Beyond the Duomo: 20 fun and unique things to do in Milan

Are you ready to cruise the streets in a vintage car or hop on a Segway to discover a city in style? Exploring the city’s monuments and museums with these 20 fun things to do in Milan will show you that there’s more than the Duomo or Da Vinci. Visit Milan’s best attractions, learn a new skill, toast your love, and discover fun foodie tours and pizza-making lessons with these top things to do in Milan.

For families with kids, Milan offers a treasure trove of hands-on activities and adventures. Whether exploring the city’s landmarks or planning a romantic getaway, these 20 fun things to do in Milan include solving an escape room puzzle, exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s wild inventions, and crafting a unique itinerary for your trip.

Ready to find fun things to do in Milan?

Fun things to do in Milan as a couple

1. Explore Milan’s streets in a vintage car

Transport yourself to the 50s golden age with an open-top vintage car tour of Milan, and feel like you’re in a classic Antonioni movie. Look for a tailor-made itinerary as you and your loved one drive through iconic districts like Corso Buonosaires and Montenapoleone.

Highlights:

A classic 50s car has no windows or roof; you’ll get uninterrupted views of Milan and its cinematic streets.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Venticinque Aprile, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

2. Glide through Milan on a Segway

A Segway is the perfect way to experience Milan’s sites up close. You’ll glide through Cathedral Square, Corso Vittorio, and more tourist sites with added fun as you balance your way through the city. A live guide will show you around, so there's no getting lost.

Highlights:

Choose between 2-hour or 3-hour tours taking in Milan's essential tourist spots. Group and private options are available for added intimacy.

Address and opening hours:

Via dei Chiostri, n. 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

3. Hit the catwalk on a 3-hour fashion tour

Explore one of Europe’s most elegant fashion capitals with a fashion tour. You’ll be whisked along the famed Quadrilatero del Oro, where you can window shop to your heart’s content. This fun excursion will take you to chic boutiques and cafes as you hear stories of legendary fashionistas.

Highlights:

Soak in the fashionable atmosphere at galleries like Roberta e Basta, before taking in historic stores like Via Montenapoleone's Giorgio Armani.

Address and opening hours:

Via Alessandro Manzoni, 31, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

4. Learn how to pair wine with food on a wine-tasting experience

Sip wine like a seasoned sommelier with an introductory course on Italy’s best food and drink pairings. Sit in a cozy bar and sip an intimate pouring of Milan’s famed red, white, and sparkling wine varieties.

Highlights:

Choose a package with important wines alongside charcuterie and artisan bread for a romantic excursion in Milan with your partner.

Address and opening hours:

Via Molino delle Armi, 48, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

5. Create memories on a customized tour with a personal photographer

Don’t worry about breaking your magical Milan moments for a photograph. Book a personal photographer to catch the best candid snaps. From romantic backdrops like the Duomo to the leafy trails of Parco Sempione, a personal photographer will help you create the perfect mementos.

Highlights:

Your photographs will be professionally edited within 5 days and displayed in an online gallery. You can download, print, and frame them as you wish.

Address and opening hours:

Choose your own meeting point. Open Monday-Sunday, from 8:30 AM.

6. Cruise on Lake Como

Breathtakingly serene and loaded with fun waterborne excursions, take a day trip from Milan to Lake Como. Bask in the Neoclassical brilliance of Como’s lakefront with your loved one.

Highlights:

With free time to explore towns like Lugano and Bellagio, this is the perfect introduction to the beauty of northern Italy. A serene boat trip on Lake Como is also included.

Address and opening hours:

P.za Sigmund Freud, 1, 20154 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

7. Take a romantic boat ride on the Navigli district canals

Hop aboard a classic canal boat and discover the beloved Navigli, a district known by Milanese as a scenic spot for dates and romance. Watch canal front bars and terraces team with excitement as you toast your love under the setting sun.

Highlights:

Enjoy a listless and romantic journey on a serene cruise while sipping a glass of wine or Aperol spritz.

