Curator’s statement
Milan is often overlooked—dismissed as a launchpad for the famous lakes or the Dolomites, or only relevant during Fashion Week. It deserves more than that. The very walkable capital of the Lombardy region is a city worth lingering in: stylish, cultured, and quietly proud of what it offers. Beyond the fashion houses and the beautiful people, Milan holds some of Italy's most remarkable treasures. Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" is here, as is the Duomo di Milano—a soaring Gothic cathedral, the fifth-largest Christian church in the world, adorned with more statues than any other. Climb to its rooftop for sweeping views over the city, a perspective that few visitors forget. There's plenty to fill your days: world-class shopping, exceptional risotto, and, if you fancy sports, a football match at the San Siro—one of Europe's great sporting stadiums, and home to not one but two local clubs. Milan rewards those who stay a little longer before moving on to the rest of Italy.
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Where to stay in Milan
Things to do in Milan
The canals of the Navigli District
Visit Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"
No visit to Milan is complete without seeing Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"— the original, housed in the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monumental mural has graced the convent's refectory wall since 1495, and, at over 500 years old, it remains one of the most recognized paintings in the world. To preserve it, access is carefully controlled: Visits are time-limited and the room is kept at a precise humidity to protect the aging pigments. Step inside and the scale of it catches you off guard—the figures appear almost life-sized, and the details are still magnificent. That it survived wars and damage to its surroundings makes the experience all the more extraordinary. Today, more than 460,000 people make the pilgrimage each year, and it's easy to understand why. Book your spot in advance!
Shop 'til you drop
Craving luxury brands and the flagship Prada store? Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, one of the oldest in the world. Ideally located in the Piazza del Duomo, it also houses many of the oldest shops and restaurants in Milan. Take part in Milan’s aperitivo culture and grab a Campari, Campari spritz, or negroni sbagliato at one of the cafés here.
Hop next door to La Rinascente. This multi-floor department store overlooking the Duomo carries all the luxury brands, European brands, and many rooftop restaurants and bars to satisfy your hunger while shopping.
Want something a little funkier? Try END. Milano. Located just off the Piazza del Duomo, this high-end store is home to unique home goods, fashion-forward footwear, and a variety of clothing brands made for everyday wear but seemingly straight from the runway.
Don’t miss the high-end fashion streets Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni, all ranked among the world’s most expensive and prestigious streets. A beautiful mix of luxury fashion brands and exclusive boutiques.
People-watch from a canalside cafe
For a change of pace, head to the Navigli district—Milan's historic canal quarter, with more than a little of Amsterdam's easy charm. Canalside cafes, bars, antique shops, and art galleries line the waterways, making it one of the city's most enjoyable bohemian neighborhoods to simply wander and stroll. Pull up a seat, order a drink, and watch Milan go by. If you'd rather take it all in from the water, a boat tour through the canals is a lovely alternative—and kinder on the legs.
Take a cooking class
Take a cooking class and learn how to make pizza, pasta, or gelato from the Italians! Feast on the results. Group or private classes are available. Have a Fora Advisor set you up based on preferences.
Places to eat & drink in Milan
A cozy corner in El Porteño Gourmet
Ciacco
Touted as the best ice cream in Milan, Ciacco is bound to have a line out its doors. They claim to be the first artisan gelato without any artificial additives. They also have an extensive coffee and dessert menu.
Ratanà Ristorante a Milano
A modern Milanese and Lombard restaurant with flair, a seasonal menu, and outdoor seating.
Ristorante Da Giacomo Milano
Traditional trattoria, and maybe a celeb sighting! An historical Italian atmosphere, featuring fish and wine on the menu. Seasonal outdoor dining.
SETA
Milan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Option to dine in the outdoor courtyard, weather permitting. An innovative approach to Italian cuisine.
Marchesi 1824
Owned by the Prada Group and showcasing Milanese gourmet chocolates, candies, baked goods, and coffee since 1824. Three locations available, all with classic Italian charm. The window art alone is worth the visit.
El Porteño Gourmet
A charming white-tablecloth Argentinian restaurant set in an old-world atmosphere with a well-dressed staff at attention. A great spot for meat lovers, but vegetarian options are available as well.
Bar Luce
Located in the Fondazione Prada and designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson. Step back in time to a Milanese cafe from the 1950s. Closed Tuesdays.
Need to know
Milan is an easily walkable city. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for cobblestones. The metro system is also easy to navigate and makes sightseeing and exploring neighborhoods more accessible. The above-ground tram and buses are also plentiful and well used.
Watch for pickpocketers in the larger city squares. While family friendly at all hours of the day, petty thieves can take advantage of the crowds and tourists.
Spend a couple days here before you venture to the other parts of Italy, which are accessible by train or car.
Have more time in Milan? See an opera or classical concert at La Scala Theater. Tour the historical Sforza Castle and Michelangelo's "Pietà Rondanini," his final masterpiece that he worked on until six days before his death in 1564. Spend a day at Lake Como shopping, boating, eating, or even catching a football game in Como.
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Milan page.