9 free things to do in Milan for budget travelers

The home of luxury fashion brands like Prada and Versace, Milan has a reputation for being one of the more expensive European cities to visit. Luckily, there are plenty of free things to do in Milan, allowing you to visit this stylish city without breaking the bank.

Stroll through the remains of one of the Roman Empire’s largest amphitheaters, visit a fashion exhibition housed in an old palace, or mingle with fans at the world’s most titled soccer stadium. With these activities and attractions, you can experience local culture and hidden gems in Milan on a budget.

Best free things to do in Milan

Best place for free views: Piazza del Duomo

Best free attraction: Castello Sforzesco Gardens

Best free activity: Strolling through Navigli District

Best free museum: Museo del Novecento

1. Photograph the Duomo di Milano

No trip to Milan is complete without a visit to the famous Duomo di Milano, the incredible cathedral that took 600 years to build. Its grand facade is a masterpiece of Gothic design, with delicate carvings and 130 soaring pinnacles reaching towards the sky. Although there’s a fee for entering the cathedral, the pale pink and white marble exterior is free to photograph.

How to best experience it

If you’re visiting Milan during peak tourist season and want to enter the cathedral, consider purchasing a fast-track ticket to avoid waiting in long lines.

Address

Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM

Sunday: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

2. Follow Da Vinci’s footsteps at Sforzesco Castle

Located in the heart of Milan, the Castello Sforzesco di Milano has played an essential part in the city’s history for centuries. From being taken over by Spaniard occupants and housing some of Milan’s most influential families to being used as ammunition storage and a learning place for the famed Leonardo Da Vinci, the castle walls hold many stories to share with those who visit.

How to best experience it

Entry to the castle is free, but it’s worth paying a small fee to enter the museum and experience more history.

Address

Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 7:00 AM–7:30 PM

3. Admire Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The oldest mall in the world, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is not just an excellent place for shopping; it’s an architectural wonder. A glass-and-iron roof arches over elegant walkways featuring intricate mosaics, marble floors, and grand archways. Ornate sculptures of historical figures, colorful frescoes, and tastefully designed storefronts make this a gem worth discovering.

How to best experience it

Milan is a large city, so finding the best way to get around is important. Booking a bike tour is an easy way to visit all of Milan’s top attractions, like the Galleria and nearby Duomo, as well as more hidden gems.

Address

Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milan

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Relax at Sempione Park

Sempione Park is a quiet green space in the city center, stretching from the Peace Arch to Sforzesco Castle. Visitors of all ages will find many activities to fill their afternoon — enjoy a family picnic, read under a shady tree, or cross over the magical Mermaid Bridge to feed your inner child.

How to best experience it

Combine your visits to Sempione Park and Sforzesco Castle by visiting the castle in the morning and heading to the park for an afternoon break.

Address

Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milan

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 6:30 AM–9:00 PM

5. Step into the Renaissance

Santa Maria delle Grazie is home to one of the world’s most famous paintings, The Last Supper, but it also offers a chance to sneak a glimpse into Renaissance-era Milan. This UNESCO landmark is the perfect place for visitors to stroll through elegant cloisters and admire colorful stained glass windows and detailed carvings depicting the lives of important saints.

How to best experience it

If you want to see "The Last Supper," remember that tickets book out well in advance. It’s best to purchase tickets at least a month in advance (earlier for weekend visits).

Address

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milan

Opening hours

Monday–Thursday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 to 5:30 PM

Friday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Sunday 3:00 to 5:30 PM

6. Take a stroll along the canals of Navigli

There’s no need to travel to Venice to enjoy Italy’s canals — Milan’s hippest neighborhood, the Navigli District, offers an equally enchanting experience. Walking around the canals, you’ll find cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, vintage stores and waterside restaurants playing live music, making it a lively, free way to soak up Milan’s chic vibe.

How to best experience it

If, after a long day of sightseeing, you’re too tired to walk along the canals, it’s also possible to hop on a canal cruise and enjoy the neighborhood from the water.

7. Hunt for ancient Roman ruins

If you look closely, Milan reveals remnants of the Roman Empire tucked inside its modern-day buzz. Discover an amphitheater that once held 8,000 roaring spectators, the courtyards of Emperor Maximian’s palace, and 16 Corinthian columns — the last remains of an ancient temple.

How to best experience it

If you only have time to visit one ruin in Milan, the Colonne di San Lorenzo is a must-visit, with the remains of 16 Roman columns, an amphitheater, and a bath house.

Address

Corso di Porta Ticinese, 20123 Milan

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. See Napoleon’s crown and scepter up close

Milan is a dream for lovers of free museums. At Palazzo Morando, explore Milanese fashion in an 18th-century palace. The Triennale Design Museum gardens showcase contemporary statues by artists like Giorgio de Chirico. The Museo del Risorgimento houses Napoleon’s crown and scepter, and the Mudec Museum’s African artwork tells the story of Italy’s colonial ties.

How to best experience it

Some museums, like the Palazzo Morando and Museo del Risorgimento, are completely free. Others, like the Mudec Museum and Triennale Design Museum have certain sections that are free, so be aware of those areas before you visit.

Address

Palazzo Morando, Via Sant'Andrea, 6, 20121 Milano

9. Visit the world’s most-titled stadium

Home to two famed, rivaling football teams, AC Milan and Inter Milan, San Siro Stadium offers the thrill of Milan’s soccer culture without a ticket. Capture photos of the stadium’s impressive architecture, enjoy fan murals of the teams, and soak in match day energy. Street vendors, live music, and fan gatherings bring excitement to life on game days.

How to best experience it

While the outside of the stadium and the surrounding areas are free, the stadium and its museum require a fee, which is worth it for the biggest sports enthusiasts. You can also purchase a ticket to experience a soccer match for yourself.

Address

Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milan

Opening hours

Monday-Sunday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

FAQs

What are the best budget-friendly attractions in Milan?

The city is known to be expensive, but luckily, there are a lot of free attractions to enjoy in Milan. Many churches have no entry fee and allow visitors to observe Renaissance and Gothic-style architecture. Milan is also home to the ruins of Roman temples, bathhouses, and palaces dotted around the city.

What are the best free outdoor activities in Milan?

Milan is a big, bustling city so it can be calming to escape sometimes for some quiet time outdoors. Sempione Park is the city’s largest park and boasts many things to do — take a picnic of local delicacies, dine at one of the park’s restaurants, or photograph the Peace Arch.

What are the best free museums in Milan?

There are a lot of amazing museums in Milan that showcase everything from Milanese fashion to African art, and a lot of them are free. Not only do the museums have incredible exhibitions, but many of them, like the Palazzo Morando and Museo del Risorgimento, are located inside historic palaces, adding to the experience.

What is the cheapest way to travel around Milan?

The most efficient and inexpensive way to travel around Milan is by public transport, including subways, buses and trams. Tickets can be purchased on the ATM transport services app, in stations, or onboard trams and subways.

How many days should I spend in Milan?

Two or three days would be the perfect amount of time to see all the top attractions in Milan. One day could be dedicated to visiting Sforzesco Castle and Sempione Park before enjoying an evening stroll in the Navigli Canals. Another day could be spent visiting the Duomo and enjoying the many free museums in Milan.