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This City Is Italy’s Capital of Fashion and Finance — What to See, Eat, and Do

Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Milan.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

• Best Hotels

Best Things to Do

Best shopping.

• Best Nightlife

Best Restaurants

Best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Rome, Florence, Venice: They’re the classic trifecta of an Italian whistle-stop tour, right? Somehow, Milan manages to fall off the itinerary, especially for a lot of first-time visitors to Italy. But if you’ve been keeping this most cosmopolitan European city in the “maybe next time, if we have a few more days” category, it’s time to redraw your travel map.

Italy’s capital of fashion and finance, Milan is rightly associated with wealth and style — its sharply dressed residents may make you want to accessorize just a wee bit more thoughtfully. But there’s nothing superficial about this city, which was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and has been a touchpoint of some of the most important events in European history. “Milan is an invigorating, bustling metropolis that resembles Berlin, Paris, and New York in its international elements,” says Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International . “It’s very different from other cities in Italy, yet doesn’t compromise on any of its Italian style and authenticity.”

With one foot proudly fixed in an illustrious past that includes ancient ruins, majestic cathedrals, and art-filled museums, Milan is also the best place to experience anything and everything that’s modern in Italy, from innovative art and fashion to exciting new hotel openings and 20 Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are some of our experts’ favorite places and experiences in the city — proof that if you miss Milan, you’re truly missing out.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Walk the roof of the Duomo. The rooftop terraces tour of the Duomo of Milan offers an up-close look at this architectural marvel and a bird’s-eye view of the city below. 
• Shop (or just gawk) along Via Monte Napoleone. Even if you can’t afford to make a purchase on one of Europe’s priciest streets, it’s fun to window-shop at Gucci, Fendi, Versace, and a host of others. 
• Eat classic Milanese cuisine. Breaded veal cutlets fried in butter, ossobuco, and risotto with saffron are some Milanese mainstays, and they taste best at a traditional eatery like Trattoria Trippa.
• Bar-hop along the Navigli. Milan’s much-loved nightlife corridor is popular for a reason. It’s still one of the best areas — in Milan or anywhere — for bar-crawling and people-watching. 
• Sleep in a stylish new hotel. A crop of new hotels, each sleeker than the next, opened in 2023 or are on tap for 2024, including one of our favorites, Casa Baglioni. 

Related: 29 Most Beautiful Places in Italy 

Courtesy of Portrait Milano

Best Hotels 

Portrait milano.

Gary Portuesi , a T+L A-list travel advisor with Authentic Explorations , says this Lungarno Collection property is “one of the best new hotels we have seen open up in Italy (in 2023).” Effortlessly contemporary and design-forward, the fashion district hotel is located in the historic Piazza del Quadrilatero, and, per Portuesi, is quickly becoming “the place to be.”

Hotel Principe di Savoia

The grandest dame in a city full of them, the Principe di Savoia evokes Belle Epoque glamor. London-based luxury travel writer Nicole Trilivas calls the hotel’s Presidential Suite, with its private indoor pool, “outrageous. It’s like the ancestral penthouse of a duke with a taste for the theatrical, with working fireplaces, swirling frescoes, and mahogany and marble galore. Even the most jaded jet-setter will be impressed.”

Casa Baglioni

Portuesi says this newest Baglioni hotel “captures the highly stylized Milan of the 1960s.” With just 30 rooms and suites, many with views over the inviting Brera district, the hotel retains a homey, albeit very stylish feel. “We also love the spectacular 360 view over the city from its rooftop bar,” says Portuesi. 

Related: 22 Amazing Family-run Hotels in Italy — From Mountain Inns to Seafront Palaces

Laura La Monaca/Travel + Leisure

Architecture Tour

The modern Milan skyline towers over other Italian cities, and an architect-led tour is the best way to appreciate its daring and innovative skyscrapers and urban projects. Try Guiding Architects for a private tour, which can be customized to your interests. 

Terraces of the Duomo 

Whether you get there by stairs or elevator (the latter costs a few euros more), walking among the rooftop spires of the largest church in Italy is a singular experience and a humbling lesson in engineering and ingenuity. Book an early time slot to beat the crowds, and don’t miss the Gothic, stained-glass illuminated cathedral interiors. You can buy tickets on the Duomo website . 

Teatro alla Scala 

La Scala is synonymous with performing arts in Milan, and even if you can’t take in a ballet, opera, or orchestral performance here, it’s still a thrill to see the theater interiors on a tour. Bono says a guided tour of the theatre and museum is “a must for music lovers.”

QC Termemilano

Take a spa break in a remarkable setting  — a bubbling thermal pool built amid the ruins of 6th-century brick walls. In the busy urban setting of Porta Romana, the QC day spa is a tranquil haven of water, heat, and steam. In the most Milan of manners, there’s even a sauna built into a vintage old tram car.

Via Monte Napoleone

It’s a shame to visit Milan and not pay your respects at its temples of high fashion, most of which can be worshiped on Via Monte Napoleone. If you don’t scratch your fashion itch on this very expensive stretch of retail real estate, try Corso Buenos Aires, Via Torino, or Via Dante.

“Every time I go to Milan,” says Trilivas, “I visit the flagship Fornasetti atelier, which showcases art and home goods based on the artwork of post-war Milanese artist Piero Fornasetti. It’s a whimsical dream.” A suite at the Mandarin Oriental Milan is dedicated to the artist. 

A pair of handmade Italian leather shoes is the best souvenir you can bring home from Italy, and this is a hill I’ll die on. Find them, along with exquisite accessories, at this gorgeous bottega for women’s items. There are also Velasca menswear locations in the city. 

Best Nightlife 

Sip your negroni sbagliato at this old-school bar where it was invented. Bar Basso may be resting on its historic laurels a bit and service can be indifferent, but it’s still a classic Milan watering hole for a heady cocktail or two. 

Located within the Fondazione Prada cultural complex, this cheerful bar and cafe was designed by director Wes Anderson and evokes his delightful brand of quirkiness. “It’s a must-stop after visiting the museum,” says Portuesi, “and the panini are really good!” Be sure to play a round of pinball on a vintage machine.

The two remaining canals among a former network of important commercial waterways, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese are today lined with bars and restaurants and offer Milan’s best aperitivo scene. Grande is jumping on both banks and is the more colorful of the two, while Pavese is a quieter scene.

Trattoria Trippa

Bono heads to this Porta Romana stalwart for its warm, vintage vibe and to be welcomed like a local. “The menu is filled with all the classic dishes you can enjoy in this city, such as ossobuco, risotto alla Milanese, cotoletta alla Milanese, and more,” she says. 

It may be set in Milan’s busy Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities in Europe, but Ronin is all about Japanese cuisine and subculture, with an izakaya bar, a Japanese grill, and private karaoke rooms. Portuesi and his team are fans of Ronin’s “Italian spin on sushi.”

Osteria Brunello

According to Portuesi, this casual, modern osteria in the buzzy Porta Garibaldi area is a wee bit upscale but worth seeking out for its “excellent wine list and amazing cotoletta Milanese and mondeghili,” a Milanese specialty of meatballs fried in butter. 

Because there are so many trade fairs and conferences in Milan, you may have to plan your trip based on hotel availability, which will be scarce when there’s a big event in town. Portuesi recommends his clients visit in May and October when the weather is pleasant, and that they avoid the Milan Fashion Weeks in February and September, as well as the Salone del Mobile (furniture fair) in April. 

Despite its northern location, Milan's summers can be sweltering, especially in July and August, when the city is also very crowded. If you can abide by cold, often rainy, foggy weather, the months of December to March (apart from Christmas and Fashion Week) will see the thinnest crowds and lowest hotel prices.

