The 18 best free things to do in Milan (by a local)

I know how quickly costs can add up when you’re travelling and want to see, do and eat everything. I was born and raised in Milan so I absolutely know it’s not the cheapest city, I get it!

Some iconic Milan attractions, like Teatro alla Scala or Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, can be pricey, but rest assured you don’t need to organize a luxury holiday to experience the true Milan and have fun.

When I was a student I didn’t really have money, so I became a pro at finding the very best free things to do in Milan. 

In this post I’ll show you 15 amazing places to visit that are 100% free, plus three almost free options that only cost a few euros and are totally worth it. 

You’ll discover famous spots like Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo, as well as hidden gems like Milan’s Art Nouveau district, a bar designed by Wes Anderson, Cimitero Monumentale and churches with fascinating legends.

If you’re visiting Milan for the first time and want to make the most of your trip without overspending, this post is for you. I’ll help you explore Milan like a local without worrying about the budget!

15 best free things to do in Milan

1. Visit Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s most important square and, basically, the city center. It is home to a stunning gothic cathedral, the famous Duomo di Milano, whose construction began in the 14th century.

While the terraces require a ticket, admiring the intricate façade from the piazza doesn’t and it’s one of the best free things to do in Milan.

The Duomo features over 3,400 statues and 100 gargoyles, so you can have fun spotting many quirky figures like a dragon (you’ll see it around Milan a lot), a statue that inspired New York’s Statue of Liberty, a tennis racket and even a boxing team.

One of my personal favorites is La Madonnina, the golden statue of the Virgin Mary placed on the cathedral’s tallest spire. For years, no building in Milan was allowed to be taller than her. Even today, milanesi (what locals are called) honor this tradition by placing replicas on the city’s tallest skyscraper.

There’s even a song dedicated to her, it’s like the city’s unofficial anthem.

The piazza is also a favorite meeting spot for locals, especially below the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s first king. It was the go to meeting point for my friends and I for our shopping days when we were younger!

Fun fact: we say that something takes “as long as the Factory of the Duomo” when it feels never-ending. It refers to the Veneranda Fabbrica, which has managed the Duomo’s construction and restoration for over 600 years and it’s still working!

2. Spin on the bull’s balls at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest and most beautiful shopping galleries. Here you can experience a quirky local tradition that you can’t miss if you’re in Milan: spinning on the bull’s balls!

What?! Well don’t worry, it’s actually a mosaic but yes, that’s the tradition.

There are four mosaics on the center of the Galleria’s floor. They represent Milan and the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy: a female wolf with Romulus and Remus (Rome), a flower (Florence) and a bull (Turin).

Why the bull for Turin? Toro is the italian word for bull and Turin is called Torino, which sounds like little bull in italian.

It’s said that spinning three times with your right heel on its private parts brings good luck. I remember coming here as a kid and doing it with my family, I loved it!

3. Explore Castello Sforzesco, Parco Sempione and Arco della pace

Castello Sforzesco is one of my favorite places to visit without spending a single euro. It’s a medieval fortress right in the center of Milan and a must-see for any visitor.

It used to be the home of the Sforza family and it now houses several museums. You can explore the courtyards and outer walls for free. It’s a great way to soak in some history without spending a dime!

The grounds connect Piazza Cairoli to Parco Sempione, which is another great free destination.

Sempione park is Milan’s largest and most popular park. You’ll see countless locals taking a walk, having a picnic or just relaxing in nature. It’s one of my favorite spots in Milan!

At the far end of the park, you’ll come across the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace), a neoclassical monument that marks the park’s edge.

If you’re around during the evening this is also a great place for aperitivo, you’ll find many cool bars and restaurants close to the arch.

4. Stroll around Brera

Brera is Milan’s artist district, home to the Accademia di Brera and the Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera art gallery).

While the museum requires a ticket, just wandering around the neighborhood is a treat, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and charming areas in the city! I love it here.

Many of the streets are pedestrian-only, with cobblestone roads that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Some of my favorites are Via Fiori Chiari, Via Fiori Oscuri, Via Madonnina and Piazza del Carmine.

I love it for a relaxing daytime stroll, there are so many cool little shops and cafeterias and the mood is peaceful and laid-back, but if you want to see its most lively side, you have to come back for an evening drink!

5. Free Museums

Some museums in Milan are always free and my favorite is the permanent collection at Pirelli Hangar Bicocca (temporary exhibitions usually require a ticket).

It regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions from international artists, but the real highlight is the permanent installation: Kiefer’s Seven Heavenly Palaces. These towering structures were created specifically for this space and will make you feel absolutely tiny!

