Where the Hot Spots Are in Milan in 2023

Milan may not have the splendor of Rome or the ancient landmarks of Florence, but it remains an important cultural and industrial hub. With a diversified economy, Milan boasts plenty of job opportunities in design, communications, fashion and tech fields.

Discover all that this vibrant city has to offer! Whether you're an art enthusiast or simply want to take in some of its history, there's something here for everyone.

1. La Scala

Milan is renowned for its fashion and art scene, but it also offers plenty of history and adventure. If you're looking to add some culture to your vacation, head over to La Scala -- the iconic opera house which will be at the heart of all activities during 2023.

Opera lovers are sure to find something in this theatre's repertoire that appeals to you, and there are several exciting productions lined up for this season. Verdi's Macbeth (starring superstar soprano Anna Netrebko) or Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann (with Vittorio Grigolo and Ildar Abdrazakov) should be two great highlights!

La Scala's ballet repertoire is world-renowned, and several excellent shows are coming up during 2022-2023. Highlights include Wayne McGregor's AfteRite and Les Noces, as well as Giselle by Adolphe Adam.

You won't want to miss some of the world's greatest dancers, and La Scala ballet company is known for producing some of them. For instance, in 2022-2023 you can expect Jiri Kylian's Bella Figura and an exclusive performance of Nacho Duato's Remanso ballet.

In addition to opera and ballet performances, the theatre also presents concerts and other events. This 2022-2023 season is particularly noteworthy as it's the first time that opera will be combined with ballet for a full season.

The theatre is an architectural wonder and its acoustics are unparalleled. To ensure you don't miss out on this unforgettable experience during your 24 hours in Milan itinerary, book your ticket ahead of time online or at the theater box office. Tickets may also be purchased on show day; however, for best results it's best to buy them ahead of time online or at the box office.

2. Via Dante

If you're a first-time visitor to Milan, chances are you'll want to skip the main attractions in favor of discovering what else the city has to offer. But when limited time is available for exploration, it's essential that you know where exactly to go so as not to waste any precious time getting lost!

One of the best places to begin exploring Florence is Via Dante. Situated in the city center, this chic pedestrian street links Piazza Cordusio with Largo Cairoli and bears the name of Florentine poet Dante Alighieri.

The street is lined with grand palazzi from the 18th and 19th centuries. Additionally, it boasts an array of shops, restaurants and bars to suit any taste or budget.

Visitors should not miss the Pinacoteca di Brera, an incredible art gallery opened in 1809 that houses masterpieces from all eras.

No art expertise necessary - everyone will find something here to suit their taste. Even if you're not an art enthusiast, this is an ideal starting point to explore art galleries. From Renaissance masterpieces to modern pieces, there is something here for everyone's tastes and interests.

Via Dante is not only a bustling tourist spot, but it's also an excellent shopping street and home to numerous outdoor restaurants and gelato spots. This street boasts stylish shops selling everything from designer fashions to high-end accessories.

Shopping in Milan offers a vast array of choices, from high-end stores to flea markets. Plan your shopping trip ahead of time so you don't miss out on anything - you'll be delighted at just how much this fashion capital has to offer and you're sure to come away with plenty of goodies!

3. Quartiere Cinese

Milan has an irresistible vibe that permeates every neighborhood. It may be the city where fashionistas go to be seen and shop until they drop, but that doesn't mean you can't get more out of your visit than just looking good!

Milan's art galleries are the best way to experience Milan, but the city also has plenty of other attractions for you to discover. If you're searching for an impressive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, Pinacoteca di Brera should not be missed.

The gallery, housed in a historic building, has had an exciting past. It was opened by Napoleon who filled it with works looted from churches and aristocratic collections during his tenure in Italy.

On the walls are also plenty of more contemporary artworks, including works by contemporary artists like Raphael and Caravaggio. As this is a vast gallery, be sure to set aside some time for exploring.

Visit the luxury retail mecca of Milan - Quadrilatero d'Oro. Here, you'll find high-end labels like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

Don't forget to grab a drink at one of Milan's many bars and admire some vedovelle, its iconic water fountains! For an amazing photo opportunity, we recommend visiting during sunset when the light is golden.

If you're searching for the perfect outfit, Via Monte Napoleone and Corso Buenos Aires should not be missed when in Milan. Here, you can find high-end boutiques from Zara and H&M as well as plenty of streetwear shops and brands that have become iconic to Milan's fashion world.

4. The city’s defensive gates

City defensive gates have long been an essential feature of urban life, serving to guard cities against invasion. As time passed during the medieval era, cities began building massive fortifications that could withstand cannon fire for extended periods.

Old fortified gates remain popular tourist attractions around the world, such as Bran/Torzburg in Romania, Riquewihr and Ribeauville in Alsace, Speyer in Germany and Lubeck in The Netherlands.

In addition to their historical importance, these gates offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into each city's culture and history, as well as its architecture. In some cases, medieval fortifications have been repurposed into modern-day landmarks or buildings.

Beijing, for instance, boasts an ancient wall surrounding a rectangular area with 52 meters wide moat and three bridges - Tian'anmen Square at its center.

To further protect the city, walls were reinforced with a series of half towers built along its perimeter. Originally about 3.5 meters in height, these towers featured battlements and were used for setting up artillery and positioning firearms.

These were not simply decorative pieces, but essential for protecting the city against attack and controlling trade and access to it.

Discover other medieval defense examples around the world by visiting these historic structures and getting an impression of medieval defenses. Who knows - you might even feel inspired to build one for yourself as a way of celebrating your hometown's rich heritage!

5. The quirky Chinatown

Chinatown in Shanghai is one of the oldest districts in the country and an exciting place to discover. Its main street is lined with shops and restaurants, making it more budget friendly than other parts of town.

Once a run-down district, this area has seen dramatic transformations due to the influx of young people from Asia. Now one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods and an excellent spot for Italian food enthusiasts.

There are plenty of places to stop for an aperitivo or a drink, as well as stunning art studios and cafes. Additionally, you'll find some superb fine dining establishments here so that you can treat yourself to a delectable meal after all that shopping or sightseeing.

Around Via Paolo Sarpi, you'll come across several small street food laboratories selling traditional Asian dumplings and other quick snacks to go. Some are even open 24 hours a day!

Dining in the area's top Chinese restaurants will leave you with a taste of nostalgia. Popular offerings include spring rolls (vegetable-filled dumplings that are deep fried), dim sum brunches and tasting menus to commemorate the Lantern Festival.

Make a stop at Marchesi bakery for traditional Milanese pastries like Panettone with chilled shaker coffee or the ricotta cheese and walnut cake.

Porta Nuova is a quiet neighborhood that used to be an industrial area but has since been transformed into an up-and-coming business district with chic boutiques and restaurants. It also houses IULM and Catholic University, making it popular with students. Porta Nuova offers more of a relaxed vibe than other parts of Rome with cozy cafes tucked away in hidden corners as well as artsy boutiques.