13 non-touristy things to do in Milan
Last updated on January 27th, 2026.
Most of us know Milan as being the fashion capital of Italy.
Home to grand attractions like Milan’s Cathedral and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan is never shy of visitors.
But beyond its iconic sights, there are other things to do in Milan that stray from the typical Milan itinerary.
In this travel guide, I’ll be sharing 13 non-touristy things to do in Milan. Ranging from unique things to do in Milan to lesser-known attractions, use this post to explore Milan like a local.
This guide is more suited to second or third-time visitors to the city. First-time visitors (in my opinion) should get to know Milan by touring the city’s top attractions.
Ideal travel ideas to add to your Italy bucket list use this post to plan your Italy trip.
13 non-touristy things to do in Milan
1. Walk through Monument Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery probably doesn’t feature on many Milan itineraries, but then again other cemeteries don’t look like this.
Monument Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale) is a cemetery unlike any other. Known for its funerary sculptures in different styles, they tell the stories of Milan’s most prominent families and personalities.
Alongside the cemetery, there’s also an ossuary that doubles as a museum. A peaceful and majestic resting place, it’s a prime example of Italian architecture.
With no entry fee, Cimitero Monumentale is one of many free things to do in Milan. An outing and history lesson all in one, it’s also meets the criteria of non-touristy things to do in Milan.
Opening times for Cimitero Monumentale are 8am to 17:30.* The nearest metro stop is Monumentale.
Cimitero Monumentale, Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale
2. Get artsy at Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
➡️ Visiting the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? Check available tickets for sporting events.
Art enthusiasts won't be disappointed with a visit to Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano.
Located in Milan’s Buenos Aires neighborhood, the art gallery houses a formerly private collection of 20th century Italian art.
The art deco apartment was home to former owners and art collectors Antonio Boschi and Marieda Di Stefano. Designed by Milanese architect Piero Portaluppi, it houses a collection of over 300 works of modern art.
Entry to the museum is free, though it’s recommended (not obligatory) to book tickets online beforehand. The only exception are the first Sundays of every month when it’s not possible to book. Because of this, there may be lines and longer waiting times at the entrance.
Plan your visit to Casa Museo Boschi by visiting the website. It lists up-to-date information on opening hours, how to get to the gallery as well as contact information.
Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano, Via Giorgio Jan, 15
3. Go green at Brera Botanical Garden
Established in 1774, Brera Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Brera) offers a tranquil green space in Milan.
Tucked behind Milan’s renowned Brera art gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera), the botanical garden paints a colorful scene. Rows of flower beds, ponds and an arboretum with centuries-old trees populate the gardens.
It costs nothing to visit and the gardens are one of several non-touristy things to do in Milan. Consider joining a tour of Brera art gallery and the district to learn more about the location from a local.
The nearest Milan metro station to the botanical gardens is Montenapoleone.
4. Get outdoors at Idroscalo
If looking for adventurous things to do in Milan, one solution is just 35 minutes away by public transport.
Milan’s very own lake, Idroscalo, is an ideal place to partake in outdoor sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Other non-water-based activities include biking around the lake or walking around its course.
Given its proximity to Milan Linate Airport, Idroscalo also makes the ideal spot for plane spotting.
While Idroscalo may not have the same allure as Lake Como, the man-made lake is ideal for getting outdoors.
What’s more, because Idroscalo is mainly frequented by locals, it’s perfect if looking for non-touristy things to do in Milan.
5. Browse Milan’s antique market
Browse the goods at the antique market on the Naviglio Grande canal (Mercatone dell'Antiquariato sul Naviglio Grande).
An event that takes place the last Sunday of each month, the flea market never fails to attract curious locals. (Google Map says that it opens every day but this isn’t accurate).
What makes the antique market more appealing is its location. Navigli is Milan’s trendy district, home to vintage stores and plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants.
So even if you don’t plan on buying anything, the walk along the canal makes the visit worthwhile.
One of the best things to do in Milan on a Sunday, consider visiting the market during your Milan vacation.
The nearest metro station to Navigli is P.T.A. Genova FS. Tram numbers 9 and 10 and bus N26 are the stops closest to the market.
Antique market on the Naviglio Grande (Mercatone dell'Antiquariato sul Naviglio Grande), Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4
6. Watch the sunset over Navigli
After spending the day browsing the antiques market and the neighborhood, stay in Navigli to catch the sunset.
The golden light reflecting off the water in Milan’s canal district makes for plenty of memorable photos.
Map: non-touristy things to do in Milan, Italy
7. Relax in Sempione Park
Returning visitors to Milan may be wondering why Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) is on this list.