In addition to that, all civic and state museums in Milan offer free entry on certain days each month. These are my favorites but you can check the complete list here:

• Museo del Novecento: first Sunday of the month and every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2PM
• Castello Sforzesco: first Sunday of the month and every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2PM
• Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera art gallery): first Sunday of the month
• Armani Silos: first Sunday of the month
• Gallerie d’Italia: first Sunday of the month

6. Admire modern architecture at Porta Nuova

If you’re into modern vibes, you will love walking around Porta Nuova.

The first highlight is Piazza Gae Aulenti, a beautiful square surrounded by sleek skyscrapers. During summer you’ll find many kids playing with water in the fountain in the center of the square.

Then, explore Biblioteca degli Alberi, a peaceful park right next to the square, and have a look at Bosco Verticale, the famous “Vertical Forest” towers covered in plants and trees. It’s an absolute must-see for architecture lovers!

7. Explore the Monumental Cemetery

Cimitero Monumentale is Milan’s biggest and most important cemetery.

It’s not just that though, it is also a monument to Milan itself, telling the story of its artistic evolution over time and totally feels like an open-air museum, celebrating the city’s past.

It was built in 1866 and its 250,000 square meters are divided into three sections: Catholic, non-Catholic, and Jewish.

As you wander around, you’ll find jaw-dropping sculptures and beautifully designed tombs. 

Right at the entrance is the Famedio (from latin famae aedes, meaning “temple of fame”), where some of Milan’s most famous figures like Alessandro Manzoni and Eugenio Montale rest. 

Every corner of the cemetery has something to marvel at, from the intricate statues to the monumental architecture, capturing everything about Milan’s artistic history from 19th-century Realism to Art Nouveau and even contemporary styles.

8. Admire the skyscrapers at Citylife

CityLife is one of Milan’s newest districts and it’s a dream for architecture lovers.

It’s still a work in progress and should be completed by 2025, but the main shopping center, residences and the skyscrapers have been completed in 2020.

The three iconic skyscrapers are the Isozaki Tower (“The Straight One”), Hadid Tower (“The Twisted One”), and Libeskind Tower (“The Curved One”). Each has a bold, unique design that shapes Milan’s skyline.

Libeskind also designed the area’s luxury residential buildings with the same sleek, futuristic, curving lines.

At the base of the skyscrapers, you’ll find the CityLife Shopping District, Milan’s largest mall, filled with trendy shops, restaurants, a cinema and plenty of open spaces to relax.

It’s another perfect spot for a stroll with views of an unexpected, modern side of Milan.

9. Discover Milan’s art nouveau district

Porta Venezia is a showcase of Milan’s Stile Liberty (what we call Art Nouveau) and it’s full of hidden gems.

It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city and it breaks my heart so many tourists overlook it!

Some spots you can’t miss are Palazzo Castiglioni, often seen as the symbol of Liberty style in Milan, with flowing curves and intricate floral designs, Casa Galimberti (my absolute favorite), with colorful ceramic tiles depicting flowers, plants and human figures, and Casa Campanini, famous for its stunning stained glass and intricate wrought-iron details.

10. Walk along colorful houses in Via Lincoln and find Casa 770

Often called the Rainbow District, it is a true hidden gem in Milan, almost never mentioned in tourist guidebooks but loved by milanesi.

If I had to choose a place to live in Milan, it would definitely be here!

Via Lincoln is a narrow street lined with colorful villas, each with its own little garden, and it almost feels like you’ve been transported to Liguria or Burano, it doesn’t feel like Milan at all.

After you’ve taken a stroll around Via Lincoln, take a short 10-minute walk to Via Poerio and check out Casa 770.

This building is an almost exact replica of one in Brooklyn that became an important landmark for the Orthodox Jewish community. It’s so significant that 16 replicas were built around the world, including this one in Milan, which now hosts cultural and religious events.

11. Visit some churches

While you’re visiting Italy, you’re definitely going to see quite a few churches. They’re all artistic masterpieces but I get it, after a while they kind of start to feel a bit repetitive.

I’d recommend you to visit one (or all) of these 5 churches. In my opinion they’re the absolute best in Milan after the Duomo:

San Bernardino alle Ossa

Probably the strangest church in Milan, it has a chapel entirely decorated with human bones and skulls (yep, real ones).

Sant’Ambrogio

A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and one of Milan’s many symbols.

It holds the relics of Saint Ambrogio, Milan’s patron saint. He was so important that Milan still celebrates Mass using the Ambrosian Rite, different from the Roman Rite used worldwide.