Related: The Best and Worst Times to Visit Italy

Bono’s clients often begin or end their trips to Italy at Milan Malpensa Airport, the largest international hub in northern Italy. Flights from within Europe or the U.K. may also use Linate Airport, which is closer to the city center, or Orio al Serio International Airport near Bergamo. 

From Malpensa, the Malpensa Express train connects to points in the city center and costs €13. Taxis from Malpensa to the center will cost about €110 for up to four people. 

Milano Centrale is the city’s largest railway station, with trains heading to and from the rest of Italy, as well as France and Switzerland. 

querbeet/Getty Images

From Milano Centrale station, you can access the comprehensive public transportation network of trams, buses, and subway lines that serve the city. Milan is flat and well-suited to walking or biking, but it’s big, and distances from one point of interest to another can be several miles. Taxis within the center, for example from Milano Centrale to the Duomo, run about €8-€10. As in other Italian cities, taxis in Milan cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands, or ranks, which are generally located near tourist areas. 

We strongly recommend against driving a rental car in Milan’s congested center, where you’ll be either sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, looking for scarce parking spaces, or dodging pedestrians, bicyclists, and rumbling trams. If you pick up a car in Milan for a longer tour in Italy, plan to head out of the city in the morning, when everyone else is headed in. 

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Milan travel guide | an insider’s guide to the best of milan, italy.

The best things to do, see, eat, and experience in Milan.

Milan has always stood apart from other cities in Italy since it has a distinctively different vibe than the country’s other most famous destinations. In fact, thanks to its geographical location, Milan has a strong Swiss influence which is reflected in their work ethic and cuisine. But don’t worry because it is still a solid city — so in this Milan travel guide we’ve teamed up with some friendly locals to cover everything you need to know about visiting this dynamic city.

In this Milan Travel Guide we’ll cover what to do, what to see, what to eat, which neighborhoods to visit, and everything else you need to know about exploring this great city. 

[We’ve also written travel guides for  Amsterdam ,  Barcelona ,  Berlin ,  London ,  Paris ,  Rome , and  multiple other cities .]

How Much It Costs To Visit Milan

Milan is one of Italy’s pricier cities since it’s the country’s business and fashion capital. On the other hand, Milan has a lot of cheap transatlantic flights so you might be able to offset the city’s everyday travel expenses with cheap airfare.

We recommend budgeting €35-€60/day for travelers on a backpacker’s budget — you can easily spend more or a bit less but this is a good estimate for your average hostel-staying traveler.

• Attractions:  €10 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
• Breakfast:  €3
• Lunch:  €6
• Dinner:  €12
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine):  €2
• Transportation: €1.50 (but you can easily walk almost everywhere)
• Accommodation (Hostel via  Hostelworld ): €20-28/night or check Booking.com for hotels. 

These prices are based on what you’ll need to visit the city comfortably — they don’t include things like big nights out at the bar, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc. Don’t forget to budget extra for those “non-essentials.”

How Long To Visit Milan: 2-4 Days

Unlike Rome, Venice, and Florence, Milan doesn’t have a ton of “must see” sights so you can see all the highlights in two days. That said, Milan still has plenty to offer visitors so you can easily spend a handful of enjoyable days exploring the city. There are also plenty of nearby day trips within an hour or two from Milan via the train that are worth checking out.

Therefore, we recommend spending at least two days in Milan if you want to see the highlights and three or four days if you want to travel slower or add in a day trip.

When To Visit Milan + Weather

Visitors often assume that Italy is warm year-round but that’s not the case as Milan can get fairly chilly in the winter. On the other hand, Milan does get hot in the summer months so we recommend visiting April-May or September-October for the best weather. That said, Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair) runs for a week in mid-April and all the hotels jack up their prices. 

July and August tend to be the busiest months in terms of tourism so you’ll have the fight the biggest crowds during this time. On the other hand, many locals leave the city during this time in favor of the beach-side towns. 

Important Note: Milan is built on swampy land so mosquitos can be very annoying during the warm months (i.e. make sure you have AC because you can’t leave your windows open). 

Winters can get chilly and there might even be a day or two of snow but there is more rain than snow. That said, there are Christmas markets starting in early December which are always fun to check out. Winter is also the cheapest time to visit outside of Men’s Fashion Week in January and Women’s Fashion Week in February.

The Good and Not-So-Good Things About Milan

• Laidback Nightlife: Milan has a few great neighborhoods that come alive at night so you’ll be able to find a bar, restaurant, or club that fits your style. 
• The Duomo and the City Center: The center of Milan is beautiful — especially the Duomo. 
• Great Daytrips: Milan is well-connected to the rest of northern Italy so reaching other towns and areas is fast thanks to the train. 
• The Shopping: Of course there is shopping. Pretty much anything you can imagine can be found in Milan — especially luxury goods. 
• Cheap Flights Into Milan: Milan tends to have a lot of cheap transatlantic flights so you can often some really solid fares. 
• Not a “Must-See” City: We wouldn’t put Milan on a list of the “top” cities in Italy. Don’t get us wrong, we liked Milan but Rome, Florence, Venice, Sienna, etc. are arguably more interesting cities to visit. So, we say keep Milan for your second trip to Italy or spend a day or two there if you’re flying in/out of Milan.
• Not Old-World Italy: When people picture Italy they think of ancient Rome, the hills of Tuscany, and the canals of Venice… but Milan feels a bit more like a European New York. It’s not necessarily a bad thing but it takes some people by surprise.
• The Prices: Milan is the business and fashion capital of Italy so you’re not going to find a lot of cheap prices. Yes, there are some deals to be found (many of which we cover in this guide) but you need to seek them out. 
• Hot Summers and Cool Winters: It can get toasty in the middle of summer and there will be some cold days in the winter.

Milan’s Best Neighborhoods

Milan has a number of unique neighborhoods so you can always find an area to stay that fits your travel style — from vibrant and cosmopolitan life to quiet and laid-back. Furthermore, Milan is a fairly compact city so getting from one neighborhood to another is a quick walk or easy subway/tram ride away. 

Duomo & City Center

At the heart of Milan, you’ll find the Duomo cathedral and we’d consider anything within close proximity to be considered the city center. Milan is fairly compact so the city center is where you’ll find most of the shopping, museums, and plenty of restaurants. Naturally, it does attract a lot of visitors so prices are elevated and quality meals can be tougher to find. 

Brera Neighborhood

It’s easy to see why people fall in love with the Brera neighborhood. It has long been the artistic heart of Milan thanks to its Renaissance-style architecture and lovely cobblestone streets. These days prices are risen (like they always do) but there are still plenty of independent boutiques, small shops, and streets lined with sidewalk cafes. It’s certainly one of Milan chicest and romantic area.

Navigli Neighborhood

We also love the Navigli Neighborhood as it’s one of the hippest and most youthful parts of Milan so you’ll find plenty of great nightlife options here. The canals that run through the area are lined with bars and restaurants but some can be a little expensive. As you move inward into the neighborhood you’ll find plenty of locals enjoying the area’s fun shops and budget-friendly bars/restaurants. We suggest visiting on a weeknight as it’s a popular spot for cool locals relaxing after work — but on the weekend it’s mostly tourists. 

Ticinese & Porta Romana Neighborhoods

In the southern part of Milan, you’ll find the residential neighborhoods of Ticinese and Porta Romana. The Ticinese has a bohemian vibe thanks to its large student population and the Porta Romana is home to many of the city’s wealthiest and most fashionable residents. Both neighborhoods are fairly lowkey with a mixture of hip bars, dive bars, restaurants, vintage shops, and nightlife geared toward the locals at every income range.

