Milan is the second-largest city in Italy with 1.3 million people and is an important tourist destination, particularly with Europeans. While most Americans who visit Milan do so for business, many Chinese and Japanese travelers come to Milan for a vacation. Here are the top ten things to see while visiting Milan.
1. Duomo – This is truly the most famous and best sight in Milan. As Italy’s only Gothic cathedral, it is one of the largest in the world and holds 40,000 people. The construction of this cathedral took more than 500 years and there is an ongoing remodeling at any given time. There is no charge to enter and the sheer size of it will overwhelm you. It is cool inside, something to keep in mind if visiting during the summer months.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – This covered shopping arcade is located off Piazza Duomo and has a glass vaulted ceiling which is decorated at Christmas time in a beautiful display of lights. The four-story arcade offers designer shops as well as restaurants and bars. There is even a McDonald’s inside this beautiful galleria.
3. Castello Sforzesco ‘” This 14th century castle has been renovated after numerous sieges of destruction and today it is a basically a museum. Inside one of the rooms in the Museum of Ancient Art are ceiling frescoes painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Entrance to the castle is free and there is a charge for the museum.
4. Milano Centrale – Milan’s train station is the second-largest in Italy and one of the4 largest in Europe. It is a work of art, which was built between 1912 and 1931, with Mussolini’s influences seen in its extravagant sculptures. There are 24 platforms and more than 300,000 passengers travel through this station on a daily basis.
5. La Scala Opera House – This 18th century opera house is known throughout the world and has been hosting opera and other performances for more than 200 years. The theater also houses a museum. Tickets to the operas here can be pricy as well as difficult to obtain. Tours of the opera house are available if you are not interested or able to attend a performance.
6. Monte Napoleone – Milan is the fashion capital of the world and this is the fashion street of the world. This is the street of expensive designer shops in Milan’s fashion district, and the place the models and celebrities buy their clothes. Just strolling down the street you will likely see men’s Italian shoes for 800 euros, women’s purses for 500 euros, and women’s pantsuits for 3700 euros. If you are lucky you may even spot a celebrity.
7. The Last Supper exhibit – Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper can be seen only by advance reservations, sometimes requiring six months’ planning. Its location is at the convent adjacent to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and a limited number of visitors are allowed in at any one time.
8. Cimitero Monumentale – This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Italy and certainly one of the largest. It holds the remains of many famous people including Verdi, Toscanini and Horowitz. It is considered an art museum with its more than 6000 sculptures and can take the better part of a day to see the entire cemetery.
9. Parco Sempione – This city park is Milan’s “Central Park,” dating back to 1888. It is a welcome refuge from the heat and crowds while visiting the city and is located adjacent to Castello Sforzesco, and easily reached by Milan’s metro system. One of the landmarks at the end of the park is the Arch of Peace, which was built in the 19th century at Napoleon’s request. The entire park offers free Wi-Fi.
10. La Rinascente – Italy’s upscale department store is located near the Duomo and offers great close- up views of the Duomo from its top floor. Aside from shopping, there is an eatery with several various types of restaurants on the top floor. Clean bathroom facilities are also located within the store.
