Written by: Ché Maria Milani 

Gone are the days of Milan being a ghost town in August…where supermarkets used to close, streets emptied, and there was so little to do exactly when you were forced to take your holiday. But now, August in Milan is probably one of the best times to be here! Busy, but not manic. Slower pace, but not dead.

We’ve rounded up 10 great things to do in Milan in August. So - if like us - you’ll be around this month, take this as your chance to slow down, explore a bit more, and connect with the city in a different way.

1. Bagni Misteriosi 

Location: via Carlo Botta 18/A

The coast and lakes might not be that far away, but there is something closer to home when you need to cool off.

This elegant public swimming pool is an inner-city getaway with changing rooms, a bar, and ample space to spread out and spend the day tanning and swimming in style.

As with most places in Milan, there’s a story behind it…it was built between 1937 - 1939 and after decades of being a swimming and sporting hub of the city (there used to be a gym, boxing and fencing rooms, and even a library), it closed in 2007 and remained that way for 5 years.

Then, in collaboration with Teatre Franco Parenti, it opened again, but with more of a cultural twist. Think small-scale theatre productions, open-air cinema, and workshop spaces.

It’s one of our favourite places not only for days by the pool, but as a place to gather for casual, evening aperitivi. It’s where we literally kick off our shoes (barefoot policy in the evening!) and relax together as the sun starts to set.

For more information, click here.

2. Museums in Milan That Are Free On Certain Sundays & Tuesdays

This wonderful ‘custom’ of so many Milanese museums being free on the first Sunday of the month continues in August!

This is the time to take advantage of what we hope to be fewer crowds. Fingers crossed, but we don’t know…

Either way, we’d advise getting to your chosen museum as soon as they open.

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 Tuesday of every month from 14.00 onwards:

• Museo del Novecento (20th century art - fascinating, especially if you want to see Futurist, Cubist, Surrealist artworks)

• Galleria d’Arte Moderna (GAM)

• Museo Archeologico (discover Milan’s Roman past)

• Musei del Castello Sforzesco (within the castle itself) 

In addition to these, we’d love to highlight some of our personal favourites that are, in fact, always free (and will be open in August).

• Palazzo Morando (wonderful paintings depicting Milan in the past + a fashion section - totally overlooked by locals and tourists)

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

• Biblioteca Sormani (books aside, a library that lives and breathes art with frescoes, busts, mirrors, and an English garden)

• Museo del Risorgimento (perfect for history buffs - dive deeper into Italy’s unification)

There's definitely no shortage of culture here in August. As always, we’d advise double-checking opening time just in case (because even though they’re open in August, there’s always Ferragosto to consider as well as last-minute schedule changes). 

3. Oracle Card Reading In The Park With Brianna

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

This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are kind of gathering. Just swing by, find a seat on the grass, and join her for a casual, yet revealing afternoon. Whether you're drawn to a short reading or feel like staying longer to chat with the other ladies of our network, you’ll find a few moments to unwind and connect.

These one-on-one oracle card readings will help guide you through the themes of this full moon. It’s an opportunity to check in with yourself, set meaningful intentions, and work on releasing whatever you're ready to let go of (and isn’t this a great way to reset for when your summer holiday slowly winds down to an end?).

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

4. Enjoy An Expertly Crafted Cocktail At drinc.different

Location: via Francesco Hayez, 13

The city is awash with bars, but some stand out more than others. And drinc.different is one of them (plus, it’s open in August!).Located in Milan’s Porta Venezia district, it’s the kind of cocktail bar that, when you discover it, it transports you to a secret world of velvet-covered seats, plush finishes, and shimmering metallic accents.This is definitely a more intimate and less flashy take on Milan’s mixology scene. 

In addition to a relaxed sipping experience in good company, you can sign up for a tasting menu or mixology session (like we did in June!). The cocktail list features more than 17 creative combinations, alongside the classics, each one prepared with precision by expert bartenders.

