Not to be missed: Top 05 must see attractions in Milan

Milan is a city that seamlessly blends history, art, and stunning architecture, offering iconic attractions that capture its true essence. From cultural landmarks to breathtaking sights, these must-sees promise a well-rounded experience. And don’t miss our next article, where we’ll uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path treasures in Milan!

01. Duomo di Milano

The breathtaking Milan Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture from in 1386, it was not finished until 1965. It took 579 years to build. Take the lift or climb 256 steps to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city or explore its detailed interior. It’s even more stunning at night, illuminated by lights and with fewer people around to distract the view.

• Tickets: €5 for basic entry; €15 for rooftop access by stairs; €20 for elevator access. Tickets can be purchased online.
• Traditional Thing to Do: Climb to the rooftop terraces for breathtaking views of the city and admire the intricate spires up close.
• What to See: The stunning stained glass windows, the golden Madonnina statue on top, and the archaeological area underneath the cathedral.
• Location: Duomo di Milano

02. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just steps from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-visit destination in Milan. Built between 1865 and 1877 by the renowned architect Giuseppe Mengoni, this historic shopping arcade was part of a project to modernize Milan after its liberation in 1859. Named after Victor Emmanuel II, Italy’s first king, the Galleria combines stunning 19th-century architecture with luxury boutiques, cozy cafés, and an unforgettable atmosphere. A true Milanese icon, it’s perfect for both shopping and soaking in the city’s rich history.

• Tickets: Free entry; luxury stores and dining options are priced individually.
• Traditional Thing to Do: Spin on the bull mosaic in the center of the arcade for good luck, this is a VERY traditional must do thing while in Milan!
• What to See: The beautiful glass dome, mosaic flooring, and high-end fashion stores like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
• Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

03. The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie

Visit the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie to see one of the world’s most famous paintings. Advice? Book ahead to see the mural that changed the course of art history, portraying the moment Jesus predicted his betrayal. Across the street is what remains of the vineyard that Ludovico Sforza gifted Leonardo as thanks for his works.

• Tickets: €15, including museum access; advance booking required.
• Traditional Thing to Do: Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece and learn about its history from a guide or audiobook. 
• What to See: The painting itself, preserved on the wall of the refectory, and the stunning architecture of the adjoining church.
• Location: Santa Maria delle Grazie

04. Sempione Park and Castello Sforzesco

Sempione Park is Milan’s green oasis in the middle of the city. The perfect place to unwind after exploring its bustling streets. It’s a favorite among locals for picnics and outdoor activities. Nearby, The Sforza family’s vast 15th-century castle is now a museum “Castello Sforzesco” with stunning Renaissance art. Whether you’re seeking to relax in nature or a great spot for history lovers, this is the place.

• Tickets: Free to enter the park; museum access in the castle is €5.
• Traditional Thing to Do: Enjoy a gelato while strolling through the park or relax near the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace).
• What to See: The castle’s courtyards, art museums (including Michelangelo’s unfinished “Rondanini Pietà”), and the picturesque park itself.
• Location: Sempione Park and Castello Sforzesco

05. Pinacoteca di Brera and District

This charming neighborhood is a haven of art galleries, picturesque streets, and outstanding dining options. It’s home to the Pinacoteca di Brera, where you can admire masterpieces by Raphael and Caravaggio, along with Francesco Hayez’s iconic painting The Kiss (1859). Take your time to enjoy the classic Milanese dishes like risotto alla milanese or ossobuco.

• Tickets: Free to wander; prices vary for dining and visiting art galleries like the Pinacoteca di Brera (€12 entry).
• Traditional Thing to Do: Enjoy an aperitivo at a cozy café and explore the art galleries.
• What to See: Charming cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and historic buildings. Don’t miss the Pinacoteca di Brera for its world-class art collection.
• Location: Pinacoteca di Brera

Last tip: On the first Sunday of the month the national museums are free! 

Each destination is a short walk, metro, or taxi ride from YellowSquare Milan, making it the perfect base to explore this vibrant city!
Keep reading us to unlock the hidden gems and next tips, also at the YellowSquare you can meet people to explore with you or get valuables advices from the team.
Location: YellowSquare Milan

See you 😉

This time we want to go off the beaten paths and start off from exploring Milan’s vibrant Porta Romana district. It isn’t complete without indulging in some of the city’s finest gelato as we go closer to the historical center and monuments. Here are three must-visit gelaterias, each offering unique flavors and experiences.

