One thinks of Milan and believes that one cannot afford anything, that among the various activities to be done there is nothing accessible. So, let’s dispel this rumor. It is partly true. Sometimes Milan has some crazy prices. But there are some free things to do in Milan that are suitable for all budgets. The great thing about living in a big city is that it often offers you so much, for better or worse. Milan, like all metropolises, has this double face. On the one hand it drains you, but on the other it enriches you, always and everywhere.
Let’s take a look at what free things to do there are to do in Milan. Maybe some are not always available, but when there are they are free, or others are a bit of clever gimmicks–like the last one, but give us a read and let us know.
Table Of Contents
- Museums always free
- The Museum of the 1900s
- The Belvedere of the Palazzo Lombardia
- Gae Aulenti Square
- The Monumental Cemetery
- The Seven Heavenly Palaces
- The Sistine Chapel in Milan
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- The Golden Quadrilateral
- The Bosco Verticale
- The Naviglio Grande
- The Civic Aquarium
- San Bernardino at the Bones
- Bikemi
- The Brera Botanical Garden.
- A consumption at Flower Burger (on your birthday)
- A Bubble Tea (on your birthday).
- The Columns of San Lorenzo
- Simplon Park
- Entering the Duomo
Museums always free
Did you know that Milan holds a treasure trove of culture that is accessible to everyone, for free? You can immerse yourself in art and history without spending a dime! From Palazzo Morando, which will transport you to the Milan of yesteryear, to Pirelli HangarBicocca, a temple of contemporary art. Don’t forget the Boschi di Stefano House-Museum, a 20th-century jewel, and Spazio Alda Merini, a tribute to the Navigli poetess.
Explore these enchanting places and be surprised by the cultural richness the city of wonders has to offer!
Here is a list of all the museums with always free access in Milan.
The Museum of the 1900s
A Milanese museum institution, the Museo del ‘900 is not always free, but we can count it among the places you can see for free in Milan because on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 2 p.m. and every first Sunday of the month access is free. The museum houses a large number of works by contemporary artists, such as Boccioni, Modigliani, Kandinsky and many others.
Where: Piazza del Duomo, 8
The Belvedere of the Palazzo Lombardia
Every now and then the Belvedere of the Palazzo Lombardia opens to allow citizens to climb to the 39th floor and enjoy a unique view. Access is free and free all the time. In November is the last date, on the 3rd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: City of Lombardy Square, 1
Gae Aulenti Square
Opened in 2012, Piazza Gae Aulenti is the beating heart of modern Milan. Be enchanted by its futuristic design, towers that touch the sky and three fountains with breathtaking water features. It’s the perfect place for a contemplative break or to enrich your Instagram feed with knockout shots.ù
Where: Gae Aulenti Square
The Monumental Cemetery
Yes it is a cemetery but not just any cemetery, the Monumental is worth a tour. It is truly fascinating. It feels like walking inside an open-air museum with all these statues, and what statues sometimes, gracing the gravesites. And then the blue vault that houses Manzoni ‘s tomb is something grandiose that is worth a thousand words. A destination that must definitely be included among the things to do for free in Milan!
Where: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale
The Seven Heavenly Palaces
This is a permanent exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca, 7 mammoth constructions by Anselm Kiefer. As we read on the website, the exhibition owes its name to the Palaces described in the ancient Hebrew treatise Sefer Hechalot, the “Book of Palaces/Sanctuaries” dating from the 5th-6th centuries CE, in which the symbolic path of spiritual initiation of one who wants to approach the presence of God is narrated. These seven 90-ton towers are made of reinforced concrete. Access is free, always, during the Hangar’s opening hours, which can be viewed here.
By the way, the Hangar is a nice place to visit, a space all renovated in 2004 and dedicated to promoting contemporary art.
Where: via Chiese, 2
The Sistine Chapel in Milan
Another cultural tip, visit the Church of San Maurizio at Monastero Maggiore. Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel” of Milan. It is a fascinating place where every inch of plaster is frescoed. From the ceiling to the walls. There is not an empty space. And the entrance is free.
Where: Corso Magenta, 15
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Immerse yourself for free in the timeless elegance of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest gallery. Don’t forget to look for the mosaic bull in the center: tradition has it that turning three times on the heel brings good luck. A Milanese ritual not to be missed!
