The Ultimate Milan Bucket List
It’s hard not to fall in love with the city of Milan. Situated on the north of Italy, it attracts tourists throughout the year. Lively metropolitan hub where magnificent historical buildings are mixed with innovative skyscrapers. Culture, fashion, design and much more! Let’s grab one of the characteristic tram around the city or enjoy a walk between fancy buildings, shops, restaurants and bars.
Here, it’s the ultimate bucket list for exploring the best that the city has to offer!
1. What to see
You can’t say to have been in Milan without visiting Piazza Duomo, the historical center where it’s located the Duomo Cathedral, the emblem of the city. Starting in 1386, the construction of the dome took nearly 500 years to be completed. Its facade, in Italian Gothic style, will full your eyes with a fine architectural beauty. A sumptuous interior decoration and the possibility to access till its terrace, from where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city, will make your visit unforgettable!
Luckily, Milan is easy walkable and more compact rather than other European cities. So, with a short walk from Piazza Duomo by taking via Dante, Â you will come across to the Sforza Castle, another must visit building. Home of several museums, it often hosts cultural events. So, check them out before going!
Situated just behind the castle, there is Parco Sempione. This park, the largest in Milan, is the perfect spot for relaxing a bit. When your energy will be recharged, you can carry on your tour towards Brera District. Here, a Bohemian atmosphere will enrich your visit. Among art academies, galleries and characteristic bars and restaurants, there is the Piananoteca di Brera, house of the most important art collection in Italy.
From here, an enjoyable walk throughout shops and trendy bars will end up in Piazza Gae Aulenti. Part of Milan’s Porta Nuova regeneration project, it worths a visit for its stunning modern architecture, including Cesar Pelli’s Unicredit Tower and Stefano Boeri’s Bosco Verticale.
If your time in Milan is not so tight, I recommend also a visit to Piazza Affari, situated near Piazza Duomo, for admiring an unusual monument. In fact, located in front of the Milan Stock Exchange headquarters, there is a 11-meter marble statue which represents a giant middle finger. Created by the Italian sculptor Maurizio Cattelan as a provocation against the financial institution, it was criticized and supposed to be removed but, for now, it’s still there since 2010.
2. Shopping
Capital of fashion, Milan is famous for its fine boutiques of the best Italian brands and attracts every year tones of shopping lovers from around the globe. Shopaholics can’t miss a visit to the renowned Quadrilater of Fashion composed by: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Manzoni.
Not far from here, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele IIÂ is another top attraction. Luminous and stunning glass arcades make this place one of the most beautiful indoor shopping area in Europe. Sublime architecture just surpassed from the presence of haut couture shops, like Vuitton and Prada, and high-end restaurants.
If your budget is limited but you still want to enjoy a memorable shopping experience, I recommend to take a look to the Fiera di Senigallia, which take place every Saturday. Dating back to 1800, it’s the oldest flea market in the city. Here, you can taste Milan’s alternative and underground culture just a step away from the lush Navigli area.
If you are a vintage lover, I suggest also the East Market. Inspired to London Camden Market, this marketplace takes place once a month, so check its Facebook page for finding the next date. Located in an old firm in Via Mecenate 84, you can find everything from clothes to vinyls and antique furnitures alongside food trucks and a Dj who will create a cool and hippy atmosphere.
3. Food
When you think about Italy the first thing that comes to mind is surely its amazing culinary heritage. In Milan your tastebuds will certainly be satisfied. Indeed, the city’s food offer is huge and rich of variety. Here, you can literally find everything: from traditional Italian specialities, thanks to a lot of regional restaurants, to different ethnic restaurants (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Eritrean just to cite some kitchens).
On top of that, besides Milan is far from the sea, its fish market is considered one of the best of the country for quantity, variety and freshness of the products. So, if you are a fish foodie, you are in the right place!
For these reasons, it’s hard to suggest the best places where go to eat. Here, I want to recommend some gems, perfect for taking a break from the touristic view of the city.
After some crazy shopping, the hunger easily come. So, near Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, you will come across to Luini, an institution for the city. Historic go-to place for panzerotti, yummy pizza-dough parcels stuffed with mozzarella, tomato, ham and more, then fried or baked. A lovely experience for your mouth!
Another ideal place, for a fast but succulent lunch break, is Pescaria. With two shops, one in Via Bonnet 5 and the other in via Solari 12, it brings to Milan a taste of Puglia. An offer of seafood sandwiches, main courses and more, everything mixed with the best specialities of the Italian food landscape. An oasis of happiness for fish lovers!
And if you want to try something different with a romantic pinch, book a table in the ATMosfera. An historic tram transformed in restaurant where you can enjoy an exclusive dinner while you are discovering the charm of the city.
4. Nightout
Your night out in Milan MUST start with an aperitivo. Concept born during 1920s, has become a ritual for Milan people. Indeed, from 6pm to 8pm the whole city is in “happy hour” mood: it means that it’s the perfect time where booze and food go arm in arm.
My favorite spot is undoubtedly Navigli District. Here, you can find lots of bars and restaurants crossed by two canals. Ideal location for enjoying your drink with a stunning view of the sunrise over the water. From here, you can continue your night crawling among bars or towards one of the clubs near the most picturesque area of the city.
If your budget is limited, I recommend to pass a night in Colonne di San Lorenzo, which has become one of the most popular spot for penniless young milanesi. So, grab a cheap beer and sit down between locals. Here you can drink and listen to street music surrounded by a great historical and architectural charm.
If you fancy something more trendy, in a typical Milan atmosphere, you should go in Corso Como. A street full of cool and fashionable bars and clubs where, if you will be lucky, you would have a chance to take a selfie with some famous football players or models.
