What's in Milan? A List of my Must-Sees

Jade Estling
November 18, 2025

What’s in Milan? There is this social media joke that there is nothing in Milan, besides the Duomo. Milan is a little different than other major European cities because the must see spots have to be looked for just a little harder. Here are my Milan must-sees if you are having someone visit you in Milan or you are going to Milan yourself and the only thing on your list to see is the Duomo. 

 

  1. The Duomo

Yes, you have to see the Duomo. Not just on the outside, but I would recommend purchasing a ticket to go inside. I am a big archaeology fan and there is an archaeological site underneath the Duomo. My best friend recently visited me in Milan and she loves the terraces of the Duomo. There really is something for everyone. 

 

  1. The Galleria

You or a friend who is visiting you should at least walk around the Galleria, as it is right next to the Duomo. When in the Galleria, find the bull and window. It is beautiful. 

 

  1. San Bernardina alle Ossa - A Church lined with human bones

This was a chilling experience for me, but my Italian professor told my class that this church was one of her must-sees for her students. It is definitely an experience you will remember. 

 

  1. Gelato

Gelato is a must have when in Milan. This one is self explanatory and there are gelaterias everywhere. 

 

  1. Aperitivo

Aperitivo is a very Italian experience, and if you go and get an aperol spritz you get even more points (though they are not my favorite). Aperitivo with some friends is just always a good time. And if you’re looking for a recommendation, I would point you towards Maravea near Bocconi University. On certain nights they have such good bread, and I would also recommend ordering a sex on the beach. 

 

  1. Un cappuccino e un cornetto

This is a typical Italian breakfast. Before coming to Italy, my go to order was always an iced vanilla latte, but Italian has really converted me to a plain cappuccino. I would highly recommend it, along with a cornetto (a croissant, but if you order a croissant you may not receive what you are looking for). 

 

  1.  The middle finger statue 

Go see this statue and look at the buildings around it. There is some meaning there. Besides the meaning of this unique art piece, it is just a Milan must see. 

 

  1. Pizza, pasta, & kebap

While in Italy, you must eat all of these delicacies. I really emphasize that you should try kebap, as they are all over Milan and it is so good. It is not Italian, but you will not regret it. 

 

  1. Shopping near the Duomo

There are so many shops around the Duomo, and the ones I recommend going to for getting an Italian/Milanese experience are Kiko, Humana, Zara (I’m sorry but it’s true), Primark, and the carts with jewelry or tourist souvenirs along the street. 

 

In my time in Milan, these are the things that I have deemed necessary for anyone visiting to experience. I dragged my best friends along to these things when she visited me, and I will be dragging my girlfriend along to these things as well to ensure she gets a truly Italian/Milanese experience. 

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Jade Estling Headshot

Jade Estling

I am a senior at St. Olaf College in Minnesota where I am majoring in Sociology/Anthropology and Political Science. I am the oldest of my sibling, and I am also a Scorpio. I love to read, do puzzle, thrift, go to concerts, and play volleyball. 

Destination:
Term:
2025 Fall
Home University:
St. Olaf College
Major:
Anthropology
Political Science
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