12 top things to do in Milan
Milan pulses with a distinct rhythm that fuses classic Italian elegance with an avant-garde edge. This northern Italian city, long celebrated as a capital of fashion and design, boasts a dynamic energy woven into its streets, storefronts, and galleries.
Milan is a must-visit destination and a source of endless inspiration for anyone passionate about design and fashion. The city caters to anyone with an eye for style and creativity. From haute couture boutiques to cutting-edge art installations, here are twelve top things every design and fashion enthusiast should experience in Milan.
Begin Your Journey in the Quadrilatero della Moda
The Quadrilatero della Moda, or “Fashion Quadrilateral,” is Milan’s beating heart of high fashion, spanning Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia. This luxurious area is home to flagship stores from legendary Italian designers like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Versace. Even if you’re not planning to make a purchase, walking through this district is like strolling through a living museum of haute couture. Each boutique is a masterpiece, where window displays rival art installations in their creativity, and store interiors are designed with meticulous attention to detail, often adorned with marble, glass, and gold leaf. The Quadrilatero is known for its exclusive events, pop-up shops, and celebrity sightings, especially during Fashion Week.
Address:
Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan, Italy
How to Get There:
Take the M3 (Yellow Line) to Montenapoleone Station; the district is a short walk from there.
Discover Contemporary Art and Fashion Fusion at Fondazione Prada
Fondazione Prada is transforming how we think about fashion and art; founded by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli. This sprawling complex is in a repurposed gin distillery and includes modern and historic buildings. The campus’ design by architect Rem Koolhaas is a statement on Milan’s industrial heritage, with minimalist steel structures contrasting with a gold-leaf-covered “Haunted House.” The foundation hosts rotating exhibitions featuring prominent artists like Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Damien Hirst and experimental film screenings in its cinema, created in collaboration with director Wes Anderson. For a fashion enthusiast, Fondazione Prada offers a deep dive into Prada’s visionary philosophy, blending tradition with boundary-pushing modernity.
Address:
Largo Isarco, 2, 20139 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M3 (Yellow Line) to Lodi T.I.B.B. Station; it’s a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Get Inspired at the Triennale Milano
The Triennale Milano is a cultural hub celebrating Italian design, architecture, and visual arts, located in the lush Parco Sempione. The Triennale hosts the Triennale Design Museum, an institution with a rotating exhibition model that revisits Italian style and craftsmanship themes, spotlighting influential designers and architects. Its past exhibits have explored sustainability, the impact of Italian fashion on global trends, and the evolution of furniture design. The Triennale’s outdoor sculpture garden is perfect for a reflective stroll, and the building is an architectural gem. Don’t miss the restaurant and rooftop terrace, which offer magnificent views over Milan’s cityscape—a must-visit for anyone wanting a classic Italian dolce vita.
Address:
Viale Emilio Alemagna, 6, 20121 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M1 (Red Line) to Cairoli Station or the M2 (Green Line) to Lanza Station; both are a short walk through Parco Sempione.
Expand Your Horizons at MUDEC – Museum of Cultures
The MUDEC – Museum of Cultures uniquely explores non-European art, blending cultural history with modern design sensibilities. British architect David Chipperfield’s vision for MUDEC created a structure with a sleek glass and concrete facade that sharply contrasts Milan’s traditional architecture. Inside, exhibitions feature a global perspective, showcasing everything from African masks to contemporary Mexican textiles and multimedia exhibits that dive into cultural symbolism and heritage. MUDEC’s exhibitions often feature collaborations with international artisans, and design aficionados will find inspiration in how traditional craftsmanship merges with modern aesthetics. The museum is in the vibrant Tortona district, a hub for Milan’s fashion and design community.
Address:
Via Tortona, 56, 20144 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M2 (Green Line) to Porta Genova Station; from there, it’s a 10-minute walk.
Wander Through Galleria Rossana Orlandi’s Curated World of Design
Galleria Rossana Orlandi is an invitation to explore the boundaries of design. Located in the Magenta district, this gallery is a platform for emerging talent and a playground of creativity. Rossana Orlandi is a Milanese design icon known for her impeccable eye and ability to identify rising stars in the design world. Her gallery features avant-garde furniture, lighting, and decor pieces, each a testament to bold, innovative thinking. Walking through the gallery is like stepping into the future of design, where every piece challenges conventions. Rossana Orlandi’s annual Ro Plastic Prize is also a must-know event, celebrating sustainable design innovations.
Address:
Via Matteo Bandello, 14/16, 20123 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M1 (Red Line) to Conciliazione Station; it’s a 5-minute walk.
Be Awestruck by the Pirelli HangarBicocca’s Monumental Art
Pirelli HangarBicocca is a colossal contemporary art space located in a former industrial complex, and it’s known for large-scale installations that redefine art’s boundaries. Anselm Kiefer’s The Seven Heavenly Palaces, a towering installation of concrete and lead pillars, is the gallery’s most famous piece and an immersive encounter with Milan’s industrial heritage. HangarBicocca is also known for hosting temporary exhibits by renowned and experimental artists. The vast open spaces and monumental installations here invite visitors to engage with art in a new way, creating a dramatic atmosphere that design enthusiasts find captivating.
