From exploring the city’s museums to wandering around markets to visiting cathedrals, there are more than enough things to do in Milan when it rains.
While many people focus on its fashionable, trendy side, its indoor spaces will allow you to discover its history and culture. Let’s get started!
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*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
Looking for day trips from Milan for non-rainy days? Here are some highly-rated tours:
1. Lake Como day tour (the most popular option)
2. St. Moritz (Switzerland) day tour with a ride on the Bernina Express train
3. Piedmont region day trip with wine tasting and a UNESCO castle
4. Lake Garda and Verona day tour
Still haven’t booked your accommodation in Milan? Here are some highly-rated options:
1. Cà Bèla – Porta Romana (where I stayed)
2. Porta 92 Romana (only 2 Metro stops away from the Duomo)
3. Castello Guest House Milano (right near the Sforza Castle)
Fabulous Indoor Things to Do in Milan When It Rains
Visit the City’s Cathedrals and Churches
There’s no doubt that Milan’s religious sites boast beautiful exteriors, but when it’s pouring, it’s a perfect time to check out what they look like inside. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Duomo DI Milano
The city’s most iconic landmark, the Duomo (Milan Cathedral), is a 14th-century architectural masterpiece and one of the largest churches in the world.
Even though it’s one of the most touristy spots in Milan, it’s so incredibly impressive that it still takes your breath away and makes you want to admire and photograph every little detail and element.
Luckily, you’ll find all kinds of tickets that will give you access to different areas of the Duomo, so you can choose the perfect one for you.
Since you’re looking for things to do in Milan in the rain, it’s obviously better to:
- Go for a cathedral-only entrance
- Purchase a combo ticket that includes the Duomo, the archaeological area under it, and the Duomo Museum
If the sky is getting clear, you can also get a ticket to the cathedral and open-air rooftop terrace (a popular option) or opt for a full pass.
2. Chiesa di San Maurizio
Dating back to the 16th century, the church of San Maurizio is especially known and worth visiting for its paintings and frescoes (which almost completely cover it), including a few magnificent ones that depict biblical scenes such as Noah’s Ark and Adam & Eve.
It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5 PM) and is free to visit.
3. Santa Maria Delle Grazie
Commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Francesco I Sforza, the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being the home of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper wall painting.
The mural is actually situated in the church’s Cenacolo Vinciano Museum, and you must book your ticket in advance at least a few weeks or a couple of months ahead because it’s such a popular sight (be sure to read ALL the details!).
Note that new timeslots open every three months – for example, in mid-September, you’ll be able to buy tickets for November-January.
You can also book a guided visit, some of which also include a tour of the church itself, which is free to access.
Take a Tour or Watch a Live Performance at La Scala
Comissioned by the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, Milan’s famous 18th-century opera house hosts both tours and live performances.
I admit that I expected its facade to be more extravagant and impressive, but I could still appreciate its cultural significance.
Forever linked to singers, conductors, and composers such as Verdi, Toscanini, and Puccini, it is a must-visit landmark for culture buffs.
If you want to see a ballet, opera, or classical music concert, you can book your ticket on the official website.
To explore the theatre and its museum and learn about its history, take this highly-rated guided tour of La Scala (Teatro alla Scala).
Look for Unique Classes or Workshops
One of the best indoor activities in any city is a cooking class, a creative workshop, or anything similar that allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture while escaping the rain for a few hours.
Milan is no exception, and it offers highly-rated experiences such as:
- Wine tasting at a local winery
- A 5-hour market tour & cooking class
Head to the City’s Indoor Markets
Local markets are always fun to explore, and if they can provide shelter from the rain, that’s even better.
Start by visiting Eataly (dedicated solely to Italian produce) and Mercato Centrale (Central Market), both great for grocery shopping AND grabbing a bite.
From Eataly, I brought home some chocolates, dried porcini mushrooms, and even panettone (a traditional Christmastime cake originating in Milan you must try if you’re spending winter in northern Italy), although I wanted to buy the entire place. I also had a fantastic meal at one of the on-site restaurants.
You can also visit the Farmers’ Market of Porta Romana, which is part of an extensive list of markets across Italy operated by the Campagna Amica Foundation, which promotes sustainable Italian agriculture.