Check our gelatour page for more details and to jump into this discovery with new friends: Gelatour YellowSquare Milan

So let’s check out the 3 best ice cream shops you should be aware of when visiting Milan.

1) Gelateria PiccoLina

Nestled on Via Orti 17, Gelateria PiccoLina is a hidden gem celebrated for its artisanal approach to gelato-making. This cozy spot offers a delightful array of flavors crafted with high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Why do we recommend it?

• Authentic Flavors: Experience traditional Italian gelato with a modern twist, featuring both classic and innovative flavors.
• Quality Ingredients: Committed to using fresh, natural ingredients without artificial additives.
• Charming Atmosphere: The intimate setting provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying your gelato.

Distance from YellowSquare Milan: Approximately a 10-minute walk.
Google Maps
Instagram: @piccolinagelateria

2) Gelateria Porta Romana

Located at Corso di Porta Romana 126, this gelateria is renowned for its wide selection of flavors and creamy textures. Its strategic location makes it an ideal stop during your city explorations.

Why do we recommend it?

• Diverse Selection: Offers a vast variety of flavors, catering to all taste preferences.
• Vegan Options: Provides high-quality vegan gelato, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary needs.
• Convenient Location: Situated near notable landmarks, making it a perfect refreshment stop.

Distance from YellowSquare Milan: Approximately a 15-minute walk.
Google Maps
Instagram: @gelateriaportaromana

3) Ciacco. Gelato Senz’altro

Situated at Via Spadari 13, Ciacco is acclaimed for its innovative flavors and commitment to natural ingredients. This gelateria prides itself on creating gelato without additives, ensuring a pure and delightful taste experience.

Why do we recommend it?

• Innovative Flavors: Regularly updates its menu with creative and seasonal offerings.
• Natural Ingredients: Focuses on additive-free gelato, highlighting the authentic taste of each component.
• Central Location: Located in the heart of Milan, it’s an excellent spot to recharge during your city tour.

Distance from YellowSquare Milan: Approximately a 20-minute walk or a short ride on public transport.
Google Maps

Now that you’ve got the scoop on Milan’s best gelato spots, you can totally brag to your friends about knowing where to find the real deal. Next time someone’s heading to Milan, you’ll be their go-to gelato guide!

Have you ever thought about embarking on a Gelatour in Italy, or even better, in Florence?

The YellowSquare Hostel did! And there is a FREE Gelatour activity for the hostel guests to explore the city as a local while tasting the best ice creams! 

See the Duomo, the old bridge and the charming small lanes as you get to discover the ice cream shop a true Italian would go for on a hot summer day or in a cold winter (who can resist it!).
Check our map road of the gelato tour here.

So let’s point out the 5 best ice cream shops you should be aware of when visiting Florence.

1. DONAMALINA San Jacopino
Donamalina San Jacopino Cioccolateria-Gelateria is the nearest ice cream shop nearby YellowSquare Florence. Though it is still pretty much a central zone, it is a less touristic place and very known as the neighbourhood ice cream shop.


Why do we recommend it?
They use 100% natural ingredients for their gelato, so you can also taste the real pieces of the flavor you get. The staff is super friendly, by far this is my favorite one! It’s a cool spot to relax, not in the crowd. A plus is that they also produce their own chocolates and also have courses available for those who want to learn!
How to get there: DONAMALINA San Jacopino Cioccolateria-Gelateria
Check their Instagram: donamalina_sjacopino

2. My Sugar gelato artigianale
Between the Accademia Gallery it is a perfect stop before or after visiting Michelangelo’s David and only 7 minutes from the Florence Duomo, the next gelateria stop is My Sugar gelato artigianale.

Why do we recommend it?
They offer unique flavours like fiordilatte with mint and basil, and black sesame. Plus, the friendly, passionate owners add a personal touch to your gelato experience.
The price is very standard to be in the city centre.
How to get there: My Sugar gelato artigianale
Check their Instagram: mysugarfirenze

3.Gelateria Edoardo Piazza Duomo
Check out Gelateria Edoardo in Piazza Duomo for its organic, locally-sourced gelato. Located right next to the Duomo, it’s perfect for a delicious break while sightseeing.

