Milan is my second home in Italy: I have been some fifteen times since 2013, often on an overnight bus from Moselle, for a weekend of sightseeing, good food and matches at San Siro. Here is my Milan.
Must-sees
- The Duomo and its rooftop: go up onto the cathedral roof (booking recommended), the view over the city and the marble spires is incredible.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza dei Mercanti, right next door.
- Sforza Castle and its fountain, then Parco Sempione up to the Arco della Pace.
- The Navigli, Milan’s canals, for me the most beautiful place in the city, especially in the evening.
- Porta Nuova and Piazza Gae Aulenti, modern Milan and its skyline.
- The Monumental Cemetery, a real open-air museum, and the ruins of San Giovanni in Conca.
- Chinatown (via Paolo Sarpi), a century-old district to explore while tasting dumplings.
- The historic wooden trams, still running through the city.
San Siro, the temple of football
Watching a match at San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza) is something else: the AC Milan vs Inter derby, the Curva Sud chants, giant tifos. Before the game, a panino salsiccia con cipolla e peperoni outside the stadium, and afterwards, walking down the famous spiral towers. The AC Milan store on via Dante and Casa Milan complete the visit.
Where to eat in Milan
- Sardinian food: Mes’Ora, Sa Mesa (raw seafood platter) and Vento di Sardegna in Sesto San Giovanni.
- Neapolitan pizza: Bella Napoli in Sesto San Giovanni, my favourite, and Rossomodoro.
- Trattorias: Al Toscanaccio (Bullona district), Al Meazza near the stadium, an Apulian trattoria on the Navigli.
- Chinatown: Ravioleria Sarpi for delicious, cheap dumplings.
- In the morning: brioche al pistacchio and cappuccino, the real Italian breakfast.
Practical info
- I often go on an overnight bus from Moselle, or by car through Switzerland.
- To sleep for less: Sesto San Giovanni, in the north, a few metro stops from the centre (M1 line). I stay at the Grand Hotel Barone di Sassj.
- In December, the Christmas markets on Piazza Duomo and at the Arco della Pace are worth it.
- Easy day trips by train: the Pavia guide and Lake Como.
My travel diaries
October 18, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - Neapolitan pizza at Bella Napoli and AC Milan vs Atalanta at San Siro
October 17, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - From Como to Varenna, octopus by the lake and San Siro street art
May 25, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - A view of the Duomo and a night ride home through Switzerland
May 24, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - Highline Galleria, CityLife, Bosco Verticale and Milan - Cagliari at San Siro
May 23, 2026🇮🇹 Lake Como - Brunate, the Voltiano lighthouse and a boat trip
May 22, 2026🇮🇹 Maranello - The Ferrari Museum, the Fiorano track and Schumacher’s trophies
March 8, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - AC Milan - Inter derby at San Siro, Navigli and Neapolitan octopus
March 7, 2026🇮🇹 Milan - The Milan-Cortina 2026 flame, Chinatown and the Campari bar
November 19, 2025🇮🇹 Sesto San Giovanni - Seafood at Vento di Sardegna
September 28, 2025🇮🇹 AC Milan - SSC Napoli Match (2-1)
September 28, 2025🇮🇹 Milan - Sforza Castle and Porta Nuova (Skyline)
September 28, 2025🇮🇹 Milan North Park - Cinisello Balsamo