I LOVED the organization’s open-air market in Turin, full of beautiful vegetables, delicious cheeses, fresh pasta, and more.
For something a bit different, stray from the city center and head to the unique East Market, where you’ll find anything from second-hand clothes and jewelry to vinyl records and furniture.
Set in a former factory, the event is also accompanied by music and food stalls. It takes place on specific dates, so it’s best to consult the official website.
Visit Some House Museums
Visiting the homes of nobles, writers, painters, and other public figures, which have been turned into museums, is a great way to get a glimpse into the locals’ lives years ago.
If you’re looking for indoor places to visit in Milan, you might want to take a tour inside Casa del Manzoni, the house of the novelist & poet Alessandro Manzoni.
You can also visit Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, a total hidden gem in Milan, which boasts a collection of Renaissance art and decorative arts assembled by the Barons Fausto and Giuseppe Bagatti Valsecchi and housed in their family home. Buy your ticket here.
Go Shopping
From world-class brands to local boutiques, it doesn’t take long to come across high-end stores in Milan, a true fashion capital.
It’s also home to super cool colorful concept shops, where you’ll find not only clothes but also home decor items, accessories, and more.
If it’s raining, it won’t be as fun to wander around the stores that line the streets, but there are some indoor/covered places where you can go shopping.
Right next to the Duomo, you’ll find the iconic (and architecturally stunning) Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s first shopping mall, named after the first king of the unified Kingdom of Italy.
Another place to check out near the cathedral is the 10-floor Rinascente shopping center.
Whether you’ll actually buy something or not depends on how much you want to splurge because we’re mostly talking about luxury brands (in these particular places). But even just glancing at the masterfully decorated window displays is a fun activity I truly enjoyed.
Explore the City’s Art and Design Museums
I’ve seen so many comments saying “there’s not much to do in Milan” or that “Milan is only a fashion city”, but that’s not true at all since there are countless art galleries and museums, perfect for a cultural and historical morning or afternoon.
You should definitely head to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which boasts an extensive collection of Italian art from the 13th to the 20th century (including works by Raphael and Caravaggio) and is housed in a gorgeous palazzo. Note that a reservation is required and that seeing the entrance courtyard is free.
Another great option is the Gallerie d’Italia, housed in three historic buildings and dedicated to art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
If you want to check out a relatively new museum, the ADI Design Museum showcases the winning projects of the Compasso d’Oro, a prestigious industrial design award established in the 1950s in Italy.
I also visited Fondazione Prada (book your ticket in advance), dedicated to contemporary art. Honestly, I still can’t decide if it’s worth the visit or not because I only liked a few specific exhibits. Plus, it’s not located near other points of interest.
Escape the Rain at Cozy Cafes and Pasticcerias
One of the top things that make me excited about traveling to Italy is that I know that in every other corner, I’ll stumble upon a lovely little cafe or pasticceria (pastry shop/bakery).
After having my morning cappuccino & croissant/brioche, I will look for them a few more times each day.
In Milan, you’ll find a good mix of historic pasticcerias, modern specialty coffee shops, brunch places, and lesser-known neighborhood cafes.
From the infamous Marchesi 1824 and Cova to hidden gems like Disigu@l Caffè and NOWHERE, there’s no shortage of places to escape the rain.
If that’s not enough, Milan is also home to a huge, uniquely designed Starbucks branch (at Piazza Cordusio 1), housed in a historic palazzo. Not that you need Starbucks coffee when visiting Italy, but it really is a must-see venue.
Visit the Museums of Castello Sforzesco
Originally built for the Visconti dynasty, who ruled Milan for two centuries, the medieval Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) was a residence of the House of Sforza, who took over the city in the following century.
Over the years, it served as a castle and a fortress (and was one of the largest in Europe), and nowadays, the complex houses quite a few museums.
These include the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco and its magnificent art collection, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Archaeological Museum of Milan, the intriguing Museum of Musical Instruments, and others.
The castle’s courtyards and the park behind it (Parco Sempione) are free to wander around, so if the sky is clear, they’re definitely worth a stroll. I got lucky with cold yet sunny weather, but since we’re talking about things to do in Milan on a rainy day, the museums are your solution.
