You know how some places don’t just belong to a city — they exist beyond space and time? In Milan, that place is Teatro alla Scala. Opened in 1778, this opera house has hosted the absolute greatest voices and composers of all time, from Verdi to Pavarotti. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an opera buff to feel the magic — or even watch one. It’s open as a museum and you can take a tour. Although, I do recommend seeing something live. Go on, live a little…
Walk into the red-and-gold grand entrance, and it’s hard not to get goosebumps. The chandeliers, the velvet, the sense that you’ve stepped into history — it all feels like Milan at its most glamorous. Even if you’re just peeking inside during the day, the theater’s museum gives you a backstage pass to costumes, set designs, and stories that have shaped centuries of music and enchanted millions of people.
For me, the best part is how La Scala still feels alive. It’s not a relic; it’s a stage that’s still breathing, still daring, still dazzling new generations. You almost expect the curtain to move at any moment and Maria Callas herself to appear. Time stops here—and honestly, so should you.
Why go? Because whether you catch a performance or just take the tour, you’ll see something so beautiful it will stay with you forever. And let’s be honest: it’s also the one place in Milan where overdressing is absolutely encouraged.
Find your way with 195 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
by
"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...
by
Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...
by
"Circolo Magnolia" is one of Milan's best music entertainment venues. It's home to some of the best music festivals and you can relax under the trees...
by
"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...
by
"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!
by
"Bar Picchio" is a down-to-earth, unpretentious tobacco bar in one of my favorite areas in Milan; this low-priced, friendly bar reminds me of the '80s...
by
"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...
by
"La Belle Alliance" is my comfort pub in Milan, a true temple for beer lovers. Whenever somebody's visiting me, I simply take them there...
by
"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!
by
"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.
by
195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 195 Insider Tips