Have a trip planned to visit Milan?&nbsp;L'OFFICIEL&nbsp;rounds up all the best things to do in Milan.&nbsp;

Milan, the world capital of design and the home of quintessential Italian fashion, is the birthplace of iconic brands such as <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/giorgio-armani-michelle-yeoh-2023-academy-awards-pre-oscars-party" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Armani</a>, Versace, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, and <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/young-photos-of-miuccia-prada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prada</a>, as well as the city of the national stock exchange. Due to the expansive fashion scene as well as the financial power of the metropolis, Milan offers a variety of shopping opportunities, culturally enriching museums, and excellent restaurants&mdash;perhaps some of the best in <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/italy-moves-closer-to-banning-fur-farms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Italy</a>.

Piazza San Fedele in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

In addition to the exceptional fashion scene and exquisite cuisine, Milan is also a city with a rich artistic history and is home to countless renowned works of art, such as "Madonna from the Book" by Sandro <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/ferragamo-fall-winter-2023-campaign-new-renaissance-uffizi-gallery-tyler-mitchell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Botticelli</a>, "The Fourth Estate" by Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo and "Rondanini Piet&agrave;" by <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/art/michelangelo-pistoletto-artist-interview-venus-of-the-rags-naples-italy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michelangelo</a>. 
The Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral and the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent, where<a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/art/most-expensive-art" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Leonardo da Vinci's</a>&nbsp;mural "The Last Supper" is located, are witnesses to centuries of art, culture, and human history.

Fondazione Prada in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

To fully appreciate how it appears today, L'OFFICIEL first dives into the history of the metropolis, tracing the roots of Milanese culture back to where and when they began. Milan was founded under the name of Mediolano, by the Celtic people. It was later invaded by the Romans in 222 BC, where it eventually became the administrative capital of the Western <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/fendi-spring-summer-2024-mfw-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roman</a> Empire. Centuries later, it was ruled by the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/did-hilaria-baldwin-fake-a-spanish-accent" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spanish</a>, in 1500, and by the Austrians, in 1700. 
In 1796, Milan was conquered by <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/vanessa-kirby-napoleon-empress-josephine-ridley-scott" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Napoleon</a> I, who made it the capital of his Kingdom of Italy. During the Romantic period, the city was an important cultural center in <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fashion-designers-reviving-mod-era-fashion-winter-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Europe</a>, attracting numerous artists, composers, and important literary figures. In the Second World War, Milan was seriously affected by bombings, but the city recovered after the war, attracting thousands of immigrants from southern Italy and abroad, and transforming itself into a hub of industrial and financial growth.
Although many do not consider Milan among Italy's most beautiful cities, especially compared to Rome and Firenze, which are known for their geography and architecture, but in <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/celebrities-milan-fashion-week-spring-summer-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milan</a>, there is beauty around every corner. From the immaculately well-dressed Milanese citizens who walk the &mdash;Italy's oldest <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/men/jacob-elordi-street-style-fashion-essentials-shop" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shopping</a> center&mdash;to the facades and courtyards of the Palazzos that line the historic district. Milan is rare among Italian cities for having its collective gaze fixed on the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/louis-vuitton-fall-winter-2024-pfw-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">future</a>. Whether in business and fashion or in science and architecture, Milan is a city filled with people who are dynamic, energetic, and ambitious, but it's also a place rich in history, with dozens of churches, monasteries, and galleries filled with exquisite art. 
This juxtaposition of past and present makes it an exciting destination and a city of endless surprises. From the cobbled streets around Brera to the bustling <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/history-gay-nightlife-nyc-clubs-drag-ball" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nightlife</a> of Navigli, this city is more than just a pretty cathedral and the home of two top-tier football teams&mdash;although it's also worth catching a game. Join&nbsp;L'OFFICIEL&nbsp;in exploring all the best things to see and do in Milan ahead of Salone del Mobile.&nbsp;

Dolce & Gabbana flagship store in Milan. Photo courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana.

