Sip a coffee if you wish, but avoid eating in the Galleria — it is overpriced and not the quality you would expect. Try the outstanding nearby Pizzeria Lievito Madre instead.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, alongside such illustrious company as the Burlington Arcade in London and the Passazh in St Petersburg. Named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, it was finished in 1877 and has been a hub of Milan ever since.
The Galleria is often referred to as ‘Milan’s drawing room’ due its importance as a meeting and dining place for locals. It is home to some of the most famous restaurants and cafes in Milan, including Biffi Caffè, which was founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, the king’s own pastry chef.
Its design consists of two glass-vaulted arcades which intersect in a wide octagon, always full of milling shoppers. Overhead a giant glass dome allows the light to spill in, illuminating four mosaics on the ground, representing the coats of arms of the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy - Turin, Florence and Rome - alongside that of Milan.
A Peculiar Tradition
Legend has it if a person spins around three times with a heel on the testicles of the bull from the Turin coat of arms, it will bring good luck — they say the same thing about touching the testicles of Wall Street’s Charging Bull as well. Perhaps Milan’s tradition inspired New York’s, or perhaps humans simply have some innate propensity for this sort of thing.
Giving the V to M
McDonald’s had a branch in the Galleria for 20 years — until 2012, when it was prevented from renewing its tenancy. The fast-food giant subsequently tried to sue the landlord - that is, the city of Milan - on the grounds that it was being discriminated against and denied sales. It was replaced by a Prada store — the Galleria’s second.
Explore the many cultural and architectural highlights of Milan, and learn about its long and varied history from a humble village in the 6th century BC to an important Renaissance stronghold, to the modern financial and fashion centre of Italy today.
On your private full-day tour, you will:
Experience the vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, palaces, museums, mansions, churches, modern shopping galleries, and the beautiful parks at the heart of Milan, Italy’s most fashionable city on this full-day tour of the city highlights.
Milan began as a humble 6th-century Celtic village and grew into one of Italy’s most prosperous cities. While it is a large city, the highlights are easily navigable on foot, on this full-day walking tour with your private guide. Experience both modern Milan, with its financial district, and fashionable shopping in the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - home to the major fashion houses like Gucci and Versace, Armani and Ferragamo, as well as its venerable history, from castles to churches and old market squares.
Stop outside the Duomo for some holiday snaps – the famous centre point of the city with its Gothic-style spires, and an astonishing cathedral that took over 600 years to complete.
Visit the historic Piazza Mercanti – the medieval hub of the city where swords and suits of armour could be bought and sold. It is surrounded by several grand old buildings which your guide will introduce you to Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine, Palazzo dei Giureconsulti, Casa dei Panigarola & Loggia degli Osii.
End your tour with a private guided tour of the iconic Sforzesco Castle including the courtyards and the Museum. Admire the last incomplete work by Michelangelo, the Pietà and other renowned artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci.
Please note that some rooms at Sforzesco Castle might be closed due to restorations.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, ancient ruins, modern galleries, beautiful parks and the heart of fashionable Milan, the financial and fashion hub of Italy with an expert private guide.
On your private walking tour, you will:
A 6th-century Celtic village that grew into one of Italy’s most prosperous cities, the centre of Milan is easily navigable on foot. Famous historical attractions, like the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Opera House, are easily reached as is the temple of Italian designer brands, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Milan is famous as the financial and fashionista hub of Italy. Looking good or ‘La Bella figura’ is an art form in the city and people-watching the oh-so-stylish Milanese is a lesson in panache. Milan is also Europe’s wealthiest non-capital city. Its cuisine is Italian of course but peppered with exotic influences, from border nations and globe-trotting chefs to migrant kitchens. Full of Michelin restaurants, but also out-of-the-way tavernas, local trattorias, and unpretentious cafes down cobbled side streets, Milan has it all.
Enjoying a private, guided tour with a local guide will help you discover the treasures hidden in plain sight throughout the city. As you snap pictures of the Piazza del Duomo and tiny squares accessed through pedestrian archways, hear how Milan became one of the most important financial and fashion centres in Europe.
Enjoy an immersive walking tour through Milan’s highlights and its world-renowned shopping streets.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.