MILAN, ITALY

Milan in Italy has always felt to me like a fashion capital and a city with an important transport role in Europe. Shaped by centuries of political power, artistic ambition, and economic influence, this northern Italian city has played a crucial role in the cultural history of Europe, standing at a strategic crossroads between the Mediterranean and Central Europe. As I walked through Milan, its identity as a global capital of fashion and design unfolded naturally alongside its deep historical layers – from the grandeur of the Duomo di Milano and the Renaissance legacy of Sforza Castle, to the elegance of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the cultural richness of Pinacoteca di Brera. Landmarks such as Arco della Pace further reflect Milan’s historical importance, while the city’s vibrant cultural scene continues to shape contemporary European art, style, and thought.

My visit to Milan took place during the New Year holidays, when the city, in addition to all its attractions, also offers a Christmas market. I spent three nights in the city and wanted to visit some of the most important landmarks, so below you can read more about what I consider worth seeing.

Duomo di Milano

LANDMARK | ARCHITECTURE | HISTORY

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INTERACTIVITY ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GUIDES ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Exterior of Museo del Novecento in Milan, showing its modernist facade along Piazza del Duomo.

MUSEUM | ART | SCULPTURE

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INTERACTIVITY ⭐⭐☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GUIDES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Sculpture of Napoleon as Mars the Peacemaker by Antonio Canova, displayed in Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan.

MUSEUM | ART | FASHION | HISTORY

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INTERACTIVITY ⭐☆☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GUIDES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Exterior of Sforza Castle in Milan, showing the historic fortress walls, towers, and entrance.

MUSEUM | HISTORY | ART

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INTERACTIVITY ⭐☆☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
GUIDES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Traveler standing in front of Arco della Pace in Milan, with the neoclassical triumphal arch rising behind them.

LANDMARK | ARCHITECTURE | HISTORY

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
INTERACTIVITY ☆☆☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
GUIDES ☆☆☆☆☆
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CHRISTMAS MARKET | SHOPPING

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐☆☆☆
INTERACTIVITY ☆☆☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
GUIDES ⭐☆☆☆☆
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐☆☆☆

Traveler standing in front of the central Christmas tree inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

LANDMARK | ARCHITECTURE | SHOPPING

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ⭐⭐☆☆☆
INTERACTIVITY ☆☆☆☆☆
FUN ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
GUIDES ⭐☆☆☆☆
INSTA-WORTHY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations

RANKING OF LANDMARKS:

HOSPITALITY

“The hosts are moderately hospitable, with a noticeable sense for tourism.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

“Public transportation includes metro, bus, and tram lines and is very well organized. Traffic operates almost always according to schedule. You can easily reach all parts of the city thanks to its excellent connectivity. It is important to always validate your ticket to avoid any inconvenience.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

SAFETY

“On the streets of Milan, you will often encounter groups of police officers walking around and monitoring street activity. This can give you a sense of security, but it may also make you wonder how safe the city truly is, given the large number of uniformed officers. I personally witnessed several incidents in which the police restrained civilians and used force to maintain order, which is why I consider this city to be among the less safe ones. If you are walking around the city or using public transportation, pay special attention to pickpockets and keep your belongings secure. Additionally, avoid walking around and sightseeing during nighttime hours.”
⭐⭐☆☆☆