As Milan’s most famous park, it regularly attracts hundreds of tourists to its verdant pastures. However, what makes Sempione Park non-touristy is that it’s big enough for everyone to find their own space.
During a visit to Milan in fall, my husband and I were surprised to find Sempione Park relatively empty. This was in spite of an organized run taking place that day and it being a pretty Sunday morning.
We strolled around the park, enjoyed the autumn vibes and experienced the Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace) to ourselves.
During our trip, most of the tourists we encountered were in line to visit Castle Sforza and not Sempione Park.
Because of this, the park was extremely peaceful especially for a Sunday morning.
8. Chill out by San Lorenzo columns
Dating to the 2nd century, San Lorenzo columns (Colonne di San Lorenzo) is one of Milan’s oldest Roman ruins.
The long colonnade, consisting of 16 Roman marble columns, is located in front of the basilica dedicated to San Lorenzo.
Situated in the lively and popular Piazza Vetra, it’s a popular meeting point for locals to chill out by.
Vetra is the closest metro station, while tram no. 3 and bus no. 94 will take you directly there. Should you prefer to walk, it’s about 15 minutes from Piazza Duomo along Via Torino to arrive.
9. Tour St. Ambrose Basilica
Dating to the 4th century, St. Ambrose Basilica (Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio) is one of the oldest churches in Milan. The complex includes historic cloisters, ancient mosaics and an elegant courtyard.
A church often overlooked by tourists, it’s one of several non-touristy things to do in Milan.
Also within the Romanesque architectural style church is a crypt that houses the relics of its patron saint, St. Ambrose.
Offering a peaceful retreat from Milan’s city center entry to the basilica is free.
St. Ambrose Basilica (Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio) Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15
10. Go behind the scenes at San Siro
Double underline this next activity if you love football and support AC Milan and/or Inter Milan.
A San Siro Stadium and museum tour is unmissable for diehard football fans. It allows entry to areas of the stadium usually reserved for players and a tour of the teams’ history.
Visit the locker rooms, walk through the players' tunnel and explore a side that most visitors don’t get to see.
11. Discover Villa Necchi Campiglio
The 1930’s villa may be a surprising addition to a guide of non-touristy things to do in Milan.
However, while the villa attracts its fair share of visitors, its location in a residential area makes it slightly hidden.
Situated in Milan’s Porta Venezia district, the house museum displays decorative arts, paintings and period furniture. It's an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of Milan’s upper class during the early 20th century.
Another home designed by architect Piero Portaluppi, the Rationalist-style villa is well preserved and surrounded by picturesque gardens.
Two villas instead of one
Across the street from Villa Necchi Campiglio is the striking Villa Mozart.
Covered from head to toe in foliage, the building makes a remarkable green sight. It’s not clear whether Villa Mozart is open to the public for viewing or whether it’s private property.
Either way, you can’t miss it when visiting Villa Necchi Campiglio.
Villa Necchi Campiglio, Via Mozart, 14
Villa Mozart, Via Mozart, 9
12. See the trendy Isola district
Isola is a trendy neighborhood situated to the north of Milan’s center.
Characterized by its colorful murals, trendy boutiques, organic grocers and thrift shops it’s one of Milan’s coolest districts.
Isola’s murals and graffiti make a colorful contrast to Milan’s historic architecture. An area brimming with family-run trattorias and cozy cafes, it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the neighborhood.
Come the weekend, Isola attracts locals to browse the flea markets. These are usually located around St. Mary of the Fountain church (Chiesa di Santa Maria alla Fontana). The renaissance style church, known for its frescoed porticoes, is situated to the north of Isola.
Exploring Isola is one of several unique things to do in Milan on a Monday. With fewer people around there’ll also be less crowds to contend with.
St. Mary of the Fountain church (Chiesa di Santa Maria alla Fontana), Piazza Santa Maria alla Fontana, 7
13. Spend the afternoon at Giardini Indro Montanelli
Situated to the northeast of the Duomo di Milano are the Indro Montanelli Gardens (Giardini Indro Montanelli).
The public gardens are one of the top free things to do with kids in Milan. Featuring bumper cars and plenty of open spaces to run and play, there’s tons to keep the kids occupied.
Within the garden complex are other family-friendly (paid) attractions. The Civic Museum of Natural History of Milan (Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano) houses an impressive collection.
Nearby, Milan’s Planetarium (Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli) puts on educational astronomical shows about the planets in our universe.
Public gardens filled with activities to fill an entire day, it’s a good one to add to your list.
