Your guide to Milan in spring: 8 essential experiences

With warmer weather, fewer crowds, and breathtaking florals, Milan in spring is at its best — transformed into a hub of culture, art, and breathtaking scenery. See Milan in bloom from atop the Duomo terraces or enjoy a celebration of art and culture at the beloved Milan Art Week event. From the excitement of Milan Fashion Week to a relaxing picnic at Parco Sempione, there’s no shortage of things to do in Milan. Whatever your travel style, this spring guide to Milan rounds up the eight best springtime activities you don’t want to miss.

Milan’s best spring activities at a glance

Best place to see spring flowers in Milan: The Indro Montanelli Public Gardens hosts the colorful Orticola Flower Show in the spring, while Brera Botanical Garden showcases Milan’s plant diversity.

Best things to do in Milan in spring for kids and families: Enjoy a day of play at Parco Sempione, the largest park in Milan, or see the springtime skies from atop the iconic Milan Cathedral.

Unique events in Milan in spring: Admire the latest trends during Milan Fashion Week or immerse yourself in art and culture during Milan Art Week.

Best things to do in Milan in spring for couples: Enjoy outdoor aperitivo (pre-dinner snack) by the canal or take a romantic boat ride at sunset along the Naviglio Grande.

1. Picnic at Parco Sempione

As in many other cities, Milan traditionally celebrates Easter with a picnic in the park. It's easy to join in on the tradition: Head to Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest park, where vast green spaces, kid-friendly playgrounds, and colorful blooms, offer the best settings for dining al fresco on a spring day in Milan. Nestled between two must-see attractions — the Sforza Castle, an expansive medieval fortification, and the triumphal arch Arco della Pace — the 116-acre Parco Sempione is beloved by both tourists and locals as one of the most picturesque settings and family-friendly places in Milan, especially in the springtime.

Address

20121 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan.

Opening hours

Open 6:30 AM–9:00 PM daily.

2. See the city in bloom from atop the Duomo

Rated one of Milan’s top views, the Milan Cathedral (the Duomo) is one of the best places for photographers to capture. Renowned as Europe’s largest cathedral, the Duomo took over six centuries to complete and stands 354 feet tall. Take your time exploring liturgical artifacts in the Duomo Museum and the wealth of art scattered throughout the cathedral, including the frescoed ceilings and stained glass windows. In Milan in spring, the Duomo is surrounded by fragrant light pink magnolia trees, adding to the beauty of the Gothic masterpiece. Book a rooftop entry ticket for access to Duomo’s central terrace, the cathedral’s highest point, where you can even glimpse the silhouette of the Alps.

Address

P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI.

Opening hours

Open 9:00 AM–7:00 PM daily.

3. Take a fashion tour during Milan Fashion Week

A spring guide to Milan isn’t complete without one of the biggest events of the season: Milan Fashion Week. Known as the fashion capital of Italy, Milan during Fashion Week is abuzz with fashion exhibitions, street style events, and shoppers looking for the latest trends. Take a private fashion tour through the chic boutiques and luxury shops of the Navigli District or search for hidden gems on a vintage shopping excursion in Milan’s city center.

4. Enjoy outdoor aperitifs on the waterfront

Spring is undoubtedly the best time to indulge in Milan’s food scene, when bars and restaurants open their patios and locals flock to the outdoor terraces to celebrate the start of the al fresco dining season. Sit along the edge of the canal and enjoy an aperitivo in the Navigli District or stay up late and go on a bar-hopping tour in Milan. Take a walking street food tour and sample Milanese favorites like panzerotti (a savory Italian turnover), or embark on a wine-tasting tour with an Italian sommelier. Whether you’re a wine lover, cheese connoisseur, or pastry enthusiast, you’re sure to find a delicacy to satisfy your appetite in Milan in spring.

5. Visit an art gallery during Milan Art Week

Every spring, Milan Art Week transforms Milan into a hub of modern and contemporary art in celebration of art and language. Now in its 28th year, Milan Art Week features over 1,000 works by new and established artists on display in curated galleries, street art projects, and exhibitions throughout Milan’s art galleries. Even if you arrive outside of MiArt's duration, don't forget that Milan is brimming with art year-round; snag tickets to see Leonardo da Vinci’s famous mural The Last Supper or the Rondanini Pietà, a marble sculpture by Michelangelo.

6. Admire seasonal blooms at the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens

Immerse yourself in the elegant beauty and floral fragrance of Milan in spring with an afternoon at the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, the oldest public park in Milan. Stop and smell the sweet aroma of classic Italian roses or admire a colorful array of hydrangeas while you peruse the lush gardens. Completed in 1784, the historic park also contains both the Natural History Museum and the Baroque-style Palazzo Dugnani within its perimeters, two unmissable stops for history buffs in Milan. Those visiting the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens in the spring are in for a special treat: The Orticola Flower Show, exhibiting for a week every spring, showcases the boldest blooms and ultra-rare plant varieties.

Address

Via Palestro, 20121 Milano MI.

Opening hours

Open 6:30 AM–9:00 PM daily.

7. Cruise the Naviglio Grande at sunset

Rated as one of the most romantic outdoor activities in Milan, cruise the Naviglio Grande at sunset for a postcard-worthy ending to your spring day in the city. Enjoy appetizers and drinks while watching the sun go down on the canals of the Navigli District, transformed by colorful blooms hanging over the water’s edge. Sail past classic Milanese railing houses and the Church of San Cristoforo, one of the oldest churches in the city, as you float upstream just before dusk. Step into the convivial atmosphere of Milan’s nightlife when you arrive back at the dock and visit one of Navigli’s artisanal gelaterias for the perfect way to round off your night on the town.

8. Discover Milan’s secret garden in the Brera district

Known as a green oasis in the center of Murano’s busy city, the Brera Botanical Garden is the best place to visit in Milan in spring for botany enthusiasts. Located in the Brera district behind the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, a popular art museum, the secret garden once served as a place of meditation and plant cultivation for priests. Today, it serves as an open-air research museum, as well as a place of rest and relaxation for locals and travelers alike. Stroll through romantic flowerbeds and blooming trees while admiring a diverse collection of over 3,000 plant varieties, cultivated and maintained by the University of Milan.

Address

Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI.

Opening hours

Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM.

FAQs

What is Milan known for?

Milan is renowned as a global fashion and design hub, attracting trendsetters and innovators. The city exudes a cosmopolitan vibe with a strong European influence. Additionally, Milan is a key financial center, hosting the Italian stock exchange and playing a significant role in international finance.

Is it worth spending 3 days in Milan?

Milan offers a rich cultural experience that is best enjoyed over three days. This allows you to explore its iconic landmarks, indulge in the local cuisine, and experience the vibrant atmosphere. From the stunning architecture of the Duomo to the world-class art at the Pinacoteca di Brera, three days provide ample time to fully appreciate the city's charm and diversity.

Is it appropriate to wear jeans in Milan during spring?

Absolutely, jeans are a common and stylish choice in Milan during spring. Pair them with a nice shirt or blouse for a casual yet fashionable look.

What are the coolest areas to explore in Milan?

Milan boasts several trendy neighborhoods worth exploring. Brera offers a romantic atmosphere, while Isola showcases modern vibes. Tortona is a creative hub, and Porta Romana exudes industrial charm. Navigli resembles a mini Venice with its canals, and Porta Venezia is a cultural melting pot. Paolo Sarpi is known as Chinatown, and NoLo is a lively social district. For fashion enthusiasts, the Quadrilatero d'Oro is a must-visit.

Is it feasible to explore Milan on foot in a day?

Yes, it's feasible to explore Milan in a day. Despite being a large city, Milan's main attractions are conveniently located within walking distance. The efficient public transport system, including the metro, trams, and taxis, also makes getting around easy. Many landmarks are close to each other, allowing you to experience the city's highlights comfortably on foot.