Milan is an exciting city that has a lot of interesting things to explore, like history, culture, fashion, and food.
The city has famous attractions like the Duomo, La Scala, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. However, there are also many interesting and not-so-famous spots hidden around the city, just waiting for you to find them.
Milan has more fun stuff to discover off the usual routes, which make this Northern Italian city an interesting place to visit!
I have come up with a list to help you discover some of the best hidden gems of Milan. And if you want to enjoy the city without breaking the bank, you should also check out the best free things to do in Milan.
No visit to this city is complete without shopping, so you’d better check out the best Italian brands to buy in Milan!
Have a wonderful trip!
12 Under-the-radar Places To Visit in Milan, Italy
Listed below are 12 under-the-radar places to visit in Milan.
1. Cimitero Monumentale
If you’re like me who’s a fan of the strange, dark, and mysterious (a MrBallen fan, in short!), then the Cimitero Monumentale is an absolute must-visit when in Milan!
One of the most fascinating cemeteries in Italy, this monumental cemetery is like an open-air museum thanks to its interesting art and history.
There are many graves, statues, and monuments that reflect Milan’s rich history and culture. At Cimitero Monumentale, you can see works created by famous artists like Alessandro Manzoni, Giuseppe Verdi, and Carlo Cattaneo.
The cemetery is in Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milano MI, Italy. You can get there by taking metro line M5 to Monumentale station and walking a bit. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Book a guided tour here.
2. The Crypt of San Sepolcro
The Crypt of San Sepolcro is an interesting historical spot in Milan that is located underneath the Church of San Sepolcro. Founded in the 11th century, it was dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The crypt contains a replica of Christ’s tomb. It was built in the 1300s and has paintings showing Jesus coming back to life. St. Charles Borromeo, 16th-century archbishop of Milan who led a major reform of the Catholic Church, usually spent long hours praying in the crypt, which he called the “gymnasium of the Holy Spirit.”
The Crypt of San Sepolcro preserves one of the oldest remains of the Roman forum, the main public space in the city dating back to the 4th century. After being closed for more than 50 years, it was reopened in 2011, all fixed up to showcase its original beauty and grandeur.
If you want to check out the Crypt of San Sepolcro, you can get a ticket here.
3. Via Lincoln
This street looks a lot like the vibrant island of Burano near Venice, with houses all painted in cheerful colors and decked out with flowers and plants. It is often called the Rainbow block or Milan’s Notting Hill.
Via Lincoln was named after Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Italian patriots admired him because he played a big part in abolishing slavery.
Go for a stroll in the neighborhood and snap some photos to remember. Don’t forget to swing by via Emilio Morosini, just around the corner, to see the Giardino delle Culture painting by street artist Millo.
4. Villa Invernizzi
Sitting between corso Venezia and via Cappuccini in the heart of Milan, Villa Invernizzi offers a surprising sight rarely found in the middle of a city: a flock of pink flamingos living in the villa’s garden.
The birds were brought here by the owners of Villa Invernizzi in the 1970s and have since become a local attraction.
While you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful flamingos from the street through the fence, please note that both the villa and the garden are off-limits to the public and cannot be entered.
Also check out our list of common birds in Italy!
5. Vicolo dei Lavandai
Navigli District is a charming neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Milan. It was once a network of canals used for transportation and irrigation. Today, the canals are filled with fun places like bars, restaurants, art galleries, and shops.
In the Navigli District, you can take a nice walk by the water, hop on a boat, or check out the antique market every last Sunday of the month. And if you want to enjoy the charm of the old Milan, you must head to Vicolo dei Lavandai.
Vicolo dei Lavandai is a small alley located in this picturesque and historic district along the Naviglio Grande canal. It takes its name from the historic public washhouse utilized by washermen and women from the 18th century until the 1950s.
The well-preserved washhouse features a tile roof, wooden boards, and stone slabs where laundry was scrubbed and rinsed using water from the canal.
Check out tours and tickets here:
6. Spirit de Milan
Spirit de Milan is a place where you can enjoy music, culture, and tradition of Milan in a lively and friendly atmosphere. It is located in a former glass factory at Via Bovisasca 59, Milan, 20157. It has been converted into a multifunctional space with a stage, a dance floor, a restaurant, and a bar.
It is one of Milan’s best-kept secrets, preserving and celebrating the authentic spirit of the city with its humor, creativity, and hospitality. It offers a variety of events and activities, such as concerts, swing nights, comedy shows, workshops, and social gatherings.
If you want to experience the true essence of Milan, Spirit de Milan is the place to be! It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 7:30 PM to 1:00 AM (lunch on Sundays from 12:30 PM). Dinner reservations are highly advised.
7. Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera presents a diverse and extensive array of artworks spanning from medieval to modern eras, with a particular emphasis on Venetian and Lombard painting.
Notable pieces within the collection feature Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin, Caravaggio’s Milan version of Supper at Emmaus, Mantegna’s Dead Christ, Piero della Francesca’s Brera Madonna, and Hayez’s The Kiss. Additionally, visitors can partake in temporary exhibitions, concerts, events, and educational activities hosted by the gallery.
This public art gallery is located in the Palazzo Brera, a former Jesuit college that also hosts the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, the Astronomical Observatory, the Brera Library, and the Brera Botanical Garden. It is right in the historical center of Milan.
For a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, book your tickets here.
8. Pirelli HangarBicocca
Founded in 2004 by Pirelli, a tire company, Pirelli HangarBicocca is a non-profit foundation housed in a former industrial plant in Milan. This venue has evolved into a well-loved destination for both art enthusiasts and inquisitive visitors, featuring exhibitions of contemporary art.
Pirelli HangarBicocca is one of the best under-the-radar places in Milan, situated in a less touristy area of the city. It offers a special mix of art and architecture in a spacious and inviting place. Here, you can discover new and creative works by international artists and take a relaxing break at the bistro or garden. It’s a must-visit if you want to explore Milan’s cultural and creative side.
Visit Pirelli HangarBicocca from Thursday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM. Last entry to exhibitions is at 7:30 PM. Entry is free, but it’s a good idea to reserve online. You can also explore the bookshop, the bistro, and the garden during the opening hours.
9. Sforzesco Castle
Sforzesco Castle is a massive fortress that was built by the Sforza family, who ruled Milan in the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle has a diverse history and was used as a residence, a military base, and a prison. It served as the residence of the Visconti and Sforza dukes, who transformed it into a splendid palace with gardens, courtyards, and frescoes.
Presently, Sforzesco Castle serves as a cultural hub, providing visitors with insights into Milan’s history and contemporary life. The castle houses various museums and art collections, featuring pieces by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Mantegna, and Bramante. You simply must not miss the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo’s last sculpture.
RELATED POST: Best Castles in Northern Italy You Should Visit
Situated on the outskirts of central Milan at Piazza Castello, Sforzesco Castle allows online bookings or on-site ticket purchases at the Castle Museums Admission Ticket. Opening hours and admission fees vary with the season and chosen museum.
Book your Sforza Castle tickets and tours here.
10. Arco della Pace
Arco della Pace, or the “Arch of Peace,” is a beautiful spot at the entrance of Sempione Park in Milan.
Built in the 19th century to celebrate peace after the Napoleonic wars, it showcases reliefs and statues depicting Napoleon’s victories. The arch offers a lovely view of the park and castle.
Escape the city bustle at Arco della Pace, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and admire the city skyline. Surrounded by the scenic Parco Sempione, it’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Beyond its beauty, the arch represents Milan’s rich history and culture. If you want a unique and refined Milanese experience, don’t miss Arco della Pace!
Arco della Pace is a brief 10-minute stroll from Castello Sforzesco. If using public transit, tram 1 or 10 will take you directly to Arco della Pace. Alternatively, the metro offers convenient access, with a 15-minute walk from M5 Domodossola, M1 Cadorna, or M2 Lanza stations.
11. Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
One of the best non-touristy things to do in Milan is to visit the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. It is also known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” thanks to its stunning frescoes that cover the walls and ceilings, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Maurice and other saints.
At the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, you can have a glimpse of the artistic and religious culture of Milan in the 16th century. It displays creations from some of the most talented Italian Renaissance painters, including Bernardino Luini and his sons. The church provides a peaceful and beautiful place to appreciate the harmony of architecture, art, and music.
Check out Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore tours here.
READ ALSO: Most Beautiful Churches in Italy That Warrant a Visit
12. Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Renaissance church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Milan, Italy.
This church is famous for housing one of the most renowned paintings in history: The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest Italian painters. The mural is located in the refectory of the convent and depicts the scene of Jesus and his disciples sharing their final meal before his crucifixion. The Last Supper is considered a masterpiece of art and a symbol of the Renaissance.
Located in Corso Magenta in the center of Milan, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a beautiful example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with a stunning domed apse and a cloistered garden. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Milan.
The church is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:45 PM. Church entry is free, but if you wish to see The Last Supper, book your tickets in advance online, via email, or by phone. Only 30 people are allowed in the refectory at a time, with 15-minute time slots.
For your Da Vinci’s Last Supper tickets and tours, find the best deals here.
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