Milan in summer: best things to do and see

With its soaring cathedral viewpoints and manicured gardens, Milan in summer is truly special. Take a walking tour to discover the history of Leonardo da Vinci or bike through the charming Old Town under the sunny skies. Whatever you pick, you’ll always be welcomed by a streetside gelato stall ready to cool you down. Despite its landlocked status, Milan has plenty of water adventures too. Take a cruise of the scenic Navigli District canals or head to the great Italian Lakes for a day trip. This summer guide highlights the best things to do in Milan in summer.

Milan’s best summer activities at a glance

Iconic landmarks and cultural experiences: Explore the Duomo di Milano, take a guided tour of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”, and visit the Sforza Castle.

Outdoor adventures: Cruise the Navigli canals, bike through Parco Sempione, or try surfing at Idroscalo.

Family-friendly activities: Enjoy a day at the Civic Aquarium of Milan or the Museum of Science and Technology.

Day trips from Milan: Discover the beauty of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda.

1. Tour the bustling Brera district in the summer sunshine

Explore the vibrant Brera district, a cultural and artistic hub in Milan, basking in the summer sunshine. Wander through its charming streets with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Visit the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera to admire masterpieces by Italian artists. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining at the district’s many al fresco restaurants and to experience the lively atmosphere of its piazzas.

Highlights:

Meander through artisanal storefronts selling summertime wares and fragrant perfumes. Catch classic paintings by Caravaggio and Raphael.

Address and opening hours:

Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-7:15 PM. Last entry at 6:00 PM.

2. Bask in the sunshine on a bike tour of Milan

Discover Milan’s beauty on a bike tour, soaking up the summer sunshine as you pedal through the city. A guided tour takes you past iconic landmarks such as Duomo Square, Sforza Castle, and the picturesque Navigli canals. Summer is the ideal season for this activity, with long daylight hours and warm weather making it perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant streets.

Highlights:

Booking a bike tour means you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide that balances must-visit tourist spots with hidden gems in Milan.

3. Cruise down the canals of Navigli

Experience the charm of Milan’s historic Navigli district with a relaxing canal cruise. Glide along the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese, taking in the picturesque views of colorful buildings, quaint bridges, and bustling markets. Summer evenings are perfect for this activity, as the cooler temperatures and vibrant nightlife along the canal banks create a magical atmosphere.

Highlights:

Sit back and relax in an open-top boat, enjoying the summertime energy with a cool Aperol spritz.

Address and opening hours:

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

4. View the summer skyline from atop the Duomo

Enjoy one of the city’s finest viewpoints at the top of the storied Duomo, also known as Milan's Cathedral. Offering panoramic vistas from the rooftop, you can gaze closer at the Madonnina statue or look out across the summertime bustle of Piazza del Duomo. The clear summer skies provide the perfect backdrop for panoramic vistas, stretching from the historic center to the distant Alps.

Highlights:

Enjoy one of the best and most historic viewpoints in the city. Hunt for religious artifacts and iconic statues within the Duomo.

Address and opening hours:

P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy. Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

5. Board the panoramic Bernina train for a day trip to the Alps

Embark on a scenic day trip from Milan and board the panoramic Bernina Express train towards St Moritz, which takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Alps. This summer adventure offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and glistening lakes. The train journey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a comfortable and picturesque way to experience the region’s natural beauty. Summer is ideal for this trip, with clear skies and vibrant scenery enhancing the experience.

Highlights:

Air-conditioned with panoramic viewing carts, this is the perfect excursion to enjoy stunning scenery in cool comfort.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Scala, 5, 20121 Milano MI, Italy. Open Sunday-Friday, from 7:00 AM.

6. Live like a local at Parco Sempione

Milan’s largest central park is awash with activity during the summer months. Perfect for picnics and summer activities, you can sit back with an aperitivo overlooking Arco della Pace. Book a Branca Tower ticket to head to the top of the park’s highest viewpoint.

