down, at 6 Corso Como In the courtyard, as mentioned is the life style and home decor shop HighTech
Lunch:
Here is the very original Tramè, Piazza San Sempliciano 7 (find on map), where they prepare classical Venetian sandwiches, the place is cosy and the choice is great There is also the truly delicious sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio, 18, Via Statuto (find on map). We also recommend Fioraio Bianchi Caffè a florist and café at 7, Via Montebello. Then there is Via Palermo a road with many interesting eateries (find on map) You can get delicious to-go sandwiches and ready meals at Rossi e Grassi in 4, Via Ponte Vetero (find on map) and Via Solferino (find on map). 10 Corso Como Cozy courtyard, with good lunch. Pizzeria di Porta Garibaldi, 6, Corso Como (find on map). Temakinho 53, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) Pattini, 5, Via Solferino (find on map) although is technically “just” a bakery, they have lots of delicious dishes and pasta that you can eat either inside at the tables or outside on the comfortable benches. Of course they also have great pizza and foccaccia. El Tombon de San Marc, regular Milanese food, 20, Via San Marco (find on map). Café Gorille, near Piazza Gae Aulenti at 20, Via Gaetano de Castillia (find on map) a really cosy and beautiful café which is rich on atmosphere Panini Durini, 24, Via Mercato (find on map), delicious sandwiches, cakes and coffee to go.Pandenus, 24, Via Mercato (find on map), great lunch and aperitivo, breakfast every day from 7 am.
Coffee:
Panarello, 52, Via della Moscova, great pastry!! (find on map), at the same address you also find Pattini and and 50 meters from there in the direction of Corso Como there is Radetzky (find on map).
Italian ice cream:
Grom, Piazza Gae Aulenti (find on map) good concept and excellent icecream. Rivareno, 20, Via Mercato (find on map) – absolutely fabulous ice cream made with only fresh, natural ingredients and sweetened with cane sugar. Vero Gelateria, 60, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) absolutely delicious Sicilian ice cream.
The famous fashion quadrangle Quadrilatero della moda has its name after the four streets it is enclosed by: Via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. This area is a celebration of luxury and beauty and is genuine old Milan and it is definitely worth a visit. Many of the boutiques are entire fashion shows in themselves.
Shops:
Here you’ll find them all; Armani, D&G, Dior, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Valentino, Prada, Versace, Cavalli, Missoni, Hermès, Burberry, Kartell, Alessi, Comptoir des Cottoniers, Trussardi , Paul Smith, (the last 5 are in Via Manzoni). Also check out the luxury fashion outlet Outlet Matia’s in 37, Corso Venezia (find on map).
Lunch:
GB Bar, 2, Via Agnello (find on map) Another exclusive and very cosy restaurant in this area is Il Salumaio di Via Montenapoleone at 10, Via Santo Spirito (find on map) – this is also a great place to have a coffee break. Princi Bakery, Corso Venezia 21 (find on map) in principle this is a bakery but they prepare delicious lunch dishes: pasta, risotto and salads. Go early (before 12.30) because the place is normally packed!! Panini Durini, 26, Via Durini (find on map), small place but they make absolutely delicious sandwiches, soups, salads AND they’ve got incredible coffee (also to go) and cakes.
Coffee:
Do you want the historic coffee experience? try out the charming Pastry shop Cova, 8, Via Montenapoleone with its own courtyard or Pastry shop Marchesi (find on map) one of Milan’s oldest pastry shops has opened a new shop here in 9, Via Montenapoleone.
From Piazza Duomo you turn down Via Torino with lots of sports shops and street wear. Around the corner are via San Maurilio and Via Santa Marta with little boutiques. (find on map), and Via Giacomo Mora (find on map) where there are vintage shops and Cavalli e Nastri one of Milan’s oldest vintage boutiques. In this street you also find Groupies Vintage. Corso di Porta Ticinese – streetwear (great for teenagers), alternative design, vintage boutiques, this is a place where the Milanese themselves go browsing. Via Cesare Correnti an exciting part of the Milanese Design bigs Cinque Vie, with various shops e.g. Joost. (find on map) great design for both him and her. Suede ar 21, Via Cesare Correnti (find on map). This tour ends in Viale Papiniano,where there is a great open air market on Tuesdays 7.30 am-2 pm.and Saturdays 7.30 am-6 pm.
