10 Hidden Gems in Milan, Italy
Hidden gems in Milan Italy? No matter the season, it’s a city packed with visitors. And with good reason! There is just so much to see, and more so than what you possibly expected, beyond the iconic spots like the Duomo and Galleria di Vittorio Emanuele. If you appreciate inner city green spaces, art, ancient Rome, good shopping, as well as a couple of quirky things, then Milan and its hidden gems should be top of your travel list. Here are our 10 favourite places to visit in Milan.
What are the 10 most unique hidden gems in Milan Italy?
Milan is well-known for being the cosmopolitan, trendy, and aesthetically conscious ‘capital’ of Italy. There’s certainly no shortage of chic hotels (in fact, it has some of the best luxury hotels in Milan), and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining, novel eateries, and the best bars in Milan.
But we believe the city has a whole host of other things to offer too – the kind of things that your average visitor maybe doesn’t know about, or doesn’t think to visit. And we like to think that you’re not the average traveller. But rather someone who’s in search of Milan hidden gems.
We’ve compiled a list of these 10 secret things to do in Milan – so you can allow yourself to be transported back in time, to pockets of the city away from the crowds, and to places that sometimes not even the locals know about (number 3 is a good example of this!).
1. Bosco Verticale in Porta Nuova district
Possibly one of the most beautiful modern buildings I’ve ever seen! I’m not a huge fan of modern architecture myself, but the Bosco Verticale (the Vertical Forest) is just amazing! It’s a pair of residential buildings, between Via Gaetano de Castillia and Via Federico Confalonieri. They’re close to Milano Porta Nuova railway station and Milan’s financial district. It’s easy to get here by underground (metro) if you’re getting off at Garibaldi FS.
The concept of the Vertical Forest was to redesign the historic neighbourhood, which is now considered the richest neighbourhood in Europe. Don’t forget that Porta Nuova is the financial district of Milan, with plenty of buildings, cafes, and shops that give you that sleek, chic London vibe.
The Bosco Verticale is home to about 900 trees distributed between the two buildings, and it’s one of the most expensive places to get an apartment in Milan! I personally love to walk around it, because how often do you see 900 trees on two blocks? It’s not so hidden, but it’s still one of the best hidden gems Milan.
2. Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard and Casa degli Atellani
Well, this is the type of architecture I prefer the most! Villa degli Atellani is definitely a hidden gem in Milan, Italy! I never knew it existed until an Italian blogger friend who’s based in the city told me about it. La Vigna di Leonardo and the Casa degli Atellani is a new museum. Located right near the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, this is where you can see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
A famous figure of the Renaissance, da Vinci once had his vineyard in the backyard of what is today the Casa degli Atellani. It’s definitely one of the best secret places in Milan! While visiting the museum of Casa degli Atellani (divided into 7 areas) you’ll travel back in time. Namely, the courtyards of Pero Portaluppi, the Zodiac Hall, the Luini Hall, Ettore Conti’s studio, the Staircase Hall, the Garden of Earthly Delights, and Leonardo’s Vineyard at the back.
The Casa degli Atellani is a stunning Renaissance dwelling. Everything you’ll discover on your museum tour will make you fall in love with historic Italian palazzos. It takes 30-40 minutes to see everything. If you’ve booked your visit to the Last Supper, definitely cross the street for some extra Milanese magic in the Vigna di Leonardo and Casa Degli Atellani museum, a spectacular hidden gem in Milan Italy.
3. Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa
Location: Piazza Santo Stefano, Milano
An impressive, yet one of the spookiest hidden gems in Milan Italy this one’s worth a visit. San Bernardino alle Ossa was first built in the 13th century and rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in the 18th century. A remarkable testament to the Baroque and Rococo styles, it’s known for its ossuary and famous skull chapel.
The chapel is on the right-hand side as soon as you enter the church, at the end of a small corridor. It’s covered from wall to wall with thousands of human skulls and bones from the ossuary and other nearby 17th-century cemeteries. The ceilings are covered with breathtaking frescoes by Sebastiano Ricci.
This chapel is an unforgettable experience, and definitely not to be missed while in Milan. A true hidden gem in the city, the next time you meet someone who grew up here or lives here, ask them if they know about it… I’m willing to bet you’ll teach them something new.
4. Navigli and the flea markets
Navigli is the most colourful neighbourhood I’ve seen around Milan. It’s a good 35-minute walk from Milan’s historical centre. I would advise against public transport to get there, as you’ll see many beautiful monuments along the way!
If you have 48 hours in Milan, you’ll have enough time anyway to cover it all on foot. Navigli is possibly my favourite of Milan hidden gems. Busy and bustling by day, it’s a vibey neighbourhood in the evenings too, with plenty of options for aperitivi and dinners on the water’s edge.
The historical neighbourhood is filled with gorgeous warm colours – a perfect contrast to the grey and white of the city centre. Beautiful Italian palazzos, with typical Italian window shutters, loud people, and the charm of the canals really deserve to be on the list of hidden gems in Milan!
And, while you’re wandering around, get some focaccia from the local bakery to keep your energy levels up. You can also stop for an aperitivo, catch the flea market, or sunbathe near the Darsena canal. The flea markets in Navigli are always spectacular. Imagine them with loads of unique, beautiful pieces of arts and vintage delights. It’s always a great idea to head down the canals on Sunday for some shopping!
