Milan – the fashion capital – and not exactly the cheapest place to visit, all about glamour and luxe lifestyle. Armani, Gucci, Louis Vitton on every corner. But What else is there to do in Milan besides shopping? Exploring a ‘champagne’ city on beer money…
Here is a guid of the top free things to do in Milan.
Admire the Duomo
The Milan Catherdral, or Duomo, is one of the worlds largest cathedrals. Explore the piazza, taking in the buzz from the hustle and bustle created by locals and tourists alike. Take time to sit back and gaze at the Duomo’s stunning, gothic architecture.
Window Shop at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This magnificent, cross shaped, glass vaulted arcade is a popular meeting place in the city. Home to not only the grandest designer boutiques, but the home of some of the oldest shops and cafes. Although the shops may be way out of budget, it’s free to wander through the arcade and admire the floor mosaics and stunning architecture.
Chill out at Parco Sempione
Grab a panino and an espresso and head for Parco Sempione, the city’s largest park. Adjacent to the gardens of Sforza Castle. Take a stroll along the winding walkways. Lye on the grass and watch the world go by. This site frequently hosts free concerts and events also, so keep an eye out.
Opposite the park you’ll find the Arco Dellla Pace, ‘The Arch of Peace’. A beautiful stand out piece of architecture that is worth a visit.
Visit the Santa Maria Del Grazie
Even though I work opposite this beautiful church and see it every day, it still hasn’t lost it’s wow factor. One of Milan’s visited and treasured attractions and the current home of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’.
Not far from Garibaldi Station, and where I’m lucky enough to live, you’ll find Porta Nuova. The glass and steel district of Milam, built as a focal point for Expo. Sit at the beautiful fountain and crane your neck to look at the spire of the tallest building in the city. An area, even more beautiful at night time, when the fountain lights up with the colour of the rainbow. A great spot to sit and watch the world go by.
Wander through the grounds of the 15th century castle complex, a walk back in time and a great escape from the modern city life. Sit at the flowing fountain and toss a coin in for good luck.
Wander the canals, or sit in the sun and grab a gelato. A great atmosphere and a great people watching spot. If you go on a Saturday or Sunay there are cute market stalls. My favourite time to go is at sunset to see the pink skies illuminate the canals.
Have you ever visited Milan? Where did you enjoy visiting? If not, where would you like to visit if you ever make it to this Metropolitan City?
I’m heading back to Milano in May! Hope to wander around the Piazza Nuovo and Navigli area a bit more this time!
LikeLike
Yeah you should :-)!
LikeLike
Sforza Castle is on my list for quite some time now! Seems like there are not many free things to do for a broke student, so thanks for sharing this and making my life easier!
LikeLike
Yeah , the most beautiful things to see are free 🙂 it all depends what kind of day you want! Me, I like wandering and exploring , plus it’s always better when it’s free !
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Milano. I wish I’d known about the Park earlier though! Darn. Next trip!
LikeLike
Yeah it’s so lovely in Spring ! You don’t really notice it’s worth in the colder months 🙂
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Milan since I was a child (aged 13) when I didn’t have control of my itinerary. I need to come back and check out some of your great suggestions. I love a good castle, so would definitely check out Castello Sforzeco.
LikeLike
Yeah definitley give it a visit :)!
LikeLike
I have not visited Milan…. YET! : ) It is high on my list though!
LikeLike
I’ve been putting Italy off for awhile now, because I wanted to do it right. Now I realize that means I basically have to move there for a minimum of three months!!!! Haha
LikeLike
Exactly ! & even then you can’t fit in everywhere that you want to go !!!
LikeLike
I’ve only been in Milan once and under less than ideal circumstances — my friend had her passport stolen on the way to Venice, and we had to get to the embassy in Milan to get it replaced. I’ve always regretted not being able to see this beautiful city. It is definitely on my list of places to see. Thank you for the tips!
