Milan is a gorgeous city, known for its incredible fashion and luxurious atmosphere. While many may write Milan off as just a shopping city, there is so much more to this desirable destination. If, like us, your ideal city break is somewhere that is eclectic and modern with a great deal of historic appeal and plenty of sightseeing opportunities, then Milan could be the place for you. 

Duomo di Milano

One of the most talked about attractions in Milan has to be the Duomo di Milano, a stunning cathedral and one of the largest in the world! Its intricately designed architecture is truly a must-see when visiting the city. There are a few ways that you can visit the Duomo di Milano: you can pay to enter the cathedral itself; visit the terrace; or simply admire the building from the outside. We recommend purchasing a ticket to see the inside of the cathedral as well as the terraces. After admiring the beautiful interior of the duomo, you can take the lift up to the terraces, or climb the stairs all the way to the top. While choosing to take the lift is perhaps more desirable, accepting the challenge of the stairs is a fun experience and only takes a couple of minutes (there are estimated to be around 256 steps!). When you reach the top, you can admire the structure’s detail close up and soak up the cityscape. If you are planning on entering the duomo, ensure you wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees and isn’t too low cut. This being said, if you forget, then you can always rent a modesty cape at the ticket booth for just €2.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

After visiting the duomo, we recommend walking over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a beautiful shopping gallery where you’ll find some of the world’s biggest designer brands. While you’re inside, be sure to look up, as the building is incredibly impressive. When you reach the centre of the gallery, you’ll notice a collection of finely assembled mosaic tiles on the floor, some of which reveal  the Milan Bull. This spot is particularly special as it is said to bring good fortune to those who place their heel in between the hind legs of the bull and spin three times! There is also an array of stylish restaurants within the Galleria, although we recommend heading slightly further away if you’re looking for somewhere more affordable!

Sforza Castle

Sforza Castle is a magnificent 15th-century structure, which was originally built as a fortress. It’s now open to the public and home to seven museums, entry to which are all included in the entry price. Sforza Castle has been coined ‘a castle full of art’, and some of the most famous arrangements can be found in the Sala delle Asse — a room that features a hidden mural painted by Leonadro da Vinci. While it was thought to have been painted in 1498, it wasn’t  discovered until 1894. It’s worth exploring the castle to see some of the ancient weaponry and artwork too and tickets cost under €5 per person, however you can also walk through parts of the castle for free if you don’t feel inclined to pay. 

Porta Sempione

Porta Sempione is rather spectacular up close and is worth visiting if you’re spending a couple of days in Milan! This iconic landmark is located just a short walk through Parco Sempione from Sforza Castle. You’ll find food trucks serving cold drinks, slushies, alcoholic beverages and even delicious pizza bagels along the way, which might make the walk even  more enjoyable. At the end of the park, you’ll find the majestic arch  —we recommend grabbing a drink at one of the bars and restaurants that face it. 

See the Flamingos at Villa Invernizzi

If you’re currently in the midst of planning a trip to Milan, then you’ve probably already come across the flamingos of Villa Invernizzi. One thing that is not often mentioned however, is that Villa Invernizzi is a private residence rather than a public square where flamingos roam freely. While some articles highlight this, others don’t seem to emphasise that in order to see the flamingos, you need to peek through the bushes along the street of Via Cappuccini. The villa is also in the same area as an Instagrammable Harper’s Bazaar magazine stand and some of the city’s best-loved luxury clothing shops.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and UNESCO World Heritage site. While the outside of the building may not look like much from the street, this church is home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper! This world-famous painting can be found in The Museum of the Last Supper, a building located to the left of the main entrance in the church square. Tickets must be booked in advance via this link.