Things to Do in Milan

A large public park behind Sforza Castle with lawns, paths, and a pond. Great for a picnic or a break from sightseeing. The castle's courtyard is also free to enter.

🕐 6:30-21:30 daily (hours vary by season)

💡 Buy bread and cheese from the nearby Mercato di Via San Marco on Saturday mornings for a cheap picnic. Avoid the overpriced kiosks inside the park.

A former convent church with some of the best-preserved 16th-century frescoes in Milan, often called 'the Sistine Chapel of Milan'. Completely free, and usually very quiet.

🕐 Tue-Sun 9:30-17:30

💡 Go in the morning around 10am to avoid the small tour groups. Bring binoculars to see the upper frescoes in detail — they're high up and hard to see otherwise.

The historic canal district, once designed by Leonardo da Vinci for transport. Now it's a string of canals with bars, vintage shops, and street art. Walk the towpaths for free.

🕐 Always open

💡 Come on the last Sunday of the month for the big antiques market along the canals. Grab a cheap aperitivo (drink + snacks) at 6pm — many bars offer these from €8.

One of Italy's top art museums, housing masterpieces like Raphael's 'Marriage of the Virgin' and Caravaggio's 'Supper at Emmaus'. Free on the first Sunday of every month.

🕐 Mon-Sat 8:30-19:15, free first Sunday 8:30-19:15 (last entry 18:15)

💡 Arrive 30 minutes before opening (8:30am) on free days — queues form fast. Otherwise, it's €15, so plan your visit around the first Sunday.

The cathedral is the centrepiece of Milan. You can admire the Gothic facade, spires, and statues from Piazza del Duomo for free. The interior costs to enter, but the exterior is spectacular.

🕐 Piazza is always accessible

💡 Go just before sunset when the light hits the marble. The queues for the rooftop are shortest then, but skip it if you're on a budget — the outside view is enough.