Milan—the city where espresso flows like caffeinated waterfalls, where fashionistas stride down cobblestone streets as if they were private runways, and where the pigeons in Piazza del Duomo probably have more Instagram followers than you do. Traveling to Northern Italy's stylish capital is in for a truly unique experience—especially if mozzarella, masterpieces, and perhaps even some very dramatic hand gestures from the locals explaining the best pizza in town are among your favorite pastimes.
But don't let the ultra-modern facade fool you: Milan has just as much to offer as haute couture: the weird, the wonderful, and moments that make you wonder, "Did I just see a 500-year-old fresco next to a Prada store?" Here's your exceptional guide to the best things to do in this eccentric city of elegance.
Watch a football match like a real Milanese
If you truly want to understand the soul of Milan, forget the museums for a moment and head straight to the San Siro Stadium—home to not one, but two football giants: AC Milan and Inter Milan. Here, you won't just see a sport; you'll experience a full-fledged opera, with cheering fans, flares, choreography, and a passion that could probably power the city's trams for a week. Even if you don't know what an offside is, you'll be swept away by the enthusiasm of the 70,000 Milanese shouting dramatic things at the referees. Buy a scarf, learn a chant, and don't be surprised if you go home with a sore throat and a newfound passion for Serie A. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a Milan derby—that's when family dinners across the city get tense and grandmothers choose sides. By the way: AC Milan tickets are especially in demand for top matches, so always buy your tickets early to ensure your vacation is perfect.
Art, aperitivo and random fashion shows
Milan is the home of the Last Supper, but you'll need to book well in advance if you want more than a glimpse through the keyhole. But don't worry—art is everywhere here. Stroll through the Pinacoteca di Brera, where the walls are covered with works by Old Masters, or marvel at the Gothic marvel, the Duomo di Milano, which honestly looks like it was designed by someone who drank a few too many espressos and said, "Yes. More spires. More!"
After soaking up the culture , it's time for the sacred Milanese tradition of the aperitivo. Think of it as a fancier and more lavish version of happy hour. Order a Spritz or Negroni, and voilà—you'll be served a buffet of little delicacies. Mini sandwiches, olives, risotto, cheese cubes, pasta... all free with a drink. Locals know the best aperitivo spots, so just follow the crowd of well-dressed people who look like they stepped straight out of a Gucci commercial.
If you happen to stumble into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II while buoyed by Prosecco, don't be surprised if you suddenly find yourself in an impromptu photoshoot. Milan's rich and famous stroll through this 19th-century shopping arcade, pretending they're not tempted by €3,000 handbags and other fashions . You, too, can join the tradition and twirl your heel on the bull mosaic.
Escape into hidden canals and secret gardens
You might not necessarily associate Milan with canals, but Navigli will change that. These are real, still-used canals, originally designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself—because, of course, when he wasn't being a genius, he also designed water systems. Today, the Navigli district is a vibrant area of vintage shops, indie art galleries, and bars that serve cocktails in glasses and call them "concepts." Stroll along the canal at sunset, and you'll wonder if you've accidentally stumbled onto the set of a Wes Anderson film.
If the city gets a little too much for you (Milan can be a bit overwhelming in the best way), visit the Brera Botanical Garden or the tranquil Parco Sempione, a park so charming you'd think it was created just for picnics, holding hands, and dramatic declarations of love. Sit down, take a deep breath, and try not to cry while enjoying another pistachio gelato.
In Milan, even doing nothing feels special
What's special about Milan is that you don't have to rush from sight to sight like a tourist on a mission. You're allowed, in fact, encouraged, to sit on a bench with an espresso in hand, people-watch, and pretend you're on the prowl for a model for Vogue Italia. Embrace the Milanese lifestyle: a little extravagant, a little philosophical, and always ready for a snack at the right time.
Because in Milan, the best thing is to just be. Just like the football in the city, which simply impresses with its relaxed atmosphere. That's if you make an effort to get tickets for such a spectacle in time. And who knows, maybe you'll want to start playing football yourself afterward.
