Is Milan Worth Visiting?

Known as one of the most fashionable cities in the world, Milan probably isn’t the first city you think of when planning a trip to Italy.

So is Milan worth visiting? 

Milan is famous for its fashion. However, it is more than just the home of Italy’s most famous fashion brands.

The city is Italy’s most important economic center as well as the country’s wealthiest city.

It’s also home to historical art, unique culture, remarkable architecture, and Milanese cuisine. 

Milano is also where travelers can find Leonard da Vinci’s Last Supper mural and the majestic Duomo, both of which will take your breath away.

It is a city known for its ancient treasures and its modern charms. 

But the question remains is Milan worth visiting, and should you include it in your trip to Italy?

Here are some of the reasons you should visit Milan.

Our guide is also going to give you some ideas on what to do in Milan.

Reasons To Visit Milan: The Pros

Milan is famous for its historical, cultural, and architectural wonders.

Music lovers can enjoy a night out at the famous theater La Scala; art lovers can follow in the steps of Leonardo de Vinci; architectural geeks can revel in the beauty of the Duomo and luxury shoppers can go wild at one of the many luxury and high-end boutiques. 

Milan is also the perfect jumping-off spot to explore Northern Italy, whether you’re looking to eat Italian cuisine in Bologna, explore the beauty of Lake Como, or head on over to another famous Italian city like Rome or Venice. 

Here are some other reasons to visit Milan. 

The Fashion

Milan is home to some of the biggest names in fashion and is recognized as one of the fashion capitals of the world.

As a result, it is one of the best high-end shopping destinations in the world. 

If you are looking for luxury brands then make sure to head on over to the Quadrilatero d’Oro district—the center of fashion and home to the city’s most exclusive luxury brands and workshops. 

The city also hosts Fashion Week twice a year in autumn/winter and then again in spring/summer.

During Fashion Week shops are open until late and travelers can find various events, shopping experiences, and fashion shows throughout the city. 

However, if you do plan on coming to Milan during fashion week, bear in mind that prices do go up and hotel availability is in short supply. If that’s the case, book your accommodation in advance.

Is Milan worth visiting for luxury shopping? Yes, especially if you consider that luxury goods are often cheaper in Milan.

So if you’ve been dreaming about a specific Gucci bag, then make sure to set aside some time for a shopping spree. 

The Art

Milan might not be the first Italian city that you think about when you hear the word art but it is home to an incredible collection of masterpieces.

Some of these artistic treasures include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Umberto Boccioni. 

The city also has several museums perfect for any art lover. The Museo Novecento is known for its collection of 20th-century Italian art.

Then there is the Pinacoteca di Brera, which is a public museum celebrated for its art collection focusing on Venetian and Lombard paintings. The museum houses work by Bellini, Caravaggio and Boccioni. 

Fun fact, Leonardo da Vinci lived in Milan for over 17 years and he left behind several masterpieces along with the Last Supper.

Make sure to visit the Pinacoteca Ambriosiana which houses various da Vinci paintings, sketches, and journals. 

Historic Landmarks

One of the most famous landmarks in Milan is the stunning Duomo di Milano, which is the third largest church in the world, the second in Europe, and the first in Italy.

If you are religious it is also home to the Holy Nail of Jesus, which is said to have been used in the actual crucifixion of Jesus. 

However, even as a non-believer the Duomo is an impressive structure to admire and explore, whether from the outside or inside.

The cathedral took six centuries to complete and is home to statues, gargoyles, and over seven hundred figures. 

Make sure to visit the rooftop to fully appreciate the architecture and the view. 

But the Duomo is not the only historic landmark within the city of Milano.

Make sure to visit the Sforzesco Castle, the massive Colonne di San Lorenzo, the Renaissance Santa Maria dell Grazie—which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s mural, The Last Supper—and the world-famous Teatro alla Scala. 

The Food

One of the reasons to visit Milan is to partake in apertivo hour. The concept originally gained popularity in the 1920s in Milan, which is coincidently also the birthplace of Campari, a bitter spirit. 

