Best Things to See in Milan — Travel on a Budget

Milan is one of the wealthiest and most stylish cities in Europe and it has some very important historical attractions. This gorgeous Italian city is totally worth visiting, but we must admit it – it’s a bit pricey. If you’re traveling on a budget, your first thought might be that this is not a destination for you. But don’t worry, there are quite a few things in Milan that you can see and do that won’t cost you a single cent. There are various sights to see that you don’t have to pay for, and in this blog post, we bring you 5 of the best things to see in Milan for free.

Before we start, be sure to check out our Cultural Places Platform and discover the amazing tours that will help you explore your destinations at your own pace.

Let’s explore Milan for free…

Duomo di Milano

Milan Cathedral, or Duomo di Milano, is one truly fascinating church – among all of those beautiful churches in Italy, this one might be the most interesting. Just take a look at its gorgeous marble façade! Did you know that it took over six centuries for it to be completed? You will spend hours admiring all of the details and you will understand why.

Entering the Cathedral was free for years, and recently they started charging it 3 euros, but if you’re a true worshiper you can get in for free – at least to see one part of the Cathedral. When you step inside, you will be amazed by its stained-glass windows – it’s a whole different level of beauty.

Duomo di Milano

Duomo di Milano

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

While you’re at the Piazza di Duomo admiring the Cathedral, turn around and check out astonishing Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, known as ‘il salotto di Milano’ (Milan’s sitting room). You must walk through it and admire its glass roof and gorgeous mosaic floor, but if you’re traveling on a budget don’t enter any of its bars, restaurants, or shops – they’re not very affordable.

When you’re there, go to the center of the arcade and you will see a bull mosaic with people taking turns spinning on their heels on it. Be sure to do the same – it’s for good luck.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Castello Sforzesco

Not that far away from the Piazza di Duomo, you will see Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle in English), home to Milan’s rulers in the 15th and 16th centuries. This red-brick architectural wonder surrounded by a moat is one of the most important landmarks of Milan. On the inside, you will find numerous museums, some of them are the Museum of Ancient Art, Furniture Museum, an archaeological museum with Egyptian artifacts, and a museum displaying Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pietà Rondanini.

You can explore its outside and moats for free, and even some of the museums, depending on what day it is. Check out the official website of the Castle to find out when you can enter museums for free.

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco

Parco Sempione

On the backside of the Sforza Castle, you will find an amazing park called Parco Sempione (Sempione Park) – one of the best free things in Milan. This is the best choice for a picnic day in Milan or just a place to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Also, you will love it if you’re an architecture enthusiast – there are various architectural wonders to be seen here. There is the gorgeous Art Nouveau Acquario, Fascist Palazzo dell’Arte and Torre Branca with the best view of the city, and of course the Castle that we already mentioned.

Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione

Admire Street Art

If you’re really into exploring cities on foot, Milan is the perfect destination for you. So, don’t be afraid to wander through the streets of Milan, and while you’re doing so, keep your eyes open for some cool street art – you’ll love it. There are two street art hotspots – one is around Garibaldi station, in the Isola district, and the other is Corso di Porta Ticinese.

Milan Street Art

Milan Street Art

Besides street art, keep your eyes open for many churches that Milan hides – they’re all gorgeous. Of course, if you’re passionate about exploring cities, you will never get bored – just wander around its streets. The streets of Milan are just amazing – both by day and night, you’ll fall in love with this city for sure.

If you love Milan, be sure to check out our blog about other gorgeous Italian cities, as well.