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2 weeks ago
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ItalyMilan
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Destination guide
Milan, where fashion, art and design set Italy's pace
Beneath the marble spires of the Duomo, Milan blends Gothic cathedrals, Leonardo's Renaissance and the shop windows of the Galleria with a nightlife that flows along the Navigli canals. It is a city that works hard and dresses better: here the aperitivo is a ritual and design a way of life. This guide walks you through the essentials and where to stay.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Duomo di Milano
Italy's most spectacular Gothic cathedral, bristling with more than 3,000 statues and a forest of marble pinnacles. Climb to the rooftop terraces to walk among the spires with the city at your feet.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan's drawing room: a 19th-century arcade under a glass-and-iron dome linking the Duomo to La Scala. Historic boutiques, cafés and the bull mosaic where everyone spins on their heel for luck.
Leonardo's Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci's mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the world's most fragile and famous artworks. Access is strictly limited, so it must be booked well ahead.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Milan's great art gallery, home to masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna and Hayez. It sits in Brera, the cobbled quarter of galleries and trattorias with a bohemian air.
The Navigli
The old canals, partly designed by Leonardo, are now the heart of the nightlife. As evening falls their banks fill with aperitivo terraces and bars that don't close early.
The Milanese aperitivo
More than a drink: a late-afternoon ritual of a Negroni or Spritz served with nibbles and small plates. Milan claims to have invented the custom, lived here every single day.
Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione
The Sforza fortress holds museums and Michelangelo's unfinished Pietà. Behind it stretches Parco Sempione, the city's green lung for a stroll up to the Arch of Peace.
When to go
Milan rewards a visit year-round, but it shines in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the city hums. Summer is hot and many locals leave in August; winter brings fog, cold and a festive Christmas mood.
Spring (March-May)
The best window: mild days, open-air terraces and a city buzzing with creativity around its big design week. Book early, as it is a hugely popular season.
Summer (June-August)
Heat and humidity define the weather; in August many shops close and the city empties, leaving quieter streets and gentler prices. Perfect for escaping to the nearby lakes.
Autumn (September-November)
The second great season: kind temperatures, golden light and a packed cultural and fashion calendar. September wakes the city after the summer lull.
Winter (December-February)
Cold and foggy days, yet full of charm: Christmas markets, the opera season at La Scala and the sales. Wrap up warm and take refuge in museums and cafés.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Historic Centre (Duomo)
The monumental heart, a stroll from the Duomo, the Galleria and La Scala. Perfect for first-timers who want everything within reach, though it is the busiest, liveliest area.
Brera
The most elegant, bohemian quarter, all cobbled lanes, art galleries and characterful restaurants. Ideal for couples and art lovers after a sophisticated, quieter atmosphere.
Navigli and Porta Genova
The youngest, most festive area, right by the canals. Perfect if you want aperitivo, bars and nightlife on your doorstep; a little noisier at night.
Porta Nuova and Isola
Modern Milan of skyscrapers like the Bosco Verticale, beside Garibaldi station. Handy for business trips and anyone drawn to contemporary design and great transport links.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Get around by metro
The centre is very walkable and the metro links everything fast. A multi-day travel pass usually pays off; check current fares on the local operator's website.
Book the Last Supper
Tickets for Leonardo's mural sell out weeks ahead because access is capped. Plan early and buy only through official channels to avoid disappointment.
Embrace the aperitivo
Between roughly 6 and 9 pm, ordering a drink often comes with nibbles. It is the most Milanese (and thrifty) way to eat light while soaking up the local scene.
Pack for the weather
Bring light clothing and sun cover in summer's humid heat, and warm layers in winter, when fog and cold set in. Spring and autumn call for an umbrella on hand.
Pay by card
Card and mobile payments are widely accepted, even for small amounts. Still, a little cash is handy for markets, tips and the odd neighbourhood bar.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Two to three full days cover the essentials of the centre at a relaxed pace. If you want to add a lakes excursion or another city, allow one more day.
