Italy has an incredible amount of really beautiful places and Milan is definitely one of them. The city is, of course, not only known for its shopping streets, but also for its numerous beautiful Instagram spots, among other things. You’re not into Instagram? That doesn’t matter, because you can also just use this post and the map below to get the first rough overview of Italy’s second largest city.

Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral)

You have to see the Milan Cathedral when you are in the city. The construction of this architectural masterpiece, made of white marble, took almost 600 years and it is not surprising that the cathedral became a real tourist magnet. So you’ll have to get there really early for a photo without a crowd. But you can also take very nice pictures on the open terraces on the roof of the cathedral. However, these terraces are not suitable for wheelchair users, despite the general accessibility and existing elevator.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

But you’re far from done after the photo shooting at the cathedral, because Milan’s main square has a few more beautiful spots to offer. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located right next to the cathedral, is the oldest shopping center in the world and also one of the most photographed locations in the city. Here you can also start with the exterior photos first and then continue in the gallery. It is open around the clock, but since the stores open from about 9 o’clock, you should be there earlier. Afterwards, I wish you a lot of fun with the (not cheap) shopping tour.

“Il dito” (L.O.V.E. sculpture)

Also in the city center but somewhat hidden (see map) you’ll find the “L.O.V.E.” sculpture. Are you wondering what a giant middle finger has to do with “love” and why you can find something like that in the fashion metropolis of Milan? Well the letters are an abbreviation for the terms “libertà”, “odio”, “vendetta” and “eternità”, i.e. freedom, hate, revenge and eternity. The controversial artist Maurizio Cattelan made a statement against capitalism with the sculpture because the statue is positioned as if the Milan Stock Exchange was giving the people the middle finger. You can certainly argue about the attractiveness of the sculpture, but I think it’s great because you don’t find something like this everywhere.

Arco della Pace (city gate of Milan)

The next Instagram spot is a little bit outside of the center but still within walking distance. It’s the triumphal arch “Arco della Pace”. You can take very nice pictures here, especially at sunset or just relax in the surrounding parks. This location is, of course, also optimal for anyone traveling with a wheelchair.

Piazza Gae Aulenti and Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)

Milan is by no means only made up of historic and classical buildings. Especially the district “Piazza Gae Aulenti” is constantly being developed and forms a modern contrast to the old town. Here you’ll find futuristic skyscrapers, shops, cafés and much more. Just a few meters away you’ll also find the very special high-rise complex “Bosco Verticale” (vertical forest). A total of about 900 trees and more than 20,000 other plants were planted at these two towers. The result not only looks great, but also fulfills important functions for sustainability.