The 9 most Instagrammable places in Milan

Of course, you’re in Milan. You have to see the Duomo. This is the city’s most well-known emblem, and it’s always packed out with tourists. The Duomo is the second-largest church in Italy, and is truly something to behold, with giant stained-glass windows, elaborate rooftop spires and intricate latticework. If you want a non-touristy snap, we’d recommend going early morning or late evening to get it at its most empty. Your followers won’t forget this one. Alternatively, you can pop down to the Museo del Novecento for some modern art, and from there get an overhead shot of the Duomo. Stunning. 

The 19^th-century glass-domed building near the Duomo is a gorgeous creation. It’s not only home to some of Milan’s most exclusive retailers along with caffés and restaurants – making it a good place to get in some shopping (window or otherwise) – but it’s also a prime location for people-watching. The fabulous dome is already picture-perfect, but you may also want to capture the lovely floor mosaics – or simply a selfie with an Aperol or Campari spritz at the Camparino caffé. It’s especially pretty at sunset when the light peeking through the glass is quite stunning.

Regardless of whether you’re in Milan to shop, your visit isn’t complete without a stroll through the Quadrilatero della Moda neighbourhood. It’s not only home to premium Italian fashion labels like Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada and Valentino, but you’ll also see a surprising number of locals strutting around in their haute-couture finery in what’s essentially an impromptu fashion show (and even more so during the real Milan Fashion Week). Whether you fancy yourself a street style photographer or simply want to capture the elegant atmosphere, you’ll have lots of subjects from which to choose.

In the 12^th century, construction began on Milan’s system of canals; but they were abandoned in the 19^th century in favour of other forms of transportation like trains and eventually cars. The canals sat in disrepair until two of them, Naviglio Grande and Navigli Pavese, were cleaned up over the last 20 years, and they’ve since become a popular place to stroll, shop, and partake in aperitivo, the Milan ritual of early evening drinks and snacks. Navigli is especially lovely when the last of the evening sunlight reflects on the canals, or you can go a little earlier for a drink (and a photo op) at one of the many bars lining the waterside.

When construction of the “Arch of Peace” began in 1807 to celebrate Napoleon being crowned as King of Italy, it was meant to be an Arch of Triumph. But after Napoleon’s defeat, the project was abandoned temporarily and not completed until 1838. Now it stands as a grand monument at the north entrance to Parco Sempione, one of Milan’s largest green spaces. Eighty-two feet high and topped with bronze statues, the Arco della Pace makes for a striking sight at any time of day and is totally different from anything else you’ll see in Milan. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around the park if you fancy a drink afterwards.

Fondazione Prada is one of Milan’s finest attractions, a 200,000-square-foot contemporary art complex in Largo Isarco, off the beaten bath in southern Milan. The museum was created from an old distillery combined with brand-new buildings, in a project designed by star architect Rem Koolhaas. Within this ultra-modern space (which also merits many pictures) sits a quirky little ‘50s-style caffé designed by film director Wes Anderson. The colourful chairs, Formica tables, panelled walls, pinball machines and generally hip vibe are all more than Instagram-worthy—plus you can get a pretty good caffé and cake while you’re at it.

High atop a nondescript office building sits Ceresio 7, a little slice of Miami in Milan. Not only does the rooftop offer panoramic views of the city skyline, there’s also an outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers where you can catch some rays or take a dip during the day (with advance reservations and for a steep fee). Otherwise, join the fashionable people who congregate for cocktails at L’American Bar, and perhaps stay for a nibble of the contemporary Italian food. Either way, there will be picture-worthy views aplenty both inside and out.

Located in a gigantic former train factory, this cavernous industrial space on the far northern reaches of Milan houses a permanent installation by artist Anselm Kiefer—The Seven Heavenly Palaces—where visitors can walk through seven cement towers ranging from 43- to 52-feet high, and also view five large-scale paintings by the artist. The towers look just as cool on Instagram as they do in person. The space also hosts temporary exhibitions from international and Italian artists, so have your iPhone at the ready.