You might think Milan is one of the worst cities to spend your summer in. Well, we’re here to tell you: think again! Milano has so much to offer even during the hottest season. Don’t waste the last weeks of summer laying on your sofa under the A/C: check out these 10 alternative ways to beat the heat!
1) Enjoy the packed summer program at Castello Sforzesco
The Sforza Castle opens its medieval courtyards to host dozens of free or very cheap events and concerts. Click here for the complete program!
2) Go for a swim in Milan’s best swimming pools
Milan might not be a seaside town, but it has many beautiful swimming pools where you can escape for a few hours, even at night time! Our favorites are Bagni Misteriosi, a well-preserved 1930s pool that doubles as a cultural centre with many different events, and Centro balneare Romano, where you can take advantage of the “sunset fare” from Monday to Friday after 6pm and pay only €3,50 to take a quick evening dip!
3) Relax in one of the many public parks and gardens
Milan has many green areas that are the perfect spot to relax or play sports, to forget about the busy daily schedule. Parco Sempione is probably the most popular one, followed by Indro Montanelli gardens. Another more secluded one is Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte's garden, which, however, sometimes is open only to children or families!
4) Visit a museum or an exhibition
When was the last time you visited an art exhibition? August is the perfect time to take advantage of the air-conditioned museums and visit those exhibitions you’ve been postponing for so long! Visit these exhibitions
before they close in September:
- The art of the Brick (until August 28th)
- David LaChapelle at Mudec (until September 11th)
- Oliviero Toscani, Professione fotografo at Palazzo Reale (until September 25th)
- Torlonia marbles at Gallerie d’Italia (until September 28th)
5) Spend the day (and the night) at Idroscalo
Commonly referred to as “il mare di Milano” (Milan sea), Idroscalo is an artificial lake in the eastern outskirts of Milan where you can also find swimming pools, bars for your aperitivo and even try surfing and water skiing thanks to Wake paradise! Idroscalo is also home to Circolo Magnolia, one of the most well-known clubs in Milan, that during summer hosts many different indie concerts and events each week.
6) Bike along the Martesana canal and reach the countryside in less than an hour
We all know the Naviglio grande and the Naviglio pavese because of their popular bars and vibrant nightlife, but have you ever heard of Naviglio martesana? It runs from the north of the city and takes you straight to the river Adda, passing through old Italian farmsteads, mills and villas. Grab a quick lunch, rent a bike and enjoy a day in the Italian countryside!
7) Watch your favourite movie in a unique location
Enjoy your favourite movie under a starry night sky thanks to Arianteo, the summer project by Anteo cinema, which offers a dense program to fill your summer nights. Click here to check out the full program!
8) Grab a drink on a fancy terrace
Savor the evening summer breeze while sipping an Aperol spritz and enjoy the most stunning views over the city skyline.
9) Hop on a train and go on a day trip
Milan is located in the city centre of the Po Valley, which means that in less than an hour you can reach lots of amazing places! First and foremost, all the lakes deserve a visit: Lago di Como, Lago di Garda and Lago Maggiore are the biggest ones and each of them has a unique atmosphere which will make you fall in love with them. If you prefer to escape to the mountains, a very convenient train will take you to Canzo, from where you can take many different mountain trails. Finally, if you prefer to visit another city, we recommend Bergamo, Brescia and Pavia – again three very different cities with so much to offer!
10) Take a language course
And between a museum and an aperitivo, why not enroll in an Italian language course and experience the city as a local? We have plenty of options for short and long-term courses, check them out on our website!
Read more
- One week in Italy: our 1-week courses
- Milan is always the same because it’s never the same!
- “La dolce vita” in milanese style
- Enjoy this summer while you learn Italian with us!
Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan
Thanks to its prestigious universities and academies, Milan is the elected place of education for numerous Italian and international students.
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