They are all included in one ticket that costs €8 (buy on-site, book it in advance here, or visit for free every first and third Tuesday of the month from 2 PM and every first Sunday).
Attend an Event at Fiera Milano
Located on the outskirts of the city, Fiera Milano is a massive indoor exhibition district that hosts different events throughout the year, from home decor, fashion, and car exhibitions to a Christmas fair that showcases handcrafted products from all over the world.
I traveled to Milan in December this time, so I was lucky enough to visit that fair, called Artigiano in Fiera, where you could spend the entire day because it was enormous! I found it overwhelming at one point, but it should keep you busy for a few hours.
To see the current events that take place, consult the updated calendar. Not all are relevant to foreigners, but it’s worth checking the program.
Warm Yourself Up with Milanese Comfort Food
If you’re searching for things to do in Milan when it’s raining and you’re an avid carb lover like me, this one is for you.
Northern Italian cuisine is extremely hearty and comforting, so when it’s time for lunch or dinner, head to a restaurant serving traditional food from the region of Lombardy.
Since I do not eat meat, I indulged in local vegetarian dishes like risotto alla Milanese (risotto with saffron), polenta, and artichoke salad, as well as risotto/fresh pasta with porcini mushrooms (yum!), served across northern Italy.
I had a fantastic experience at Trattoria Milanese (Via Santa Marta, 11), for which I recommend making a reservation, though you can find other great places to try.
If you’re visiting Italy in winter (and even if not), I’m sure this food will be right up your alley.
Walk Under the Covered Porticos
Italy, especially northern Italy, is known for its charming covered porticos, which allow you to stroll alongside the shops while still enjoying the fresh air, even if it rains.
In Milan, you’ll easily find them around the Duomo and on many other streets in the historic center.
Visit Some Palazzos
Whether they’re actual palaces or “just” elegant buildings and residences, Italian palazzos are always a joy to visit, especially if you love stepping back in time.
You’ll find quite a few of them in Milan, though only several are open to the public throughout the year, such as:
1. Palazzo Morando
Attractions in the city can be pricey, so wandering through the 16th-century Palazzo Morando is one of the most wonderful free indoor activities in Milan (note that it’s closed on Mondays).
Located in the Fashion District (Quadrilatero della Moda), it was the home of noble families for a few centuries and was partially turned into a museum that houses the municipal Collection of Fashion and Costume.
2. Palazzo Reale
With origins tracing back to medieval times, the Palazzo Reale di Milano (Royal Palace of Milan) has witnessed a fair share of events.
For centuries, it served as the seat of the city’s governors, from the House of Sforza to Napoleon to the Habsburgs. Nowadays, it functions as a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions for everyone to enjoy.
Note that some are FREE, and you can consult the current ones here.
Visit a Historic Villa
One of the landmarks I wanted to see in the city but didn’t have enough time for was Villa Necchi Campiglio. Commissioned by the wealthy Necchi Campiglio family in the 1930s, this luxurious historic home is now open to the public.
While the ticket also includes access to the gardens surrounding the villa, it should still be a good place to visit on a rainy day in Milan. Be sure to reserve your spot here.
Have a Relaxing Spa Day
Still not sure what to do in Milan when it rains? Another spot still on my bucket list is QC Termemilano, a wellness center located near Porta Romana, surrounded by 1500-year-old city walls.
I know booking a spa day is not necessarily what comes to mind when planning a city break, but if it’s cold and rainy, their indoor facilities seem quite tempting, especially the unique bio-sauna (which is housed in a tram) and the Vichy shower.
If that sounds intriguing, read more about the complex and available packages. Alternatively, there are also a couple of hammams and Turkish baths in the city.
Other Italy Travel Guides
Read more about northern Italy:
- 4 days in Milan
- Winter day trips from Milan
- Milan or Turin
- Best road trips from Milan
- Northern Italy road trip
- Northwest Italy itinerary
- Hidden gems in northern Italy
- Best places to visit in October in northern Italy
- Places to visit in Piedmont
- Things to do in Vicenza
- Turin in winter
- European cities to visit in winter
For more Italy travel tips, read:
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