Lunch:
Visit foodie temple Peck, (find on map) Milan’s no. 1 delicatessen and get an amazing lunch. All’antico vinaio the most delicous Florentine sandwiches you can imagine at 12, via Lupetta (find on map) Panino Giusto, 8, Via Francesco Cherubini – quality sandwiches. (Find on map) Delicious Southern Italian street food at Slow Sud, 4, Via delle Asole (find on map) In Via Giacomo Mora (find on map) there are also a couple of cosy places for lunch. For tasty vegetarian food check out La Vecchia Latteria, 6, Via dell’Unione (find on map).
Grom, 4, Largo Carobbio (find on map) good concept and excellent ice cream. Vero Gelateria, 51b, Corso di Porta Ticinese (find on map) absolutely delicious Sicilian ice cream.
The regular High Street shops i.e. Brian & Barry – department store with a very chic rooftop bar (open until 7.30 pm) Boggi (great outfits for him), Diesel, Max & Co, Max Mara, Liu Jo, Sephora, Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Yamamay, Kiko,La Rinascente – department store, Urban Outfitters, Guess, Swatch, Footlocker, Benetton, H&M, COS, … & Other Stories and Zara. #roundTheCorner the outlet Intrend Diffusione Tessile (if you’re into Max Mara ,Max & Co), very cheap compared with their official shops, it is in Largo Corsia dei Servi) (find on map) and don’t miss out on luxury outlet Matia’s Fashion outlet at 10, Via San Pietro all’Orto (find on map). The beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with shops Prada, Borsellini, Gucci, Louis Vuitton
Lunch:
Luini – note that it is closed in August – (they make Panzerotti – a kind of mini calzone either fried or baked, there’s normally a very long queue, but it’s very well organized and fast and more importantly; it’s worth the wait, you can eat it picnic style on Piazza San Fedele (right behind – (find on map) where you can enjoy coffee afterwards in the very hip Lavazza Store. Mercato del Duomo (food market, Old Wild West, bistrot and restaurant with an incredible view over Piazza Duomo). If you want to see and be seen there are lots of outdoor places on Corso Vittorio Emanuele itself, but note Italians don’t go here, they are typical tourist traps. Also worth mentioning is Fratelli La Bufala, 8, Galleria San Carlo (find on map). On the same square you have Gino Sorbillo Neapolitan pizza in Milan. Inside the Museo del Novecento right at Piazza Duomo you find the exclusive Giacomo Arengario with a view on the Duomo and the city. All’Antico Vinaio the most delicous Florentine sandwiches you can imagine at 12, via Lupetta (find on map) On the top floor of department store La Rinascente there are several restaurants, a food market and the most amazing view over Piazza del Duomo. Ai Chiostri Milano, 48, Via San Barnaba (find on map), this beautiful place is housed in a former convent, located just behind Milan’s court house, from the 1400s offers everything from breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and after dinner drinks.
Coffee:
Try out the delicious coffee with whipped cream at San Carlo al Corso, on Piazza San Carlo (find on map) or sip it at the exclusive Gucci Café halfway in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (find on map) where you also find Prada’s in-store coffeshop/pastry shop Marchesi on the first floor with an amazing view of the Galleria. Hidden behind the scaffolding In Piazza San Babila for the new metro line is a real gem Pascucci at 22, Corso Europa (find on map). They import their own blend of organic South American coffee, you can also get lunch here. Then there is the Flagship Store Lavazza, the slow coffee center in Piazza San Fedele (find on map).
H&M, Zara, Conbipel, Benetton, Pepe Jeans, Kiko (affordable makeup), Guess kids, Vergelio sko, Bata shoes, Levi’s, Antony Morato, Geox , Elena Miro, Freddy, Furla, IntimissimiLingeri, Liu-Jo, Camicissima (shirts for him & her), Celio (for him), Havaianas, Tezenis Lingeri, bassetti (home innovation), Du Pareil Au Meme (kids’ clothes) OVS(Italian low-cost clothing) have opened their so far biggest store in 21, Corso Buenos Aires The first shop in the Japanese chain Muji, to have opened in Milan. 2, Via Lecco (find on map) you’ll find Lisa Corti who sells colourfull tablecloths, bedspreads, plaids, ceramics and clothes Viale Tunisia Carpe diemstore. OVS(Italian low-cost clothes) have opened their, to date, biggest store at 21 Corso Buenos Aires 21.
