Photography is our passion and our job. This is one of the main reasons why we love talking about the most beautiful Instagram spots that we find around the world. Today we decided to share with you our favourite Milan Instagram spots. Our short trip to the capital of fashion was long enough to give us the time to find the most instagrammable places in Milan without missing the top sights, of course.
We will guide you through the famous Duomo, which is a local spot in Milan, not only. Our photography itinerary will end up in one of the most instagrammable cafés in the city. Are you ready for some snaps of our trip to Milan?
Most instagrammable places in Milan
Which are the best photography spots in Milan?
Topics | Best Photo Locations in Milan
Basic information about Milan
- When to visit Milan
- Guide to the best photo spots in Milan
- Cultural Places in Milan
- Fashion location in Milan
- Best Rooftop Bars in Milan
- Tips for a photo shooting day in Milan
Also read...
When to visit Milan
Milan is a very lively city, worth visiting all year round. The city is huge and is one of the majors in Italy. Being in Northern Italy means colder temperatures compared to the south, with harsh winters that cover the streets with snow from time to time.
Summer instead is sweltering because the city is right at the centre of the North, away a couple of hours from the closest beaches. The streets of Milan during the hot season are crowded with tourists, very much like Venice. So, avoid August, the time of the year when locals take a vacation and go to the south.
To be short, the best time to visit Milan is late spring (check when Easter falls because the city is crowded too). Also, you can consider visiting Milan in the fall for an awesome walk around the city.
Guide to the best photo spots in Milan
Duomo | Milan Cathedral
One of Milan’s most famous and best Instagram spots is the Duomo. It’s the symbol of the city and one of the top attractions. This stunning building and the huge square are the first insights in our itinerary through the most instagrammable places in Milan.
The gorgeous Cathedral has got fantastic architecture inside and outside. It took almost six centuries to complete. The details are unique, and you must see them.
As it’s one of the local spots in Milan, we suggest you go for sunrise to be able to have the square all for you. It will be almost impossible to have a great photo if you go after 9 AM.
Popular Milan photo spot
The first time we spent only one day in Milan, it was almost impossible for us to make it to sunrise. So, searching for the perfect spot, we found our angle facing the Cathedral in the left corner of the square. Use it if you visit the place later in the day. If you love night photography, this place is the right one as well.
LOCATION | Duomo di Milano
TOURS | The Duomo is a must-do in Milan and you can book your ticket here.
Navigli Canals
Are you looking for the right spot for sunset? If Duomo is the ideal one for sunrise, the Navigli Canals are perfect for the evening. It is considered one of the best Milan photo spots, especially if you are looking for a romantic place to take pictures.
The colourful houses around Navigli Canals make Milan Instagrammable and ideal for your photography itinerary. If you visit the Navigli for sunset, we recommend you bring a tripod for better photos.
LOCATION | Navigli
BEST BAR ON NAVIGLI | Check out for La Vineria and Deus Cafè
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Located close to the Duomo, this gallery is a stunning building worth inserting into your list of Instagrammable places in Milan. Like the Cathedral, Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery can be very busy if you are visiting at the wrong time. If you plan to get up early in the morning for sunrise, the situation changes.
After shooting at the Duomo, you can easily pop inside the gallery and find your perfect spot. Keep in mind that the shops inside the gallery usually open at 9-10 AM, so make sure you are done before that time.
LOCATION | Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Check out some of the best tours in Milan
Milan can offer many experiences to visitors; we have highlighted some of the best tours in Milan, with key features and direct link to save your spot!
Arco della Pace or Porta Sempione
This beautiful city gate is dated back to the 19th century and was built during the Napoleonic rule. Today is considered one of the most instagrammable places in Milan.
With its neoclassical style and architecture, this triumphal monument is a top sight you can’t miss visiting in Milan.
If you have ever been to Berlin, you will see how similar both gates will look like but of course, we are talking about two different things.
What’s the best time to visit? We would definitely suggest during the sunset to catch the wonderful light while the sun goes away.
LOCATION | Arco della Pace
Castello Sforzesco | Castle of Milan
Sforzesco Castle was one of the largest citadels in Europe and today houses several art collections, galleries and museums. As it’s one of the famous landmarks in the city, be ready to face many tourists. The tip, like always, is to visit this place early in the morning, especially in summer, when it is more crowded and also so hot.
This beautiful building was a surprise for us. We couldn’t believe that it was the right place for an Instagrammable Milan. Not just the fortress itself but also the view of the walls and the gate from the fountain side. This is the entrance to the city centre of Milan and is the right place to chill, relax, visit and take photos.