Isola Neighborhood

Visit the Isola neighborhood in the northern part of the city to experience the modern and futuristic Milan. Here you’ll find modern skyscrapers and plenty of trendy bars, cafes, galleries, and other nightlife. It’s an interesting area to check out as it was once a working-class and industrial area that is now dotted with ultramodern buildings — so it’s an interesting mix. You’ll also find a lot of street art in the neighborhood.

If you only visit one part of the neighborhood we recommend heading to Corso Como — which is a street that’s home to some of the best nightlife in the city. 

Milan’s Top Sights and Attractions

Milan only has a handful of “must-visit” attractions but between those sights, the shopping, the fun restaurants, the neighborhoods, and day trips, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Here is a list of the best things that Milan has to offer:

Duomo Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo

The Duomo Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo is easily the best thing to check out when you’re in Milan. Located in the very center of Milan, the Duomo attracts thousands of people (and pigeons) every day.

The Piazza is beautiful and 100% worth checking out but it’s always crowded with people — including lots of pickpockets so watch your stuff. We recommend visiting at night as well since the Duomo Cathedral and the surrounding building are beautifully illuminated. Most of the bars and restaurants on the square are expensive but that shouldn’t be too surprising. 

And, of course, you have to visit the Duomo — which is one of the world’s largest cathedrals in the world (it can hold more than 11,000 people inside!) and it took over 600 years to complete. But our favorite thing about the Duomo is seeing the city from the Duomo’s roof.

The standard admission to visit just the cathedral is €3.50. The ticket lines will be insanely long so expect to wait well over an hour (in full sun) if you’re buying tickets at the ticket office (or you can arrive around 30 minutes before opening). However, you can skip the ticket lines by purchasing your tickets online for a specific timeslot (but we recommend buying them a bit in advance since they can sell out). Buy ticket directly from the Duomo Website .  

Tickets to visit the cathedral and the rooftop are €17 (elevator to the roof) or €13 (stairs to the roof). There is also a “fast track” ticket for €25 that includes everything and it gives you access to an even faster line. 

You can also visit just the rooftops for €10 (stairs), €14 (lift), or €23 (fast track ticket w/ lift access).

• See On Google Maps
• Visit The Official Website

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Covered Shopping Center ( Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II )

Right next to the Duomo you’ll find Italy’s oldest and most beautiful shopping center. Built in 1867, this impressive covered arcade now houses luxury cafés and high-end designer boutiques.

Don’t have an Amex Black Card? Don’t worry, the Galleria is still worth visiting for the architecture and window shopping. 

Ohh and be on the lookout for a mosaic of a bull on the floor because its good luck to put your foot on the bull’s testicles and spin around. You can’t really miss all the people 

Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper

The Last Supper is one of the most famous paintings in the world and it’s also one of the hardest paintings to actually see in-person. Why? Because the painting isn’t in very good condition so they only allow around 1000 people a day to see it. Furthermore, tour guides and ticket resellers snatch up many of the tickets so there aren’t many tickets left over for regular folks.

Tickets go on sale about three months in advance and they’re often sold out within a few days of going on sale. 

Full price tickets are €12 and you can buy them from the official website (they also offer a few English tours every day for a few Euros extra). You can also sometimes score last-minute walk-up tickets each morning. 

The easiest way to see the Last Supper is by booking a third-party guided tour. The museum only allows licensed tour guides to give tours so that’s a positive thing but tours start around $50.

The Last Supper painting is located in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.

Museo del Novecento

Opened in 2010, the is features around 400 pieces of twentieth-century art from mainly Italian artists but there are a few international artists there as well (Warhol, Kosuth, Lichtenstein, Buren, etc.). 

As an added bonus, the museum offers some really nice views of the Duomo. Admission is €10.

Sforza Castle ( Castello Sforzesco )

After you’ve spent some time exploring the area around the Duomo, make the leisurely walk to the Sforza Castle (there is lots of shopping along the way). 

Originally built in the 15th century, Sforza Castle has long been one of the largest citadels in the world. These days it houses multiple smaller museums with works from Vinci and Michelangelo and a beautiful courtyard. The castle grounds are free to visit but tickets to visit the museums are €10 (you can also buy a multi-day pass if you want to take your time).

Budget Tip: There is free entry every first and third Tuesday of the month after 2 pm.

Sempione Park ( Parco Sempione ) and the Branca Tower

Sempione Park is the largest park in Milan and it makes a great spot to escape the heat and bustle of the city. You can find both sunny and shaded areas so it’s a popular place for a nice picnic.  

There is also a giant tower in the park that you can pay to go up to get panoramic views of Milan. 

Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science & Technology

The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science & Technology is the largest science and technology museum in Italy and it features exhibits that span everything from transportation and energy to Da Vinci’s inventions. There are a lot of interactive exhibits so this is a nice spot for kids as well. Admission is €10.

• Visit The Official Website 

Pinacoteca di Brera Fine Art Gallery

For one of the best collections of Italian paintings head to the Pinacoteca di Brera. The building, which is a work of art on its own, houses an impressive collection spanning over 36 rooms. The museum also has a beautiful garden filled with sculptures. There is also a painting restoration lab where you can see paintings being expertly restored. Admission is €12.

Scala Opera House & Piazza della Scala

The Scala Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and it has hosted some of the most well-known operas and ballets for over 200 years. So, if you’re a fan of opera, you might want to catch a show. Tip: You can score 25% off last-minute tickets if you visit the box office an hour before the show starts. 

We took a guided tour of the Scala and it was honestly really bad — but that might have been the fault of the guide.

Across the street from the Opera House is the Piazza della Scala and it’s a nice spot for people watching. 

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio (Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio)

While the Duomo gets a bulk of the attention, the 4th-century Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is still worth a visit if you’re looking for something peaceful and away from the crowds. 

• See on Google Maps
• Visit the Official Website

One of our favorite neighborhood in Milan is the Brera. This lovely and artistic heart of Milan is famous for its Renaissance-style architecture, cute cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The Brera is filled with upscale shopping and dining options but it really comes to life at night when the sidewalk cafes fill up with people enjoying life. So spend some time strolling around and watch the world pass by at a sidewalk cafe. 

Naviglio Grande Canal & The Navigli Neighborhood

One of our favorite parts of Milan is the Navigli Neighborhood — specifically the Naviglio Grande Canal. The canal dates back hundreds of years but these days its one of the hippest spots in Milan. The canal is lined with dozens of bars and restaurants so the area gets packed with people enjoying the nightlife.

Nabbing a seat outside is always tough but it’s worth the fight as its the best spot for people watching in Milan. 

You can walk to the canal from central Milan but easier to take the trolly. 

Milan Central Train Station

Opened in 1931, the Milan Central Train Station was commissioned by Mussolini to showcase the power of his regime. And, thanks to its towering walls, its still Europe’s largest train station by volume. So, if you’re traveling through the station, take a few moments to marvel at the grandiose nature of the interior and exterior of the station.

We suggest arriving early since it might take you a while to find your train simply because the station is so large. The station is also a hotspot for pickpockets. 

Retail Therapy

Milan arguably has the best shopping in all of Europe — especially when it comes to clothing. There are a handful of long shopping streets with international brands, small boutiques, and just about every luxury brand has shops here.

• The main shopping area is called the Q uadrilatero Della Moda (sometimes called the Quad d’Oro ) is an upscale shopping area that many people consider it the best shopping area in the world. See The Area on Google Maps .
• For international chain stores head to the streets of Corso Buenos Aires  and on  Corso Vittorio Emanuele II  in the center of the city. 
• The Brera Neighborhood has small boutiques and other artsy shops. See On Google Maps .
• The Navigli Neighborhood has a lot of independent and funky shopping options. See On Google Maps

Looking to score a deal on designer brands like Prana and Fendi? Head to one of the DMAG outlet stores where you can score some solid deals on designer Italian and international brands. See Locations On Google Maps

Budget Tip: Luxury goods are often a bit cheaper in Italy than in N. America since you can get a refund on the tax if the item costs more than €155.

