What to do in Milan in a weekend: 5 unmissable experiences
Milan, a city of undisputed beauty and cultural richness, offers its visitors an infinite number of unique experiences. A weekend in this metropolis can turn into an unforgettable journey through history, art and flavours.
Here are five experiences not to be missed!
See the Last Supper: Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous and representative masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. Created between 1494 and 1498 commissioned by Ludovico il Moro, this fresco is located in the refectory of the convent adjacent to the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The technique used by Leonardo was an innovative and experimental mixture, incompatible with environmental humidity, which led the work to be in a poor state of conservation for centuries. This required a lengthy restoration, completed in 1999, which used cutting-edge techniques to preserve its beauty and detail. A visit to this site is a unique experience that allows you to immerse yourself in Leonardo's genius and the history of the Italian Renaissance. Remember: you must book tickets online for the Last Supper in advance. Access is only permitted to small groups of 25 people at a time, and there are visits every 15 minutes, from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.15am to 7pm, with last entry at 6.45pm. The museum is closed every Monday and on January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. A guided tour of the Last Supper in Milan is the best way to discover all the secrets of this great work, making the most of every minute available. An expert guide will tell you the story of this fascinating masterpiece and the artist who gave it life: for information on our tours click here!
Visit the Terraces of the Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive churches in Italy, offers visitors a myriad of artistic and architectural wonders both inside and on its terraces. It is a classic example of Gothic architecture, with sharp spiers, pointed arches and a huge amount of sculpture. Inside it houses historical works of art, stained glass windows - some dating back to the fifteenth century - and important religious relics. Its terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of Milan, allowing visitors to admire up close the sculptures and intricate architecture of the cathedral including the spiers and the iconic Madonnina. In addition to the view over the rooftops, you can observe important monuments of Milan and, on clear days, even the Alps on the horizon. If you are wondering what to do in Milan on a weekend, visiting the Milan Cathedral and its terraces is undoubtedly one of the activities not to be missed! For a hassle-free experience, we recommend booking a skip-the-line tour, as there are often long lines to enter. Discover our tour here!
Have an aperitif on the Navigli
Having an aperitif on the Navigli in Milan is an unmissable experience that captures the essence of city life, offering a unique mix of styles and flavours. This area, famous for its canals, is dotted with characteristic bar that attract a varied clientele, from residents to tourists. The bars in the area often have refined interior designs, with elements ranging from industrial to bohemian styles, creating welcoming and evocative atmospheres. The cocktails served are a combination of classicism and innovation, often accompanied by appetizers ranging from traditional canapés and scones to more exotic and international options. Some places also offer hot dishes for those who want a more substantial gastronomic experience. During the summer, many of these bars take advantage of their privileged position to offer outdoor spaces where you can enjoy an aperitif overlooking the canals, immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Navigli. The aperitif on the Navigli is an experience that combines taste, style and conviviality, reflecting the lively Milanese culture. If you plan a visit, don't miss this opportunity!
Dine in Tram ATMosfera
Dinner on the ATMosfera tram in Milan offers a unique and evocative culinary experience, combining a sightseeing tour of the city with a gourmet meal. The dinner, which lasts about two and a half hours, takes place aboard a historic Milanese tram, carefully renovated and transformed into a traveling restaurant. The tram leaves from Via Cesare Cantù, in front of number 1, and runs along some of the historic streets and most evocative areas of Milan, offering passengers the opportunity to admire the Duomo, the Arco della Pace, the Porta Nuova area, Piazza Gae Aulenti with its modern skyline, and many other iconic places of the city. The menus offered include meat, fish and vegetarian options, created by established chefs. Each menu is seasonal and is updated periodically to guarantee freshness and seasonality of the products. To participate in this unique experience, you must make an online reservation. It is possible to book for groups of up to eight people; for larger groups it is necessary to reserve the entire tram. The cost of dinner is approximately €70 per person. This dinner by rail offers a unique way to discover Milan, combining culinary art with the historical and contemporary charm of the city: book your Milan experience!
Discover the street art districts of Milan
In Milan, street art has transformed several neighborhoods into real open-air museums, reflecting the history, culture and energy of the city. Each neighborhood offers a unique experience with works that vary in style and meaning, helping to create a vibrant and colorful environment. In the Bovisa district, for example, you can find essential and geometric works that pay homage to creativity and innovation, while in Portello, the works focus on graffiti lettering. Other neighborhoods such as Porta Romana and Città Studi display murals that reflect the distinctive characteristics of these areas, from the historical voices of Milan to scientific themes. In the Gallaratese neighborhood, art actively involves the local community, as demonstrated by Pao's work, created with the contribution of the neighborhood's young people. In Lorenteggio, however, we can see the effort to recover previously neglected areas, with street art projects that contribute to the rebirth of the neighborhood. A notable example of street art is Millo's mural at the Giardino delle Culture, depicting a boy searching for love and a little girl spreading hearts. Other artists such as Orticanoodles have left their mark in areas such as Bicocca, where the "Efêmero" mural by the Os Gemeos brothers is located, considered the largest in Milan. Street art has also transformed the Ortica neighborhood into an open-air museum, with works that tell the story of Milan and the twentieth century. This includes murals celebrating historical and cultural figures, such as important women of the 20th century. Street art in Milan creates a dynamic and engaging environment, making the city an ideal place for lovers of urban art and contemporary culture. Especially if you think you've already visited all of Milan and don't know what to see, don't miss a tour of the street art districts!
Milan is a city with a thousand interests, full of things to do and see. You will never get bored here! And what will you do on your weekend in Milan? For more information on all our private or group tours in the Lombardy capital and surrounding areas click here!
