17 Things To Eat, Drink & Do In Milan
Planning your first trip to Italy can feel overwhelming, especially when deciding what to do in Milan. As one of the most vibrant Italian cities, Milan is both a cultural hub and the perfect place to start your journey. From the Duomo di Milano to hidden gems like the Navigli District, Milan offers the best things for every traveler—fashion, food, history, and unforgettable moments.
What’s In This Blog Post
When we designed our Soul Sisters Italy trip, Milan was our first stop. We wanted to balance iconic main attractions with authentic experiences like cooking with a local guide and sipping spritzes in the heart of Milan.
This post is both a travel guide and a look at what we actually did—so whether you’re here for a short time, a weekend getaway, or the start of a longer day trip to Lake Como or even Cinque Terre, this Milan guide has you covered.
Our Soul Sisters Milan Experience
Here’s how we did Milan in three days:
- Day 1: Arrival at Malpensa Airport, check into our hotel in the heart of Milan, viral focaccia sandwiches, posing with pigeons in the Piazza del Duomo, going to rooftop of the Milan Cathedral, and dinner across from the Duomo with our first Aperol Spritz.
- Day 2: Bike tour through Milan, Galleria shopping, food tour in the historic center, and cooking class with a local Milano chef.
- Day 3: Morning departure from Milan Central Station (very easy to navigate) for a day trip to Lake Como.
It was the ideal place to start our Italy adventure—big main attractions, local experiences, and plenty of connection time.
Recommended Apps
- Google Lens – Perfect for translating menus, street signs, or even your own voice when English isn’t enough.
- Google Maps – A lifesaver for finding your way through narrow streets in Italian cities or locating train stations.
- Viator – Great for finding local tour guides and activities.
- Whatsapp – What most internatioal tour guides communicate through.
Must-See Main Attractions in Milan
1. Piazza del Duomo and Milan Cathedral
The Piazza del Duomo is truly the heart of Milan, and the Milan Cathedral (also called the Milan Duomo) is the city’s most famous landmark. With its spires and stained glass windows, it’s the biggest church in Italy after St. Peter’s.
You can book a guided tour to skip the long line, explore the crypt, and climb to the rooftop for sweeping views. Be mindful of your time slot in high season—tickets from the official website often sell out.
For us, it was our very first stop. We grabbed focaccia sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio which is well known for its amazing focaccia sandwiches and italian meats. La Paradiso (Mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream) and L’Inferno (Porchetta, spicy cream, spicy eggplant) are often highly recommended and considered signature sandwiches alongside the classic La Schiacciata del Boss.
Then we walked a short walk to the piazza, and had dinner at Vista Duomo for our first aperitivo (Italian happy hour) with the cathedral glowing at night in the distance.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Just a minutes’ walk from the Duomo, this historic building is one of the best places to shop, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Even if you’re not into luxury brands like Prada or Louis Vuitton, the soaring glass dome is worth seeing. Tradition says spinning your heel on the bull mosaic in the floor brings good luck—we couldn’t resist trying it.
Some of our group went shopping here while others explored the historic center nearby. That’s the beauty of group travel—different interests, same great time.
3. Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
The Sforza Castle is another major landmark in the city centre, with a rich history and impressive art collections including Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà Rondanini.
Behind the castle is Parco Sempione, the largest park in Milan, leading to the Arco della Pace. It’s an ideal place for a stroll or picnic, and just a short walk from other main sights.
4. Teatro alla Scala and Piazza della Scal
For art lovers, Milan is home to La Scala Opera House, the most famous opera house in the world. The Piazza della Scala outside also features the statue of Leonardo da Vinci, a great option for photos.
We didn’t have time to attend a performance, but even stepping inside the historic building was magical. Next time, I’d book an expert guide for a behind-the-scenes walking tour.
5. Pinacoteca di Brera and the Brera District
The Brera District is one of Milan’s most charming neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets, good restaurants, and boutique shops. The Pinacoteca di Brera museum is a hidden gem for art lovers, featuring works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and other masters. It’s the perfect place to slow down with a glass of wine after exploring the main attractions.
6. Santa Maria delle Grazie and Da Vinci’s Last Supper
Seeing Da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the best things you can do in Milan, but it requires planning. The Last Supper Tickets have a strict time slot system, and there’s often an additional cost when booking through travel guides.
The painting is inside a small church, the Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you’ve seen photos, the real thing takes your breath away.
7. Naviglio Grande and Navigli District
The Navigli District is famous for its canals, especially the Naviglio Grande, once used for trade and transport. Today, it’s lined with good restaurants and buzzing bars. It’s the best way to experience Milan’s aperitivo tradition—spritzes, small bites, and lots of people-watching.
We spent our evenings here and loved the vibrant energy. For your first time, it’s worth seeing both day and night.
Traditional & Local Things To Try
No Milan itinerary is complete without tasting its local specialties. Milan is famous for its food culture, and trying these dishes is one of the best things to do in the city:
- Cotoletta alla Milanese – A breaded veal cutlet similar to schnitzel, crispy and golden brown.
- Panettone – Traditionally eaten at Christmas but available year-round in bakeries, this sweet bread is a Milan invention.
- Aperitivo – Milan is the birthplace of the Aperol Spritz. Head to the Navigli District or Piazza del Duomo for aperitivo hour, where drinks come with plenty of snacks.
- Espresso and gelato – Stop at a café in the historic center for a quick espresso, or cool off with creamy gelato at shops like Cioccolati Italiani or Gelateria Paganelli.
- Risotto alla Milanese – Creamy saffron risotto, often served with osso buco, is the most iconic Milanese dish.
Whether it’s sipping a spritz in the heart of Milan, sharing risotto with friends, or grabbing gelato between main attractions, food is a big part of the city’s cultural heritage and worth seeing as much as its historic buildings.
Famous Spots To Visit
Bosco Verticale
The “Vertical Forest” towers are one of the most Instagrammed modern landmarks in Milan. Covered in thousands of trees and plants, they symbolize the city’s contemporary, design-forward identity. Located in the Porta Nuova district, this is Milan’s sleek, modern side.
QC Termemilano
A luxury thermal spa located inside historic Spanish walls. The iconic tram-turned-sauna in the courtyard is one of Milan’s most unexpected photo spots. This is a favorite for couples and girls’ trips.
Cimitero Monumentale di Milano
Surprisingly one of the most visually striking places in Milan. This monumental cemetery features elaborate sculptures, grand mausoleums, and dramatic architecture. It feels more like an open-air art museum than a cemetery.
Getting Around Milan
Milan is well-connected with public transportation, making it easy to explore different areas. The Milano Centrale train station is a hub for day trips to Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, or even spotting George Clooney’s villa.
Using trams, metros, and buses is the best way to see the main sights without wasting time.
Final Thoughts
Milan may not always be the first city travelers think of, but for a first trip to Italy, it’s the right place to begin. With world-class cultural heritage, delicious food, and easy access to northern Italy gems like Lake Como, Milan blends main sights with authentic charm.
For us, it wasn’t just about ticking off a list—it was about sharing a great time with new friends, laughing through a cooking class, and savoring spritzes in the heart of Milan.
Stay tuned for our full Italy itinerary with affiliate links for hotels, restaurants, and travel guides, so you can plan your own unforgettable journey.
