Milan, the twinkling capital of northern Italy, is a city that seems timeless and, at the same time, ultramodern. From its time as a Roman colony to its status as the birthplace of the Renaissance, tales are told on its streets about emperors, artists and industrial pioneers. The skyline is interspersed with towering Gothic cathedrals, chic 19th-century arcades, cool glass towers and winding canals reminiscent of Venice. The parks at the centre and the concealed yards and alleys encourage relaxed walks, and the cafes offer espresso so intense it might even run a tiny motor.
As a travel expert at Low Cost Vibes, I have identified a dozen places to visit in the city that won’t strain the wallet. Surprisingly, Milan is quite a pocket-friendly city: most of the most popular attractions there, cathedrals, museums, gardens, and so on, can be viewed either outside or on the open-day occasions. As a single traveller, a family with children, a night-owl, or a food-tour lover, Milan offers an abundance of free things to do in Milan that make the city not only affordable but also an unforgettable place to visit.
Things to do in Milan
1. Piazza del Duomo
Milan has its heartbeat at Piazza del Duomo, and there one is assured of seeing the towering spires of the cathedral, which appear as a silver coin tossed up into the air. The square offers a view of the intricate marble facade of the Duomo, without spending a penny; the stained-glass windows and the medieval carvings are literally a sight to behold. The square itself is a museum of its own: street shows, souvenir stands, and the legendary cafes “Galleria” set the stage for an ideal Milan experience. Children will enjoy seeing the gargoyles of the cathedral, and adults can enjoy a cappuccino at the old-fashioned cafe and enjoy the hustle and bustle.
One can also enjoy a free walking tour around the piazza to learn fun facts about the cathedral’s construction in the 16th century, the folklore surrounding the so-called Stained Glass Window, and the contemporary art exhibitions that, at times, adorn the granite steps of the square. When the Duomo is lit up at night, the front of the building is a romantic sight that creates beautiful pictures—the ideal place for a budget night out. The piazza and the Sforza Castle, which are located just a short distance away, can be reached in a few minutes on foot, and when you feel like the next adventure, the public transport network of the city will be available.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Historic Arcade/Mosaic Tradition
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a miracle of glass-dotted architecture, and a short walk or a stroll through the Duomo can take shoppers through a living museum of Milan’s commercial history. The arcade floor is laid with marble, the balconies are wrought iron, and the mosaics are rich, but the arcade’s entrance is free, and its interior is a sensory experience. There are old posters, high-end boutiques, and the well-known Prezi coffee shop that you will find while strolling around.
The main stairway of the Galleria, painted in a ripply pattern of green and gold, is an excellent place to take a snapshot; the meshwork over the stairlights is a monument of early industrial decoration. Children will become fond of the glittering tiles, and adults will have an opportunity to rest and see street entertainers in the entrance. It is also a cultural hub: free art exhibits and small concerts are regularly held in the Galleria’s atrium, particularly in summer. You can match a fast sightseeing tour with a walk to the local Teatro alla Scala, where the opera house’s exterior is lit during performances. Galleria is right in the centre of the city, which means that you are only a few steps away from the Piazza del Duomo, and you can continue your free day of sightseeing.
3. Castello Sforzesco Courtyards and Parco Sempione
The impressive Castello Sforzesco dominates the skyline of Milan. Still, its courtyards and gardens, along with the surrounding Parco Sempione, offer a peaceful getaway at no cost. There is no cost of entry into the outer walls of the castle, but the interiors of the museum are charged. Nevertheless, walking through the courtyard, with its Renaissance architecture, and watching the children play with pigeons on the stone walkways, offers free things to do in Milan that can please both history enthusiasts and families. The expansive lawn area in Parco Sempione is the preferred spot for kite flyers and impromptu soccer players.
The lake in the centre of this park is filled with swans and little boats, and the famous Arc della Pace provides a rather dramatic backdrop, which is worth photographing. Perhaps you are lucky: there will be a free open-air concert or cultural event at the amphitheatre in the park, particularly during late summer. To clear the mind, for a silent moment, go to the oak-lined walks in the park, which seem to be a private garden between the inhabitants. The jogging trail at the park will also help fitness lovers get some exercise and enjoy the city’s views. The park lighting makes the space a dreamy place to have a night stroll without paying a cent.
