Milan in August: How to Enjoy the City When Everyone Else Leaves

August in Milan gets a bad reputation. Locals escape to the mountains or coast, shutters close on small shops, and the pace of the city slows to a crawl. But if you know where to go, Milan in August is a golden opportunity to explore Italy's fashion and design capital without the crowds.

Here’s how to experience Milan at its most peaceful, cultural, and unexpectedly charming during the quietest month of the year.

🏠 What to Expect in August

• Quieter streets and shorter lines at major attractions

• Shuttered small businesses, especially around Ferragosto (August 15)

• Open museums and galleries with air conditioning (thank goodness!)

• A relaxed pace: fewer cars, less noise, more room to breathe

🌈 Where to Go

1. Cultural Escapes with Air-Con

• Triennale Milano – Contemporary art and design in Parco Sempione

• Fondazione Prada – Edgy exhibitions in a modern space

• GAM (Gallery of Modern Art) – 19th- and 20th-century works in a cool Neoclassical villa

• Poldi Pezzoli Museum – Renaissance art, armour & textiles just off Via Montenapoleone

  
  

2. Duomo Without the Chaos

• Climb to the rooftop in the early morning or just before closing for cooler temperatures and clearer views

• Book in advance for a combo ticket with rooftop + cathedral access

  
  

  

  Detail from Duomo facade, Milan

  
  
  
  

3. Navigli in the Evenings

• While quieter by day, the canal district comes alive after sunset with open-air bars, live jazz, and al fresco dining

• Perfect for an Aperol Spritz or riverside dinner

Navigli District, Milan

4. Hidden Gardens & Parks

• Brera Botanical Garden – Tucked behind the Pinacoteca di Brera

• Villa Invernizzi (Flamingo Villa) – Viewable from the street; yes, it has real flamingos

• Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli – Shaded pathways and museum stops

🍽 Where to Eat (That Stays Open in August)

• Miscusi – Fresh pasta made on-site, multiple locations

• Casa Tua Osteria – Homestyle Italian food, central and welcoming

• Al Garghet – Traditional Milanese cuisine in a garden setting (check opening days)

• Pavè – Excellent for coffee, pastries, and cool vibes near Porta Venezia

🚄 Day Trip Option Got an extra day? Jump on a train to:

• Lake Como (Varenna) – 1 hour to one of the most beautiful lake towns

• Bergamo – Historic hilltop town with fantastic views and funicular rides

• Pavia – Medieval university town with a stunning monastery and quiet piazzas

🔽 Travel Tips

• Book tickets online for museums + Duomo to avoid queues

• Double check opening hours, especially mid-month

• Bring a refillable water bottle – Milan has public fountains ("vedovelle")

• Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a portable fan for midday outings

Real Travel Guides: Explore Italy independently, sustainably, and by train.