Best Instagram Spots in Milan: 10 Incredible Photo Locations

Milan is known for being Italy’s fashion capital and is a beloved travel destination for any fashionista. I got to spend 3 days in this vibrant city a few months ago and discovered a complex mix between glamorous fashion, historical architecture and modern design. If you are planning on going to Italy, do not forget to add Milan to your itinerary as it is definitely worth visiting! In this article, you will find the 10 most Instagrammable places in Milan to help you organize your visit. Let’s get started!

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1 • 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.

2 • Duomo di Milano

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!

3 • Bosco Verticale

Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) 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!

And if you like nature and greenery, you can indulge yourself into a hot-air balloon adventure near Milan! I really recommend this one with Manawa. You won’t regret it, it’s a true experience to try at least once in your lifetime!

4 • 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?

5 • 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.

6 • Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle, 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.

7 • 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.

8 • 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.

Top two and bottom-left: Pinacoteca di Brera
Bottom-right: Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

9 • 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!

10 • 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.

Hope this article will help you! Have you been to Milan? What are your favorite spots and hidden gems? Let me know in the comments below!

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