4. Brera District
Brera is a bohemian area with a combination of small alleys, ancient stone houses, and colourful street art. It gives a sense of both historical and fashionable. It is full of miniature galleries, antique shops and craft cafes that give one a feel of the local culture. Piazza dell’Argine is the main square and a social centre where musicians play free concerts, and people gather for a cup of coffee. Even a stroll in the streets of Brera is a free walking tour of Milan by itself: you will find murals representing the artistic heritage of this city, eccentric pop-up boutiques and the notorious Pinacoteca di Brera, where the entrance is absolutely free on the first Sunday of every month.
Children will admire the bright exterior and have an opportunity to see the sculptures of the famous children’s book of Milan on the way around the neighbourhood. In the adult category, the area is a wine bar domain, craft beer pub, and aperitivo restaurant paradise with a super-low entry point, particularly during the fresco season, making it an ideal place to mingle. The Brera district is well located, and a few steps after a day of free sightseeing, you can walk into the Duomo or Sforza Castle, as they are both located close to the city.
5. Free Museums
Milan’s museum culture is vast, but several museums offer free days or alternative hours, making them a good choice for a low-budget traveller. The Santa Maria delle Grazie, painted by Leonardo in the 15th century, is on display at the Santa Maria delle Grazie (a ticket is required to see the painting itself, but the adjacent museum is free to explore). Yet, everything else in the area is free. One can enjoy the exterior design and collection of European art at the Palazzo del Arte di Brera at no charge and is granted free access to the Achille Maragliano Museum on the first Sunday of each month.
Another area in the Sempione Park is the Museo del Duomo, where visitors can view the cathedral’s internal vaults free of charge during specific hours. To learn more about the industrial history of Milan, the free-to-visit Sculpture gardens of the “Museo del Cinema” on Via Famagosta can be a good choice. Visit based on the free museum days, checking each museum’s website or local tourist office; most are free on the first Sunday of the month or on summer weekends. The mix of free museums and an easy stroll through the city will provide you with an entire day of free things to do in Milan without having to pay a heavy entrance fee. For officially verified information on free museum days, public cultural events, and city-managed attractions, travellers can consult Milan’s official tourism portal.
6. Porta Nuova and Bosco Verticale
Porta Nuova is one of the examples of progressive design in Milan, with the smooth Bosco Verticale towers that integrate vegetation through their steel structures. The glass, steel, and reflective surfaces surrounding the streetscape are an intriguing playground. The stroll in this area is like a book on living architecture, and the vertical gardens are at every corner. This comes out as a free thing to do in Milan, as well, giving the impression of an escape into nature inside the city. The piazza della Repubblica is also located in the area and offers free concerts or pop-up markets on weekends.
The fact that you are close to the city’s metro stations allows you to jump off at Porta Nuova and get to the nearby Teatro alla Scala, where you can get a preview of a performance with no fee. For families, the streets are stroller-friendly, and the open spaces allow kids to run and play. Bosco Verticale is also designed in a way that it functions as a green lung, cooling the environment around it- ideal to have a cool break on a blazing summer day. Cafes and rooftops in the district have free DJs and outdoor screens throughout the summer months, and these are recommended to adult patrons seeking a more contemporary take on nightlife.
7. Cimitero Monumentale
The Cimitero Monumentale is a work of art, which seems more like a museum in the open air than a cemetery. Its mausoleums and complex limestone sculptures, as well as its ornate chapels, demonstrate Italy’s art. Going to the cemetery is one of those fun things to do in Milan that offers a peaceful place for reflection amid the city’s hustle. The roads are walker-friendly, and the grandiose facades and the infrequent carriage can enthral toddlers.
Adults are free to enjoy the marble work in detail, and photography is welcome. Occasional free art exhibitions and cultural events are also held in the cemetery, particularly in the fall season. The fact that the cemetery is close to the city centre also makes it a nice pit stop after a morning of museum visits or a late-afternoon walk out of the Duomo. The 19th-century funerary art collection evokes the most heartfelt emotions in those interested in architectural history, and families enjoy the absence of the rush of the streets.
8. CityLife District
CityLife is the modern business centre in Milan, with sky-scraping glass towers, and the piazzas provide relief for people walking around the city. The open places of the district, including the Piazza delle Nebbie, are just the right place to spend an afternoon; it is possible to sit on the benches, watch the people, and feel the vitality of the city around. The region is also home to its so-called Milan food tours, which begin with a free tasting of local street snacks and a tour of the area’s design studios and art installations.
