Springtime is the best time to explore Milan if you want to witness the city bloom both literally and metaphorically. The months between April and May mark the springtime season in the city. It’s the perfect season if you want to avoid the scorching heat and tourists crowd during the summer or uncomfortable wearing layers of clothing to help your body stay warm during winter.
During March, the city re-invents its open spaces to encourage locals and tourists to enjoy the outdoors, go out, take a walk, eat out, and have a great time. It also allows people to appreciate nature’s beauty from the blooming magnolias, pink-hued cherry trees, green grass, vegetation, and vineyards. The sun sets at 8:00 pm giving you ample time to discover the best springtime experience in the city.
1. Picnic and Go Barefoot in the Park
Milan, despite being the center of the corporate and business industry, has its fair share of natural havens. You’ll never run out of parks to visit, greeneries to appreciate, blossoms to be awed at, and grass fields to walk, jog, and lounge.
Go out and enjoy the fresh springtime breeze, savor some light, and feel the tickly grass beneath your feet.
Parco Sempione is known as Milan’s biggest park with its 116 acres of a large meadow. You can pack a picnic basket, lay a mat by the lake, and enjoy a snack/lunch while taking in the refreshing view.
From the park, you may head to the De Chirico-designed fountain locally known as “Torta degli Sposi” or wedding cake which was built in 1936. You may also drop by Sforza Castle which once served as the home for the rulers and later turned into a military garrison. Between 1430 and 1535, the castle served as a hunting ground for the Sforza family until it became an agricultural ground, later transformed into military barracks, and finally turned into a park in the early 19th century.
Parco Sempione also gives access to other great historical spots in Milan such as the Acquario Civico which was built for the 1st Milan Expo in 1906, the Arena Civica which was Milan’s first football stadium, Ponte delle Sirenette where the Ghisini sisters, mermaid sculpture, ornaments the pillars of the bridge on each side.
There are also other parks around Milan such as the Villa Litta Park which is a 16th-century palace located in Lainate which is just north of Milan. It flaunts a Nymphaeum with water features and games, a library, and the Guastalla Gardens. Don’t miss the opportunity to check other parks such as the Villa Invernizzi, Boscoincitta, and Parco delle Cave.
2. Be Your Own Star in Milan Fashion Week
Milan is known as one of the most elite fashion capital in the world. As the city welcomes springtime, designers flood in to set up their shops and flagship stores and showcase their spring collections. The newest trends are boldly displayed in every flagship store giving the public an idea of what the next fashion trend will be.
Seize the chance to see some models, celebrities, A-list designers, and the latest fashion styles. Although entry is strictly limited to trade professionals only, you still may dress up like a certified fashionista and flaunt your style while enjoying a drink in bars, restaurants, and clubs that host fashion events such as the Principe Bar.
3. Experience Milan When in Bloom
Milan displays its colorful hue when in full bloom and spring is the perfect season to enjoy the different varieties of flowers under the warmth of the sun and the cool foresty scent of the spring breeze.
The Giardini Pubblici, situated at the end of the Via Manzoni, flaunts its natural colorful flowers in spring giving its tourists and locals a refreshing sight sway from fashion, art, and history. The Villa Reale garden, located at the south of Via Palestro, treats its visitors to a floral burst of Orticola or flower show.
You may also enjoy the event in Naviglio Grande called Fiori e Sapori or Flowers and Taste. It is when Milan’s canal quarter is transformed into a sea of different genres of plants and flowers decorating both sides of the canal. Take the opportunity to breathe from the intense city traffic and busy bustles as you stroll the area while appreciating the flower stalls and art galleries.
4. Alfresco Dining and Aperitif Experience
Milan is magnificent regardless of the season. However, springtime is the best season to enjoy an Alfresco dining and drinking experience when the sun is up to keep you warm all day long. The floral ambiance and vibrant colors of the greeneries and flowers make the whole experience magical.
In springtime, restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, and bistros set up their fully decorated terraces to accommodate outdoor dining or locally known as Alfresco. You’ll notice that most people prefer outdoor dining during springtime because they only get limited opportunities to enjoy great-tasting cuisines outdoors while enjoying the scenery and the sun.
Don’t forget the famous Aperitifs. It is an Italian tradition of drinking a glass of alcoholic beverage before a meal. This is done to condition the appetite for a delicious feast ahead. Note that it is an Italian custom and avoiding it may inflict an insult to the host.
If you want to upgrade your aperitif experience, we recommend Torre Branca in Viale Luigi Camoens where they open their highest terrace for tourists with guided tours. Enjoy the panoramic view from the 100 meters high terrace which gives you a bird’s eye view of the beauty beneath.
5. Free Access to Events and Festivals
Are you a traveler on a tight budget? Then Springtime is the perfect season to explore Milan because you will get free access to events and Festivals. From March 3 to March 5, the festival season is inaugurated with MusuoCity. It is an art festival that involves 70 art museums, various museum houses, numerous scientific museums, and different artists’ ateliers in the city. They transform the city into an open and gigantic museum with simultaneous openings, exhibits, workshops, and other art-related events.
Milan Digital Week starts from March 11 to 15. It is a four-day event that involves various activities such as meetings, workshops, debates, concerts, and DJs set up in over 500 different events in the city.
The FAI Spring Days is also one of the most awaited national events. It is an annual celebration organized by the Italian Environment Fund that aims to rediscover the history, art, and culture of Bel Paese. The FAI managers give tourists a tour to different places which are often inaccessible to the public such as the Palazzo, Belgioioso, Palazzo della Borsa, the Central Station lounge, and other historical and cultural attractions.
Tempted to experience the majestic ambiance, beauty, food, and sceneries of Milan in springtime? Book here today and you will find budget-friendly options and memorable adventures.
