Things to do in Milan: activities and tours

Fashion paradise, design haven and the epitome of old-school elegance, Milan is a city with many faces. And discovering them is all part of its charm. Known for seamlessly combining both the historic and the on-trend, it’s a place where haute couture and chic dining goes hand-in-hand with magnificent palazzos, ancient churches and early Renaissance art. With so much to dazzle you, we’ve made it easier by selecting some of our all-time favourites. From gazing awe-struck at Da Vinci’s magnificent Last Supper, to admiring the Old Masters at the Pinacoteca or enjoying a night at the city’s world-famous opera house, we show you how to make the most of your trip to one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan cities. Top six things to do in Milan 1. See Da Vinci's Last Supper Nothing compares to seeing one of Da Vinci’s greatest works in the flesh (so to speak). Faded and fragile, partly due to Da Vinci experimenting with an unusual mix of oil and tempera, it’s still a staggering work. Not least because of its striking composition and perspective, light years ahead of its time. 2. Marvel at the DuomoSix hundred years in the making, this epic, white-marbled cathedral is not to be missed. Brimming with over a hundred spires and 3,400 statues, it’s the city’s most elaborate symbol. Equally impressive is the interior with its enormous stained-glass windows, while the rooftop offers spectacular views. 3. Discover the masterpieces of the PinacotecaImmerse yourself in the Old Masters, such as Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese to name a few. Our top highlights include Mantegna’s Lamentation over the Dead Christ with its fantastic perspective and brutal realism, along with The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, a passionate symbol of Italy’s unification. 4. Have a gander in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II With its glorious high arches of glass and steel, and marbled mosaic floors, the Galleria makes for an atmospheric stroll at any time of day. One of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, it’s also an ideal stop for high-end boutiques, with plenty of fancy dining options if you happen to get hungry. 5. Glamour of the opera at La ScalaA night at the opera reaches new heights when it’s at La Scala. One of the world’s famed opera houses, its stage has been graced by the likes of Maria Callas while Verdi built his impressive reputation here. For non-opera fans, there’s also ballet and classical music performances, along with theatre tours. 6. Raise a toast in Da Vinci’s VineyardMany don’t know that while Da Vinci was painting the Last Supper, he was also tending to his nearby vineyard. Gifted to him by Duke Ludovico Sforza in 1498, it’s since been painstakingly recreated so not only can you saunter through the vines as Da Vinci might have done, you can also sip the same wine.