Milan pulses with artistic energy and cultural heritage, where centuries-old cathedrals stand alongside cutting-edge fashion houses. At its heart, the magnificent Piazza del Duomo dazzles visitors with the towering Milan Cathedral and the elegant Royal Palace. As spring blooms in April, the city transforms into a vibrant canvas of outdoor exhibitions and cultural festivities, making it the perfect time to explore its treasures.
Whether you're wandering through historic quarters on foot or hopping between landmarks by bus, Milan reveals its secrets at every turn. This guide will help you navigate the city's springtime offerings, from Easter celebrations to art shows, ensuring you experience the best of Milan's rich tapestry of experiences.
What makes Milan in April special?
April is a great time to visit Milan in the Northern Lombardy region of Italy, if you wish to beat the high-season crowds, though it can be a little busy during Easter time. The temperatures during the day will be somewhat pleasantly cool and the nights will still be quite chilly, so expect a mix of sunny and rainy days ahead.
Milan in April is quite special as the festivities and events are in full swing in spring celebrations. Whether you like a flea market, a flower event with art and food, or an opera performance, you will find plenty to see and do in April in Milan. The calendar of events is rather rich and offers important street manifestations and trade shows as well.
During this month, Milan and Italy celebrate Easter, or Paqua in Italian, an important festive holiday. With the arrival of spring, it is time to wake up from winter lethargy and spend time outdoors.
Milan in April: Weather
The spring season is on the threshold but the weather is still quite unstable. The city will give you beautiful days with pleasant temperatures from mid-April. The weather in Milan will make a drastic turn from March’s cold and rainy days to bright and sunny ones. The nights are still expected to be slightly cooler and it is hence recommended to carry some warm layers during the April Milan trip.
Milan in April: Things to do
1
The Last Supper
The Last Supper is Italy’s prominent and iconic mural that is hidden away on a wall of the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This famous artwork by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, is a hard miss as it depicts Christ and his disciples at the dramatic moment when he’s aware of his betrayal. Go for skip-the-line guided tour to fully appreciate the historical significance and artistic details of this masterpiece. Tours typically last 15-20 minutes and include expert commentary on the painting's composition and symbolism.
April timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15am to 7pm
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Getting There ›
2
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo Milan is a 600-year-old extravagant Gothic cathedral, that tells stories of faith and art. It has a pearly white façade adorned with 135 spires, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures, and 3400 statues. The structure has exquisite interiors that are highly impressive, with three enormous stained-glass apse windows. Access the cathedral roof for panoramic views of Milan's skyline and the surrounding Alps on clear days. The rooftop terraces offer unique perspectives of the cathedral's intricate Gothic architecture, including its spires and statues up close.
April timings
Duomo Milan Cathedral and Archaeological Area are open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 6pm
Rooftop is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Friday to Sunday from 9am to 8 pm
The Duomo Museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Getting There ›
3
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
The National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo Da Vinci is the largest of its kind in Italy, and one of most important ones in Europe and the world (at large). At the museum you can discover exhibitions, digital installations and interactive workshops on astronomy and space, energy, materials, transport, food science, genetics, biotechnology, and particle physics. The Galleries houses the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci engineer and humanist, with 170 historical models, works of art, ancient volumes and immersive installations to discover da Vinci’s life and works.
April timings
Tuesday to Friday from 9:30am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am to 6:30pm
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo , Via San Vittore, 21, Milan
Getting There ›
4
Hop Onto a boat on Lake Como
Book a day trip from Milan to Lake Como which will take you about 2 hours to cover. Surrounded by the majestic Rhaetian Alps, overlooking pristine foliage, Lake Como is a favorite destination amongst visitors to Milan. With the weather starting to warm up, the weather at the lake in April is warm and the trees start to bloom.
April timings
8:45am to 6:30pm
Note: Tours are not available everyday. Kindly check the booking calendar.
Via Lungo Lario Trieste n28 Como,
Como, Milan
5
Villa Necchi Campiglio
Designed by the Italian architect Piero Portaluppi, Villa Necchi Campigliom was built between 1932-35. Located at the heart of the city, this villa was a status symbol (back in the day), complete with a swimming pool and a tennis court. Built as a family home for the Necchi Campiglio family, this Villa went onto become one of the architect's most important works.
April timings
Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
Via Mozart, 14, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Sforza Castle
Constructed in the 14th century, the Sforza Castle as you see it today, was expanded and rebuilt several times before it got its square design and corner round towers. Today it contiues to remain a trasured landmark in Milan, with a rich history (as can be seen through its architecture) and home to several museums displaying numerous historic displays and art by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinco and Michelangelo.
April timings
Daily from 7am to 7:30pm
Piazza Castello, 1 Milano MI, Milan
Getting There ›
7
Marvel at the wonder of Renaissance
Get set to discover and marvel at the beauty of the glorious city of Milan through its Renaissance treasures of history. Know all about the cultural and historical heart of Milan by soaking yourself into the excellence of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Bramante’s Tribune, Little Cloister of the Frogs and more.
April timings: Thursdays at 2pm
Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2,
Milan, Milan
8
Take a day trip to the Swiss Alps
Travel a magical train route on the Bernina Express, as you continue your journey to discover the wonderful Swiss Alps. Explore the various towns in the vicinity and take in the Swiss town that are popular for their chocolatiers and cafes. This is a unique experience that provides you with the most natural scenic beauty. Don't skip it!
April timings: Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:15am (this is a 12-hour experience)
Largo Cairoli 18, at the corner with Via Cusani MM1 Cairoli,
Milan
Milan in April: Events to look out for
Alcova
April 7-13, 2025
Alcova, now in its 8th edition, is a platform for designers, companies, institutions and researchers investigating the future of living and making. Set to take place in two of Milan's well known villas - Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi. Villa Borsani, Alcova is a part of Milan Design Week and brings together people defining design culture.
Salone Del Mobile 2025
April 8-13, 2025
This is Milan's annual furniture exhibition that showcases the latest furniture and designs from more than 180 countries around the world. The event displays new products and technology by furniture and lighting designers.
miart
April 4-6, 2025
miart is Milan's premier international modern and contemporary art fair. The event brings together galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world. Featuring paintings, sculptures, installations, and digital art, miart showcases both established and emerging artists. The fair takes place at Allianz MiCo convention center, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse artistic expressions and participate in cultural dialogues through panel discussions and special exhibitions.
Milan Marathon
April 6, 2025
The Milan Marathon is one of Italy's premier running events, attracting thousands of participants from around the world. The 42.195-kilometer route takes runners through the city's historic center, passing iconic landmarks like the Castello Sforzesco and Arco della Pace. Both professional athletes and amateur runners participate in this spectacular event, which also includes a relay race option for teams.
Milan in April: Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, F and L
CurrencyEuro (€)
Where to stay in Milan in April?
Choose your pick from the selective hotels:
Luxury stays: Maison Milano, Excelsior Hotel Gallia, and Palazzo Cordusio
Economical stays: Château Monfort, Meliá Milano , and Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia
Budget stays: Ostello Milano, Ostelzzz , and Combo, Milano
What to pack for Milan in April?
Since the weather is just beginning to warm up in April, it is quite tricky on what to pack in this month. There will be warm days, cold days, and wet days.
As per the locals, it's best to have layering options packed into your bags, which will allow you the freedom either to add or subtract clothes, depending on the weather on a particular day. For footwear, go pack sneakers and sandals.
Getting around Milan in April
The best way to get around Milan is through a public transportation system called the ATM. This system of buses, subway and trams is far-reaching and affordable. An alternative is the use of metered taxis, although they can be expensive.
The ticket prices are the same on the subway, tram and bus and are valid only for 90 minutes after purchase. If you wish to use the ATM during your stay in Milan, book 10 tickets at a cost of 13.80€.
Although walking through the entire city is not possible, unless your stay is near the Duomo, it is best to take a walk as there are few iconic landmarks all within a mile apart.
Milan in April: Visitor tips
- Milan's weather in April fluctuates. So it's best to carry layering options, which inculdes water-resistant jacket and shoes.
- Although the peak tourist season is around the corner, April is a great time to visit Milan because the summer crowd isn't there yet, allowing you to enjoy sites and landmarks, without being jostled around.
- If you enjoy the outdoors, April is a great time for an outdoor picnic in Milan. Pack a picnic hamper at a deli and head to Parco Sempione (Milan's largest park) and enjoy your day out.
- Never order a cappuccino after lunch in Milan. Drink it before 11am or risk looking like a foreign fool.
- On the first sunday of each month, Milan's civic museums offer free admission.
- Go for Bergamo Airport transfers if you're arriving at Bergamo Airport. It's more cost-effective than taxis and ensures a smooth start to your Milan adventure.
FAQs
Yes, it is a great time to visit Milan during the months of April to May or September to October. The spring and fall months straddle the city’s peak tourism season.
The average temperature in Milan during this time typically ranges from a high of (18°C) to a low of 46°F (8°C). It is moderately chilly yet humid, at the same time.
We recommend you to spend at least 3 complete days in Milan to explore the significant attractions as well as enjoy a relaxed time in the city, without being rushed.
You can get from Milan to Lake Como within an hour by opting for a train that goes to Como Nord Lago.
There is a decent amount of rainfall experienced in the city during April, but is much lesser than what falls in March. Expect a shower or two over 14 days of the month.
