Visiting Italy - Suggestions for holidays, trains, itineraries, day-trips, and sightseeing from someone who has lived and traveled extensively in Italy
| Best Skiing in Italy Home to several winter Olympics and the famous Dolomites, Italy has some of the bes... Airlines that Fly to Milan The following airlines fly to Milan Malpensa airport: Aegean Airlines Aegean A... | Trains from Florence to Venice Trains from Florence to Venice run regularly from Florence S.M.N. train statio... Trains from Rome to Florence Trains from Rome to Florence run regularly from Rome Termini train station to Florence... |
10. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Metro: Conciliazione
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of Milan’s most famous landmarks, particularly because it is the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper. Make sure to plan your visit in advance, as the painting is only on display at certain times.
9. Happy Hour
Metro: various
Milan is famous for its Happy Hour (Aperitivo) scene, which involves plenty of food in addition to beverages. Happy hour in Milan generally runs from 7-9pm, and bars offer cocktail specials along with a complimentary all-you-can-eat appetizer buffet. Many of Milan’s high fashion stores are famous for their lavish Happy Hours.
8. Quadrilatero d’Oro
Metro: Montenapoleone
If you like shopping (or window shopping, anyway), the Triangle of Gold, or Quadrilatero d’Oro in Milan is the perfect place to spend a day. Encompassing Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea, Via Montenapoleone, and Gallerie Vittorio Emanuele II, the Quadrilatero d’Oro is home to every Italian and international high fashion house from Prada to Gucci to Armani and so many more.
7. Velasca Tower
Metro: Italia Missori
The Velasca Tower (Torre Velasca) is one of Milan’s most famous Modern buildings. Built in 1954, the Velasca Tower’s top-heavy shape reminds some people of a mushroom. The design is meant to emulate the fortress towers of medieval Lombardy, but its construction and materials are pure Modernism.
6. San Lorenzo Maggiore
Metro: Italia Missori
Built in the 4th century, the Church of San Lorenzo Maggiore (Chiesa di San Lorenzo Maggiore) is the oldest church in Milan. The church was built when Milan was the capital of the Roman Empire, and is stunning for its Roman design and for its ability to survive throughout the centuries.
5. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Metro: Duomo
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning work of architecture and is not to be missed on a visit to Milan. Right off the Piazza del Duomo, the galleria is a covered arcade with high-end shops and restaurants. Designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and completed in 1877, its use of steel and glass was revolutionary in its time and is still awe-inspiring today.
4. Gelato at Bianco Latte
Metro: Turati
Some of the best gelato in Milan is served up at Bianco Latte. Don’t miss the unique flavors like Chili Chocolate and Pine Nut.
3. Sforza Castle
Metro: Cairoli Castello
The Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is one of Milan’s major landmarks. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the castle now houses an art museum.
2. La Scala
Metro: Duomo
See an opera at La Scala (Teatro alla Scala), Milan’s world famous opera house with one of the largest stages in Italy. If you can’t go for a show, make sure to check out La Scala Museum, which has art and costumes, as well as information on the history of the theater.
1. The Duomo
Metro: Duomo
Milan’s Duomo cathedral is perhaps the city’s best known landmark. With its bright white facade and intricate Gothic design, the Duomo is a breathtaking sight. Walk through the interior then up the stairs (or elevator) to the roof, where you will have great views of Milan below.
