Dave Matthews Band is returning to Milan on April 19th, 2024, smack in the middle of “Design Week”.
If you’re traveling to Italy for this show, here are some of the top things to do in Milan, Italy!
Marvel at the Duomo (Milan Cathedral): No visit to Milan is complete without witnessing the grandeur of the Duomo, the magnificent cathedral that dominates the city center. This architectural marvel, adorned with intricate carvings and spires, is the largest church in Italy and offers breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop.
See The Last Supper by Da Vinci: Da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, is a must-see for any art lover. This captivating painting is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and requires advanced reservations due to its delicate condition.
Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera: Immerse yourself in Italian art at the Pinacoteca di Brera, a renowned art gallery that houses an impressive collection of paintings from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Admire masterpieces by Bellini, Caravaggio, and Titian.
Shop in style at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This luxurious shopping arcade is a shopper’s paradise, showcasing high-end designer boutiques, jewelry stores, and cafes. Even if you’re not planning on a splurge, the architecture and historical significance of the Galleria are worth a visit.
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco): Step back in time and explore the imposing Sforza Castle, a 15th-century fortress that served as the residence of the Sforza dynasty. The castle houses museums showcasing art, archeological finds, and furniture.
See a performance at La Scala: Watching a performance at the world-famous Teatro alla Scala, also known as La Scala, is an unforgettable experience. This prestigious opera house has been a center for Italian and international opera for centuries. Even if you can’t snag tickets to a performance, a guided tour of the theater is a worthwhile option.
Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, but the church itself is also a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. The adjacent Dominican convent and its cloisters are also worth exploring.
Wander through the Navigli District: Formerly an industrial zone, the Navigli canals have been transformed into a trendy neighborhood with a lively nightlife scene. Take a stroll along the canals, enjoy an aperitivo at a waterfront bar, or hop on a canal boat tour for a unique perspective of the city.
Explore the Brera District: Brera is a charming neighborhood known for its artistic atmosphere, cobbled streets, and art galleries. Be sure to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery and wander the picturesque streets, stopping at cafes and browsing through boutiques.
Take a day trip to Lake Como: Escape the city for a day and explore the stunning beauty of Lake Como, a popular resort town located north of Milan. Enjoy boat tours on the lake, visit the picturesque villages that dot the shoreline, or hike in the surrounding mountains.
Indulge in a Milanese fashion experience: Milan is a global fashion capital, so dive into the world of fashion by visiting designer boutiques, attending a fashion show, or simply strolling through the fashionable streets and admiring the latest trends.
Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church and Monastery: Adjacent to the church housing The Last Supper, the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery and its beautiful cloisters are serene and peaceful.
Step into the world of design at the Triennale di Milano: This design museum showcases Italian and international design from the 20th and 21st centuries, with exhibits covering furniture, fashion, graphics, and industrial design.
Delve into history at the Museo del Novecento: This museum focuses on 20th and 21st-century Italian art, showcasing works by major figures like Boccioni, Fontana, and Balla. Explore the evolution of modern and contemporary Italian art through paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Relax in the Parco Sempione: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in the sprawling Parco Sempione, a large public park near the Castello Sforzesco. Stroll through the gardens, rent a boat on the lake, or simply relax on the grass and soak up the sunshine.
Visit the Cimitero Monumentale: This monumental cemetery is not your typical graveyard. It’s an open-air museum filled with elaborate sculptures and architectural wonders, reflecting artistic movements from the Neoclassical period to Art Deco. A unique and fascinating cultural experience.
In terms of food, Milan’s cuisine is distinct from other parts of Italy, focusing on rich, buttery flavors and incorporating ingredients from the surrounding Lombardy region. I highly recommend watching the Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” Milan episode! Here are the top regional foods you should try in Milan:
Risotto alla Milanese: This iconic dish is a must-try for any foodie visiting Milan. Made with saffron, butter, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, it boasts a vibrant yellow color and a creamy, decadent texture.
Cotoletta alla Milanese: A Milanese staple, this dish features a breaded veal cutlet fried in butter until golden brown and crispy. The simplicity of the preparation allows the high-quality veal to shine.
Ossobuco: This melt-in-your-mouth dish features veal shanks braised in white wine, vegetables, and gremolata (a zesty lemon, parsley, and garlic condiment). Often served with risotto alla Milanese, it’s a hearty and flavorful combination.
Cassouela: This rich stew is a winter favorite, traditionally made with pork ribs, sausages, cabbage, and white beans. Sometimes infused with rosemary and other herbs, it’s a soul-warming and comforting dish.
Polenta: A staple starch in Milanese cuisine, polenta is a creamy cornmeal porridge made by boiling cornmeal in water or broth. It’s often served as a base for other dishes or enjoyed on its own with cheese or butter.
Mondeghili: These savory Milanese meatballs are a delicious street food option. Made with a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices, they’re typically deep-fried or pan-fried and served with mustard or a light tomato sauce.
Minestrone alla Milanese: This hearty vegetable soup is packed with seasonal ingredients like beans, carrots, potatoes, and sometimes rice. A lighter option compared to other Milanese dishes, it’s a great choice for a starter or a light lunch.
Panettone: While typically associated with Christmas, this sweet bread is a Milanese specialty. A light and airy dome-shaped cake studded with candied fruit and citrus peel, it’s a decadent and festive treat.
Buscca: This tripe (beef stomach) stew might not be for everyone, but it’s a traditional Milanese dish with a long history. Slow-cooked with vegetables and spices, it’s an acquired taste but a rewarding experience for adventurous eaters.
If you’re hoping to maximize a quick trip to Milan, here are some of the top rated tours from Viator:
Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket
Milan-The secrets to learn fresh pasta and tiramisù
Best Street Food Walking Tour in Milan
Gelato and Pizza making class in Milan
Milan Duomo & The Last Supper Skip the Line Guided Tour
Best of Milan Experience Including Da Vinci’s The Last Supper and Milan Duomo
Milan Super Saver: Skip-the-Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour
Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan
