Milan's 2026 Winter Olympics Will Reshape the City—Temporarily
Milan is preparing to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Cortina, placing the city under a global spotlight. The event will bring major changes to daily life, from transport to accommodation. Once the games end, the city expects to return to its usual rhythm.
The Olympics will transform how people move around Milan. Security zones and special traffic lanes will alter routes for both locals and tourists. Four key venues will host ice sports: San Siro for the opening ceremony, the Ice Skating Arena for short track and figure skating, the Speed Skating Stadium for speed skating, and two arenas—Santagiulia and Rho—for ice hockey.
During the games, finding a hotel in central districts will be harder. Many bookings will require minimum stays, and non-refundable rates will apply. Prices are also set to rise, making visits more expensive than usual.
For those looking to experience Milan without Olympic crowds, spring 2026 may be a better choice. From March to May, the city will offer more rooms at competitive prices. This period also aligns with Milan Design Week, running from April 21-26, which spreads visitors across multiple neighbourhoods rather than concentrating them in one area.
After the Olympics, Milan will revert to its standard schedules, with museums and neighbourhoods operating normally. Visitors in spring 2026 can expect a more relaxed experience, with better availability and fewer restrictions. The city's cultural and design events will continue to draw crowds, but in a more distributed way.