Address:
Via Chiese, 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M5 (Purple Line) to Ponale Station, a short walk from there.
Unearth Hidden Gems at the Navigli Antique Market
The Navigli Antique Market is a once-a-month event that draws vintage lovers, collectors, and design aficionados to the Navigli district’s historic canal. Set up along the scenic Naviglio Grande, this market offers an array of vintage items, from fashion pieces and rare vinyl to mid-century furniture and unique decor items. Each vendor showcases items steeped in history, making the market a perfect blend of Milan’s modernity and historical roots. After exploring the stalls, enjoy a glass of wine or an espresso at one of the district’s lively bars, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful canal views.
Address:
Naviglio Grande, Milan, Italy
How to Get There:
Take the M2 (Green Line) to Porta Genova Station; from there, it’s a short walk to the Naviglio Grande.
Tip:
The market usually occurs on the last Sunday of the month.
Dive into Armani’s World at Armani/Silos
Armani/Silos deep dives into the timeless elegance of Giorgio Armani’s design philosophy. Housed in a minimalist, industrial-style building designed by Armani, this space displays over four decades of his work. Each floor showcases different themes that have shaped Armani’s approach to fashion, from his choice of neutral colour palettes to his fluid silhouettes. The exhibits include haute couture, prêt-à-porter, and even costumes from cinema, showing how Armani’s influence extends beyond the runway. A visit to Armani/Silos is a must for any fashion lover wanting to understand the essence of Armani’s understated luxury.
Address:
Via Bergognone, 40, 20144 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M2 (Green Line) to Porta Genova Station; it’s a short walk.
Feel the Fashion Buzz During Milan Fashion Week
Milan Fashion Week transforms the city into a global runway, showcasing the latest trends and is a citywide celebration of style. Even if you don’t attend the exclusive shows, you can still soak in the atmosphere around the city’s fashion hotspots like the Fashion Quadrilateral, where the streets turn into impromptu fashion parades. Look for pop-up shops, public exhibitions, and street styles that offer a glimpse into the creativity of Milan during Fashion Week. The event is an ideal time to see Milan’s streets filled with celebrities, fashion influencers, models, and industry insiders showcasing cutting-edge styles. Even the local cafes and public squares exude high style, as they become unofficial runways where visitors and locals alike strut the latest trends. For anyone looking to immerse themselves in the heart of the fashion industry, Milan Fashion Week is an unforgettable experience.
How to Get There:
Events are spread throughout the city, but the Fashion Quadrilateral and areas near the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco are especially lively.
Tip:
Many events and pop-up shops are open to the public—check online schedules for access to open events.
Explore the Creative Space of Spazio Maiocchi
In a forward-thinking, collaborative environment, Spazio Maiocchi is where art, design, and fashion merge. Co-founded by the Milanese streetwear brand Slam Jam and the contemporary art magazine KALEIDOSCOPE, Spazio Maiocchi hosts exhibitions, events, and installations that showcase bold, experimental work from global and local artists. Each exhibit challenges traditional boundaries, exploring new technological, design, and identity intersections. For anyone interested in contemporary art and design, Spazio Maiocchi offers an immersive experience that redefines creativity. This space embodies Milan’s reputation for innovation, making it a must-visit for design aficionados eager to see where the industry is headed.
Address:
Via Achille Maiocchi, 7, 20129 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M1 (Red Line) to Porta Venezia Station, then walk 10 minutes to the venue.
Lose Yourself in the Brera Design District
The Brera Design District, Milan’s most artistic neighbourhood, is a haven for anyone inspired by bohemian elegance and innovative design. Characterized by its cobbled streets, artisanal shops, galleries, and boutique stores, the Brera neighbourhood blends classic charm with a contemporary creative spirit. During Milan Design Week, Brera transforms into an open-air showcase for design, with installations, pop-up galleries, and street events attracting designers from all over the world. Even outside of Design Week, the district is filled with unique finds, from handmade jewellery and vintage fashion to locally crafted furniture and artwork. It’s the perfect area for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to discover hidden gems in every corner while soaking up Brera’s timeless allure.
Address:
Brera District, Milan, Italy
How to Get There:
Take the M2 (Green Line) to Lanza Station; you’ll find yourself right in the heart of Brera.
Cap Your Day with a View at La Rinascente’s Rooftop
La Rinascente is Milan’s iconic luxury department store. Located right next to the Duomo, this multi-level store offers a carefully curated selection of high-fashion brands, cosmetics, and home decor. After browsing its luxurious displays, head to the rooftop terrace for a stunning view of the Duomo’s spires and the city skyline. The terrace hosts chic cafes and bars where you can enjoy an aperitif as you soak in the sunset—a quintessentially Milanese experience that combines fashion, architecture, and ambience in perfect harmony.
Address:
Piazza del Duomo, 20121 Milan, Italy
Website:
How to Get There:
Take the M1 (Red Line) or M3 (Yellow Line) to Duomo Station; La Rinascente is located directly adjacent to the cathedral.
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