Civic Museum of Natural History of Milan (Museo Civico di Storia Naturale di Milano), Corso Venezia, 55
Milan Planetarium (Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli), Civico Planetario di Milano, Corso Venezia, 57
Helpful Milan travel guides
Plan your perfect vacation to Milan with these practical Milan resources:
What are your thoughts on this travel guide of non-touristy things to do in Milan? Which one of these attractions or activities would you most like to do/see? Let me know in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram.
*information correct at time of publishing
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I can't wait to explore some of these spots on our next trip, especially the botanical garde
I hope you do too
Great insights! Love discovering lesser-known gems in Milan—perfect for my next Italy adventure!
Thank you, I hope you consider visiting some of these if you visit
I love the idea of doing non-touristy things on our next visit to Milan. Great to know that even in some more touristy spots there are spots to enjoy without the crowds. Always seek out spots like the Brera Botanical Garden and Lake Idroscalo to enjoy some quiet and time outdoors. Thanks for the suggestion for a great stop to catch the sunset.
You're welcome Linda. There is more to Milan than meets the eye
Great article! I spent a weekend in Milan, so I didn’t have much time to explore the non-touristy spots. After reading this, I wish I had known about some of these hidden gems! The idea of visiting the canals in Navigli and checking out the Brera district really caught my eye. I would love to see Monumental Cemetery as well. I’ll definitely keep these in mind for my next visit. Thanks for the great tips!
Thanks Agnes! It is a city with much more than meets the eye!
I really enjoy things that aren't touristy, and off the beaten path. These sound like wonderful places to check out! Milan certainly has a lot to offer.
Me too! There is more to Milan than people realise 🙂
Happy to know that there are a lot of things to do in Milan aside from the ones that we usually see online. I love antiques and would love to visit the market on Naviglio Grande Canal. It would be nice to explore Milan’s Planetarium too. Thank you for sharing this.
There is so much to do here and without masses of tourists. The market is a great way to explore a new area too 🙂
I love all these suggestions! There's something truly special about experiencing a place like a local. It's a much more authentic and immersive way to travel. Plus, most of it are free!
Thank you! Yes, many are free and places more frequented by locals 🙂
Love your photos by the way! There are some really cool ideas here for sure and I would like to do the antique market and gardens xx
Thank you so much! There are really nice places to visit and many are free 🙂
These are some great places to visit. I can surely visit Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano, Isola market. Thanks for sharing this information.
You are welcome, I hope you consider visiting one day
I've never been to Milan but it's on my list of places to visit. And I'd love to do all of these things, looks like I might need more than a few days haha x
You can really see plenty in a few days and with some careful planning 🙂
Milan absolutely looks beautiful. I would like to go and explore all these places you've mentioned one of these days.
I hope you do too, it really is a great city!
These are the perfect suggestions for our trip next month! I will be visiting the antiques market and gardens you've shared
Wonderful! That is really great timing too 😀
I am so overdue for a vacation and taking a trip to Milan would be everything for me right now. I am loving this list of thibgs to do while there too and appreciate you sharing! I am pinning this post so that I can chekc it out when getting to Milan!
Thank you! I really hope you can visit one day, there is more to the city than people think
Thanks for this, I am so much into exploring the area and looking for the aesthetics rather than all the touristy things. I would love to see the botanical gardens and just take everything in!
You are so welcome! There is plenty to see that don't include masses of tourists or expensive price tags
I love discovering unique spots like these that we can explore together. Th e Brera Botanical Garden sounds like a perfect place for a relaxing day out!
It is so pretty and a lovely garden near the center!
It's great to have options of non touristy things to do alongside all of the touristy options. These are all great suggestions. I'd love opt go see Sempione Park. I bet it's beautiful there.
It is and not as touristy as people may think
Oh wow I love a good bontanical garden and I haven't heard about the one in Milan! I think the antique market would also be so much fun.
It is a lot of fun and in a cool area of Milan 🙂
These are such great ideas, and I will be checking out the antique market at Navaglio Grande, and the Brera Botanical Gardens look so pretty.
They are great places to add to the list and free too 🙂
There are so many cool things to see in Milan! It would be a great place to visit!
I hope you visit one day 🙂
Milan seems to the landing spot for my husband and I at times. Good to know a few new things we can check out for our next visit.
This is a really helpful post for you then!
This is lovely, i have visited Italy so many times in the past (includiing Milano because it`s just a 4 hour train ride from my home in Switzerland) but I`m already looking forward to visit again and see things from your eyes.Thanks so much for sharing
You're welcome Roseline, I hope to see you soon here 😀
I love this insider look at what to do in Milan. I always love finding spots that aren't inundated with tourists when I travel.
Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I've been to Milan a few years ago and loved it. I didn't do a lot of these things you mentioned...Next time for sure. Thanks a lot.
Definitely add a few of these to the itinerary when you come back