Like most of Italy, Milan is notoriously expensive for visitors. Yet there are still free attractions to ease the bite on the budget. Here are the best free things to do in Milan.

Milan Duomo. The cathedral church is free to enter, and so is a trip to the roof where tourists can get closer to the Duomo’s amazing spires and see the city – if it isn’t too smoggy. A great place to get out of bad weather as well.

Castello Sforzesco. The museums here all charge admission, but walking around the grounds of this restored 15th century castle is free.

Milan’s Parks. Behind Castello Sforzesco is Parco Sempione, one of the city’s two big parks. Lots of locals, visitors and street performers.

Window Shopping. It costs nothing to look into the window displays of high-end shopping districts such as the Brera or the Quadrilatero d’Oro (the Golden Quarter).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Next to the Duomo, this magnificent 19th century tunnel has become a shopping mall – still expensive to buy, but good for walking and people watching.

Spinning on the Bull’s Balls. Pity the poor bull, symbol of Turin! So many people have followed the tradition of spinning around on his testicles that this tile insignia now has a hole where his genitals should be. Watch for a few minutes to see how it’s done.

Palazzo Reale. The tourist information office is here, and the palace museum is free to tour.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Horse. The world’s biggest bronze horse statue is based on designs that Leonard drew in the 15th century. Unlike “The Last Supper,” which can be hard to get into, Leonardo’s Horse is free to observe.