Milano - 5 must-try activities
Located in the northwest, Milano is one of the most famous Italian cities, often associated with fashion. Its tourist center is very walkable, with its old buildings and churches. It’s a big city, and you won’t be able to walk to all neighborhood, but it has a subway system with color coded lines and an extensive bus and tram system. In both you can pay directly with your debit/credit card, which is really convenient. Looking for what to do in this big city? You’re in the right place!
To see a video of the following recommendations, click here.
Flowers, tiny cars and an old statue in front of an old church.
Without further ado, here are my must-try activities:
3. Explore the Navigli Neighborhood
Free Walking Tour
Walking is a great way to see the city and to get a preview of places you might want to go back to later.
With a free walking tour (many start right by the Duomo, the central cathedral of the city), you’ll explore the central part of town and see churches, old hospitals converted into universities, and you’ll learn about the history of the city from your guide.
You will also explore more modern area, such as the shopping arcade Galleria del Corso Vittorio Emanuele, right next to the Duomo.
It’s always interesting to do these tours, they take you to places you wouldn’t think of going on your own, and you get to meet other tourists and get recommendations from them as well as the guide about restaurants and museums for example.
Go up the Duomo
“Il Duomo di Milano” is the cathedral of Milan and is the largest cathedral is Italy, located in the center of town and dedicated to St Mary. It has a golden statue that you can see from many parts of town.
You can go up to its roof and see the city from above, as well as see many of its 3.400 statues, 135 spires and 150 gargoyles. Admire the architecture and the stone work, as it took almost six centuries to build this cathedral.
And admire the view from the top, it’s quite phenomenal!
The staircase to get up is not too narrow, but there are many steps. Consider the elevator option if steps are an issue.
Explore the Navigli neghborhood
This area gives off major Venice vibes! The canals are in the southern part of town, and are lined up with restaurants and ice cream places.
It can get quite busy… and expensive. One consideration would be to eat in one of the streets leading to the canals, where it would be a little cheaper and less crowded, and have an ice cream while walking along the water!
Take your time and stroll, do some people-watching (this area is very popular with locals), watch the sun set… and see if the guy in the gondola is still there! You might be able to hitch a ride!
Visit the Castello and its garden
This medieval castle is very centrally located in Milano, and you can walk there from the Duomo cathedral for example. It’s big and red and popular with tourists.
It was built in the 15th century and now houses several museums. It is possible to just walk around the open areas of the castle and the garden even if you’re not interested in going inside or visiting the museums.
If you are though, you can see one of Michelangelo’s painting, see prehistoric artefacts, see furniture and wooden sculptures… make sure to check the castle’s website in detail to best plan your visit depending on your interests.
The garden in very large, take your time exploring, sit down in the shade and watch the turtles and ducks in the pond…
Visit a museum
There are many museums in the city: ancient, contemporary and/or modern art; religious art; paintings; sculptures; science and technology at the Da Vinci museum… anyone can find something they like.
If you’d like to venture out from the center of town, check out La Fabbrica del vapore, which has different temporary exhibits, and is located in Chinatown. It is easily accessible from downtown with the tram.
Much to do indeed! And to fuel up for or refuel after all this exploration, check out these restaurant recommendations!