Is Milan Italy worth visiting? A case for visiting Milan

Christoph Erkens

- Zuletzt aktualisiert: 3. June 2026

Anyone planning a city break to Italy often heads to Rome, the Eternal City.

Milan receives far less attention and remains in Rome’s shadow.

But this is precisely where the opportunity lies: In this subjective article, I’d like to share my personal perspective on why Milan is worth a visit, why a city trip there can be worthwhile, and how it offers a great alternative to Rome.

After all, anyone who wants to experience Italian flair, loves city breaks, but doesn’t want to spend hours waiting in line with crowds of people at tourist attractions might find Milan to be an underrated gem of Italy!

Milan or Rome? The main thing is that it’s Italy!

Rome is increasingly struggling with the negative consequences of mass tourism, and the influx of tourists shows no signs of abating, as evidenced by a new visitor record set in 2024. The city’s popularity—crucial to its economy—is slowly turning into a liability and becoming a burden for its residents.

Milan is still far from this situation, although the city in Lombardy has also seen an increase in visitors and overnight guests in recent years, statistically speaking.

Nevertheless, Milan is nowhere near as glamorous as Rome, with the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and other highlights. In contrast, Milan’s attractions have much less international prestige—apart from major events like Fashion Week.

In short:

Milan flies somewhat under the radar yet has plenty to offer—and with fewer tourist crowds and less hustle and bustle!

Tip: Our 15 best hotel recommendations for Milan

Enjoy the relaxed Italian way of life in Milan

One of the advantages of Milan is, of course, obvious: it’s not as crowded here yet, which makes it more enjoyable to visit the various sights, or simply stroll through the city’s beautiful alleys with an ice cream in hand, or sit at a sidewalk café sipping a cappuccino and people-watching!

The crowds at the city’s main attractions, such as Milan Cathedral or La Scala, aren’t as overwhelming as they are in Rome. The only exception is tickets for “The Last Supper“—Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting—which you’ll need to book well in advance.

Das liegt aber hauptsächlich darin begründet, dass immer nur eine ganz kleine Anzahl an Personen gleichzeitig das Kunstwerk bewundern darf in der Kirche Santa Maria delle Grazie, was zu den Engpässen führt.

For all other tickets to attractions in Milan, you don’t need to book months in advance; instead, you can often book them just a few days ahead or even on the spot.

A blend of historic landmarks and modern buildings

Another reason to visit Milan is what I consider to be the city’s beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern architecture. Anyone who still thinks Milan is a stuffy, aging metropolis is mistaken:

New, modern neighborhoods have long since sprung up here, such as Porta Nuova, which is worth a stroll. Skyscrapers like the Bosco Verticale—a green high-rise—and the Unicredit Tower define the skyline of this modern district.

At the same time, there are still plenty of historic buildings and treasures to discover in this Lombardy metropolis: Whether it’s a ride on the historic Line 1 tram, or the old city castle Castello Sforzesco, the ancient Triumphal Arch, or the Royal Palace.

This blend of a modern metropolis, young people, and startups, along with older buildings and landmarks, is beautiful.

Underrated Corners & Neighborhoods of Milan

There are also plenty of corners and neighborhoods in Milan that you’d hardly know about unless you’ve actually been there—our hidden gems in Milan. Places, squares, and alleyways that exude a great atmosphere, yet are hardly known internationally.

One example is the Navigli district in Milan, which runs along a canal with narrow streets. Here you’ll find many bars, restaurants, cafés, and small shops, making this a great nightlife district in Milan where locals also love to spend their evenings.

Brera is another such neighborhood that you should definitely take a stroll through when visiting Milan. Simply to soak up the lovely mood and atmosphere in the alleys and breathe in a bit of the Italian way of life—ideally with a touch of big-city flair, meaning some hustle and bustle, but without the crowds of tourists you find in Rome.

The Botanical Garden in Brera is just as inviting a place to linger during the warm season as Parco Sempione.

In the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci

Milan also offers a wealth of options for museum lovers. The city is, of course, best known for the influence of the genius Leonardo da Vinci.

There are several museums and attractions in Milan dedicated to his works and ideas—ideal for anyone interested in science and technology, for example.

Milan: A Shopper’s Paradise

Shopping—as everyone knows—is a highlight in Milan. However, prices can be very high in some places, making the stores more suitable for window shopping. Many luxury brands are based in the city, with prices that aren’t affordable for everyone.

But in addition to the luxury brands, Milan also offers plenty of shopping options for “average earners”—small boutiques, shops, and stores where you can find clothing, accessories, and more at affordable prices.

Milan Editor: Christoph Erkens

Buongiorno and Ciao on Milan-Tourist! My name is Christoph, and I love traveling to Milan. On this travel blog, we share tips and inspiration for a vacation in Milan. If you have any questions about tours or attractions, feel free to leave a comment here.