Navigli is also a very popular evening destination if you’re looking for fun. If you’re looking for a night out in Milan, it definitely must be on your things to do in Milan list! Great aperitivi options, buzzing atmosphere, and dozens of bars and restaurants to pick from on the side of the canal.
5. Shopfronts in Brera Design District
Brera, the ultimate in chic in all senses, is filled with beautiful Italian palazzos, cute cobblestone streets, art galleries, and exhibitions. This neighbourhood is where art, fashion, and design create a unique atmosphere and will surely make you fall in love with the city of Milan. The shopfronts in Brera are definitely something that I must highlight on my list of hidden gems in Milan. Just have a look at them!
Over the past few years, Brera has consolidated its role in being the most important benchmark for international design. Two of the most important events organised during the year are the Brera Design Week and Brera Design Days. It’s one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in the city, but it’s also the safest, and if you can stay here, you’ll love how central you are.
Each shop in this district is quite unique, showcasing shop owners’ creativity in creating, curating and designing the most visually appealing stores – thus making this area one of my favourite hidden gems in Milan. Even if you don’t want to shop, just wandering around and admiring the stores will make your day in Milan unforgettable.
6. Pinacoteca di Brera
Location: Via Brera 28, Milano
The Accademia di Belle Arti (Fine Art Academy) is a public athenaeum housed in the Palazzo Brera. The academy specialises in arts and science as well, having thousands of students apply every year. Accademia di Belle Arti is one of the oldest schools in Italy, and a symbol of the arts.
The building complex is home to the academy, but also to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which is one of the most stunning hidden gems in Milan Italy! From the outside, it might not look like much. But enter the courtyard and the museum, and it’s a wonderful retreat from the bustle of the city centre.
The Pinacoteca di Brera is the main open gallery of arts in Milan. It boasts one of the most impressive art collections in Italy. It should not be missed as it’s one of the best Milan secret places! If you’re a keen artist yourself, this is a great area for visiting the local art shops.
In addition, there’s an absolutely stunning library on the top floor of the building. If it’s open, it’s really worth seeing, as it’s really beautiful. For book-lovers it’s a must! Allow yourself at least 2 hours to see everything without rushing around the museum. This hidden gem in Milan deserves your full attention.
7. Colonne di San Lorenzo
The ancient columns, Colonne di San Lorenzo, are located just in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. When I mentioned heading to Navigli on foot from the Duomo, this is one of the highlights to see along the way. Again, it might not exactly be one of the literal hidden gems Milan, but you’d be surprised by how many people march past them without even noticing!
Colonne di San Lorenzo consists of 16 Corinthian columns in a row. They were moved here around the 4th century and still stand today, hinting at Milan’s long history. Until the 20th century, the church of San Lorenzo was completely surrounded by old houses. Now however there’s an open piazza between the church and the colonnades, which allows a spectacular view of both!
8. Arco della Pace and Corso Sempione
Many visitors wander around Parco Sempione around Castello Sforzesco, but don’t make it to the end of the park to see the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace). Which is a pity, as it’s a striking monument with an interesting history that few know about. This it what makes it one of our secret things to do in Milan.
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1807, it was supposed to be the grand entrance to the city when coming from Paris. It was the perfect dedication to his victories up until that point. But 7 years later when he was defeated, construction was halted and the arch remained half-finished.
Under the ruling Austrian Empire, work was revived, but with a new artistic purpose. The arch was to represent peace in Europe after the Congress of Vienna. Another fun fact is that the horses were made to face away from France, a subtle message right there! So if you pass by the arch, see if you can decipher the symbolism carved into the reliefs of this marble marvel.
9. Palazzo Morando
Located in via Andrea, close to the iconic shopping hub of Montenapoleone, is this hidden gem in Milan Italy. And would you believe it’s actually free to enter? The reason why I love this spot so much is that it offers a unique insight into the history of Milan, without overwhelming you with too much information.
Instead, you explore Milan’s history through visuals. Through paintings and drawings that will spark your imagination and make you wonder what life was like before the rapid development of the late 19th century and early 20th century.
An added bonus is the museum’s fashion wing. Housing a small collection of original pieces, get up close and personal with the history of Milanese style as influenced by the French. It’s incredible to see the work that went into creating these outfits and accessories, the stitching, the details. Seeing as this city is one of the fashion capitals of the world, don’t miss this hidden gem in Milan.
10. Bagni Misteriosi
If you visit the city during spring or summer, you’re guaranteed to find at least one morning or afternoon where you want to chill and cool off. This public swimming area, boasting two pools and a bar, is a much-loved relic of the 1930s.
With it’s iconic fountain and ample sitting space, it offers respite from the traffic and crowds of the city centre. It’s definitely a hidden gem in Milan I love to recommend to visiting friends and family.
I would personally advise getting there in the morning as soon as it opens. Not only will you beat the worst heat of the day, but you’ll also be able to snag a prime spot with a bit of shade. And if lazing by the pool isn’t your thing, the pool is open to non-swimmers for an evening aperitivo. It’s worthwhile checking their website to see if they have any events going on in the summer.
Wrapping up the hidden gems in Milan Italy
As you can see, Milan is so much more than just a place to spend money on shopping and eating, though we love that too! It’s a city filled with many hidden gems, and would you believe that there’s still so much more to discover? This is just the tip of the iceberg, but if you’re travelling here for 1 – 3 days, you’ll have more than enough to keep you busy with our 10 favourite hidden gems Milan. There’s no shortage of things to do in Milan. We hope this article gives you a good starting point to designing your perfect city escape.