You probably need a break from the crowds on Corso Buenos Aires, so drop into the park Indro Montanelli Public Gardens and have coffee at Bar Bianco (find on map); or visit Panarello, who are famous for their cakes (find on map)
This area is actually a shopping-route. Start at Via Marghera – via Belfiore – Corso Vercelli – Corso Magenta with a detour to Via Vincenzo Monti and a cultural break at “The Last Supper” (you have to book tickets phone number +390292800360) another must-see is art gallery/design store Spazio Rossana Orlandi at 14/16, Via Matteo Bandello (find on map) which is just a little out of the way but so worth visiing.
Shops:
Via Marghera – here you find several shoe shops and varied clothes shops, outlets. OVS clothes shop H&M style. Around the corner in Via Belfiore (find on map) fantastic hardware store, Lo Sfizio women’s clothes.Here the fantastic artisinal men’s shoews store Belfiore Calzature is located at number 9 (find on map), they sell the most beautiful handmade shoes.. in Corso Vercelli you find Boggi (stylish outfits for him), Max & Co, Gallo if you’re into quality and stripes, Furlahandbags and wallets, Intimissimi,Sephora makeup, ZARA Home, Zadiq & Voltaire plus Swarovski, Songes, Subdued for teen girls and there is luxury outlet Matia’s Fashon outlet at 40, Corso Vercelli (find on map)
Biffi pastry shop: Have coffee or an aperitivo original Milan style or sip it in the small coffee shop at 87, Corso Magenta (find on map) , where you drink coffee while enjoying the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, and you can buy some for your espresso machine at home. Panarello, 10 Via Belfiore 10 (find on map) – great cakes.
Italian ice cream
Grom, 1a, Via Alberto da Giussano (find on map) Good concept and excellent ice cream. Fru Eaton Piazzale Baracca (find on map) also sells delicious artisinal ice cream. Chocolate Milano at 9 Via Boccaccio (find on map)., their chocolate ice cream is to die for.
You get a tbreathtaking view of all of Milan from the Torre Branca (find on map) in Parco Sempione right next to Triennale Design Museum. Opening hours are 10.30 am-12.20 pm and 3-6.30 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10.30 am-2 pm, 2.30-7 pm and 8.30 pm-midnight on Saturdays and 10.30 am-2 pm and 2.30-7 pm on Sundays.
You could combine your vist with a visit to the Triennalemuseum and from here take a walk through Milan’s big park Parco Sempione to Castello Sforzesco, for the second beautiful view.
The battlements of Castello Sforzesco
Another hit is the tour of the castle’s battlement, the Panoramic Merlate, you get some astounding views of Milan from this place.
From here you have a short walk to Piazza Duomo and the third vantagepoint.
The Cathedral Rooftop
This is a truly spectacular point to enjoy the view of Milan from, on a clear day you can see the Alps from up here. Read more and book your ticket here.
Highline Galleria
The fourth palce to enjoy a wonderful view from is only a short walk from the Duomo; Highline Galleria which has opened the terrace above Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with a spectacular view over Piazza Duomo and extended access to the old Room of Clocks, get more informations and tickets here.
A fantastic place for tasting wine in Milan is the historical winebar and -shop Cantine Isola located in Milan’s Chinatown at 30, Via Paolo Sarpi (find on map)
Franciacorta spumante, classical method
As the first Lombard DOCG wine we have chosen the very sophisticated white (or maybe even rosé) sparkling wine, a DOCG spumante. classical method – also known as the Champenoise Method that is produced in Franciacorta(Lombardy, province of Brescia).
There are numerous quality wine producers, just to mention some of the most important. Visit the offical Franciacorta website ones: Barone Pizzini, Bellavista, Berlucchi, Ca’ del Bosco, Contadi Castaldi, Il Mosnel, Monte Rossa.
