Milan Culture & history

Our most recommended Milan Culture & history

Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket

Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket

Discover the iconic symbol of Milan with your access-all-areas ticket to the Duomo and see the 600-year-old cathedral. Learn about the history of St. Ambrose and the cathedral's important role during the evolution of the city both spiritually and culturally.  Admire city panoramas from the Duomo Terraces. Built using Candoglia marble, on bright days, you can see as far as the Alps and the Apennine Mountains. Have the option of taking the elevator (not included). Admire the Duomo's 27 halls and its 14th-century Palazzo Reale's stained glass window, tapestries, and sculptures.

Milan: Milan Cathedral Direct Entrance - Terrace Excluded

Milan: Milan Cathedral Direct Entrance - Terrace Excluded

Enjoy a seamless entrance to the Milan Cathedral, the international symbol of Milan, and one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Italy and in Europe. Visit this treasure of art and faith and discover its peculiarities, amongst which the spellbinding stained-glass windows and vertiginous columns. Discover the history of beautiful statues, such as the most famous statue of all the Cathedral: the Saint Bartholomew Flayed. See Sarcophagi, magnificent altars, and stunning organs.

Milan: Da Vinci's Last Supper Guided Tour

Milan: Da Vinci's Last Supper Guided Tour

See the masterpiece that is the Last Supper up close on a guided tour, learning about its fascinating history from your licensed guide. The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Refectory with the Last Supper has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980. They were part of a large monastic complex belonging to the Dominican monks. See the Last Supper with this tour who will tell you all about the most fantastic wall paintings of the Renaissance. A licensed local guide will show you this masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, revealing surprising facts about the perspective, the composition and the technique used by the artist, as well as the history of the site.

Milan: Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer

Milan: Serravalle Designer Outlet Roundtrip Bus Transfer

The Serravalle Outlets, Europe's largest designer brands shopping mall, is located just an hour away from Milan. You can shop ‘til you drop on this trip, while enjoying discounts of 30-70 percent. You’ll find dozens of stores offering a wide array of the world's most renowned designer brands. The prices are well below what you would find in retail stores. In fact, there are more than 170 stores to choose from, featuring the top names in Italian designer fashions, including Gucci, Versace, Zegna, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Prada. You’ll find top sports labels as well, such as Nike, Adidas, and The North Face. The outlet stores are housed in buildings that reflect Ligurian-Piedmont style and are all linked by tree-lined pedestrian walkways. You’ll find spots to sit, relax, and perhaps sip a latte before heading on to the next outlet shop to find the next great bargain!

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Transfer to/from Milan Center

Book your fast and convenient airport transfer in advance and save. Take advantage of the special price with no booking fee and included luggage. Sit back and relax on comfortable and air-conditioned buses. Travel from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale railway station in the city center, or vice versa. From the bus stop in the city center, you can easily reach your hotel on foot, or by bus or Metro. If traveling in the other direction, it is recommended to choose a bus that will arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time to allow time for check-in.

Milan: Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum Entry

Milan: Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum Entry

Visit an attractive historical site in Milan and travel through the past, present, and future. Nestled in the cloisters of a Renaissance monastery, discover one of the most important science and technology museums in Europe. See works of art, a fragment of the moon, steam trains, and a submarine. Do not miss the New Galleries, the largest permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci. A spectacular collection of 170 historical models, works of art, ancient volumes, and immersive installations showcases the complete life and works of Da Vinci, the engineer and humanist. Discover extraordinary objects such as steam trains, the Luna Rossa AC72 catamaran, the brigantine schooner Ebe, the Conte Biancamano transatlantic, and the Enrico Toti submarine. Explore the space area and witness the only moon fragment visible in Italy, as well as the Vega space launcher. Keep an eye on temporary shows and exhibits on energy, materials, communication, transport, and particle physics.

