Milan: Art, Culture and Unique Perspectives

Milan can be discovered through a range of cultural perspectives: from restoration and sacred history to art collections, design and opera. The Duomo terraces also offer a unique view of the city.

Artworks and Their Settings

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The exhibition space of the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano is located in the refectory of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Reservations are mandatory for every ticket. The visit lasts 15 minutes and is limited to a maximum of 40 people at a time. If you plan to visit, bear in mind the short duration and make the required reservation. Check the conditions before booking.

At the Duomo di Milano, guided tours are one way to explore restoration: restorers and specialists explain restored sites and works, as well as the techniques used. Details of the visitor program may change, so refer to the current calendar. The terraces offer another perspective. They can be reached on foot or by elevator; the highest level currently open to visitors is 45 meters above the ground. From the terraces, you can look out over Milan and, on a clear day, see the mountains surrounding the Po Valley. Check the current access conditions before your visit.

Collections, Design and Opera

The Pinacoteca di Brera is located in the Palazzo Brera of the same name and has been open to the public since 1809. Those interested in theater and opera can find portraits, busts, memorabilia and musical instruments at the Museo Teatrale alla Scala. The exhibition thus tells the story of theater and opera through a range of object types—an alternative to focusing on a single work of art.

At MUDEC, the permanent exhibition spans three galleries. It presents a selection of objects from collections from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. In total, the collections comprise more than 7,000 objects dating from 1500 BC to the 20th century. The presentation of a permanent exhibition may change. So if you want to see particular galleries or objects, check the current exhibition details in advance.

For more than 100 years, Triennale Milano has brought creativity and culture together. Its offerings include a garden, restaurants, and spaces for music and design; Triennale is open to everyone. Palazzo Reale is also a public exhibition venue for major exhibitions. It houses more than 1,500 masterpieces across 7,000 square meters. Exhibition dates and loans may change: if you are planning your visit around a particular exhibition, it is worth checking the current program.

Sacred History and Milanese Traditions

The Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio combines a specific founding story with religious significance. Ambrose founded it in honor of the martyrs Protasius and Gervasius on the site of an ancient necropolis west of Milan. The basilica is also revered as the burial place of Ambrose, Milan’s patron saint. These two aspects—the dedication to the martyrs and the burial place of the patron saint—give a visit a historical and spiritual focus.

Another part of Milanese culture is aperitivo: a convivial sunset ritual associated with iconic cocktails. Specific offerings vary by venue. As an idea for winding down the day, aperitivo complements visits to museums and landmarks with a glimpse of a local tradition.

Getting Around and Finding a Hotel

On Milan’s public transport, you can pay contactlessly on the metro, buses, trams and trolleybuses using a credit or debit card, smartphone or smartwatch. The lowest fare is applied automatically. As this is a current transport practice, check the latest information before you travel.

The city’s official tourist information office at Piazza Duomo 14 provides information to help plan visits, as well as information about exhibitions and event calendars. These service details may also change. This lets you check which location best suits your own plans, rather than relying on a general impression of the city.

Discover more destinations: Trezzano Rosa, Sesto San Giovanni, Cavenago Di Brianza, Cambiago, Buscate, Cassinetta di Lugagnano, Cernusco Sul Naviglio, Locate Di Triulzi, Paderno Dugnano, Cassano D'adda, Bernate Ticino, Senago, Arconate, Basiglio, Lissone, Limbiate, Legnano, Lainate, Gorgonzola, Garbagnate Milanese, Desio, Corsico, Santo Stefano Ticino, San Donato Milanese, Robecchetto Con Induno, Rho, Ponte Nuovo, Nerviano, Morimondo, Pieve Emanuele, Cesate, Casarile, Vittuone, Mediglia, Besate, Rescaldina, Basiano, Vernate, Bellinzago Lombardo, Ozzero, Moncucco, Inveruno, Vanzaghello, Bussero, Novegro-Tregarezzo, Tribiano, Bubbiano, Paullo, Pozzo D'adda, Carpiano, Casone, Boffalora Sopra Ticino, Cuggiono, Pantigliate, Inzago, Baranzate, Dresano, Carugate, Pogliano Milanese, Cusano Milanino, Vanzago, Casorezzo, Canegrate, Magnago, Milano, Ortica, Parabiago, Vimodrone, Vimercate, Vermezzo, Varedo, Vaprio Dʼadda, Trezzano Sul Naviglio, Cerro Maggiore, Linate, San Colombano Al Lambro, Castano Primo, Pioltello, Robecco Sul Naviglio, Peschiera Borromeo, Cisliano, Buccinasco, Truccazzano, Cassina de’ Pecchi, Gessate, Colturano, Melegnano, Albairate, Gudo Visconti, Binasco, Castellazzo, Zibido San Giacomo, Gaggiano, Bareggio, Arcore, Assago, Cusago, Caponago, Limito Di Pioltello, Pregnana Milanese, San Vittore Olona, Abbiategrasso, Arluno, San Zenone Al Lambro, Pero, Cornaredo, Concorezzo, Segrate, San Giuliano Milanese, Settala, Burago Di Molgora, Terrazzano, Cesano Boscone, Cormano, Ornago, Turbigo, Novate Milanese, Opera, Rodano, Bollate, Ossona, Biassono, Millepini, Lentate Sul Seveso, Cologno Monzese, Cinisello Balsamo, Cesano Maderno, Melzo, Settimo Milanese, Bresso, Rosate, Arese, Rozzano, Villa Cortese, Corbetta, Magenta, Agrate Brianza, Trezzo Sull’adda, Busto Garolfo

To the regional travel overview: Lombardy.