10 things to do free of charge in Milan

When visiting Milan, it is impossible to miss out on the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II such an elegant arcade full of shops and historic cafés as to be known as the "meeting place" of the Milanese bourgeoisie. Inaugurated in 1867, the Gallery is an arcade connecting Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala and is still one of the most interesting free places in Milan. In the same area, as another of the 10 things to do free of charge in Milan, we suggest visiting the Terrace of La Rinascente: by climbing to the seventh floor of the most famous department store in Milan, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views in Milan, and it's all free of charge unless you shop on the floors below!

Some define San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore as "Milan's Sistine Chapel" because of the wonderful paintings and frescoes that cover the walls and the ceiling of the church. Up to Napoleon's time, San Maurizio was part of an enclosed convent and there is still a partition separating the church from the Nuns' Choir since the nuns were not allowed to have any contact with the outside world. After extensive restoration work, since 2015 San Maurizio has been freely visitable by all at no cost.

Another of the 10 things to do free of charge in Milan not to be missed is a visit to Sant'Ambrogio, one of the city's must-sees. The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio was built between 379 and 386 at the behest of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, who decided to dedicate it to the holy martyrs buried in it. Sant'Ambrogio is a symbol of early Christian and medieval Milan, but also of Milan in general. Admission to the basilica and the crypt where the saint's remains lie is free of charge.

Discovering a city with a local guide is an unforgettable experience. The Milan Greeters will welcome you and accompany you to the places preferred by the Milanese so that you can understand the culture, history, and lifestyle of Milan. The Greeters are a group of volunteers who organize fully customized walking tours for groups of up to six people. All completely free as envisaged by the international Global Greeter Network!

No visit to Milan is complete without a visit to the Sforza's Castle. Being fascinated by the imposing fortress with its Renaissance courtyards, towers, and defensive moat is an experience that takes you back in time. You do not have to pay to enter the vast Cortile delle Armi (Parade ground) and admire the Ducal court and the Corte della Rocchetta, while the visit to the museums of the Castle is free only on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 2 pm. By walking through Parco Sempione (Simplon Park)at the rear of the Castle, you can also reach the majestic Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace).

One of the most curious suggestions you can be given when visiting Milan is to peek through open doors and gates since behind them there are often unique surprises. This is true of the most famous building along the street renowned for Milanese nightlife: more than a normal courtyard, more than a secret garden, Corso Como 10 is a multifunctional building housing two art and design concept stores, a roof garden and one of the most frequently visited galleries in Milan. Entrance is usually free, but at certain times and for certain exhibitions you will need to buy a ticket.

It is incredible that so many wonders are free attractions in Milan! Another of the hidden treasures of Milan is the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satirowhich appears in every art history guide due to a masterpiece by the master architect, Donato Bramante. With insufficient space to build a real apse for the church, the famous architect succeeded in creating the illusion of depth using a clever trompe l'œil effect. A magnificent and totally Milanese work of art that we can still visit totally free of charge today.

Who said Milan was all grey? A little bit of Burano, a little bit of Portobello Road, the little Via Lincoln Workers' village is located just a short walk from Piazza Cinque Giornate and is a completely free open-air attraction. It is a handful of colored houses originally intended for workers employed in the area Porta Vittoria, and who over time enhanced their houses with gardens and trees: a walk in this rainbow district is enough to make you forget you are in a metropolis.

As we already said, it's always worth peeking through open doors to see what's behind: at number 4 of Alzaia Naviglio Grande you can freely enter (while taking care not to disturb the peace of the residents and artists who work there)  one of the most fascinating courtyards in Milan to get to know old working-class Milan and understand the appeal of typical Milanese "ringhiera" tenement houses. The beautiful hidden courtyards of old Milan, Vicolo dei Lavandai and the colorful antique markets make the Navigli area one of the free wonders of Milan.

Did you know that the main premises of the University of Milan were built as a hospital during the Renaissance? And that the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart stands on the site of a Benedictine monastery? Discovering the history of Milan through the cloisters and the wonders of the university premises is a completely free experience, just as admiring the courtyard of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and poking your head into the spectacular Braidense library are musts in Milan that can be visited free of charge.