City Centre

Lodovico
City Centre

Sightseeing

The peculiarity of Milan compared to other Italian cities is its concentricity: the city is structured in circles, in the center of which there is Piazza Duomo. The square is connected to Piazza della Scala by a covered passage, or the Vittorio Emanuele gallery, a tribute of nineteenth-century Milan to the newborn Kingdom of Italy. The gallery is famous for its luxury shops, its mosaics and the arched roof in iron and glass, forming an immense cross. At the center of the gallery, on 4 crescents above the buildings, there are 4 paintings representing the 4 continents of the time (Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia). On the floor you will find the symbols of the 4 cities that, at one time or another, were the capital of Italy: Milan (the red cross), Florence (the lily), Rome (the wolf) and Turin (the bull). The latter was the first capital of Italy, and tradition has it that doing 3 laps with the heel on the bull's testicles brings good luck! As beautiful as it is, this area can get busy, especially on weekends. Therefore, for early birds, I recommend that you go there at dawn when the square is completely deserted and can be appreciated in all its splendor.
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza del Duomo
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The peculiarity of Milan compared to other Italian cities is its concentricity: the city is structured in circles, in the center of which there is Piazza Duomo. The square is connected to Piazza della Scala by a covered passage, or the Vittorio Emanuele gallery, a tribute of nineteenth-century Milan to the newborn Kingdom of Italy. The gallery is famous for its luxury shops, its mosaics and the arched roof in iron and glass, forming an immense cross. At the center of the gallery, on 4 crescents above the buildings, there are 4 paintings representing the 4 continents of the time (Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia). On the floor you will find the symbols of the 4 cities that, at one time or another, were the capital of Italy: Milan (the red cross), Florence (the lily), Rome (the wolf) and Turin (the bull). The latter was the first capital of Italy, and tradition has it that doing 3 laps with the heel on the bull's testicles brings good luck! As beautiful as it is, this area can get busy, especially on weekends. Therefore, for early birds, I recommend that you go there at dawn when the square is completely deserted and can be appreciated in all its splendor.
At the end of the gallery, emerging on Piazza della Scala, in addition to the Teatro della Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, where if you have the opportunity I highly recommend going, you will find the 'Gallerie D'Italia', the hottest museum of the moment. Housed in the historic building of the Banca Commerciale Italiana, which would deserve a visit even if it were empty, it collects 19th and 20th century paintings from the Intesa San Paolo collection in its rooms
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Gallerie d'Italia
6 Piazza della Scala
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At the end of the gallery, emerging on Piazza della Scala, in addition to the Teatro della Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, where if you have the opportunity I highly recommend going, you will find the 'Gallerie D'Italia', the hottest museum of the moment. Housed in the historic building of the Banca Commerciale Italiana, which would deserve a visit even if it were empty, it collects 19th and 20th century paintings from the Intesa San Paolo collection in its rooms
PERSONAL FAVORITE A not very well known place, not even to the Milanese, and yet perhaps one of the most evocative places in the city. The church dates back to the 13th century, but its renovation in 1679 means that the style is Rococo. But it's the inside that leaves its mark ... I won't spoil the surprise though!
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Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Piazza Santo Stefano
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PERSONAL FAVORITE A not very well known place, not even to the Milanese, and yet perhaps one of the most evocative places in the city. The church dates back to the 13th century, but its renovation in 1679 means that the style is Rococo. But it's the inside that leaves its mark ... I won't spoil the surprise though!
Piazza Duomo, on the other hand, is connected to San Babila by the most famous street in the city, namely Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The latter is particularly famous for its shops where you can get lost in unbridled shopping. The most famous shop is certainly the Rinascente, one of the symbols of the shops in the center, inside which you will find everything from perfumes to lingerie, to casual or sports clothing stores. Downstairs you will also find an interesting gadget shop and design objects. If you are addicted to shopping, a tour is a must!
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Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
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Piazza Duomo, on the other hand, is connected to San Babila by the most famous street in the city, namely Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The latter is particularly famous for its shops where you can get lost in unbridled shopping. The most famous shop is certainly the Rinascente, one of the symbols of the shops in the center, inside which you will find everything from perfumes to lingerie, to casual or sports clothing stores. Downstairs you will also find an interesting gadget shop and design objects. If you are addicted to shopping, a tour is a must!
