Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, and it is absolutely dripping in luxury. This city is so uniquely its own and different than anywhere else I’ve traveled in Italy. The architecture and atmosphere make Milan what it is. Milan is fashionable and sophisticated and has some of the most beautiful buildings in Italy. While you are visiting, you will want to be sure to check out the best photo spots in Milan. These Instagrammable places in Milan will leave you utterly speechless and will allow you to get some great photos.
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The Best Photo Spots in Milan
Piazza del Duomo
The Milan Duomo is one of the most enchanting cathedrals in Italy. The best spot to take in the sheer scale and beauty of the Milan Duomo is at the Piazza del Duomo. From the Piazza del Duomo, you can get a front-on view of the cathedral. From this view, all the intricate details of the Milan Duomo are visible. The most Instagrammable spot in Milan is the Duomo di Milano cathedral. It is the second-largest cathedral in Italy and the top tourist attraction in Milan. Head to the Duomo at sunrise for Instagram gold, when the lighting is soft, and the crowds are slim.
Bear in mind that this is a bustling spot. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Milan, and the Piazza sees a lot of foot traffic with people passing through. If you want to get a photo without many people in it, you will want to arrive early in the morning. Sunrise is the best time to visit for empty photos and the best lighting.
Milan Duomo Rooftop Terrace
Don’t miss a stop at the Duomo Rooftop Terrace for a unique perspective of the cathedral! Be sure to book tickets for the Rooftop Terrace of the Duomo. The rooftop terrace at the Duomo offers one of the most incredible views of Milan. This is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Milan. The terrace allows you to get sweeping views of Milan and get up close to the wonderfully detailed cathedral, including the marble sculptures and intricate spires.
The most iconic photo to get from the terrace is standing at the balcony overlooking Milan. This shot showcases the beautiful details of the Duomo and that you are looking out on the city. But, of course, the Duomo’s Rooftop Terrace offers plenty of photo opportunities, so you are bound to find other creative spots to shoot.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ii
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ii is the oldest shopping gallery in Italy and one of the most iconic spots in Milan. This galleria is located adjacent to the Milan Duomo, so you can easily take photos at both spots in the morning. While the exterior is beautiful, the interior is what makes Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ii so spectacular.
With the glass-vaulted ceilings, beautiful flooring, and luxury shops, it is easy to see why this is one of the best photo spots in Milan. Since Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ii is an open-air building, you can visit to take photos before the shops open. If you want to get a shot showcasing the full scale of the galleria, I would suggest visiting early in the morning before opening or right as the shops open. To get a photo as I have, you will need a wide-angle lens.
If you visit before the shops open, I highly suggest returning in the afternoon or early morning to browse the shops or have a coffee in the galleria.
Navigli Canals
Navigli is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Milan. This neighborhood includes the stunning Naviglio Grande Canal that is lined with colorful buildings. Navigli is a great area to walk around. You can grab a gelato, wander around the canals and take tons of photos. It is certainly a postcard-worthy area.
One of the best times to photograph this area is during sunset. The sunset hues make this area even more vibrant and create reflections on the canal from the colorful buildings.
Arco della Pace
Arco della Pace, the Arch of Peace, is another great photo spot in Milan. This arch was built in 1807 and served as a gateway to Milan. The details of the Arco della Pace are remarkable and create a wonderful backdrop for a photo. While you will want to visit this spot when the lighting is good, you don’t have to worry about visiting before the crowds come. Arco della Pace does attract tourists, yet not the hordes that visit the Milan Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele ii.
Sforzesco Castle
Sforzesco Castle is one of the more unique photo spots in Milan. This is one of the top attractions in Milan, yet is often overlooked when it comes to Instagrammable spots. To get a great photo at Sforzesco Castle, you will want to go to the fountain in front of the castle. This fountain creates a more dynamic shot at this castle. You can either sit on the edge of the fountain or stand in front of it for your photo.
Piazza Affari
If you are looking for a cheeky and unique photo while in Milan, head to Piazza Affari. Piazza Affari is located centrally in Milan, near all the major tourist attractions, and is home to a giant statue of a middle finger. The statue is “Il Dito” by Maurizio Cattelan. This is a fun photo spot if you want to make a statement on your Instagram.
Milan Photo Spots Wrap Up
There are so many incredible photo spots in Milan and I can’t wait to revisit this city to find more. Let me know in the comment section about other great photo spots you found in Milan.
If you are planning a trip to Milan, be sure to check out my guide for how to spend one day in Milan. I would highly recommend bringing a wide-angle lens with you to get these photos in Milan and be sure to book tickets to the Duomo Rooftop Terrace. Tickets are known to sell out, so advance tickets are recommended.
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