See the church dedicated to the patron saint of Milan, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, one of the oldest churches in Milan, dating to the 4th century.
People watch and window shop in the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls, designed in 1861, with glass ceilings and a mosaic floor.
See Roman ruins in Milan. The Columns of San Lorenzo consist of 16 Corinthian columns dating from the 2nd century, moved to their present location outside the Basilica of San Lorenzo in the 4th century.
Escape the bustle of the city and relax alongside the Milanesi in the Parco Sempione, a large city park adjacent to the gardens of the Sforza Castle.
Experience Milan’s nightlife at Navigli, once a system of navigable and interconnected canals around the city, now one of the most vibrant nightlife spots, with many bars and restaurants.
Stroll the picturesque streets of the Brera neighborhood, with its bohemian atmosphere, independent boutiques, art galleries and smaller churches.
Visit the 4th century Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, which in the past was an important stop for pilgrims on their journey to Rome because it was said to contain the tomb of the Three Kings.
Marvel at Bosco Verticale, two residential towers in the Porta Nuova district, housing trees that help mitigate smog and produce oxygen. Bosco Verticale won the prestigious International Highrise Award in 2014.
Admire ‘Leonardo’s horse’, a sculpture commissioned to Leonardo da Vinci in 1482 by Ludovico il Moro. It was intended to be the largest equestrian statue in the world, but was never completed. The current one is based on Leonardo's surviving sketches.
Watch the Omenoni (‘big men’), supports sculpted in the shape of giant men, outside the 16th century palace Casa degli Omenoni, described by Vasari as “full of such capricious inventions that there’s no other like it in Milan.”
Sure, Milan can be an expensive destination, but if you’re on a budget, there are still numerous ways you can enjoy your visit to Italy’s fashion and design capital. Here’s a list of things and sites to be enjoyed for free, as part of our Top Ten Free Things series.