A shop that over three floors manages to become a mixture of heaven and the nightmare of every design lover: an infinity of rooms, each with a dominant color, where you can find everything! From paintings to ceramics, from candles to light installations. Everything is for sale and nothing is lacking in style. Of course, for those willing to open their wallets!
Fornasetti
21A Corso Venezia
A shop that over three floors manages to become a mixture of heaven and the nightmare of every design lover: an infinity of rooms, each with a dominant color, where you can find everything! From paintings to ceramics, from candles to light installations. Everything is for sale and nothing is lacking in style. Of course, for those willing to open their wallets!
Near San Babila you will also find the Milanese Pantheon, or the beautiful Basilica of San Carlo al Corso, a neoclassical building whose colonnade makes it resemble the Pantheon in Rome. In the square in front, a series of 36 Corinthian granite columns gives the whole a decidedly solemn tone
Basilica of San Carlo al Corso
ilanoPiazza San Carlo
Near San Babila you will also find the Milanese Pantheon, or the beautiful Basilica of San Carlo al Corso, a neoclassical building whose colonnade makes it resemble the Pantheon in Rome. In the square in front, a series of 36 Corinthian granite columns gives the whole a decidedly solemn tone
The Ambrosiana is a source of pride for the Milanese: it is one of the first public libraries to be inaugurated in Europe, in the early seventeenth century, based on the idea of Cardinal Federico Borromeo. Today it holds over 75,000 volumes, including the tables of Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus. The complex also includes an art gallery, which houses Raphael's ‘cartone’ from the Athens school and Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit.
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Aklatan ng Ambrosian
2 Piazza Pio XI
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The Ambrosiana is a source of pride for the Milanese: it is one of the first public libraries to be inaugurated in Europe, in the early seventeenth century, based on the idea of Cardinal Federico Borromeo. Today it holds over 75,000 volumes, including the tables of Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus. The complex also includes an art gallery, which houses Raphael's ‘cartone’ from the Athens school and Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit.
Piazza dei mercanti, a surviving piece of the Middle Ages in the historic center, was once the hub of Milanese civil life. It is surrounded by 4 palaces, the most important of which is the Palazzo della Ragione, which today hosts major temporary photography exhibitions. Behind the Palazzo della Ragione, on an arch of the palace, you will see a bas-relief of a mythological animal: it is the semi-wiry sow, to which it seems the name of Milan is owed. According to the legend, in fact, Belloveso, a Celtic chief in search of new lands to cultivate, saw in a dream a goddess who showed him a place to establish a city. So he crossed the Alps and stopped in the Po Valley, where he came across a particular female wild boar, which for the Celts was a propitious animal: she was 'semi-wiry', that is, she had long fur on half of her body. So, the city was called Mediolanum, literally: half fur.
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Piazza Mercanti
Piazza dei Mercanti
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Piazza dei mercanti, a surviving piece of the Middle Ages in the historic center, was once the hub of Milanese civil life. It is surrounded by 4 palaces, the most important of which is the Palazzo della Ragione, which today hosts major temporary photography exhibitions. Behind the Palazzo della Ragione, on an arch of the palace, you will see a bas-relief of a mythological animal: it is the semi-wiry sow, to which it seems the name of Milan is owed. According to the legend, in fact, Belloveso, a Celtic chief in search of new lands to cultivate, saw in a dream a goddess who showed him a place to establish a city. So he crossed the Alps and stopped in the Po Valley, where he came across a particular female wild boar, which for the Celts was a propitious animal: she was 'semi-wiry', that is, she had long fur on half of her body. So, the city was called Mediolanum, literally: half fur.
One of the hidden and most mysterious gems of Milan, unknown to many despite the fact that they pass by it every day. I myself found out about its existence only last year! In the heart of Piazza Missori stand out the remains of an apse that belonged to the ancient 5th-century early Christian Basilica of San Giovanni in Conca. Today only the crypt remains of the basilica: go down the stairs and enjoy it for good, because it is one of the few Romanic crypts left in the city. The effect is very impressive
San Giovanni in Conca
22 Piazza Giuseppe Missori
One of the hidden and most mysterious gems of Milan, unknown to many despite the fact that they pass by it every day. I myself found out about its existence only last year! In the heart of Piazza Missori stand out the remains of an apse that belonged to the ancient 5th-century early Christian Basilica of San Giovanni in Conca. Today only the crypt remains of the basilica: go down the stairs and enjoy it for good, because it is one of the few Romanic crypts left in the city. The effect is very impressive
The home of the Omeoni takes its name from the large statues on the façade (the term Omeoni in Milanese dialect means 'great men').
Casa degli Omenoni
3 Via degli Omenoni
The home of the Omeoni takes its name from the large statues on the façade (the term Omeoni in Milanese dialect means 'great men').

