Travel & Living

What To Do In Milan Ahead of Salone del Mobile

Have a trip planned to visit Milan? L'OFFICIEL rounds up all the best things to do in Milan. 

milan things to see
Arco Della Pace. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Milan, the world capital of design and the home of quintessential Italian fashion, is the birthplace of iconic brands such as Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada, as well as the city of the national stock exchange. Due to the expansive fashion scene as well as the financial power of the metropolis, Milan offers a variety of shopping opportunities, culturally enriching museums, and excellent restaurantsperhaps some of the best in Italy.

things to do in milan
Piazza San Fedele in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

In addition to the exceptional fashion scene and exquisite cuisine, Milan is also a city with a rich artistic history and is home to countless renowned works of art, such as "Madonna from the Book" by Sandro Botticelli, "The Fourth Estate" by Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo and "Rondanini Pietà" by Michelangelo.

The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, where Leonardo da Vinci's mural "The Last Supper" is located, are witnesses to centuries of art, culture, and human history.

milan things to see
Fondazione Prada in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

To fully appreciate how it appears today, L'OFFICIEL first dives into the history of the metropolis, tracing the roots of Milanese culture back to where and when they began. Milan was founded under the name of Mediolano, by the Celtic people. It was later invaded by the Romans in 222 BC, where it eventually became the administrative capital of the Western Roman Empire. Centuries later, it was ruled by the Spanish, in 1500, and by the Austrians, in 1700.

In 1796, Milan was conquered by Napoleon I, who made it the capital of his Kingdom of Italy. During the Romantic period, the city was an important cultural center in Europe, attracting numerous artists, composers, and important literary figures. In the Second World War, Milan was seriously affected by bombings, but the city recovered after the war, attracting thousands of immigrants from southern Italy and abroad, and transforming itself into a hub of industrial and financial growth.

Although many do not consider Milan among Italy's most beautiful cities, especially compared to Rome and Firenze, which are known for their geography and architecture, but in Milan, there is beauty around every corner. From the immaculately well-dressed Milanese citizens who walk the —Italy's oldest shopping centerto the facades and courtyards of the Palazzos that line the historic district. Milan is rare among Italian cities for having its collective gaze fixed on the future. Whether in business and fashion or in science and architecture, Milan is a city filled with people who are dynamic, energetic, and ambitious, but it's also a place rich in history, with dozens of churches, monasteries, and galleries filled with exquisite art.

This juxtaposition of past and present makes it an exciting destination and a city of endless surprises. From the cobbled streets around Brera to the bustling nightlife of Navigli, this city is more than just a pretty cathedral and the home of two top-tier football teamsalthough it's also worth catching a game. Join L'OFFICIEL in exploring all the best things to see and do in Milan ahead of Salone del Mobile. 

things to do in milan
Dolce & Gabbana flagship store in Milan. Photo courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana.

Climb onto the roof of Milan's Gothic Cathedral, the Duomo

milan things to see
Duomo Milano. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The best way to see Milan's most important building is to climb it on a tour of the vast roof. Start at Piazza del Duomo to admire the newly restored Candoglia marble facade and appreciate the scale and complexity of Italy's largest cathedraland the third largest in the world. Then, guests can take the elevator up to the roof to get up close to the intricately carved towers that give the building its distinctive wedding-cake appearance. Surprisingly, construction work began in 1385 and ended almost 600 years later, in 1965.

Stroll through the oldest gallery in the world

things to do in milan
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Almost as famous as the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the magnificent glass-enclosed mall next to the Cathedral. Built after the unification of Italy in 1865, it is decorated with mosaics representing the 20 regions of Italy. In the central octagonal space, there are four mosaics representing the coats of arms of the other three capitals of the Kingdom of ItalyTurin, Florence, Rome, and of course, Milan.

Prada has had a store in the gallery since 1913, and after that, visitors should go up to the third floor, where you will find the Marchesi bakery, one of the most traditional pastry shops in Milan. The view from the gallery is spectacular and it can be complimented by a delicious rice cake tortino di riso a piece of panettone, or a brioche with cappuccino. Naturally, A stop at Camparino is mandatory, and you should end your visit with a Campari on the rocks.

Spend a night at the opera

milan things to see
Teatro Alla Scala in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Even if you're not an opera enthusiast, the opulence of La Scala in Milan, one of the most important theaters in the world, will move you. The best way to experience this is by catching a nighttime show.

The red velvet decor in front of the stage where Verdi and Rossini premiered their works and where Paganini played the violin for the first time, magically envelops you. It's worth booking one of the many behind-the-scenes programs to delve into the archives, costume department, and even Ansaldo's workshops, where set designers make dreams come true.

