Offering Visitors A Wide Range Of Things To Do, Here Is Why Milan Should Be On Your Must Visit List

Charming yet undeniably real, and populated by Italy’s most stylish (and wealthy) occupants, Milan is the perfect example of old-world romance meets urban grit.

In a country abounding with both natural and man-made delights, Milan is often unfairly overlooked in favour of its ‘prettier’ neighbours. But those who know Italy well would never dare skip a visit to the fashion, food, architecture and art capital. Offering visitors a wide range of things to do, whether you’re looking to eat, drink, sightsee or shop, it’s time to discover why there’s much more to Milan than meets the eye.

* It’s less touristy than Rome, Florence and Venice

If you’re the kind of person who loves wandering away from the beaten path while still having an abundance of entertainment options and amenities, Milan is Italy’s answer for you. Avoid the tourist traps of Venice, Rome and Florence and head here instead. Populated nearly entirely by professionals and working-class Milanese just going about their lives, the ratio of locals to tourists is much more balanced than in the other major Italian cities. As a result, Milan functions more smoothly than its counterparts. An excellent underground subway connects every suburb, and you’re much more likely to find those home comforts you’ve been missing while abroad – even non-Italian cuisine is much more readily available than in other parts of the country. Roam the fabulous streets and pretend you’re a resident of this world-class city.

* The abundance of diverse and stunning architecture

Milan’s illustrious history and modern status as the financial hub of Italy means there is a profusion of magnificent buildings, contributed over centuries by the world’s best architects. Unlike many other cities in Italy that are dominated by one particular architectural period – such as medieval Bologna or Siena – Milan has exemplary architecture from all time periods – from Renaissance to Neoclassical.

* For the masterpieces

Over the years, Milan has been at the centre of some significant European art movements, including the 14th-century Gothic style under the Visconti family, and Futurism at the beginning of the 20th century; and this is reflected in the quality and breadth of the city’s museums and art galleries. Home to one of the most famous Renaissance paintings in history – Leonardo di Vinci’s The Last Supper (1494–1498) — as well as unrivalled collections of Italian modernism, including masterpieces from artists such as Umberto Boccioni and Lucio Fontana, one could easily spend weeks traversing Milan in search of famous art.

* To sample traditional Milanese cuisine

The food in Milan draws on the bounty of its surrounding mountains, coasts, lakes and verdant farmland. The dishes are typically rich and hearty, with meat, pasta and rice taking centre stage. Make sure to sample traditional Milanese favourites such as Risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), Cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet) and at Christmastime, their world-renowned panettone (sweet fruit loaf).

* For aperitivo in the city of its origin

It is widely believed that the aperitivo (aperitif) was invented by the creator of vermouth in Turin during the 18th century. However, the concept of aperitivo hour didn’t take off until the 1920s in Milan, where rumour has it that Gaspare Campari started mixing the types of cocktails now synonymous with the Italian version of happy hour.

* To stand on the roof of a cathedral

Every major European city has a famous architectural site: the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, and in Milan it is the majestic Duomo. Situated smack bang in the centre of Milan, the imposing Gothic cathedral is the largest and most elaborate in all of Italy. Enveloped in pink-hued white marble sourced from the quarries of Lake Maggiore, the church began construction in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to finish. Visitors to the Duomo are granted the rare opportunity to climb all the way up onto the rooftop, where you can take in a sweeping view of the city, as well as have a close-up look at the menacing gargoyles and intricate spires surrounding you.