Top Things to Do in Milan, Italy

Ah, Milan, Italy. What a beauty. The Stanford’s headed out on our first international trip as a family of three with Milan as our first destination. The city landed on the front end of our trip before we headed out to Lake Como and it was such a perfect first stop before heading into a relaxing vacation.

Like most older cities, Milan is full of things to do and has such a vast amount of history to take in which makes it a great city for those who are looking to be up and about all day. Take a look at some of our favorite restaurants, hotels and things to do in Milan.

Milan has such as an incredible laundry list of noteworthy hotels to choose from and one hotel that I pined over from the second I knew we were heading to Milan was the Galleria Vik Milano. The hotel is housed inside the famous shopping center, the Galleria, making it a truly perfect location for what I needed with a 5 month old — close proximity to everything. Not to mention, the rooms are all uniquely decorated with local art and the view from breakfast was something out of a magazine. I highly recommend staying here for your time in Milan, but I’ve listed a few other hotels that caught my attention.

• Bulgari Hotel Milano
• Senato Hotel Milano
• Coachman Hotel
• Hotel Manin

To browse other options, use the booking finder below.

For the most part, you can walk pretty much anywhere in Milan from the city center. And if you are traveling with smaller children, I would say it’s one of the more stroller friendly cities in Italy. However, we did rent a car since we were headed to Lake Como shortly after. If you are planning to do the same, I would park your car for the short time you are there and walk everywhere. If you do choose to drive around the city, keep in mind the Milan traffic zones. You can find all you need to know on that here. For the best deals on rental cars, check out rentalcars.com.

The largest and most beautiful tourist attraction in Milan, Italy is by far the Doumo. As one of the largest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo’s sheer size and intricate design makes it a must-see for anyone traveling to Milan. But it’s not just about the exterior – when you book a tour you’ll get to awe at the interior and access the rooftop for incredible panoramic views of the city. You can book the tour we did here.

Seeing the Last Supper in person is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one I will never forget having with my son in my arms. Regardless of your religion, it is a masterpiece that you must do while visiting the city. You can book a tour here.

This iconic mural, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci is located in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The painting itself, which captures the moment when Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him, has been in restoration for many years. Only a few people can enter the chilled room at a time and no flash photography is allowed.

Spending a morning or afternoon at Sforza Castle is such a great way to pass time in the city. The grounds of the Castle are a multifaceted experience in the heart of Milan so you won’t be bored with all the art, history, and culture surrounding it. You can explore the Pinacoteca di Brera for Renaissance masterpieces including Michelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini or take a stroll through the castle’s scenic grounds.

If you Google “things to do in Milan” something that will always make the top of the list is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The iconic shopping gallery in Milan offers a luxurious shopping experience beneath its stunning glass dome. It’s one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and has become a symbol of Milan including high-end shops and multiple places to sit and eat or have an apertivo. If you choose to stay at Galleria Vik Milano, then you’ll get a beautiful view of the Galleria.

If you want to feel like you’re in Venice for a bit, head over to the Navigli District of Milan. Here, you’ll find picturesque canals with plenty of options to enjoy a leisurely meal or nightlife. For an enriching and lively Milanese experience be sure to add this stop on your things to do in Milan.

Milan isn’t just about high fashion and stunning architecture; it’s a haven for incredible eats. From cozy trattorias serving up Nonna-approved dishes to the Instagram worthy spots, Milan has it all. Here are a few restaurant recommendations for your stay in Milan:

Whether you’re looking for rich history and culture or want to indulge in the shopping and multitude of culinary eats that line the city, you will never run out of things do in Milan, Italy. If you have any questions about Milan or a different city I’ve visited, don’t hesitate to reach out on Instagram!

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