“Sparkling wine is a versatile wine that can be drunk with most typical Lombard dishes e.g. risotto with saffron and ossobuco, cold cuts and, obviously, seafood but it is actually also outstanding with pizza.” says sommelier Luisa Benetti.
Some suggestions for those of you, who want to buy wine to take home.
Franciacorta Official Sparkling Wine Sponsor at EXPO
Sforzato di Valtellina
Our next wine is a red wine and if you like a robust and intensely scented red wine with a deep red glow you need to try out the Sforzato di Valtellina (or Sfursàt as it’s called in the local dialect in the province of Sondrio). This wine comes from the mountains where the so-called heroic viticulture has produced a very interesting DOCG, A wine produced of Nebbiolo grapes, that have first been let to wither , which may sound a little negative, but which results in a very robust wine, locally it is called Chiavennasca.
“Lo Sfursàt is a robust and elegant win, which is aged in wooden barrels. It goes well with strong tasting meat dishes or aged cheese. But you can just as easily enjoy a glass after dinner” says Luisa..
Some of the best known producers are: Assoviuno, Bettini, Caven, Fay, Mamete Prevostini, Nera, Nino Negri, Plozza, Rainoldi, Triacca.
Some suggestions for those of you, who want to buy wine to take home.
€€€ (€40-50)
Nino Negri Sforzato di Valtellina – Sfursat 5 stelle 2011
Bettini – Sfursat di Valtellina 2011
€€ (€25-40)
Fay – Sforzato di Valtellina, Ronco del Picchio 2010
Assoviuno – Sforzato di Valtellina, San Bello 2008
Rainoldi – Sfursat di Valtellina 2010
Triacca – Sforzato di Valtellina, San Domenico 2010
Oltrpò Pavese, classical method
Our third DOCG wine comes from the area south of Milan in the hills in the province of Pavia and is another sparkling wine this time . Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG (Champenoise Method).
The main vine variety used is pinot nero which was brought here from France in the second half of the 19th century.
Our expert sommelier Luisa Benetti says:”This bubbly wine is suitable for vegetarian and vegan dishes e.g. risotto with strawberries or a more traditional pasta e fagioli (pasta with beans). But it’s perfect for an aperitivo with appetizers as well.”
Some producers: Anteo, Cà di Frara, Castello di Cigognola, Conte Vistarino, Giorgi, Montagna , Picchi, Podere San Giorgio, Tenuta il Bosco, Torrevilla, Travaglino, Vigne Olcru
Some suggestions for those of you who want to buy some of this wonderful wine
€€ (€30)
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Brut Rosé Victoria 2008 (pinot nero) – Vigne Olcru
€ (€18-21)
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot nero Pas Dosé ‘more rosé 2011 (pinot nero) – Castello di Cigognola
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Cruasé (pinot nero) – Anteo
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico Pinot nero Conte Vistarino 1865 – 2008 (pinot nero e chardonnay) – Conte Vistarino
For the fourth DOCG wine we return to the mountains in the province of Sondrio where we find a close relative to the Sforzato, an important red wine, the Valtellina Superiore DOCG.
It comes from the same vine variety the Nebbiolo, locally called Chiavennasca, from the same valley and the same heroic viticulture as the Sforzato and the Valtellina Superiore is also aged in barrels But an important difference is that the grapes aren’t left to wither.
If the label says ‘Riserva’ it means that it has been aged for at least three years..
Luisa Benetti, our sommelier and wine expert recommends the following five Cru: Grumello – Inferno – Sassella – Valgella – Maroggia.
“The Valtellina Superiore is intense and smooth and goes well with pizzoccheri alla Valtellinese or a dish of meat and porcino mushrooms.” Luisa says.
Some of the most important producers are: AR.PE.PE, Bettini, Caven, Fay, Mamete Prevostini, Nera, Nino Negri, Plozza, Rainoldi, Triacca
Here are some suggestions if you want to take some Valtellina Superiore home:
€€ (€22-35)
Valtellina Superiore La Botte Ventitre’ 2002 – Bettini
Valtellina Superiore Sassella San Lorenzo 2011 – Mamete Prevostini
Valtellina Superiore Riserva Signorie 2007 – Nera
Valtellina Superiore Inferno Carlo Negri 2011 – Nino Negri
Moscato di Scanzo
Like any self-respecting chef would we finish off with the dessert wine, the smallest DOCG in Italy, a real gem; the Moscato di Scanzo, a sweet red passito wine.