Why do we recommend it?
They have homemade cones and unique flavors, which change with the seasons based on available products. The commitment to quality and freshness makes every scoop a delight. Also, they have a good price for been in the main square =)
How to get there: Gelateria Edoardo Piazza Duomo
Check their Instagram: edoardo_gelato_bio

4. Amorino Gelateria
Very known on social media, instagram and tiktok, for its flower-shaped cones. Each petal is crafted with precision, creating a floral design that makes it delicate and enjoyable to eat. The price is a bit higher for its quality and design, however it’s worth the experience!

Why do we recommend it?
Even popular tourist spots hold surprises, they offer a unique treat: “Gelato Macarons”! Known for keeping high-quality ingredients without overloading on sugar, it’s perfect for a memorable photo near the Duomo—a sweet taste and snapshot of Florence.
How to get there: Amorino Gelato – Firenze Cerretani
Check their Instagram: amorino_firenze

5. Gelateria Neri
Another unbeaten gelateria, loved by the locals. Situated in the San Giovanni district, it’s a short walk from landmarks like Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery. Be aware though, you might find a line during summer timer!

Why do we recommend it?
First of all, because it’s super creamy! Flavors are both classic and unique, and the service is very good, they make you feel at home. 
How to get there: Gelateria dei Neri
Check their Instagram: gelateriadeinerifirenze

Once you’ve found your favourite, you’ll know exactly where to go whenever you crave a delicious gelato!

If one thing is true, it is that Rome is a city of the past. Much honestly, the first time you step foot in the city, you might wonder if you have just been brought back to the past. There are statues everywhere and detailed sculptures all around you that carry the thought: “Wow, I’m in a huge museum!”.

And that couldn’t be less true. Rome is an open-air museum indeed (link to one of the previous articles).

Rome is art, antique, history, archaeology, a city that never let its record go to waste. That is also why the Eternal City is one of the top travel destinations and has been for years.

But enough about the history and the beauty of the finely detailed flowers engraved below the roofs. Today is about one thing that we love doing when traveling to a foreign country: shopping!

Markets in Rome: Our top 5

Well yes – shopping is very much a part of tourist life, isn’t it? We love bringing back souvenirs in all kinds of “Rome”-printed sweatshirts, hip accessories, paintings of the city, and more. Anything to remind us back home that we once lived the most unforgettable moments in town.

Today is your lucky day. We have compiled a list of the top 5 markets in Rome. There is everything for you to enjoy thorough shopping days in the city from food snacks to vintage fashion!

1) Mercato di Porta Portese

The Porta Portese Market is the place to be on a Sunday morning. One could describe it as a vast, open-air vintage shop. Countless stalls lay on several streets and offer piles upon piles of vintage and second-hand clothes.

The market is located close to the Trastevere area, and it offers a relaxed, trendy vibe. People press to find the best bargains, and the flea market – open only on Sundays – offers records, books, clothes, and houseware beyond your wildest dreams. Our friendly recommendation is such: like Harry Potter’s Room of Requirement, do not expect anything from the Porta Portese Market. That’s the best way to find hidden gems.

2) Mercato di Testaccio

The Mercato di Testaccio is located in the surroundings of the Piramide and Testaccio areas. Upon entering the market, we instantly recognize the vibe of the old-school grandma market. It is filled with the finest Italian products: meat, fish, cheese meet artisanal clothes, beauty products, and accessories.

At the Mercato di Testaccio, you can sit at some of the best food stalls in the city. Food Box, for instance, offers panini filled with vegetarian and meat options. A panino with melanzane alla Parmigiana (aubergines with parmesan cheese) will surely linger in your mind. CasaManco is another excellent choice, with pizza alla pala declined in both regular and creative recipes.

3) Mercato di Campo de’ Fiori

The market of Campo de’ Fiori is open almost every day, and it is surrounded by some great cafés, restaurants, and bars. The fantastic thing about this market is that the produce is fresh and local. We strongly recommend getting freshly pressed juice from one of the food stalls there.

Why not start a Roman day with breakfast at one of the cafés, and enjoy a great moment with coffee and cornetto in hand? On a sunny day, the market looks lively, filled with fresh scents and noises from the surrounding customers. On a rainy day, Campo de’ Fiori becomes melancholic, romantic, beautiful.