Climb onto the roof of Milan's Gothic Cathedral, the Duomo

Duomo Milano. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The best way to see Milan's most important <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/paris-coffee-shops" target="_blank" rel="noopener">building</a> is to climb it on a tour of the vast roof. Start at Piazza del Duomo to admire the newly restored Candoglia marble facade and appreciate the scale and complexity of Italy's largest cathedral&mdash;and the third largest in the world. Then, guests can take the elevator up to the roof to get up close to the intricately carved <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/eiffel-tower-fashion-moments-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">towers</a> that give the building its distinctive wedding-cake appearance. Surprisingly, construction work began in 1385 and ended almost 600 years later, in 1965.

Stroll through the oldest gallery in the world

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Almost as famous as the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the magnificent glass-enclosed mall next to the Cathedral. Built after the unification of <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/art/tods-aria-ditalia-italian-culture-artists" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Italy</a> in 1865, it is decorated with mosaics representing the 20 regions of Italy. In the central octagonal space, there are four mosaics representing the coats of arms of the other three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy&mdash;Turin, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/florence-pugh-best-style-moments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Florence</a>, Rome, and of course, Milan.
Prada has had a store in the gallery since 1913, and after that, visitors should go up to the third floor, where you will find the Marchesi <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/french-girl-nyc-guide-french-restaurants-bakeries-shopping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bakery</a>, one of the most traditional pastry shops in Milan. The view from the gallery is spectacular and it can be complimented by a delicious <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/wellness/how-to-use-rice-water-hair-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rice</a> cake&mdash; tortino di riso&mdash; a piece of panettone, or a brioche with cappuccino. Naturally, A stop at Camparino is mandatory, and you should end your visit with a Campari on the rocks.

Spend a night at the opera

Teatro Alla Scala in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Even if you're not an <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/shopping/opera-gloves-to-shop-bridgerton-style-regencycore" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opera</a> enthusiast, the opulence of La Scala in Milan, one of the most important theaters in the world, will move you. The best way to experience this is by catching a nighttime show. 
The red velvet decor in front of the stage where Verdi and Rossini premiered their works and where Paganini played the violin for the first time, magically envelops you. It's worth booking one of the many behind-the-scenes programs to delve into the archives, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/hailey-bieber-halloween-costume-2023-vampire-celebrity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">costume</a> department, and even Ansaldo's workshops, where set designers make dreams come true.

Get lost in the charming neighborhood of Pinacoteca di Brera

When Napoleon conquered Italy in the early 19th century, he quickly reclaimed his art, plundering dozens of churches and monasteries. The result is the Pinacoteca di Brera collection, an impressive array of mainly religious works by Mantegna, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/mario-bellini-bubble-couch-instagram-eternity-modern" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bellini</a>, Tintoretto, and Caravaggio. Installed in Palazzo Brera. A highlight is the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/beauty/glass-skin-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">glass</a>-enclosed restoration room, where you can watch the experts at work. 
The building also houses a <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fashion-shows-new-york-public-library" target="_blank" rel="noopener">library</a> and an astronomy museum, both of which are worth a visit. In addition to the Pinacoteca, the Brera neighborhood&mdash;a vibrant area full of contemporary art galleries such as Galleria Antonio Battaglia, Galeria Miart, and Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera&mdash; offers numerous attractions. Cobblestone streets add to the special aura, and charming boutiques along with typical Milanese restaurants take it to another level. Be sure to plan ahead and include a visit to the Brera <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/beauty/cult-clean-beauty-skincare-makeup-natural-products-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market</a>, which takes place on the third Sunday of each month.

Admire Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

The convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie has perhaps the most enviable dining room of all time, where Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is located. The fresco was <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/christopher-john-rogers-farrow-and-ball-paint-capsule-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">painted</a> during the 1490s and, incredibly, survived bombings during the war. 
The biggest threat to the work today is the degradation of the paints, the fading of which gives rise to many theories, including that the figure to the right of Jesus is Mary Magdalene, not his disciple John, as is commonly believed. Don't miss the vineyard and the house next door, given to <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/art/world-art-day-leonardo-da-vinci-artwork" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leonardo</a> as payment for the piece. If you plan to visit this masterpiece, don't forget to make a reservation in advance.&nbsp;