Scanzo is a small municipality in the province of Bergamo, its Moscato is a native Italian vine with an ancient history, the grapes are sun-dried for several weeks and the wine is aged for at least two years.
“The result,” says our wine expert, sommelier Luisa Benetti,”is a sweet wine that you can drink either with a chocolate tart or Marrons glacés – in Milan the most famous ones are from the Pasticceria Galli (find on map)”
Here are some ideas in case you want to buy some to take home:
€€€ (€35-50)
Locatelli Caffi – Moscato di Scanzo 2011
De Toma – Moscato di Scanzo 2011
Il Cipresso – Moscato di Scanzo Serafino 2010
La Brugherata – Moscato di Scanzo Doge 2011
Biava – moscato di Scanzo 2011
The best known producers are Biava – Cascina del Francès – Cerri – De Toma – Il Cipresso – La Brugherata -Locatelli Caffi
Orange wine is apparently all the rage so what is it and which Italian labels produce them?
They are the new rosé but rosé wine gets its colour from the skins of black grapes left to macerate for some time and then removed, so the wine doesn’t become red, whereas orange wines are made from white grapes and the macerating of the skins give them their spectacular colour, it is not a new process but a very old tradition indigenous to the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. They are perfect with raw fish, meat and venison. Read more here.
Here is list of the producers in Italy:
Abbazia San Giorgio Costadilà Draga-Miklus Dario Prinčič Gravner Il Carpino La Castellada Paraschos Porta del Vento Ronco Severo Sassotondo
For an overview of what is on at different museums check out our weekly calendar here for information. and the events calendar on the right-hand side of the website/at the bottom of the page on phones and tablets
Milan has several museums worth visiting. But if you can – visit them during the week and leave the queues at the weekend to the others.
If you’re in Milan for 72 hours or less, you should consider getting a MilanoCard. Read more here.
You can visit many of Milan’s museums for free on every first Sunday of every month.
The ultimate art collection in Milan featuring masterpieces by the classical Italian masters; Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci just to mention a couple, the building itself is incredibly beautiful. –>28, Via Brera (find on map)
With the opening of Palazzo Citterio in December 2024 Pinacoteca di Brera’s dream of a “La Grande Brera” (Greater Brera) came true, Palazzo Cittrtio is an extension of Pinacoteca di Brera’s exhibition space, exhibits of materpieces of modern and contemporary as well as the collection, can be seen here. The palazzo is from the 1700s. –> 12, Via Brera (find on map)
There is also a Grande Brera app, download it here.
This amazing building was the seat for the local government of the city of Milan and is an important cultural center today and houses important exhibitions and events. -> 12, Piazza Duomo (find on map)
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece “The Last Supper” is located next to the church Santa Maria delle Grazie in the Cenacolo Vinciano and is a definite must-see, to get in you must book tickets well in advance here. –> 2, Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie (find on map)
One of Milan’s most overlooked museums. This museum and library has an astounding collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s cartoons (charcoal drawings) and notebooks. Definitely worth a visit. –> 2, Piazza Pio XI Between Via Torino and Cordusio. (find on map).
