The 2026 Winter Olympics are coming to Italy, and Milan will be one of the stars of the show. From February 6 to 22, the Milano-Cortina Winter Games will unfold across a network of alpine villages and northern Italian cities, with Milan hosting ice hockey, figure skating, and the grand Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium.
For travelers, that means visitors can pair the thrill of Olympic competition with everything Milan does best: art that changed the course of history, architecture that sets global trends, and food worth boarding a flight for. Whether you’re here before the torch is lit, squeezing in sightseeing between events, or winding down after the Closing Ceremony, you can turn your Olympic trip into an unforgettable cultural getaway.
Top 5 Things to Do in Milan During the Olympics
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See The Last Supper with a Historian – Guaranteed entry and expert storytelling about Leonardo’s masterpiece.
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Discover Milan’s Heart: Duomo to La Scala – Iconic landmarks plus tucked-away treasures.
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Dive into Design & Architecture – From Art Nouveau to modern Milanese marvels.
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Taste Milan: Culinary Immersion – Savor traditional winter dishes and aperitivo culture.
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Escape to Lake Como – A half-day trip for alpine air and lakeside charm.
Meet Milan’s Olympic-Season All-Stars
1. Milan’s Last Supper Tour
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper is one of the hardest tickets in town — and for good reason. This fragile fresco has survived centuries of neglect, war damage, and restoration attempts, and yet still stops visitors in their tracks. Availability is limited, so book early. With Context, you’ll gain insight into Leonardo’s techniques, the symbolism woven into every gesture, and the painting’s miraculous survival.
Insider Tip: Reserve early. These slots can vanish months ahead of the Olympics.
2. Introduction to Milan: From the Duomo to La Scala
Consider this your Milan orientation. From the soaring Gothic spires of the Duomo to the 15th-century marvel of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, this walk connects the dots between centuries of art, faith, and civic pride. You’ll also step inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and stand in the legendary La Scala opera house’s piazza — all while weaving in hidden courtyards and artisan stops you’d miss alone.
Insider Tip: For a dramatic perspective, pair it with our Duomo Rooftop Terrace Tour and watch the city stretch out beneath you.
3. Architecture & Design Tour
Milan is the beating heart of Italian design, a city where Belle Époque ironwork meets sleek modern glass and mid-century Italian style still shapes interiors worldwide. This architecture tour unpacks that visual language, moving from ornate 19th-century façades to cutting-edge districts like Porta Nuova.
Insider Tip: Ask your guide about Milan’s secret courtyards. Many hide lush gardens or mosaic masterpieces behind closed gates.
4. Culinary Immersion: Taste Milan’s Stories
Winter in Milan is all about comfort food done with style: cassoeula (pork and cabbage stew), creamy polenta, and saffron-laced risotto. On our culinary walk, you’ll sample these alongside market visits, aperitivo rituals, and tales of Lombardy’s food traditions, all paired with excellent local wine.
Insider Tip: Bring an appetite and a scarf; the Navigli district’s canals are magical in winter light.
5. Lake Como Half-Day Excursion
An easy train ride from Milan, Como is a world of quiet piazzas, mountain reflections, and café-lined promenades. On this half-day journey, you’ll stroll the old town, visit the cathedral, and ride the funicular to Brunate for sweeping alpine views, all back in Milan in time for an evening Olympic event.
Insider Tip: If you can linger, sunset aperitivo by the lake is pure magic.
Olympic Tips for Milan Visitors
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Time it right: Morning tours before afternoon competitions, or evening walks after daytime events.
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Book ahead: The Last Supper and Duomo sell out quickly, especially during the Games.
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Stay central: Most tours begin near key transport hubs, making it easy to hop to Olympic venues.
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Go flexible: Use audio guides for self-paced exploring on busy competition days.
Whether you’ve got a couple of hours between events or a full day to spare, Milan is ready to impress. Between the roar of the crowd and the glow of the Olympic flame, give yourself another moments of discovery, connection, and beauty that will linger long after the Games end.
