A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santa Maria Delle Grazie is a church located in the northern city of Milan. Popularly also known as Holy Mary of Grace, this church also works as a Dominican convent in the city. Built by famous architects Guiniforte Solari and Donato Bramante, Santa Maria Delle Grazie was built between 1463 to 1467 during the reign of Duke of Milan Francesco I Sforza. The architectural style of this church is regarded as Gothic and Renaissance and is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.
Other than a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this church is a very popular tourist destination. It is also one of the highly visited historic churches in Milan and Italy. During World War II, due to the involvement of Italy in the war, the church was attacked by a couple of aerial attacks. A major portion of the refectory was demolished and a few walls of the outer side of the church were also destroyed.
Many tourists visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the painting of Last Supper. It is located in a small room inside the church and only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the room at a time. Due to the immense popularity of the church and its historic value, the tickets for the church are sold-out in advance.
The sophisticated nineteenth-century shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is situated in the heart of Milan, the global hub of fashion. The building is named after the first King on the Kingdom of Italy, King Vittorio Emanuele II, who is believed to have laid the foundation stone of the building. The massive Galleria makes for a stunning sight, and its enormous dimensions have made it an overnight sensation ever since it was opened to the people of Milan.
Affectionately nicknamed as the “il salotto di Milano” – the drawing room of Milan, it is an enchanting edifice constructed in the 1860s. The elite in Milan has been frequenting this precinct since its inauguration, not just for shopping but for socializing as well.
This prestigious luxury-shopping destination hosts emporiums of premium brands, multinational labels, and chic eateries for the gastronomes. This is surely the place to visit if you want to witness high-street fashion and enjoy a coffee or an aperitif at the gourmet restaurants. The Galleria is housed inside a neoclassical precinct that is four-story-high.
Replete with polished marble floors, a gleaming glass-domed ceiling, and brilliant mosaics, its many facets capture the essence of Milan perfectly. The iron and glass construction here presents an extraordinary ambiance to the onlooker and strolling down the portico is like going back in time. So when in Milan, this place is a must-visit, if not for the luxury-shopping, then to appreciate its belle époque splendor.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a treasured gem of Italy and is known for its breathtaking and well-preserved artwork, awe-inspiring frescos, and luxurious gold embellished interior. It is placed in Milan city center and is in close vicinity of some of the ancient historical places in Milan.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is one of the most lovely churches in Milano and has significant heritage value attached to it. It was built during Renaissance times and its building presents a perfect example of 16th-century paintings, expertise, and architects.
The church is also known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Milan’ as it possesses stunning frescoes designed by the artists of the Leonardo era. It served as an ex-convent and was the most important Benedictine convent in Milan.
This preserved treasure of Milan attracts history enthusiasts and art lovers from all over the world for its well-conserved beauty and best kept secrets. The church is actually a complex with two different parts separated by a decorated central wall.
The front part is small but serves as the place for worship for the public. Masses and other religious practices are held here regularly. The bigger part was earlier a monastery and was known as the Hall of the Nuns. This monastery of the church has developed into Milan's Civic Archaeological Museum. The museum has in store a huge collection of marvelous artifacts from ancient Etruscan and Mediolanum times. Now the place is also used for hosting ceremonies and concerts as well.
1. Milan Cathedral: A visit to Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the best things to do in Milan. The largest cathedral in italy, this place has around 2,245 statues and a huge glass roof. Its striking interior and richly packed exterior attract a huge amount of people from all over the world.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan
Timings: 9 AM - 7 PM
2. The Tram station: Taking a tram to your destination can turn out to be one of the best activities to do in Milan. The trams here have been a major mode of transport since the 15th century and still have managed to stay the favorite transportation of the locals.
Location: Piazzale Cadorna, Milan
Timings: 7AM - 7:30 PM
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Things to do in Milan also include a visit to this unusual looking building with a glass roof. For all the shopaholics out there, this mall is a must visit if you are interested in high street brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
Timings:10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
4. The Gothic brick church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie: This is the place where Leonardo Da Vinci painted his famous fresco “The Last Supper” on a wall. A visit to Santa Maria Delle Grazie’s church can turn out to be one of the best activities to do in Milan. This place is a big six-sided dome and has many other contemporary art frescoes made by other renowned artists.
Location: Santa Maria Delle Grazie, 20122 Milano MI
Entry Fee: 8 Euro
Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM
5. Leonardo Da Vinci’s National Museum of Science and Technology: The best place to visit with your children, this science museum is always a buzz among the visitors. This place holds many historical science equipment used by various disciples. In addition to the stuff it holds, it has some shops from where you can buy “Do it yourself” science kits, making it a fun place for all age groups.
Location: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milan
Entry Fee: 10 Euro
Timings: 10 AM - 5:30 PM
6. Piazza Del Duomo: This place is officially a cultural center of Milan and is famous for the spiritual vibes it holds. This place holds over 1000 stained glass windows, which depict the scenes of the Bible. Considering this a sacred place, many tourists from all over the world rush here, making it one of the best activities to do in Milan.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI
Timings: 9AM - 7PM
7. La Scala Opera: La Scala Opera attracts a wide variety of visitors everyday. This place is so popular that the ticket needs to be booked in advance. Having hosted some of the world’s most talented artists, the place in itself is a piece of art too. Its lush velvet seats, giant curtains and open golden balconies cater the ones who are looking for a luxurious experience.
