Written by: Ché Maria Milani

Gone are the days when Milan felt like a ghost town in August. Supermarkets used to close, streets emptied, and there was little to do during the holiday season. Now, August in Milan is one of the best times to be here! The city is busy but not chaotic. The pace is slower, yet there’s still plenty to enjoy.

We’ve rounded up 10 great things to do in Milan in August. If you’re around this month, take this opportunity to slow down, explore, and connect with the city in a new way.

1. Relax at Bagni Misteriosi

Location: via Carlo Botta 18/A

The coast and lakes might not be far away, but there’s something closer when you need to cool off. Bagni Misteriosi is an elegant public swimming pool located in the city. It offers changing rooms, a bar, and plenty of space to relax and swim in style.

This pool has a rich history. Built between 1937 and 1939, it was once a hub for sports and swimming. After closing in 2007, it reopened in collaboration with Teatre Franco Parenti, now featuring small-scale theater productions, open-air cinema, and workshops.

It’s one of our favorite spots for pool days and casual evening aperitivi. Here, we kick off our shoes (there’s a barefoot policy in the evening!) and unwind as the sun sets.

For more information, click here.

2. Free Museums on Certain Days

August is a great time to explore Milan’s museums. Many are free on the first Sunday of the month, and some are also free on specific Tuesdays.

This is a chance to enjoy fewer crowds. We recommend arriving early to your chosen museum. Here’s a list of some of the best museums that are free on the first and third Sundays of every month (all day) and the first and third Tuesdays from 14:00 onwards:

• Museo del Novecento (20th-century art, featuring Futurist, Cubist, and Surrealist works)

• Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM)

• Museo Archeologico (explore Milan’s Roman past)

• Musei del Castello Sforzesco (located within the castle)

  
  

Additionally, here are some personal favorites that are always free and open in August:

• Palazzo Morando (features paintings depicting Milan's past and a fashion section)

• Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano (a private apartment turned museum with over 300 works of 20th-century Italian art)

• Biblioteca Sormani (a library filled with art, frescoes, and an English garden)

• Museo del Risorgimento (perfect for history buffs interested in Italy’s unification)

  
  

There’s no shortage of culture in August. Remember to double-check opening times, as schedules can change, especially during Ferragosto.

3. Oracle Card Reading in the Park with Brianna

As the full moon rises over Milan, join fellow MWN member Brianna, a spiritual coach, in Parco della Biblioteca degli Alberi for an afternoon of reflection and oracle readings beneath the trees.

This gathering is relaxed and informal. Just find a spot on the grass and join her for a casual yet revealing experience. Whether you want a short reading or prefer to chat with other women in our network, you’ll find moments to unwind and connect.

These one-on-one oracle card readings will help you navigate the themes of the full moon. It’s a chance to check in with yourself, set meaningful intentions, and release what no longer serves you. What a great way to reset as summer winds down!

If you’re not yet part of our Milan Women Network WhatsApp chat, please consider joining our community at Core or Club level, or upgrading your existing membership to access the chat and get details to join Brianna.

4. Enjoy a Cocktail at drinc.different

Location: via Francesco Hayez, 13

Milan is full of bars, but drinc.different stands out. Located in the Porta Venezia district, this cocktail bar transports you to a secret world of velvet-covered seats and plush finishes. It’s an intimate take on Milan’s mixology scene.

In addition to a relaxed sipping experience, you can sign up for a tasting menu or mixology session. The cocktail list features over 17 creative combinations, alongside classic drinks, all prepared with precision by expert bartenders.

Open from 18:00, Tuesday to Sunday, reservations aren’t required but are recommended, especially on weekends.

Why not add this to your list of places to discover in Milan?

5. Yoga, Sculpt & Pilates with Beyond Studio

Location: Via Daniele Crespi, 4

Feeling good in your body takes consistency, and MWN partner Beyond Studio is here to support you. They offer yoga flow classes, Pilates, and energizing Sculpt classes. Their ‘Staycation No Limit Pass’ is perfect for keeping active.

With two classes a day and social coffees over the weekend, you can focus on health, wellness, and community.

Check out their schedule here.

MWN members, don’t forget to use the discount code you received via email. If you’d like to join our community of international, English-speaking women, head over here - we can’t wait to meet you!

6. Painting in the Park with Natalia

This isn’t an art class. It’s about letting go of creative expectations and embracing your inner child. Join fellow MWN member Natalia, an artist and art marketing mentor, in a relaxed outdoor environment.

Natalia’s personal journey through mental health challenges has shaped her belief in the healing power of creativity. She’ll share her story and invite you to reconnect with your own sense of play and possibility.

