10 Things to Do in Milan in January

Thinking about traveling to Milan in January might make you uneasy because the weather in this month is wintry. However, the city's tourist activity will not limit you only to visit indoor places. On the contrary, you will have several outdoor options to enjoy the natural and architectural beauty that characterizes this historic city.

You can hop on Milan's best tourist buses, ride a bike through the streets or board an emblematic train to the Swiss Alps. In addition, during your trip to this ancient Italian city you may taste the local gastronomy and attend important fashion events. Read on!

The Bernina Express or "little red train" was specially designed to make the excursion from Milan to the Swiss Alps, thus completing the journey from Milan to Tirano. It is a popular tour for tourists and locals in January, as it allows them to enjoy a breathtaking alpine view.

Once you board the train and it starts running, you can begin to appreciate through its windows all the natural beauty of the region. You will be amazed by the imposing snow-capped mountains and the majesty of the glacial lakes, formed thanks to the winter.

In addition, when you arrive in St. Moritz you will have the opportunity to get off the train to get to know this elegant town and its tourist attractions. All this, while drinking a delicious cup of Swiss chocolate. You have several options for excursions to the Swiss Alps, which one do you choose?

• Excursion to the Swiss Alps, Lake Como and Lugano, from $142.
• Excursion to Interlaken on the Green Train of the Swiss Alps, from $144.
• Excursion to the Swiss Alps, from $155.

Practical details

• Address: Tirano train station.
• Duration: The tour aboard the Bernina Express lasts approximately 4 hours.
• Price: The Bernina Express ticket has an average price of 40 euros, but you can also choose to book an excursion that includes the ticket.

Among the tourist activities that you can not miss is a visit to the huge terrace of the Duomo of Milan. Climb this ancient building over 100 meters high and contemplate the Italian city, which in January is dressed in a beautiful blanket of snow.

Once you are on the terrace you can see the majesty of the Piazza del Duomo. You will also enjoy a panoramic view of the 135 spires crowned with statues of saints. All this, while the cold current characteristic of winter caresses your face. You have several options:

• Guided tour of the Duomo and its rooftops in Milan, from $43
• Guided tour of the Duomo and its rooftops in Milan for small groups, from $66.
• Private tour of the Duomo and its rooftops in Milan, from $173.

Also, you should know that to go up to the Duomo Terrace in Milan you can use the stairs or, for convenience, use the elevator. However, the latter option is usually a bit more expensive.

Practical details

• Address: Piazza del Duomo in Milan.
• Duration: There is no minimum time to be in the tower. However, one hour is enough to admire the scenery and take pictures.
• Price: The entrance fee starts at about 20 €.

Exploring Milan from the comfort of a bus is a great sightseeing activity to do during the month of January, because this way you will be protected from the characteristic cold of this season. In the meantime, you will see the streets of the Italian city and all the points of interest.

The best thing about this guided tour is that you can get off the bus to do an activity independently. For example, buy a souvenir, have a snack, visit the castle of Milan, a museum or a square. Afterwards, you can wait for the bus route you have booked and get back on.

You can buy tickets for 24 or 48 hours and usually pass by the Milan Duomo, Scala Opera House, Sforzesco Castle, the skyscrapers of Palazzo Lombardia, Santa Maria delle Grazie Church, Porta Venezia, the Monumental Cemetery, among other attractive places. You can book a seat on the Milan City Sightseeing tourist bus from $30

Among the things to do in Milan in winter you should not forget the tasting of local gastronomy, wine tasting and savoring a delicious cup of coffee. As far as the gastronomic tour is concerned, you can start in the Porta Ticinese and Navigli district. In these areas you will find a number of restaurants and bars with different snacks. But, if you are interested in tasting Italian-made cured meats, your must-visit destination is Via Vigevano, where you will find a number of shops with these products.

Also, you should stop by Naviglio Grande and try some stuffed potatoes full of tradition. Meanwhile, on your way along the well-known Via Corsico, you will find wine cellars and tasting places. Finally, if you head to Viale Coni Zugna street, you will discover some pastry shops and cafes with a delicious espresso to warm you up during these cold days.

Another possibility is to book a food tour in Milan or a food and wine tour in Milan.

Excursions to Lago di Como from Milan are a popular sightseeing activity that you should visit in January. You will find the combination of the cold, the blanket of snow on the ground and the tranquility characteristic of this period, when the days are shorter, appealing.

Upon arrival at Lake Como you will see a pleasant alpine landscape, which you can detail as you walk along its shores. The mountains are large and, due to their irregularity, give the impression that they intermingle with the water. This particularity gives rise to small populated areas on the banks.

You can make a short tour of a single day, but it is recommended that you extend your visit a little longer. In this way, you can stay in the surrounding towns (Bellagio and Como). This way, you will enjoy the Renaissance architecture of the region, the warmth of its inhabitants, a delicious traditional cuisine and the best view of the Lake. Here are some of the possibilities available to you:

• Excursion to the Swiss Alps, Lake Como and Lugano, from 142.
• Excursion to Lake Como and vineyards, from $128.
• Excursion to Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna, from $81.
• Excursion toLake Como, Lugano and Bellagio, from $99.
• Excursion toLake Como, Varenna and Bellagio, from $271.

The La Scala Theater during January usually offers a smaller number of concerts compared to the rest of the year, so you will find available several times during the day to book a guided tour of the Museum and La Scala Theater. Join this activity and enjoy the architectural beauty of one of the most famous operas in the world.

On this tour inside the Teatro La Scala you will see the exterior and interior of the theater, sit in the boxes and walk around the stage. In addition, you will have access to the museum and library area. You will also see some manuscripts of plays, Beethoven's compositions, musical instruments, paintings, costumes used in the plays, sketches, statues, among other curiosities that will convey the history of this legendary theater.

Practical details

• Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2.
• Duration: The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour. Please note that these tours are suspended when there are rehearsals.
• Price: Approximately 32 €.

The winter sales in Milan take place in the first two months of the year. But January is the most recommended period to book a shopping trip, as you will get a wider variety of clothing, footwear, bags and accessories.

So if you are planning your trip to the Italian fashion capital, you should take advantage of the winter sales offered in the city's stores, boutiques and malls. Thus, you will renew your closet with clothes from world-renowned designers: Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Valentino, among others.

Start the tour in the so-called "Fashion District", walk through the streets of Corso Buenos Aires and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Also, if you want to find more bargains you have the option of visiting the shopping malls located on the outskirts of the city. You will be able to shop cheaply while walking around the city and appreciating the facades of the buildings.

On January 6 Milan welcomes the Befana, who, according to Italian folklore, is a good witch who brings gifts to children. It is an ancient procession, which runs from the Duomo to the church Sant'Eustorgio.

You will be amused by the passage of the participants, whose historical costumes will capture your attention. This thanks to the delicate tailoring of the garments and the colorful fabrics. Undoubtedly, a visual spectacle that you will not forget.

Also, if you are traveling with the little ones of the house, they will enjoy this colorful procession, the traditional music in the streets and the treats they will be given. So, join this national celebration and put it on your list of the top 10 things to do in Milan with kids.

Practical details

• Direction: From the Duomo to the Sant'Eustorgio church.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
• Price: Free of charge.

Usually the Christmas markets in Milan have their doors open until January 6. So if you are in the Italian city during the first week of the year, you can visit these magical places.

Visit the O'Bej O'Bej in the vicinity of the Sforzesco Castle. This is one of the most traditional Christmas fairs in the city and brings together more than 400 artisans. Another market that will surprise you in January is the Banco di Garabombo in Pagano, whose exhibition has many eco-sustainable products.

Also, if you are traveling with your children and want to give them a fun time, you will want to go to the Villaggio delle Meraviglie market in Porta Venezie. There, you will find an indoor skating rink, an elves' circus and Santa Claus' House. You can also shop for souvenirs, desserts and local foods.

Every year during the month of January, emerging Italian fashion houses and couturiers present their fall-winter collections at the well-known Milan Fashion Week. However, the entrance to the more than 100 professional fashion shows is usually by invitation or by paying a high amount of euros for each ticket.

In case you do not have that kind of privilege and your visit to Milan coincides with the date of the fashion shows, you can go to Piazza San Babila in Corso Venezia, 2/A. There, you will find a giant screen through which you can watch the live broadcast of the fashion shows. There are also some events open to the public, which vary from year to year:

• Exhibitions of jewelry and embroidered silks.
• Sustainable fashion events.
• Samples of the work of famous stylists, and much more.

In fact, for more information before your trip you can visit the official website of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion.

Practical information

• Where they are held: In various locations in the city. The best known are the Spazio Cavallirizze in the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, the Quadrilatero della Moda, the Palazzo Barozzi and in the Duomo itself.
• Price: They vary a lot, as they depend on the designers presenting their collections that day. For the more exclusive shows, be prepared to shell out several hundred euros. Fortunately, you can also attend a considerable number of free events open to all audiences.

January is a time of low prices in Milan. The Italian capital offers a series of discounts between 70% and 90% on clothes from famous designers. You can also find sales on accessories and shoes. A true paradise for shopping lovers.

The influx of tourists in this season is low, so you can walk freely through the streets in search of the products you want. Also, you will get good prices for transfers between the airport and Milan, some cultural tourist activities, tours, excursions, accommodation and the best tourist buses in Milan.

Before embarking on a trip to Milan it is necessary to know the weather conditions to which we will be exposed. Thus, we will be able to wear the appropriate clothing and organize the itinerary we want to fulfill during our stay in the city, without the bad weather getting in the way.

Therefore, you should know that January is one of the coldest months in Milan. The temperature in the Italian city usually ranges from -5 °C to 7 °C, so it is not surprising the presence of snow, fog and rain. In addition, due to the winter there are shorter days than usual during January. Still, it won't stop you from enjoying all there is to see and do in Milan during your stay.