One of Italy’s largest banks Intesa San Paolo have opened their private collections to the public on Piazza della Scala, right in the center of the city. It is an impressive exhibiton and there is no admission fee. .–> Piazza della Scala 6 (find on map)
The museum is housed in an old tram deposit from the 1930s in Milan’s China Town area. It is centered around the prestigious Compasso d’Oro prize awarded for excellence in industrial design. -> 1, Piazzza Comasso d’Oro (find on map)
Museum for contemporary art and culture co-headed by famous designer Miuccia Prada. The foundation has operated since 1993 and organizes, amongst other things, film festivals. On May 9th 2015 they inaugurated their new venue in Milan – very impressive architecture. FONDAZIONE PRADA’s Bar Luce is designed by film director Wes Anderson. Bar Luce recreates the atmosphere of a typical Milanese café –> 2, Largo Isarco (find on map)
The museum of the twentieth century, at Piazza Duomo, opened in 2010 after the collection’s original home in Palazzo Reale had been closed in 1988. It’s Milan’s municipal collection of paintings and sculpture from the twentieth century. The collection opens with Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo’s fantastic Fourth Estate. -> Via Guglielmo Marconi (South side of Piazza Duomo) (find on map)
With the opening of Palazzo Citterio in December 2024 Pinacoteca di Brera’s dream of a “Grande Brera” (Greater Brera) came true, Palazzo Cittrtio is an extension of Pinacoteca di Brera’s exhibition space, exhibits of materpieces of modern and contemporary as well as the collection, can be seen here. The palazzo is from the 1700s. –> 12, Via Brera (find on map)
La Triennale di Milano is Milan’s Design museum with a huge permanent collection of design but it is also the main Italian venue for architecture, visual and decorative arts, design, fashion and audio/video. The terrace of Triennale is very cool and has a breathtaking view, good place for brunch and aperitivo, -> 6, Viale Alemagna (find on map)
Situated in a gorgeous villa in Via Palestro. This villa is one of Milan’s finest examples of neoclassical architecture and hosts both contemporary photo exhibitions and paintings from the 19th century.. -> Via Palestro (find on map)
PAC houses a beautiful collection of contemporary art. It was re-opened in 1979 after a thorough restructuring of the building, (the mafia had a bomb explode here in 1993). The exhibitions are changed frequently.. -> 14, Via Palestro (find on map)
Milan’s most experimental contemporary museum. It’s located in an old factory and houses very interesting exhibits and installations. Take the metro out there (purple line, get off at Ponale) –> 2, Via Chiese (find on map)
The steam factory (literally) is a cultural centre in Milan that organizes art exhibitions, music festivals, theatre, conferences and more. The building complex is huge and definitely worth a visit. –> 4, Via Giulio Cesare Proccaccini (find on map).
Milan’s permanent exhibition of more than 300 paintings, drawings, sculpture and engravings by Italian artists starting from 1886 all the way up to today. The museum itself was designed by renowned architect Luca Beltrami and was opened in 1886.. –> 34, Via Turati (find on map).
Fondazione Prada’s location in the center of Milan dedicated to photography and visual arts. It is situated at the top of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with a view of the glass Octagonal at its center. –> Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (find on map)
This museum, which was inaugurated on April 30th 2015, celebrates Giorgio Armani’s 40-year anniversary as a designer. The museum has been created by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando. 4 floors with historical creations. The museum is located in the Tortona design neighbourhood. Always check whether the mueseum is open before going there, they close for fashion week and frequently between exhibits –> 40, Via Bergognone (find on map)
This beautiful historical building located within the Quadrilatero della Moda Milan’s exclusive fashion dsitrict houses collections of decorative and fine arts and exhibits about fahsion. The museum is closed on Mondays. –> 6, Via Sant’Andrea (find on map)
The Diocesan Museum is housed in the antique cloisters of Sant’Eustorgio and contains over 700 art works spanning from the 4th century up till today including some very fine sculptures by artist Lucio Fontana. –> 95, Corso di Porta Ticinese (find on map)
The museum of Milan’s cathedral was originally opened in 1953 but re-opened in 2013 after a long period of renovation. It is a record of the history of the cathedral and covers a period spanning from the 15th to the 20th century. –> 12, Piazza Duomo (find on map)
This incredibly beautiful church from 1503 is famous for its frescos, which have earned it the nickname the Sistine Chapel of Milan. It is open every day from 9.30 am-7.30 pm except on Mondays. -> 15, Corso Magenta (find on map)
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is Milan’s oldest church (built in the fourth century AD) – here you can also see the exhibition about Milans patron saint and first bishop Saint Ambrose called “Ambrosius. The Treasure of the church.” -> 15, Piazza Sant’Ambrogio (find på kort)
The Leonardo Da Vinci museum is a must for children from age 6 and up. There is enough entertainment to last you several hours on a rainy day. The most diversely talented person ever to have lived is painter, inventor etc. Leonardo da Vinci, and Italy’s national technical museum, located in Milan, is also his official museum. It combines the chance to actually try out some of his inventions with the more traditional exhibitions. –> 21, Via San Vittore (find on map)
The children’s musum in Milan. where children can play, paint and create on their own terms. For children aged 2-11. –> 12, Via Enrico Besana (find on map).
