May is a great time to visit Milan, especially if you want to avoid the heat and crowds of the summer months. From people-watching in the piazzas to sipping alfresco Aperols on sunny terraces, spring in Milan is not to be missed.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour through the best things to do in Milan in spring. Whether it’s the must-see sights like the Duomo or the lesser-known hidden gems like the Terrazza Aperol. Be sure to check out our guide to the best places for breakfast in Milan, too!

What’s the weather like in Milan in May?

The average temperature in Milan in May steadily starts to rise from around 16°C in March to a pleasant 25°C. So you can stroll through the city, seeing the sights, in total comfort. The hours of daily sunshine also increase in May, allowing tourists to enjoy 7 hours of daylight.

What to do in Milan in May 2024

Cenacolo Vinciano

First up on our list of the best things to do in Milan in May is Leonardo Da Vinci’s infamous Last Supper, painted between 1494 and the beginning of 1498. Housed within the refectory of the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie, this much-acclaimed historic masterpiece (along with the monastery) was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. While it can be tricky to get hold of one of the 15-minute slots for viewing the painting, but it’s certainly worth the effort if you’re planning your trip to Milan far in advance.

Chinatown

Immigrants from Asia have been arriving in Milan since the 1920s as workers for Italian silk manufacturers. On arrival, they housed themselves in the three-storey houses near the historic city centre and have gradually turned the street of Via Paola Sarpi, and the surrounding area, into a magnificent fusion of Italian and Chinese influences. Wander down the charming cobbled streets, shop, eat or come for one of the annual holiday festivals, when the area overflows with music, parades and dragon costumes. Try some noodles in one of the many Chinese restaurants, or buy some dumplings from one of the street food counters. End your tour of Chinatown with aperitivo from Cantine Isola, a small taverna that has been in operation since 1896. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in May in Milan, being much quieter than during the more popular summer months.

Bosco Verticale

If you’re trying to think of what to do in Milan in May that allows you to be outside and enjoy the sunshine, why not pay a visit to the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forests). These are two residential towers situated in the Porta Nuova district of the city. These architectural marvels were completed in 2014 with the idea being to provide a home where both humans and trees could live together. With thousands of trees and shrubs covering the 260 and 360-foot towers, these buildings are definitely worth a visit.

Brera District

Considered the city’s most chic neighbourhood, the Brera district is a must-visit when in Milan in May. This vibrant area is home to 18th-century buildings, contemporary art galleries, cafes, and original boutique shops selling everything from handicrafts, clothes and cosmetics. The beating heart of the Brera neighbourhood, though, is the Pinacoteca di Brera, a gallery that houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of Italian paintings, including pieces by the likes of Andrea Mantegna, Tintoretto, and Rafael. Whilst there, be sure to take a coffee break at the refined Caffe Fernanda.

Terrazza Aperol

No trip to Milan in May would be complete without a spritzer at Terrazza Aperol, a modern bar with outside terrace that offers spectacular views of the Duomo di Milano. With its central location, just a stone’s throw from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Terrazza Aperol is the perfect spot to rest and refresh during a day of seeing the sights. Take a seat in the sun on the terrace, order a cocktail (or two) and sit back and sip as you take in the architectural marvel that is the Duomo. With your drink, the waitress will serve you a plate of mini sandwiches, bruschettas, olives, savoury muffins, and a few other treats.

Milan’s Canals

Another great thing to do in Milan in May while it’s nice and sunny is stroll along the city’s canals (navigli), which once served as the arterial trade links to the countryside. Today, only two canals remain, but their banks and the basin where they join up (Darsena), have transformed into one of Milan’s liveliest areas for day drinking, dining, and browsing antique shops. Come 6pm in May, the bars and restaurants that line the waterways of the Navigli are filled with locals and tourists sipping on happy hour drinks.

Lake Como Day Trip

Spring in Milan presents the perfect opportunity to take a day trip to Lake Como, Italy’s third largest lake, where luxurious villas and lakeside villages sit against an alpine backdrop; it’s like something out of a movie. In May, the flowers start to bloom and the trees turn a vibrant green against the blue skies. We’d recommend trying to cram as much into a day as possible, including the charming villages of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. To do this, simply:

1. Get the train from Milano Centrale train station to Como San Giovanni station
2. Take the ferry from Como to Bellagio
3. Take the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna
4. Get the train back from Varenna-Esino train station to Milano Centrale station

For this route, you’ll need to purchase two sets of one-way train tickets: Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni (direct trip, around 40 mins), and Varenna-Esino to Milano Centrale (direct trip, around 65 mins). Try to catch an early train to Como (around 7am), and one of the last trains back from Varenna (around 8pm). You can book your train tickets here.

You’ll also need to purchase two sets of one-way ferry tickets; the fast boat from Como to Bellagio (45 mins, make sure not to purchase the slow boat tickets), and Bellagio to Veranna (15 mins). You can purchase ferry tickets online or at the ferry terminals. You can check the timetables and book your ferry tickets here.

Now you’ve discovered the best things to do in Milan in May, be sure to check out our guide to the best restaurants near the Duomo, too!