Milan is the fashion capital of Italy with its luxury and high-quality fashion brands. Glorious architecture, historic squares, photogenic spots and futuristic buildings like Bosco Verticale make it a unique destination. Milan is also well-known for its delicious food with an endless choice of restaurants and cafés perfect for Instagrammable photos. However, most of the time it is very crowded. So, you need to know exactly which places you want to photograph ! In this article, you will find the best times to visit and where to go to create amazing content and memories.
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Things to know before visiting Milan
Milan is one of the most visited cities in Italy. As a fashion hub, it attracts not only tourists, but also professionals from every field. Milan is a tourist-friendly and walkable city with an excellent public transport system. However, there are many pickpockets in the main attractions, subway, bus and train stations. Therefore, you must be careful and always keep an eye on your belongings. If you plan to set up a tripod for your photos and videos, be sure to cover your bags and leave them in a safe. Lastly keep in mind that Milan is a pricey city. So, the best advice we can give you is to book everything in advance. In case you have enough time in Italy, we suggest taking day trips to other amazing Italian places and of course Lake Como !
How to get to Milan ?
The easiest way to access Milan from abroad is by plane. It has 3 airports of which 2 of them are in Milan (Malpensa and Linate airports) and the other is in Bergamo (Orio al Serio airport). So, you can find convenient flights to Milan all year round ! To get to the city center, you can take the Malpensa Express train from the major train stations (Milano Centrale, Porta Garibaldi and Cadorna). Obviously you can visit Milan by train, bus or car from the other nearby countries or Italian cities.
How to get around Milan ?
It is easy to navigate in Milan. Although there are countless places, public transport is simple and good. You can easily use the subway, buses or trams and get anywhere in the city. We would not recommend visiting the city center by car, as it is very busy and parking is not the easiest task. Chances are you would like to visit Lake Como which is easily accessible by train. You will need 1 hour to reach Como and then take the ferry to the other amazing towns like Varenna, Bellagio etc. However, you should be aware that Milan and Como are expensive destinations. So, we would not advise you to take a taxi there.
Where to stay in Milan ?
If you are visiting Milan for the first time or have a short time in the city, it is better to stay in the historic center. You will probably be very close to the main tourist attractions ! So, you will save a lot of time while living in the heart of Milan. Another beautiful neighborhood is Navigli which is a picturesque area with a vibrant nightlife. However, if you choose to stay in these areas, we highly recommend that you book in advance to find better places at lower prices.
The best time to visit Milan
As you can guess, Milan is one of the busiest places in Italy. Tourists from all over the world visit it all year round ! But, everything gets hectic during fashion week which usually occurs twice a year, in February and September. So, we would suggest to avoid these months, since there will be masses of tourists and the prices will be higher. However, Milan and of course Lake Como are also overcrowded in the peak season (July to late August). So, April to late June is the best time to visit them both ! If you love spring and want to see Lake Como in bloom, April is the best month to visit.
Best Instagrammable places in Milan and Lake Como
1-Milan Piazza del Duomo
Duomo di Milano or Milan Cathedral is undoubtedly the most Instagrammable spot in Milan and one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. The best spot to take beautiful shots is in the heart of Milan, in Piazza del Duomo. As Milan Cathedral is the second-largest cathedral in Italy, you should expect the corresponding number of tourists. That is why we strongly recommend going at least before 9am. If you managed to go at sunrise, you would have empty photos and the best lighting with the morning glow. Don’t forget to visit the rooftops of the Duomo for some Instagram gems and stunning panoramic views (open at 9am). It is better to book your tickets in advance to save time and money !
2-Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Just a few steps from the Duomo di Milano, you will find the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is the oldest active shopping gallery in Italy and one of the most iconic spots in Milan. Taking advantage of its location, you can easily take photos at both the Duomo and the Galleria. However, it is the interior that makes it such a spectacular structure ! Its unique roof and dome comprised of iron and glass, its beautiful flooring and the luxury shops make it a must-visit place in Milan. Since it is one of the most crowded places and you can find the first people even around 6 am (especially in the summer), we suggest you visit as early as possible even before opening or just at the shops opening. If you want to take a shot showcasing the details of the galleria (flooring, shops and ceiling), you will need a wide-angle lens.
