A leading alpha global city, Milan is a city of wonder for anyone that visits. From art, fashion, design, and education, to entertainment, healthcare, media, and tourism, it’s a city that has it all! So whether you’re planning to move here (we envy you) or to visit (we still envy you) here are all the best things to do in Milan.

Related: Find Rooms For Rent In Milan, Italy

Outdoors in Milan

1. Hot Air Balloon Flight

Bird’s eye view of Milan on your bucket list? Check that off with a hot air balloon ride over Milan’s beautiful skyline filled with lush landscapes, vineyards, and lovely towns around Milan. And it doesn’t end there! Celebrate your landing with local wine, cheese, and salami. Perfetto!

2. Navigli District

The Navigli district has the best things to do in Milan, whether you visit in the morning or at night. You can take a quiet stroll along the canal, or you can flock to the many bars and restaurants in Milan here after 5 pm. Get a taste of how the Milanese unwind after work.

Costs: 3€ entry fee

3. Monte Bolettone Hike

When looking for the best things to do in Milan, why not take a hike? Hike up to the Monte Bolettone to enjoy an open panoramic view of the landscape. If you’re heading here in the winter, do carry proper hiking gear as the trails can be icy. The hike will take you about 2-3 hours full circle!

Sports in Milan

4. The San Siro Stadium

Italians love football! And if you do too, you’ll fit in well with the sports scene in Milan. Cristiano Ronaldo often plays here for Juventus, so you might just get lucky! With 80,000 seats, you can just imagine the electrifying atmosphere during a game – easily one of the best places to visit for sports in Milan.

5. Car racing

Formula 1 fans, rejoice when looking for places to visit for sports in Milan in September! You can catch the Italian Grand Prix, just 9 miles northeast of Milan in Monza. Visitors are also allowed to zoom around the track on certain days—guided by a professional driver, of course!

• Costs: Monday-Friday: free entry; Special events and weekends: according to the race
• Timings: 7 am – 7 pm

6. Coastal kayaking in Liguria

When looking for the best things to do for sports in Milan, head straight to Liguria’s Cinque Terre. Beautiful seasides and beaches, local kitchens, landscapes, and lots of culture, with a hint of adventure, awaits you and your kayak! Check the link below for details.

• Costs: 180€ per person
• Timings: 10 / 10:30 am onward

Museums in Milan

7. Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci

Named after polymath Leonardo Da Vinci, this is Italy’s largest museum dedicated to science and technology. Housed in a beautiful 16th-century monastery, the museum charts global advances in science and technology with over 13 interactive workshops and displays. This makes for one of the best things to do in Milan for all ages.

• Costs: 10€
• Timings: Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 7 pm

8. Villa Necchi Campiglio

If you’re interested in architecture or interior design, one of the best places to visit in Milan for you is Villa Necchi Campiglio. It is an interwar masterpiece that was designed in the early 1930s by architect Piero Portaluppi for his sisters. And now it’s open to everyone to view the beauty inside and out with its own greenhouse-style garden cafeteria.

• Costs: (Children) €4 – (Adults) €14
• Timings: Wednesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm

9. Armani/Silos

This place hardly needs an introduction, so if you’re a fashion enthusiast looking for the best places to visit in Milan, this might be the very first thing you’ll want to do. Grouped thematically over four floors, the permanent exhibition at Silos highlights the points of inspiration that have influenced Armani’s creative approach throughout his career.

• Costs: 6€ – 12€
• Timings: Wednesday – Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm; Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm

Culture in Milan

10. Fondazione Prada

Who doesn’t love immersing themselves in art? If you’re hoping to be inspired, going to the Fondazione Prada is one of the best things to do in Milan. Designed by Dutch architect, Rem Koolhaas, the place has 10 buildings with one tower covered in shimmering gold leaf! Alongside all of this art is a cafe designed by film director Wes Anderson.

• Costs: 10 am – 7 pm
• Timings: 15€

11. Visit Sforza Castle

A revered cultural center since the unification of Italy in the 19th century, this fortress is a vast complex that includes numerous museums and a great collection of art, including Michelangelo’s last sculpture!

• Costs: 5€
• Timings: 7 am – 7:30 pm

12. La Scala Opera House

An architectural masterpiece commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in the 1770s, this place was renovated after being bombed during WWII. And of course, they host regular performances by world-class musicians, singers, dancers and actors, making it one of the best places to visit in Milan, culturally.

Restaurants, Pubs & Shopping Centers in Milan

13. Stroll through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Just like Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most stylish shopping malls. Often referred to as il salotto di Milano, or Milan’s living room, due to its regular use by residents as a meeting spot, going here is one of the best things to do in Milan if you want to live like a local!

14. Mag Cafè

Located in the Navigli district, Mag Café is one of the best places to visit in Milan. Quirky collectibles and memorabilia line the cafe, and the outdoor seating is a perfect spot to catch the skies over the canal.

Timings: 7:30 am – 1:30 am

15. Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia

With two Michelin stars, this family restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Milan. The tasting menu allows you to sample the cuisine that includes subtle Italian flavored dishes. So for a literal taste of Milan, head straight here!

Timings: 7 am – 10 pm, Sunday – Tuesday: Closed

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