Things to do in  Milan

Italy’s capital of contemporary fashion and design is most famous for a masterpiece dating from more than 500 years ago: Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, housed in Milan’s Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The city’s majestic gothic cathedral (Duomo) is also a star attraction.

You’ll need at least a full day to visit The Last Supper and stroll from the Duomo through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to visit La Scala opera house. Stay overnight to dip into the city’s evening aperitivo scene and spend the following day browsing fashion boutiques and Brera Art Gallery.

Two of Milan’s top three sites are less than a five-minute walk apart: the Cathedral (Duomo) and La Scala opera house, separated by the ornate Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The city’s third headliner, Leonardo’s The Last Supper, is in Santa Maria delle Grazie about a 20-minute walk from the Duomo.

Book your afternoon tickets (or tour) to The Last Supper in advance and plan your itinerary around the entrance time. Begin in Milan’s center with a visit to the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala before heading to Santa Maria delle Grazie to admire Leonardo’s famous painting.

This cosmopolitan city is famous for its buzzy aperitvo cocktail hour in the trendy Navigli and Brera neighborhoods come evening. Joining the chic locals as they sip their iced spritzes and negronis is a great way to get a true feel for the city.

A number of Milan’s architectural treasures are most impressive from the outside, including the soaring Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and Sforza Castle located in the grand (and public) Sempione Park. You can also stroll through the picturesque Brera Botanical Garden and along the Navigli canal without spending a penny.