<p class="tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta" data-placeholder="Translation" id="tw-target-text" aria-label="Translated text" data-ved="2ahUKEwjL_J_jyp6FAxURlYkEHeXoAGIQ3ewLegQIBRAU" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">The Quadrilatero della Moda is denoted by the streets Via della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Corso Venezia, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via del Ges&ugrave;, and comprises an area occupied almost exclusively by ultra-sophisticated boutiques such as Aquazzura, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/gucci-sabato-de-sarno-documentary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gucci</a>, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Pucci, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/kim-kardashian-fashion-style-rome-vacation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dolce &amp; Gabbana</a>, Bulgari, Ferragamo, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/new-valentino-creative-director" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Valentino</a>, and Prada. 
Still, locals tend to prefer the 150-year-old Rinascente department store located in Piazza del Duomo, which has everything and more under one roof. For <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/shopping/vintage-jean-shorts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vintage</a> and independent shops, head to Brera, the cool bohemian neighborhood that lies west of the fashion district.

Visit the Fondazione Prada

Founded in 1993 and co-chaired by <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/young-photos-of-miuccia-prada" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miuccia Prada</a> and Patrizio Bertelli since 1995, Fondazione Prada is an institution of art and culture. Miuccia Prada, a highly successful fashion designer, businesswoman, and art collector, decided to share the gift of art with her beloved city and designed a bold <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/khaite-spring-summer-2024-nyfw-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">modern</a> project.&nbsp;
The location chosen was the southern outskirts of Milan, just below Porta Romana, helping to recover an immense industrial area that had been abandoned. There are 19,000 square meters where a distillery once operated. The project was created by the famous <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/vincent-van-gogh-inspired-fashion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dutch</a> architect Rem Khoolas, who also designed several Prada stores worldwide. Lucio Fontana, Yves Klein, Louise Bourgeois, <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/graphic-tshirt-history-band-merch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roy Lichtenstein</a>, Piero Manzoni, and Michelangelo Pistoletto are just a few artists who have work exhibited at the museum.&nbsp;

For a unique experience, L'OFFICIEL suggests staying at the Hotel Portrait Milano, which belongs to the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/ferragamo-fall-winter-2024-mfw-show-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ferragamo</a> family. The venue was recently opened in the former Seminary of the Archbishop of Corso Venezia, one of the most fascinating secret spaces in the center of Milan, offering quintessential Italian hospitality with an added personal touch for each <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/the-bear-every-celebrity-guest-star-jamie-lee-curtis-sarah-paulson-olivia-coleman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">guest</a> and meticulous attention to every detail. 
The ornate <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/beauty/zendaya-fashions-baroque-bob-during-the-indian-wells-open" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Baroque</a>-style door at Corso Venezia 11 is the hotel's main entrance that surrounds a new must-see destination, Piazza del Quadrilatero, spanning almost 3,000 square meters. The body of the <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/travel-living/hotel-umbral-mexico-city-art-gallery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hotel</a> has 73 wonderful suites, spreads between historic colonnades, exclusive boutiques, and memorable gourmet experiences such as Beefbar Milano, the first of the famous chain in Italy, or even the trendy Bar Rumore. 
Under the vaults and ancient columns of the former seminary, you discover an inviting wellness area including a spa with a stunning <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/trips/best-swimming-pool-europe-monte-carlo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pool</a> and gym with state-of-the-art equipment. Contrasting with the ancient architecture, the decoration reveals the best of authentic Italian design, with luxurious materials and works of art in a perfect combination of texture and <a href="https://preview.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fall-winter-2024-color-trends" target="_blank" rel="noopener">color</a> palette and the signature of architect Michele B&ouml;nan.

Pasticceria Marchesi in Milan. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

<ul>
 <li>LANGOSTERIA: VIA SAVONA 10</li>
 <li>BICE: VIA BORGOSPESSO 12</li>
 <li>GIACOMO BISTROT: VIA PASQUALE SOTTOCORNO 6</li>
 <li>IL SALUMAIO: VIA SANTO SPIRITO 10</li>
 <li>ARMANI/NOBU: VIA PISONI 1</li>
 <li>BAR BULGARI | BULGARI HOTEL MILANO: VIA PRIVATA FRATELLI</li>
 <li>GABBA 7b</li>
 <li>BAR MARTINI AND MARTINI BISTROT: CORSO VENEZIA 15</li>
 <li>TORRE | FONDAZIONE PRADA: Via Lorenzini, 14</li>
 <li>PASTICCERIA MARCHESI: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II</li>
</ul>

What To Do In Milan Ahead of Salone del Mobile

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