Milan Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Milan which includes a square or plaza, railway items and street scenes
Milan which includes a square or plaza, railway items and street scenes
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II showing heritage architecture, night scenes and château or palace
Milan featuring a sunset, street scenes and heritage architecture
Milan featuring street scenes, signage and a city

Explore the art galleries, luxury Italian boutiquesand incredible old churches of one of the most fashionable cities in Europe.

Milan is known as afashion capital and the city’s style is evident in everything from its luxuryboutiques and contemporary museums to its world-class restaurants andnightclubs packed with glitterati. The city is also the capital of northernItaly’s Lombardy region and one of the largest cities in Europe, with apopulation of 5 million residents. Milan’s Central Business District is Italy’sfinancial heart expect modern skyscrapers amongst the beautiful old monumentstypical of Europe.

You’ll find some of thebest art hidden in Milan’s stunning churches. The Cathedral of Milan, which locals call The Duomo, is one of thebiggest churches in the world and its impressive facade is a sight to behold.Stand in front of the cathedral in the bustling Piazza del Duomo. Cross the square and walk a few blocks to see DaVinci’s famous paintingThe Last Supper in the Santa Maria Della Grazie, a church and convent. Admire morefrescoes alongside ancient relics in the nearby Chiesa di San Maurizio, which also houses the city’s archaeologicalmuseum.

A trip to Milan wouldn’tbe complete without browsing a few of its many world-renowned art galleries.Head straight to the Villa Reale totake in two of the best. The ContemporaryArts Pavilion plays host to temporary exhibitions from some of the world’sgreatest contemporary artists, while the ModernArt Museum has masterpieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. Enjoy classicart by Raphael and Carravagio among others at the Brera Art Gallery a few blocks away.

Northern Italy is famousfor its cuisine, including hearty risottos and panettone for dessert. Eat pastaand gelati from trattorias and gelati bars on almost every street. Finish theday with a show at the famous Teatroalla Scala theatre in the city centre.

Milan is hot in summerand cool in winter, thanks to its proximity to the Italian Alps. Hiresnowboards and skis and head to the mountains for a weekend getaway in thecolder months.

Milan’s northern locationis accessible through its international airport and trains from many Europeancentres. Once here, get around using the affordable tram and metro systems.Make the most of long summer days and explore the streets on foot to discoverwhy Milan is one of the most fashionable cities in the world.

Where to stay in Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II showing heritage architecture, night scenes and château or palace

Milan Centre

4.5/5(119 area reviews)

Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Milan are top sights in Milan Centre, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Duomo Station or Via Orefici P.za Cordusio Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Milan Centre
Centro Storico

Centro Storico

Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Milan are top sights in Centro Storico, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Via Orefici P.za Cordusio Tram Stop or Cordusio M1 Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Centro Storico
Stazione Centrale di Milano

Central Station

4/5(123 area reviews)

Enjoy the fantastic nightlife in Central Station. Corso Buenos Aires is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Via Settembrini Tram Stop or Via Vitruvio Tram Stop to see more of Milan.

Central Station
Pinacoteca di Brera featuring heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture

Brera

Shopping, live music and restaurants highlight some notable features of Brera. Make a stop by Pinacoteca di Brera or Orto Botanico di Brera while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Via Cusani Tram Stop or Cairoli Station to get around town.

Brera
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Navigli

5/5(3 area reviews)

Navigli is a destination travellers like for its art galleries, and you might hop aboard the metro at Via Valenza Alzaia Nav. Grande Tram Stop or Porta Genova M2 Tram Stop to explore sights like Darsena.

Navigli
#milan #italy

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest still active shopping mall in Italy. Its name was chosen in honor of Italy's first king, Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia, who laid the first stone on March 7, 1865. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Sadly he fell off the roof and died before his work was inaugurated in 1877. The tombstone in honor of the architect stands at the entrance of the gallery.
Its dimensions are impressive: the dome is 47 meters from the ground and is 39 meters in diameter. It was one of the first in Europe to use glass for such an imposing structure.
The top paintings were made by different painters and represent four continents and diverse activities such as art, agriculture, science and industry. In the center of the gallery floor is the mosaic with the coat of arms of the Savoys royal house.

A Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II é o mais antigo shopping ainda ativo da Itália. O seu nome foi escolhido em homenagem ao primeiro rei da Itália, Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia, que colocou a primeira pedra no dia 7 de março de 1865. Foi projetada pelo arquiteto Giuseppe Mengoni. Tristemente ele caiu do telhado e morreu antes que a sua obra fosse inaugurada, em 1877. A lápide em homenagem ao arquiteto fica na entrada da galeria.
A suas dimensões são impressionantes: a cúpula está a 47 metros do chão e possui 39 metros de diâmetro. Foi uma das primeiras da Europa a utilizarem o vidro para uma estrutura tão imponente.
As pinturas no topo foram realizadas por diferentes pintores e representam quatro continentes e atividades diversas como arte, agricultura, ciência e indústria. No centro do chão da galeria fica o mosaico com o brasão da casa real dos Savoia.

Scala

While you're in Scala, take in top sights like Teatro alla Scala or Piazza della Scala, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Teatro alla Scala Tram Stop or Montenapoleone M3 Tram Stop.

Scala
Hotel Berna

Hotel Berna

4 out of 5
Via Torriani Napo 18 Milan MI
The price is NZ$296 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
NZ$296
per night
12 Mar - 13 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,207 reviews)
I've stayed at Hotel Berna a few times before, although it had been about 10 years prior to my recent visit. It's a great choice when you need to be near Milan Centrale train station for an early departure or because of a late arrival. Hotel Berna is interesting. The rooms are very different from ...

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Hotel Berna
ibis Milano Centro

ibis Milano Centro

3 out of 5
Via Finocchiaro Aprile Camillo 2 Milan MI
The price is NZ$273 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
NZ$273
per night
13 Mar - 14 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,566 reviews)
All of it. Clean room and friendly staff

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

ibis Milano Centro
Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center

4 out of 5
S.S. 336 Ferno VA
The price is NZ$417 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
NZ$417
per night
28 Feb - 1 Mar
Stay at this spa hotel in Ferno. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,503 reviews)
The whole experience at the Sheraton Malpensa never disappoints.

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Residenza delle Città

Residenza delle Città

4 out of 5
Via Mauro Macchi 79 Milan MI
Stay at this business-friendly residence in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,339 reviews)
The room was clean and spacious. The staff were super helpful at all times. The water and hot beverages in the lobby 24/7 were amazing. Great laundry facilities, decent gym. Outstanding experience!

Reviewed on 27 Jan 2026

Residenza delle Città
Casa da Suite Fraschini

Casa da Suite Fraschini

3 out of 5
Via Fratelli Fraschini 3 Milan MI
Stay at this aparthotel in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Piazza del Duomo and Cathedral of Milan are located nearby.
6.8/10 (201 reviews)
The bathroom was so so, the sink was clogged with cigarette leftovers and it had a strong cigarette smell

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2025

Casa da Suite Fraschini
Milan Retreats Duomo

Milan Retreats Duomo

Via del Bollo 2 Milan MI
Stay at this business-friendly apartment in Milan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (716 reviews)
Room was big enough and comfortable. I took us some time to find the place. Bed, sheets, pillows were very comfortable. You cannot get a better, closer location to the Piazza Duomo! We were close to everything we wanted to see in the center of Milan! Customer service was very responsive and helpful. ...

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2026

Milan Retreats Duomo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Milan

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
86
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
113
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
24
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The city from which I flew home. Malpensa airport is a very handy location.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Well worth a visit but need more time than four days to explore this city and it’s history

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Please be aware of pick pocketers at Metro station and even at toilet. They are often in groups and push you around to get to your purse , wallet etc. hold on to them and be aware of strangers saying hello or time to get close to your belongings

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A great city to visit with a mix of history and modern features. Metro easy to navigate.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It was raining most of the time. Make sure you have an umbrella 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We was only in Milan for a short time, as we travelled to Venice, was pre warned about being vigilante and having safety processes.The town looks very interesting and we will endeavor to explore next time.

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