U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit La Rinascente, a department store off of Piazza del Duomo. On the seventh floor you’ll find La Rinascente Rooftop, a food hall with three dining venues, including a casual bar and cafe with awe-inspiring views of the Duomo! – Nneya Richards

If you only have time to see one sight in Milan, the Duomo should be it. Milan's Duomo is considered the largest and most unique Gothic complex in all of Italy, having taken about a half a millennium to build. And once you've spent some time at the Duomo, it's easy to see why it's considered a masterpiece. The exterior is dotted with thousands of intricately-carved statues (2,300, to be exact) depicting both religious figures and stories from the Bible, including Jesus' crucifixion. And its interiors are even more intricate. Inside you'll find a thousand more statues, sky-high marble columns, gilded ceilings, striking stained-glass windows and loads of paintings scattered throughout. The detail even goes all the way down to the floors, where you'll see geometric-patterned marble lined throughout.

Leonardo da Vinci's famous 15th-century work, "The Last Supper" (or “Il Cenacolo” in Italian) lies inside Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Depicting the moment that Christ tells his apostles that one of them will betray him, the painting is immensely moving, especially considering what it's been through, including a flood and a World War II bomb raid. The painting has since been restored, but because of the technique da Vinci used (dry wall-painting), it continues to deteriorate.

Regardless of its condition, travelers still flock to the Santa Maria to bear witness to the painting's magnificence. And according to recent visitors, the painting truly is a masterpiece. Reviewers say "The Last Supper" was brilliant in person and urged travelers to take a closer look, as it's loaded with detail (each apostle at the table has a different expression). Some went so far as to say they became emotional standing in front of the painting. Though the mural is no doubt the main attraction here, travelers also suggested taking a long look around. In addition to the painting, it's the Santa Maria's pristine Renaissance architecture that helped the church earn the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only complaint among visitors? You don't have long to view the artwork (due to crowds, you can only visit it for 15 minutes before being ushered out). 

Even if you can't afford to buy anything in this elegant shopping complex, it's still worth a peek for its stunning interiors. This galleria – built at the height of 19th-century belle époque – is a glorified shopping mall, housing high-end Italian designers from Prada to Gucci to Armani under its steel-and-glass arcade. Fun fact: This is the home of the original Prada store dating back to 1913 – you’ll even find the original register on display! You'll also find other shopping options, including lower-end clothing shops and bookstores rife with fashion literature. There are also a small handful of restaurants and cafes within.

Whatever your budget, travelers say the mall's glorious architecture, beautiful paintings and intricate floor tiles are worth a quick visit. Recent visitors do warn that you should be prepared for crowds.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Milan in early December, you’ll be enchanted by the Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas market at Piazza Castello. The four-day market celebrates the feast of Sant'Ambrogio, the patron saint of Milan, with handmade crafts and local delicacies. – Nneya Richards

The former fortress and residence of Milan's most powerful rulers is now a campus for some of the city's best cultural institutions. It’s also one of Europe’s largest castles. One of the symbols of Milan, Castello Sforzesco, found less than a mile northwest of the Duomo, features a plethora of museums and galleries focusing on art and history. There's the Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, the Raccolta di Mobili, Furniture Collection, Museo delle Arti Decorative, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Museo Egizio, Egyptian Museum and so much more. There's also the Museo Degli Strumenti Musicali, which houses one of the largest collections of musical instruments in Europe. Many visitors find the admission price a bargain considering all of the museums on site. If you're short on time, travelers say you must visit the Museo della Pietà Rondanini, which houses Michelangelo's last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini.

Located in the beautiful Corso Magenta area, the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is nicknamed the Sistine Chapel of Milan. Breathtakingly beautiful and adorned throughout with elaborate artwork, it is a must-see when in Milan. Dating back to the early 1500s, the former monastery of the church – once the most important female convent in Milan – is now the Civic Archaeological Museum. Considered somewhat of a hidden gem in Milan, the 16th-century frescoes are ornate, highlighting the importance of this church and monastery. You are able to visit both the public space and the private chapel for nuns. The stunning frescos tell wonderful stories – and gossip – of the 16th century, so if possible, request a guide or visit with an organized tour!

Visitors are consistently surprised by this church’s deceivingly humble exterior and often find it to be their favorite church in Milan. Many recommended pairing a visit to the Duomo with a stop here.

