The metropolis of Milan may be best known for its nightlife and fashion, but the city is also home to some important cultural treasures. Here are a few ideas for exploring Milan’s eclectic cultural scene.
Milan is famous for its architecture, with the majority of Italy’s tallest skyscrapers located in the Porta Nuova neighborhood, a paradise for contemporary architecture enthusiasts. Visit this business district with a guide to better appreciate the history and design of the commercial and residential towers. Highlights include the Unicredit Tower, Palazzo Lombardia, Pirelli Tower, and award-winning Bosco Verticale.
For most of the world, Milan is synonymous with haute couture. To understand what makes the Milanese tick—and the local economy roar—take a fashion tour of Quadrilatero della Moda. This swish fashion district is thick with designer boutiques and high-end emporiums, and is where the most fashion-forward residents stock their closets.
Milan isn’t just 21st-century fashion and design—the city was also home to Leonardo Da Vinci from 1482 and 1499. The artist and engineer created a number of important works in the city in those 17 years. Marvel at the Last Supper in the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie; stroll through his historic vineyard set behind a Renaissance villa; and browse pages of the Codex Atlanticus in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana to get a sense of his impact on the city’s history and culture.
The national passion for soccer runs just as deep in Milan as the rest of the country. Get a taste of the local football obsession at Casa Milan—headquarters of the beloved AC Milan football club—and the city’s San Siro Stadium on a Milan football tour, during which you can cheer on the Rossoneri like a local.