Sant’Eustorgio

It houses some relics of the Three Wise Men, so the bell tower has an eight-pointed star on top instead of the usual cross, symbolizing the star that led them to Jesus ⭐️

In the church’s cloisters you can also find beautiful art and photography exhibitions.

I particularly like to visit in summer, when you can visit the exhibit and enjoy aperitivo in the cloister for about €10 (entrance to the church itself is free though).

Santa Maria presso San Satiro

It’s a Renaissance architectural masterpiece by Bramante and is super famous for its incredible optical illusion.

Due to space limitations, Bramante created an apse that looks several meters deep but is actually almost flat (about 90 cm).

Trust me, it will blow your mind. If you don’t know about the illusion, it’s almost impossible to spot from the entrance and the church looks absolutely normal!

Can you see it in this photo?

San Lorenzo

The oldest church in the city. The colonnade in front is a popular meeting spot for Milan’s younger crowd, especially the more alternative scene. You’ll often hear people say, “Let’s meet at the columns,” and everyone knows they mean these ones.

The church itself stands out because it doesn’t have a classic cross-shaped floor plan. Instead, it’s centered around a square area with curved walls.

12. Window shopping in Quadrilatero della moda

Milan’s luxury shopping district is named for the square formed by four streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia.

Here you’ll find boutiques by all the top fashion brands.

Shopping itself here is crazy expensive, but wandering through the stunning, elegant streets is an experience in itself: the window displays are like tiny art galleries.

The streets themselves are also beautiful and elegant, my favorite is Via Gesù.

13. Visit Piazza Affari and L.O.V.E.

The Italian Stock Exchange is located in Piazza Affari, where you’ll also find L.O.V.E., an unusual sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan.

Most people call it “il dito” (the finger) but the official name stands for “Libertà, Odio, Vendetta, Eternità” (Freedom, Hatred, Revenge, Eternity).

The sculpture shows a hand giving the Fascist salute with all fingers eroded away, except for the middle one (hence the nickname).

The meaning is open to interpretation.

Some see it as a middle finger directed at the world of finance, while others think it’s the financial world flipping off the rest of us. Cattelan intentionally left it ambiguous, sparking ongoing debate and making L.O.V.E. one of Milan’s most controversial pieces of modern art.

14. Spend the night around Navigli

Navigli are Milan’s canals. There are 5 in total, but the most important ones are Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, with the most famous area stretching between Porta Genova and Porta Ticinese.

They were built in the 12th century as waterways to transport goods and food. Even Leonardo da Vinci contributed to their design!

The Darsena, Milan’s ancient dock, is the heart of this area. It was once crucial to the city’s commerce, staying active until the 1960s before being abandoned. Today, it’s one of Milan’s trendiest spots, especially at night when locals and tourists gather for aperitivo.

This is one of my go-to spots for drinks with friends, and I’ve spent countless Saturday nights hanging out along these canals. You’ll find everything from cozy cafés to lively bars, depending on your mood.

Before grabbing a drink, take a stroll through the neighborhood. You’ll spot beautiful case di ringhiera (literally “guard rail houses”), traditional Milanese buildings with shared inner courtyards and balconies, which are basically corridors where all entrances to the apartments are. 

One well-known courtyard is the Cortile degli Artisti, where local artists display their work.

Be sure to visit Vicolo dei Lavandai (the “launderer’s alley”), a charming spot where women used to wash clothes until the 1950s. Fun fact: “lavandai” actually means washermen, because in the 19th century, it was men who provided the service.

Lastly, find the stone bridge and cross it for a stunning view, especially at night when the lights reflect beautifully on the water.

15. Discover Milan’s stunning entryways

One of Milan’s hidden gems is the stunning entrances of its palazzi. Some are well-known, while others you’ll stumble upon just by wandering around and keeping an eye out to peek inside.

Often, the doors, entryways, and inner courtyards are like true works of art—so intricate and detailed! Two examples I love are Palazzo Berri Meregalli and Palazzo Luraschi.

It’s such a special part of Milan that there’s even a Taschen photography book dedicated entirely to the city’s entrances!

3 very cheap things to do in Milan

Hop on a vintage tram

Milan’s historic trams are true icons of the city!

They are still in operation and widely used by locals and tourists and offer a unique way to explore the city with a retro touch with their beautiful wooden seats and interiors.

It’s not just a way to get around, it’s a little journey through the city’s history.

Line 1 and 2 are the most iconic routes to hop on and you’ll find many stops through the city’s historic center, giving you fantastic views of landmarks like Castello Sforzesco.

Tickets for public transport are reasonably cheap but, most importantly, you don’t even have to buy them. You can just tap your card (or phone) and the cheapest fare will automatically be charged to your card at the end of the day.

