11 Best Things To Do in Milan

Milan combines all the advantages of a big city with the comfort of a small historic centre. The Duomo, La Scala, the Castle and Leonardo Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' are some of its great attractions. Here's what to do in Milan:

It is a must-see in this city. Without the Duomo, Milan would not be Milan. This impressive Gothic cathedral, the fifth largest in the world, stands in the square of the same name, the Piazza del Duomo, in the heart of the city.

It took almost six centuries to build and stands out for the beauty of its pinkish-white marble façade, its pinnacles and towers crowned by statues, a splendid rooftop terrace offering the best views of the city and a Renaissance-style altar that apparently houses one of the nails of Christ's Cross.

The Duomo is the most visited place in Milan. Getting a fast-track ticket to avoid long queues or booking a guided tour of Milan's Duomo to enrich your visit is a great way to see it. Opening hours are from 8.00 to 19.00 (terrace opens at 9.00) every day.

On the dining room wall of a former Dominican convent, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you can admire up close a masterpiece: Leonardo Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'.

This fresco, which has survived centuries of bombing and weathering, is a key piece of art history for its mastery and original depiction of one of the most dramatic moments of the New Testament.

To visit the work you need to book your ticket well in advance or book a guided tour of 'The Last Supper'. Santa Maria delle Grazie is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15am to 6.45pm.

This is another of Milan's major landmarks. In 1801 it was demolished by Napoleon, but was rebuilt a century later to the appearance it had during the time of the Sforza family, the family that had long ago fought to make it one of the most majestic courts in Italy and to whom it owes its name.

You can visit it on your own and book tickets to the Sforza Castle, go aboard a tourist bus or on one of the tours that go around the city. Today, the Sforzesco Castle is home to dozens of museums, some of which are very interesting:

• The Pinacoteca di Milano, with more than 1,500 works.
• The Egyptian Museum.
• The Museum of Furniture.

It is the first shopping centre in Italy and one of the first in the world. Built in the 19th century, it stands out for the mosaics that decorate its floors and walls and for a large glass dome that connects Piazza La Scala with Piazza del Duomo.

Today it is still a shopping passage where some of the city's most luxurious boutiques, historic cafés, such as the Biffi, and restaurants with lively terraces are concentrated. It is free to enter, but you can visit it by booking a guided tour of Milan.

This gallery is specially illuminated for Christmas, making it a must-see if you visit Milan at Christmas time. Although the illumination is maintained during the months of December or January.

The Teatro alla Scal a is one of the most famous and oldest opera houses in the world, a must-see whether you are an opera enthusiast or not. Its interiors date back to the 18th century and have an antique beauty that permeates its foyer, auditorium and interesting museum.

I recommend booking a visit to Milan's Teatro alla Scala to see the props and instruments of composers such as Chopin, Verdi, Puccini and Mozart. But also because it is the most complete way to learn about its rich history and anecdotes.

Some of the greatest works in history, such as Otello and Madame Butterfly, and singers such as María Callas, Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo have performed on its stages.

To get to know a city you should not only visit its monuments. A stroll through some of its most characteristic neighbourhoods is the best way to discover its culture and way of life.

In Milan, one of these neighbourhoods is Brera. Brera is in the historic centre, on cobbled streets and among cafés and original shops that live with 18th century buildings, such as the Pinacoteca de Brera, one of the most renowned museums in the world, which I recommend you book a guided tour.

There you will also see up to four important churches: the Basilica San Simpliciano, the Chiesa di San Marco, the Chiesa di Sant'Angelo and the Chiesa Santa Maria del Carmine. But also the Botanical Garden and the Astronomical Observatory.

Milan's location makes it a perfect starting point to explore other nearby areas that are really worth a visit, such as:

• Venice and Verona: two of Italy's most famous cities. Excursions are usually day trips and you will be accompanied by a guide.
• Cinque Terre: declared a World Heritage Site, it is a beautiful coastal area consisting of the towns of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.
• Lago di Como: known for its incredible alpine scenery.
• Lago di Garda: it is the largest lake in Italy and its beauty will leave you open-mouthed.
• Town of St. Mortiz: it is at the foot of the Swiss Alps and can be reached by a historic train across the Bernina Strait.

If you have two or even three days on your trip to Milan, don't hesitate. You can organise your own visits or get to know these places in a very practical, comfortable and time-efficient way with one of the many excursions organised from Milan.

Milan is one of those cities that you feel like walking around and discover ing every corner of it. But the tourist bus is undoubtedly a great option to move comfortably between the main points of interest.

It allows you to get on and off the bus every time you want to walk around a certain area. Besides, it's perfect if you're travelling to the Italian city in winter, since the cold temperatures can give you a hard time.

By booking a seat in the Milan sightseeing bus, you will be able to go through three different routes and make sure you don't miss anything. And while you move around the city, you won't have to give up the wonderful views that its streets have to offer.

Piazza Mercanti is a medieval corner in the centre of Milan and one of the most beautiful squares in the city. During the Middle Ages it was the commercial and governmental centre of Milan, so it preserves some of its most remarkable and curious buildings. Here you will be able to see:

• The Palazzo della Ragione, dating from 1233 and housing the Courts of Justice.
• The Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, the most prestigious higher school in Milan during the Middle Ages.
• The beautiful Casa dei Panigarola, in Gothic style.
• The Loggia degli Osii, decorated with statues and coats of arms and housing the offices of the judges.

I recommend booking a Milan bike tour because many of them stop in or pass through this piazza.

The Cemetery of Milan is one of the most recommended and surprising visits in the city. Far from being gloomy, this 19th century cemetery is an authentic open-air museum of 250,000 square metres dotted with tombs of great artistic value, sculptures, Greek temples and even a pyramid.

It also has the so-called 'Hall of Fame', which contains the tombs of some of the country's most important figures. To make sure you don't miss anything in the Monumental Cemetery, buy a guided tour of this and other major points of interest in Milan.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm with free admission.

As a big city with so much to see and do, you may need a break to relax during your discovery of Milan.

That place is Sempione Park, where you can stroll around a spectacular English-style garden, amidst nature, an artificial lake and monuments such as the Arco della Pace, commemorating Napoleon's victories. Undoubtedly, one of the essential plans if you travel to Milan with children.

• Visitinghours: every day from 6.30am to 9pm.