Nestled in Milan’s chic and artsy Brera District in Palazzo Brera, the Pinacoteca di Brera is on par with some of the best art museums in the world. Here you’ll find famed pieces from masters like Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Rubens. The gallery houses more than 400 works from the 14th to 20th centuries and was established in 1776 for the students of the Academy of Fine Arts (or Accademia di Belle Arti) to study. The Palazzo Brera complex dates back to a 14th-century convent and houses the Braidense National Library, the Botanical Garden and the Lombard Institute of Sciences and Letters, in addition to the Pinacoteca and the Academy of Fine Arts. During the summer, the Orto Botanico, a beautiful and fragrant garden behind the Pinacoteca, is open, offering welcome peace.

Recent visitors to the Pinacoteca found it to be a beautiful sanctuary with a truly impressive art collection worth the price of admission. Another aspect that visitors appreciate is the Pinacoteca’s connection to the Academy of Fine Arts, which lends to the charming authenticity of it as a “working museum” and art school. Travelers are particularly moved at seeing famed romantic Italian painting, “The Kiss” by Francesco Paolo Hayez, in person.

U.S. News Insider Tip: This is in a burgeoning neighborhood that includes the ADI Design Museum and Milan’s Chinatown. There are many great bars and restaurants, but you’ll want to make a reservation at Ceresio 7 to admire the illuminated cemetery from the restaurant’s rooftop. – Nneya Richards

It might seem strange to visit a cemetery during your vacation, but once you get a peek at the architecture of Monumental Cemetery, you'll see why it's considered such a must-visit site. Opened near the end of the 19th century, Il Cimitero Monumentale is filled with graves, yes, but also Greek temples, ornate obelisks and impressive, nearly life-like sculptures throughout. The cemetery is so decorative, travelers say it could easily double as an outdoor sculpture museum. The reason the cemetery looks as beautiful as it does is because parts of the cemetery were once exclusively reserved for the elites of Milan. So instead of rows of flat headstones, the near and dear of the departed adorned burial sites with, or turned them into, works of art. Travelers say it doesn't take long to run into some pretty moving graves (think: angels standing over plots, statues spread out crying over tombs), make sure to keep an eye out for the bronze "Last Supper" recreation, a burial site that belonged to a prominent Campari family. 

The Biblioteca and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana holds a vast collection of artwork, most of which were donated by a single person. In the early 17th century, Italian cardinal and former archbishop of Milan, Federico Borromeo, gave the Ambrosiana Library, which he also founded, all of the drawings, paintings and statues he had personally collected throughout his life. The art housed in this 24-room gallery features works from masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci ("The Portrait of a Musician"), Caravaggio ("The Basket of Fruit"), Raphael ("The Cartoon for the School of Athens"), Titian ("Adoration of Magi") and Botticelli ("The Madonna del Padiglione"). The Ambrosiana also houses numerous other works spanning from the 17th to the 20th century as well as historical relics, including gloves that Napoleon wore at the historic Battle of Waterloo. 

Recent visitors leave the Ambrosiana impressed with its offerings, with many expressing feelings of gratitude that they were so close to so many masterpieces. Standout artworks for travelers include Caravaggio's "Basket of Fruit" and da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, a collection of 1,119 drawings that feature a variety of subject matter, from mechanics to manuscripts. Several recommended opting for the audio guide (which costs an additional 3 euros, or about $3.30) to enhance your experience. If you’d prefer a guided tour, plan your visit for a Saturday afternoon, when tours in English are available (for 25 euros, or about $27) at 3:30 p.m.

Known for its canalside bars and restaurants, decorated bridges, galleries and cool concept stores, the Navigli is one of the most charming and picturesque parts of Milan. The Navigli refers to the streets that skirt the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, and it offers a glimpse into how the city transported cargo centuries ago. Can you believe that the Naviglio Grande once connected Milan to Switzerland? These waterways allowed Milan to grow and develop via trade. Architecture lovers will notice the banks of the Navigli filled with case di ringhiera, houses constructed around a central courtyard, as well as older washhouse structures with wooden beam roofs. 

Visitors love popping into the artisan shops in the Navigli, as well as the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. Combining a visit to Navigli and Darsena together is suggested given their proximity to each other. Boat tours are a fun way to navigate the area. But beware, if you have an aversion to mosquitoes, summertime in the Navigli will be extremely unpleasant. The Naviglio Martesana is popular for cyclists, who can bike about 20 miles along the canal to River Adda.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The best way to experience the Darsena or the Navigli is a nighttime stroll along the water with a gelato in hand. There are countless along the canal to try! – Nneya Richards

Experience a newly revitalized neighborhood in Milan exploring the docklands of the Darsena di Milano. Until the mid-1950s, Milan had a large shipping and cargo industry, and Darsena, an outlet port where the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese canals meet, was a major hub in the southwest of Milan. Renovated in 2015 in time for the Milan Expo, the old area has been brought back to life. Illuminated modern bridges connect the banks and open walkways are filled with people sitting taking in the views. This pedestrian area is ideal for bike riding along the canals as well. Restaurants, bars, traditional pubs, beer gardens and cafes can all be found in Darsena. On weekends, you can peruse vintage fairs and antique markets.