From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise

From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise

Immerse yourself in the best of Swiss and Italian culture on this full-day tour. Departing from Milan, enjoy an informative commentary on the historical landmarks and the spectacular landscape along the way. Reach the picturesque and ever-popular city of Como. Enjoy a walking tour of the city and reach the gothic cathedral, accompanied by a professional tour leader who will help you to discover the art and history of this charming city. Head to the small village of Tremezzo and enjoy a panoramic bus ride. From there begins our Exclusive Cruise aboard a private boat to reach Bellagio, also known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”. During this cruise you have the chance to see this lake Como from a different perspective, take your time to look around and see the harmony between nature and architecture. Glide past villas with their beauteous gardens and amongst untouched nature. Thanks to our unlimited high-speed wifi you can make your video call in the middle of Lake Como! Once in Bellagio enjoy some free time to soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this idyllic and relaxing place and to have lunch, before to Cruise back to Tremezzo Your last stop will be Swiss town of Lugano where you will have some free time to visit the city center and taste some Swiss Chocolate.

Milan Cathedral: Duomo Terraces Ticket (No Church Access)

Milan Cathedral: Duomo Terraces Ticket (No Church Access)

Avoid the hassle of buying an entrance ticket to the Milan Duomo on the day by picking one up in advance. By far the most unique feature of the cathedral is its vast terraces, granting a panoramic viewpoint over Milan and a birds-eye perspective on the church itself. With options to challenge yourself by mounting the 250 stairs up to the terraces, or to take a ride on the convenient elevator, the terraces are accessible to all with a desire to see this iconic sight. Once you’re on the terrace, peer out over the city from over 150 feet (ca. 46 meters) above street level while taking in the characteristic rows of white marble spires. An enduring symbol of Milan, the cathedral broke ground in 1386, only to be finished in 1965. Built of stunning marble quarried from the Candoglia region, there are few better examples of Italian Gothic architecture in existence.

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY): Transfer to/from Milan Center

Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY): Transfer to/from Milan Center

Enjoy a seamless one-way transfer between Bergamo Airport and Milan in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. Travel worry-free with no additional luggage fees, and take advantage of free Wi-Fi and power outlets on board. Your ticket also includes a complimentary audio city tour. Upon arriving at Bergamo Airport, you can easily find the bus right outside the arrivals hall. We will conveniently transport you to Milan Central Station, a key hub for public transportation. If you're departing from Milan's city center, just board the bus at the exit of the "Piazza Luigi di Savoia" train station. Avoid the complexities of public transportation and enjoy peace of mind knowing that all vehicles are maintained to the highest hygiene and quality standards.

Official San Siro Stadium and Museum Guided Tour

Official San Siro Stadium and Museum Guided Tour

Feel like a player and go behind the scenes at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Visit the sidelines and the stands where thousands of supporters gather on the weekend. Enter the changing rooms and the mixed zone. Walk through the tunnel of champions and make your way to the pitch of La Scala del Calcio. Treat yourself to an exciting journey within the legend of San Siro and satisfy your curiosity with our guides. The San Siro Museum, set up in a dedicated area, is the first leg of the Stadium Tour: the room showcases a selection of jerseys worn by some of the leading players of the Milanese teams, and many more. As the tour continues, discover the 'behind the scenes' of the stadium while walking in the footsteps of the champions. Enter Ac Milan and Inter’s locker rooms, cross the mix zone, walk the players’ tunnel, and get ready for the enchanting view of the San Siro field, the greatest thrill for every football fan. Experience the stadium from the perspective of your heroes, in groups led by our guides: enjoy anecdotes, curiosities, and unique views for your shots on the pitch, the sideline, and the benches. The tour of the History of Football continues in the bleachers, with a pleasant moment of leisure and relaxation in the grandstand: enjoy the view of the bowl and the engaging description of the stadium from a historical point of view. At the end of the stadium tour, visit of “Italia 110 & Lode”, an exhibition entirely dedicated to the Italian National Football Team. Check out original memorabilia, including the first jersey used against France in 1910, the pennant from the 1938 World Cup final between Italy and Hungary, the 1968 World Cup final kits of Italy and Yugoslavia, tops from Italia 1970, and also trophies and shirts of Italy’s World Cup and European Championship.

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9 best activities for exploring Milan in winter
9 best activities for exploring Milan in winter

The occasional dusting of snow, the festive lights, and the relaxed crowds make Milan in winter a fantastic destination. You won't have to push through crowds or attempt to beat the intense Italian summer heat, and the colder months offer some of the best things to do in Milan. There's ice skating at the charming Bagni Misteriosi and exploring the Piazza Duomo Christmas Market. Winter is also the time to visit the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie and gaze up at "The Last Supper." Time your trip to end with Milan Fashion Week, and you'll have experienced the ultimate Milan winter.

