Ferragosto is a very important holiday in Italy, but most big stores and restaurants in the center are open, however you have to book a table at the restaurants.
- What is Ferragosto?
- Sailing on the canals in the Navigli area
- Outdoor swimming pools
- Museums
- Restaurants
What Ferragosto is
Ferragosto is a religious holiday celebrating the Assumption of Mary. According to Italians it is also the hottest day of the year and is celebrated with lots of good food and wine. Below is a list of things taking place on and around August 15th.
Canal tours on the Navigli
On August 13th, 14th and 15th in the Navigli area of Milan (find on map) you can go on the canal boat trips but you must book your seat by August 12th 5 p.m. (read more here).
Outdoor swimming pools
All the city’s other outdoor swimming pools are open on August 15th, read more about them here.
The Bagni Misteriosi (the outdoor swimmingpool in 18, Via Carlo Botta (find on map) is also open for aperitivo on August 15th 7-10.30 pm.
Museums
You can visit almost all museums and all the city’s civic museums free of charge on August 15th. Find out where they are here.
Note that Triennale offers free admission thorugh the entire month of August.
Restaurants
Book a table at Milan’s restaurants well in advance of August 15th because everybody wants to eat out on that day. Check out our recommendations here.