My Photography & Travel Guide to Milan, Italy
Welcome to Milan, Italy's fashion capital and one of the most photogenic cities in Italy. Milan is a city of contrasts, from its historic cathedrals and bustling markets to its sleek skyscrapers and avant-garde art.
Milan offers endless photographic opportunities, from its stunning Gothic architecture (e.g., the Duomo of Milano) and bustling streets to the serene canals of Navigli. The city’s vibrant fashion scene and breathtaking architecture will definitely provide photographers with many opportunities for fantastic photos.
Sunrise at the Duomo
This guide will help you navigate the city, from the best places to stay to the must-visit photography spots.
Where to Stay
Best Area: The Centro Storico
Staying in the heart of the city, the Centro Storico ensures you're close to Milan's most iconic landmarks and vibrant nightlife. The Brera district is the heart of Milan, offering a perfect mix of historic charm and modern amenities. From this area, you can walk to most of the most important sites. Some luxury and mid-level hotel options will make your stay unforgettable.
Luxury Hotels
Hotel Principe di Savoia: A symbol of luxury, this hotel offers lavish rooms, a rooftop spa, and exquisite dining options.
Bulgari Hotel Milan: Nestled in a private garden, this hotel combines contemporary design with luxurious comfort, perfect for unwinding after a day of photography.
Four Seasons Hotel Milano: Housed in a 15th-century convent, this hotel boasts elegant rooms, a serene garden, and top-notch service.
Mid-Level Hotels
Palazzo Segreti: A boutique hotel with modern rooms and a cozy atmosphere, located just a short walk from the Duomo.
NH Collection Milano President: This hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great breakfast and is conveniently located near major attractions.
Room Mate Giulia: Known for its stylish design and friendly staff, this hotel is a fantastic mid-range option in the heart of the city.
Best Time to Visit
Milan is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, and the city is less crowded, allowing for more comfortable exploration and photography.
Getting Around the City
Milan's public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. The metro, trams, and buses can take you almost anywhere. For more flexibility, consider using services like Uber and Bolt, which are readily available in the city. In my opinion, your best option is to walk to most locations.
Where to Eat
Milan's culinary scene is as diverse as its architecture, offering everything from traditional Italian fare to modern gastronomic delights. Here are some of our favorites:
Restaurants:
Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia: A Michelin-starred restaurant that serves exquisite Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
Trattoria Milanese: A cozy spot offering traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese and ossobuco.
Pavè: A trendy bakery and café known for its delicious pastries and artisanal coffee.
Nerino Dieci Trattoria: Popular with locals and tourists alike, this spot offers hearty portions of classic Italian dishes.
Camparino in Galleria: An iconic bar in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, perfect for an aperitivo with a view.
Coffee Shops:
Marchesi 1824: One of Milan's oldest and most elegant pastry shops, offering exquisite coffee and sweets. We stopped in 2-3 times during our stay.
Moleskine Café: A stylish spot for coffee and creativity, blending a café with a workspace and gallery. Plus, the Moleskine notebooks are my favorites.
Cafe Trussardi: Located near the Teatro alla Scala, this café offers excellent coffee and a chic atmosphere.
Photography Gear to Bring
When exploring Milan, it's best to travel light but equipped. Here's a suggested list of photography gear:
Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. For example, Canon R5, Nikon Z7/Z8, Leica Q2 etc.
Lenses: A wide-angle lens for architecture shots, a prime lens for street photography, and a telephoto lens for detailed captures.
Tripod: A lightweight, portable tripod for stability in low-light conditions.
Filters: Polarizing and ND filters are used to manage reflections and exposure.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: To ensure you never miss a shot.
Camera Bag: A comfortable, weather-resistant bag to carry your gear.
Best Photography Locations
Milan is a photographer's paradise, offering a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Here are some must-visit spots:
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo of Milano's combination of architectural splendor, historical importance, and cultural significance makes it one of the world's most famous and impressive cathedrals. The Duomo is an iconic symbol of Milan.
During Blue Hour at 5:30 am
The Duomo of Milano, also known as the Milan Cathedral, is renowned for several reasons:
Architectural Grandeur: The Duomo is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture characterized by its intricate facade, spires, and statues. It took nearly six centuries to complete, with construction starting in 1386 and finishing in 1965. That is just incredible to think about! The cathedral has approximately 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures, making it one of the most ornate Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Size and Scale: It is the largest church in Italy (excluding St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City) and the third-largest in the world. The Duomo covers an area of 109,641 square feet and can hold up to 40,000 people.
