Things to Do in Milan in Autumn

Heading to beautiful Milan in Autumn and wondering what to do? Check out our guide to discover things to do in Milan in Autumn!

The fashion capital, the financial capital, one of Europe’s leading cities… Milan has so many names, and it’s known for so many reasons. The capital city of Lombardy is a jewel that must be seen, whether you’re looking for arts, cultural experiences, architecture, fashion, or business. While the leaves fall, Milan gets buzzing again after the hot summer days, and here are the best things you can do in Milan in Autumn!

An upwards shot of the beautiful, ornate glass domed ceiling in the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele. A clear blue sky can be seen through the glass, and the sun is peaking through the centre, left side of the dome.

Beautiful architecture at the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele – a great thing to do in Milan in Autumn! Photo: @shegowandering

Visit the Main Landmarks

Thanks to the climate, Milan is a great place to visit in Autumn. This is because it’s not as hot and humid in Autumn as it is as over the Summer months. Basically, it’s the perfect time for long walks between gorgeous buildings! The best things to do in Milan always start with the famous landmarks.

Duomo di Milano

One of the first places you must visit is the Duomo di Milano. It’s the icon of the city, and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Make sure to spend some time wandering around the Piazza del Duomo and take in the fabulous, detailed architecture. You can enter the cathedral on the right side, which is currently open for visitors. If you have time for it, you should visit the rooftop of the Duomo! From here, you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views, and get an even closer look at the beautiful pinnacles and gargoyles.

Duomo di Milano Photo: @shegowandering

Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele

The Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele is Italy’s first shopping mall! The breathtaking gallery of luxury brands, spectacular architecture, and great restaurants is where fashion meets every day life. Located near the Duomo, it’s a great place to spend some time in Milan in the Autumn months. You can wander through it by exploring the shops, or just admire the breathtaking ceiling and glass dome.

Teatro alla Scala

The opera house called Teatro alla Scala is on Piazza della Scala, at the other end of Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele. Here, you’ll notice a huge monument of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived in Milan for awhile. The opera house, which is one of the most famous opera houses in Europe, is facing the monument. Some of the most remarkable performers and singers have stood on its stage over the years, so the interior is also worth a visit!

A statue of Leonardo da Vinci stands tall in a park. Greenery surrounds the statue, and people can be seen enjoying the park and sunny day.

A statue of Leonardo da Vinci Photo: @shegowandering

Castello Sfrozesco

The Sforza Castle is next to Milan’s historic centre. It’s a short walk from Piazza della Scala through the popular and trendy Brera district. The castle was built by the duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. The main reason this castle is known is because it was the largest citadels in Europe for many centuries! Entrance to explore the castle is free, however, there is a fee to visit the museums inside the building.

The Last Supper

Michelangelo’s famous work, The Last Supper is one of the most known pieces of art in history. You can see it in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The church is located in the heart of Milan, about 12 mins walking distance from Castello Sforzesco. To visit, you have to book your ticket in advance as there’s a limited amount of people that can enter a day, but it’s so worth it!

Going for the Hidden Gems

While Autumn in Milan is not as busy as summer, you might want to visit some hidden gems, right? Luckily, you can find lots in Milan, and they’re often hidden around the main landmarks! Close to the Duomo di Milano, you can visit Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa, which is a chapel decorated with human bones from the 17^th century.

While visiting Milan in the autumn, one of the most beautiful hidden gems is Leonardo da Vinci’s vineyard. It’s located near Santa Maria delle Grazie, where you can see the Last Supper. It’s perfect for an Autumn visit, because that’s when the grapes in the vineyard are ready to be collected!

Another gem is the whole neighbourhood called Navigli, and t’s possibly the most colourful neighbourhood in Milan. The walkways following the canals, the colourful houses, and the restaurants are all reasons this is a must-see place – especially in the evenings!

One of the many hidden gems in Milan. A beautiful house sits at the end of a sprawling green garden.

One of the hidden gems in Milan. Photo: @shegowandering

Come for Milan Fashion Week

Every Autumn, the fashion world explodes and Milan buzzes with the newest trends and collections. If your visit coincides with Milan Fashion Week, you’ll certainly get a glimpse of experience! The streets crowd with models, influencers, and photographers who are all after the experience. The event shows off some of the newest collections of the world’s most luxurious fashion brands.

Visiting Milan in Autumn

Autumn is actually when Milan is at its busiest. This means you have many activities, events, and things to do while enjoying the beautiful weather and fabulous vibes of the city. I’ve been in Milan in all four seasons, and if I’d have to choose my favourite time of year to visit, I’d always choose Autumn!

The terrace at Ostello Bello Grande Milan on a sunny Autumn afternoon Photo: @shegowandering

Ostello Bello Grande – The Place to Stay in Milan

On this visit to Milan, I stayed at Ostello Bello Grande, which is one of the most famous hostels in Milan. That’s really not surprising, as the hostel is fabulous! At arrival, you’re offered a welcome drink, and if you want my advice, get an Aperol Spritz! They make great spritz at the bar!

The bar at Ostello Bello Grande. Photo: @shegowandering

The design in the hostel was amazing, and the rooms were also beautiful and comfy. But the best part for me was the atmosphere! People come together in Ostello Bello Grande from all over the world, and it’s super easy to make connections! There’s a bar inside, a beautiful garden behind the building, and a rooftop terrace, from which you can enjoy good company and beautiful views of Milan!