Want to discover the best summer attractions in Milan? Then check out our tips on what to do in the city during this season. We’ll tell you a bit about the season so you can start planning as soon as possible:
About summer in Milan
This time of year covers the months of June, July and August, and is marked by high season in the city. Summer in Milan is very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 30ºC and lows of 15ºC at night. Therefore, the first tip for those wishing to visit Milan during this season is to always stay well hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen to face the high temperatures.
What to pack during the summer? Cooler clothes, such as t-shirts and shorts, are a good idea, as well as caps and hats to protect your head. However, don’t forget to pack a thin jacket to wear at night, when the temperatures drop.
Holidays this season:
02/06: Italian Republic Day
29/06: St. Peter and St. Paul
15/08: Assumption of Our Lady
Sights to see during the summer
In general, summer is an excellent time to visit any kind of place. Unlike winter, when open-air places are not so recommended, in summer you can visit museums and indoor places as well as open-air monuments.
1. Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
The Santa Maria delle Grazie church is famous for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To see the painting you have to pay a separate entrance fee, but you can visit the church for free. The building is very beautiful, full of paintings and details in its architecture. However, we recommend that you book online in advance, as tickets are very scarce.
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI.
2. Stroll through the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery
This gallery was opened in 1877 and connects Piazza Duomo to Piazza Scala. Its curious architecture is formed by the intersection of two streets, which form an octagon in the central part, with an iron dome covering everything.
This makes it a beautiful place with plenty of luxury brand stores, such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, as well as restaurants to visit. Also, as the gallery is right in front of Piazza Duomo, you can visit it afterwards.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI.
- Important tip: Milan is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
3. Getting to know Piazza Duomo
While you’re strolling through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, stop by Piazza Duomo, which is considered one of the main squares in all of Italy and is where the main events in Milan take place. The square is also home to the city’s main tourist attraction: Milan Cathedral.
This square is home to the Equestrian Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, and there are plenty of restaurants, stores, bars and people selling souvenirs for your trip.
4. Go to the San Siro Stadium
The San Siro Stadium is an excellent choice for soccer fans, as the two main Italian soccer teams share the stadium: Inter Milan and AC Milan. Inside, there is the Inter and Milan Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the two teams through a guided tour. If you want, you can plan to watch a match while getting to know the place.
Address: Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI.
5. Stroll through the Giardini Pubblici Park in Porta Venezia
The Giardini Pubblici di Porta Venezia park is considered to be Milan’s first public park, having once served as the entrance to the Austrian royal family. There are areas for children to play, a Natural History Museum, a Planetarium and an amusement park.
Address: Via Palestro, 14, 20121 Milano MI.
6. Sempione Park
Behind the Sforzesco Castle is the Sempione Park, the castle’s garden which, in the past, was only used by the royal family. This place is perfect for those who want to take a walk and relax between tours. There, you can spend hours of the day exploring the park, visiting the Triennale Building and the White Tower, where you can get an incredible view of the whole place.
Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI.
7. Going to Milan’s Monumental Cemetery
This alternative tour is interesting because you can appreciate the beautiful works of art that adorn the tombs of great Italian personalities, all without spending anything. There are more than 15,000 statues and famous buildings, including the Famedio (or Pantheon), the Ossuary and the old neoclassical crematorium.
8. See the exhibitions at the Boschi Di Stefano House-Museum in Milan
This house was the home of Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano and has been open to the public since 2003. It houses an incredible collection of 20th century art, with around 300 works. These include paintings and works by Carrà, Boccioni and Sironi.
9. Visiting Milan’s museums
This is an interesting and fun way to learn more about the history and culture of the city, Italy and the world. Some of the museums to visit are the Alessandro Manzoni Museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Gallery of Modern Art. We’ve already written an article on the most interesting museums in Milan, so be sure to check it out.
10. Eating in Milan’s restaurants and snack bars
One activity that is sure to be a highlight of your trip is having lunch, dinner or a snack in one of the city’s delicious restaurants. There are plenty of places to eat in Milan, including Luini’s Panzerotti (which serves delicious savouries), the All’Antico Vinaio snack bar and the Il Baretto al Baglioni restaurant.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Milan, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
11. Enjoying the city’s nightlife
Going out at night is also an excellent way to enjoy your trip in summer, as the temperatures are very high. That’s why you can make the most of your evenings in Milan by visiting the city’s nightclubs as well as its great bars and pubs.
12. Attend a show at the Scala Theater
This experience is undoubtedly one of the best you’ll have on your tour of Milan. This place has a neoclassical style in its architecture, creating a special atmosphere for audiences attending a concert or ballet performance.
Our tip is to visit the theater museum on a guided tour, which explains the history of the place, as well as curiosities and other valuable information.
Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI.
How to save money on tickets to paid attractions in Milan?
The city of Milan is full of incredible attractions. And to see some of them, you’ll need to have your tickets in hand. So, to save a lot on your ticket purchase, our tip is to buy in advance and online, preferably all on one site.
We’ve traveled all over the world and found a great company on our last trips – this is the Milan Tickets website we used. Click and check it out for yourself. As well as being one of the biggest ticket sellers in the world, this site is very secure.
You can buy all your tickets in one place. It’s worth noting that it’s always cheaper to buy in advance, online, to avoid queues and to avoid wasting your travel time. Especially in Milan, where many tickets sell out quickly.
Save money on your trip to Milan:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Milan cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Milan. You will find out the best areas and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
