Elegance, sophistication, culture, history, and modernity… this is vibrant Milan, one of the world´s hubs of fashion and design. But Italy´s commercial capital goes far beyond luxury brands and haute couture shows. With an unrivalled cultural and artistic legacy, Milan flawlessly fuses tradition and innovation. As this country´s second most visited city, it´s a bucket lister par excellence. And to make sure you don’t miss any of its top wonders, we present seven unmissable experiences that will make your visit unforgettable. Get ready to discover the best Milano to offer!
Fashion Week? Sign Us Up!
Fashionistas and design enthusiasts have certainly come to the right place. Milan is the epicentre of the most prestigious shows in the world, and its iconic Fashion Weeks are unmissable events, with 2024´s fall edition about to get underway (17-23 September) and its winter edition taking place in January to March (for men the next one will be 17-21 January and for women 25 February-3 March). Although attending the most exclusive runway shows without accreditation can be difficult, being close to that vibrant atmosphere is an indescribable experience. In addition, the schedule is packed with all sorts of other events, many of which are open to the public.
Some of the World´s Greatest Icons of Art and Especially Architecture
Some of Milan´s top bastions of art include the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the Pinacoteca of the Sforza Castle, the Novecento Museum, the Prada Foundation, and of course the refectory of the UNESCO World Heritage Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, home to Leonardo da Vinci´s Last Supper (and by the way, be sure to book well in advance, through several venues and often in combination with the Brera and Ambrosiana galleries). But here we´re going to take special note of the Duomo di Milano, officially called the Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Nativity of Saint Mary. A symbol of the city and Italy´s the largest church after St. Peter´s in the Vatican, its construction began in 1386 and was not 100-percent completed until 1965, and between its majestic towers and its impressive collection of statues, you can breathe the essence of the Gothic style – it´s every corner a work of art.
Shopping, of Course!
Next to the Duomo, strolling through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (top) is like immersing yourself in the luxury and majesty at the heart of Milan. Opened in 1877, this iconic gallery is an architectural gem with its iron and glass roof soaring to 47 metres (154 feet), and its floor adorned with intricate mosaics (a tradition is to spin on one’s heel on the bull mosaic to bring good luck). More than just a shopping mall, the gallery reflects the splendour of Milan, housing luxury boutiques such as Prada, Gucci, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, as well as historic cafés and exclusive bookstores. Then of course there are many other amazing shops (and not just for fashion) scattered throughout the city, with apparel particularly concentrated on streets including Via della Spiga, Via Monte Napoleone, Corso Buenos Aires, and Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II.
World-Class Cuisine
Navigli, a charming old district whose name means “canals”, is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the authentic flavour of Milan. Here you can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere while tasting local delicacies in a variety of restaurants and bars, from traditional cuisine to contemporary innovations and international flavours of the world. It´s the perfect spot for an al fresco dinner by the canal, admiring the views. Also, don’t miss the antique market held on Sundays, adding a unique touch to your visit.
Fantastic Football
The city is home to two of Italy´s greatest footy clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, so if you´re a fan of the beautiful game, don’t miss a tour of their home base, San Siro Stadio. With a capacity of 85,000 spectators and a distinctive exterior with cylindrical towers, the stadium is located in the San Siro district, seven kilometres (a bit over four miles) from the city center, and there are various ways to get out here, but we recommend using public transport to avoid traffic problems (there´s a dedicated metro stop right outside the stadium).
Excellent Outdoor Experiences
Before ending your visit to this charming place, we recommend enjoying some outdoor space away from the crowds. Sempione Park is the perfect spot. Just like Central Park in New York City and London´s Hyde Park, Milan has its own oasis of calm and nature. Built in 1890 and inspired by 14th-century English gardens, the park spans 50 hectares (124 acres) and offers a variety of attractions such as an artificial lake, large garden areas, and several notable buildings such as the Milan Triennale museum of art and design, the Municipal Aquarium, the Civic Arena, the Arch of Peace, and the Branca Tower. Centrally located just behind the Sforza Castle, it´s ideal for strolling, having a picnic in the shade or simply relaxing in a natural setting.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags now and enjoy la dolce vita here this fall with Iberia! And come immerse yourself in the vibrant urban life and timeless elegance of Milan.