4) Mercato Monti

The Mercato Monti is one of the trendiest markets in Rome. It is open on weekends only, and it offers handcrafted accessories and more vintage items than you have ever seen. From 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, you can find handmade jewelry, fashion, accessories in vintage and artisanal declensions.

5) Mercato dell’Esquilino

The Mercato dell’Esquilino borders the Termini station, and it focuses on ethnic, international foods. If you are missing specific spices to create a tremendous Asian, African, or Arab dish, that is where you need to go.

The market personifies the hustle and bustle of multicultural Rome. There, noises and smell combine in the vast industrial building, open almost every day of the week.

In conclusion…

There you have it, a condensed list of the hippest and delicious markets in Rome. If you’ve never thought of shopping in Rome because the plan revolved around pizza-Colosseum-Vatican, think again. On a relaxed, stroll, you might just find your new favorites.

The first question when choosing ice cream in Italy: Cone or cup?

Actually, before coming to Rome (Italy), I never really worried much about finding the best “gelateria” / ice cream shop; for me, the neighborhood one near my house was good enough.

The important thing was to have the flavor “Pistachio.”

Upon arriving in Rome, my friends taught me that a gelateria in Rome is not just an ice cream shop. A gelateria should be homemade, artisanal, with fresh flavors and high quality every day, with options for the lactose intolerant like soy or rice-based gelato. And these points are what make some of them the best ice cream shops in Rome.

1. Famous and classic: Gelateria Giolitti

For Rafa, the best gelateria is also Mrs. Obama’s favorite gelateria! Yes, where Michelle Obama went with her daughters in Rome: the gelateria Giolitti.

The Giolitti ice cream shop is very famous in Rome, as it was created in 1900 and is part of the city’s history. It offers numerous classic and traditional ice cream flavors, and in the summer, it drives people crazy, forming long lines waiting for a classic Roman ice cream.

IG: www.instagram.com/giolittiofficial/

Address: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40, 00186 Roma RM

2. For vegans and the lactose intolerant, but good ice cream eaters: Gelateria La Romana

On the other hand, Liane, an expert in gelaterias, really likes the famous Gelateria La Romana. The gelateria has several franchises around Rome, making it easy to find. But what makes it one of the top 5 gelaterias in Rome? It was her favorite for two reasons: the cones have the option to be filled with chocolate sauce! And the second reason is that La Romana has soy or rice-based gelatos / ice creams, meaning delicious ice creams for the lactose intolerant too!

IG: www.instagram.com/gelaterialaromana/

Addresses: Via Ostiense, 48, 00199 Roma RM / Via Venti Settembre, 60, 00184 Roma RM

3. Eccentric and traditional: Gelateria del Teatro

Louise likes eccentric gelato / ice cream flavors but follows the traditional recipe of homemade and respectful ice cream. Gelateria del Teatro, located not far from Castel Sant’Angelo, right in the heart of the most touristy area of Rome, is one of the few gems among the mediocre gelaterias in the city center. Everything is made in front of the customers. Homemade and traditional ice cream with a touch of eccentricity. Delicious flavors like pumpkin and lavender lemon, alongside traditional classics like chocolate and amaretto, create bursts of divergent tastes.

IG: www.instagram.com/gelateriadelteatro/

Address: Via dei Coronari, 65/66, 00186 Roma RM

4. The oldest ice cream shop in the world is my favorite: Gelateria Fassi

Lukinhas, following my beginner profile, discovered the best gelateria near where we used to work together! The oldest gelateria Fassi, since 1880, is my favorite because it’s not too sweet and is the freshest of all. The line is not just for tourists but even Italians who gather outside the shop to enjoy the ice cream. Don’t worry, the line moves quickly, and there’s plenty of space inside to sit and enjoy the ice cream. Inside the ice cream shop, you can see all the history, old ice cream machines, and old advertisements… it’s really emotional.

IG: www.instagram.com/fassi_1880/

Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67, 00185 Roma RM

5. Near the Vatican, a hidden threasure: Gelateria Old Bridge

All right, well, if you went to see the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the vatican museuns, the Sanit Peter’s Church, I’m sure you will only fency a geleto later on to rebuild the energy. This ice cream shop was the best to go with my friends when we were in the other side of the Tiber river from Trastevere Neighbourhood till Vatican it’s a great option when visiting the other side of the city. 

IG: www.instagram.com/oldbridge_gelateria/

Address: Viale dei Bastioni di Michelangelo, 5, 00192 Roma RM