Adjacent to the Sforza Castle is Parco Sempione, the largest park in the city of Milan. English garden-style, Parco Sempione features walking paths, a small pond, picturesque bridges like the Bridge of the Little Mermaids (Ponte delle Sirenette), cafes and museums. Here you’ll find the Arco della Pace, which bears a striking resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in the Tuileries gardens in Paris. Another point of interest? Torre Branca, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city for just 6 euros (about $6.50). This gorgeous oasis in a city not known for its green spaces is Milan’s version of London’s Hyde Park or New York City’s Central Park. Parco Sempione spans 116 acres between Arco della Pace and the Castello. With great jogging and bike paths, Milanese flock to this park on sunny days and weekends. In the southwestern part of the park, you’ll find the Palazzo dell’Arte, home of the Triennale di Milano, a renowned museum dedicated to design and architecture.

At the northwestern gateway to the park, Arco della Pace stands in its Napoleonic glory, representing peace. And peace and respite is what you’ll find in Parco Sempione. Recent visitors enjoyed this verdant heart of Milan and found it a great place to take a gelato and stroll and people-watch. When visiting Milan during brutally hot summers, Sempione offers visitors cool shady spots with well appointed benches and quiet from the bustle of the city. 

With upscale restaurants and antique stores, fashion boutiques, cobblestone streets and stylish passersby, Brera is widely regarded as Milan’s chicest neighborhood. As the home of the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Academy of Fine Arts and many contemporary art galleries, Brera is known as a haven for creatives. Brera’s beautiful small streets, with plant-filled balconies and stunning palazzo inner courtyards, are a wonderful place to “get lost.” Every third Sunday of the month, except in August, Via Brera and Via Fiori Chiari become an open-air market with stalls filled with jewelry and beautiful crafts, glassware and antiques. Stop and have an espresso at one of Brera’s many bars that are frequented by Academy of Fine Arts students. You might end up having a conversation with the next Raphael!

You’ll want to dress comfortably when sightseeing around Brera; many of the neighborhood’s streets are paved with river rock, which can be rough on travel weary feet and heels. Recent visitors appreciated Brera’s small boutiques, which showcase independent designers and offer a reprieve from global brands like Fendi and Gucci that are stationed along popular Via Monte Napoleone. Travelers have called Brera the Milanese Montmartre or compared it to the Marais in Paris; yes, it can be touristy, but Brera is still an authentic neighborhood that maintains its charm.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Just as picturesque within the golden triangle of Bellagio, Varenna is a town in Lake Como with a more “locals” vibe – though it’s still packed in the summer, you’ll mostly see Italian tourists. – Nneya Richards

Northern Italy’s beautiful lake region, with water nestled among the Pre-Alps, is a welcome reprieve for Italians and visitors alike from northern industrial cities. Lake Como is arguably Italy’s most famous lake, especially popular with Americans thanks to part-time celebrity resident, George Clooney. This beautiful lake is dotted with incredible villas and iconic vistas of lush mountains dipping into blue waters. It's no wonder Lake Como is considered one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Milan is always moving forward, and the Piazza Gae Aulenti, a modern hub jutting out of the formerly working-class, hip Isola neighborhood, is a testament to that. Even the name of the piazza, Gae Aulenti, honors the famed Italian female architect. There are several landmarks within the piazza worth checking out. 

Able to be seen from miles around – really, on a clear day you can see the building from nearby Bergamo – César Pelli’s UniCredit Tower is a silver marvel. Standing more than 750 feet, the UniCredit Tower is the tallest in Italy, and home to Italy’s biggest bank. Another beautiful landmark, Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest), are twin residential towers that are home to hundreds of trees and thousands of plants and shrubs that resemble the modern-day hanging gardens of Babylon. The buildings converge in the piazza around three large fountains, and serve as a futuristic highlight of Milan’s Porta Nuova district. Explore the beautiful gardens of the nearby BAM Tree Library, or the shops and bars of the pedestrian zone Corso Como.