AC Milan San Siro Stadium

AC Milan is one of Europe’s best soccer teams so seeing a game is always a fun experience. The stadium can hold more than 80,000 people so the atmosphere on gameday is truly amazing.

Ride An Old Trolly

Milan has a nice series of trolleys that let you quickly and easily cross the city. Many of the trolleys are modern but there are still a handful of older-style cars.

San Bernardino alle Ossa

This church that dates back to 1210 is famous for its small chapel decorated with numerous human skulls and bones. It’s both interesting and creepy so it’s worth stopping in if you’re in the area. 

Take A Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to see a city is through taking a walking tour. Personally, we’re fans of free (aka tip-based) tours. Here are a few popular free walking tour companies: 

• Strawberry Tours
• Walkabout Tours
• Frog Walking Tours

Where & What To Eat in Milan

Milan has no shortage of places to eat ut in this guide we’re going to focus on local favorites and budget-friendly restaurants.

But before we look at where to eat, let’s take a look at local dishes that you might want to order. 

• Coffee: Most locals order an espresso in the morning. Some might get a cappuccino or other milk-based coffee drink. Note: Milk-based coffee is seen as a breakfast drink so you might get some weird looks if you order a cappuccino, caffé latte, caffé macchiato, etc after lunch.
• Risotto: The region surrounding Milan is famous for risotto so be sure to seek out a traditional restaurant that makes risotto alla Milanese.
• Polenta: R isotto may reign supreme in Milan but their polenta is also famous throughout Italy. 
• Ossobuco: Milan is famous for their Ossobuco — a cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth. It is often served with risotto alla milanese .
• Cotoletta alla Milanese: The cotoletta alla Milanese is basically an Italian version of schnitzel. Very tasty. 
• Minestrone Milanese: Take a break from the hearty cotoletta alla Milanese  and gelato with some Minestrone Milanese (i.e. vegetable soup).
• Negroni Sbagliato: One of my favorite drinks it the Negroni. But in Milan they have a Negroni Sbagliato (which translates to  Negroni Mistake ). Legend has it that a barman in Milan mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin and the drink become a local hit.

Ok, let’s take a look at some awesome places to eat!

Trattoria Milanese

Looking for a traditional Milanese restaurant that’s loved by locals? Look no further than Trattoria Milanese. This place is an old-world institution (it’s opened in 1933) with great waiters and better food. Trattoria Milanese is a popular spot so expect a wait. 

You can’t visit Milan without stopping at Luini for their panzerotti — which are fluffy fried dough half-moons stuffed with tomato, mozzarella, and other fillings (they’re kind of like a small calzone). And at under € 3/each, it’s no wonder why this place alllllways has a long line of people waiting to get their hands on these tasty treats but the line moves quickly. 

The locals know that De Santis is the place to get the best sandwiches in Milan — and the prices are very reasonable. The staff is super friendly and they have a nice selection of local beer to boot. Don’t worry if there is a line as it’s worth the wait. I’m getting hungry just thinking about this place.

Volemose Bene

            View this post on Instagram                     Happy birthday Maritinoooo???????????????? A post shared by Marina Ferioli (@marina.ferioli64) on May 19, 2019 at 2:18pm PDT

Here is another one of Milan’s best Roma restaurants. They’re known for generous servings of classic dishes — we recommend the cacio e pepe. Yumm. This spot is always busy but that’s a good thing. 

When it comes to great homemade pasta at reasonable prices, it’s hard to beat Miscusi. This multi-location restaurant is one of those places where you’ll be happy to eat at multiple times on your visit to Milan.  

There is a reason Piz is one of the most popular restaurants in Milan — their wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas are delicious and very affordable. And they offer you a free drink and a bit to eat while you wait in line. And you’ll probably be offered a free shot of something when you’re leaving. Expect a bit of a wait (especially on Friday and Saturday) but it’s worth it. You’ll probably want to eat here twice. 

Gino Sorbillo

This place proves that you can get excellent pizza in Milan so this is another spot for pizza lovers to check out. It’s also near the Duomo — so it bucks the trend of bad pizza places in the area. 

Pizzeria Spontini

Another local favorite pizza place that’s been around since 1953! Ohh yeah. However, the pizza here is served by the slice and the slices a thicker than the standard Neapolitan pizza you usually find in Italy. This is a much more casual spot so it doesn’t have a ton of charm but the pizza is great. By the way, Pizzeria Spontini is located by the train station so it’s a nice place to eat when you’re on the move. 

Pizzeria Piccola Ischia

This kitchy pizza restaurant serves up tasty wood-fired, thin-crust pizza. It’s a bit outside the city center but it’s worth stopping in if you’re in the area. 

Piadineria Artigianale Pascoli

Take a break from pasta and pizza with these tasty flatbread sandwiches and local beer. The service is quick, the prices are very affordable, the quality is great, and there are a ton of options to choose from. 

You’ll have a tough time finding a more delicious fried panzarotti in Milan. These sandwiches come filled with multiple different ingredients and there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. They also have a solid beer selection. And, the prices are affordable and the owners are super friendly. 

We’re always seeking out the craft beer scene wherever we travel and Berbere is a nice spot to try some beer and they have quality pizza as well. They have two locations but there Isola location is a hipster favorite (so book ahead of you want to snag a table). 

Giulio Pane e Ojo

Giulio Pane e Ojo was recommended by multiple people when we visited Milan and it’s a great place for traditional Roman-style Italian dishes. This place is popular with the locals and in-the-know tourists so reservations are recommended during busy times. 

Il Brutto Anatroccolo

Il Brutto Anatroccolo, which translates to “The Ugly Duckling”, is a local favorite that’s off the well-trodden tourist path. This menu, which consists of simple yet good traditional dishes, changes almost daily so the food is always fresh. The prices are also very affordable but it’s located a bit outside the center of the city. 

Il Brutto Anatroccolo fills with locals daily so you might have to wait for a table. 

Pasta Fresca da Giovanni

A great no-frills and lunch-only restaurant that makes quality homemade pasta and affordable prices. They have a small menu but everything is great and the service is friendly. It’s popular with locals so it does get a bit busy. 

Trattoria da Pino

This no-nonsense trattoria might not be fancy and they might cram people in, but it’s one of the few spots in the city center that serves up authentic Italian dishes at affordable prices. This place is very popular with the local lunch crowd so expect a bit of a wait for a table. Note: They’re only open for lunch (12-3).

This small traditional 1960s Milan themed restaurant makes awesome pasta, has top-notch service, and is popular with the locals. It feels like you’re dining in an Italian grandmother’s house who hasn’t updated their kitchen in over 50 years. Love it. 

Bomba Niko Romito

            View this post on Instagram                     “Bomba di Niko Romito” Place: Piazza XXV Aprile 12 Price：2,50€ #milan#milanofood#milano#food#milanotoday#milanofoodporn#travel#foodphotography#foodporn#foodie#foods A post shared by @ ppapapss on Dec 4, 2018 at 7:33am PST

Bombas are doughnut-like pastries filled with either sweet or savory fillings. These make a nice on-the-go breakfast or lunch option. 

PaninoLab makes some solid panini sandwiches as well as a nice selection of wine and cocktails. They’re also open late so its a nice place to grab something to eat as you’re exploring the Navigli neighborhood. 