Address and opening hours:

Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 20144 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

8. Celebrate in the gorgeous Franciacorta wine country

Take a break from the bustle with the food and wine experience in Franciacorta. This breathtaking wine country provides a fun setting to enjoy a date as you visit vineyards dating back to the Romans. Sharing a glass from the source with a sunset is one of the top things to do in Italy.

Highlights:

You'll taste prestigious local wine and visit the picturesque city of Bergamo, with its gorgeous sun-kissed piazzas.

Address and opening hours:

Paderno Franciacorta, 25050 Province of Brescia, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

Fun things to do in Milan with kids

9. Get hands-on with Da Vinci's inventions at Leonardo3

This fun museum in the heart of Milan recreates Da Vinci’s inventions and provides interactive models. Book your entry ticket in advance to skip the ticket booth and introduce your kids to Da Vinci’s wild and wacky flying machines.

Highlights:

This is the perfect introduction for families to the world of Leonardo da Vinci, with a full digital recreation of “The Last Supper” to discover.

Address and opening hours:

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, 11, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open daily, 9:30 AM-9:00 PM.

10. Dive into soccer at San Siro Stadium

The home stadium of soccer giants AC Milan provides a fun excursion for soccer-loving families. You can explore the changing rooms, stands, and sidelines of these iconic soccer grounds, before gazing at medals and memorabilia.

Highlights:

There’s so much here for AC Milan fans. View the original kits from Italia 1970 or follow in the footsteps of legends as you traverse the player’s tunnel.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale Angelo Moratti, 20151 Milano MI, Italy. Tours and museum Monday-Friday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM. Closed on weekends for matches.

11. Learn how to cook pasta from scratch

If your kids love dining out on Italian pasta, get them in on the action with a family cooking class. They’ll learn how to make fresh pasta in a safe and homely kitchen. There’s nothing more fun than getting your hands messy with pasta dough and watching it transform into a classic bowl of spaghetti.

Highlights:

Enjoy a homemade meal for lunch or dinner, with all extras like pasta source and fruit salads provided.

Address and opening hours:

Via Benozzo Gozzoli, 160, 20152 Milano MI, Italy. Times and dates vary.

12. Get a front-seat view with an open-top bus tour

A bus tour of Milan is perfect for tired and little legs. Get stunning views of top sites like the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio and enjoy plenty of onboard comforts, from Wi-Fi to snacks and an engaging child-friendly commentary to get your kids involved.

Highlights:

Customized for families, you can charge any portable devices as you ride through the streets. The best views are found on the top deck, which has unobstructed sights of Milan.

Address and opening hours:

Milan Cathedral, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Routes run daily, 10:15 AM-5:30 PM.

13. Go for a thrilling adventure across the city of Milan

For families with teenagers over 14 years of age, an escape room experience can provide a thrilling adventure. Work together to solve a range of puzzles as you navigate Milan, exploring the city in a fun way. Unlike most escape room games, you’ll follow real-world clues to discover your ultimate destination away from the tourist traffic.

Highlights:

The experience takes you away from the usual tourist spots. Provided in-app, you can take your time as you traverse this magical city.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale Stazione Genova, 20144 Milano MI, Italy. App game available 24/7.

Fun things to do in Milan on your own

14. Admire the mural of the Last Supper on a private viewing experience

Get a guaranteed 15 minutes up close with Milan’s most famous artwork, "The Last Supper," and skip the line to explore the fascinating history of this painting. Learn some fun facts about the painting with a private tour, including the mystery of the missing eyes, alongside conspiracy theories relating to Da Vinci and his work.

Highlights:

Experience a piece of history up close in one of Milan’s most breathtaking museums and buildings.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:15 AM–7.00 PM.

15. Gaze out at the city atop Branca Tower

This marvel of 1930s architecture offers unspoiled views across Milan from Parco Sempione. Take the exciting modern elevator up to the top of Branca Tower and spot landmarks in the distance, like Sforza Castle.

Highlights:

This is one of the highest viewpoints in the city that benefits from unobstructed panoramas across the park.

