Spring is officially here, and with it, the urge to spend every afternoon at Parco Sempione. But before you get too comfortable, Milan has a few surprises for us this week: from gas prices hitting the brakes on your weekend road trips to a Friday transport strike that might turn your commute into a marathon.

Don't worry, though… It’s not all 'tragic trams' and expensive diesel. We’ve found plenty of reasons to stay out, including free health checks in Gae Aulenti, a LEGO workshop to channel your inner child, and a few promising opportunities for the international community.

Grab your beverage of choice and let’s dive in.

Gas is getting expensive… a ceiling for Diesel?

If you own a car in Milan (or rely on logistics for your Amazon deliveries), keep an eye on the gas station signs. The numbers at the gas station are climbing steep. The recent conflict between the US and Iran has sent global energy markets into a spin. Crude oil prices have surged from around $70 per barrel in early February to over $110 this month, driven by supply disruptions in the Middle East. The government is currently debating a price cap on diesel, aiming to push it below €1.90 per liter. While there’s some political back-and-forth, the goal is a temporary, one-month "experimental" cut to provide relief from recent price hikes. If this goes through, filling up a standard 50L tank could save you around €10. Not enough for a fancy dinner in Brera, but definitely enough for a couple of extra Spritzes!

Free dermatological screenings, take care of your skin!

Milan is finally moving into "sun mode." But before you spend all your weekends at Parco Sempione or the Navigli, here’s a pro-tip for your health. To celebrate the Prevention Festival (March 23–29), LILT and Bioderma are bringing mobile clinics to the streets of Milan for free dermatological screenings. No Italian bureaucracy, no long waitlists, just expert prevention for skin cancer and Melanoma.

Where & When: March 27 at Milano Luiss Hub (near Gae Aulenti/Isola).

This is a rare chance to get a specialist check-up for free in some of the coolest spots in town.

From Grey to Play: Milan’s Urban Sport Revolution

If you’ve been looking for a place to shoot some hoops or practice your backhand without a pricey club membership, things are looking up. A new national project called "Illumina" has just kicked off in the Milanese suburbs (starting in Cologno Monzese) and is set to bring 85 high-end, free sports hubs across Italy. We aren’t talking about rusty hoops and cracked concrete. Think Madison Square Garden-inspired 3x3 basketball courts, Australian Open-grade tennis surfaces, and professional calisthenics areas, all open 24/7 and completely free.

With 84 more playgrounds on the way, the "sporting revolution" is officially coming to a neighborhood near you. Whether you're a calisthenics pro or just want to find a local "pick-up" game, keep an eye on these new spots. It’s the perfect way to integrate into the local community while staying fit. Plus, no more "Palestra" contracts you can't cancel!

A €50M Move

A real estate fund just dropped over €50 million on two historic buildings in Milan,and one of them is in the heart of the ultra-exclusive street “Via Vivaio”. If you haven't walked through this area yet, you’re missing out on Milan’s most elegant and quietest neighbourhood. This is "Old Money" Milan meeting modern investment. If you're looking for a weekend walk, skip the Duomo crowds and head to the Quadrilatero del Silenzio and keep an eye out for the famous flamingos at Villa Invernizzi! It’s a sign that even the most "hidden" parts of the city are being upgraded, keeping Milan’s property market one of the hottest in Europe.

Transport

Be careful on Friday - ATM Strike!

Remember the "tragic tram saga" we mentioned last week? Well, Friday, March 27 is the season finale. ATM staff have called for a 24-hour strike, meaning metro lines, buses, and those beloved (but currently dramatic) trams are all at risk. 

Don't panic! Here is your survival guide to navigating the city without losing your mind:

The "Safety Windows": By law, some service is guaranteed. You should be safe from start of service until 8:45 AM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The Risk Zones: Between 8:45 AM and 3:00 PM, and after 6:00 PM until the end of the night, it’s a gamble. Some metro lines (like the automated M4 or M5) might stay open, while others could shut down completely.

This is the perfect day to work from home, grab a BikeMi, or practice your "Milanese walk". If you have a flight from Linate or Malpensa that evening, leave at least two hours earlier than planned.

Wrapping Up... 🌯

That’s a wrap for this week! 

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Have a fantastic, productive, and social week in Milan.

Stay curious, stay connected.

Ale and The FoundIt Milan Team