{"id":27650,"date":"2016-10-26T15:04:08","date_gmt":"2016-10-26T15:04:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=27650"},"modified":"2016-10-26T15:04:08","modified_gmt":"2016-10-26T15:04:08","slug":"10-best-things-to-do-in-milan-for-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/10-best-things-to-do-in-milan-for-free\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Things To Do In Milan For Free"},"content":{"rendered":"

Milan is Italy\u2019s capital of fashion, shopping and luxury, but it\u2019s actually easier than you think to visit the city whilst\u00a0sticking to a budget! Getting to Milan isn\u2019t particularly expensive as it\u2019s well connected to Italy\u2019s major hubs (thanks to low-cost airlines and high-speed trains). Once you\u2019re in the city, you could\u00a0be tempted to squander your cash on the numerous fancy things to do. But for those looking to keep their wallets happy, we\u2019ve put together a guide to the 10 best things to do in Milan for FREE!<\/p>\n

1. Parco Sempione<\/h2>\n

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\nThe green heart of Milan. \u00a0The 386,000 square metres of parkland make up a gorgeous slice of Milanese heaven \u2013 perfect for sports, picnics and strolls. It\u2019s also a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. While you\u2019re there, get yourself over to the Sforza Castle (one of the largest in Europe), the peaceful pond, the statue of Napoleon III and the aquarium!<\/p>\n

2. Duomo di Milano<\/h2>\n

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\nPerhaps one of the most iconic symbols of Italy, Milan Cathedral is a MUST see.. There is a small fee to climb up to see the view of the city from the top, but it\u2019s absolutely worth it! Remember that it\u2019s a working religious building, so you\u2019ll need to cover your arms and legs to enter. If you want to avoid paying, head over to the top floor of La Rinascente (the shop next door) where you can soak up the beauty of Milan from above (and a snazzy view of the\u00a0Duomo itself).<\/p>\n

3. Ospedale Maggiore<\/h2>\n

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\nThe building also known as C\u00e0 Granda is half a millennium old, and part of the historic State University of Milan. \u00a0Once upon a time it served as a hospital for the city, at the behest of Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. It\u2019s definitely a blast from the past, housing numerous original pieces of art and architecture. Make sure to check out the internal cloister, a gem that shouldn\u2019t be overlooked.<\/p>\n

4. Alleys of Brera<\/h2>\n

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\nBrera almost feels like its own separate town within the metropolis of Milan. The quaint little alleyways, clubs and old community vibes really grab you, making it very difficult to leave! It\u2019s actually here that you\u2019ll find the Pinacoteca di Brera, an incredible art gallery known for its works by the masters: Piero della Francesca, Raphael and Caravaggio. There\u2019s normally an entrance fee, but on the first Sunday of each month it’s free!<\/p>\n

5. The canals at sunset<\/h2>\n

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\nJust a few quiet minutes spent wandering around the canals of Milan, and you\u2019ll understand why they are such a source of inspiration for many artists. Try to\u00a0visit at dusk, as the setting sun reflects brilliantly off the surface of the water. You’ve also got to\u00a0check out some of the exquisite historical sights in the area, such as\u00a0the Colonne di San Lorenzo!<\/p>\n

6. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II<\/h2>\n

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\nThis one is definitely a rite of passage in Milan! In the Galleria, you\u2019ll see a graphic\u00a0of a bull on the ground. The bull has a little wear and tear around its\u2026 urmm\u2026 nether regions, thanks to all the passers-by who spin on them (on their heels) to bring good fortune into their lives. As the legend goes, if you can complete the entire 360 degree turn in one go, you\u2019ll be even luckier!<\/p>\n

7. Vicolo dei Lavandai<\/h2>\n

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\nHistory buffs will love all that Milan has to offer. The Alley of Lavandai dates back to the 1700s, and served as a popular laundry site for the locals. You can still see the stones that were used to rub dirt out of the clothes. The site actually remained active until the end of the 50s! #themoreyouknow<\/p>\n

8. Piazza dei Mercanti<\/h2>\n

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\nThis is without a doubt one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Just being there will transport you back to a simpler, \u00a0medieval time, as you gaze at the Palazzo della Ragione, the Casa Panigarola and the Loggia degli Osii! Thankfully, the architecture of the square has remained intact, meaning you can still experience\u00a0the acoustic phenomenon: If you speak into a column, someone listening will be able to hear you on the other side of it. Don’t believe us? Try it!<\/p>\n

9. Fiera di Sinigaglia<\/h2>\n

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\nOkay, we know that markets aren\u2019t exactly the best way to save money, but hear us out! The market itself is awash with everything from old vinyl to vintage clothing, so it\u2019s pretty easy to get lost in the old-timey magic and low prices. It\u2019s free if you don\u2019t spend anything \ud83d\ude09 \u2013 even just walking the streets around the old flea market is a picturesque fave for locals (and your Instagram feed!)<\/p>\n

10. Via Montenapoleone<\/h2>\n

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\nYou\u2019d be insane to miss out on seeing Via Montenapoleone! The price tags might be\u00a0a little dear for those travelling on a budget, but the street is so iconic you\u2019ve got to catch a glimpse at least! The windows and details of each building’s facade are breathtaking, and who knows, maybe you\u2019ll find a killer deal \ud83d\ude09
\nCheck out the incredible hostels in Milan<\/a>!<\/em>
\nBook now<\/a>
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