Capri Island Day Trip
The best 19 things to do in Milan 2025
Updated: 2025-06-18Milan is Italy’s style and culture capital, where centuries-old history meets modern flair. Many travelers, however, get overwhelmed by the variety of things to do in Milan and risk missing its hidden treasures.
Table of Contents
- 1. Unique things to do in Milan- Milan bucket list
- 1.1 Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
- 1.2 Palazzo Citterio
- 1.3 The Sforzesco Castle and the Arch of Peace
- 1.4 Ambrosian Library
- 1.5 The Crypt of San Sepolcro
- 1.6 Cenacolo Vinciano (The Last Supper Museum)
- 1.7 Chinatown
- 1.8 Bosco Verticale
- 1.9 Triennale di Milano
- 1.10 Villa Necchi Campiglio
- 1.11 Fonderie Milanesi
- 1.12 Isola’s street art
- 1.13 The Silence Quadrangle
- 1.14 Eat Milanese classics at Ratanà
- 1.15 Naviglio della Martesana
- 1.16 Play bocce at La Balera dell’Ortica
- 1.17 Visit the Swiss Alps by train
- 1.18 Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)
- 1.19 Bone Chapel of San Bernardino alle Ossa
- 2. Milan walking tour
- 3. Milan itinerary 2025- Milan day trips
- 4. Tips for visiting Milan, Italy
- 5. Conclusion
You’ll explore iconic spots like the Duomo, taste authentic Milanese cuisine, and uncover quiet corners beyond the tourist crowds. Get ready to experience the best things to do in Milan with ease, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Unique things to do in Milan- Milan bucket list
Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
The Duomo di Milano is the most iconic symbol of Milan, a stunning Gothic masterpiece with spires, statues, and stained glass. Inside, marvel at centuries-old altars and chapels. Don't miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Milan's skyline, and enjoy the inside of Milan Cathedral. In 2023, Milan welcomed over 10 million tourists, solidifying its status as one of Italy's top travel destinations.
Source: montenapodaily
Palazzo Citterio
Located in the artistic Brera district, Palazzo Citterio is an extension of the famed Pinacoteca di Brera, displaying 20th-century Italian masterpieces. It's perfect for travelers who want a quieter art experience than the Uffizi or Vatican Museums. This lesser-known museum lets you engage deeply with Italy’s modern art legacy.
The Sforzesco Castle and the Arch of Peace
The Sforzesco Castle, once the seat of Milanese dukes, now hosts over 10 museums featuring works by da Vinci and Michelangelo. Walk through Parco Sempione to reach the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), a Neoclassical triumphal arch built to celebrate European peace after the Napoleonic wars.
[Tip: Visit at sunset when the Arch glows golden against the skyline.]
Ambrosian Library
Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, this 17th-century library-museum is a hidden cultural treasure. Also on display are works by Caravaggio and Botticelli. It’s a must for fans of Italian Renaissance literature, theology, and science. Explore Milan's historical and artistic treasures.
The Crypt of San Sepolcro
Located under Piazza San Sepolcro, this atmospheric crypt dates back to Roman times. Illuminated by soft lighting and built with ancient stones, it offers an otherworldly connection to Milan’s spiritual and archaeological roots.
Cenacolo Vinciano (The Last Supper Museum)
Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is housed at Santa Maria delle Grazie and offers a powerful depiction of Christ’s final meal. See what to do around the Last Supper and Milan's iconic art scene. The mural's perspective and depth of feeling are revolutionary.
Chinatown
Explore Italy’s oldest and most vibrant Chinatown, filled with street food stalls, authentic dim sum, tea houses, and stylish boutiques. It’s a cultural fusion of Milanese style and Eastern tradition. The Chinese New Year festival in early spring, a feast of music, dragons, and street cuisine.
Bosco Verticale
This eco-skyscraper project by architect Stefano Boeri is a modern marvel and a symbol of Milan’s green ambitions. The twin towers host over 20,000 plants and 900 trees, improving air quality and biodiversity.
