Milan Uncovered: High Fashion, Gothic Spires & Secret Suppers

Milan, the stylish metropolis of northern Italy, is the global capital of fashion and design. Far more than just a business hub, Milan is a breathtaking blend of towering historical architecture, trendy canal-side nightlife, and world-class art. Here is your ultimate guide to exploring Milan!

1. The Landmarks You Can’t Miss

• Duomo di Milano: The spectacular gothic cathedral that took nearly six centuries to complete. It features over 3,400 statues and incredible marble spires; you must take the rooftop stairs to walk among the spires and get a panoramic view of the city layout.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Located right next to the Duomo, this is one of the world’s oldest and most glamorous shopping malls, housed inside a magnificent 19th-century glass and iron covered arcade.

2. Milan Fun Facts

• Spin for Good Luck: In the center of the grand Galleria shopping mall, look for the mosaic on the floor depicting a bull. Local tradition says that if you place your right heel on the bull’s private parts and spin around backwards three times, it will bring you fantastic luck!
• The Invisible Lake Network: Milan used to look a bit like Venice! The city features a historic network of navigable water canals called Navigli, which were partly engineered by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1400s to help transport the massive marble blocks used to build the Duomo.

3. The Food Scene

• Risotto alla Milanese: Milan’s signature dish is a rich, creamy saffron-infused risotto that glows with a beautiful golden color. It is traditionally paired with Ossobuco (slow-braised veal shanks).
• The Aperitivo Ritual: Milan is the absolute capital of Aperitivo. Between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM, locals flock to bars around the Navigli canals to unwind. When you buy a drink (like a classic Campari Spritz), it automatically comes with a generous selection of food—ranging from local ham and cheeses brought to your table, to all-you-can-eat buffets packed with pizza and pasta at the canal-side bars. It’s essentially dinner included in the price of a cocktail!

4. Practical Travel Tips

• Book Da Vinci Months Ahead: If you want to see Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary mural, The Last Supper, at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, you must buy tickets online 2 to 3 months in advance. Tickets are strictly limited to protect the art and sell out instantly.
• The Free Castle Walk: You do not need a ticket to walk through the grand courtyards of the Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco). It is a beautiful historical shortcut that leads you straight into Sempione Park, the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll.