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Things to Do in Milan

Things to Do in Milan

Milan Lombardy, Italy Travel Guide

Outdoor & Nature Escapes

Milan’s proximity to the Alps and the Italian language Lakes unlocks many opportunities for open-air adventures.

Alpine & Lakeside Activities

Hiking & Trekking

Day trips to the Alps (Valtellina, Lario foothills) offer paths from simple lakeside strolls to challenging mountain tracks. Local guides available.

Water Sports

The Lombardy lakes (Como, Maggiore, Garda) are hubs for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, motorboating, and going for a swim at designated lidos.

Adventure Sports

For adrenaline, the Alpine mountain range offer paragliding (breathtaking views), canyoning (through natural gorges), and rock climbing for various skill levels.

Urban & Rural Exploration

  • Cycling in Milan: Use BikeMi (bike-sharing) or rented bikes for urban exploration along designated paths and in parks.
  • Mountain Biking: Routes are obtainable in the pre-Alps and around the lakes, offering varied terrain.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Regional parks like Parco del Ticino offer opportunities for birdwatching (outside Milan).
  • Navigli canals also feature pleasant cycling routes for a scenic ride.

Lake Como Activities

  • Sailing excursions.
  • Kayaking along scenic shorelines.
  • Going for a swim at lidos in summer.
  • Motorboating for lake exploration.

Milan City Cycling

  • Designated cycling paths.
  • Exploring city parks.
  • Rides along the Navigli canals.
  • Bike-sharing for urban rides.

Alpine Day Trips

  • Hiking in Valtellina region.
  • Paragliding for panoramic views.
  • Canyoning in natural gorges.
  • Rock climbing for different ability levels.

Safety First for Adventures

Always assess your fitness level and wear appropriate gear for open-air adventures, especially in the Alpine mountain range. Consult local guides for difficult routes.

Milan's Immersive Culture

Milan's cultural environment welcomes deep engagement, from hands-on seminars to world-class performances.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare pasta, risotto, or full regional meals. A delicious and interactive cultural experience.
  • Fashion Design Workshops: Short-term training sessions on design, styling, or accessory making.
  • Art Classes: Opportunities for art classes in the Brera district, a hub for artists and galleries.
  • Language Learning: Several language schools offer short-term Italian courses, greatly enriching cultural immersion.

Cultural Performances

Opera, Ballet, Classical Concerts

Experience world-class shows at the iconic Teatro alla Scala or the Auditorium di Milano.

Theater Performances

Discover contemporary and classic plays at venues like Piccolo Teatro or Teatro Manzoni.

Local Folk Arts

Review local listings for opportunities to experience traditional Lombard folk music or dance performances, especially during festivals.

Milan Fashion Week

A global event in February and September demonstrating the latest collections and trends.

Salone del Mobile

The world's largest design fair in April, transforming the city with displays and installations.

Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Market

A traditional Christmas market held in December during Sant'Ambrogio, Milan's the protecting saint day.

Rejuvenation & Tranquility

Find moments of calm and rejuvenation amidst Milan's energetic pace.

Spa & Wellness Center Recommendations

  • QC Termemilano: Luxurious thermal spa built into ancient Roman walls, urban wellness experience.
  • High-End Spas In hotels: Bulgari Hotel Spa, Mandarin Oriental Spa, sometimes accessible to non-guests.
  • Benaco Thermal Spas: Options in Sirmione for day trips from Milan.
  • Yoga Studios: Common in Milan for daily classes, offering opportunities for practice.

Natural Therapy & Retreats

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs directly in Milan, but thermal spas and hot springs are within day-trip distance (e.g., Sirmione on Benaco).

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

More likely located in the surrounding landscape or mountains, offering immersion for quiet practice.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Some hotels feature rooftop pools. Outdoor pool clubs on the outskirts. Lake Como and other lakes offer beach clubs and lidos for swimming.

Milanese Wellness Approach

Traditional Healing

Mainly Western medicine is prevalent; alternative therapies can be found but not a predominant feature for tourists.

Urban Green Spaces

Parks like Parco Sempione and Giardini Pubblici offer tranquil spots for relaxation and strolls amidst the city.

Milan After Dark

Milan offers a and diverse nightlife, catering to all tastes and preferences.

Live Music & Performance

  • Blue Note Milano: Famous jazz club hosting international and Italian jazz artists.
  • Alcatraz: A large venue for concerts, having a range of genres including rock and roll and pop.
  • Magazzini Generali: Functions as both a club and a concert venue.
  • Smaller bars and pubs throughout the city often feature live musical acts and local musicians.

Theater & Dance

Teatro alla Scala

The premier venue for international-class opera and ballet performances.

Piccolo Teatro

A prestigious contemporary theater demonstrating innovative plays.

Other Theaters

Teatro Manzoni, Teatro Parenti, and others host a variety of plays, musicals, and artistic performances.

Navigli

The most famous space for aperitivo and evening drinks, with countless bars lining the canals. A fantastic place to experience Milanese nightlife.

Corso Como / Garibaldi

Known for its upscale clubs and trendy bars, attracting a fashionable crowd for sophisticated evenings.

Isola

A trendy, regenerated district offering more alternative clubs and bars, popular with a creative crowd and artisan breweries.

Nightlife Awareness

Always pay attention to what's around you, especially in crowded areas or when returning late at night. Clubs typically are open until 3-4 AM on weekends.

Milan: Fashion & Finds

Milan is a worldwide capital of fashion and design, with a diverse shopping experience from premium brands to artisan crafts and bustling markets.

Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • Mercato dell'Antiquariato sul Naviglio Grande: Huge antique market (last Sunday of each month).
  • Fiera di Sinigallia: Historic flea market held on Saturdays along the Darsena.
  • Local Produce Markets: Various neighborhood markets for fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats.
  • Artisan Workshops: Brera and Navigli districts for special handmade items, artisan jewelry.

Luxury & Souvenirs

Luxury Shopping

Quadrilatero della Moda (Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga) is world-renowned for high fashion. Flagship stores of Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Houses luxury labels, high-end jewelry stores, and iconic cafes within a gorgeous architectural setting.

Souvenir Recommendations

Milanese scarves, ties, small leather goods. Panettone (Christmas), Gorgonzola cheese, local salami, artistic prints.

Ethical Shopping

  • Look for "Made in Italy" labels for realness.
  • Support local industries and artisans.
  • Contribute directly to the local economy.
  • Avoid counterfeit goods.

VAT Refunds

  • Non-EU residents claim VAT on purchases over €154.94.
  • Look for "Without Tax" signs in participating stores.
  • Keep all receipts and fill out forms at the store.
  • Present forms, passport, and unused goods during customs inspection for validation.

Shipping & Customs

  • Select your refund method (cash or credit card).
  • Be aware of customs regulations for your home country.
  • Limits on alcohol, tobacco, and groceries may apply.
  • Research before purchasing large quantities.

Shopping Insights

High Fashion Districts
  • Quadrilatero della Moda for luxury labels.
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers an iconic setting for high-end shopping.
  • Experience the global fashion capital firsthand.
Unique Finds
  • Explore artisan workshops in Brera and Navigli.
  • Mercato dell'Antiquariato for unique collectibles.
  • Local food markets for regional delicacies.

Shopping Wisely

Milan’s shopping scene caters to every single taste, from high fashion to distinct local finds. Plan your shopping as per your interests and budget.

Milan Activity Planning Snapshot

Considerations

  • Check events by season like Fashion Week or Salone del Mobile.
  • Book popular attractions like The Last Supper or La Scala well in advance.
  • Schedule day trips to the bodies of water or Alps for engaging outdoor activities.
  • Experience the Aperitivo ritual in the Navigli district.

Practical Advice

  • Utilize Milan's excellent public transport system for streamlined journeys.
  • Learn basic Italian phrases to better your cultural interactions.
  • Capture unique architectural photos, especially at Bosco Verticale or the Cimitero Monumentale.
  • Budget for VAT refunds on luxury shopping if you are a non-EU resident.
Things to Do in Milan. Activities, Experiences, Adventures