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Fun Things to do in Milan
Lombardy
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city guide
Milans origin goes back to 400 B.C., when Gauls settled and defeated the Etruscans.
In 222 B.C. the city was conquered by Romans and was annexed to the Roman Empire. After 313 A.D., the year of the Edict of Tolerance towards Christianity, many churches were built and the first bishop was appointed: Ambrogio was such an influential person that the church became the Ambrosian Church (7 December is a holiday to honour SantAmbrogio). In 1300 the Visconti family which are noblemen from Bergamo, Cremona, Piacenza, Brescia and Parma ruled and brought a period of glory and wealth to the city. The Duomo was built in 1386 and became the symbol of Milan.
The Sforza family assumed the Castle and the power of the Visconti family and finally Milan achieved peace after many years of war against Venice and Florence. Under the Sforza duchy the city began the development of sciences, art and literature. Ludovico il Moro (Ludovico Sforza) called Leonardo da Vinci and il Bramante to his court.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Milan are April to May or September to October. These spring and fall months straddle the city's manic peak tourism season, and they also escape the summer's sweltering temperatures.
Fun city facts and activities
- I get a bit annoyed when I hear the reasons why people dont like Milan. Normally, it has to do with the cost, but many money saving tricks just require a bit of common sense!
Yes, the food can be overpriced and disgusting but there are plenty of affordable options, including my five favourite trattoria. Yes, taxis are extortionately expensive but theres no need to take them, with an excellent bike sharing and public transport system.
However, sightseeing can be very, very affordable. There are plenty of free (or almost free) things to do in Milan, from exploring Piazza del Duomo, visiting most of the churches (the Duomo Cathedral only costs a few euros) to enjoying Milans best parks, touring some of its best museums, or going for a bike ride along the Navigli.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Duomo & San Babila
Brera
Zona Magenta
Navigli & San Lorenzo
Quadrilatero d'Oro
Porta Nuova & Porta Garibaldi
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli & Stazione Centrale.
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- The Milanese look pretty darn good, so it stands to reason that they all happen to be eating pretty well, right? Right. Few cities do good food like this stylish spot in the north of Italy, and putting together a list of the best restaurants in Milan is one of the great joys of this job. Gastronomic greatness is found across the city, from neighbourhood trattorias to high-end Michelin magic.
Eating a good meal is an integral part of the perfect day in Milan, every bit as important as the famous attractions and the world-beating shopping. The city kitchens are Milans great equalizer, where the celebrity chefs rub shoulders with homely history, and the results are delicious.
Milan Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Explore the Navigli District: Explore Milans charming canals, lined with colorful buildings and cute cafes.
2. Visit the Spazio Maiocchi: Check out this independent art space in the heart of the Navigli district. Its a great place to see local, contemporary art and design.
3. Wander the Brera District: Explore the cobblestoned streets and art galleries of this trendy neighborhood.
4. Visit the Hangar Bicocca: This contemporary art space hosts installations, performances, and exhibitions.
5. Take a Graffiti Tour: See the street art that makes Milan unique with a guided tour.
6. Take a Street Food Tour: Enjoy Milans delicious and diverse food scene with a guided tour.
7. Visit the Teatro alla Scala: Tours are available of Milans iconic and historic opera
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
So youre considering visiting Milan with the kids. Not a bad option at all. The city brims with churches, art galleries and archaeological sites. Yet, we bet that your kids most amusing moment at each one of these will be terrorizing the flocks of pigeons that peacefully sunbathe at the piazzas where the most famous historical landmarks lie. And while we occasionally share the same feeling about sightseeing, we believe that your trip to Milan should be equally fun for the familys younger and older members.
We're going to list activities that will not only become strong negotiating cards for you to push your family trip to Milan agenda during the next family dinner, but also keep boredom levels at a minimum when you finally get there. Here are the very best things to do in Milan with kids.
1- Visit the National Museum for Science and Technology
2- Take a trip to the Civic Planetarium
3- Explore the Natural History Museum
4- Enjoy the entertainment at Idroscalo Lake
5- Spend a day at Leolandia
6- Let them loose at Indro Montanelli Public Gardens
7- Watch some football at the San Siro
8- Visit the Duomo
9- Take a family trip to the Civic Aquarium
10- Walk along the Naviglio Grande
City data and FAQ
Is Milan worth visiting?
Milan is worth visiting for its abundance of historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks. Music fans will love the famous theater La Scala; architecture buffs the imposing Duomo Cathedral; art lovers the fantastic Pinacoteca Brera; and luxury shoppers the glamorous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
What is Milan best known for?
Milan is known for the majestic Duomo Cathedral, the outstanding opera La Scala, the medieval Sforza Castle, and the dazzling Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Its historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks, as well as extraordinary fashion and culinary scenes, make the Italian city world-famous.
Is 2 days enough in Milan?
Our recommendation for Milan is 2 days. 2 full days are enough to explore the MAIN attractions as well as enjoy a relaxed time in Milan without being rushed. Of course the more time, the better.
Is Milan walkable?
If there's one thing you should know about getting around my city, it's that Milan is a very walkable city. But if you find yourself with achy feet, take a step back in time and hop on an old-fashioned tramwooden seats and all! To figure out how to get from point A to point B, use the Milan Public Transportation site.
