Our guide to April 21, 2023 has been updated with more activities and more money-saving tips.
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 shopping arcade dating back to the 19th century. Here you’ll find high-end restaurants and boutiques from luxury designers 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 appreciate luxury items, you’ll be spoilt for choice (whether to buy or just to 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 offer all the major European and international clothing stores such as 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!
Art lovers will find much to enjoy in Milan, a city overflowing with museums displaying the works of some of the most famous artists of their time.
Just as you go to the Louvre to see Mona Lisa, in Milan you go to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire the famous masterpiece The Last Supper. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance with this guided discovery of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Here are other museums to add to your list:
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.
As well as admiring the works of art, I found the restoration process fascinating. At the end of the visit, you can enjoy an espresso in the luxurious café, which is just as magnificent 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 boutiques to welcoming 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’ll find a museum on the history of the building, the Duomo and other temporary exhibitions of contemporary art featuring 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 well-hidden little treasure that I recommend you visit: the church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. From the outside, it’s not particularly eye-catching, but it’s quite the opposite when you visit the inside. You will find beautiful frescoes by 16th century painters. Plus, access is free!
There are, of course, many other attractions to see in Milan, and it’s up to you to decide what you’d like to see, depending on your tastes and the artistic and cultural period that most fascinates you.
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. Take a seat along the canals and observe Milanese life.
It’s a pleasant neighborhood to explore at sunset and in the evening, with its restaurants serving local cuisine, art galleries and nightlife.
Inaugurated in 1778, La Scala in Milan is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses, and has been the venue for 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.
We often talk about southern Italy, but the Lombardy region is just as rich in natural wonders and authentic towns to visit. From Milan, this boat trip to Como and Bellagio is a must. These are two of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy.
Alternatively, you can choose to make it a whole trip, taken care of by Wingbuddy. The “Italy and its northern lakes” tour takes you from Milan to Lake Como, via Bellagio and Bergamo. Explore Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, with a guide, and marvel at the majestic mountains, followed by Verona.
For hiking and mountain enthusiasts, the Dolomites are just as spectacular.
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 is our Aeroplan beginner’s guide .
Another strategy is to use ultra-affordable airlines. French Bee, for example, offers a direct Montreal-Paris service at low fares. You can then easily take a second, very affordable flight from Orly airport to Milan with easyJet, for as little as $57.
The cost of flights can be paid or reimbursed using travel points on credit cards such as the CIBC AventuraMD Visa Infinite* Card or the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card. Check out our guide to everything you need to know about saving on airline tickets.
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. Personally, I had a very pleasant stay at the AC Hotel Milan Sesto, easily accessible by metro. Discover it here:
Here are some other suggestions for Marriott Bonvoy hotels :
There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points. The easiest way is via credit card. American Express offers two credit cards linked to this loyalty program:
Travel rewards 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:
It’s a good idea to slip a credit card with no conversion fees into your wallet. That’s a 2.5% savings per transaction!
In fact, I used the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite* Card to pay for the majority of my expenses. The Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card is also an excellent option.
Discover our tips in our guide to saving on foreign currency transactions
Here is some useful information for your visit to Milan:
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.
You can store and stroll the streets, discovering architectural wonders. Then marvel at one of the city’s many museums, or admire Leonardo da Vinci’s mural of The Last Supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
When it comes to the pleasures of the table, aperitivo is not to be missed. It’s a tradition much appreciated by Italians. Then let yourself be tempted by typical dishes such as Milanese risotto or Osso buco.
Milan summers are hot and stifling. Choose spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant.
With its extraordinary architecture, Milan is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities.
Milan is known as the fashion capital of Italy. Milan Fashion Week is a major event for designers from all over the world.
If you love fashion, Milan is a dream city for shopping. To the northeast of the Duomo, the Golden Quadrilateral is a great place to find many luxury brands.
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