Art supplies will be provided. Just bring your own snacks and drinks, and a willingness to create without judgment. Expect to get your hands dirty, share laughs, and leave with a piece of art you made, surrounded by good energy and like-minded women.

If you’re not yet part of our Milan Women Network WhatsApp chat, please consider joining our community at Core or Club level, or upgrading your existing membership to access the chat and get details to join Natalia for an afternoon of painting.

7. Watersports & Beach Club at Idroscalo

Location: here

How often do you visit Idroscalo? If you don’t, you’re missing out on a green oasis in this bustling city. Built in 1928, this artificial lake was created as a hydroairport for seaplanes.

Over time, Idroscalo transformed into a recreational hub for rowing, canoeing, and other water sports. It now features a walking and cycling loop, perfect for morning strolls before the heat sets in.

If you’re interested in surfing, check out Wakeparadise in the southern area of Idroscalo. They have a wave pool with a static artificial wave. Bring your surfboard or rent one, but be sure to book your session in advance, especially on weekends.

For a beach club vibe, head to Kora, where you can enjoy beach beds, umbrellas, and private cabanas. They also offer wellness options, including massages and a gym. Weekend lunches turn into DJ-led events, and evenings feature sunset aperitivi and parties.

Sunday brunches are popular too. They’re open Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, check out their website.

8. Open-Air Cinemas in Milan

Estate Al Castello

The iconic Castello Sforzesco hosts Estate al Castello, an open-air cinema event from 3 - 27 August. The historic courtyard transforms into a gathering place under the stars, featuring a curated selection of films.

With 25 screenings, including cult classics and family-friendly titles, admission is free. Each film begins at 21:00, making it a perfect way to enjoy the city’s culture without spending a dime.

AriAnteo Outdoor Cinema

In the beautiful Chiostro dell’Incoronata, this historic courtyard becomes a summer spot for cult classics and recent hits. With two large screens and wireless headphones, it’s a silent cinema surrounded by Renaissance beauty.

A small refreshment stand offers snacks and drinks for a refreshing aperitivo as the sun sets.

Tickets:

• Full price: €7.50

• Reduced: €6 (under 26, over 65, or with AGIS card)

• Promo price: €3.50 for selected Italian and European titles

  
  

Purchase tickets through the SpazioCinema website or at the onsite box office. Arrive early to secure the best spot. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leashes.

CINEmare 2025

This open-air cinema event turns an urban square into a magical silent cinema under the stars. Running every night from June 17 until September 7, it’s a beloved summer tradition.

Screenings run from Tuesday to Sunday, starting around 21:45 in June and July, and slightly earlier in August. Expect a mix of recent hits, art-house films, and cult classics.

Tickets:

• €5 full price

• €4 reduced (under 12 and over 65)

• Selected films are discounted to €3.50

  
  

Get your tickets at the bar “Da Sadino” on the day of the screening or book in advance online via platforms like DICE.fm.

9. Gin & Tonic Festival

Location: Viale Molise, 62 (Ex Macello)

In a city like Milan, there’s never a lack of options for dining and drinking. This year, the Gin & Tonic Festival celebrates all things gin and tonic with over 400 labels from around the world.

Join their free masterclass every evening with top Italian gin experts (18:30 - 20:00). Enjoy activities like karaoke, live tattoo sessions, a market, and cigar tasting paired with gin.

Entrance is free and takes place from 29 - 30 August.

10. De Montel Terme

Once stables in San Siro, De Montel Terme is now a refined spa in Milan. Opened in April 2025, this wellness sanctuary offers relaxation, water rituals, and fine dining.

Ten thermal pools bubble with water sourced from 400m below the city. The wellness experience includes waterfall pools, saunas, a saltwater chamber for zero-gravity floating, and ice pools.

De Montel Terme combines Liberty-era architecture with modern interiors while embodying an eco-conscious approach.

Entrance options:

• Early Wellness (9:30 - 12:00): €59

• Wellness Break (5h): €79

• Daily Wellness: €99

• Aperitif at the Spa (from 18:00 to closing): €79

• Late Night Wellness (20:30 to closing): €49

  
  

Visit their website for more details and to book your spa day.

These are our top 10 recommendations for August 2025 in Milan. You’ll find plenty to do, whether you want to relax, explore, or escape.

Staying local this August can reveal another side of the city. Who knows? You might find yourself saying, “Now I remember why I’m here!”

For all our MWN members, don’t forget to use the exclusive discount codes shared via email.

Join us or upgrade your membership to enjoy special perks and access to unique events with our partners. Join our active WhatsApp group where friendships, collaborations, and inspiration thrive.

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