
Milan is one of the most important cities on the world music scene, Italy’s opera capital for centuries and chosen by millions of pop, rock, jazz and other artists for their tours. If you are a music lover, the city will surely have something to offer you. An unforgettable concert, a dive into music history or a dinner with karaoke, there are so many activities to do in Milan related to music!
Table Of Contents
- A Guided Tour La Scala Theater in Milan
- A dip into history at the Museum of Musical Instruments
- A Summer of Festivals
- A tour of records
- A candlelight concert with Candlelight
- New discoveries at Santeria
- The magic of concerts at the San Siro
- An evening in Milan's movida
- Musical at the National Theater
- A sung dinner
A Guided Tour La Scala Theater in Milan
What better way to rediscover classical music, legendary composers and century-old operas than through a guided tour of the headquarters of Italian opera? The historic Teatro alla Scala opens its doors to guided tours that will take you through its walls, from the immense stage to the unmissable museum, where you can brush up on your musical knowledge and admire the incredible stage costumes. If you have the chance, the advice is to combine the tour with one of the season’s many extraordinary opera performances.
A dip into history at the Museum of Musical Instruments
The Civic Museum of Musical Instruments is one of the most important museums of musical artifacts in Europe. Located inside the Castello Sforzesco, it boasts more than 800 musical relics, most donated by foundations or private individuals. The collection began with the collection of maestro Natale Gallini, and later expanded thanks to large donations from both private individuals – such as that of engineer Antonio Boschi – and public entities – such as that of the “De Musica” foundation. In addition, thanks to MITO‘s contribution, since 2008 it has been possible to see a reconstruction of Rai’s Studio di Fonologia Musicale, which remained active until 1983.
A Summer of Festivals
If many flee Milan’s muggy summer, many others arrive loaded to experience a summer of pop, rock, trap, house and techno music. Indeed, the Lombardy capital is famous for hosting some of Italy’s best festivals and concerts. From the iconic I-Days, which this year will start on June 2, 2025 with Justin Timberlake and will continue with guests of the caliber of Linking Park and Olivia Rodrigo, to the legendary NAMELESS, whose lineup – still incomplete – includes a new performance by Martin Garrix and Luca Agnelli, already guests last year. Unmissable is the annual appointment with the Radio Italia Concertone in Piazza Duomo, a free show featuring the biggest Italian singers of the moment.
A tour of records
With the digitization of music, historic vinyl stores have had to give way to modern stores. Some of these emblematic music stores just won’t give up and continue in their mission to spread the word about music past and present. With the shelves and walls completely papered with vinyl of every genre and artist, it is really worth taking a trip to these stores for a dip into music’s past. Among the not-to-be-missed temples of vinyl in Milan, one cannot fail to mention Dischi Volanti and Il Discomane-both located on the banks of the Naviglio Grande-and also Serendeepity (in the Darsena area) and Buscemi Dischi (on Corso Magenta), which has been attracting curious and enthusiasts for 55 years.
A candlelight concert with Candlelight
Lights off, candles lit: there goes that intimate and evocative atmosphere that characterizes Candlelight concerts. By the light of a thousand candles, in the enchanting locations that the city of Milan offers, the melodies of the best pop, rock, classical or jazz hits resonate in the air in emotional concerts.
The most celebrated soundtracks and songs by famous artists, Italian or international, reinterpreted in a classical key during a show that will make you rediscover your favorite songs in a new light. Active year-round but extremely popular,Candlelight concerts promise an unforgettable evening to all their audiences, thanks to both the unique atmosphere created by the candles and the talent of the musicians.
🎟️Biglietti and more information can be purchased hereNew discoveries at Santeria
Your playlist of the moment no longer excites you and you’re looking for new music? Santeria is for you. With a variety of events scheduled, this venue just steps away from Bocconi University is the ideal place to unearth new music promises of all genres or rediscover songs by established artists in the industry. Groups as Italian as international, jazz or rock and evenings dedicated to the talent of the participants, there is room for everyone at Santeria.
The magic of concerts at the San Siro
Not just soccer matches, incredible artists perform every year at the San Siro Stadium in unforgettable concerts that make audiences dream. For years now, the Meazza Stadium has been hosting world-famous singers and groups – such as Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen – and even in this 2025, the lineup of musical events does not disappoint and promises sensational shows that will rarely be forgotten. If you are still thinking about whether or not to buy that concert ticket, click buy and enjoy the unique atmosphere that only San Siro can offer.
An evening in Milan’s movida
Milan’s movida has nothing to envy from other big European cities. Venues for every type of night and with every genre of music, Milan’s movida offers an embarrassment of riches to its attendees. For an evening with “la milano bene” Gattopardo, Armani Privè and Terrazza Duomo 21 are the most popular, while if you prefer an alternative night where you can dance to the rhythm of techno tracks, Amnesia, Rocket and Tunnel can’t miss on your list.
Musical at the National Theater
A bit like Brodway but in Milan, Teatro Nazionale routinely hosts amazing musicals for young and old alike. A landmark and a regular stop for highly successful touring musicals such as Mamma Mia! Billie Elliot and Hairspray, The National Theater has become a prestige stage for those who love musicals and are looking for high impact shows. From the legendary Rocky-with a show that will win applause from the audience-to the magical Aladdin-which will make you relive the romantic story with Princess Jasmin and the electrifying adventures with Abou through the music of Pooh and many other artists.
A sung dinner
Have you ever attended a dinner performance where you are the singer? If you’ve never been, it’s time to remedy that, get out of the comfort zone of the usual dinner parties with friends and drag the group into a slightly more chaotic evening. At Ronchi’s, Carmelina’s and Bischeri Milano’s you can enjoy a great dinner with a musical twist. Choose your song, join in as a soloist or in a group and have a different evening of fun, singing, eating and dancing as if you were at home.