Although you can experience aperitivo hour in any Italian city, the people of Milan have got it down to an absolute science. 

If you didn’t know, an aperitivo can be compared to happy hour. The main difference, however, is that your drink often comes with free snacks.

This tradition is meant to open up your appetite and ready your stomach for dinner. As a result, at 6 pm, once the sun starts to set, locals head on over to their favorite bar for an after-work drink. 

The most famous drinks that you should try are Spritz and Negroni.

A Spritz is one of the more traditional Italian cocktails and is made with prosecco, Aperol, and soda plus garnished with an orange slice.

The Negroni was invented in Milan and is made from Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. 

Milan also has traditional dishes, some of which are famous across Italy. Make sure to try Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese, Panettone and Cassoeula. 

Milan also is one of the cities that receives the most Michelin stars every year. As of 2021, the city has over 15 Michelin-Starred restaurants.

Safety 

Is Milan safe? Although there are also risks associated with traveling to any destination, Milan is a very safe city for travel. 

However, it does have its dangers. Although rare, there have been reports of crimes against tourists, primarily scams and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas.

As a result, no matter where you go, make sure to always have an eye on your belongings, never flash any cash, and always have travel insurance just in case.

Reasons To Visit Milan: The Cons

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Milan, as these particular cons may heavily influence your Italian travel plans.

It Can Be Expensive 

Now, you may be wondering: is Milan expensive?

Milan can be seen as a little more expensive than other Italian cities primarily because it is the country’s business hub. 

Prices are higher in the main tourist area in the city, however, there are more affordable hotel and restaurant options in and around the city if you are on a budget. 

Hotels in the city are often pretty affordable except during Fashion Week.

Although prices are higher during these events, if you are a fashion lover, then it is interesting to see what Milan is like during Milan Fashion Week. Just be prepared to pay a little extra for the experience. 

The Last Supper

If you do plan on visiting Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, then make sure to come prepared.

Tickets are sold out way in advance, and the overall experience can feel a little mechanical and rushed. 

First of all, plan and secure tickets as early as possible. 

Then once you do arrive at the Renaissance Santa Maria dell Grazie, be prepared to spend no more than 15 minutes in front of the actual mural.

The Last Supper is heavily guarded and the entrance is incredibly controlled. 

Once you pass through a series of sealed doors, you’ll have only 15 minutes to enjoy the painting before having to leave.

It’s not the type of place where you can relax, linger and take it all in for as long as you want. 

It Can Be Seen As Overrated

Milan is a famous Italian city, but it can be seen as a little overrated, especially when comparing it to its more famous siblings. 

The city was subjected to heavy bombings during WW2, which destroyed a lot of its architecture and historical landmarks.

That coupled with the fact that it is a metropolis, and the economic hub of Italy means that there isn’t too much to see or do in Milan. 

Milan has a lot of modern architecture, but if you are looking to experience the historic and medieval side of Italy, then it might not be the best city to visit. 

The Final Verdict: Is Milan Worth Visiting? 

So is Milan a good place to visit, and is it nice? Well, it depends.

If you’re exploring the north of Italy, then Milan should definitely be on your travel list. The city itself is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the northern Lombardy region. 

If you decide to visit, make sure to limit your time in the city. Milan is a metropolis, and although it does have some interesting tourist attractions, there isn’t too much to see within the city.

One or two days in Milan should be enough.

If you’d rather go somewhere with plenty to do, consider a place like Rome instead. There are things to do in Milan, but not enough to keep you busy for a week.

If you have a strict time limit or are exploring a different region of Italy, then maybe Milan isn’t the right destination for you. This also can be true if you want to experience the medieval or historical side of Italy. 

So is Milan worth visiting? Yes, the city is beautiful, but if it’s your first time exploring Italy, maybe it’s wise to save Milan for your third or fourth time visiting this unforgettable country. 

Visiting Italy soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Italy bucket list
• Elope in Italy
• How many days in Rome