Address and opening hours:

Viale Luigi Camoens, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open Wednesday-Friday, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM, and 3:00 PM-6:30 PM. Open Saturday, 10:30 AM-1:00 PM, 3:00 PM-6:30 PM, and 8:30 PM-12:00 AM. Open Sunday, 10:30 AM-2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM-7:00 PM.

Fun things to do in Milan if you like food and drink

16. Learn how to make pizza and gelato in a cooking class

It'd be a shame not to bring some of Milan’s tasty flavors home. Go one step further and learn how to make them with a fun cooking class! Learn what makes a good pizza seasoning and enjoy the fruits of your labor once it’s cooked.

Highlights:

Don’t worry if you forget the recipe, you’ll receive a digital booklet to take home.

Address and opening hours:

Via Giovanni Battista Sammartini, 2, 20125 Milano MI, Italy. Times and dates vary.

17. Go gourmet with a Milan food tour

Take the pressure out of booking a reservation with a gourmet foodie tour. Discover your new favorite dishes as you explore Milan’s offerings with a passionate foodie and chow down on everything from Milanese risotto to stuffed potatoes.

Highlights:

You’ll avoid the regular tourist trail while uncovering stories about Milan’s food history with your English-speaking guide.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Cordusio, Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

18. Get hip with Navigli’s latest food trends

The Navigli district is a delightful area renowned for its markets, al fresco restaurants, and aperitivo, a traditional Italian meal before (or accompanying) a drink. Take a tour to explore some of Milan's more exciting eateries, or follow your nose along the Navigli canal to uncover fine cheese shops and enoteca bars.

Highlights:

You'll sample a diverse array of dishes before sitting down for a five-course meal complete with wine pairings and dessert.

Address and opening hours:

Cerchia dei Navigli, 20123 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

19. Snack through street food as you hear about history

With a historical highlights tour, you can explore the history of Milan through its tasty street food. Dine on delicacies like Milanese meatballs, gelato, and tramezzini (a type of Italian sandwich) in the picture-postcard Brera district.

Highlights:

Learn about the food that fueled Milan's artists on an intimate group tour of up to 10 people.

Address and opening hours:

Via Tivoli, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

20. Craft the perfect Italian menu with a cooking class

Master the art of the ideal Milanese menu with a sightseeing tour or a cooking class. Explore Milan’s essential sites to inspire your cooking menu and get ready to create seasonal dishes with step-by-step guidance from a pro chef.

Highlights:

You’ll get the best of both worlds with a guided tour of Milan’s highlights before settling down with a cooking class.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Times and dates vary.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Milan at night?

Wondering what to do in Milan at night? From classical theater performances at the Scala to grand nights out in bustling Brera, Milan is packed with fun nighttime activities. Some top options include exploring Milan’s drinks scene. Popular areas include Porto Venezia, with its cool art-focused bars, and Navigli, which has scenic canals and street food pairings.

Are there any fun day trips from Milan that I should consider?

Milan is ideally placed to explore northern Italy’s majestic landscapes. From Lake Como to Bergamo and Brescia, you can tap into nature or explore ancient Roman ruins. Avid hikers can head to Monte San Primo, famed for its snow-capped peaks, and one of the best things to do in Milan.

What are some popular festivals or events in Milan?

Milan’s famous Fashion Week lands every March with events at bars and parks across the city. This is followed swiftly by Milan Design Week in April. Other popular cultural things to see in Milan include the Milan Film Festival in October, which always hosts some of the year’s most prestigious art films, and JazzMi in November, an excellent incentive to catch gigs during Milan’s colder season.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Milan?

Milan has plenty of fun activities for little ones, from fun adventure games to playgrounds in Parco Sempione. Some popular favorites include the hands-on displays of the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology and Leonardo3, two museums that bring Da Vinci’s inventions to life.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Milan?

From Segway tours to bike rides, there are plenty of outdoor things to see in Milan. Head to Parco Sempione to follow winding trails or get active at the sports-centric Parco Nord. You can also hop aboard a canal cruise in Navigli or head to Milan's very own little mountain, Monte Stella, for a stroll.