LikeLike
Oh no ! You need to go back and try to make it a positive experience 🙂
LikeLike
I visited Milan and although it was the only city where someone ALMOST pickpocketed me, I still enjoyed it. I found this little panini place where this elderly Italian woman asked me tons of questions about my trip and told me all about herself. So great and will be coming back to Milan sometime in the next year as a good friend of mine is living there!
LikeLike
Oh no! I must admit I always feel quite safe ! That’ll be amazing! Feel free to send me a message closer to the time 🙂
LikeLike
I was lucky to get free tickets for some fashion shows in Milan a couple of years ago. The city was burstling with fashionistas and models, which made it very entertaining. The highlight of my trip was the pizza I had next to our little hotel, outside of the centre. Damn that was the best calzone of my life haha. I can still taste the fresh mozarella.
LikeLike
Oh wow ! I would love that ! I live above a pizzeria ! A blessing and a curse !!!
LikeLike
I’ve only seen a tiny part of Italy and I’d love to explore more! Milano is on my list. Thanks for these tips, especially the park!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike
Great and useful article. Will definitely check this out again if I ever got a chance to visit it. Best regards! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike
LOVE Milano! Though I have to admit I went mainly for the shopping 😉
LikeLike
I would love to check out Milano. I love your pictures, especially the one from the Galleria ❤
LikeLike
Added most of these sites to my Milan itinerary – can’t wait to see the Last Supper painting.
LikeLike
Haven’t been to Milan yet, but love these tips! The Navigli and the fountain look beautiful!
LikeLike
My Mum lived in Milan as a little girl and I’ve always wanted to go back with her to visit it. Hopefully one day! Those canals look so beautiful – loving all your photos!
LikeLike
You got some very nice shots on this trip
LikeLike
BTW Navigli looks like the most romantic place (in fact, so many of your pictures make it look like the ideal romantic vacation)!
LikeLike
It can be really romantic 🙂 Milan is a lovely city !
LikeLike
We will be visiting family in Milan in September – thanks for the tips. I can’t wait!
LikeLike
I had such a quick trip to Milan, but managed to catch quick a few of these! You’ve got a stunning photo of the Duomo – the light is amazing!
LikeLike
Your pictures are stunning! I can’t wait to visit here. I’ve enjoyed other parts of Italy, but haven’t made it to Milan yet. Thanks for the free tips!!
LikeLike
Thanks for reading 🙂
LikeLike
Love Italy and can’t wait to make it over to Milano! Thank you for the usefull tips.
LikeLike
Thankyou for reading 🙂
LikeLike
I love this, Frankie. I’m planning a trip around Italy this summer and my boyfriend wants to go to Milan. I’ll definitely keep this in mind for things to do! 😀
LikeLike
Yeah and it’s always better when it’s free 😉
LikeLike
I haven’t been to Milan but it’s on my list! I’ve been wanting to visit the Amalfi Coast and stopping by Milan on the way. Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to adding this to my itinerary 🙂
LikeLike
No problem 🙂 I cannot wait to visit the Amalfi Coast !!!
LikeLike
I loved wandering around Milan early last year. In addition to the Duomo I loved spending time in Eataly.
LikeLike
I actually haven’t been there yet and it’s near my house !
LikeLike
Hi Frankie,
This is Saul at GPSmyCity. We are interested in sponsoring a giveaway on your blog for mutual benefits. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please reply to my email at your earliest convenience. I suggest using the email in the signature. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Saul Tarasoff,
sault [at] gpsmycity [dot] com
LikeLike
My email is frankiegoestomilano@gmail.com 🙂 feel free to send me the details
LikeLike
I am studying in Milan this semester! I will be there next month until May. I’m from the US and would love it if you could give me any advice for living there and adjusting to Italy! I would love to even possibly grab a cappuccino once I am there if you would like! I will leave my email below if you are interested 🙂
msheehy45@gmail.com
LikeLike
Hi! Yes of course !
Do you have Instagram?
I’m on as frankiegoestomilano if you wanna message me through that 🙂
LikeLike