If you’re a young international about to move or visit this incredible Italian city, you may want to check these tips about the things to do in Milan.

Welcome to Milan, cradle of fashion and design, multicultural hub and home to uncountable artistic treasures.

Whether you are coming to live in Milan or stay here for a short visit, don’t miss any of the most beautiful places, things to do in Milan, attractions, famous among the internationals students and young professionals here.

Get ready to take notes and save the things to do in Milan during your experience here!

Where to stay in Milan: accommodation and areas

Before we dive into the best things to do in Milan, you may want to know more about your stay, about the best housing options and the neighbourhoods loved by the young internationals.

Since this city is going to be your home for a while, choosing the right accommodation in Milan is a big deal.

The Italian destination every year welcomes thousands of young internationals, coming here for an exchange experience or to start a new career. Therefore, there are plenty of rooms for rent in Milan, or studios that will suit your needs. 

Our tip for young people is to share an apartment with other expats just like you; this way you can enjoy the city centre for a reasonable price and get to meet new people, their cultures and languages.

And what about the best areas in Milan? The recommended neighbourhoods chosen by students and young professionals are:

- Navigli: the most picturesque area of Milan is close to many important campuses, such as Università Bocconi, the IULM and NABA. Get lost into its narrow streets and fall in love with the lively atmosphere of Navigli!

- Historic centre: this is the perfect area for those who are going to to IED, Università Cattolica and Università degli Studi di Milano.

It is the heart of the city, a miscellaneous of amazing cultural sights (such as Duomo, Castello Sforza, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele) and the best shopping routes.  

- Città Studi di Milano: if you are going to study at Politecnico or at Università degli Studi di Milano this is the most suitable neighbourhood for you. Here you’ll find the most important campuses and, therefore, a huge student community, counting green areas, libraries, nice cafes and coworking spaces.

Things to do in Milan: top attractions and places to visit

Once you arrive in Milan, you will feel overwhelmed by its beauty and charm. Where can you start to enjoy your new home abroad? Have a quick overview of the best things to do in Milan with us.

• Duomo di Milano: no need to say that this cathedral is the symbol of the city. A visit here is probably the most important of the things to do in Milan. Moreover, you can climb it and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view from the rooftop.
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: standing next to the Duomo cathedral, you will find this enchanting gallery, one of the oldest shopping malls in the world (1867).
• Sforza Castle and Sempione park: it is an oasis of art and culture. The former residence of the ruler family of Milan, the Sforza, today is home to many libraries and art collections. Enjoy a walk in the surrounding gardens of Sempione parks.
• Pinacoteca di Brera: the Brera Art Gallery is the gem of the fashionable neighbourhoods of Brera. It boasts stunning collections of medieval and Renaissance paintings, signed by the greatest minds: Botticelli, Raffaello, Tiziano, Caravaggio among others.
• The Last Supper by Leonardo: visit one the most famous mural paintings in Italy at Santa Maria delle Grazie church and get amazed by the art of Leonardo da Vinci.
• Loggia dei Mercanti: it is a beautiful merchants’ square, very close to the Duomo. 
• Monumental cemetery: it may sound dark, but this open-air cemetery is a real gem. It is home to great pieces of art and architecture. A relaxing walk here is worth doing!
• Triennale: the famous contemporary art museum in Milan, the place where to admire unique design pieces, new materials and get inspired

Best outdoor activities in Milan

• A stroll around Navigli: have a romantic walk or a great time with your friends by this picturesque location made up of several channels. Stop by Naviglio Grande and choose a cute dining spot, wait for the sunset and get ready for a show of lights and reflections.
• Grab a drink on a rooftop: Milan is the number one place in Italy for fancy and cool dining spots. Discover the best rooftop terraces in the city, such as Ceresio 7, Sky Terrace Bar Milano Scala, Terrazza Triennale, The Roof Milano, Radio Rooftop and many others.
• Vicolo dei Lavandai: fancy an Instagrammable spot in Milan? This is a cute narrow street where back in time (until the 1950's) women used to come to wash clothes.
• Colonne di San Lorenzo: the lively atmosphere of this location makes it the perfect spot to spend the night with your friends. This is one of the musts of the things to do in Milan for young internationals.
• Shopping in Montenapoleone Street: if you are a shopaholic, this is the right place for you. Via Montenapoleone is definitely the most famous fashion avenue in Milan, home to the finest brands and luxury boutiques. 
• Try out the typical orange Tram: Milan’s most famous means of transportation will take you around the city centre. It is also possible to book a tram and organize a party on it!
• A day trip to Lake Como from Milan: this lake is located only 30miles north of Milan and here you can admire enchanting views of the Swiss Alps. You can take the train from Milan to Como, have a stroll around the town and then reach other nice spots by ferry, such as Bellagio and Varenna.

Well, we hope these few tips about the things to do in Milan will be useful upon your arrival in the city. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Milan!