Milan’s archeological museum in the heart of the city next to the incredibly beautiful Church of San Maurizio from 1503. -> 15, Corso Magenta (find on map)
The museum covers the historic events that led to the unification of the different states on the Italian peninsula to the kingsom of Italy between 1815 and 1871.Admission is free of charge. -> 23, Via Borgonovo (find on map).
The museum of the Scala Theatre, amust for all lovers of opera, ballet and classiscal music – . Instruments, costumes, busts and special exhibits. –> 1, Largo Chiringelli. Piazza Scala (find on map)
The Sforza castle from the 15th century built by .Francesco Sforza is a landmark in Milan and houses a large number of museums (that are closed on Mondays). –> Piazza Castello (find on map)
Museum homes
If you want to vist more than 1 museum home, consider getting the casa museo card, it gives free access to the first four museum homes on this list and is €25. Get yours here.
This home belonged to the two brothers the barons Fausto and Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi, who collected 15th and 16th century art to decorate their home so that it reminded themselves and their guests of princely Lombard homes of the 16th century. It was inhabited by their descendants until 1974 when one of Giuseppe’s sons decided to create the Bagatti Valsecchi Foundation and donated the entire patrimony to it, at the same time the home was purchased by the region of Lombardy that opened the museum home to the public in 1994. –> 5, Via Gesù (find on map)
This villa from the 1930s by Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi is a country home with tennis courts and swimmingpool in the heart of Milan, it is managed by FAI, a foundation that protects and maintains places of historical, natural and cultural value all over Italy. –> 14, Via Mozart (find on map)
One of Milan’s most interesting private museums founded by art collector Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli (1768-1833) it contains works by some of the greatest Italian painters e, g. Botticelli, Belini and Hauez. –> 12, Via Alessandro Manzoni (find on map)
This gem which was the private home of married art collectors was opened to the public in 2003 and contains their private collection by some of the finest painters from the twentieth century. A unique look into a private home. –> 15, Via G. Jan (find on map)
Achille Castiglioni who died in 2002 was an Italian designer of furniture, lighting, radiograms a.o. his studio has been turned into a museum and is run privately by the Achille Castiglioni foundation. You have to book your ticket online here. –> 27, Piazza Castello (find on map).
We do like a great brunch at the weekend. We have selected some of the best Milan has to offer divided by area. Prices are € – €15-20, €€ – 20-40, €€€ – 40-60. One of the peculiarities of brunch places in Milan is a rotation system so you won’t be able to hang out for the entire duration, it is necessary to book if you want to be sure to get a table (we have included their phone numbers).
Radetzky €€ 105, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) +39026572645 8-1.30 am Monday to Thursday, 8-2 am Friday and Saturday and 10-1.30 am Sunday – great location and service.
Cascina Nascosta (The hidden fartmhouse) €€ 14, Viale Emilio Alemagna (find on map) in the middle of Parco Sempione and yet tucked away and unknown to many +393406755196
LùBar €€ (brunch a la carte) 16, Via Palestro (find on map) +390283527769 – book at l’east 2 days in advance for the weekend. It more a lunch place but you can light dishes + cappuccino, coffee and orange juice. 8 am-midnight Tuesdays-Sundays
ATMosfera – Milan is proud of its old trams that follow different routes. A special attraction is the ATMosfera trams from 1928, which have been turned into moving restaurants, where you can experience the city while having lunch or dinner.
A classic sightseeing tour on your first day here can actually be a really good way to get a feeling of the city and of which things are in the same area. Here we have a list of the best tours Milan has to offer.
With thedouble-deckers you can buy tickets for either 24 or 48 holurs (repspectively €22 and €25) with departure from Piazza Castello (find on map)
In Milan you can also do your sightseeing from a tram, TraMilano, a charming and different way to vist the tourist attractions. The trip includes a professional guide, food and drinks and pick-up from your hotel.
If you have the MilanoCard you get a 15% discount on tickets.
Vintage Tour
Vintage Tour Milano offers private and semi private tours of Milan on a classic red Fiat 500.