Get lost in the charming neighborhood of Pinacoteca di Brera

When Napoleon conquered Italy in the early 19th century, he quickly reclaimed his art, plundering dozens of churches and monasteries. The result is the Pinacoteca di Brera collection, an impressive array of mainly religious works by Mantegna, Bellini, Tintoretto, and Caravaggio. Installed in Palazzo Brera. A highlight is the glass-enclosed restoration room, where you can watch the experts at work.

The building also houses a library and an astronomy museum, both of which are worth a visit. In addition to the Pinacoteca, the Brera neighborhooda vibrant area full of contemporary art galleries such as Galleria Antonio Battaglia, Galeria Miart, and Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera offers numerous attractions. Cobblestone streets add to the special aura, and charming boutiques along with typical Milanese restaurants take it to another level. Be sure to plan ahead and include a visit to the Brera market, which takes place on the third Sunday of each month.

Admire Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

The convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie has perhaps the most enviable dining room of all time, where Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is located. The fresco was painted during the 1490s and, incredibly, survived bombings during the war.

The biggest threat to the work today is the degradation of the paints, the fading of which gives rise to many theories, including that the figure to the right of Jesus is Mary Magdalene, not his disciple John, as is commonly believed. Don't miss the vineyard and the house next door, given to Leonardo as payment for the piece. If you plan to visit this masterpiece, don't forget to make a reservation in advance. 

Shop like a local

The Quadrilatero della Moda is denoted by the streets Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Corso Venezia, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via del Gesù, and comprises an area occupied almost exclusively by ultra-sophisticated boutiques such as Aquazzura, Gucci, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Pucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Valentino, and Prada.

Still, locals tend to prefer the 150-year-old Rinascente department store located in Piazza del Duomo, which has everything and more under one roof. For vintage and independent shops, head to Brera, the cool bohemian neighborhood that lies west of the fashion district.

Visit the Fondazione Prada

milan things to see
Fondazione Prada in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Founded in 1993 and co-chaired by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli since 1995, Fondazione Prada is an institution of art and culture. Miuccia Prada, a highly successful fashion designer, businesswoman, and art collector, decided to share the gift of art with her beloved city and designed a bold modern project. 

The location chosen was the southern outskirts of Milan, just below Porta Romana, helping to recover an immense industrial area that had been abandoned. There are 19,000 square meters where a distillery once operated. The project was created by the famous Dutch architect Rem Khoolas, who also designed several Prada stores worldwide. Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Louise Bourgeois, Roy Lichtenstein, Piero Manzoni, and Michelangelo Pistoletto are just a few artists who have work exhibited at the museum. 

Stay at the Hotel Portrait Milano

For a unique experience, L'OFFICIEL suggests staying at the Hotel Portrait Milano, which belongs to the Ferragamo family. The venue was recently opened in the former Seminary of the Archbishop of Corso Venezia, one of the most fascinating secret spaces in the center of Milan, offering quintessential Italian hospitality with an added personal touch for each guest and meticulous attention to every detail.

The ornate Baroque-style door at Corso Venezia 11 is the hotel's main entrance that surrounds a new must-see destination, Piazza del Quadrilatero, spanning almost 3,000 square meters. The body of the hotel has 73 wonderful suites, spreads between historic colonnades, exclusive boutiques, and memorable gourmet experiences such as Beefbar Milano, the first of the famous chain in Italy, or even the trendy Bar Rumore.

Under the vaults and ancient columns of the former seminary, you discover an inviting wellness area including a spa with a stunning pool and gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Contrasting with the ancient architecture, the decoration reveals the best of authentic Italian design, with luxurious materials and works of art in a perfect combination of texture and color palette and the signature of architect Michele Bönan.

Other Hot Spots To See In Milan

milan things to see
Pasticceria Marchesi in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
  • LANGOSTERIA: VIA SAVONA 10
  • BICE: VIA BORGOSPESSO 12
  • GIACOMO BISTROT: VIA PASQUALE SOTTOCORNO 6
  • IL SALUMAIO: VIA SANTO SPIRITO 10
  • ARMANI/NOBU: VIA PISONI 1
  • BAR BULGARI | BULGARI HOTEL MILANO: VIA PRIVATA FRATELLI
  • GABBA 7b
  • BAR MARTINI AND MARTINI BISTROT: CORSO VENEZIA 15
  • TORRE | FONDAZIONE PRADA: Via Lorenzini, 14
  • PASTICCERIA MARCHESI: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Tags

Recommended posts for you