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
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195 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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