Segway tours
See Milan from a segway – for details go here – in small groups with 8 participants, choose between the day trip of 3 hours. or the night trip of 2.5 hours. Both trips are €75 and there is a 30 minute orientation before the trip begins.
Tours on the canals (April-September)
You can go on a boat trip back and forth on the Milanese navigli and see the city from a different perspective – Milan is no Copenhagen, Venice or Amsterdam though.
Optinonally you can take the boat trip and aperitivo, you can book it here.
Sightseeing on bicycle with a guide
Bicycle store Rossignoli, located at 71, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) organize tours of the city on bicycle in Italian and English and to book and get information call +3902804960 some days in advance.
There are also other guided tours of Milan in bicycle in English. Here are the 3 most popular ones:
The view from the roof of Duomo is breathtaking especially on clear days, where you can see the Alps t’s a really good idea to reserve tickets in advance so you can skip the line. Book here.
If you’re in Milan for 72 hours or less, you should consider getting a MilanoCard. Read more here.
Ferragosto is a very important holiday in Italy, but most big stores and restaurants in the center are open, however you have to book a table at the restaurants.
Ferragosto is a religious holiday celebrating the Assumption of Mary. According to Italians it is also the hottest day of the year and is celebrated with lots of good food and wine. Below is a list of things taking place on and around August 15th.
Canal tours on the Navigli
On August 13th, 14th and 15th in the Navigli area of Milan (find on map) you can go on the canal boat trips but you must book your seat by August 12th 5 p.m. (read more here).
Outdoor swimming pools
All the city’s other outdoor swimming pools are open on August 15th, read more about them here.
The Bagni Misteriosi (the outdoor swimmingpool in 18, Via Carlo Botta (find on map) is also open for aperitivo on August 15th 7-10.30 pm.
Museums
You can visit almost all museums and all the city’s civic museums free of charge on August 15th. Find out where they are here.
Note that Triennale offers free admission thorugh the entire month of August.
Restaurants
Book a table at Milan’s restaurants well in advance of August 15th because everybody wants to eat out on that day. Check out our recommendations here.
If you want a gourmet experience, then try out these amazing places at reasonable prices. We have also selected the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Milan – look for VEGAN in the list.
Besides the names you can find in the Michelin guide we recommend the following places. The price levels are varied – € 20-30, €€ 30-50, €€€ >50 – but note that it isn’t necessary to spend a fortune to eat well
Our most important tip concerning good restaurants: Always book a table!
Carminio, 3, Via del Carmine (find on map) Phone +390272022992. Known for the menu which changes from day to day depending on the best fresh ingredients of the moment. €€/€€€
Temakinho which boasts three of the hottest restaurants in Milan right now. One is in 53, Corso Garibaldi (find on map). Phone +390272016158 €/€€
El Tombon de San Marc, a wonderful restaurant with traditional Lombard cuisine, you need to book a tbale here for both lunch and dinner 20, Via San Marco (find on map), Phone +39026599507. €/€€
EXIT Milano, 2, Piazza Erculea (find on map) Phone :+390235999080 elegant, delicious gourmet food and lovely place, food is served all day until midnight €€/€€€
Piz, 34, Via Torino (find on map) Phone +390286453482. Milan’s best Neapolitan Pizza, the menu only features 3 kinds of pizzas but they are absolutely worth the wait. Be prepared for a line but it moves quickly €
Il Brutto Anatrocolo, 3, Via Evangelista Torricelli (find on map), great food, excellent prices – you cannot book a table on Friday and Saturday nights, so you have to be there at leat 45 minutes in advance and queue-.€
There is an excellent restarant near this area, it requires you to take the metro from the DeAngeli station and get off at Primaticcio and then walk about 5 minutes but it really is one of Milan’s gastronomical gems and has 2 Michelin stars called IL Luogo di Aimo e Nadia at 6, Via Privata Raimondo Cuccoli (find on map) Phone +3902416886. €€€
Il Caffè della Pusterla, 22, Via Edmondo de Amicis (find on map) Phone+390283633659. A typical Milanese place, where you can get anything from breakfast to dinner. Fantastic atmosphere. €/€€