Highlights:

This is the perfect summer hangout spot with pretty landscaped gardens dating from 1888 and a wealth of iconic attractions, including Brera Tower, Triennale di Milano, and a 1930s planetarium.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy. Open daily, 6:30 AM-9:00 PM

7. Walk in the life of Leonardo da Vinci

Da Vinci left a huge mark on Milan, from civil projects to the heritage mural, “The Last Supper.” Step into his work with a summer tour dedicated to Da Vinci’s life and works in Milan. Visit the iconic mural at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, explore the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, and stroll through the beautiful Sforza Castle where he once worked.

Highlights:

Skip the line of The Last Supper and get more time to hear stories, legends, and even conspiracy theories about the iconic artist, inventor, and architect.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

8. Enjoy a day at Milan’s very own lake, Idroscalo

The artificial lake of Idroscalo in the eastern reaches of the city is known locally as the “Sea of Milan.” One of the best things about Milan in summer is a refreshing dip in the swimming waters of Punta dell’Est or enjoying a wealth of water sports. You can even test your hand surfing amid the artificial waves of Wakeparadise.

Highlights:

The lake thrives with summertime activities, from swimming and boating to fishing and paddling. The area is also ripe with family-friendly attractions, including Europark and Wakeparadise.

Address and opening hours:

Via Circonvallazione, 29, 20054 Segrate MI, Italy. Open daily, 6:30 AM-9:00 PM

9. Experience the splendor of Lake Como

With its Rhaetian Alps backdrop and gorgeous lakefront towns, nothing is like Lake Como in summer. Known for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and charming villages, Lake Como offers a perfect escape from the city. Enjoy a boat tour around the lake, visit the picturesque town of Bellagio, or explore the lush gardens of Villa Carlotta.

Highlights:

Explore the cobbled stone staircases of Bellagio and bask in the sunshine as you watch boats bobble on the lakefront.

Address and opening hours:

20124 Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

10. Discover Europe’s largest lake island at Lake Iseo

Punctuated by soaring mountains and a wild natural setting, Lake Iseo is less busy in summer than its more famous neighbors. Discover this picturesque region, dip in its splendid waters, and explore the gem of Monte Isola, Europe’s largest lake island, dotted with charming fishing villages.

Highlights:

Travel to Iseo by air-conditioned bus and hop on a boat tour to Monte Isola. You’ll visit Bergamo, Piazza Vecchia, and Colleoni Chapel, among other heritage highlights.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza IV Novembre, 20124 Milano MI, Italy. Tour times and dates vary.

FAQs

Where can I go swimming or relax by the water in Milan?

As a landlocked city, Milan’s best swimming waters are artificial. There are plenty of large open-air swimming pools across town, like Bagni Misteriosi and Aquatica Park. For a more natural setting, head to Idroscalo.

Are there any great summer festivals in Milan?

Milan comes to life in summer with a stacked calendar of festivals and events. Look for Milano Pride in June, the Night of Museums late-night openings in July, and the Ferragosto national holiday in August. There are also the nighttime markets of Festa del Naviglio in June and the summer-long Arianteo events across the city.

What are the must-visit outdoor attractions in Milan?

For outdoor excursions, head to Milan’s parks like Parco Sempione and its surrounding sites like Sforzesco Castle. Other highlights include Indro Montanelli Gardens with its museum-flanked gardens and Idroscalo for lake-based fun. Major sites like the Duomo and Royal Palace are also charming in summer.

What are some great day trips to take from Milan in the summer?

The Italian Lakes are an exceptional destination during the warm summer months. You can cool off in the waters of Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Iseo, among other tranquil spots.

What are some fun activities with kids in Milan in the summer?

If you’re traveling with kids, why not take a bike ride through the city’s famed attractions? You can also head to Parco Sempione to run off steam or paddle on the shores of Idroscalo.