LOCATION | Castello Sforzesco
Cultural and Instagrammable places in Milan
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Famous for hosting the original “Last Supper” mural of Leonardo da Vinci, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Church. Apart from being a must-see in Milan, this lovely church has got a huge garden perfect for photography. If you walk around you will see how lovely the church itself is, and it will give you the inspiration for taking pictures.
Make sure that, when planning a trip to Milan, you insert Santa Maria delle Grazie in your best photo spots in Milan to see. Watch out for the tickets, while there are limited spots every day for access to see the masterpiece.
LOCATIONS | Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie
TOURS | Book your ticket here and visit “The Last Supper” and Santa Maria delle Grazie
Pinacoteca di Brera
Along with the Vatican Museums and Uffizi Gallery, Pinacoteca di Brera is considered another most important museum in Italy. This photogenic gallery preserves and exhibits beautiful Italian paintings. It’s absolutely worth a visit. Apart from being an incredible place to visit in Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera is considered one of the most beautiful Milan photo spots.
LOCATIONS | Pinacoteca di Brera
TOURS | Plan your visit to the Brera district and museums here.
MUDEC Milan
Not often included in the list of beautiful places in Milan, the Mudec is the Museum of Culture of Milan. A unique architectonic masterpiece that will blow the mind of every visitor.
This is an interdisciplinary research centre of world cultures, including the hub of research labs and art centres. You can visit the exhibitions, enjoy the art performance, or walk the fine restaurant. The Mudec is in the centre of Milan in an old factory space, nearby the train station of Porta Genova.
Close on Monday, the Museum of Culture of Milan open its door from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 7.30 pm and a memorable evening every Thursday until 10.30 pm.
This is definitely an excellent photo spot in Milan because of the architecture and the fine details.
LOCATION | Via Tortona
Bosco Verticale
An alternative photo spot in Milan is for sure, Bosco Verticale. If it’s your first time in Milan, you need to see this fantastic new architecture built to contribute to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity.
It was voted one of the most beautiful and innovative skyscrapers in the world. Known as Vertical Forest, you can’t miss this place for your instagrammable places in Milan. Those complex buildings are not only incredibly photogenic but are also a fantastic display of art, innovation and environmental design.
LOCATION | Bosco Verticale
Fashion location to take photos in Milan
Vogue Kiosk
Milan is known as an Italian fashion city, like Paris in France and London in the UK. If you are spending two days in Milan you have enough time to stroll around the city centre and find the famous Vogue Kiosk. I must say that at the beginning, it was hard to find, but we made it easy for you as we put the exact location below in the description.
You’ve probably seen the numerous photos on Instagram or Google, so you know that you can’t miss it. This kiosk is the typical place wherein Italy sells newspapers, so if you are thinking of going very early in the morning, you might find it closed.
LOCATION | Close to Montenapoleone tube station/Via dei Giardini
Via Monte Napoleone
Considered one of the best Instagram spots in Milan, Via Monte Napoleone is a famous shopping street in the city. It’s one of the most expensive streets in Europe, where you will find the most important shops like Versace, Cartier and more.
With its unique stores, this street is the ideal background for some photos. The spots of Via Montenapoleone are your next profile photo for social media.
If you want to be alone and have all the time to shoot, we suggest you go before the shops open. But it’s even true that when people are around, the atmosphere changes, so it’s really up to you how you wish to have this shot.
LOCATION | Monte Napoleone
TOUR SUGGESTION | 3-Hour Milan Private Fashion Tour 💗 Book now!
Best rooftop bars in Milan | Milan Photo Spots
Terrazza Aperol
When visiting Milan, even if it’s for one day or two, the best way to end your day is with a proper Italian aperitif. This place is not only one of the best Instagram spots in Milan, but it’s even one of the most beautiful places where to enjoy the lovely view of the Duomo.
As it is close to one of the most important landmarks in the city, you might wait a bit before being able to sit. Anyway, even if tedious to attend your turn, it’s absolutely worth spending the afternoon there. The view and the delicious drinks will make you feel like an Italian.
Martini Rooftop
Terrazza Martini is a trendy bar in the city centre of Milan. The whole Martini edifice, perfectly framed between the two buildings, give you a vague idea of why this alone should be included in the list of best photo spots in Milan. Terrazza Martini offers a beautiful view over the fashion Capital, with fine service and unique drinks. Enjoy the best evening aperitif with your friends and make new.
Macha Cafe
We can’t conclude the list of places where to snap photos in the city, without including the instagrammable cafè in Milan.
The Macha Café is one of the most incredible Milan Instagram spots with its Japanese style, long wooden table and pretty cushions.
