Milan can give solo adventurers more warmth and satisfaction as they walk through streets that are more beautiful than the others. Italy’s charm comes from its streets, especially with each corner designed uniquely. The massive gothic buildings, the pastel-colored walls, the pink-red geraniums on the balcony, and of course, a Fiat or a Vespa perfect for two, parked in front of a masterpiece of a door. All of it is Italy and it’s best experienced when you have all the time to walk at your leisure, taking in each element of the city. After all, there are plenty of business hotels and Airbnb plus homes for your accommodation needs at the end of the day. Experience the sights, the sounds, the flavors, and the essence of splendid Milan. Planning a solo travel to Milan? Continue reading to find out more about the best things to do alone in Milan, Italy.
1. Explore the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology (from USD 10.84)
Explore the fascinating world of science, technology, and Leonardo da Vinci’s ingenious creations by visiting the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Here, you’ll step into a realm where innovation and history converge as you witness the marvels of human ingenuity. Marvel at the evolution of transportation as you go around exhibits such as iconic steam trains, the sleek Luna Rossa AC72 catamaran, a submarine, and more. The museum’s New Galleries, an exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, offer a deep dive into the mind of this visionary polymath.
With this skip-the-queue pass, you’ll also get to enjoy a guided tour of th museum and a 10% discount at the museum shop to commemorate your unforgettable journey!
Milan: Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum Entry
2. Discover street art in the Isola District
If you are looking to experience off-the-beaten-path activities in Milan, make sure to explore the Isola District - an urban treasure trove where modernity and creativity converge. Its street art scene is an integral part of its charm. As you explore the neighborhood’s labyrinthine streets, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of street art that tells stories of rebellion, innovation, and self-expression. One standout piece is the “Egg,” a captivating work by renowned artist Alberto Garutti. This larger-than-life installation inspires citizens to engage in communication with each other. It’s a prime example of how Isola embraces contemporary art as a means of revitalizing its urban landscape.
You’ll also find an ever-evolving canvas of graffiti, murals, and installations, where local and international artists use the district’s walls to express their creativity and engage with the vibrant spirit of Isola.
Isola
Address: Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
3. Admire the architecture of Duomo of Milan
The fifth largest church in the world and tweaked and perfected for about six centuries, the Duomo of Milan is the city’s treasure. From setting the city clock following the church’s sundial and narrating every day verses, the church is definitely the center point of the city. We suggest you get a tour guide to tell you the stories- for example, did you know that Napoleon finished the façade and jump-started the final stages of construction in the early 19th century? And don’t miss the red light bulb, the spot where one of the nails of Jesus’ crucifixion was allegedly placed.
Duomo di Milano
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Duomo di Milano
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Go luxury shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II
One of the best things to do in Milan for young adults is to visit the shopping arcade of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II. The ultimate shopping paradise to soak in luxury among the upper echelons of Milan society, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II, is over a hundred years old making it the best that this city can offer. The Galleria’s designer, Giuseppe Mengoni, pioneered its complex marriage of iron and glass 20 years before the Eiffel Tower was built. The Galleria was officially opened in 1867 by Vittorio Emanuele II, the king of the newly united Italy. Even if it sets you back a few euros, we highly recommend sipping a cappuccino at Zucca, a high-ceilinged bar with an ornate interior.
Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle II
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
5. Listen to some music at Teatro Alla Scala
La Scala is an opera theatre that has stood the ground for centuries, and not much has changed. An hour here will take you back in time and you’ll come out more refreshed, more cultured and more educated. The best way to experience La Scala is by yourself, splurge on a good expensive ticket, wear a tux/black dress and just let yourself immerse in the music, culture and luxury. The museum here, open daily from 9am to 12:30pm and again from 1:30pm to 5:30pm, will give you a tour of the rich red and gold scenes of this beautiful theatre.
