How to Take a Walking Tour of Milan

Milan, located in northwestern Italy, is one of Italy's largest cities. Less well-known as a tourist destination than Florence, Naples or Rome, the city still holds a number of popular and historic attractions. Luckily for visitors, many of these are located within walking distance of one another.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Duomo. Start your walking tour in the heart of Milan at the Milan Cathedral, referred to simply as the "Duomo." The massive cathedral, the second largest Gothic church in the world, was built between the mid-14th century and the 19th century. Highlights include the elaborate tombs of many past Archbishops of Milan and the view from the roof, which is open to visitors for a small fee.

2. Shop in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Said to be the oldest shopping mall in the world, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an elegant double arcade, filled with quality stores that connects the Plaza Duomo to the Plaza La Scala. Built in the mid-19th century, the Galleria, today, contains such high-end stores as Gucci and Prada.

3. Marvel at La Scala. On the far end of the Galleria is La Scala, one of the world's most famous opera houses. Completed in 1778, the theater has played host to most of the Italy's leading opera singers. Today, visitors can tour the theater's museum or attend a performance during the October to May season.

4. Relive Milan's past at the Castello Sforzesco. Several blocks from La Scala sits a monument to Milan's medieval past, the Castello Sforzesco. This former palace now houses an art museum that contains, among other things, Michelangelo's last work, the "Rondanini Pieta."