Popular Filming Spots in Milan
Our local fixers know these Milan locations inside out, helping you navigate permits,
logistics, and timing for the best results.
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Duomo di Milano & Piazza
landmark Italy's largest Gothic cathedral with intricate marble facades and rooftop terraces offering city panoramas. The piazza is Milan's ceremonial heart.
Complex permits Duomo administration for cathedral. Municipality for piazza. Rooftop access possible but requires special authorization.
Best times: sunrise, golden hour, blue hour for illuminated facade
Note: Extremely high tourist volume. Religious services limit interior access. Strict dress code for interior.
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
building Ornate 19th-century shopping arcade with glass dome, mosaic floors, and luxury boutiques. Nicknamed 'Milan's drawing room.'
Complex permits Municipality permit plus coordination with shop owners. Night shoots possible but expensive - need to compensate businesses.
Best times: early morning before 8am, night for exclusivity
Note: Shops must remain accessible during opening hours. Very high foot traffic.
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Navigli Canals
waterfront Historic canal system with Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Bohemian atmosphere, waterside bars, and colorful buildings.
Easy permits Municipality permit for public areas. Canal boat filming requires separate navigation authority approval.
Best times: golden hour, evening for nightlife atmosphere
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Bosco Verticale
building Award-winning vertical forest residential towers in Porta Nuova. Iconic sustainable architecture covered in 900+ trees.
Moderate permits Exterior from public spaces is straightforward. Building access requires management approval - it's residential.
Best times: any time, spring/summer for lush foliage
Note: Private residential building. Interior access very limited.
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Piazza Gae Aulenti
landmark Futuristic elevated plaza in Porta Nuova business district. Circular design with water features and modern architecture.
Moderate permits COIMA manages the piazza. Corporate area - easier permits than historic center.
Best times: any time, night for illuminated buildings
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Brera District
neighborhood Artistic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art galleries, the Pinacoteca di Brera, and charming cafés.
Easy permits Standard municipality permit for streets. Pinacoteca requires MiC authorization.
Best times: morning, late afternoon
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CityLife District
building Milan's newest district featuring three distinctive skyscrapers: the Curved One, the Straight One, and the Twisted One.
Easy permits CityLife management for public areas. Individual tower access through respective owners.
Best times: any time, sunset for dramatic tower silhouettes
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Teatro alla Scala
landmark World's most prestigious opera house. Neoclassical exterior and legendary interior for cultural and luxury content.
Complex permits La Scala Foundation manages access. Interior filming rare and expensive. Best during summer closure.
Best times: morning for exterior, performance nights for atmosphere
Note: Interior extremely limited. Noise restrictions around performances.