Cultural and Historical Significance: The Duomo has been a central part of Milan's history and culture for centuries. It has witnessed numerous important events, including Napoleon Bonaparte's crowning as King of Italy in 1805.
Art and Relics: The cathedral houses many significant art and religious relics. Notable features include the statue of Saint Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d'Agrate and the nail believed to be from the True Cross, which is displayed in the apse.
Rooftop Views: The Duomo's rooftop terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of Milan. Visitors can walk among the spires and statues, enjoying a unique perspective of the cathedral's architecture and the city below. On a beautiful day, I would definitely recommend going to the roof.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II:
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest and most iconic shopping malls. It is located just steps from the Duomo. It was named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, and was designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Even someone like myself who does not like shopping found it remarkable. I would photograph the Galleria first and then move on to the Duomo.
Here are some key points about the Galleria:
Architectural Marvel: Built between 1865 and 1877, the Galleria features a stunning glass and iron roof and a central octagonal space topped with a glass dome.
Luxury Shopping and Dining: The Galleria is where you will find some of the most high-end fashion houses in Italy, including luxury brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. It also includes famous cafes and restaurants like the historic Café Biffi and Savini.
Before Sunrise
Make sure to photograph the ceiling
The Ceiling of the Gallery
Sforza Castle:
The Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforzesco, is a historic fortress located in Milan, Italy. It was originally built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. The castle has undergone several modifications and renovations over the centuries, reflecting various architectural styles.
Sunrise
Navigli District: Picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife make for great evening shots.
Brera District:
All the fashion houses in Italy have shops in this area. It is the best place in Milan for Street Photography. You will see so many people dressed incredibly well, making them fantastic subjects to photograph.
I loved exploring all the windows of the fashion houses in this area. It is a shoppers paradise.
Bosco Verticale:
The Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, is a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, known for their unique and innovative design, incorporating trees into the building structure. They are just stunning to visit.
Here are some key points about Bosco Verticale:
Design and Architecture: The Bosco Verticale was designed by the Italian architect Stefano Boeri and his team at Boeri Studio. The towers were completed in 2014 and are located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan.
Greenery: The two towers, standing at 111 meters (364 feet) and 76 meters (249 feet) respectively, host over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 floral plants on their terraces. This extensive greenery helps to absorb CO2 and dust, produce oxygen, and provide a natural habitat for birds and insects.
Environmental Impact: The Bosco Verticale is designed to promote biodiversity and sustainability. The plants help to regulate temperature and humidity inside the apartments, reduce noise pollution, and improve air quality. The building also utilizes renewable energy sources and advanced irrigation systems that recycle greywater.
Aesthetic Appeal: Apart from its environmental benefits, the Bosco Verticale is visually stunning. The lush greenery on the facades creates a striking contrast with the modern urban landscape of Milan, making it a symbol of the city's commitment to sustainable development.
Awards and Recognition: The Bosco Verticale has received numerous awards, including the prestigious International Highrise Award in 2014 and the Best Tall Building Worldwide award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in 2015.
Living Experience: Residents of Bosco Verticale enjoy a unique living experience, surrounded by greenery with access to the benefits of urban living. The towers offer panoramic views of Milan and have become a sought-after address in the city.
Trams
The trams of Milan are iconic and a significant part of the city's charm. Milan's tram system, one of the oldest in the world, dates back to the late 19th century. With their vintage design and classic orange and yellow colors, these trams remind me of the trams you might see in Lisbon.
Some key points about Milan's trams:
Historical Trams: Milan still operates some historic trams from the 1920s, known as the "Carrelli" trams. These trams have wooden interiors and a charming, nostalgic feel. These are the ones that I would recommend photographing.
Modern Trams: Alongside the vintage trams, Milan also has a fleet of modern trams that are sleek and efficient. However, I did not find them interesting to photograph. They look like the trams you might find in any city in Europe.
During Blue Hour
Street Photography
Milano is a fantastic city for Street Photography. Being the fashion capital of Italy, people are very well-dressed.
I found many people to photograph in front of Stefano Ricci's shop. I love environmental portraits that show people in everyday life.
Graffiti
I am always looking for wonderful Street Art/Murals. This one is located next to the Bosco Verticale.
Next to the Bosco Verticale
WRapping it up
Let your journey through Milan be filled with incredible sights, delicious food, and unforgettable photographic moments. Buon viaggio!
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