Open from 18.00, Tuesday to Sunday, reservations aren’t required, but they’re recommended (especially on weekends) given the bar’s intentionally limited seating.

Why not add this one 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 (not just summer) body takes consistency, and MWN partner Beyond Studio is there to keep us going in a welcoming and supportive space.

From yoga flow classes, to Pilates, to energising Sculpt classes, their ‘Staycation No Limit Pass’ is just the thing to keep you active.

With a guaranteed two classes a day and social coffees over the weekend, you get to tick all those boxes of health, wellness, connection, and community.

Check out their schedule here. 

And for our MWN members, don’t forget to take advantage of 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 - this is about letting go of creative expectations, embracing your inner child, and painting freely. But all while in good company in a relaxed, outdoor environment.

You’ll be guided by fellow MWN member Natalia (artist & art marketing + business mentor), whose personal journey through mental health challenges has shaped her belief in the healing power of creativity. She’ll share her story, and you’ll be gently invited to reconnect with your own sense of play and possibility.

Art supplies will be provided - simply bring your own snacks and drinks, and a willingness to create without judgment. 

Expect to get your hands dirty, share a few laughs, and walk away with a piece of art you made, surrounded by good energy and like-minded women. Come as you are, and leave feeling lighter, brighter, and a little more inspired.

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

7.  Watersports & Beach Club at Idroscalo 

Location: here

How often do you venture to Idroscalo?

If you don’t, you’re missing out on enjoying a sense of openness and greenery in this chaotic city.

Built in 1928 and inaugurated in 1930, this artificial lake was created as a hydroairport (a landing strip for seaplanes) during the interwar period.

Back then, air travel was glamorous, and Idroscalo was Milan’s contribution to the future of aviation.Over time, its importance faded in contrast to land airports, and rather than let it fall into disuse, the city reimagined the space.

It transformed into a recreational and sporting hub, becoming the centre for rowing, canoeing, and other water sports during the mid-20th century.

A walking and cycling loop was added, and is perfect for early morning walks before it gets too hot. While it’s always been a point of sporting reference, it's slowly becoming a more trendy location for social gatherings and outdoor sports.

If you’re a keen surfer - or are at least keen to learn - why not check out Wakeparadise, located in the southern area (Ingresso Sud) of Idroscalo? It features a specially designed wave pool with a static artificial wave 10 meters wide and up to 1.6 meters tall.

Bring your own surfboard or rent one, but be sure to book your session beforehand, especially if you plan to go over the weekend. Wakeboarding is also an option too..

But if you’re in search of a beach club vibe, head over to the opposite end of Idroscalo to Kora - where their ambition is to create a Mediterranean-style oasis within the city. Did they succeed? You’ll have to find out for yourself!

Beach beds, umbrellas, and private cabanas - all with a touch of elegance - to make your tan & swim session as chic as can be.

Beyond this, they have a wellness corner (option for massages, access to a gym, and shower amenities) and over the weekend, lunches morph into DJ-led spectacles and evenings light up with exclusive sunset aperitivi and night parties.

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

8. Open Air Cinemas in Milan

Estate Al Castello

A Milanese icon, Castello Sforzesco, takes on the form of open-air cinema in August with its event Estate al Castello. From 3 - 27 August, the historic courtyard transforms into a gathering place under the stars where you can enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of movies.

The programme features 25 screenings, including cult favourites, classics, and a few family-friendly titles, and each film is preceded by a short expert introduction.

Admission is free, and all films start at 21.00. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the city’s culture without spending a cent, all while reveling in the magic of one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks.

AriAnteo Outdoor Cinema

In the cloistered beauty of the Chiostro dell’Incoronata, this historic courtyard becomes an enchanting summer spot for a selection of cult classics, international and Italian premieres, and recent hits.

With two large screens and wireless headphones, it’s a silent cinema surrounded by Renaissance beauty. 