La Ravioleria Sarpi

This hole-in-the-wall takeaway Chinese takeaway has Milan buzzing thanks to their handmade dumplings. And, at 4 dumplings for €3, these are very affordable. This spot attracts a crowd but the line moves quickly. 

Kebab Shops

Kebabs are always great options for quick, tasty, filling, and cheap meals. There are a number of places to get a decent kebab in Milan but here are a few favorites. 

• Meydan Kebap Pizza Grill: You can find decent kababs and Greek/Turkish food throughout Milan but Meydan is a local favorite thanks to their fresh ingredients and quick service. They also have pizza but you can find better pizza elsewhere.  See On Google Maps
• NUN: Nun is one of the best-rated kebab spots in Milan and they specialize in vegan and vegetarian options (but they still have meat options). See On Google Maps
• Vero Sapore Greco: Located near the Duomo, this slightly-hidden Greek restaurant serves up authentic and delicious kebabs and other Greek dishes at reasonable prices.  See On Google Maps
• Anatolia Kebab & Pizza Milano: Yet another well-loved kebab joint serving up great quality dishes at affordable prices. The staff is super friendly and they keep their shop clean — which isn’t always a given. See On Google Maps

Burger Spots

Sometimes you just want a burger so here are a few solid burger joints that you might want to check out. 

• Al Marcado : Al Marcado is often said to have the best burger in Milan. It’s a little more expensive but the quality is top notch. See On Google Maps . 
• Burger Wave : Burger Wave is a chain restaurant that serves a quality burger at a solid price. See On Google Maps . 
• Cow Burger : Another solid burger spot with a lot of choices. See On Google Maps .
• TheLab: Yet another excellent burgers place with great beer and solid prices. It’s a bit outside the center so it’s more of a place to eat if you’re already in the area. See On Google Maps .

Cheap Eats & Aperitivos

            View this post on Instagram                     #apericena A post shared by Fabio Lenea (@fabiolenea) on Nov 24, 2018 at 11:12am PST

One of the best ways to eat cheaply in Milan is to partake in an aperitivo — which is basically an Italian version of happy hour that typically runs from about 6pm-10pm. However, many aperitivos in Milan are accompanied by a huge free buffet meal.

So how does it work?

Basically, you order a drink (which might be slightly more expensive than normal) and then you’re free to partake in free food that the bar puts out. Sometimes the food is little bites to eat but at other places it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet of simple, yet tasty, food (i.e. pasta, cheese, salad, cured meats, fresh bread, desserts, etc.).

In general, the best place to enjoy an aperitivo  is in the Bera or Navigli neighborhoods because there are multiple bars so its fun to do an aperitivo crawl. 

Best Sweets, Desserts, & Pastries in Milan

You certainly won’t have trouble finding a sweet treat or tasty pastry in Milan. Below are a few of our favorite spots:

• Iginio Massari: Soo good. This place is truly a sweet tooth’s heaven. It’s near the Duomo so it’s always pretty crazy here. Just about everything is delicious and beautiful to look at. It’s not cheap but whatever. See On Google Maps
• Pasticceria Marchesi: This dessert spot is an institution in Milan. Yes, it is expensive and touristy but these folks have been making some of Milan’s best goodies for the city’s well-to-do crowd since 1824. It’s now partially owned by Prada so you know it’s fancy. They have three locations in Milan. See On Google Maps
• Pasticceria Martesana Milano Cagliero: Yet another truly excellent pastry shop/cafe in Milan. We recommend any of the cannolis, tarts, or chocolates (but you can’t go wrong with anything). See On Google Maps  
• Pavè: This hipster place makes excellent pastries (both sweet and savory), desserts, and coffee so it’s a popular breakfast spot. The staff is nice and the prices are reasonable. See On Google Maps
• G. Cova & C.: It might not be fancy “old school” Milan (although it has been around since 1930) but this centrally located patisserie makes a wide range of tasty baked goodies and coffee. They also make light dishes if you’re looking for something other than a sweet treat. See On Google Maps
• Il Massimo del Gelato: This off the beaten path gelato shop is widely considered to make the best gelato in Milan. Go here. Go twice. They have a ton of flavors (there are eight different kinds of chocolate so that’s telling you something). Expect a line but it’s worth the wait. See On Google Maps
• Gelateria della Musica: This is another off the beaten path gelato shop that is another contender for the best gelato in Milan and they have a ton of unique flavor combos. Expect a line at the popular times but it moves quickly. They’ve expanded to three shops but the original is in the Navigli neighborhood. See On Google Maps
• Cioccolatitaliani: The top-quality gelato train keeps on rolling along at Cioccolatitaliani. They’re located right in the middle of the tourist area so service isn’t the best but the quality is still solid. See On Google Maps
• Ciacco: This centrally located gelato has a ton of flavors. They’re always busy thanks to their location but it’s worth stopping in if you’re in the hood. See On Google Maps
• Gelato Giusto: Another excellent gelato place in Milan. See On Google Maps

Best Coffee Shops in Milan

You can’t visit Italy without having some a few coffees every morning. But here’s the thing… you can pretty much get a good espresso at just about every bar, restaurant, or pastry shop. Tip: If you just want an espresso, order at the bar and you’ll pay less. 

That said, if you’re looking for something a little more high-end or  are a few local favorites and more specialty spots:

• Cofficina Ticinese 58: This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is one of the best in Milan for coffee aficionados. They make great espresso, pour overs, and milk-based coffee drinks. The shop is super cute but it’s not very large so there are only a few seats. See On Google Maps
• Orsonero: This hip coffee shop feels like something you’d find in Brooklyn or Portland and they back up the image with excellent specialty coffee. They have beans you’ll not find elsewhere in Milan. Try the cappuccinos. This is a small shop so there are only about three or four tables. See On Google Maps
• G. Cova & C.: The coffee here is easily way above average for Milan (not as good as other “specialty” shops) but it’s a great spot with delicious pastries. It’s also a nice place to sit for a bit as there are multiple tables. See On Google Maps
• Taglio: Taglio is a super cool restaurant but they have an excellent coffee bar that makes some mean coffee. Their restaurant is pretty high-end so it’s certainly not a budget place but it’s a nice place to stop for some coffee. See On Google Maps
• Cova Montenapoleone: Cova Montenapoleone is one of Italy’s oldest pastry shops so they make a ton of tasty treats but they also make some solid coffee as well. It’s very old-school and classy so it’s certainly isn’t hip. See On Google Maps
• Caffè Napoli: Cafe Napoli has a few locations around Milan — including one near the Duomo. We recommend trying the espresso with cream as it makes it sweeter and creamier. They have a few pastries but this is more of a traditional espresso bar. See On Google Maps

Best Hostels in Milan

Here’s the deal — Milan attracts a lot of luxury and business travelers so there aren’t as many hostels here than you’d find in other European cities. But, Milan does have a handful is truly great hostels (Ostello Bello is one of the best-rated hostels in the world) so that’s great news. A bed in a highly-rated hotel will cost anywhere from about  €20-€ 50 /night  with an  average around  €30 /night so we’d say prices are a bit above average. Check out Hostelworld to see the city’s full hostel inventory and to check current prices.

Here’s a list of the best-rated hostel:

• Ostello Bello Grande
• Ostello Bello
• Madama Hostel & Bistrot
• Queen Hostel  
• Meiniger Milano Garibaldi  
• Hostel Colours  
• Atmos Luxe Navigli  
• Babila Hostel  

Getting Into and Around Milan

Alright, let’s take a look at getting into Milan and how to travel around the city. 

