Italy: short break in Milan | Art, architecture and fashion

It is impossible to pass through Milan without visiting the iconic Duomo, an architectural work of art in the form of a Gothic cathedral.

This cathedral is a masterpiece to be admired from the outside, but a ticket to visit it inside will also give you access to its roof, as well as to the archaeological zone, for a completely different perspective on Milan.

Don’t hesitate to book a visit to the terraces of the Duomo and the Cathedral.

On the other side of Piazza Duomo is the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious 19th century shopping mall. You will find high-end restaurants and luxury designer boutiques such as Prada, Dior and Gucci.

With its glass ceilings and opulent facades, the architecture of this gallery is a wonder to behold; even the floors were worth taking pictures of.

Milan is a dream place for shopping. If you like luxury items, you will be spoilt for choice (whether you want to buy or just look). Stroll through the Fashion Quadrilateral, including Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, for some luxury window shopping: Prada, Hermès, Cartier, Gucci, Armani, Dolce Gabanna, all the big designer brands are here.

Corso Buenos Aires and Via Torino streets will offer you all the big European and international clothing stores like H&M, Zara, Pull and Bear, and others. There’s no shortage of choice, so good luck if you’re travelling as carry-on only!

Since my time in Milan was limited, I chose to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera museum, which features the works of famous Italian artists through different eras. I am not an expert or particularly passionate about art, but I did love my experience at this museum.

In addition to admiring the works, the process of restoring works was on display, which I found fascinating. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy an espresso in the luxurious cafe that is as beautiful as the museum itself.

In Milan and in Italy in general, strolling through the streets without a specific destination, marveling at the different neighborhoods and architecture is an activity in itself.

Milan becomes an open-air museum when you explore it; you can easily enjoy it without having to buy tickets for every place of interest.

If you visit the Pinacoteca di Brera, take the opportunity to stroll through the Brera district, and more specifically along Via Fiori Chiari. This area is one of the most picturesque spots in the city’s historic center. You’ll find little gems along the way, from local clothing and interior design stores to cozy restaurants with a charming atmosphere.

If you’d like a guided tour of the city, you could book this free tour of Milan.

Facing the Duomo Cathedral and opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the Palazzo Reale, the royal palace of Milan. Inside you will find a museum about the history of the building, the Duomo and other temporary exhibitions of contemporary art displaying works by famous artists.

Fans of the medieval period will love Castello Sforzesco. You can admire it for free from the outside, or visit its current exhibitions inside.

Those who prefer the Roman era should stop to see the ruins of the Roman era Colonne di San Lorenzo, located in front of the basilica of San Lorenzo.

A little hidden treasure that I advise you to visit: the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore which, from the outside does not particularly attract the eye, but it is quite the opposite when you visit the interior. You will find beautiful frescoes by 16th century painters. Plus, access is free!

There are of course other attractions to see in Milan, so let yourself be guided according to your tastes and the artistic and cultural period that fascinates you the most.

You could explore Milan’s hidden gems on this guided bike tour.

Walking through the city and visiting museums can quickly become exhausting. Head to the Navigli district for an aperitivo, the local tradition of having a cocktail served with some food. Sit along the canals and observe Milanese life.

It’s a great area to explore at sunset and in the evening, with its local food restaurants, art galleries and nightlife.

Inaugurated in 1778, La Scala in Milan is one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world and has given many major musical performances. A performance at La Scala is the crowning achievement of an opera singer’s career. You can also attend classical ballet performances, such as The Nutcracker in December.

From Milan, this boat trip to Como and Bellagio is a must. These are two of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy.

Milan also offers direct rail access to Cinque Terre from La Spezia. Since the trip takes about 3 hours, it is best to plan more than one day to visit these five idyllic villages.

Book your train journeys online on the Trenitalia website , or opt for a guided boat trip to Cinque Terre.

Air Canada offers direct flights from Montreal to Milan. For a one-way economy flight, you’ll need 35,000 Aeroplan points.

Would you like to find out more about this loyalty program? Here’s our Aeroplan beginner’s guide.

It’s easy to find very affordable flights to Milan from major European cities, as I did onEasyJet from Berlin with one carry-on bag.

If you’re flying with Air Canada and passing through Malpensa airport, you’ll have access to the Lufthansa lounge, since your flight is part of the Star Alliance network. For free access, use your Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card, which gives you six free airport lounge passes with Dragonpass.

As in any major European city, hotel prices in Milan are not cheap. During my time in Milan, I had a very pleasant stay at the AC Hotel Milan Sesto, easily accessible by metro. Discover it here:

Travel points are also a great way to save on Airbnb rentals or independent hotels.

Our guides will help you determine the best strategy for your trip:

In your wallet, it’s a good idea to slip in a credit card with no conversion fees. That’s 2.5% savings per transaction!

In fact, I used the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card to pay for the majority of my expenses.

Discover our tips in our guide to saving on foreign currency transactions

In general, Milan is not the first choice of destination for those who wish to discover Italy. However, it can be the starting or ending point of a superb trip. You could even book an excursion to Venice.

Milan is a city well worth visiting, if only to do a little shopping or to marvel at the Duomo cathedral.

Whether you’re there for an afternoon or a few days, take the time to explore it if you find yourself there.