Milan isn’t just about fashion week and designer handbags, it’s a total vibe! I spent 3 whirlwind days exploring this stylish Italian city and quickly fell for its mix of grand cathedrals, edgy architecture, and aperitivo culture. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, Milan deserves a top spot on your itinerary (trust me!). In this guide, I’m sharing the 10 most Instagrammable places in Milan, with tips to help you snap photos that actually do the city justice.
N°1. Santa Maria del Carmine
Within walking distance of the Duomo, Brera is one of the most popular and pretty areas of Milan. There, you can find a Baroque church, Santa Maria del Carmine. The facade of the church, overlooking the Piazza del Carmine, was made in 1880 in a rich neo-gothic style. It is the work of Carlo Maciachini, famous for the design of the Monumental Cemetery in Milan.
Photo Tip: Want Insta-worthy shots without the awkward angles? Book a professional photoshoot and get stunning portraits in Milan’s most iconic spots.
N°2. Arco della Pace
Arches in the Roman style have been built in many cities around the world. This one, called the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace), was built in 1807 under the Napoleonic rule. This gate marked the place where the new Strada del Sempione entered Milan. This road, which is still in use today, connects Milan to Paris crossing the Alps.
Travel Tip: Want to see Milan like a local? Hop on a guided bike tour and explore hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and scenic streets, all in one smooth ride.
N° 3. Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)
Standing guard over Milan for more than 600 years, the Duomo is the most known landmark in the city. Did you know that it took over six centuries to complete and it’s actually not finished! The last details of the cathedral were officially done in 1965 but there are still some uncarved blocks that remain to be completed as statues. The terraces of the Duomo offer extraordinary vantage points all over the city. So do not hesitate to also go on top of it!
Travel Tip: Want to skip the lines and get rooftop views of Milan’s stunning skyline? Book a Duomo & Terraces ticket for the full experience without feeling rushed.
N°4. Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)
Bosco Verticale is an architectural complex consisting of a pair of residential towers conceived with the help of botanists. It is a great example of urban eco-design and a really unique place! If you are interested in modern architecture, visiting Bosco Verticale is a must!
Travel Tip: And if you like nature and greenery, you can indulge yourself into a hot-air balloon adventure near Milan! You won’t regret it, it’s a true experience to try at least once in your lifetime!
N°5. Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
Among the most ancient churches in Milan, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio was built in 387 by St. Ambrose, in an area where a lot of martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was Basilica Martyrum and it was later named after him. At first, the Basilica was outside Milan, but over the centuries, the city grew up around it and it’s now located in the center! Pretty crazy right?
Travel Tip: Want a delicious break from sightseeing? Learn to make fresh pasta and tiramisu in a historic Milanese home, an authentic (and tasty!) local experience.
N°6. Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage church and Dominican convent. The most notable thing about this church is that the fresco of Leonardo da Vinci depicting the Last Supper is preserved in its refectory!
Travel Tip: Seeing The Last Supper in person is a Milan must, skip the hassle and join a guided tour to learn all the secrets behind Da Vinci’s masterpiece.
N° 7. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world! Fun fact: in the center of the gallery, the floor mosaic artwork pays homage to Rome, Florence, Turin, and Milan. Out of the four coats of arms depicted, Turin’s symbol of the bull gets particular attention. According to a local tradition, spinning counterclockwise three times while maintaining the right foot heel planted at the genitals of the bull brings good luck. This tradition started as a mockery to Turin and spread among tourists. This ritual, repeated hundreds of times a day, is wearing out the image of the bull, that needs to be restored quite often.
Travel Tip: Dive into Milan’s rich history with a guided tour! It is the best way to learn about the city.
N°8. Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Castello Sforzesco used to be one of the largest citadels in Europe. Now, it houses several museums and art collections. It is a famous landmark castle and gets very busy so be prepared to face the crowds or get there early.
Travel Tip: If you’re visiting the busy Sforza Castle, consider booking an entry ticket with a digital audio guide to skip the lines and explore at your own pace.
N°9. Navigli
If I say “Italy” and “canals” the city that directly comes to your mind is probably Venise. However, Milan also has cute canals in a bohemian and artistic neighborhood called Navigli which owes its name to its artificial canal network. The area is best known for its nightlife but it is also lovely for an afternoon stroll.
Travel Tip: For a chilled way to explore Milan, hop on a Navigli canal cruise, complete with an audio guide and stunning views of this trendy, historic district.
N°10. Pinacoteca di Brera & Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Museums in Milan showcase the city and country’s history and art. They are also incredibly photogenic! Two of my favorites are the Pinacoteca di Brera and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. The Pinacoteca di Brera is a museum of ancient and modern art in Milan, located in the district of the same name (Brera). It is one of the most important museums in Italy, along with the Vatican Museums in Rome and the Uffizi Gallerie in Florence. The museum mainly preserves and exhibits Italian paintings.
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is an art gallery and museum in Milan. Named in honor of Saint Ambrose, the patron of the Lombard capital, it is in the Palazzo dell’Ambrosiana, where the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana) is also located.
Opening Hours: Elevate your visit with a guided tour of the Pinacoteca di Brera. You’ll get insider knowledge on Milan’s art masterpieces and the district’s rich cultural heritage, making your experience much more memorable.
