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Free Things to Do in Milan

There are many tourist attractions in Milan, but the cost of visiting them can be quite steep, especially for those traveling on a tight budget. However, there are also attractions that are free - some all the time, and others under certain conditions or on specific days.

State Museums, on the First Sunday of Each Month

Throughout Italy, by law, state museums can be visited for free on the first Sunday of each month. The state museums you can visit for free in Milan include: the Cenacolo Vinciano - the museum that houses Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, the Pinacoteca di Brera, the Museums of the Sforza Castle, the Aquarium in Sempione Park, the Natural History Museum, the Museo del Novecento in Piazza del Duomo, the Archaeological Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Attention! For The Last Supper and the Pinacoteca di Brera, reservations are mandatory (and must be made in advance!), even though entry is free.

On the first Sunday of the month, access is also free to the art collections of the Luigi Rovati Foundation, the Gallerie d'Italia, located in Piazza della Scala near the Scala Theatre, and the fashion museum at Armani/ Silos.

Civic Museums, on the First and Third Tuesday of Each Month, after 2 PM

On the first and third Tuesday of each month, after 2 PM, you can visit Milan's civic museums for free. These include: the museums of the Sforza Castle, the Aquarium, the Archaeological Museum, the Museo del Novecento, the Natural History Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art.

Museums That are Permanently Free

In Milan, there are also museums whose permanent collections can be visited for free all year round (there may be an additional cost for temporary exhibitions). These museums are Palazzo Morando - Costume, Fashion, Image Collection; MUDEC - Museum of Cultures; Palazzo Moriggia - Museum of the Risorgimento; Casa Boschi di Stefano - a collection of 20th-century artworks; Casa Verdi - the resting place of the composer and his wife; Mangini Bonomi Museum - a collection of everyday objects; Spazio Alda Merini - dedicated to the great Milanese poet; Pirelli HangarBicocca - contemporary art in a museum created in 2004 through the conversion of a former locomotive factory.

The Doumo (Left Nave)

On a regular basis, access to the Milan Cathedral is paid. However, there is a side entrance towards the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is to be used by those who wish to pray, so it is free of charge. You won't have access to the entire cathedral, only the left nave, but it is still an option to get a glimpse of one of the largest churches in the world.

The Churches of Milan

Except for the Duomo, you can enter the churches in Milan for free. And some of them house true works of art! Be sure to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church (the one next to the refectory that houses "The Last Supper") and the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, which dates back to the 4th century and is considered the second most important after the Cathedral.

Other important religious sites are the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church, considered Milan's "Sistine Chapel" for its complete cycle of 15th-century frescoes inside, as well as the Santa Maria presso San Satiro Church, where architect Bramante created a perfect optical illusion, making the nave appear much longer than it is.

If you're a fan of thrills, visit the San Bernardino alle Ossa Church, decorated with hundreds of skulls and bones.

The Inner Courtyard of the Sforza Castle

Even though you will need to pay for a ticket to enter the museums in the Sforza Castle (except on days when entry is free), you should know that you can stroll for free, through the beautiful inner courtyards, admiring the castle from the outside.

Taking the Elevator to the Belvedere Terrace of Palazzo Lombardia

Did you know that on certain days you can go up for free to the observatories on the 39th floor of the building called Palazzo Lombardia (the palace of the Lombardy region)? From the height of 161 meters, on clear sunny days, you will have a wonderful panoramic view, including a view of the surrounding areas of Milan.

The days when you can go up for free to Palazzo Lombardia are:

• The first Sunday of each month, from March to November
• February 14th (Valentine's Day)
• The days when Design Week takes place in Milan

Attention! A reservation is required, with a selected time slot, by 5:00 PM on the day prior to the visit.

Brera Botanical Garden

The Brera Botanical Garden is a green oasis hidden among the buildings in the center of Milan, near Palazzo Brera.

The history of the garden dates back to the 14th century, when it was a place where the monks of the Humiliati order (followed by the Jesuits from the 16th century) prayed and cultivated plants. In 1775, by the order of Empress Maria Theresa, the site was transformed into a botanical garden, primarily used for medicinal plants. Since 1935, it has been part of the University of Milan and is open for free visits.

The Monumental Cemetary of Milan

The Monumental Cemetery of Milan, opened in 1866, is filled with sculptures and other works of art created by renowned artists. The cemetery is the resting place of notable figures such as conductor Arturo Toscanini, writer Alessandro Manzoni, and poets Salvatore Quasimodo and Alda Merini.

Use the CIAO5 code before completing your reservation on Tiqets and you will get a 5% discount.