Milan is a magical city that caters to the needs and desires of each of its inhabitants. Whether you are alone, with your family, or with friends, here are some ideas to enjoy your stay in Milan, a city full of activities for all ages and tastes.
This overcrowded city gives the impression that solitude is not an option, which is not wrong, as there are plenty of opportunities to meet people in Milan. Between groups focused on the same passion or hobby, events, exhibitions, shows, concerts, etc., you will certainly not have time to get bored in Milan! In addition, Italians are generally looking for contact, so be aware that it is common to talk to people you don't know, even if it means discussing the rain and the weather.
What to do on your own in Milan
Do as you please in Milan and listen only to your own desires! For example, you could explore the city by walking around and taking guided tours. Take time to discover Piazza Duomo, and walk towards Castello Sforzesco, the castle in the heart of the city. If you like art, head for the museums: Il Museo del Novecento (Museum of the 20th Century) with its 400 works by Kandinsky, Klee, Léger, Matisse, Mondrian and Picasso. The Palazzo Reale Museum has seasonal exhibitions of some of the best Italian and foreign artists. Milan has an impressive number of museums; it would be impossible to list them all, but we have listed some in our article “Leisure activities in Milan”.
The city has no shortage of historic churches and basilicas with a peaceful atmosphere, but they are also historical and cultural gems: the Duomo, the Basilica of San Ambrosio, Santa Maria delle Grazie (where you can admire Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper), Santa Maria presso San Satiro, San Lorenzo Maggiore, Sant'Eustorgio, San Maurizio Monasterio Maggiore and San Cristoforo sul Naviglio.
If you like shopping, there is the La Rinascente shopping mall, corso Vittorio Emanuele, via Torino, corso Buenos Aires, or the Fashion Quadrilateral for luxury brands of Italian clothing and accessories.
If you are feeling lonely, Milan is home to many groups, some of which have been set up by expatriates, focusing on various themes: language exchange, literature, sport, cultural visits, etc. To find them, visit social media and websites dedicated to expatriates. If you like cooking, why not attend a course or workshop? Many initiatives are organized, particularly to learn Italian, but it is also possible to find classes in French or English.
Family activities in Milan
For unforgettable weekends with the family, Milan offers many activities for all ages. The National Museum of Science and Technology is a large technical-scientific museum that entertains visitors of all ages. One wing of the museum is entirely dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, his works and his discoveries. The museum also offers interactive laboratories for the more curious.
As for visits, the Castello Sforzesco, located in the heart of the Parco Sempione, hosts exhibitions and offers the opportunity, through its permanent collection, to discover the culture of Milan's ancient history through different sections. The entry fee is €5 for adults and free for children under 18. Near the Castello Sforzesco stands the fantastic Triennale di Milano, an institution for architecture and design, decorative and visual arts, a real treat for children and adults. The museum, in addition to its permanent collection on the history of Italian design, offers numerous exhibitions also for the youngest, mostly with didactic workshops. In the same vein, let's mention the Museo di Storia Naturale and the Hoepli Planetarium, both located in the Indro Montanelli Park in Porta Venezia.
Finally, the MUBA, the Museo dei Bambini, is entirely dedicated to children. It regularly organizes themed exhibitions as well as playful laboratories based on sensory experimentation.
Things to do in Milan with friends
Discovering Milan with friends adds an extra dimension to your expat experience. The city has many activities and events. In the evening, in addition to the famous aperitivo, the city opens its doors to bars and clubs such as Gattopardo, Alcatraz, Apollo Club, Santeria Social Club and Spirit of Milan. There are also clubs, circoli, where many events and concerts are held. For example, the Circolo Arci comprises several small clubs located in different areas and a discotheque, the Magnolia. Access to these venues requires a membership card, valid for one year. Among the concert halls, there is also Fabrique Milano.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the wide range of sports activities offered by the city of Milan: going to a football match with friends, skating, playing tennis, swimming or volleyball. The MilanoSport website lists a whole range of activities you can do in the city.
And if you want to get out of the city, head north to the lakes or the mountains. In just 1 hour by car, you can be in Como, and in 1 hour 45 minutes, you can be skiing in ski resorts such as Pila and Piani di Bobbio. In summer, head to the Cinque Terre to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea.
Milan is also a city where many trade fairs and exhibitions are held (food, design, etc.); check with Milano Fiera and other exhibition venues for the program.
For romantic souls in Milan
For the more curious couple, Milan is full of hidden corners, with some of the oldest and most elegant buildings: Piazza Belgioioso, via Gesù or via della Spiga, the Cinque vie district, the small streets of Brera with its artisans and art galleries, etc. These are small masterpieces of art, history and romance to discover. For another moment for two, Milan is rich in rooftop bars and restaurants.
Finally, one of the most famous places for lovers: the roof of the Duomo. The view from the terrace is simply breathtaking, and, on a clear day, you can take some nice photos in front of the purple-orange hues of the Milanese sunset, which, combined with the Madonnina on top of the Duomo, leave no one indifferent.
Couples will also appreciate the thermal baths of Milan in Porta Romana. Qc Terme manages this establishment where it is possible to follow a thermal course enriched with massages or even beauty treatments.
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