Milan, Italy

What to do in Milan, Italy

Duomo

Italy's largest Gothic structure, this cathedral features 135 marble spires and 2,245 marble statues. It holds the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, which dates from the 1560s, and Duomo's most famous sculpture, the figure of St. Bartholomew.

Teatro alla Scala

This world-famous opera house was renovated after Allied bombs destroyed it in 1943. The season opens on December 7 (St. Ambrose Day) and runs for approximately six months. The Museo Teatrale alla Scala offers a look at hand-painted Art Nouveau posters and original scores by Giuseppe Verdi.

Basilica di Sant' Ambrogio (Basilica of St. Ambrose) This church, consecrated by St. Ambrose in 387, is known for its architecture. In fact, it was the model for all of the area's Romanesque churches. The Museo della Basilica di Sant' Ambrogio features ancient pieces, including a 9th-century altar in precious enamels and metals.

Castello Sforzesco

The Castello, begun in 1450 and remodeled numerous times since, houses museums that display Egyptian and other antiquities, paintings, sculpture, and instruments.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

This 19th-century glass-topped vaulted tunnel was actually one of the world's earliest shopping malls. The Galleria is midway between the cathedral and La Scala, and visitors will find several bars and restaurant here, as well as clothing, records, books and jewelry for sale.

Pinacoteca di Brera

The Brera Gallery has an incredible art collection, including famous works by Raphael, Mantegna, and Carlo Carrà.

Golf

The Parco di Monza has a 27-hole course, where golfers can play 9, 18, or 27 holes. Visitors need a golf-club membership from their home club to play.

Shopping

Milan prides itself on offering a vast array of shopping opportunities. Department stores, like La Rinascente, offer the newest styles; specialty stores, such as Giorgio Armani, Prada, and Gianni Versace, offer the best of the best; and incredible shoes are available at Beltrami, Ferragamo, and Fratelli Rosseti. And make sure to leave time for the incredible food markets, especially Mercato Papiniano and Via Armorari.