Piazza della Scala, Milan
Teatro alla Scala, the monument to Leonardo da Vinci, Palazzo Marino: Milan's cultural drawing room, steps from the Duomo through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. An independent guide with the practical information that actually matters.
Teatro alla Scala
One of the most famous opera houses in the world, inaugurated in 1778 to a neoclassical design by Giuseppe Piermarini. It occupies the north-western side of the square and also houses the Museo Teatrale, dedicated to the history of theatre and opera.
Monument to Leonardo da Vinci
A white marble statue by Pietro Magni (1872), at the centre of the square. At the base, four of Leonardo's students flank reliefs dedicated to his disciplines: architecture, painting, sculpture and engineering.
Palazzo Marino
Milan's city hall since 1861, built in the 16th century to a design by Galeazzo Alessi and renovated in the 19th century by Luca Beltrami. It faces the square directly opposite Teatro alla Scala.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The famous glass-and-iron passage connecting the square to Piazza Duomo, with historic boutiques and elegant cafés under an imposing 19th-century dome.
The square is the bridge between the Duomo and culture
Walking through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in five minutes you go from the Gothic grandeur of the Duomo to the neoclassical drawing room of Piazza della Scala. It's the shortest and most scenic route linking the two souls of central Milan: the religious and the cultural-civic.
The square is free and always open, but Teatro alla Scala and its museum have paid entry — booking ahead is worthwhile, especially for shows in season.
Trattorias of the centre
Saffron risotto, cotoletta alla milanese, ossobuco: the best restaurants are often in the streets around Brera and Montenapoleone, away from the tourist venues right on the square.
See food toursArtisan panettone
The cake that symbolises Milan, made with natural leavening, is found year-round in the historic pastry shops of the centre — a genuine edible souvenir, not from a tourist shop.
See tastingsAperitivo before or after La Scala
A glass at tables around the square, with the theatre lit up in the background — the quintessential Milanese ritual, before a show or simply to enjoy on its own.
See evening tastingsDecember 7th, Sant'Ambrogio
The opening of the opera season on December 7th is one of the city's most anticipated and glamorous events: the square fills with audience, press and onlookers, even just to watch guests arrive.
See what's onMilan Fashion Week
In February and September, runway shows from major fashion houses fill the fashion quadrilateral steps from the square, with special installations and windows throughout the centre.
See what's onSalone del Mobile
In April, design week transforms the city into a diffuse gallery, with installations and Fuorisalone events reaching the historic centre around the square too.
See the programmeRun a business in Milan?
Trattorias, pastry shops, tour operators, wine bars: if you'd like to be featured in this section or in "What to See", get in touch.
Hotels
Service, breakfast included, 24-hour reception. The most convenient choice for short stays in the historic centre, often in restored period buildings.
Search hotelsApartments
Space, your own kitchen, ideal for families or longer stays. Often better value than hotels for groups of 3 or more.
Search apartmentsB&Bs
Local warmth, home-cooked breakfast, lower prices. The most authentic way to experience central Milan.
Search B&BsTransfer
Milan is served by three airports (Linate, Malpensa, Bergamo Orio al Serio): Linate is closest to the centre, about 25 minutes by bus or taxi. From Milano Centrale station, the square is about 15 minutes by metro.
Full transfer guideCar rental
Central Milan has a paid Area C congestion charge and heavy traffic: pointless and not advisable for the square itself, which is well served by metro and tram. It makes sense for exploring the lakes or the Oltrepò independently.
When it's worth renting
Space reserved for local operators.
Piazze d'Italia Network
Piazza della Scala is one of the iconic squares told by the Piazze d'Italia network — independent territorial guides dedicated to the places where history, architecture and public life meet, city after city.
Discover the other piazze →
Your first stop in Milan: the city's cultural drawing room
Teatro alla Scala, the Leonardo monument and Palazzo Marino can be visited as a single, free, always-open block.
See tickets and experiences