Where: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Golden Quadrilateral
Treat yourself to a stroll through the temple of world fashion: the Quadrilatero d’Oro between Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. Admire the extravagant shop windows and watch the city’s most fashionistas (and if you’re lucky a few VIPs!) parading through the streets. A unique opportunity to breathe in the atmosphere of Milan’s luxury without spending a dime!
The Bosco Verticale
Look up to the sky and be amazed by the Bosco Verticale in the Porta Nuova neighborhood. These 111-meter skyscrapers, covered with thousands of plants, are a true miracle of sustainable architecture. A green oasis in the heart of the city that will leave you breathless.
Where: Bosco Verticale
The Naviglio Grande
Treat yourself to a stroll along the Naviglio Grande, the beating heart of “old Milan.” Stop at the Vicolo dei Lavandai for a dip into the past and, on the last Sunday of the month, get lost among the stalls of the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato. A trip back in time at no cost!
Where:
The Civic Aquarium
Milan’s Civic Aquarium is the third oldest in Europe and is located at the gates of Sempione Park. Admire its Art Nouveau architecture and the majestic statue of Neptune at the entrance. Take advantage of free admission on the first and third Tuesday of the month after 2 p.m. and the first Sunday of the month.
Where: Civic Aquarium of Milan
San Bernardino at the Bones
Get ready for a surreal experience in the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa. Its ossuary, decorated entirely with human bones, will catapult you into an adventure movie atmosphere. A macabre but fascinating place that will leave you speechless. Admission is free and the hours are as follows: Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday:9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Bikemi
Okay, this can be a bit misleading. In that BikeMi’s service is not that it is free as you pay a subscription but if you take the yellow bikes and not the red (electric) ones , the first 30 minutes of use are not charged. Even in the electric ones, but only the first 3 minutes are free.
The Brera Botanical Garden.
A historic garden, officially recognized as a Museum. The romantic green oasis in the center of Milan where you can spend pleasant moments has no entrance fee. An intimate and hidden place, green and idyllic full of history and beauty to discover.
Where: via Brera, 28
A consumption at Flower Burger (on your birthday)
Flower Burger has now become a regular spot for those who want to eat a tasty vegan burger that mimics meat in such a way that it doesn’t feel like eating a vegetarian sandwich in fact. We have been there several times and can confirm the fact that it is all delicious, indeed! Its colorful sandwiches are now iconic. If you sign up for their newsletter (found here ), by entering your date of birth, you can request a free burger on your birthday.
Several stores in Milan.
A Bubble Tea (on your birthday).
Let’s continue with the free drinks. Do you like the drink that has been depopulating for several years? The Bubble Tea? If you show up with a documented at one of the Frankly Bubble Tea stores on your ID day, you can have one for free.
Several stores in Milan
The Columns of San Lorenzo
Looking for an extraordinary location for your next photo to post on Instagram? Immortalize yourself against the backdrop of the majestic Colonne di San Lorenzo, a vestige of Roman times in the heart of Milan. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place among passing residents, young college students, street musicians and acrobats on two wheels. You can bring a sandwich from home (since we’re talking about free things to do in Milan!) or have a cheap aperitivo at one of the surrounding bars.
Where: Columns of San Lorenzo
Simplon Park
Once a hunting reserve of the Sforza family, today Sempione Park is open to all. This green lung of the city is an English garden with lush lawns and Bridgerton-style ornamental ponds. Also within the park are major attractions such as the Castello Sforzesco, the Arco della Pace, and the impressive Civic Arena.
Stroll through lush lawns and picturesque ponds, admire the Castello Sforzesco, the Arco della Pace and the Arena Civica. An oasis of tranquility in the pulsating heart of the metropolis.
Entering the Duomo
This is a bit of a smart one, and I don’t know if it’s okay to say it…. But you can enter the Duomo for free without necessarily paying a ticket and standing in line for hours. Just enter from the left side looking at the facade, which is reserved for those who enter there to pray. Perhaps an impropriety. You do not have access to all of the Duomo, only a part, however if you only have one day to visit Milan or if you have never entered inside the Cathedral, it might be a good compromise.
All you need to do is not show yourself too much as a tourist or take pictures at every step so as not to reveal your intentions and you’re done. Just be respectful of the place.