Food & Restaurants

It is the oldest café in Milan, opened in 1817 by Antonio Cova, a soldier of Napoleon. The place, however, does not seem to feel the age at all: it still remains one of the most popular pastry shops in Milan, outclassing prestigious rivals such as Marchesi, Knam , or Castelnuovo. Stop, if only for a coffee, and sit in the place where generations of Milanese, including Manzoni himself, have found refreshment.
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MONTENAPOLEONE
Via Monte Napoleone
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It is the oldest café in Milan, opened in 1817 by Antonio Cova, a soldier of Napoleon. The place, however, does not seem to feel the age at all: it still remains one of the most popular pastry shops in Milan, outclassing prestigious rivals such as Marchesi, Knam , or Castelnuovo. Stop, if only for a coffee, and sit in the place where generations of Milanese, including Manzoni himself, have found refreshment.
There are those who argue that if you've never tried a panzerotto at Luini's, you can't really say you've visited Milan. And in fact the panzerotto here is unsurpassed. Do not be intimidated by the perpetual queue at any time of day, as the queue runs quickly, and every minute of waiting will be rewarded by the quality of the products. Indulge yourself in the choice of panzerotti and do as everyone else: eat them sitting on the sidewalk in front!
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Luini
16 Via Santa Radegonda
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There are those who argue that if you've never tried a panzerotto at Luini's, you can't really say you've visited Milan. And in fact the panzerotto here is unsurpassed. Do not be intimidated by the perpetual queue at any time of day, as the queue runs quickly, and every minute of waiting will be rewarded by the quality of the products. Indulge yourself in the choice of panzerotti and do as everyone else: eat them sitting on the sidewalk in front!
PERSONAL FAVORITE In my opinion, the best pizza in Milan, hands down! located a few steps from the cathedral, the place is colorful and lively, with even tables outside, sheltered from the busy streets of the center. The service is fast and friendly, welcoming you with a glass of prosecco and a slice of pizza!
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Piz
34 Via Torino
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PERSONAL FAVORITE In my opinion, the best pizza in Milan, hands down! located a few steps from the cathedral, the place is colorful and lively, with even tables outside, sheltered from the busy streets of the center. The service is fast and friendly, welcoming you with a glass of prosecco and a slice of pizza!
Slightly more famous pizzeria, but also more expensive than Piz. The quality is comparable: here the pizza, cooked by thoroughbred Neapolitan chefs, is certainly above the average of Milanese pizzerias, even if it can often be very crowded. During the weekend you will probably have to face a disproportionate mass of people before taking a seat at the table, but it is also true that this is usually synonymous with quality
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Gino Sorbillo - Pizza Gourmand
1 Via Ugo Foscolo
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Slightly more famous pizzeria, but also more expensive than Piz. The quality is comparable: here the pizza, cooked by thoroughbred Neapolitan chefs, is certainly above the average of Milanese pizzerias, even if it can often be very crowded. During the weekend you will probably have to face a disproportionate mass of people before taking a seat at the table, but it is also true that this is usually synonymous with quality
Slightly more famous pizzeria, but also more expensive than Piz. The quality is comparable: here the pizza, cooked by thoroughbred Neapolitan chefs, is certainly above the average of Milanese pizzerias, even if it can often be very crowded. During the weekend you will probably have to face a disproportionate mass of people before taking a seat at the table, but it is also true that this is usually synonymous with quality
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Pasticceria Sant Ambroeus Milano
7 Corso Giacomo Matteotti