3-Lake Como (Como town)
Although Lake Como is not technically in Milan, we are adding it to our trip. It is very close and is considered one of the most Instagrammable places in Italy. About an hour from Milan, you will find one of the most popular places in the world. Como is a tiny town full of natural and architectural beauty. Colorful flowers, cobbled streeets, breathtaking lake and mountain views create a unique setting. So, before you take the ferry to Bellagio or Varenna, we highly recommend taking some time to wander around and admire the views ! The best way to have it all to yourself is to get there early in the morning. Walking along the lake while admiring the beautiful architecture is a delight. The towns with the best photo spots are Como, Bellagio, Varenna.
4-Bellagio
Bellagio was the second town we visited and one of the most photogenic places in the area. Narrow alleys, cozy cafés and restaurants, delicious gelato, amazing views of Lake Como are what you can expect from this adorable town. You will even find a fishing village called “Pescallo”. The short walk from Bellagio to Pescallo will leave you speechless with the beauty of the surrounding area. Keep in mind that you will need to climb stairs to reach the fishing village. So, take comfortable shoes and bring your camera to capture all gems of Bellagio.
Other nearby Italian places to visit
1-Bergamo
Just 1 hour from Milan, you will find the adorable town of Bergamo. You can easily visit it either by train or bus. However, you can also fly directly to Bergamo airport and then head to Milan. Ryanair is the airline with the most regular flights ! It is walkable with a charming old town of Renaissance architecture. The cobbled alleys with the colorful houses create a beautiful ambiance perfect for your photos. That is why the best way to find cute photo spots is definitely by getting lost in its little streets. Be sure to spend some time to Bergamo, as it has delicious food, amazing shopes and a vibrant life. For us, it is the perfect day trip from Milan.
2-Genoa
If you want to experience the beauty of the famous Italian Riviera, Genoa is the first city you should visit. It is the capital of the Ligurian region with lively life, charming architecture, stunning beaches and magical sunsets ! It has one of the oldest and most important ports in Europe. So, you can visit it by plane, ferry, bus, train or car. It is an easily accessible city with lots to do and see. Best places to visit : Piazza de Ferrari, Cathedral di San Lorenzo, Aquarium and Parchi di Nervi and Royal Palace museum. However, the most beautiful neighborhood of Genoa is undoubtedly Boccadasse (photo 2). We could describe it as the mini version of Cinque Terre.
3-Portofino
Welcome to the little paradise of the Ligurian Coast ! Portofino is a unique Italian village full of natural and architectural beauty. Dreamy beaches with turquoise waters and beautiful surroundings make it the ultimate destination. However, it also provides a glamorous lifestyle with luxury brands, restaurants, hotels and beach bars. We highly recommend visiting Portofino as a day trip from Milan to get a good taste of the famous Italian summer. Wandering around its marina and old town while enjoying the breathtaking views is a real treat.
4-Cinque Terre
If you are looking for the most picturesque yet photogenic places to visit in Italy in the summer, Cinque Terre should be at the top of your list. Nestled along the Italian Riviera, these five villages are truly gems ! Fascinating ocean views, adorable old towns and ports, delicious food and prettiest sunsets are what you should expect from Cinque Terre. If you do not have enough time, you can visit them as a day trip from Milan. However, to fully experience their beauty, you need at least 48 hours. Keep in mind that these villages has countless photo spots, but they get overcrowded during the peak summer season !
5-Florence
Words do not do justice to how special this city is. The beauty and charm of Florence will leave you in awe ! Its rich history, culture and art make it a unique place to visit in the world. The historic center known as “District 1” gathers most of the famous tourist attractions. Florence Cathedral, Ufizzi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery and Piazza della Signoria are some of the most incredible places in the city center ! Another must-see is Piazzale Michelangelo which offers the best panoramic views of Florence. You can easily visit it as a day trip and see most of the main tourist attractions. Just try to spend a whole day there to enjoy it to the fullest.
Final Thoughts
Milan and LaKe Como are some of the most adorable and photogenic places not only in Italy, but in Europe as well. Glorious architecture, unique Italian vibes and charm, delicious food and fascinating views are what you should expect from this trip. Since Milan is a large city with many accommodation options, you can easily base yourself there and take day trips to other Italian gems. Get ready for amazing photo opportunities and unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
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