The best things to do in Milan consistently surprise visitors who arrive expecting little more than fashion boutiques and designer shops. Milan is Italy’s most misunderstood city — written off by many travellers as too expensive, too corporate, too modern. But spend a day or two here and you quickly discover a city of extraordinary depth. Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, one of the greatest paintings in human history, is here. The most spectacular Gothic cathedral in Italy is here.
One of the finest collections of Renaissance art in the world is here. And the best things to do in Milan also include some of Italy’s finest food, the legendary aperitivo culture, and day trips to Lake Como that are among the most breathtaking experiences in the whole country.
This guide covers the best things to do in Milan in 2026 — from world-class art to completely free experiences — so you can make the most of this extraordinary city.
1. See Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
Seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the most extraordinary best things to do in Milan — and one of the most sought-after experiences in all of Italy. Painted directly onto the wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie between 1495 and 1498, this masterpiece is in a fragile condition and visits are strictly limited to groups of 25 for just 15 minutes. That 15 minutes, however, is genuinely unforgettable.
Standing in front of the Last Supper and seeing the extraordinary detail — the expressions on the apostles’ faces, the architectural perspective, the sheer ambition of the composition — is one of those art experiences that changes how you see painting. Book as far in advance as possible. This sells out months ahead during peak season without exaggeration.
Book Last Supper tickets from ourMilan attractions pagefrom €15.
2. Climb the Duomo Rooftop
Climbing to the rooftop terraces of the Duomo di Milano is one of the best things to do in Milan for sheer spectacle. The Duomo is the most spectacular Gothic cathedral in Italy and one of the largest in the world — taking nearly six centuries to complete and covered in 3,400 statues, 135 spires and kilometres of intricate carved stone. From the rooftop terraces, you walk among the spires at close range an extraordinary and slightly surreal experience with views stretching to the Alps on a clear day.
The Cathedral interior is worth visiting too dark, dramatic and genuinely impressive. Entry to the Cathedral costs €5; the rooftop adds €13 more.
Book Duomo tickets from ourMilan attractions pagefrom €5.
3. Visit the Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is one of the best things to do in Milan for history and art lovers. This massive medieval fortress — built in the 15th century as the residence of the Sforza family, the rulers of Milan — now houses several outstanding museums. The highlights include Michelangelo’s final unfinished sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà — one of the most moving works of art in Italy — and collections of ancient art, musical instruments and furniture.
The castle’s courtyard and grounds are free to enter and make a wonderful place to sit and relax away from the city’s busy streets. The surrounding Sempione Park is Milan’s answer to Central Park — a large green space perfect for an afternoon walk.
Castle museums from €5 on ourMilan attractions page.
4. Explore the Brera Art Gallery
The Brera Gallery is one of the most important art museums in Italy and one of the best things to do in Milan for art lovers who want something beyond the Last Supper. Located in the elegant Brera neighbourhood Milan’s most charming and bohemian district the gallery houses a magnificent collection of Italian paintings including masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Mantegna and Bellini.
The Brera neighbourhood surrounding the gallery is wonderful to explore lined with independent restaurants, wine bars, antique shops and art galleries. This is the part of Milan that most tourists miss and most locals love.
Free to enter on the first Sunday of every month. ✅
5. Experience Aperitivo Culture
Experiencing Milan’s legendary aperitivo culture is one of the best things to do in Milan on a budget and one of the great Italian culinary traditions. Between approximately 6 and 8pm, bars across Milan set out generous buffets of food alongside your drink. Order one cocktail or glass of wine (€8-12) and help yourself to pasta, rice dishes, salads, cheese, cold cuts, bruschetta and more. Done properly, aperitivo in Milan replaces dinner entirely.
The Navigli district Milan’s canal neighbourhood and the Brera district are the best areas for aperitivo. The atmosphere in the Navigli in the early evening, with the bars spilling onto the canalside and the golden light reflecting off the water, is one of the finest free experiences Milan offers.
Cost of one drink: €8-12 ✅
6. Walk the Navigli Canals
Walking along Milan’s Navigli canals is one of the best free things to do in Milan — and one of the most unexpected pleasures the city offers. Most visitors don’t realise that Milan once had an extensive canal system designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci himself that connected the city to rivers and lakes across northern Italy.
Today the surviving Navigli Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals are lined with restaurants, bars, vintage shops and artisan studios. The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic and completely different from the busy commercial centre of the city. Go in the evening for aperitivo and stay for dinner.
Free to walk. ✅
7. Visit the Leonardo3 Museum
The Leonardo3 Museum is one of the most fascinating best things to do in Milan for families and curious visitors. Located right next to the Duomo, this extraordinary museum is dedicated entirely to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. Over 200 working scale models of Leonardo’s inventions built from his original drawings and notebooks are on display, from flying machines and military tanks to hydraulic systems and musical instruments.
The museum makes Leonardo’s visionary mind completely accessible and is genuinely thrilling for visitors of all ages. It’s particularly good with children who might find traditional art museums overwhelming.
Tickets from €15 on ourMilan attractions page.
8. Shop and People-Watch in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the best free things to do in Milan — and one of the most beautiful shopping arcades in the world. This magnificent 19th-century covered arcade connects the Duomo to La Scala opera house and is lined with luxury boutiques, historic cafés and restaurants under a stunning glass and iron roof.
You don’t need to spend a euro to enjoy it simply walking through and looking up at the extraordinary architecture is one of the great free experiences in Milan. Look for the bull mosaic on the floor local tradition says spinning on its testicles brings good luck (though this has been banned to protect the mosaic).
Free to enter. ✅
9. Day Trip to Lake Como
Taking a day trip to Lake Como is one of the best things to do in Milan — and one of the most breathtaking experiences in northern Italy. Just 45 minutes by train from Milan Centrale, Lake Como’s dramatic Alpine scenery, elegant villas, charming lakeside towns and crystal-clear water make it an unmissable experience.
The towns of Bellagio, Varenna and Como itself are all beautiful and easily reachable by ferry across the lake. Villa del Balbianello — one of the most photographed villas in Italy — is here. The surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop that makes every view feel like a painting.
Book Lake Como day trips from ourMilan attractions pagefrom €45.
10. Attend La Scala Opera House
Attending a performance at La Scala is one of the most memorable best things to do in Milan for culture lovers. The most famous opera house in the world, La Scala has hosted the premieres of works by Verdi, Puccini and Rossini and remains the pinnacle of the opera world today. Even if a full performance is beyond your budget, the theatre museum gives fascinating insight into the history of this legendary institution at a fraction of the price.
Museum tickets from €9. Performances from €35 on ourMilan attractions page.
Practical Tips for Milan
- Book the Last Supper months ahead:This genuinely sells out months in advance. Book the moment you confirm your travel dates — no exaggeration.
- Use the metro:Milan has an excellent and affordable metro system. A single ticket costs €2.20 and covers all four lines.
- Visit the Duomo rooftop at sunset:The rooftop terraces of the Duomo at golden hour, with views over the city and the Alps, is one of the most memorable experiences in all of Italy.
- Eat where locals eat:The streets around the Duomo and Galleria are tourist trap territory. The Brera, Navigli and Isola neighbourhoods have excellent local restaurants at much more reasonable prices.
- Take advantage of free museum Sundays:Many Milan museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month — including the Brera Gallery and the Castello Sforzesco museums.
For official travel information visit theItalian Tourism Board.
Plan Your Complete Milan Trip
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