What to do in Milan when it rains

When the skies turn grey and rain unexpectedly falls over Milan, the city doesn’t come to a halt. With museums, exhibitions, literary cafés and activities for both adults and children, gloomy days become the perfect chance to discover the city’s more intimate and stimulating side.

A visit to the Duomo on a rainy day

A rainy day can be the perfect excuse to rediscover the historic heart of Milan. The Duomo, with its soaring naves and the soft light filtering through stained glass windows, takes on an even more solemn and intimate atmosphere. Inside, the statue of St Bartholomew Flayed and the monumental organ (the largest in Italy) manage to captivate even the most distracted visitors.

Just a short walk away, the elegant arcades of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offer a welcome shelter. It’s the ideal spot for a coffee break or a wander among the windows of time-honoured boutiques. To round off the itinerary, the nearby Sforza Castle opens its doors to a range of museums, from the Civic Art Gallery to the Museum of Ancient Art, and finally to the hauntingly beautiful Rondanini Pietà. A cultured and captivating retreat, perfect for families, too.

Museums and exhibitions to visit in Milan when it rains

Milan is home to more than forty museums, several of which are ideal for spending a rainy day indoors. The Pinacoteca di Brera, for instance, houses iconic masterpieces such as The Kiss by Hayez and Mantegna’s Dead Christ. Equally captivating is the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, where visitors can admire works by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Raphael, all displayed within a historic palace that also serves as a library.

For a more immersive and engaging experience, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology offers interactive exhibits and hands-on workshops tailored especially for children. Among the city’s must-see temporary exhibitions are those hosted at Palazzo Reale, MUDEC and the Triennale, each offering thought-provoking displays in striking architectural settings.

A visit to Milan’s Planetarium on a rainy day

Spending a rainy day at the Ulrico Hoepli Civic Planetarium in Milan is a fascinating and educational experience, ideal for both adults and children. Nestled within the Giardini Pubblici di Porta Venezia, the planetarium offers a wide range of shows and projections that delve into the universe, constellations and other astronomical phenomena. At weekends, special events tailored for younger visitors are held, making it a perfect indoor destination for families in search of enriching activities. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office, with reasonable prices adding to the appeal. To check the latest programme and plan your visit accordingly, it is advisable to consult the official website of the planetarium.

An immersive visit (and plenty of selfies) at Fondazione Prada

For those in search of a cultural experience with striking visual appeal, Fondazione Prada is an unmissable destination. Housed in a former distillery transformed into a striking exhibition space in Milan’s Largo Isarco district, the foundation merges contemporary art with cutting-edge architecture, courtesy of a design by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA studio. Among its most eye-catching structures is the “Haunted House,” clad in gold leaf, which hosts permanent installations and offers the perfect backdrop for truly iconic photos. The temporary exhibitions, consistently innovative, interact seamlessly with the industrial setting and impress with their originality and expressive intensity. It’s a space where artistic exploration meets urban aesthetics, and where resisting the lure of a selfie is near impossible.

Gastronomic experiences: Mercato Centrale and Milan’s historic pastry shops

For those keen to explore Milan’s culinary heritage, two indoor experiences stand out as unmissable: a visit to Mercato Centrale and a stop at one of the city’s historic pastry shops.

Housed within Milan’s Central Station, Mercato Centrale is home to more than 30 artisan stalls spread across two floors, offering an impressive variety of local and national specialities—from cheeses and cured meats to fresh pasta and traditional desserts.

For a sweet break, a visit to Pasticceria Marchesi 1824 is a must. Founded in 1824, it is one of Milan’s oldest and most esteemed patisseries, renowned for its handcrafted products and timeless atmosphere. Another city institution is Pasticceria Cova, established in 1817 and located at 8 Via Montenapoleone, which has been delighting discerning customers with its exquisite treats for over two centuries.

Together, these experiences offer a sensory journey through the flavours and traditions of Milan, allowing visitors to savour the city’s rich gastronomic history and culture.

A quiet moment of reading in the library

For those seeking to lose themselves in a good book while surrounded by history and culture, Milan is home to two true gems: the Braidense National Library and the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.

Founded in 1770 by order of Maria Theresa of Austria, the Braidense is housed within the Palazzo di Brera and holds a remarkable collection of over one and a half million volumes. Its four reading rooms, including the magnificent Sala Maria Teresa, complete with original shelving designed by Piermarini, offer a unique and inspiring setting for both scholars and lovers of literature.

The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, inaugurated in 1609 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, is among the oldest public libraries in Italy. In addition to safeguarding invaluable manuscripts, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, it features reading rooms designed by renowned architects Lelio Buzzi and Francesco Maria Richini, a true celebration of architectural grandeur.

Relaxation and wellbeing: spas, thermal baths and shopping centres

For those in search of pure relaxation, urban spas offer the ideal retreat. QC Terme Milano features heated pools, saunas, salt rooms and holistic treatments, providing a serene escape from the gloomy weather. Indoor shopping centres like Merlata Bloom and Centro di Arese also make for great leisure destinations, both easily reachable and home to cinemas, restaurants and a wide range of shops to suit all tastes.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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