Milan in the rain: museums, galleries and an indoor day
In Milan the rain does not spoil the day: almost everything worth seeing is indoors and the metro links the neighbourhoods without long walks outside. Here is an indoor itinerary, area by area, with the things to book in advance.
Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: the 19th-century covered arcade between piazza Duomo and piazza della Scala. You stroll under the glass vault, staying dry.
- Duomo di Milano: the interior of the Gothic cathedral can be visited in the rain too. The rooftop terraces, however, may be unpleasant or closed in bad weather: check the Duomo's official website before booking that part.
For a quick lunch, a stone's throw from the Duomo there is Luini, the historic bakery known for its panzerotti. For an afternoon treat, Pasticceria Marchesi 1824. For indoor food shopping, Peck, the historic delicatessen.
The Castello Sforzesco and its museums
The Castello Sforzesco houses the civic museums: in the rain you skip Parco Sempione and spend the morning or afternoon in the galleries. Open museums, tickets and opening times should be checked on the Castello's official website.
Convenient metro stop: Cairoli (M1).
Brera and the Pinacoteca
The Pinacoteca di Brera brings together masterpieces of Italian painting in a historic palazzo: it is the ideal stop for a rainy afternoon. Brera is a short walk from the Castello; the nearest metro stop is Lanza (M2).
In the neighbourhood, between one gallery and the next, you can stop at a trattoria: Latteria di San Marco (no reservations) or Trattoria Torre di Pisa (Tuscan cuisine). For small gifts indoors there is Rigadritto, a creative stationery shop.
The Last Supper: book well in advance
The Cenacolo Vinciano, Leonardo's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, is indoors and perfect even when it rains. Booking is always required and places sell out quickly: if you are planning your stay, book well in advance and only through the official channel.
If it rains all weekend
- Exhibitions: check the week's programme at Palazzo Reale and the city's other venues.
- Design indoors: Galleria Rossana Orlandi, a design gallery in a former factory, and 10 Corso Como, a concept store for fashion, design, books and art.
- Events: for upcoming festivals and events see Events in Milan. Check dates, venues and programme on the official pages.
- Getting around: the metro and contactless payments are explained in the guide Getting around Milan.
For a two-day itinerary in good weather, see A weekend in Milan. Looking for a place to stay in Milan? You'll find our homes below.
More guides on Milan: Milan with children, Eating in Milan and Milan in the evening. Some of our homes in Milan: San Marco apartment in Brera; Elegant apartment near La Scala; Apartment with whirlpool bath in Brera. Or see all properties.