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Milan is a lively city even in summer.

Despite the fact that many people leave their city homes to travel or to their home countries, Milan offers many things to do even in the hottest seasons. In fact, spring and summer are the ideal times to explore Milan in a brand-new way and learn things you may not have known before.

It is a metropolis that never stops moving and evolving and is always offering something to people who live there or are merely travelling through.

With many places to visit in Milan, entertainment, events, and vacations out of town as well, there are many chances for relaxation in the city and its surrounds during the summer.

In this article, we provide you some suggestions for how to enjoy your days and evenings with friends, family, partner, or even by yourself for a little moment of leisure. Any opportunity is a good one to escape the chaos and enjoy your Italian summer.

Go to outdoor swimming pools

Summer in Milan can be difficult, especially in the summer heat.

Fortunately, there are outdoor swimming pools where you may relax, swim, and sunbathe. It will seem like a vacation to you!

Here are a few of the city's most distinctive swimming pools:

  • Centro Balneare Guido Romano (located in via Ampère, 20 - entrance from via Zanoia, near the Piola metro station), an architectural jewel dating back to 1929. Near the swimming pool there are relaxation areas, a small park, and a kiosk with bar service.
  • Piscina Caimi, better known as Bagni Misteriosi (located in via Carlo Botta, 18 - in the Porta Romana district), an Art Nouveau building which is part of the space that now houses the Franco Parenti Theatre. The structure was restored a few years ago maintaining the period details but also proposing moden modifications. It is currently one of Milan's most stylish swimming pools.
  • Centro Balneare Argelati (via Segantini, 6 - next to the Naviglio Grande) is situated in the Ticinese district, which also hosted one of the city's first bathing facilities. Due to its central location, it is frequently extremely crowded, especially on weekends.

Did you know that you may engage in water sports in Milan?

You can rent a canoe or kayak on the Naviglio Martesana, and if you're not an expert, you can arrange for lessons. Instead, a structure was erected at the Idroscalo that creates a standing wave that enables you to surf. With the assistance of experienced personnel, you may spend the day in the water.

Visit artistic places

In Milan, you may travel back in time through museums, monuments, and architectural creations.

Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, which is housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is one of the city's wonders. This masterpiece has fascinated tourists for centuries and continues to draw sizable groups from all around the world. The recommendation is to make a reservation on the designated website.

The Pinacoteca di Brera, a different artistic hub that characterizes the city, is home to some of its most renowned masterpieces, including Il Bacio by Hayez and the Dead Christ by Mantegna, in addition to other works of course.

The “Ago, Filo e Nodo” sculpture in front of the Cadorna station, "Il Dito" in the Piazza Affari, the “Disco Solare di Pomodoro” in Piazza Meda, the "Arco della Pace," and the Castello Sforzesco are just a few of the well-known outdoor works one may view while touring the city. Right at the peak of summer, the Castle's courtyard plays host to a variety of daytime and evening events, including theatrical and musical performances.

Piazza Gae Aulenti, which is situated after Corso Como, and the public park of City Life, a new neighbourhood with three buildings, are other modern Milan icons.

Go for a bike ride

A pleasant bike ride is another way to explore Milan. If you don't have one, you can rent one or use BikeMI, the bike-sharing programme run by ATM and the Milan Municipality.

It's extremely easy! You can rent a bike using an app or website and pay with a credit card or a prepaid card. Along with bicycles, there are scooters and kick-scooters stations spread out around the city.

But where can a cyclist go to get a little distance from cars?

For instance, at the following parks: Solari Park, Indro Montanelli Park, the aforementioned City Life, Sempione Park, and the neighbourhood around Tortona. Also, along the sides of the Navigli Grande, Pavese, or Martesana (the latter is located north of the city). If you enjoy cycling, you can also use the canal-side bike routes that reaches Pavia (the Pavese) and Trezzo sull'Adda (the Martesana).

Vettabbia Park is a sizable park south of Milan that is great for cycling. Cross it to get to Chiaravalle, which is outside of Milan and where you can see the lovely Abbey.

Discover the thermal baths

You can always choose to have a restorative day after exerting yourself physically. The perfect place is the Terme di Porta Romana, a relaxing corner in one of the hearts of the Milanese nightlife, but it will seem to be far from the city.

The wellness centre is a part of the QC Terme, an Art Nouveau building which is encircled by old Spanish walls. Although it is only a short distance from the centre, you may escape the noise, stress, and heat of the city there.

Wellness programmes, massages, and even an evening apéritif are offered inside the spa. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in Milanese culture, simply venture outside. You will quickly discover excellent restaurants and spots to enjoy an aperitif nearby.

Enjoy outdoor cinemas

Outdoor cinemas are another thing you can do to change up your evenings.

AriAnteo, a summer exhibition in Milan that features films and events from the Palazzo Reale and the Chiostro dell’Incoronata, is one not to be missed.

Mare Culturale Urbano, a hub of artistic and cultural output in Milan's suburbs, is another location to catch movies beneath the stars. This programming is also done by Anteo Palazzo del Cinema.

There are movies for every taste and genre, including works by the author, ones with subtitles in the original language, for kids, and Italian cinema's finest. Projections made carelessly as well as those that cover significant civic, international, national, and environmental issues.

We advise you to check at the online calendar because the programming is extremely varied and fills both weeknights and weekends.

Day trip from Milan to Lake

If a journey outside of Milan is what you have in mind, you may easily drive or take the train from Milan to the Lombardy lakes.

Undoubtedly, Lake Como, which is conveniently accessible from Milan by train, is one of the key destinations. In fact, taking the train may be the ideal option if you want to avoid parking issues or heavy traffic on the highway.

Here, we suggest a route to see the Lake Como communities of Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, collectively referred to as the "golden triangle." You can get directly to Varenna from Milan Central Station and the trip takes around an hour. From there, you may take a ferry immediately to the other two locations, Menaggio, which is on the opposite bank, and Bellagio, which is situated where Lake Como divides into its two well-known branches.

A drink in one of the city's bars and a stroll around the central streets can be enjoyed as you wind down the day by taking another ship that will take you directly to Como. You can then board a train to return directly to Milan at the conclusion of the journey.

Another must do is a day trip to Lake Garda from Milan. A lake known for its excursions and outdoor activities, this one is also full of historical significance and tourist attractions.

Some of the most beautiful villages to visit are Limone sul Garda, where you can also take a lovely cycle path; Tremosine, whose streets also appear in James Bond films; Canale di Tenno, which offers fantastic sunsets over the lake; Desenzano del Garda and onward to Sirmione.

We finished our tour in the city of Milan and its surroundings here. In addition to these, you only have to take advantage of the many other chances the city has to offer, both in the summer and the rest of the year.

If you are about to move to the city, even in this hot season, and you are looking for a room in Milan don't forget to take a look to DoveVivo's offer.

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