For the family, the CityLife Arena offers free children’s workshops and exhibitions during school holidays. Skyline panoramas are the best way to get a glimpse of the city’s architectural contrast, with its ancient Gothic and modern glass-and-steel structures. The location is close to public transport, and by taking a tram you will arrive in the city centre and have a night aperitivo without paying extra to a taxi driver. The big, flat lots in CityLife also make it a safe place to play with kids, and the adults can relax and have a cup of coffee with others as the world passes by.
9. Art Nouveau District (Porta Venezia)
The streets of Porta Venezia are lined with bold Liberty-style buildings that showcase the beauty of Art Nouveau. The exteriors are coated with intricate patterns of flowers, iron balconies and twisting stonework- a magnificent view that does not charge an admission fee. It is a museum of decorative arts, and the principal street, the Via Palestro, has open-air cafes where you can have a cappuccino for a few euros apiece.
For families, the area has a free, well-maintained playground, an ideal place to spend a few minutes relaxing. The statue of Giorgio’s fountain is a place where adults can observe a moment of silence, as it offers a great spot for photos. Hopefully, the district will host free art shows in the old buildings, particularly in spring and summer. The contemporary tramways that pass through the vicinity conveniently lead to the city centre, ensuring that a free day of walking around Liberty-style can be followed by a free evening of nightlife in the area.
10. Rainbow Street and Via Lincoln – the colourful houses and unusual buildings
Officially known as Via Spadari, Rainbow Street is a secret street lined with pastel-coloured houses, each with a storey behind it. The full colour paint job on the facades is a rainbow, which is an immediate Instagram success. It is also where a small, free, open-air market is held on weekends, where local artisans peddle handmade crafts and street food. To the family, the small cobbled streets of the alley are a safe place where children can play and see the weird murals adorning the walls.
The adult population will have the opportunity to stop at cafes on Via Lincoln for a cup of espresso and a slice of traditional Milanese pastry. The free public art exhibitions, such as wooden sculptures and mosaics, make the area a good place to see free pieces in Milan that feel like walking into a living gallery. Being so close to the city centre, walking or taking a tram to the Duomo or the Navigli for a late-evening stroll is easy.
11. Brera Botanical Garden – a peaceful green area in the heart of Milan
Brera Botanical Garden is situated in the heart of the city, but it is a small, peaceful spot. It is home to numerous plants (both Mediterranean and alpine), and its meandering paths are ideal for a relaxing stroll or a book-in-hand rest. It is a free garden that is particularly beautiful in the spring when the flowers of all colours are in blossom. Families can allow children to follow butterflies and learn about vegetation, while adults can relax in the green environment.
The proximity to the Brera area allows one to balance the botanical excursion with a walk through the artistic streets and cafes. Free photography sessions are also common in the garden, given its natural light and variety of plants, which make it a beautiful background. As the evening falls, the garden’s walkways are lit, making a night walk a calm experience. The garden also offers a free activity in Milan, which is both refreshing and rejuvenating.
12. Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi (BAM) – contemporary urban park
Biblioteca degli Alberi (or Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi, or BAM) is a modern park that can be classified as both a library and a community centre. The park’s architecture features modern sculptural artworks, a curving walkway, a circular reading terrace, and a book canopy. The park is free, and the library has an array of books, audiobooks, and podcasts in various languages, making it a cultural centre for locals and visitors. The park is also hosting free children’s activities, such as storytelling and arts classes, especially on weekends.
The adults can also attend free lectures on environmental sustainability or have a cup of coffee in the park. At the park, the coffee shop is well furnished and offers a variety of plant-based drinks at relatively low prices. The modern design of the park promotes mobility and activity, and it is a secure area even for scooters and strollers. It is also close to the city centre, so you can walk or ride a bike to reach the next attraction, such as the Navigli or the historic centre, without spending extra on transportation.
13. Canals and scenic walks at sunset, Navigli Canals
The District of Navigli boasts a system of canals that dates back to medieval Milan. There are cafes, bars, and art studios along the canals, forming a vibrant yet not stressful environment. Taking a stroll along the edge of the water at sunset is a free activity among the things to do in Milan that always impresses. Families will have the opportunity to take a pleasant walk while children watch boats on the water. Adults will be able to enjoy a cheap aperitivo at one of the numerous bars, which offer a small drink and a free snack at the end of the night.
