Milan, Italy

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): An architectural marvel and the city’s most iconic landmark, this Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. Don’t miss the rooftop for panoramic views of the cityscape.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: One of the world’s oldest shopping malls, it’s adorned with mosaics, iron-and-glass roofs, and houses luxury boutiques, making it both a shopping and architectural attraction.

Santa Maria delle Grazie: This church and Dominican convent is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famously home to Leonardo da Vinci’s mural “The Last Supper.”

Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): A fortress turned museum, it’s home to various art collections, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. The surrounding park, Parco Sempione, offers a green retreat in the city.

Pinacoteca di Brera: An art gallery housed in a palatial building, it boasts a significant collection of Italian Renaissance art with works from artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bellini.

La Scala Opera: One of the world’s most famous opera houses, even if you don’t attend a performance, you can visit the attached museum to delve into its rich history.

Navigli District: Known for its picturesque canals, this district becomes especially lively in the evening with its numerous bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Duomo / Centro Storico is the area around the Duomo, at the core of the historic city center. While pricey, this is the best area for first-time visitors as it is within walking distance from all the main attractions.

Brera is the extension of the historic center just north of the Duomo towards Porta Garibaldi and again a fabulous area for first-timers due to its central location.

Sempione / Arco della Pace is a poorly defined district with many names but it generally refers to the area west of Brera, around Sempione park. This area is a great choice if you want to be somewhat centrally located and in close proximity of nature.

Porta Nuova / Isola is an up-and-coming district North of Brera and with its modern architecture is a stark contrast to the historic center. Here you’ll find haps of buzzing bars and trendy restaurants.

Stazione Centrale near the central station isn’t exactly a hip area but extremely convenient if you’re traveling by train.

Porta Venezia / Corso Buenos Aires to the East/South-East of the central train station is a hip and fairly central area filled with shops and bars. This is the perfect location for fashion enthusiasts wanting to go on a shopping spree in the capitale della moda, and those looking for some authentic local vibes.

Navigli is a trendy and lively neighborhood South-East of the historic center and the best choice for those looking for a fun night out while in Milan.

Brera: This bohemian district is known for its intimate trattorias and chic cafés. A perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy, Brera invites you to indulge in both Milanese classics and contemporary dishes.

Navigli: The picturesque canals of Navigli are surrounded by numerous bars, trattorias, and osterias. The district comes alive in the evening, making it the go-to spot for an aperitivo or a hearty dinner.

Corso Como & Porta Garibaldi: A blend of the city’s past and future, this area boasts both trendy eateries and cocktail bars. It’s particularly favored by Milan’s fashionable and young professionals.

Chinatown (Via Paolo Sarpi): A small yet vibrant part of Milan, Chinatown offers a slice of authentic Chinese cuisine amidst the predominantly Italian culinary landscape.

Isola: This transformed district seamlessly mixes its working-class roots with its contemporary hipster vibe. From traditional Milanese spots to eateries with international flavors, Isola caters to a variety of tastes.

CityLife: This modern hub provides a plethora of dining options set against a backdrop of contemporary architecture and open spaces.

Ticinese & Colonne di San Lorenzo: An area popular among the young crowd, it’s packed with eclectic bars, eateries, and gelaterias. By day it’s calm and historical; by night it turns into one of Milan’s liveliest spots.

Metro: Milan’s metro system is efficient and covers most of the city’s key attractions. It’s the quickest way to travel long distances within the city.

Trams and Buses: Milan has an extensive tram and bus network. They’re especially useful for places not directly accessible by the metro.

Bicycles: With the BikeMi service, you can rent bikes for short periods, making it a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Walking: Many of Milan’s attractions, especially in the city center, are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.

Driving: Like many other Italian cities, Milan has a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) where only authorized vehicles can enter. It’s generally advisable to avoid driving in the city center and rely on public transportation.