Lots of work and little time to visit the city? Here’s what you absolutely must see in Milan in a few hours, quarter by quarter.
Milan is Italy’s ultimate business capital, but let’s face it: it is a real shame to stop in the city just for work and not discover at least some of its amazing wonders!
If you’re often in Milan on business, why not catch some time between meetings to visit the city’s most interesting attractions? To make it easier for you, below we have prepared a list of monuments, museums and points of interest not to be missed for every area of the city: discover with us what to absolutely see in Milan, even if you only stay for a few hours!
What to see in downtown Milan?
The center of Milan is the heart of the city, a meeting place of tradition and modernity. The first thing to see is obviously the majestic Duomo (if you have time, you could also climb to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view from above). Then, you can take a walk in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and reach the Teatro alla Scala.
Do not miss the shopping streets around Piazza Duomo and, perhaps, walk along Via Dante and go to the Sforza Castle and the nearby Sempione Park, the green lung of the city.
© Ian Hill via Flickr
Porta Garibaldi and its skyscrapers
The Porta Nuova/Garibaldi district represents the new face of the city, made up of skyscrapers that are redefining the Milan skyline, but also of green areas, squares, bridges and cycle paths.
Stop to look at the Unicredit Tower (which, with its 231 meters, is the tallest skyscraper in Italy), the futuristic Piazza Gae Aulenti, and, not far away, the famous Bosco Verticale – the Vertical Forrest designed by Stefano Boeri. If you can, also stop at Eataly (inside the former Smeraldo Theatre) and enjoy a walk along Corso Como with its nightlife and nightclubs, an ideal location if you have time for an apéritif.
© La Stampa
Brera ditrict with the art gallery and the botanical garden
If work takes you to the Brera area, do not miss the chance to experience the unique atmosphere of this district with its romantic and bohemian charm.
Visit the Academy of Fine Arts, the Pinacoteca, the Astronomical Observatory, and the Botanical Garden, and then lose yourself in the cobblestone streets to immerse yourself in the creative and artistic aura of the Brera Design District, the art scene, antique stores, and markets.
© Pinacoteca di Brera
What is there to see in Milan in a few hours near Porta Venezia?
Porta Venezia is also located in a strategic area for business, a short distance from the city center, offices and some of Milan’s coworking spaces. Here you can admire some examples of Milan’s Art Nouveau buildings (one of them is Casa Galimberti) and the Elfo Puccini Theater. Also in this district you will find the Indro Montanelli gardens, the Natural History Museum, the Planetarium and Palazzo Dugnani.
© Italia Liberty
Must see: The Navigli markets and nightlife
In recent decades, the Navigli district has become one of Milan’s most trendy areas. Here, between work engagements, you can treat yourself to a stroll through the Metropolitan Market or the Fiera di Sinigaglia, Milan’s oldest flea market.
Then admire the Darsena – the new Canal Dock, which was redeveloped for Expo 2015, and see the Vicolo dei Lavandai, with its quaint old laundry house used by washerwomen until the 1950s. Finally, visit the Fondazione Museo Arnaldo Pomodoro.
The Navigli represent another perfect destination where to have an aperitif in Milan or where to enjoy the best of local cuisine: by the way, take a look at our guide to the best Cotoletta Milanese, Milan’s signature beef cutlet!
To Milan with Italo
What’s the most convenient way to reach the Lombard capital on a business trip? Italo offers you many high-speed trains to Milan from all parts of Italy, taking you swiftly to the Central Station: from here, you are ready to get to your office or meeting place and then visit the beauty of the surrounding area. For example, do you know how far Milano Centrale is from Porta Garibaldi, the nerve center of this most modern city? Very little, only two stops on the M2 green metro line.