Triennale di Milano
Housed in Parco Sempione, the Triennale Design Museum showcases modern art, architecture, and fashion exhibits. Attend rotating international events or visit the café with views of the Torre Branca.
Villa Necchi Campiglio
This 1930s Art Deco villa offers insight into Milan’s aristocratic lifestyle, complete with tennis courts and a private pool. Now a museum, it showcases original interiors and design objects. A blend of historic elegance and modern charm.
Fonderie Milanesi
A former foundry turned hip bistro, Fonderie Milanesi is known for aperitivo, Milanese comfort food, and live music. Its courtyard and stylish, industrial decor draw both residents and visitors. It’s an authentic hangout spot in the Navigli area.
Isola’s street art
The Isola district bursts with colorful murals and urban artwork by international artists like Blu and OSGEMEOS. The area reflects the city’s creative edge and modern identity. It’s a great neighborhood to walk, observe, and photograph.
The Silence Quadrangle
Tucked away near San Maurizio, this tranquil courtyard offers serenity amid the busy city. Surrounded by ivy-covered walls and artistic details, it's a peaceful retreat. Locals come here for moments of calm and contemplation.
Eat Milanese classics at Ratanà
Located in Isola, Ratanà serves updated versions of traditional Milanese dishes such as risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco. The elegant interior and garden seating offer a refined dining experience. It’s one of the top-rated restaurants for regional cuisine.
Naviglio della Martesana
This lesser-known canal offers a relaxed alternative to the bustling Navigli district. It’s lined with walking paths, greenery, and quiet cafés. Popular among locals for jogging, biking, or strolling away from tourist crowds.
Play bocce at La Balera dell’Ortica
La Balera dell’Ortica is a retro social club where you can enjoy live folk music, regional cuisine, and traditional bocce. It’s a nostalgic venue with open-air courts and a community vibe. A fun way to see a slice of authentic Milanese culture.
Visit the Swiss Alps by train
From Milan, take a breathtaking journey to the Swiss Alps via the Bernina Express or Glacier Express. Enjoy views of snow-covered peaks, glacial lakes, and Alpine towns. It’s one of Europe’s most scenic train rides and perfect for a day trip.
Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery)
Located in the artistic Brera district, this historic gallery holds masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian. The calm setting allows for a deep appreciation of each artwork. Art lovers looking for inspiration can find inspiration there.
Bone Chapel of San Bernardino alle Ossa
A macabre yet artistic site, this small chapel is adorned with human bones arranged in geometric patterns. It’s a visual meditation on mortality and faith, dating back to the 13th century.
Milan walking tour
Begin your Milan walking tour at Piazza del Duomo, then head through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Sforza Castle. End in Brera, where cobbled lanes, art galleries, and quiet cafés offer a perfect afternoon retreat. I always find it the most atmospheric part of the city.
Milan itinerary 2025- Milan day trips
|
Destination |
Highlights |
|
Romantic boat rides, lakeside villas, and scenic towns like Bellagio |
|
|
Bergamo |
Città Alta’s cobbled lanes, Venetian walls, and panoramic views |
|
Turin |
Royal palaces, elegant cafés, and the world-famous Egyptian Museum |
|
Shakespeare’s Juliet Balcony, Arena di Verona, and riverside charm |
|
|
Swiss Alps |
Bernina Express route, St. Moritz, glaciers, and mountain passes |
Visit Dream Tourism's official tour page to learn about customized experiences, skip-the-line tickets, and exclusive Milan trips.
Tips for visiting Milan, Italy
- Best Time to Visit: April–June & September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Use the efficient ATM Metro system or rent a bike for short distances.
- Local Culture: Embrace aperitivo culture (pre-dinner drinks), dress elegantly, and tip modestly.
- Advance Booking: Essential for attractions like The Last Supper and top restaurants.
Conclusion
Whether you're uncovering Milan's Renaissance past, indulging in cutting-edge fashion, or taking an alpine detour, this northern Italian gem will leave you spellbound.
With Dream Tourism at your side, prepare to explore one of Italy's most fashionable cities by packing your curiosity and creating your Milan itinerary for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Featured