Have you ever thought of Milan as a spring break destination? Perhaps not, because when you imagine this city you see fog, cold, gray buildings and skyscrapers. But when the sun comes out and all the parks are in bloom, in spring, it totally changes its “face”. It is beautiful, literally. Visiting this Italian metropolis is not difficult at all: in fact, it is very well served by highways, railways, cycle paths, and of course airports (Milan Malpensa MXP, Milan Linate LIN and the nearby Bergamo-Orio al Serio BGY airport). From every Milanese airport and every hotel, you can take advantage of private transfers, tailored just for you, offered on our website – where you can conveniently book even in advance.
Milan in spring is trendy
Milan comes alive in spring. Fashion Week, the Salone del Mobile (Fair of Furnitures), and other events related to beauty, design, and all trendy things take place in the heart of the city and its immediate surroundings. If you enjoy museum visits, these are the ideal months to book your tour.
It goes without saying that a must-see is Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper at the church-museum of Santa Maria delle Grazie, but you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Brera Gallery, the central Museum Novecento, and the Museum of Culture. Two art museums are also housed inside the Sforza Castle, which thus becomes a masterpiece in itself to be admired among many others.
Light on the architecture
Spring in Milan sometimes manages to dispel the fog and offers bright days. Take advantage of this opportunity to take the classic tour of the city center’s architecture, but seen in a “new light”. The magnificent Gothic cathedral, which took six centuries to complete (and is therefore still called “the factory”) can be explored far and wide, also by climbing to the top of the pointed spires that rise around the golden statue of the Virgin Mary. Inside, precious art works are housed, many of which are collected in the Great Museum of Duomo. Also worth a visit are the Gothic portals of the sacristy, the monument to St Charles Borromeo, the artistic stained-glass windows by the Bertini family, and the archaeological ruins … to name just a few.
Staying on the subject of architecture, the beautiful Basilica of St. Ambrogio is another must-see, with its “four-loggias” courtyard dominated by red-brick bell towers. The Gallery Vittorio Emanuele, a vast and luxurious indoor shopping mall, is the heart of the city’s historic beauties and contrasts—but in a positive way—with the ultra-modern Gae Aulenti square, located not far from the “flowering skyscraper” of the Bosco Verticale. The Monastero Maggiore, with its spectacular church of St Maurizio, is an ancient gem that will amaze you. But if you enjoy weird things, we invite you to explore La Maggiolina neighborhood, where every house is… a film-set unto itself!
In Milan, there’s a spring experience you cannot miss: a walk at the Navigli. This area, now the heart of the city’s nightlife, still retains its artistic and romantic feel, with soft colors, reflections on the water, bridges, and quaint little cafés.
Milan in bloom
You can’t experience Milan in spring without admiring the seasonal blooms. You can do just that by strolling through the historic central part, where wisteria, geraniums, and tulips peep out from almost every balcony.
The cathedral square is adorned with splendid magnolias, while Park Sempione also offers the opportunity to picnic in the flowering meadows. At the foot of the Bosco Verticale stands the Biblioteca degli Alberi or BAM Park, a large garden displaying and cataloging 500 trees of 100 different species, arranged in circular paths (22 !), along with thousands of plants.
Other nature-filled locations where you can enjoy spring in Milan include the Indro Montanelli Gardens, the Park Basiliche (dedicated to Pope John Paul II), Boscoincittà Park, and Park Nord. A particularly spectacular sight in Milan in spring is the sunset over the Idroscalo artificial lake.
Outside Milan
If you have time to explore the surrounding areas, as well, we suggest other Milanese destinations that are even more beautiful in spring: Chiaravalle Abbey, for example, or the park of the Royal Palace of Monza, or the Oasi Sant’Alessio (a protected reserve where you can also admire flamingos), or Trezza sull’Adda with its “haunted” castle, or village of Morimondo. If you can, head to the Certosa di Pavia, Crespi d’Adda and the city of Bergamo. Como and its famous lake, a spectacle of gardens in bloom this season, are a 50-minute drive only, from Milan and you absolutely should visit them.
In short, Milan in spring is anything but a gray and boring city. On the contrary, it is a constant emotion that must be experienced… and never forgotten.
