Milan Things To Do

Commissioned in 1386, this dramatic, gothic building – built to command attention – has more than 100 spires and 3,500 statues. On a clear day the views from the terrace reach as far as the Alps.

Don’t be fooled by the drab exterior of “La Scala," the sumptuous interior is a rich combination of red and gold. From the age of 14-16, Mozart famously wrote three operas here.

The Brera Art Gallery, originally set up by Napoleon, is home to an important collection of works including Raphael’s "Marriage of the Virgin" and Piero della Francesca’s "Madonna with Angels."

Georgio Armanis’ headquarters are located in a fantastic building designed by architect Tadao Ando. In addition to housing showrooms and a reflecting pool, this is where the designers' fashion shows take place.

This striking 15th-century church is famed for housing Da Vinci’s mural "The Last Supper." The celebrated painting survived both a bomb attack in 1943 and a well-meaning restoration. Make reservations at least four weeks in advance.

Had enough shopping? Visit the source of another Italian passion: soccer. The San Siro is the home stadium of AC Milan and Inter Milan teams, and is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world.

Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli’s house was opened to the public for the Milan National Exhibition. His eclectic collection includes paintings (and a tapestry!) by Boticelli, Piero della Francesca, tapestries, jewellery, and weapons.

Following a spending spree, celebrate your purchases with coffee at the first Gucci café. Located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, coffee or tea is served with chocolates decorated with the brand’s logo.

Unwind at the new Guerlian spa (it’s the famous skincare company’s first) in the five-star Carlton Baglioni Hotel. Splurge on one of the extensive treatments or hydrotherapy baths administered by the highly trained staff.