A citytrip in Milan

Fun sights and activities

Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, is a perfect city to enjoy culture, history, delicious food and modern design. We visited this beautiful city and would like to give you some tips for fun sights and activities to do in Milan.

The weekend we were in Milan, we were not lucky with the weather, unfortunately we had a lot of rain. But luckily there is also plenty to see and do indoors.

Discover the city with a bike tour

The ideal way to explore Milan is with a bicycle tour. During this tour you will discover special places in the city and get a good overview of the main attractions. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll cycle past historic sites, charming neighborhoods and learn more about the city’s rich history. It’s a fun and active way to start your weekend! We did our bike tour with Baja Bikes.

Unfortunately, our tour was cancelled on the first day because there were thunderstorms in the sky, but the next day we enthusiastically got on our bikes, with a few drops as well as a little sunshine. With our group we started at the edge of downtown and learned more about the origins of the city, the old city limits and the development of the city. We also visited the financial district and ended at Piazza de Duomo with its impressive cathedral.

Relax in Parco Sempione

After an active morning, relax in Parco Sempione, a large park in the center of Milan. Here you can walk, picnic, play sports or just hang out. You’ll also find the beautiful Castello Sforzesco, which is also worth a visit. This was also one of the stops during the bike tour, where our guide told more about the former owners of the castle and how the coat of arms of the Visconti and Sforza family can still be found throughout the city, but for example is also part of the logo of the car brand Alfa Romeo.

Visit the iconic Duomo di Milano

A visit to Milan is not complete without visiting the imposing Duomo di Milano. Located in the heart of the city, this impressive Gothic cathedral is a masterpiece not to be missed. Take time to admire the magnificent vaults, statues and stained glass windows and also climb the roof for a spectacular view of Milan. With an audio tour, you can listen at your own pace to all the stories told at various points in the cathedral and on the roof.

Next to the Duomo you can also find the Duomo Museum to visit. Here you will walk step by step through the design, development and construction of the cathedral which in total has spanned almost 6 centuries. This is also an ideal activity on a rainy day we discovered. Then it is a lot quieter with visitors and you can take your time to look and listen.

Shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Right next to the Duomo you will find the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world. Here you can not only shop in luxury boutiques such as Prada and Louis Vuitton, but also enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the stylish cafes. The beautiful architecture of the gallery, with its glass roof and detailed mosaics, makes it a sight in itself. And around the Galleria you will find many more clothing stores what all different price ranges, so there is something for everyone. The Galleria itself is completely covered, and around it, with just a few steps, you can quickly walk back under a canopy, so this is also a great place to hang out if the lake is not quite right.

End the evening in the Navigli district

End your day in the charming neighborhood of Navigli, known for its canals and cozy atmosphere. Here you can enjoy an aperitivo in one of the many bars or dinner in an authentic Italian restaurant. The lively atmosphere makes it the perfect place to end your weekend in Milan.

Get to know the flavors of Milan with a food tour

For the food lovers among us, a food tour with Secret Food Tours is an absolute must. During this culinary walking tour you will taste local delicacies such as risotto alla milanese, panettone, fresh Italian cheeses and delicious espresso! A guide will tell you all about Milan’s culinary traditions and take you to authentic eateries you might otherwise miss. A delicious experience that will delight your taste buds.

Our guide Davide started the tour in the Navigli district, where there is a very nice and relaxed atmosphere not only in the evening, but also during the day due to the different market stalls, terraces and cozy restaurants. After the food tour, we returned here in the evening to enjoy a burgundian Italian dinner.

Convenient travel through Milan

One of the biggest advantages of Milan, is that the city is compact and well organized. Many attractions are within walking distance of the center. This makes it easy to walk from one place to another. For longer distances, the subway is ideal. At the central piazza de duomo you can easily get on several metro lines that will take you anywhere, even directly to the airport.

Whether you come for the culture, the food, the fashion or just to relax, this city has something for everyone.

Have fun in Bella Milano!

Credits photos: StepWithLisa