Have an aperitivo

“Aperitivo” is a local tradition that consists of having drinks with small bites and snacks before dinner. Truth is that more often than not, it turns into an actual dinner!

There’s two options: some bars offer a plate with small bites included with your drink (they pick the food and bring it to you), other bars have a buffet where you can take as much food as you want, while others have cheaper drinks but don’t have food included, so they offer a menu with things to share and eat.

You usually spend between 10€ and 15€ for aperitivo. The cheapest option if you want to actually have dinner is the buffet version (quantity over quality usually) but I personally prefer choosing what to eat or going to places where I know the platter will be full of good stuff.

My favorite places for aperitivo are:

• Lom dopolavoro: great for vegetarian and vegan options in a super cool location. You have to order food a la carte so it’s slightly more expensive than a buffet but 100% worth it and it easily becomes a dinner.
• Lacerba: it offers both a bar and restaurant. It’s one of the most loved aperitivos in Milan so you should book in advance. Included with the drink price you have a couple of plates with snacks and focaccias. You can also ask for vegan and vegetarian options.
• oTTo: they don’t take reservations so you might have to wait a bit to find a place to seat but it’s worth it. Their drinks and small plates are delicious and are great for vegans and vegetarians too. Food is not included with the drink but it’s not too expensive.
• Fonderie Milanesi: best aperitivo with buffet in a beautiful industrial location (not sure about vegan options).
• La prosciutteria: amazing food like prosciutto from Tuscany, unfortunately doesn’t have vegan options.
• N’ombra de vin: great place in Brera, very much loved by locals. They offer great wines and usually bring a small plate with snacks, but you might want to order food a la carte if you’re really hungry. They don’t have vegan food but it’s still a nice place if you want to have some wine and are ok with chips, olives or taralli and will then move somewhere else for dinner.

Have a coffee or drinks at Bar Luce by Wes Anderson

Designed by Wes Anderson, this café is a nostalgic tribute to Italian cafés from the ’50s and ’60s. With its pastel colors, vintage furnishings, and cinematic atmosphere, it feels like you’ve stepped straight into one of his movies.

A spritz with snacks costs around €10, but you can also just get a coffee or tea for a couple of euros and soak up the atmosphere. Fondazione Prada has an entrance fee, but you can visit Bar Luce for free.

Practical tips to visit Milan

Is Milan expensive?

Kind of, but it really depends on how you want to experience the city.

As you’ve read in this post, there are plenty of free things to do so it’s totally possible to visit Milan on a budget.

You might want to skip the pricey SPAs like QC Terme and instead walk around the city to discover its incredible architecture or opt for aperitivos instead of full-course dinners, but you won’t have any trouble enjoying Milan even on a low budget.

You also don’t necessarily have to get accommodation right in the city center since Milan’s public transport is very efficient and reasonably cheap.

How do you get around Milan cheaply?

You can reach most of Milan’s highlights simply walking since they’re reasonably close together in the city center.

Public transport is safe and also very efficient with metro, trams, trains and buses and reasonably priced. It’s also very easy to use since you don’t need tickets: just tap your credit card in and out so the system can calculate the cheapest fare at the end of the day and charge that!

I wouldn’t recommend touring the city by taxi because traffic can get insane (peak hours are 8-10AM and 5-7PM) and it’s rarely the fastest option in addition to being very expensive. 

How much time should I spend in Milan?

In my opinion, one full day is the bare minimum, but ideally, you’d want a long weekend, let’s say 3 full days.

Two days is perfect for exploring the city and on the third day you could take a day trip. Here is the list of my favorite day trips from Milan.

The train is cheap, and with public boat transportation around the lake, there’s no need for pricey private tours to enjoy the stunning scenery!

When should I visit Milan?

Milan is a fantastic destination no matter the time of year, except maybe August. The heat and humidity can be intense, and most locals leave the city so many shops and restaurants shut down for the holidays.

If you prefer fewer crowds and a milder weather, spring and autumn are ideal, offering a more relaxed vibe. Summer is packed with tourists being the high season, but there’s plenty of sunshine and long days so it’s a wonderful time to enjoy Milan.

While Milan in winter can be chilly and a bit gray (temperatures range from 0°-7°C), the holiday season transforms the city into a festive wonderland—Christmas in Milan is truly something special!

Read more about Milan here: 

• Is Milan worth visiting in 2024? Honest pros and cons
• The best itinerary for one day in Milan (from a local)
• Is the Last Supper in Milan worth it?
• Visiting Milan in winter: ultimate guide from a local (2024)