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Slightly more famous pizzeria, but also more expensive than Piz. The quality is comparable: here the pizza, cooked by thoroughbred Neapolitan chefs, is certainly above the average of Milanese pizzerias, even if it can often be very crowded. During the weekend you will probably have to face a disproportionate mass of people before taking a seat at the table, but it is also true that this is usually synonymous with quality
Milan is famous for being the most multi-ethnic city in Italy, and this is also reflected in its culinary offer. In fact, people come to this restaurant run by the Hare Krishna community, an Indian religion, more for the experience than for the food. Expect vegan food, Indian influences and a lot of simplicity in service. But also lots of smiles and lots of warmth. We eat on large tables, sometimes shared with other customers. If you are looking for something different from the usual restaurant, this is definitely the one for you
Contrada Govinda
5 Via Valpetrosa
Milan is famous for being the most multi-ethnic city in Italy, and this is also reflected in its culinary offer. In fact, people come to this restaurant run by the Hare Krishna community, an Indian religion, more for the experience than for the food. Expect vegan food, Indian influences and a lot of simplicity in service. But also lots of smiles and lots of warmth. We eat on large tables, sometimes shared with other customers. If you are looking for something different from the usual restaurant, this is definitely the one for you
A book is not judged by its cover; in the same way a restaurant is not judged by its entry. In fact, behind a tiny entrance with a terrace on the street hides a large restaurant with a very special atmosphere: the air you breathe inside tastes of Tuscany. If you close your eyes you can almost imagine yourself on the Florentine hills under a maritime pine sipping wine while eating cold cuts. And if this were not enough, excellent Florentine food will certainly provide you with the land of Dante
Ristorante Coco Pazzo (S.R.L.)
26 Via Durini
A book is not judged by its cover; in the same way a restaurant is not judged by its entry. In fact, behind a tiny entrance with a terrace on the street hides a large restaurant with a very special atmosphere: the air you breathe inside tastes of Tuscany. If you close your eyes you can almost imagine yourself on the Florentine hills under a maritime pine sipping wine while eating cold cuts. And if this were not enough, excellent Florentine food will certainly provide you with the land of Dante
I absolutely could not exclude the aforementioned restaurant from the recommendations, as it was the place where I celebrated my 18 years and later those of my girlfriend. Located in the elegant setting of the Mandarin hotel, the restaurant is in the top 3 of the Michelin guide for Milan, having collected 2 stars. Try the tasting menu for an exhaustive (and satiating) journey into the world of haute cuisine; get ready to be delighted
Seta
18 Via Andegari
I absolutely could not exclude the aforementioned restaurant from the recommendations, as it was the place where I celebrated my 18 years and later those of my girlfriend. Located in the elegant setting of the Mandarin hotel, the restaurant is in the top 3 of the Michelin guide for Milan, having collected 2 stars. Try the tasting menu for an exhaustive (and satiating) journey into the world of haute cuisine; get ready to be delighted
Carlo Cracco is a superstar in Italy, and his restaurant is considered among the 50 best in the world. Located in the Vittorio Emanuele gallery, the place offers an experience that goes far beyond flavors, smells and tastes. Sure, the bill can be very salty, but if you're a food lover, a meal here is worth every penny.
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Cracco
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
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Carlo Cracco is a superstar in Italy, and his restaurant is considered among the 50 best in the world. Located in the Vittorio Emanuele gallery, the place offers an experience that goes far beyond flavors, smells and tastes. Sure, the bill can be very salty, but if you're a food lover, a meal here is worth every penny.

