Milan was the first city we visited on our Italian dream honeymoon and even though my intro to the city had me wondering if I had just walked into a glorified shopping mall, as we explored and enjoyed the following experiences, I was completely won over. I love Milan - a city that weaves together timeless architecture, masterpieces of art, exquisite cuisine, and an unmistakable Italian beauty. Over three unforgettable days, we ascended the Duomo’s rooftops, stood before da Vinci’s Last Supper, experienced opera in La Scala’s gilded splendor, and found serenity by Lake Como’s shores. Here are the nine places that we personally experienced and loved—along with five more we eagerly await for our return.

9. Leonardo da Vinci Statue

Right outside the Galleria in Piazza della Scala stands this impressive monument to Milan’s most famous citizen, Leonardo da Vinci, unveiled in 1872, with his four pupils at the base. It's a quick, beautiful stop that ties right into the nearby Teatro alla Scala and is a nice free and famous sight in Milan

8. Sforzesco Castle

We only caught the front view and fountain on our way to dinner, but there is a lot in and around this castle to take advantage of! This fortress was ruled by Milanese dynasties and has played an important role in the history of Milan. Behind it lies Parco Sempione that can be explored for free—we missed so much here, but scroll to the end to learn all the aspects of Sforza Castle that we’d absolutely see if we return to Milan.

7. Como

A quick 1-hour train ride from Milan lands you in this gorgeous lakeside town. Cobblestone streets, a charming piazza, its own impressive Duomo, and a gelateria by the water—it felt like a city I’d love to live in. A perfect day trip escape.

6. Crypt of San Sepolcro

Tucked right next to the Ambrosian Library exit, this 1000-year-old lower church level (dating back to 1030 AD) has Roman pillars and Crusade-era history. Modest but layered with early paintings and centuries of architecture— a quick, easy, and worthwhile add-on, especially if you’re going to see the Ambrosian Library.

5. Ambrosian Library

Home to the massive Codex Atlanticus of Leonardo da Vinci drawings, plus masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, and more. The art, artifacts, and architecture kept us captivated for hours—a must for any person interested in da Vinci.

4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This stunning 19th-century covered gallery connects the Duomo to La Scala with iron-and-glass domes, luxury shops, historic cafes like Biffi, and that famous bull mosaic where everyone spins for luck. It’s considered the world’s first shopping mall!

3. Teatro alla Scala

We had great fortune in securing a viewing box all to ourselves for the opera Werther. This legendary opera house (since 1778) has hosted premieres of the most prestigious composers and performers of all time. Legends like Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Maria Callas have given performances in this, the most famous opera house in Italy. Luxurious, historic, and unforgettable.

2. Da Vinci’s The Last Supper

This painting is the reason Milan made our honeymoon list. In Santa Maria delle Grazie's refectory, one of the most famous paintings in history can be viewed—even with the steep Viator tour price, we splurged to take in an iconic masterpiece.

1. Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral is one of the most impressive architectural feats in history. With over 3400 statues adorning its 109,000 square feet, Duomo di Milano is a marvel that literally can’t be missed. If you are in Milan, chances are you will find yourself in the presence of this massive church that begs you to enter its nave. The inside is as impressive as the outside, but a visit to the rooftop terraces are a must! With certain ticket packages, you’ll also get to see what lies beneath the duomo in the archeological area. This is the most obvious and obligatory stop in Milan

And 5 We’ll See If We Ever Go Back

After taking in so much in Milan, we still didn’t see everything of interest. Below are 5 places I would prioritize seeing were we ever to make it back to Milan.

Sforzesco Castle interiors and Parco Sempione (Arco della Pace, Torre Branca views)

After our quick glance at the front, we realized how much we missed inside the castle museums—including Leonardo’s only other mural—and the massive free park behind it with the triumphal arch and tower views.

Navigli District canalside dining

The trendy canal area where Duomo stones were once transported. We never made it for a meal or aperitivo along the water, but it’s high on the list for leisure, restaurants, and nightlife.

Pinacoteca Brera masterpieces (Raphael, Caravaggio)

This art gallery holds incredible works by Raphael, Tintoretto, Caravaggio, and even Picasso. A combined ticket gets you into the nearby Palazzo Citterio too—perfect for a full art immersion that I was unaware of when making our travel plans.

Bosco Verticale vertical forest towers

These modern residential towers covered in 800 trees and thousands of plants are a green architectural wonder in Porta Nuova. It’s a modern marvel that sticks out like a green thumb.

San Bernardino alle Ossa bone chapel

The side chapel decorated with human bones arranged into patterns and designs from the old ossuary—eerie, historic, and unforgettable. Genevieve is especially curious; I’m still on the fence but it’s definitely worth the stop.

Our 9 Most Loved Experiences in Milan (And 5 We'll Return For)