5 TOP Milan museums to visit for free?

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Milan is a city full of culture, art and history. Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Milan, and there are many wonderful museums to explore as well. Milan is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, such as Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, Museo Civico di Storia Naturale and many more, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore these cultural gems without spending a fortune during your Milan holidays. In this article, we will share tips on how to visit Milan museums for free and how to make the most out of your holiday in the city.

Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)

Castello Sforzesco in Milan was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan at the time. This castle served as a fortress and residence for the ruling families of Milan until the 19th century. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Milan and home to several museums and art galleries. Make sure to add this to your “Milan things to do” list!

PRACTICAL INFO: Courtyard - always free; Castle Museums – Admission is free after 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month and all day on the first Sunday of each month. Under 18 – always free.

Embark on this Sforzesco Castle Guided Tour and learn more about one of the most extraordinary castles in Italy.

Explore the Sforzesco Castle with Digital Audioguide at your own pace.

Discover all the hidden secrets with this Sforzesco Castle and Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini Tour.

Take this self-guided audio tour of two iconic Milan landmarks with entry to Leonardo's Vineyard Museum and to Sforzesco Castle.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Italy and enjoy this Last Supper Skip-the-Line Ticket & Sforzesco Castle Tour.

Top 5 popular Castello Sforzesco tours

Civic Aquarium

The Civic Aquarium of Milan is one of the most iconic places in the city. Located in Sempione Park in the heart of Milan, it was built in 1906 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since. It houses many different species of fish and other aquatic animals, making it a great spot for families to explore. Visitors can also learn more about marine life through interactive exhibits and educational programs. Whether you're looking for a place to take your kids or just want to admire some amazing creatures, the Civic Aquarium is sure to be a good place to spend some quality time with your kids!

PRACTICAL INFO: Admission is free after 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month and all day on the first Sunday of each month. Under 18 – always free.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most famous art galleries in the world, located in Milan, Italy. It has existed since 1776, but was officially established in 1809, and houses hundreds of works of art dating from the medieval period. It has a long and rich history, with some of the most famous people visiting it in their lifetimes. From Raphael to Bellini to Caravaggio, the collection houses some of the world's most famous masterpieces. Whether you are an art enthusiast or just looking for something interesting to do while visiting Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera is definitely worth a visit!

PRACTICAL INFO: Admission is free with prior registration on the first Sunday of each month. Under 18 – always free.

Palazzo Brera Courtyard & Brera Botanical Garden

The Courtyard of Palazzo Brera and the Botanical Garden of Brera are a hidden gem in the heart of Milan. To access this botanical garden, you have to walk through the magnificent courtyard of the Palazzo di Brera and then go all the way to the back of the palace. It is an oasis of tranquility and beauty, surrounded by lush greenery, exotic plants and colorful flowers. Featuring a variety of plants from all over the world, this botanical garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll through the gardens or explore its hidden corners, Brera Botanical Garden has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem in Milan!

PRACTICAL INFO: always free for all.

Pinacoteca di Brera Courtyard Milan Italy.jpg

Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum)

The Museo Civico di Storia Naturale (Natural History Museum) is a historic landmark in the city of Milan, Italy. Built in 1838, it houses a vast collection of natural history artefacts and specimens that span centuries. This museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of nature and its evolution over time. With its interactive displays and engaging activities, this museum is sure to capture the imagination of adults and children alike.

PRACTICAL INFO: Admission is free after 2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month and all day on the first Sunday of each month. Under 18 – always free.

If you're planning cheap holidays to Milan, then don't miss the chance to visit these amazing museums for free!

Get access to all areas of Milan's iconic landmarks with this Milan Cathedral and Rooftop ticket, and enjoy the views from the Duomo's terrace.

Admire Leonardo da Vinci's legendary Last Supper on this guided tour.

Explore Milan with this ticket for the open-top hop-on hop-off bus.

Visit Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci Museum and see a fragment of the moon, steam trains, a submarine and more.

Milan Top Attractions

DAY TRIPS FROM MILAN

Milan is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and it offers many things to see and do. But if you want to explore more, there are plenty of day trips from Milan that will make your holiday even more exciting. From the picturesque Lake Como to Verona, there are many places that you can visit in just a day.

If you’re looking for some fun activities, then why not head out to an indoor waterpark or go on a hike through the mountains? There are also many historical sites that you can explore outside of Milan. So don’t miss out on these top-picked day trips from Milan and get ready for a day full of adventure!