Cocktail Bars

This bar deserves three stars, as well as for its location, mainly for its history. Campari is a world famous liqueur, created by Gasparre Campari in 1860, just before the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. In '62, Campari moved production to Milan, next to the Duomo, and in '67 he opened the historic bar that is still in business today, creating the first Milanese 'aperitif', to be drunk before meals, namely the Campari spritz . The restaurant therefore allows you to visit the legendary birthplace not only of a world brand like Campari, but of a lifestyle that still characterizes the life of many Milanese, namely the aperitif.
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Camparino in Galleria
21 P.za del Duomo
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This bar deserves three stars, as well as for its location, mainly for its history. Campari is a world famous liqueur, created by Gasparre Campari in 1860, just before the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. In '62, Campari moved production to Milan, next to the Duomo, and in '67 he opened the historic bar that is still in business today, creating the first Milanese 'aperitif', to be drunk before meals, namely the Campari spritz . The restaurant therefore allows you to visit the legendary birthplace not only of a world brand like Campari, but of a lifestyle that still characterizes the life of many Milanese, namely the aperitif.
The most common exchange of phrases in a Milanese bar is the following: 'a spritz please' 'Aperol or Campari?'. In fact, these two liqueurs, respectively orange and vermilion, have a monopoly on the aperitif in Italy. Aperol is originally from Veneto, created in 1880 in Padua, but it soon conquered the gorges of half of Italy. The Aperol terrace, although more recent than the historic Campari bar, enjoys an unbeatable location: a terrace overlooking the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele from which you will have a view of the Duomo that will leave you speechless. The exclusive location implies that the prices are not cheap, but you cannot say that you have truly experienced Milan without having established which is the best aperitif. And you, which one will you choose, Aperol or Campari?
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Terrazza Aperol
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
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The most common exchange of phrases in a Milanese bar is the following: 'a spritz please' 'Aperol or Campari?'. In fact, these two liqueurs, respectively orange and vermilion, have a monopoly on the aperitif in Italy. Aperol is originally from Veneto, created in 1880 in Padua, but it soon conquered the gorges of half of Italy. The Aperol terrace, although more recent than the historic Campari bar, enjoys an unbeatable location: a terrace overlooking the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele from which you will have a view of the Duomo that will leave you speechless. The exclusive location implies that the prices are not cheap, but you cannot say that you have truly experienced Milan without having established which is the best aperitif. And you, which one will you choose, Aperol or Campari?
PERSONAL FAVORITE An emblem of Milanese 'radical chic' university life, next to the ‘Statale’ University. The interior is full of books that project the place into a 70s atmosphere, all cloaked in genuine friendliness, rare for such a central place. If the weather is nice, take advantage of the beautiful outdoor courtyard and sit comfortably for a coffee or a cold drink.
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Colibrì
9 Via Laghetto
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PERSONAL FAVORITE An emblem of Milanese 'radical chic' university life, next to the ‘Statale’ University. The interior is full of books that project the place into a 70s atmosphere, all cloaked in genuine friendliness, rare for such a central place. If the weather is nice, take advantage of the beautiful outdoor courtyard and sit comfortably for a coffee or a cold drink.

Neighborhood Description

The historic center manages to capture even the most skeptical of Milan, as between Piazza Duomo and San Babila the city gives its best. And it doesn't matter if you know Milan by heart or if you happen to be there for the first time: between the beauty of the monuments and the echo of a splendor that is never out of fashion, you can satisfy your every desire, from culture to shopping. Even now, every time I find myself in the center, I stop in wonder at its charm. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
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Zone 1 of Milan
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The historic center manages to capture even the most skeptical of Milan, as between Piazza Duomo and San Babila the city gives its best. And it doesn't matter if you know Milan by heart or if you happen to be there for the first time: between the beauty of the monuments and the echo of a splendor that is never out of fashion, you can satisfy your every desire, from culture to shopping. Even now, every time I find myself in the center, I stop in wonder at its charm. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!