Milan is Italy’s fashion, business and “elite” capital. It also has the reputation of being an expensive city. Take it from someone who doesn’t have much disposable income to spend, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY!
There are many things to do in Milan that do not cost a penny, even with kids and EVEN IN THE RAIN!!
Here are my top 5 suggestions if you find yourself in this international Italian city without a Euro in your pocket!
These can all be see if your are in Milan for just 24 hours, or even 48 hours. Perfect if you are visiting the city for EXPO2015 and also want to get in some sightseeing!
#1 – The Castello Sforzesco
Entry on to the grounds of the Castello Sforzesco, Milan’s Medieval Castle is FREE! You can wander into this 14th Century Castle at no cost and enjoy a look around the walls, or do as the Milanese (people of Milan!) do, hang out in the Castle’s gardens! On a beautiful spring or summer day the gardens are filled with locals, business people on their lunch and families. After 5 pm you’ll find students and people killing time and catching some rays before an aperitivo, I’ve written before about the Italian ritual of having an aperitivo here.
On a rainy day, which is what we caught while there, you can still enjoy the outside of the Castle for free, or decide to pay the admission price of only 5 euros and enter the Castle’s vast museums and interior spaces.
The Sforzesco Castle With Kids:
Visiting Milan in the following months leading up to the Expo 2015 is a great time because there are actually a lot of free events in the city for kids hosted by the EXPO organization. Just as the rain really started to come down, we wandered into this Dome that was hosting a full day kids workshop. This is part of Childrenshare organized by the MUBA, Children’s Museum of Milan in collaboration with the EXPO.
The activity was to create an international place setting, using stickers and images from a basket representing a specific nation. Don’t touch the baskets though or you’ll get yelled at!! My son had a great time, with the helpers making his place setting, and my husband and I got to enjoy the interesting exhibit all about the Expo and different topics that will be covered!
#2 – The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
One of the poshest spots in all of Milan, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a luxury interior shopping mall that connects various historic buildings. It is also where you will find some of Milan’s top Fashion houses including the VERY FIRST STORE EVER OPENED BY PRADA!!! Plus, it is one of the oldest shopping malls in the World and is named after Italy’s first King!
This is the birthplace of modern Italian luxury goods, and although I have never actually set foot in any of the stores, I still love going here! It is beautiful during the day and at night.
If you are lucky enough to be in Milan in December don’t miss this Galleria at night when the ceiling turns into a glowing, blue cavalcade of lights, just stunning (and free!).
If you are caught in the rain in Milan, with a stroller and no rain cover, and you look a little “ghetto” walking around with your umbrella covering your poor child, I recommend pulling yourself together before going into the Galleria!! Let’s keep it classy, people.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II With Kids:
On rainy days its gets really crowded in here, since it is protected from the elements. By advice would be to keep young kids in their strollers, or make sure you have enough enough around to hold their hands!
When the kids need some space to run and play I recommend site number 3!
#3 – The Duomo of Milan
Built in the 1300’s and under constant maintenance and cleaning, Milan’s Duomo is the quintessential symbol of the city. Head inside to marvel at its interior or do as the Milanese do….hang outside chatting and facing in its direction!
The Piazza is massive and beautiful and if you have a euro in your pocket you can buy bird seed from the illegal sellers who will help create a flock of birds large enough to keep any child (or adult) entertained!!
#4 – Le Colonne di San Lorenzo
I’ve written before about Le Colonne di San Lorenzo here. When I was living in Milan this was one of my favorite hangout spots and is home to some of the city’s cheapest aperitivos and buffets. Not to mention the vintage shopping along Corso Di Porta Ticinese!
These columns are one of the best known Roman ruins in Milan, but you’ll find that they are a more important hangout spot than cultural spot. On sunny days you’ll find them filled with hipsters, sleek milanese business types and street kids alike.
# 5 – La Zona Navigli
This is one of Milan’s vibrant nightspots, filled with bars for 20/30 somethings, looking to have a drink and make eye contact. If you are visiting Milan with no kids I recommend stopping by after dinner for a drink and to hang out like locals.
We visited one evening with our son for an after dinner stroll.
Note: Italian drunks are not like North American drunks and are all very educated. I’ve written about this before here. The only issue with this area is that there are also a lot of tourists …you catch my drift.
Another great time to visit the Navigli area is on the last Sunday of every month for one of the greatest vintage markets in Milan!
In any event this is an interesting area of Milan to explore. I like the street Viccolo Lavandai and the area of shops just behind it!
Milan is very easy to navigate using public transit including the metro, buses and trams. To make your way around the centre you are better off hoping on a bus or the vintage tram line instead of the subway. I’ve written about Milan’s beautiful vintage tram here.
If you only have a day of sightseeing in Milan you can use this list as an itinerary starting at the Castle Sforzesco in the morning and walking your walk all the way to the Navigli canal area.
Here is a map to help you find all of these spots.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z7CzvH_tn10Q.kerjwBPg_IQE
If you have a Gluten Sensitivity or have Celiac Disease and will be attending the EXPO2015 in Milan or are traveling to Milan in general, please feel free to check out my new ongoing series “Gluten Free in Milan”! So far I’ve reviewed the 4 * Gluten Free breakfast at the Enterprise Hotel, and one of my FAVORITE Italian street food spots in Milan, “Tigella’s” here, a CHEAP, FAST and YUMMY dinner spot! And in a few days I’ll be sharing one of the BEST restaurants in the heart of Milan!
If you are looking for other free Milan things to do I recommend reading this post by The Crowded Planet, Milan locals who are currently doing a Mondays in Milan series! Enjoy!
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