Teatro Alla Scala
Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Teatro Alla Scala
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
6. Tour the Castle Sforzeso
Fun fact: Leonardo Da Vinci worked at Castello Sforzesco under Duke Ludovico Maria. He took over several responsibilities during his time there, including the construction of locks and the development of canals. He was also commissioned by the Duke to design an enormous equestrian sculpture as a part of a monument, but Da Vinci could only complete a clay model and never got to the bronze one. In 1999, the horse alone was cast from Da Vinci’s original designs in bronze and placed in Milan outside the racetrack of Ippodromo del Galoppo. Now, it’s your turn to discover more facts!
Castle Sforzeso
Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Castle Sforzeso
Opening hours: 7am - 7:30pm (daily)
Price: 3 - 6 USD
7. Admire Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie
Even if you’re not an art fanatic, seeing a century-old fresco by a legendary artist must be on your list. As you approach the fresco, just imagine, Da Vinci ran with a pail of paint and a handful of brushes in the same spot to finish this masterpiece. Imagine him at work and understand the story he delivered and you will appreciate his gift to the world.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Santa Maria delle Grazie
Opening hours: 8.15am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 14 - 16 USD
8. Check out the artwork of Raphael at Pinacoteca Di Brera
Pinacoteca Di Brera houses several paintings by famous Italian artists including Raphael, Francesco Hayez and Caravaggio. Raphael’s The Marriage of the Virgin, completed in 1504, has traveled several places and finally found a home in Pinacoteca Di Brera. There is a lot of story to this oil painting, to a level where infrared technology was used to see the line drawn to create this masterpiece. If you want to dig into the history of this painting and learn about Raphael’s inspiration, go alone!
Pinacoteca Di Brera
Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Pinacoteca Di Brera
Opening hours: 8:30am - 7:15pm (daily)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
Read more about our detailed guide to Pinacoteca Di Brera here >>
9. Explore Navigli District
Navigli District is an up and coming neighborhood in Milan, named after the Naviglio Grande canal. There are lots of things to do and see here- whether you want to have Milanese cuisine, visit small art studios, taste some wine and aperitifs and visit the many Basilicas. The best way to enjoy this neighborhood is on foot or by boat! And it’s only better when you make your schedule on the spot when something you see interests you!
Navigli District
Address: Navigli District
10. Visit Museo Poldi Pezzoli
This art museum is the personal collection of Poldi Pezzoli, an Italian Count who collected from the Renaissance period, and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio, of the family of the Condottiero Gian Giacomo Trivulzio, an aristocrat. Antonio Pollaiolo, Baciccio, Raphael, Botticelli are some of the many works Poldi Pezzoli managed to keep safe during the wars. You’ll learn to appreciate Pezzoli’s love for the arts! The picture above is Ritratto di Giovane dama by Antonio Pollaiolo.
Poldi Pezzoli
Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: Poldi Pezzoli
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 5 - 11 USD
11. Relax at Parco Sempione
After a day full of walking and exploring, the park is the perfect place to retreat to. But the discovery does not stop. Located close to the Sforzesco Castle, the park also has a history, dating back to 1894, when it was built as a park.
Parco Sempione
Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Opening hours: 6:30am - 9pm (daily)
12. Enjoy wine tasting in Milan (from USD 54.0)
When in Italy, anywhere in Italy, learning about different wines and tasting their elixirs is just inevitable. In Milan, you’ll get to taste the wines of Lombardy, learn about their origins, the unique taste and what makes this wine so special. A professional sommelier takes you through the course, tasting wines with plates of local cheeses and cold meat. Delizioso!
Italian Wine Tasting in Milan
Duration: 1 hour
An exciting solo trip to Milan
Taking a trip alone is the best way to learn about a city and its history and yourself! Haven’t you learned anything from Julia Roberts in Eat, Pray, Love? The only difference is, you’ll be able to do all three in Milan and also enjoy self-discovery! Be sure to check out the best shopping spots and street foods while you’re here.
Tip from Content Creator
Visiting Milan soon? Here are some more recommendations for your solo trip:
- Obviously eat pizza, but stay away from the tourist traps in the city. We ate at Pizza Meucci, which was very popular with the locals.
- Visit the church of bones at San Bernardino church.
- Have an ‘aperetivo’ while you’re here; most places get you a cocktail and buffet for 10 EUR (10.71 USD).
Frequently asked questions about things to do alone in Milan, Italy
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