Things to do in Milan – 10 tips for attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Milan is Italy's fashion and design capital, but the city also offers magnificent architecture, historical sites, shopping and a delicious food scene. Here you can admire the majestic Duomo, stroll through elegant shopping malls and end the day with a classic Italian aperitivo.

We visited Milan with Peter's son Robin and his wife Alexandra during a campervan trip through northern Italy. Here are our tips for things to see and do in Milan.

Milan – fashion, history and Italian city life

Milan is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy and is the country's second largest city after Rome. The city is internationally known for fashion, design and shopping, but Milan has much more to offer than exclusive fashion boutiques.

Here you will find one of Italy's most impressive cathedrals, historic buildings, art treasures and pleasant neighborhoods, including a wonderful food culture with the so-called "aperitivo".

We arrived in Milan by camper van and used the city as a base for a few days. We visited the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, shopped, had coffee and had an aperitivo – and got a first taste of this elegant northern Italian metropolis.

1. Visit the Milan Cathedral

It's hard to imagine Milan without the enormous cathedral in the middle of the city. The Duomo di Milano is the city's main landmark and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Construction began in 1386 and work on the cathedral and its decorations continued for several centuries. The facade is covered in sculptures, spires and decorative details, and at the top of the large spire stands the gilded Madonnina, which has become a symbol of Milan. The cathedral is impressive from Piazza del Duomo, but be sure to go inside and see the magnificent interior.

Go up to the roof of the Duomo

One of the most special experiences at the Duomo is to climb up to the cathedral's roof terraces, where you can stroll among spires, statues and sculptures high above Piazza del Duomo.

The highest terrace that visitors can reach is around 45 meters above the ground and from here you can enjoy views of Milan. On clear days you can even see the mountains in the distance.

The rooftop terraces are accessible via stairs or a lift and are one of those experiences that is worth booking in advance if you want to be sure of getting in. Note: Remember not to wear a skirt that is too short – and perhaps bring a shawl or cardigan to cover your shoulders – otherwise you may not be welcomed in.

2. Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right next to Piazza del Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Milan's most famous buildings and a must-see even if you don't plan on shopping.

The elegant mall with its large glass roof is filled with exclusive shops, restaurants and cafes. Here you will find some of the world's most famous fashion brands, but it costs nothing to just walk through the building and look at the architecture and the people.

The mall connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala and is a natural stop during a walk through central Milan.

3. Experience Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is the obvious center of Milan and a place you are almost guaranteed to pass several times during a visit.

Here the Duomo rises above the square while the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II opens up along one side. All around are shops, cafes, restaurants and crowds of people. Here you can stop for a while and just feel the pulse of the city.

4. Shopping in Milan

Milan is one of the world's great fashion cities, so for those interested in shopping there is almost as much to discover. The most exclusive fashion stores can be found in the Quadrilatero della Moda area, where streets like Via Montenapoleone are lined with international luxury brands.

But you definitely don't need a luxury budget to shop in Milan. In the center there are both Italian and international chains and along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Torino, you will find shopping in a much wider range of price ranges. We took the opportunity to find some bargains ourselves, which we did in stores with slightly lower price ranges.

5. Coffee the Italian way

Amidst all the sights and shops, you'll need to stop for a coffee. Sitting down at a café is also a great way to take a break and watch the world go by.

Order an espresso, cappuccino or something sweet and enjoy the Italian café culture. Just keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on where you choose to have your coffee – most centrally located and near major tourist attractions you often have to pay extra for the location.

For our part, it was a coffee at Gucci Café in the Vittorio Emmanuele mall, as a visit was high on Alexandra's wish list.

6. Have an aperitivo in Milan

One of our most enjoyable experiences in Milan was having an aperitivo. This is an Italian tradition that is particularly strongly associated with Milan and involves meeting before dinner for a drink and something small to eat.

For example, order an Aperol Spritz, a glass of wine or another drink and combine with snacks or small dishes. The exact amount of food included varies between places – from a few simple snacks to a much larger selection.

For our part, we each had a pink drink along with small bruschettas and vegetables with dip. Very tasty and also relatively affordable.

7. See the Sforza Castle

Another of Milan's great historical landmarks is Castello Sforzesco, a mighty castle located northwest of the city center.

The castle's history dates back to the Middle Ages and was later expanded by the Sforza family, who ruled Milan during the Renaissance. Today, the buildings house several museums and collections, including art, furniture, and historical objects.

Behind the castle, Parco Sempione spreads out. It is one of Milan's large parks and a great place for a break from the city's traffic and shopping streets.

8. Discover the Brera district

Brera is one of Milan's most popular neighborhoods and offers a completely different atmosphere than the large shopping streets around the Duomo.

Here you can stroll along narrow streets among restaurants, cafes, small shops and beautiful houses. The area is also home to the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most important art museums. Even if you don't plan to visit the museum, Brera is nice for a walk, lunch or aperitivo.

9. See Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper

One of the world's most famous works of art is actually in Milan. Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, or The Last Supper, is located in the former monastery refectory at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Leonardo worked on the painting in the 1490s and today both the church and the painting are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The number of visitors is limited and tickets must be booked. If The Last Supper is high on your wish list, it is therefore wise to plan your visit well in advance.

10. Experience Navigli

If you want to discover a different side of Milan, head to Navigli, the area around the city's historic canals. Here, the water is lined with restaurants, bars and cafes, and the area comes alive, especially in the evenings. Navigli is also a popular area for an aperitivo.

A visit here can be a pleasant contrast to the monumental buildings and elegant shopping streets in central Milan and is a great way to end your visit to the city.

Milan by motorhome

During our visit to Milan we stayed in our camper van at Camping City of Milan, from where you can easily get into the city by bus and metro. At the campsite you have nice pitches in green surroundings. There are fairly fresh service buildings, washing machines and a small bar/café. This is an excellent place to rest before or after a hectic visit to the big city.

For those traveling by motorhome, it is also important to check current traffic and environmental regulations before driving into Milan. Regulations and environmental zones can change, and it is better to check what applies to your own vehicle before traveling.

More to see near Milan

Milan is well located for those who want to continue exploring northern Italy. A nice destination is Bergamo, where the historic Città Alta district offers charming alleys, churches and fine views.

Not far from Bergamo is Lago d'Iseo, a lesser-known but very beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and small towns. Lake Garda and Lake Como can also be combined with a visit to Milan. Here you will find reports and tips:

• Bergamo
• Lago d'Iseo
• Guide to Lake Garda
• Wine in Valpolicella