Milan: The City of Art, Culture, and Cuisine - Must-Visit Attractions and Foods

Milan, located in northern Italy, is not only the fashion capital of the world but also a treasure trove of history and culture. The city is home to many historic buildings and artistic masterpieces, with the most iconic being the Milan Cathedral and Leonardo da Vinci's painting “The Last Supper”, housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Milan’s culinary delights, such as Milanese Ossobuco and Risotto alla Milanese, attract countless visitors. This article will guide you through Milan's top attractions and must-try foods, making your Milanese adventure even more enriching.

Top Attractions in Milan

Milan Cathedral: The Pinnacle of Gothic Architecture

The Milan Cathedral, located in the city center, is an absolute must-see. As the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world, this architectural marvel began its construction in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete.

The cathedral’s most distinctive feature is its Gothic spires, with over 100 of them towering above the structure, exuding a majestic aura. The façade is adorned with thousands of intricately carved statues, and the stained glass windows are a stunning display of artistry.

Milan Cathedral Ticket Prices

Notes:Eating, smoking, large luggage, and tripods are not allowed inside the cathedral. Visitors must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.

Milan Cathedral Location and Access

Address: P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

The cathedral is conveniently located in the city center, with Duomo station serving as an interchange for metro lines 1 and 3. Simply take the metro to Duomo station, and you’ll find the cathedral right in the square upon exiting.

Milan Cathedral, resource:Duomomilano

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie: Home to Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

Built in 1463, this 500-year-old church houses Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural, “The Last Supper”. This masterpiece is one of Da Vinci’s most iconic works, depicting Jesus and his twelve disciples during the Last Supper, showcasing Da Vinci’s mastery of perspective, composition, and lighting.

Ticket Prices for “The Last Supper”

Location and Access for Santa Maria delle Grazie

Address: Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie, 2 Milan

Take metro line 1 to Cadorna or Conciliazione station; it’s about a five-minute walk from either station. Alternatively, take tram line 16 to S. Maria delle Grazie, and it’s just a minute’s walk.

The Last Supper, resource:Last Supper Tickets

Naviglio Canal District: Milan’s Romantic Waterfront

The Naviglio Canal District is one of Milan’s most romantic areas. Originally built in the 12th century, this canal network was once a vital hub for transporting goods.

Today, it’s lined with numerous shops and restaurants, including flea markets, antique shops, bars, and boutique designer stores, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. At night, the canalside lights up, adding to the district's enchanting atmosphere.

Getting to Naviglio Canal District

Take tram line 10 to Naviglio Grande or metro line 2 to P.TA Genova FS station.

Naviglio Canal, resource:Expedia

After a long flight, take a moment to breathe and enjoy the leisurely pace of this culturally rich city. Use a service like LuggAgent, which delivers your luggage from the airport to your hotel, allowing you to start exploring Milan right away.

Stroll through the city’s historic sites during the day, soaking in the Renaissance charm, and indulge in Milanese cuisine in the evening. In the following section, we'll delve into the must-try foods in Milan.

Must-Try Classic Milanese Dishes

Milanese Ossobuco

Ossobuco alla Milanese is a traditional Milanese dish made from braised veal shanks cooked until tender, served with a flavorful mix of tomatoes, onions, and herbs. This rich, hearty dish is a true culinary delight.

Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is famous for its vibrant golden color and rich flavor, achieved by using saffron as the main seasoning, which gives the rice its unique aroma and color. This dish is often paired with Ossobuco, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

Milanese Ossobuco and Risotto alla Milanese, resource:inside the rustic kitchen

Gelato: Italian Ice Cream

No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in Gelato. Known for its rich texture and intense flavors, Gelato has a lower fat content (5-8%) compared to regular ice cream, making it more refreshing.

Milan’s streets are dotted with historic Gelato shops, each offering their own unique recipes. Popular flavors include pistachio, lemon, hazelnut, and vanilla.

Gelato, resource:Girls With The Passport

Milan is not only a center of fashion and commerce but also a city rich in culture and culinary delights. From the grandeur of the Milan Cathedral to Da Vinci’s timeless masterpiece “The Last Supper” and the romantic ambiance of the Naviglio Canal District, the city offers a wide array of experiences for visitors.

And with classic dishes like Milanese Ossobuco and Risotto alla Milanese, your journey will be even more satisfying. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a leisure traveler, Milan promises unforgettable memories.