Table Of Contents
- Cool off at a natural swimming pool near Milan, Italy
- Musical (and gourmet) aperitifs at Trust
- Cinema Under the Stars: Summer at the Castle
- Back in Time – Back to the Future at Villa Beretta Magnaghi
- Live an immersive experience in space
- A floral excursion to the Sigurtà Garden Park.
- Set sail for the Borromean Islands by hop-on hop-off ferry.
- A dip in adrenaline at Gardaland
- Look for restaurants open on Ferragosto in Milan.
- Enjoy Milan with fresh eyes
There are those who look forward to it as the day of absolute freedom… and those, instead, who experience it as a challenge. We’re talking, of course, about Ferragosto in Milan: when the city empties out and the heat kicks in, those who stay have two options – hole up with Netflix and air conditioning or… go out and discover that there are more things to do on August 15 than you think.
Yes, because despite the downed shutters and quiet streets, Milan (and Lombardy) offers unusual, cool, artistic, tasty and fun experiences for those who stay. Whether you’re in town for work or because you simply haven’t left, here are 10 things to do on Ferragosto to turn Assumption Day into a memorable day.
Cool off at a natural swimming pool near Milan, Italy
Who said you have to go to the beach to find refreshment? Less than two hours from Milan you can discover hidden corners where the water is cool, clear and absolutely refreshing. From diving among the waterfalls of Val Vertova to bathing in the Natural Pools of the Mella River, to the Orrido di Bellano or the “Maldives of Milan“- these places seem to come straight out of a summer dream. Perfect for those looking for what to do in August in Lombardy under the banner of relaxation and nature.
Musical (and gourmet) aperitifs at Trust
If you’re looking for what to do at Ferragosto in Milan without falling into the usual anonymous aperitifs, try Trust in the Cagnola area. A former garage converted into a place with an industrial flavor, where live music – jazz, rock, tango – is accompanied by selected wines, tapas and homemade pasta. The beauty? The atmosphere is so authentic that it feels like a small urban festival, with local and international artists taking turns on stage. It’s also ideal if you’re looking for what to do in Ferragosto on your own: it’s so easy to have a chat here.
Cinema Under the Stars: Summer at the Castle
What do you do on Ferragosto if you don’t want to get out of the city but neither do you want to stay locked in your house? You watch a movie, but under the stars. Castello Sforzesco turns into an open-air movie arena every summer, and for Ferragosto the scheduled title is “Mamma Mia!” A carefree evening of ABBA songs, laughter and holiday atmosphere in the heart of Milan. Bring something to drink, a plaid and enjoy outdoor cinema properly.
Appointment at 9 p. m.
Back in Time – Back to the Future at Villa Beretta Magnaghi
For the nostalgic (and those who grew up on bread and DeLorean), this exhibition is a dream come true. Back In Time – The Exhibition catapults you into the world of Back to the Future, with original costumes, iconic vehicles (including the Time Car), arcades, never-before-seen projections and even a photo set to take a picture with Marty McFly. It is located in Marcallo con Casone, just a few miles from Milan, and is the perfect experience for those looking for what to do on Ferragosto in Lombardy with a nerdy, cinematic twist.
Get all the details and find out how to buy tickets for Aug. 15 here.
Live an immersive experience in space
A journey among stars, planets and interactive installations in the heart of Milan. Space Dreamers is an immersive exhibition that combines art, technology and dreams, designed to engage adults and children. Between lights, constellations and dreamlike atmospheres, it’s the perfect activity if you’re wondering what to do in Milan in August without suffering the heat. Bonus: there are new installations that make the experience even more unique.
A floral excursion to the Sigurtà Garden Park.
For those who want a break from the city, but without straying too far, Sigurtà Garden Park is a perfect destination. Between Verona and Lake Garda, it offers green expanses, more than 30,000 blooming roses, ponds, koi carp, a labyrinth and even an educational farm. It is one of the most relaxing experiences to have in August in Lombardy, ideal for a slow day among nature and summer scents. You can bring your bike or ride the scenic train to explore it effortlessly.
Here you can buy a ticket for the park at the best price, with the convenience of having it directly on your smartphone.
Set sail for the Borromean Islands by hop-on hop-off ferry.
If you love the water but are looking for something more dynamic than just a trip to the lake, choose the Lake Maggiore hop-on hop-off ferry tour. You can hop on and off whenever you like between Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre, exploring historic villas, lush gardens and charming villages. A scenic and relaxing alternative to spend August 15 among art, nature and incredible views. One of the perfect Ferragosto things to do for those who love to discover scenic beauty near Milan, without stress.
You can book your ticket here, choosing the date and time.
A dip in adrenaline at Gardaland
Who said that Ferragosto has to be all about relaxation? If you’re craving energy, thrills and a bit of magic, Gardaland is waiting for you. Roller coasters, 4D attractions, shows, Jumanji Adventure and more: it’s the ideal destination for couples, friends or families. Reachable in a little more than an hour and a half from Milan, it is one of the things to do on Ferragosto in Lombardy for those who want to feel like a kid again… if only for a day.
Where to buy a ticket to Gardaland? But here!
Look for restaurants open on Ferragosto in Milan.
Not everyone knows this, but you can find great restaurants open in Ferragosto in Milan, especially if you get a bit away from the more touristy places. And maybe you can finally make a reservation at that place that is always full or has mile-long lines at the entrance! From trattorias in the Isola area to gourmet spots in the Navigli, via contemporary bistros in Porta Venezia, there is no shortage of choice. Some even offer special menus for Ferragosto, often with hidden terraces or courtyards. The advice? Book in advance: even if the city is emptier, the best tables fly.
Check out our list of favorite restaurants in Milan and see if they open on August 15.
Enjoy Milan with fresh eyes
Finally, a simple but powerful proposal: rediscover Milan. Take advantage of the empty streets to take a bike ride, stroll through the hidden courtyards of Brera, discover a free exhibition or visit an open museum (such as MUDEC or the Triennale). If you are wondering what to do on Ferragosto, this is the perfect answer: the city is all for you. You can stop at a bookstore, have breakfast in a quiet café or get lost among the Art Nouveau buildings of Porta Venezia. At Ferragosto, Milan is transformed — you just have to know how to listen.