Milan is situated in Italy’s north, and this metropolis stands out in comparison to the romanticized towns on the Italian peninsula. Milan is known for its modernity, energy, and cosmopolitan flair. It is also Italy’s fashion capital, financial hub, and a cultural crossroad of history and innovation coming together. Those who travel to Milan can enjoy it, whether for a short or long stay, and still experience a wide variety of activities. From cutting-edge design to world-class art, here are the top eight reasons to travel to Milan.

A Fashion & Design Capital

Milan is renowned as the global capital of fashion and design, and if you travel to Milan, visiting its luxury boutiques is a must. Milan is home to luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Armani. Milan also hosts Milan Fashion Week, one of the most prestigious events in the global fashion industry.

Outside of the runway shows, the Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) offers a fantastic shopping experience, featuring high-end boutiques, flagship stores, and elegant cafés. Milan is also renowned for its design, with the Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture and design festival, held every April. The event features architects, artists, and designers from around the world. The creative atmosphere is pervasive throughout Milan, evident on the streets, in galleries, and in showrooms, making the city a paradise for fashion and design enthusiasts.

Travel to Milan and Explore the Duomo Masterpiece

One of the main reasons to travel to Milan is to see the Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary, also known as the Duomo. It is one of the largest and most impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction on the site began in the 14th century, but was not completed until the 20th century. The elaborate façade and intricate spikes make it Milan’s crown jewel.

Visitors who travel to Milan can climb or take the elevator to the rooftop terraces to have a breathtaking view of Milan, and on a clear day, you can even see the Alps from a distance. Inside, the soaring nave, numerous statues, and stained glass windows create a sense of awe and beauty. The Duomo is not only an architectural masterpiece, but it also represents Milan’s perseverance and pride, a project that took centuries to complete and remains inspiring to this day.

Artistic Treasures You’ll Discover When You Travel to Milan

Art lovers who travel to Milan will be thrilled with the city’s world-famous artworks. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is in the refectory of the Convent of Saint Maria delle Grazie. Witnessing this masterpiece in person will be an incredible experience. However, you must book tickets months in advance to see it, as it is in a fragile state and strict preservation measures are in place to ensure its safety. In addition to Leonardo, Milan boasts an impressive range of art collections.

For example, the Pinacoteca di Brera is home to works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna, while the Museo del Novecento showcases modern Italian masters, including Boccioni and Modigliani. For contemporary art lovers, the Fondazione Prada has unique exhibitions with gorgeous architectural design.

The World Famous Opera State: LA Scala

For music lovers, one of the highlights when you travel to Milan is the Teatro alla Scala, a legendary opera house. La Scala has hosted premieres of works by Verdi, Puccini, and other well-known composers since the 18th century. By attending a performance, you will witness a cultural highlight, where you can not only enjoy the great music but also admire the interior design and rich Italian opera traditions.

Those who cannot obtain a performance ticket in time visit the La Scala museum, which houses costumes, instruments, and portraits of great performers who have shaped opera history.

Travel to Milan for a Culinary Journey in Lombardy

While Milan is not as well-known for its culinary scene as Rome, it still has a diverse and delicious one. Traditional Milanese cuisine is rooted in its northern heritage, characterized by a rich and hearty culinary tradition. Try the risotto alla Milanese, which features a saffron flavour, and cotoletta alla Milanese, a breaded veal cutlet, both of which are popular local dishes.

The city also boasts Michelin-starred restaurants and creative chefs who are adding to the Italian dining scene. There are also street food markets, cool coffee shops, stylish apervito bars, and casual food spots. Milan’s location in Lombardy means you can have easier access to local wines, artisanal cheeses, and regional specialties, making it a perfect destination for food lovers.

A Mixture of Ancient and Modern Architecture

In Milan, history coexists with modernity. Those who travel to Milan can explore Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance palaces, and modern skyscrapers such as the Unicredit Tower. They can explore public spaces in Piazza Gae Aulenti, and discover unique eco-design projects, like the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), which are two residential towers featuring extensive green spaces.

Travellers can admire the Roman ruins located at Colonne di San Lorenzo, medieval fortresses at Sforza Castle, and the futuristic cityscapes. Milan’s architecture showcases a city that has evolved over many centuries, while also honouring its past.

Gateway to Northern Italy and Beyond

Mila is situated in a strategic location, making it the ideal base for exploring northern Italy. There are high-speed trains that connect this city to Venice, Florence, and Rome, and can get you to these places in only a few hours. There are also shooter trips to Lake Como, Turin, and Bergamo. The Alps are also accessible, making them perfect for skiing, hiking, and taking in the beautiful scenery.

For international travelers, Milan’s airport is a central European hub, which makes the city accessible and well-connected. Whether used as a stopover in Milan, as a starting point, or a central stop on an Italian itinerary, Milan’s convenient location makes it a strategic spot to explore other parts of Italy and beyond.

Energetic and innovative City

Milan is renowned for its innovation, and the city continues to reinvent itself, having hosted Expo 2015 and positioning itself as a leader in technology, creativity, and sustainability. This city has a vibrant nightlife, gorgeous neighbourhoods, such as Navigli, and multicultural influences, making Milan a great global city.

Each trip to Milan is not redundant, as it means new experiences, exhibitions, restaurants, and viewpoints. This destination blends tradition and modernity, making it an appealing spot for history enthusiasts, business travellers, fashion lovers, and curious explorers.

Milan may not seem like the romantic cities of Venice or Florence, but it is a very diverse city. Known for its glamour, relaxing vibes, history, modernity, and artistic and innovative spirit, travellers can explore Gothic masterpieces, Renaissance artwork, and modern architecture, while also enjoying the rich culinary and cultural scene.

Whether you are travelling to Milan for the fashion, opera, art, or the excitement of seeing a modern Italian city, Milan has plenty of good reasons to visit. For those who take the proper time to explore the city, they will find that Milan is one of Europe’s best destinations.

Before you travel next, be sure to purchase a reliable travel insurance plan to protect yourself from unexpected healthcare costs. With the right travel health insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that medical treatment, doctor consultations, and urgent care are covered. Health coverage allows you to enjoy your trip without worrying about getting an expensive medical bill.

Written by Mark T – A history and fitness enthusiast living in Canada.