Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Tours

In the fashion capital of Italy, the soaring, glass-domed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade never goes out of style. Started in 1877, Europe’s oldest shopping mall connects the Milan Duomo to Piazza di Marino and the La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) by way of a bright and airy, four-story center lined with busy restaurants and shops. Come for the Neoclassical architecture, stay for the brands and fresh baked panzerotti.

The Basics
Inside the galleria, you’ll find boutiques from high-end retailers such as Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as some of the most lauded and historic cafes in Milano, including Biffi and Zucca’s Bar. Many tours combine a visit to the arcade with stops at popular city landmarks such as the Milan Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and Piazza Mercanti, while others include a skip-the-line ticket to view Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’ Explore the area on a walking tour or by bike, Segway, or historic tram—most city tours last about three hours. Nearby attractions include a monument to Leonardo da Vinci in Piazza della Scala, the Leonardo3 Museum with its working models of the Renaissance artist's designs, and the museum exhibit at the La Scala Theater, which displays costumes and set designs from throughout the years.