Renowned for being the fashion capital of the world, Milan is also a bustling financial hub in Italy. However, it’s also a city steeped in old-world European-styled architecture and populated with ancient cathedrals and churches amidst the conglomerate of high-rise buildings. As one of the more populated Italian cities (with a population of 1.3 million), its attractions can be crowded at times. Nevertheless, you can find a range of excellent places to stay in Milan, all featuring stylish hotels, and resorts. If you want to enjoy living like a local, a vacation rental would be more ideal. Luckily, there are plenty of home-like Airbnb vacation rentals in Milan City Center, and other iconic locations. You can also find an abundance of historical sites and modern galleries to visit to explore the many facades of the city without necessarily squeezing with the crowd to uncover its charm. Check out our list of the best non-touristy things to do in Milan, Italy.
1. Explore the picturesque canals in Navigli district
Featuring trademark European cobblestone streets, Navigli is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Milan. The charming streets set around the canal are filled with chic eateries and indie boutiques, making it a vibrant area for indulging in the delights of the city. While art enthusiasts can check out the several art galleries during the day, the whole district, the roadside cafes, and pubs get buzzing at night with a romantic vibe and soft lights.
Apart from the urban vibe, the district is also visited for its historical significance, including the centuries-old canals and gorgeous vintage bridges.
Navigli
Address: Milan, Italy
2. Discover unique murals and graffiti of Corso di Porta Ticinese
One of the most vibrant and stylish streets in Milan, Corso di Porta Ticinese features endless graffiti, adding a unique artistic touch to the place. While witnessing plenty of charming shopfronts painted with murals, you won’t be able to resist reaching towards your camera for a few stunning clicks.
When you are in this tram street, you can also chug a few beers in a pub or sample delicious local cuisine in a cute eatery. Furthermore, just a short walk away, you can also witness the historical Colonne di San Lorenzo, which is a must-see in Milan, Italy.
Corso di Porta Ticinese
Address: Milano, MI, Italy
3. Crack open a cold one with the locals at Birrificio Lambrate
Birrificio Lambrate is a traditional, English-style pub that looks like it was taken right off the streets of Dublin. Nevertheless, grabbing a drink here is a true Milano experience and a great way to immerse yourself in local culture. With a wide selection of decently-priced craft beers (13 regular beers on tap, and a rotating selection of more than 20 flavors), and a delicious bar food menu, this is a favorite watering hole of many locals–that’s how you know it’s the real deal. The Via Golgi outlet also has an in-house restaurant with an appetizer buffet, so you don’t have to worry about drinking on an empty stomach.
Birrificio Lambrate
Address: Via Camillo Golgi, 60, 20133 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Birrificio Lambrate
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2am; Sat: 7pm - 2am (closed on Sun)
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4. Dine on horse meat at Macellaria Equina 'Da Vito'
Posted by Macelleria Equina Da Vito on Thursday, 28 March 2019
If you’ve ever had the urge to try horse meat, here’s your chance. Macellaria Equina ‘Da Vito’, a butcher shop with an overwhelming selection of meat and sausages, is a carnivore’s paradise. It might be hard settling on a cut to eat, but luckily, there are friendly English-speaking servers to patiently assist you. Once you’ve made a choice, the restaurant will cook and serve it to you. Located in an indoor market, it might be a bit of a distance from the city center. Nevertheless, it’s well worth the trek and you can explore the local market scene as well.
Macellaria Equina 'Da Vito'
Address: Mercato Comunale Lorenteggio, Via Lorenteggio, 177, 20147 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Macellaria Equina ‘Da Vito’
Opening hours: Sat, Mon - Wed: 12pm - 3pm; Thu & Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 7.30pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
5. Marvel at Milan's very own Church of Bones
Beneath the peaceful facade of San Bernardino alle Ossa lies a collection of thousands of human bones. Dating back to 1145, the ancient church has a long history, but is best known for its ossuary–a small side chapel that was built to collect human bones from the neighboring hospital when the church’s cemetery was full. The entire ossuary is lined with skeletal remains from the ceiling to the ground; even the pillars are decorated with bones. It’s a fascinatingly unique and haunting place that’s well worth a visit. Do make sure that you’re dressed modestly (i.e no tank top or shorts in the summer) or you will be denied entry.
San Bernardino alle Ossa
Address: Via Verziere, 2, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Website: San Bernardino alle Ossa
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 12pm, 1:30pm - 6pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free entry
6. Dance the night away at Spirit de Milan
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Possiamo annunciarvi ufficialmente che riapriremo il primo maggio, Festa del Lavoro! Nei fine settimana saremo aperti ...