There are also free programmes in the Navigli, e.g., open-air concerts or art exhibitions in the nearby buildings, particularly in the summer festivals. The canals provide a perfect photography location, whether shooting the sunset over the water or the teal parts of the canals, which feature bright graffiti carved into the canal walls. To nightlife lovers, the place turns into a bustling hub at night, but the streets remain safe and friendly to families and individual visitors.
14. Monumental gates of the historic City Gates and Archways of Milan
The gates of the city, such as Porta Ticinese and Porta Romana in Milan, are rich in history and a monument to Milan’s medieval past. Taking a stroll through these archways is a free preview of Italy’s architectural development and the stone walls that have survived centuries of transformation. Plazas, with street shows and local markets, are well-kept and surround the gates. On the old stone steps, children can play, whilst the adults can stop in the local cafes for real Milanese pastry.
The gates also provide a reflecting space, particularly at the Porta Vittoria, at the arch of the “Galleria” above. To any architecture enthusiast, a walk through the gates will present the variety of styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, and the interwovenness of the city’s transport system. This is a cheaper alternative to one of the free things to do in Milan without a guided tour, and it can be combined with the closest activity, the Milan food tours, which offer even closer access to local food pleasures.
15. Almost-Free Experiences – retro trams, cheap aperitivo or bars
The transport network in Milan is effective and cheap, and it also features vintage trams that create a vintage experience as they ride through the city. One ticket will enable you to board a vintage tram that follows a path through the Duomo, the Galleria, and the city’s art districts, offering a preview of Milan’s cultural life for a few euros. To have a cheap evening out, one can go to the many aperitivos available in the city, which include a drink and a small dish at prices lower than those in most other European capitals.
Most bars also offer free sample tastings to help you decide whether to hit the full menu, so this is an excellent way to sample local wines and craft beers without going overboard. Families will be able to have their ice cream or gelato at a street stand at a very low price, and the adults can have a free thing to do in Milan by attending an open-air jazz concert in the parks of the city during the summer. That mix of old trams, affordable alcohol, and the colourful street life is an unforgettable experience, capturing the very essence of nightlife in Milan without draining the wallet.
Final Thoughts
Milan shows that even budget travellers can have a full cultural experience. The exterior of the grand Duomo may be as costly as the canals of Navigli, but all over it is something free or ridiculously inexpensive. The city’s walkable design allows one to transit between the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Brera area, and the contemporary CityLife area without paying for a taxi or a long-distance train. For families looking for things to do in Milan with kids, open-air museums and playgrounds will be a breath of relief for children, and adults will have the opportunity to explore Art Nouveau streets and enjoy aperitivo evenings at affordable prices.
The urban architecture of outdoor areas, whether it is the green towers of Bosco Verticale or the silence of the Brera Botanical Garden, indicates that Milan values access to beauty. Further, public transport in the city is cheap, with antique trams easily accessible to reach every landmark. As a travel professional in Low Cost Vibes, I can honestly say that Milan offers more than its history and high fashion; it’s also accessible to anyone willing to explore. The best part? The most recognisable attractions in the city are also accessible without a costly ticket. Is Milan worth visiting? Yes, Milan is a highly recommended destination for tourists looking to discover, have fun, and save.
FAQs for things to do in Milan
Milan is an expensive city, but quite affordable. You can save money by focusing on free attractions and walking, taking public transportation, and eating street food. So, is Milan expensive? Not if you plan smartly.
You can take a walk in the Duomo, in the mosaic arches of the Galleria, in the Castello Sforzesco courtyards, in the gardens of Parco Sempione, and go out on a night stroll along the Navigli canals.
Absolutely. There are many child-friendly places in the city, such as the open-air museums, playgrounds in the Parco Sempione, the Botanical Garden Brera, and Rainbow Street.
Very easy. Most routes are included in a single ticket on trams or the metro, and numerous attractions are accessible without transportation, since walking to the city centre is usually necessary.
You can enjoy free outdoor concerts in the parks, ride a tram on old tracks, explore the city’s arches, and have a free drink at a cheap aperitivo bar.