You can enjoy everything that you wish from cakes to cocktails and even delicious and pretty pancakes. As you can Milan has a lot to offer.
The city is one of the biggest capitals in Europe and within that is welcoming many companies trading in healthy food, vegan and vegetarian options and more.
LOCATION | Matcha Cafe
Bar Luce
Designed by acclaimed film director Wes Anderson, when you walk inside Bar Luce you will feel like you have walked onto one of these film sets. Thanks to its stunning interior design, Bar Luce is considered one of the Best Instagram spots in Milan and it’s worth a visit.
It’s not only an Instagram place in Milan but it’s a lunch break spot. Catch up with your itinerary of Milan and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
LOCATION | Bar Luce
Tips for an Instagrammable Day in Milan
Milan can be a bustling city at any time of the year. For this reason, you should have your plan ready before your trip. Those are a few tips which we recommend you to follow:
BOOK AHEAD OF TIME YOUR VISIT TO THE DUOMO | If you don’t have a scheduled plan it will be almost impossible to find the tickets. Remember to book your visit here and save time.
BRING A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | If you are visiting Milan during summer, be ready for the hot weather. Walking around the city with warm weather is not the best, being without fresh water.
TRIPOD CAN BE USEFUL | If you are travelling solo or either with your partner, a tripod is highly recommended for better photos. Improve the style, don’t bother other tourists or simply take a couple’s photos.
SUNSET LOCATION | Navigli
SUNRISE LOCATION | Duomo
DRESS LIKE A STAR | Milan is the fashion capital of Italy so dress smart and with vivid colours like red and blue.
TOURIST SPOTS IN MILAN | If you want to avoid any tourists, be ready to wake up early in the morning and visit the important sights of Milan without anyone around.
Looking for other guides about Milan and around?
Most beautiful places in Milan
Where to stay in Milan, Italy
GREAT LOCATION
A cosy apartment located in the heart of Milan, Porta Nuova. A small studio with all the amenities you might need during your stay. This is the perfect place if you’re looking to walk around the city and reach the most important sight within 20 minutes’ distance.
Located a few minutes away from Piazza Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the metro station, this central accommodation is perfect for your stay in Milan!
Additional Places to stay in Milan
MILAN BED AND BREAKFASTS
PIAZZA VITTORIA | SUSTAINABLE PROPERTY
PORTA TOSA
Porta Tosa Bed and Breakfast is an intelligent solution for a quick escape to Milan. The hotel is located in a strategic position a few steps away from Milano Porta Vittoria Train Station. Moreover, it is easy to reach the city centre by public transport, as the Milan Cathedral is just 15 minutes away.
CENTRAL TRAIN STATION | STAY + BREAKFAST
HOTEL STRADIVARI
The hotel Stradivari Milan is right in the city centre of Milan and offers food rates for your next holidays in Milan. Villa Necchi Campiglio is 1.6 miles from Hotel Stradivari, while Bosco Verticale is 3 km away. The nearest airport is Milan Linate Airport, 5 miles from the hotel.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MILAN
Don’t travel anywhere without travel insurance, no matter your journey. We have learned that at our expense, while travelling from Dubrovnik to Hvar, our ferry was cancelled because of rough sea weather.
Even though Milan is safe, the pandemic taught many people that things might go wrong everywhere in the world, and insurance is frequently the only option to mitigate any problems with the least cost or stress to you.
Hey Mondo | COVID-19 coverage, medical expenses and total travel costs. A fantastic app with 24-hour medical care and no extra charges. You can save 5% on your insurance by booking through our link.
SafetyWing | COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and insurance can be purchased while travelling for digital nomads.
Q& A Milan Instagram spots
Where can I take Instagram pictures in Milan?
Here’s the list of all the places where to take pictures in Milan:
Duomo
Navigli Canals
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Arco della Pace
Castello Sforzesco
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Pinacoteca di Brera
MUDEC Milan
Bosco Verticale
Vogue Kiosk
Via Monte Napoleone
Terrazza Aperol
Martini Rooftop
Matcha Cafe
Bar Luce
What is popular in Milan?
Milan is known for its majestic Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera and the incredible shopping arcade of Vittorio Emanuele II. Milan is famous for its history and extraordinary fashion.
Where is the fashion Street in Milan?
Corso Venezia. This is the middle point where the Milanese fashion shopping street start; it’s the middle point between Quadrilatero and Corso Buenos Aires, the popular point for shopping in the city,
Where to find street art in Milan?
Greco District is the iconic spot where you can enjoy street art in Milan alongside Leoncavallo and its surroundings.
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