Milan best winter activities at a glance

The best places to explore the culture in Milan: Milan Cathedral, dine in the Brera District, and Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Top things to do for kids and families visiting Milan in winter: Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology and Leonardo3 Museum
Unique events in Milan in winter: Milan Fashion Week, Attend La Prima della Scala, Piazza Duomo Christmas Market, Bagni Misteriosi ice rink

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8 festive ways to spend Christmas in Milan
8 festive ways to spend Christmas in Milan

The Milanese have perfected the art of a jolly Christmas, with festive lights draped over its piazzas and delicious smells of panettone and Italian mulled wine wafting through the streets. During the month of December, the best things to do in Milan involve indulging in simple joys like a Christmas concert at La Scala, historic markets full of local goods, and a free visit to see a masterpiece painting. Seeing Milan at night, as it flickers with glowing warmth, is its own special treat. Here are the top things to do during Christmas in Milan.

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First time in Milan: Everything you need to know
First time in Milan: Everything you need to know

Ready to uncover the cultural treasures of Italy’s fashion and design capital? From the intricate Gothic spires of the Milan Cathedral to the Renaissance charm of historic Brera, expect plenty of unforgettable experiences your first time in Milan. Get lost in the canals of Naviglii, designed in part by Leonardo da Vinci, or indulge in local specialties like saffron-infused risotto alla Milanese and traditional panettone. From the best neighborhoods to visit, such as Brera, to insider tips and what to avoid, here are all the things to know about Milan to make the most of your trip.

Milan: Tips for first-timers

  1. Italians typically have dinner around 8:30 or 9 PM. Embrace the local rhythm by having a light aperitivo(pre-meal drinks and snacks) around 7 PM and saving your main meal for later.
  2. Communication can be challenging outside of tourist areas, so learn a few basic Italian phrases. While many young Milanese speak English, having a handful of key expressions like “Grazie” (thank you), “Per favore” (please), and “Parla inglese?” (Do you speak English?) can go a long way in showing respect and navigating everyday interactions more smoothly.
  3. Milan’s compact city center is best explored on foot, so invest in comfortable walking shoes, carry a lightweight day bag, and be prepared to wander through narrow cobblestone streets.
  4. Popular attractions like the Last Supper (Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco) and the Milan Cathedral have limited daily visitor numbers and require advanced booking. Many top museums and cultural sites sell out quickly, so plan ahead and secure your tickets well in advance.
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Best neighborhoods in Milan to get a feel for the city
Best neighborhoods in Milan to get a feel for the city

Italy’s modern metropolis is home to many historical and cultural attractions that make it hard to choose between the best neighborhoods in Milan. The central Cerchia dei Navigli is great for first-timers with its famous landmarks. Brera is home to some of the best artistic attractions in the city, while Porta Romana is the place for food lovers seeking authentic cuisine. The upscale Quadrilatero D’oro, with its luxury shops and upmarket amenities, is perfect for couples. While families may prefer the laid-back atmosphere of Porta Venezia. Whether searching for the best shopping or historical monuments, discover the best Milan neighborhoods in this guide.

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Frequently asked questions about Milan Culture & history

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What people are saying about Milan

Overall rating

4.6
(11,427 reviews)

We had an amazing trip with our guide Antonella! I highly recommend her! She was great at providing us tips and trips, and very attentive, respectful and thoughtful. She made a simple day trip into an EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE that we will not forget that easily. Check out her facebook: https://m.facebook.com/GirAntoland/ she is a great, great, great guide!!! Goodissimo!!!!

The tour was great. Waiting times of less than 10 minutes were completely acceptable. You have 20 minutes in the museum, which is definitely worth it. Then there is a tour of the two home changing rooms, the players' tunnel and the edge of the pitch. There is plenty of time for photos and impressions.

The Guide was great and It was a must see to see the original painting of the Last Supper However it was a bit too dear 100e or maybe as booked last minute couple days before

The tour wasn’t cancelled even though there were only 2 of us. Private tour for the group tour money. Incredible experience!

Our guide Sara , who was an archeologist whit her professional commentaries made our tour unforgettable