Posted by Spirit de Milan on Friday, April 23, 2021
Spirit de Milan is a unique space–it’s a restaurant, dance floor, and pub situated in a preserved glass factory. Beneath its rundown facade is a lively party where locals congregate for a night of revelry. The space also often hosts musical events (it’s renowned for its swing nights), which you can enjoy over a succulent dinner, and head over to the dance floor after. A space where everyone is bound to have a good time, it truly showcases the spirit of Milan.
Spirit de Milan
Address: Via Bovisasca, 57/59, 20157 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Spirit de Milan
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 7:30pm - late (closed on Mon and Tue)
Price: 50 - 100 USD
7. Admire the thousands of statues at Milan's Duomo (from USD 28.19)
Milan’s Duomo is decidedly one of the most impressive structures in the entire city, revered by tourists and Milanos alike. The fourth largest church in the world, this gothic-styled building took six centuries to complete. It’s not hard to see why, with its elaborate design and myriad of statues (some claim that there are more than 3,300 statues in total). One of the most curious statues of the Duomo is a carving of a dinosaur-like creature munching on a leaf, whose existence has baffled historians. Its specific source and symbolism remain a mystery and contributes to the mystique surrounding this ancient cathedral.
Milan: Cathedral and Duomo's Terraces Entrance Ticket
8. Wait for your train with the royals at Stazione Centrale
Stazione Centrale is Milan’s version of NYC’s Grand Central Terminal. As the city’s main railway station, thousands of commuters pass through its hallowed halls daily. However, not many know about the Royal Pavilion, an exclusive waiting room reserved for the royal family. Rumor has it the room was once planned to welcome Hitler during his travels to Italy. The room is open only on special occasions, although you can catch a glimpse of it from Platform 21 of the station.
Stazione Centrale
Address: Piazza Duca d'Aosta, 1, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Stazione Centrale
Opening hours: Open on special occasions (check website)
Price: Free entry
9. Explore the hidden network of bomb shelters beneath the bustle of the city
Beneath the buzz of the city lies a hidden, underground network of bomb shelters and tunnels that were built to protect citizens from bombings in World War II. In fact, some of the shelters are situated beneath schools and shopping complexes. Although the shelters have long been excavated and studied, it’s definitely still an intense experience stepping down in these pieces of history.
Milan's Bomb Shelters
Address: Various points around the city
Website: Milan’s Bomb Shelters
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free entry
10. Design your own luxury perfume at The Merchant of Venice (from USD 276.0)
Try your hand at designing your perfume if you are looking for an offbeat activity in Milan, the fashion capital of the world. This unique, customized 90-minute long workshop will educate you on the vibrant history of luxury perfumes before you embark on your very own perfume-making journey. You can even bring a bottle of your handcrafted scent home.
Italian Perfume Workshop in Milan
Duration: 1 hour
11. Satisfy your need for speed in a Ferrari (from USD 123.0)
Live out your dreams of becoming the next Michael Schumacher with this once-in-a-lifetime to zoom down Milan’s highway in a Ferrari supercar. Don’t worry about safety, as there’ll be a safety briefing before your drive, and an experienced instructor will be seated next to you during your joy ride. Zipping down the Italian highway, set against the beautiful Swiss Alps, in a Ferrari supercar–this 30-minute experience will definitely stick with you for life.
Ferrari Test Drive Experience & Tour in Milan 30min (10km)
Duration: 30 minutes
12. Be in awe of the art scene at Fondazione Prada (from USD 100.0)
Housed in a former distillery complex, Fondazione Prada looks, at first glance, unassuming and sterile. Nevertheless, beneath its modest exterior lies a trove of art collections, from beautiful sculptures to trippy, vibrantly colored pieces and interactive installations. There’s even a cinema that screens contemporary and historical films every week. The collections change every few months, so no two trips are the same. Definitely come by earlier to give yourself enough time to fully explore the museum; you can stop by the in-house bar and cafe for a short break.
Fondazione Prada Private Tour
Duration: 3 hours
A trove of culture
Often depicted as a flashy, globalized cosmopolitan hub, the cultural and historical sights of Milan are often overlooked. However, take the time to visit its cultural sites and you’ll discover a rich history beneath its glitzy and modernized facade. Experience Milan like a local and fin that it’s truly a place where traditional European charm meets the modern cosmopolitan lifestyle.
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