The main airport in Milan is Malpensa (MPX) so there is a good chance you’ll arrive/depart from here. Getting from the airport to Milan is easy via the Malpensa Express Train which takes about an hour and runs between the train station and the airport. The Malpensa Express runs around every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €13 via the Official Website or you can buy them at the station.

There is also a Malpensa Shuttle Bus and the taxi has a fixed fare of €90.

The Linate Airport handles mainly domestic flights and its reachable via an Airport Bus and a City Bus which both take around 30 minutes. A Taxi will run you around €30. 

Stazione Centrale Train Station

The Stazione Centrale Train Station is a sight to behold and it handles all the train traffic for Milan. It is a huge station so give yourself a little extra time to navigate your way to the train. You can buy train tickets directly from the automated machines or you can skip the hassle by buying tickets online at ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine .

The Metro & Tram

Milan isn’t a huge city so if you’re staying in central Madrid you might not use the Metro very often. That said, the Metro is fast, efficient, and affordable. The metro runs from about 6 am to a little past midnight. Tickets cost €1.50 each or you can buy a set of 10 for €13.80, or you can buy unlimited day passes (24-hours for €4.50 or 48-hour for €8.25).

Milan’s tram network is extensive and riding it is a fun way to travel since you get a show while you ride. Tickets are the same as the Metro and the tram runs from around 4:30 am to a little after 2 am.

Tickets can be purchased via self-service machines, some newsstands, and from a handful of ATM ( Azienda Trasporti Milanesi ) Service Centers around the city. Visit The Official Website

Exploring the city by bike is always fun (and a little scary). Milan has a public bike share system called BikeMi ( visit the official website ) for cheap short-term rentals. They’re even starting to offer pedal-assist bicycles to make it even easier. 

There are also free floating bicycle sharing services provided by Mobike   and  Ofo — these services are nice because you unlike the bikes with a smartphone app and you just leave it on the sidewalk when you’re done. 

More Milan Travel Tips & Resources

Rick Steves Free Audio Walking Tour: Rick Steves has a great free self-guided audio walking tour of the Duomo and the surrounding neighborhood. We used it when we visited and found it interesting. Check it out here .

Insure Your Trip: We’re big fans of buying travel insurance in case anything goes wrong. We recommend  World Nomads since they’re affordable and have solid coverage. 

Get A Good Guidebook: A guide book is a cheap investment for your trip — we’re big fans of Lonely Planet and Rick Steves for the budget crown. These books also come with self-guided walking tours which we always find helpful.

The Best Nightlife in Milan: The best nightlife (bars, restaurants, clubs, etc) are generally found on Corso Como , Brera Neighborhood , and the Navigli Neighborhood (mainly around the canals). Of course, you can find great other places in Milan but the areas above have the highest concentration of options. 

Free Museum Days: All the civic museums in Milan are free on the first Sunday of the month. 

Dress To Impress In The Clubs: Milan is the fashion capital of Europe so you’ll need to dress well if you want to make it past the doorman in many clubs. And expect to pay a premium. Of course, there are more casual nightlight options.

No Need to Tip: Your tip is already included in your bill so don’t feel like you need to leave anything extra. 

Pickpockets At the Duomo: The Duomo is the most popular tourist attraction so it’s also the most popular spot for pickpockets.

Day Trips from Milan

Thanks to Milan’s excellent rail connections, Milan has a number of solid day trips that are within a 30 minute to around a three-hour train trip. Another great thing about Milan is that it’s surrounded by natural beauty like lakes and mountains.

Travel Tip: We suggest booking your train tickets online so you can skip the ticket machines and the long ticket window lines at the train station. You can book tickets from ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine and have the e-tickets sent to your phone (so no need to print). 

One of the most popular day trips from Milan is the beautiful Lake Como (there is a reason the rich and famous have loved spending summers here for hundreds of years). This pristine lake is only about a 30-minute train ride from Milan so getting there is quick, easy, and will cost less than €15 round trip. There are a number of guided tours to Lake Como but it is pretty easy to explore on your own with minimal planning.

There are multiple towns on Lake Como (notably Varenna. Bellagio, and Como) and they’re all connected by a water ferry.

This blog post from Wander Wisdom did a nice job of explaining the best way to plan your day trip, where to go, how to use the ferry, etc.

Lake Maggiore

The next great lake day trip is Lake Maggiore — which is the second largest lake in Italy. On the lake, you’ll find a handful of beautiful small towns and lovely islands (both of which are dotted with beautiful old villas) that are a joy to explore. Getting to Lake Maggiore is also fairly simple — just take the train to either Cadorna or Porta Garibaldi . The trip will take between 60-90 minutes and cost about €14 round trip. Once you’re there, there is a water taxi that connects the small towns and islands. 

Here’s an excellent article from Sher She Goes about visiting Lake Maggiore.

Can’t get enough time on the water? Then head to Lake Garda. Admittedly, we’d probably pick Lake Como or Lake Maggiore if we were limited on time but Lake Garda still offers a lovely experience. Like the other lakes, you’ll find small towns surrounding the lake — each with something to offer visitors. There are a ton of hiking and outdoor activities, a cable car that hoists you high above the lake, and even a castle to explore.

Getting to Lake Garda from Milan isn’t too complicated. You simply take a train to the towns of Desenzano and Peschiera (those are the only two towns with a station) and then you can take a bus or ferry to the other towns on the lake. 

Here’s an excellent article from The Crowded Planet about what to see and do in Lake Garda. 

We recommend booking your train tickets via  ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets.  

Turin is a chic and metropolitan city — in fact, it’s often called the Paris of Italy thanks to its beautiful architecture. And it’s only about a 60-90 minute train ride from Milan so it makes an easy day trip. 

To be honest, you can easily spend a day or two in Turin. You’ll love the royal palaces of Stupinigi and Venaria, the city’s Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture, grand boulevards, lots of great old-school cafes, and the city is set at the base of the Alps.

The train between Turin and Milan is a high-speed train so we recommend booking as early as possible for the best price. Check  ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets.

Bologna is another popular day trip that’s only about an hour train ride from Milan. And, it’s a fairly small town so you can see much of what it has to offer in a day. Bologna is a beautiful city to simply stroll around but you’d be really missing out if you didn’t make food the main theme of your trip.

Solo Sophie has a nice guide for visiting Turin in a day if you want to learn more.

The train between Bologna and Milan is a high-speed train so we recommend booking a few days in advance for the best price. Check ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets.

Verona, which seems to be most famous for being the home of Romeo and Juliet, is a beautiful and vibrant medieval town. You’ll find plenty of charm, cobblestone streets, and not a lot of tourists (well, except for Juliet’s balcony). Verona is a romantic town with plenty of old-world charm and lots of nice sidewalk cafes and restaurants. 

Our Sweet Adventures has a nice guide to visiting Verona that we found helpful. 

The train journey from Milan to Verona takes just under 2 hours and will cost between €13-€23 each way. Check ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets.

Florence needs no introduction as it’s one of Italy’s best and most popular cities. And, to be honest, you should spend a couple of days in Florence, but it’s only about a 90-minute ride from Milan so it can still be a day trip. 

Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance so there is art everywhere — both in the museum and in the streets. In the middle of the city is the Duomo Cathedral but we loved simply walking through its streets. We also loved eating in Florence as we had some of our best meals here. 

Here’s our Florence Travel Guide if you want to learn more about what to see and where to eat in this great city. 

The train between Milan and Florence is a high-speed train so you’ll pay a premium if you book last minute — expect to pay €26-€54 each way depending on when you book your tickets. Check ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets early. 

Make a quick journey to the stunning hill town of Bergamo for its medieval charm and cobblestone streets. In fact, Bergamo is actually two cities (an upper and lower city) that are connected by a walking trail and funicular. There are also beautiful 400-year-old city walls that you can walk along. And, of course, be sure to sample some local dishes. 

