List of Top Things to Do in Milan

I visited Milan with low expectations. To be fair, Milan is really just known for its fashion week and The Last Supper. It was only when I visited, that I realized how unfounded my perception was.

But the city has a lot more to it than what the common view holds. Being Italy’s business center, Milan has a higher number of foreigners living and working here than any other part of the country. In some areas, you might find more expats than Italians.

While you’ll have a ton of articles on the internet about things to see in Milan, I’ve also shared some interesting stories about all these wonders of the city, below.

P.S. Many of them will make you gape! 😀

Top Things to Do in Milan: Travel Guide

1. Take a Selfie with the Middle Finger

You read that right. What you see in the picture above is a giant middle finger standing in the heart of Milan, with (literally) zero fucks given.

This statue was built by the famous Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan, in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, and it was mounted right in front of the Italian Stock Exchange building.

What’s worth noting is that the statue faces the people, not the building. While the artist never went on record to explain the idea behind it, you could say it signifies that the Stock Exchange is flipping a finger at the general population of Italy. Not exactly subtle, but a strong message against capitalism, if you will!

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2. Admire the Duomo

The Milan Cathedral, or the Duomo di Milano, is one piece of architectural sorcery. Sprawling and intricate, every inch of this spectacle is a visual delight. Located in the Piazza del Duomo square, the cathedral has an Italian Gothic facade, and it is loaded with numerous winding towers and cast figures.

Fun fact: The Duomo took 600 years to make! The construction started in 1386, however, the ruling regime in Milan was constantly changing. Hence the construction was often halted due to economic constraints or political agendas. It was only in 1965 that the monument was completed.

From the looks of it, I’m not even surprised it took that long! The Duomo is staggeringly beautiful, you guys! It certainly has to top your list of things to do in Milan.

3. Feel the Creeps at San Bernardino alle Ossa

This church is best known for its side chapel, which houses some 1375 skulls of people who walked the earth a few hundred years ago!

Believe it or not, these skulls and bones are preserved here to decorate the interiors as a way of paying respect to the deceased.

It so happened that in the 13th century, the local cemetery ran out of space. So the officials started digging up old skeletons from the cemetery and moving them to this Chapel to make room for new bodies.

It’s eerie alright, but it also goes to show a sense of comfort people in the middle ages had with death. Considering the life expectancy was ridiculously low, death was far more predictable. Which is why preserving skulls and bones of the departed as a way to accommodate for fresh bodies probably didn’t seem as blasphemous as you might expect it to be.

4. Go Shopping at The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

… Or just go for a stroll (if you’re like me and have no money! insert teary-eyed emoji ?)

One of the top Milan attractions, this shopping mall looks nothing like one on the outside. Sprawling and gilded, with stunning frames and gorgeous artwork, it feels like you’ve stepped into the set of a period film.

The Galleria is a paradigm of Milanese extravagance. It houses many luxury brands, cafes and restaurants.

Fun Fact: You’ll notice that there is an unusual consistency in the layout: Every commercial storefront in the Galleria, be it a restaurant or a brand outlet, mandatorily has an insignia written in gold on a black background. 

5. Visit Navigli: the Venice of Milan

Taking a stroll along the Navigli Grande canal will transport you to Venice. This picture below pretty much explains what I mean:

The Navigli district is not only charming and picturesque, but it’s also lined with some amazing bars and nightclubs. It’s the perfect setting for getting a drink or watching the sunset – or both!

My recommendations for bars to stop by in Navigli are La Vinera (an authentic wine cellar where you can choose from a variety of freshly distilled Italian wines) and Rita & Cocktails (mindblowing cocktails and a snug bar feel). This article shares a very detailed itinerary on what to see and where to eat in Navigli.

6. Partake in the Apertivo

While the dictionary meaning of Apertivo is an end-of-the-day cocktail drink with some sides to stimulate the appetite. In Milan, though, the Apertivo is more than just that – it’s a sort of a ritual.

In the evening, most bars set up a buffet of bread, cold cuts, goat cheese and olives to draw in customers. The food is served on the house with an order of drinks and you can eat till you’re full.

Think of it as a happy hour. But not with discounted drinks – with free food.

I’m not complaining! 🙂

P.S. Check out this interesting read to know all about Apertivo in Italy!

7. Take a Train to Pisa

While Pisa may not be on your list, I urge you to consider making a day’s amend to your Milan itinerary.

With the Leaning Tower, the gorgeous Arno River, stunning building facades, and cute market squares, Pisa is the ideal detour for when you’re visiting Milan!

Martina shares a list of 15 things to do in Pisa, if you’re looking for inspiration.

Have you been to Milan? What top Milan attractions do you recommend? Let me know in the comments!