Most people travel to Milan during the spring and summer, but you might want to visit the beautiful city in the thick of winter to avoid the huge crowds. Milan can be quite cold during the winter months ranging between 43F (6C) and 34F (1C), but you’ll be fine as long as you wear the appropriate clothing. You might be surprised to learn that this popular tourist destination has plenty of things to do in the colder months and prices tend to be much lower than usual. We’ve done diligent research for you and have put together six cozy things to do in Milan in the winter below.
Pinacoteca di Brera
One of the best things to do in Milan during the winter is to visit the Pinacoteca di Brera museum located in Palazzo Brera. This building used to be a Jesuit monastery in 1576, but now is known as one of the best art museums in Europe. You can spend several hours here looking at a wide range of stunning Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. This museum also features an observatory, a library, botanical gardens, and a science institute that’ll be sure to fulfill any interest you have.
Milan Fashion Week
If you’re into fashion or want to try something unique, then attending Milan’s Fashion Week is an absolute must. Every February, highly regarded fashion designers come to Milan to show off their new collections with a range of looks. You might even run into a celebrity depending on what show you attend. Tickets are somewhat hard to get, but newer designers tend to have fashion shows that are easier to get into. You’ll be able to stay warm and get the first look at the upcoming trends that are sure to be all the rage in the fashion world.
Historic Churches
There are several iconic churches located in Milan and you’ll be sure to stay warm if you visit a few. One of the first churches you should visit is the Duomo di Milano, which is known as the largest church in Italy and the third largest in the world. It features a rooftop view of the city, shrines, statues, and sanctuaries. Make sure you visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie Church so you can see Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting. Get tickets ahead of time because they sell out even during the winter. You might want to check out the San Bernardino alle Ossa church, which features real bones covering the building’s walls.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a huge mall and tends to be a favorite for many tourists. This is the oldest active shopping mall in all of Italy that is four stories high with a domed ceiling and brick façade. During winter you’ll find Christmas decorations and an illuminated Christmas tree within the mall. You’ll also find a diverse range of high-end stores, restaurants, boutiques, and more in the Galleria. The Galleria walking tours as well so you can have the full Italian shopping experience and stay toasty while doing it.
Luggage Storage in Milan
When you first touch down in Milan, you might want to explore the bustling city before checking into your hotel. If this is the case, you can use a company such as Bounce to take care of this need. It’s a simple process. All you have to do is search through a number of convenient locations, choose one, and reserve your space with a few clicks. Go to the location, show your reservation, and you’re good to go. This is the easiest solution for luggage storage in Milan.
Teatro alla Scala
Known as one of the leading international opera and ballet theaters, the Teatro alla Scala is definitely a worthwhile stop during your winter stay in Milan. The theater first opened in 1778 and has put on several different shows throughout the centuries including ballet, opera, Filarmonica, and Orchestra. The theater also has beautiful neoclassical architecture and design with golden engravings on the ceiling as well as red velvet interior seating. Some of the best singers have been known to perform here. Only a three-minute walk from La Galleria, the theater also features historical archives and temporary, rotating exhibitions to keep you entertained.
Conclusion
Milan is known as the second largest city in Italy and features the highest concentration of skyscrapers so it’s no wonder that tourists love visiting even in the winter. There’s plenty to do in Milan during the colder months such as stopping by the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, attending Fashion Week, or visiting one of the historical churches in the city. You can get all of your shopping needs accomplished in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, go to luggage storage in Milan, and attend a great show at the Teatro all Scala. Taking advantage of these six cozy things to do in the winter in Milan could keep you warm and create memories that will last you a lifetime.