The train ride between Milan and Bergamo takes around an hour and will only cost around €6. Check ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine to book your e-tickets.

Honestly, we wouldn’t recommend doing Venice as a day trip but it’s certainly possible thanks to the high-speed train. The train takes about 2.5 hours and will cost you between €21-€45 each way. 

As we mentioned before, Venice is best seen at night once the crowds have gone home so try staying overnight if possible. But, for all your die-hard travelers, you can see all of Venice’s highlights in a full day so be sure to get the early train into the city.

We recommend booking your tickets at least a few days in advance if you want to get the best price. Book them ItaliaRail or a third-party website like Omio or TrainLine .

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is another stunning part of Italy that can be a day trip from Milan but we think it deserves at least two full days to explore. The main attraction of Cinque Terre is the five small fishing villages and the hiking trails that connect them. These towns get overrun with visitors so it’s best experienced after everyone leaves around 5 pm. 

The train from Milan to the five villages of Cinque Terre takes three+ hours so that also makes this a less-than-ideal day trip. Check Omio or TrainLine to see ticket prices and times. 

See our Cinque Terre Travel Guide for everything you need to know about visiting this magical part of Italy.

More Europe Travel Tips

Milan is normally a quick stop on a bigger journey through Italy and beyond so here are some more articles to help your travels.

• Rome Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Italy Train Guide
• Best Travel Backpacks
• Europe Packing List
• How To Pick Travel Insurance
• Recent Posts
• The Best Travel Backpacks | In-Depth Buyer’s Guide & Backpack Reviews - April 28, 2024
• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024

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Your ultimate guide to Milan

We highlight the best things to do in milan, from restaurants to bars, attractions, day trips and more.

The 22 best things to do in Milan

15 delicious restaurants in Milan

Where to go shopping in Milan

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10 awesome day trips from Milan

Culturally and historically significant towns (Cremona, Varese) and cities (Turin, Bologna, Verona) abound

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No tipping! Free museum days! Never order a cappuccino after noon!

The best time to visit Milan

Take your pick between fall fashion week or the summer football season

What to eat and drink in Milan

15 best restaurants in Milan

Move past fine dining and Michelin stars when perusing local food options

Awesome bars to visit in Milan

The local drinking culture dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries

Where to eat the best pizza in Milan

Expect big-name Neapolitan players and homegrown artisanal offerings 

How to eat like a local in Milan

Home to plenty of migrants, Milan's gastro scene boasts food by worldly chefs 

Must-see sights and attractions in Milan

Find Most major brands in the so-called Quadrilatero d’Oro fashion district but also look beyond

Walk into the city’s stately palazzos to find treasure troves of Renaissance paintings and more

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They'll send you as far as the crypt of the city’s cathedral and the waters of beautiful lakes 

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We break down the stereotypes that classify the city as a snobby fashion capital 

10 cheap hotels in Milan

They tend to be clustered around the Milano Centrale train station

The hippest Airbnbs in Milan

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The best things to do in Milan, from divine churches to cathedrals of fashion

Nov 5, 2021 • 6 min read

Duomo di Milano, Italy's largest church, is one of many worth visiting in Milan © Olja Merker / Getty Images

Milan moves fast and looks to the sky. It’s Italy’s most modern city, boasting innovative architecture and edgy design at every corner. And yet the past is everywhere, because Milan , sitting right in the middle of the Po Valley, has truly seen it all in its millennia-long history.

So forget all the stereotypes you may have heard about Milan being industrial and boring, and get ready to explore a city that is bursting with vibrancy – starting with these unmissable sights and activities.

The Duomo di Milano , or Milan Cathedral, is the very symbol of the city – it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s top of our list. The stunning work of Gothic architecture also happens to be Italy’s largest church (St Peter’s Basilica is in the Vatican State). It’s sure to leave you breathless with its intricately decorated façade and multitude of spires. And sitting right on top of it is the famous golden statue of the Virgin Mary, the Madonnina, another everlasting symbol of Milan.

The square just in front of it, Piazza Duomo, is also pretty important since it could easily be dubbed the heart of the city. Once you’ve taken some pictures with one of the best backdrops Italy has to offer, all you need to do is look around Piazza Duomo and in every direction you’ll find something incredible to head off to.

While the Duomo might be the chiefest among the Milanese churches, it’s definitely not the only one. You probably can’t expect to visit all of them, but you should consider dropping by the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio , one of the oldest in Milan and also the one dedicated to its patron saint. Another favorite is the Chiesa di San Maurizio , also known as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” because of the vast frescos that decorate its entire ceiling.

Leonardo’s Last Supper

It’s yet another church, but Santa Maria delle Grazie has a secret weapon up her sleeve – the fresco of The Last Supper , one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous masterpieces. The fresco can be found on the wall of the refectory of the church’s monastery, and it’s very well worth the visit by itself. But it just so happens that the rest of the church is also filled with artistic treasures and that the whole complex is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Castello Sforzesco

When Italy was divided into myriad little princedoms and dukedoms and free cities, Milan was ruled by the Sforzas – right from the Castello Sforzesco , which was, of course, named after them. One of the largest castles in Europe, as well as a military citadel of major importance during the Renaissance, today it houses 10 museums dedicated to various subjects, like furniture, musical instruments, sculpture and paintings. All of this in a setting that is already filled to the brim with history and artistic significance, just as much as any "traditional" museum.

Parco Sempione

If you leave Castello Sforzesco and feel like you need to relax for a moment to consider all the beautiful art you’ve seen, then all you need to do is look behind it: there lies Milan’s main green area, Parco Sempione . The perfect spot to stop and enjoy nature even in the middle of Milan’s infamous traffic, Parco Sempione also becomes the venue for outdoor festivals and events during warm months.

It’s also a really nice place for a romantic picnic. All you need to do is find the Ponte delle Sirenette with its four little mermaid statues, believed to be one of the most romantic spots in the whole of Milan.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Milan is home to many incredible museums, but if you have time to visit only one then your choice should be the Pinacoteca di Brera – a stunning collection of Italian painting through the centuries (one of the best in the country, in fact), featuring masterpieces from Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna.

And once you’re out of the museum, you can take some time to explore the neighborhood surrounding it – a chic and artsy side of the city, with cobbled streets, literary cafés and romantic corners all around.

More museums

If you happen to have more time to dedicate to museums beyond the Pinacoteca, then your only problem is to decide what you want to hit second. You can’t say no to a good old art gallery? Then try the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. Want to add some sculpture into the mix? Then it’s the Museo del Novecento or the Museo Poldi Pezzoli for you. Or maybe something else entirely? You could consider the Museo delle Culture , dedicated to foreign cultures and featuring artifacts from all over the world, or the Triennale di Milano , dedicated to Italian design. And if you’re traveling with children and would like something that features activities meant for them, then the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia and its interactive labs are what you’re looking for.

The Navigli – artificial canals that were meant to connect Milan to the great lakes of Lombardy and the other rivers of the area – are today a staple of Milanese lifestyle. Perfect for everything – from a simple stroll up and down the waterside and an aperitivo at the end of a long day, to starting a night out the right way – the Navigli are never empty of people and are the place to be if you really want to experience Milan like a local.

If shopping is what you want, then you’ve come to the right city. One of Europe’s fashion capitals, with its famed Fashion Week and high-end shops, Milan will offer you every chance to whip out your wallet. Among the locations you have to hit up for some luxury shopping are the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II , right on one side of Piazza Duomo, and the famous Quadrilatero d’Oro . 

