Highline Galleria Milan
Milan's stunning 19th-century glass-covered arcade, connecting Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. A masterpiece of architecture and a shopper's ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highline Galleria Milan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milan's stunning 19th-century glass-covered arcade, connecting Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala. A masterpiece of architecture and a shopper's delight.
"A breathtaking architectural marvel, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a must-see for its grandeur and iconic bull mosaic."
Spin on the Bull Mosaic 🐂
Tradition says spinning on the bull's testicles brings good luck! Give it a go!
Avoid Eating Here 💸
Food and drinks are notoriously overpriced. Enjoy the sights, but dine elsewhere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Dome and Mosaic Floor
Center of the Galleria
Marvel at the breathtaking glass dome and the intricate mosaic floor, especially the bull mosaic for good luck!
Architectural Grandeur
Throughout the Galleria
Admire the stunning 19th-century architecture, ornate facades, and soaring glass ceilings.
Luxury Shopping Experience
Ground floor shops
Window shop or indulge in high-end fashion from world-renowned Italian and international brands.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Navigating the Galleria's Offerings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Spin on the Bull Mosaic 🐂
Tradition says spinning on the bull's testicles brings good luck! Give it a go!
Avoid Eating Here 💸
Food and drinks are notoriously overpriced. Enjoy the sights, but dine elsewhere.
Capture Iconic Photos 📸
Visit early or late for crowd-free shots of the stunning architecture.
Free Duomo Viewpoint ⬆️
Head to the Rinascente department store rooftop for a free view of the Duomo.
Tips
from all over the internet
Spin on the Bull Mosaic 🐂
Tradition says spinning on the bull's testicles brings good luck! Give it a go!
Avoid Eating Here 💸
Food and drinks are notoriously overpriced. Enjoy the sights, but dine elsewhere.
Capture Iconic Photos 📸
Visit early or late for crowd-free shots of the stunning architecture.
Free Duomo Viewpoint ⬆️
Head to the Rinascente department store rooftop for a free view of the Duomo.
Window Shopping is Key 🛍️
It's a place for browsing high-end brands, not typically for regular shopping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II's magnificent architecture and historical significance. It's a must-see for its beauty and the iconic bull mosaic tradition. However, many caution against dining or shopping here due to high prices, recommending it more as a visual experience than a culinary or retail destination.
"There is nothing to see, you can only see the back side of the duomo square at the end of the catwalk. Would not go there for free"
Karol Karol
"I had a pleasure to visit HIGHLINE Milano in its, as they called it, "work in progress" reopening phase and I can't wait to see where it all will arrive and how the place will evolve and transform in the future. I like to visit such kind of places where you can look at the city and the objects around you from totally different perspective than in your everyday life and I totally fallen in love with Skywalk and Clouds on the rooftop of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II! I will definitely be back there in the next phases of its transformation and I highly recommend that experience to everyone. I had a lot of thoughts and feelings passing through me while I was there, but it's a personal matter for each of us, so the only thing I can say is: JUST DO IT!
And I want to add special thanks to my exceptional guide that day, Matteo, who told me a lot of interesting stories about Gallery and the city! 🩷"
Misha Grosso
"Not worth the price. There are renovations everywhere. The promised view is lagging behind."
Lukács Zsófia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Galleria is centrally located right next to the Duomo di Milano. You can easily reach it by metro to the Duomo station (M1 and M3 lines). Many visitors also walk here from other central Milan attractions.
While there are parking garages nearby, driving into central Milan can be challenging due to traffic and ZTL (limited traffic zones). Public transport is highly recommended.
It's a bit of a walk (around 30-40 minutes), but a pleasant one if you enjoy exploring. Alternatively, you can take the M3 metro line directly from Centrale FS station to Duomo.
The Galleria is a great starting point. From here, you can easily access the Duomo, Piazza della Scala, and the fashion district. Many visitors enjoy strolling along Via Dante as well.
Absolutely! The Duomo di Milano is directly adjacent, and the Teatro alla Scala opera house is just a short walk away. The Brera district is also within walking distance for art lovers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Galleria itself is free. You can walk through, admire the architecture, and browse the shops without purchasing a ticket.
The Galleria is generally open 24/7, as it's a public thoroughfare. However, individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.
There is no entrance fee to walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It's a public space connecting Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala.
Yes, the Galleria is accessible at night and is beautifully illuminated, offering a magical ambiance. It's a great time to visit for a more peaceful experience.
Occasionally, temporary art installations or events might take place within the Galleria. It's best to check local Milan event listings closer to your visit for any special happenings.
📸 📸 Photography
The center under the main dome, the mosaic bull, and the archways leading to the piazzas are prime photo locations. Try to capture the scale of the architecture.
For crowd-free photos, aim for early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening. The golden hour light can also be beautiful if you catch it.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional shoots or commercial photography might require permits. Be mindful of other visitors.
You can take photos of the shop exteriors and window displays. For interior shots, it's polite to ask permission from the staff, especially if it's a busy time.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive architecture. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots, but be mindful of crowds and potential restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Galleria houses several cafes and restaurants, including historic spots like Caffè Camparino. However, be aware that prices are significantly higher than elsewhere in Milan.
Most visitors and locals suggest that the dining experience in the Galleria is more about the ambiance and location than the value for money. It's often considered a tourist trap for meals.
For a classic experience, consider Caffè Camparino for an aperitivo or a coffee. It's a historic spot with beautiful interiors, though pricey.
Just a short walk away, you'll find numerous trattorias and restaurants in the streets surrounding the Duomo and Piazza della Scala offering more authentic and affordable options.
You might find some smaller cafes or kiosks offering quick bites or gelato, but again, expect premium pricing for convenience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Combine your visit with the Duomo's rooftop, which often has more space for kids to move around and offers incredible views. The Galleria can be a good place to grab a quick, albeit expensive, gelato or a coffee while the kids marvel at the dome.
💰 Budget Travelers
Recommendation: Enjoy the visual feast and the bull-spinning tradition for good luck. For affordable eats, explore the side streets around Piazza del Duomo or head towards the Navigli district for more budget-friendly trattorias and aperitivo deals.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best times for photography: Aim for early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and capture the best light. Consider a wide-angle lens to do justice to the scale of the space. The bull mosaic is a classic shot, but don't forget to capture the details of the ironwork and glass ceilings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Milan's Past: The Galleria's History
During its heyday, the Galleria was a hub of social and cultural life, attracting the Milanese elite and visitors alike. It housed elegant cafes, exclusive boutiques, and literary salons. The architectural style, a blend of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau elements, creates a sense of grandeur and opulence that still captivates visitors today. The soaring glass ceilings and ironwork are not only aesthetically pleasing but also allowed natural light to flood the interior, a novel concept for covered public spaces at the time. Walking through the Galleria is like stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to Milan's rich history and its evolution as a global center for fashion and design.
The Art of the Spin: Good Luck Traditions
Beyond the bull, the entire Galleria is an experience in itself. The sheer scale of the architecture, the intricate details of the mosaics, and the grandeur of the glass-covered walkways contribute to a sense of wonder. Many visitors find themselves simply pausing to take it all in, appreciating the craftsmanship and the historical significance of the space. The Galleria is more than just a passage; it's a destination that embodies the elegance and spirit of Milan.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit