Advertisement

Classes & Workshops in Milan

If you want to learn something real while in Milan, you’ve come to the right place. The city isn’t just about stunning cathedrals or shopping in the Quadrilatero d’Oro; it’s also where you can roll up your sleeves and get creative.

Thinking about cooking? Skip the usual tourist traps and join a pasta-making class in Brera or learn to make risotto alla Milanese with a chef who’s been family-run for generations. Or, if you’re more into style, why not take a workshop on sustainable fashion in Porta Nuova? Milan’s fashion scene is serious business, and local designers sometimes open their studios for short courses – trust me, it’s a whole different vibe than just walking around boutiques.

Craft lovers might enjoy a traditional leather crafting workshop in the historic district near the Duomo, where you can create something unique and take a piece of Milan home. And if you’re visiting during spring or early autumn, you’ll find lots of outdoor art and photography classes, often with stunning views of the city’s mix of old and modern architecture.

One pro tip: book in advance if you want weekends or evenings. These workshops fill up fast with locals and tourists alike. And don’t be shy to ask for classes in smaller groups, they tend to be more personal and way more fun.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Not quite what you’re looking for yet?

Use filters to narrow things down or explore other categories.

Refine filters

A little local advice

If you want to feel the pulse of Milan beyond just sightseeing, I recommend checking out small, family-run cooking schools in Brera or Navigli. These places are less touristy and you actually get to eat with the chef or his family afterward – it’s a treat. Also, for a different kind of hands-on experience, keep an eye out for weekend leather workshops near the Duomo. They’re surprisingly affordable and you leave with something you made yourself. Oh, and a heads up: many classes don’t run on national holidays like Liberation Day or Republic Day, so plan accordingly.

Finally, if your schedule is tight, book evening workshops. They’re very popular with locals who work during the day, and you often get smaller groups and better interaction with the instructor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Milan’s classes and workshops? Here are some quick answers.

Absolutely. Many cooking workshops start from scratch, so even if you’ve never cracked an egg for homemade pasta, you’ll be fine. In fact, locals running these classes usually love teaching visitors who’re new to the kitchen.

Yes, but they’re often small and independent, so you’ll want to book early. Studios around Porta Nuova sometimes offer beginner-friendly sessions, especially in sustainable or upcycled fashion, which has been gaining ground here.

Most of the time, materials are provided by the school or instructor. Some art parks or outdoor photography workshops might ask you to bring your own camera or sketchbook, but generally, you don’t have to hustle a ton of stuff.

You’ll find stuff all year, but some workshops,like outdoor painting or photography,pop up more often in spring and fall when the weather’s nicer. Cooking and fashion classes tend to run all year, even through Milan’s chilly winter months.

It depends. Cooking classes usually take two to three hours, enough time to prep, cook, and eat. Fashion or craft workshops might be shorter or spread over a couple of days. Always check ahead so you can fit them into your itinerary smoothly.

Some are! Especially cooking classes focused on pizzas or gelato tend to welcome kids, but fashion or craftsmanship workshops can vary, so it’s best to ask beforehand. Milan locals often bring their kids to weekend sessions, so it’s doable.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (1760 places) If you want to get a real feel for Milan, joining a city tour can be one of the best ways to see it. But don’t expect just the usual spots like the Duomo or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele , some tours take you through lesser-known neighborhoods like Isola or the Navigli canals, where locals actually hang out in the… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (1368 places) Planning time in Milan with the kids? You're in luck,there’s more than just the Duomo and fashion here. The city actually has plenty of spots where little ones won’t be bored stiff. Take Parco Sempione, for example. It’s huge, with plenty of green space for running, a pond with ducks, and even a small playground… Explore
Attractions & Tickets (1224 places) Milan’s got way more to offer than the Duomo and the Last Supper, though those are great starting points. You’ll want to book tickets early if you’re set on seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece at Santa Maria delle Grazie , they sell out fast, especially in spring and fall. And don’t overlook the chance to climb to… Explore
Cultural Tours (1128 places) If you want to feel Milan beyond the surface, cultural tours here are the way to go. It isn’t just about ticking art galleries or the Duomo off your list , it’s walking in the footsteps of old Milanese, hearing stories only a local would know, and maybe sharing a gelato in a tucked-away piazza. Take a stroll through… Explore
Heritage Sites (1100 places) Milan's heritage sites aren't just old buildings standing still in time. They’re stories you can touch. Take Castello Sforzesco, for example. It’s huge and filled with unexpected quiet corners away from the crowds where you can almost hear echoes of dukes and artists. And the way the sunlight filters through the… Explore
Historical Landmarks (1084 places) Milan isn’t just Italy’s fashion capital, it’s a city where history rubs shoulders with daily life in the most unexpected ways. You can’t talk about landmarks here without starting at the Duomo. It’s more than a cathedral – scale the rooftop for views that feel like a secret shared only with locals. But don’t skip the… Explore
Tastings (1032) • Guided Walks (950) • Private Tours (926) • Museums (674) •

Top Things To Do in Milan

See All →

Top Things To Do in Milan

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide French RivieraMy Guide MunichMy Guide Slovenia

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again