Location: Via Senato, 38, 20121 Milan
Entry Fee: 90 Euro
Timings: 9 AM - 5:30PM
8. AC Milan San Siro Stadium: Biggest stadium in Italy, San Siro Stadium is known for its multiple events and of-course the football matches. Every year a huge number of visitors fly to Milan just to watch a game of football in this humongous place. Apart from the games, this place also organizes many cultural and musical events which attract many foreigners.
Location: Via S. Siro, 20149 Milan
Entry Fee: Varies for every match and concert
Timings: 10AM - 5PM
9. Brera District: The question of What to do in Milan is often answered with “Visit Brera”. This underrated gem of Milan is known for its ancient architecture, modern cafes and high brand shops selling cheaper stuff. This place is a must visit as it has many streets dedicated to local cuisines and shops where you can bargain.
Location: 20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan
10. Milan Chinatown: This place has the largest chinese community in Italy and is known for the variety of food and handicrafts it holds. The streets of Chinatown are home to one of the best restaurants and cafes which serve chinese gourmet food. Apart from the food many stores here sell chinese clothing that too at a very low price.
Location:20154 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan
Timings: 10AM - 11PM
11. Golden Triangle: A must visit place for the shopaholics, this place is home to many renowned brands as well as small boutiques. This place is known to be the world's one of the most important centers for fashion. If thinking about what to do in Milan, a visit to this place would be the best option.
Location: Via Sant'Andrea, 2/16, 20121 Milan
Timings: 11AM - 7PM
12. Da Vinci’s Vineyard: To everyone’s surprise, Leonardo Da Vinci was more than an artist, he was a scientist, scholar and had his own vineyard. Knowing the fact that this vineyard was just a token for his paintings, the guy actually took care of it. This vineyard is still running and has managed to stay as authentic as it used to be. A visit to this place is surely the best among other free things to do in Milan.
Location:La Vigna di Leonardo, Corso Magenta, 65, Milan
Timings: 11 AM - 5PM
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1. Roof of Duomo Cathedral: This magical place lets you enjoy the sunset while gazing at the panoramic view of the whole city of Milan. The best place to spend your midnight, Roof of Duomo Cathedral is a favourite spot of many tourists.
2. Galleria Victorio Emanuele: The most important location of Milan tourism is this huge shopping mall known for its ambience and variety of cafes where you can plan a nice date. Galleria Victorio Emanuele is surrounded by many small parks where you can spend some peaceful time with your lover and feel the sound of nature.
3. Sforza Castle: One of the most breathtaking palaces of Milan, this castle provides romantic as well as luxurious vibes. Here you can click some romantic pictures against the unique background to make the most out of your visit. Sforza Castle also has various heritage food places where you can have a date like a royal couple.
4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: A visit to this unusual looking building with a glass roof is surely one of the best things to do in Milan. There's no better way to spend some time together than going for a shopping date. Here you can shop for all high street brands like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton and gift these to your other half.
5. The Tunnel Club: This club is in a railway shed located below Milan's railway station. If you are looking for a party place to visit with your partner, then The Tunnel Club is the best option among all. Offering the best partying vibe, this club is a must-visit.
6. Città di Milano: Known as the best camping place in Milan, here you can spend a peaceful night with your partner while gazing into the night sky filled with stars. Città di Milano also offers caravan facilities which can be opted if you are not interested in sleeping in tents.
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Yes, if you are planning for a peaceful yet fun-filled trip, then Milan is the best option. This place has a little bit of everything for everyone. What to do in Milan is never a question as this place is flooded with so many amazing attractions. From nightclubs located in railway sheds to world’s best cathedrals, and not to forget “The tram”, this city offers many unique experiences.
Milan is known for its vast fashion industry. This place is filled with various fashion labels from high end brands such as Gucci, Prada, to local boutiques. In addition to the fashion industry, Milan is also famous for Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco, “The Last Supper”. The museums and art galleries of milan also attract a huge amount of visitors every year.
Also, The architecture of Milan is also an art in itself and it holds many ancient marvels like La Scala Opera and Piazza Del Duomo. Apart from all these things, Milan is also famous for its “Trams”, which have been running on its roads since the fifteenth century and still are the best means of transport.
Receiving a large number of tourists every day, Milan is the safest city in Italy. Milan has many safe neighborhoods and a vast nightlife, making its roads safer at night too. If taken basic precautions, you can fearlessly roam the streets even at 3 in the morning.
Milan is best known for its famous cathedrals and museums. Some of them are Santa Maria Delle Grazie, Piazza del Duomo, Via San Vittore and the national museum of science and technology.
Milan is also known for the “Tram” which has been running on its streets since the fifteenth century, and has managed to stay as it used to be back then. Whosoever visits Milan, never forgets to take a ride in this tram. A single glance of The art pieces of Leonardo Da Vinci also attract huge crowds, making it one of the best things to do in Milan.
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If you are travelling in summers, then the best time to visit Milan would be the months of April and May. At this time the summers would have almost gone and spring breeze would arrive. You can also visit Milan in the months of september and october. These months are followed by the winters, making them the best time for sightseeing.
Being a business center and home to many high end brands, Milan can be expensive for many travellers. However the stay at Milan is usually affordable and you can get many options to stay there. If you are on a planned trip, you can save yourself from many last minute expenses.
The city of Milan is filled with many Europeans who speak english. If not speak, most of the locals there do understand english easily. This place is flooded with tourists every year, thus english is often used as the main medium of communication.
Visiting Lake Como is not expensive if you are going there just for a stroll. Since this place attracts a number of visitors, many local vendors around here may sell basic products at higher prices.