If years ago Milan was mainly considered during the cold seasons for its glamorous and worldly events, today the Milanese capital is growing visibly also for summer tourism. Milan in summer is a different experience, which will allow you to discover the city in a new light and with less chaos on the streets. The warm and sunny days are perfect for exploring the cultural beauties of the city, discovering its more traditional side.
We shortlisted a few activities, areas to shop and places to see to make you enjoy the city like a real local.
1. Explore the Navigli markets
Few people knows that Milan is considered a "water city", as it is lapped or crossed by five rivers and five canals called Navigli. The Navigli are one of the most iconic symbols of Milan, an attraction for locals and tourists looking for nightlife, culture, good food or simply relaxation. The most famous is certainly the Mercatone dell'Antiquariato (the "Antiques Market") on the Naviglio Grande, a real city happening taking place on the last Sunday of the month. It is very popular with locals buying from the vendors from Viale Gorizia to the Via Valenza bridge… almost 2 km of stalls to find a good deal! This market is a paradise for those who love antiques: the vendors sells any type of antique object, accessories, jewellery, paintings, wooden furniture, ceramics, books, old records and much more.
2. Eat in one of the famous and typical Milanese Trattorie
The Milanese culinary culture is famous all over the world for its refinement and for its ancient roots, based on recipes that have often been handed down from generation to generation. A cuisine that is undoubtedly rich in typical dishes, such as Milanese risotto, Milanese cutlet, ossobuco and panettone, just to name a few. If you pass by Milan this summer you cannot miss one of the historic "Trattorie”, among these, there is certainly Trattoria La Pesa, Bice (our favorite) and Trattoria Arlati.
3. A relaxed day at Lake Como? You can't give it up
Thanks to its location, Milan is great for organizing fun and interesting day trips. The famous Lake Como is situated only 50 km north of Milan and can be easily reached with a local train departing from the Central station or Cordusio station. Lake Como is one of the most folkloric places in Lombardy, thanks to its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, history, culture and charm. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the lake offers spectacular landscapes, with ancient villas, lush gardens and picturesque villages on the banks. By the way, one of our design apartments is now available in Como, you can find it in the "Accomodations" section. The apartment has been furnished by an Italian interior designer and it is located five minutes walk from the historic center of the town.
4. Arco della Pace and Parco Sempione
Finally, you cannot give up a long walk in the most central park in Milan. You can enter Castello Sforzesco for free and cross into Parco Sempione. This is the largest park in Milan, and a lovely green spot to walk around. From here you can easily walk over to Arco della Pace. This city gate is a beautiful and imposing must-see in Milan. It’s also surrounded by lots of chilly bars and restaurants. Aim to get here for aperitivo time, so you can combine some sightseeing with a typical Milanese experience.
5. Visit the Brera botanical garden
This ancient historic garden is a tiny corner of paradise, almost an open-air museum. Built at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1774, the Botanical Garden has become one of the symbols of the Brera district, together with the famous Pinacoteca and the Astronomical Observatory (the latter is little known but very interesting). The garden boasts over 300 species of plants spread over 5,000 square meters. It aims to conserve biodiversity and some rare species. Admission is free, one more reason to take a detour and enjoy a break in the nature, strolling along the centuries-old trees and colourful flower beds.
We shortlisted a few activities, areas to shop and places to see to make you enjoy the city like a real local.
1. Explore the Navigli markets
Few people knows that Milan is considered a "water city", as it is lapped or crossed by five rivers and five canals called Navigli. The Navigli are one of the most iconic symbols of Milan, an attraction for locals and tourists looking for nightlife, culture, good food or simply relaxation. The most famous is certainly the Mercatone dell'Antiquariato (the "Antiques Market") on the Naviglio Grande, a real city happening taking place on the last Sunday of the month. It is very popular with locals buying from the vendors from Viale Gorizia to the Via Valenza bridge… almost 2 km of stalls to find a good deal! This market is a paradise for those who love antiques: the vendors sells any type of antique object, accessories, jewellery, paintings, wooden furniture, ceramics, books, old records and much more.
2. Eat in one of the famous and typical Milanese Trattorie
The Milanese culinary culture is famous all over the world for its refinement and for its ancient roots, based on recipes that have often been handed down from generation to generation. A cuisine that is undoubtedly rich in typical dishes, such as Milanese risotto, Milanese cutlet, ossobuco and panettone, just to name a few. If you pass by Milan this summer you cannot miss one of the historic "Trattorie”, among these, there is certainly Trattoria La Pesa, Bice (our favorite) and Trattoria Arlati.
3. A relaxed day at Lake Como? You can't give it up
Thanks to its location, Milan is great for organizing fun and interesting day trips. The famous Lake Como is situated only 50 km north of Milan and can be easily reached with a local train departing from the Central station or Cordusio station. Lake Como is one of the most folkloric places in Lombardy, thanks to its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, history, culture and charm. Surrounded by mountains and hills, the lake offers spectacular landscapes, with ancient villas, lush gardens and picturesque villages on the banks. By the way, one of our design apartments is now available in Como, you can find it in the "Accomodations" section. The apartment has been furnished by an Italian interior designer and it is located five minutes walk from the historic center of the town.
4. Arco della Pace and Parco Sempione
Finally, you cannot give up a long walk in the most central park in Milan. You can enter Castello Sforzesco for free and cross into Parco Sempione. This is the largest park in Milan, and a lovely green spot to walk around. From here you can easily walk over to Arco della Pace. This city gate is a beautiful and imposing must-see in Milan. It’s also surrounded by lots of chilly bars and restaurants. Aim to get here for aperitivo time, so you can combine some sightseeing with a typical Milanese experience.
5. Visit the Brera botanical garden
This ancient historic garden is a tiny corner of paradise, almost an open-air museum. Built at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1774, the Botanical Garden has become one of the symbols of the Brera district, together with the famous Pinacoteca and the Astronomical Observatory (the latter is little known but very interesting). The garden boasts over 300 species of plants spread over 5,000 square meters. It aims to conserve biodiversity and some rare species. Admission is free, one more reason to take a detour and enjoy a break in the nature, strolling along the centuries-old trees and colourful flower beds.