A small refreshment stand is available for snacks and drinks, for a refreshing apertivo as the sun starts to set.

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, thanks to the Cinema Revolution initiative

• You can also buy a 10-film pass for €39 (not valid for special events)

Book directly through the SpazioCinema website or purchase them at the onsite box office. It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure the best spot.

Screenings usually begin around 21.00 - 21.30, just after sunset. In case of rain before the film starts, you’ll receive a refund. If the weather interrupts the show once it’s begun, you’ll be offered a voucher to return another time. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, as long as they’re on a leash.

CINEmare 2025

This open-air cinema event turns this urban square into a magical silent cinema under the stars. We say ‘silent’, as each guest receives wireless headphones (because happy neighbours equal happy events).

Running every night from June 17 until September 7, and fully active in August, it’s a much-loved summer tradition hosted by Mare Culturale Urbano as part of the city-wide Milano è Viva programme. 

Screenings run from Tuesday to Sunday, starting around 21:45 in June and July, shifting slightly earlier in August when sunset arrives earlier.

You can expect a diverse mix of recent box office hits, Italian and international art-house films, cult classics, and even features in original languages with subtitles with some evenings including the “Oltre la pellicola” series (film discussions with directors or experts after the screening).

Tickets:

• €5 full price

• €4 reduced (under 12 and over 65)

• As part of the Cinema Revolution initiative, selected films are discounted to €3.50 at the box office

Get your tickets in person 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 country like Italy - and a city like Milan - there is never a lack of options when it comes to drinking and dining…but we thought we’d highlight this one.

Now in its ninth year, this festival celebrates all things gin and tonic with over 400 labels from around the world waiting to be discovered. Participate in their free masterclass every evening with top Italian gin experts (18.30 - 20.00), with plenty of other activities available, such as karaoke, live tattoo sessions, a market, and cigar tasting (paired with gin, naturally). 

And with their signature summer party, what better way could there be to say farewell to August?

Entrance is free and takes place 29 - 30 August. 

10. De Montel Terme 

What were once stables in San Siro, are now a refined and elegant spa in Milan. Opened in April 2025, this wellness sanctuary offers up a full experience of relaxation, water rituals, and fine dining.

Ten thermal pools bubble with water sourced from 400m below the city. A variety of waterfall pools, saunas, a “suspension” saltwater chamber for zero-gravity floating, and ice pools complete the wellness experience.

De Montel Terme is a wonderful combination of Liberty-era architecture with modern, elegant interiors, while naturally embodying an eco-conscious approach (think solar panels, rainwater recycling, and thousands of trees across the outdoor area spanning 10,000 m² of gardens and designated relaxation areas).

These are your entrance options:

Starting from:

• Early Wellness (9.30 - 12.00) €59

• Wellness Break  - 5h €79

• Daily Wellness  - Daily €99

• Aperitif at the Spa (from 18.00 to closing) €79

• Late Night Wellness (20.30 p.m. to closing) €49

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

For all our Milan Women Network members, be sure to take advantage of the exclusive discount code shared via email. If you’d like to join our dynamic and inspiring network of English-speaking women in Milan, you can do so right here. We can’t wait to welcome you!

And that rounds up our top 10 recommendations for August 2025 in Milan. We’re sure you’d agree that getting bored simply won’t be an option.

Whether you’re looking to relax, explore the city, or make time for moments of escapism, you’ll find it right here in Milan.

There’s something special about staying local this August - who knows, you might just discover another side to the city that makes you say to yourself, “Now I remember why I’m here!”. 

For all our MWN members, don’t forget to take advantage of the exclusive discount codes we shared with you via email.

Join us or upgrade your membership to make the most of special perks & access to unique events with our partners - as well as to join our active Whatsapp group where friendships, collaborations & inspiration are the norm.

Ready to dive in & join MWN? Check out our events 

With 3 membership options to choose from (including free), connect with us here

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