There’s more to life in Milan than couture fashion, and if going in and out of boutiques and showrooms isn’t exactly your favorite activity, then all you have to do is simply change neighborhoods to find a completely different vibe . There’s Brera and its literary cafés; Porta Venezia and its buzzing nightlife and thriving LGBTQI scene; NoLo and its international, young population; Isola with its hip shops and vertical forests; Citylife and its luxury condos. Strolling around each of these neighborhoods almost feels like discovering a whole different city every time.

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Milan is Italy’s quiet triple threat—capital of fashion, finance, and design. Begin at the heart of the city in the Piazza del Duomo; the rest radiates outward in a mosaic of neighborhoods where history, art, and fashion overlap. Walk around the tony Brera neighborhood and peruse the shops of the Fashion Quadrilateral, literally a rhomboid dedicated to the world’s best designers. Head to Navigli for a cocktail when the sun is about to set. Wander the Isola neighborhood for homegrown designers and unique boutiques. By night, Milan’s marble and modern architecture is incandescent, so between aperitivi, make sure to stop and take it all in.

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Photo by Michelle Heimerman

When’s the best time to go to Milan?

The best time to visit is late April and May, or mid-September through October, especially if you hope for mild weather and a bit of sunshine. From November through March, the city is cold and foggy, but lovely for its tranquility. Summer months are quite hot, and city residents head out of town for long weekends and even longer vacations.

How to get around Milan

Two airports lie astride Milan: Malpensa to the northwest, and Linate to the east. Choose which one based on where you are staying. A city-mandated fare of €90 (about US$120) gets you from Malpensa to anywhere in the city center, while the cost from Linate is based on a metered rate. Trains also run from Malpensa to Milan’s Stazione Centrale (central station) via Malpensa Express. And coach bus travel is available from both airports to the city center. Additionally, Milan is well-connected by rail regionally, nationally, and internationally. Stazione Centrale is the main hub and serves TreniItalia and TrenoNord railways, while the newly renovated Piazza Garibaldi is hub to Italo railways as well as Trenitalia and TrenoNord.

Milan has a comprehensive public transit system of buses, trams, and metro lines, and the city center is easily walkable. Taxis are prevalent and can often be hailed, but your best bet is to reserve one via taxi stand or phone.

Can’t miss things to do in Milan

Take time to visit Villa Necchi Campigli, a 1930s time capsule of Milan life, and Italian art and architecture.

Food and drink to try in Milan

Over the past few years, the quiet city has undergone a culinary and cocktail revolution. From street food, gelaterie, and pastry shops to osterias and restaurants, the scene has reinvented itself, showing off traditional recipes like risotto al milanese (a rice dish rich with marrow, accented with saffron), polenta, and cassoeula (meat and vegetable potage slow-cooked in a casserole) in often creative interpretations. A private walking tour, Savoring Milan Food , organized by AFAR’s partner, Context Travel, is led by a local chef or culinary historian who can lead you to the tasty heart of Northern Italian cuisine.

Culture in Milan

Milan is the discreet sister to gritty Rome, and it’s a city fully immersed in culture. Whether the art of the aperitivo , the spectacular art scene, or an amazing panorama of architecture that spans styles and milennia, Milan is an oasis of style, art, and architecture.

Depending on the time of year, Milanese life can be found indoors at cafés, restaurants, and cultural centers, or outdoors in an interactive catwalk of design and fashion.

The city celebrates its patron Saint Ambrogio on December 7 , and then adds a week to carnival for Carnevale Ambrosiano .

In fall and winter, the city holds court as fashion capital for its women’s and men’s fashion weeks (held at separate times).

For two days in both spring and fall, Milan’s amazing “museum homes” are open to the public for Giornate FAI (Italian National Trust) .

The mid-April Salone del Mobile turns the entire city into an indoor/outdoor party dedicated to design, and this is perhaps one of the loveliest times to visit Milan, if you can get a hotel room.

Local travel tips for Milan

• Being polite goes miles in Milan, a city built on etiquette. “Grazie” and “Piacere” (a pleasure) will be your most useful terms.
• Tipping is not required, and should be modest at most. Hotel porters and cleaning staff should be tipped. There is no need to tip taxi drivers.
• Public transportation is great but many Milanese use BikeMi, Milan’s city-organized bike-sharing initiative that anyone can sign up for—daily, weekly, or yearly.
• If you happen to hear the phrase “cortili aperti,” stop in your tracks. Milan’s very best secret courtyards, in the city center and surrounding neighborhoods, are rarely opened to the public, with a single Cortili Aperti event happening in late spring, usually with a last-minute announcement because, well, Italy.

Guide Editor

Erica Firpo is a journalist with a passion for art, culture, travel, and lifestyle. She has written and edited more than 20 books and her travel writing has appeared in Yahoo Travel, Discovery Magazine, BBC Travel, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, Fathom, Forbes Travel, and Huffington Post.

Are you planning to visit Milan? We can help you. At Introducing Milan you'll find updated information about what to see , where to stay , or the best places to eat .

Milan Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• How to get to Milan
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• Two Day Itinerary

Milan is internationally recognized as one of the world’s most important fashion capitals, but it also has a wealth of interesting museums and things to see and do.

In our Milan guide, you'll find all the necessary information to plan your stay in the capital of Lombardy and make the most of your holidays , be it for a weekend or for longer.

Tourism in Milan

Milan offers all the advantages of a large city , but it's relatively small , thus making it perfect to visit, as tourists can get to most of the city’s attractions and museums on foot.

Some of the city’s most beautiful attractions include the Duomo di Milano , an impressive Opera House , a striking castle , ancient churches, and a great variety of museums and art galleries .

For those who also want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life , you can hire a car or take the train to one of the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy, the Italian lakes . Its green hills and crystal-clear lakes make it a perfect summer destination.

Book your hotel in advance

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest checking out the link below, where you'll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed. You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Milan – Book online for the best rates guaranteed.

Thinking of visiting other cities in Italy?

If you are planning on exploring Italy, check out our travel guides for Rome , Venice, and Florence .

top activities

Como & Bellagio Day Trip + Cruise Two of the most beautiful towns in northern Italy are at the centre of this day trip to Como and Bellagio from Milan. Plus, we'll enjoy a boat ride.

Saint Moritz Tour + Bernina Express Don't miss this  tour to Saint Moritz from Milan which includes  tickets for the Bernina Express . We'll explore the Swiss Alps on a dreamy route .

San Siro Stadium Tour On this  San Siro Tour , we'll explore the  stadium that's shared by AC Milan and Inter , the two big football teams in the capital of the Lombardy region.

The Best Free Walking Tour in Milan Discover the secrets of an Italian city that combines history, fashion and architecture in equal parts on this free walking tour of Milan .

Navigli Canals Boat Trip On our  Navigli Canals boat trip , you'll explore a 12th-century canal system in Milan . We'll learn all about the history of the waterways with an audio guide!

Day Trip to Venice Canals, gondolas, palaces, history, glory... on this day tour you'll discover by boat and foot the beauty of Venice, a truly unique city.

Teatro alla Scala Guided Tour Explore one of the world's most famous operas , and discover its secrets as well as a great collection of costumes, instruments, and works of art.

Lake Como, Lugano & Bellagio Tour This tour to Lake Como, Lugano and Bellagio from Milan we'll take you through the beautiful alpine landscapes of northern Italy and southern Switzerland .

Swiss Alps + St Moritz by Train You'll travel along one of the most fascinating train routes in the world , passing through the Bernina Strait , across the Swiss Alps and on to St. Moritz .

Milan Duomo Rooftop & Cathedral Tour On this tour of Milan's famous Duomo , we'll explore the Cathedral as well as go up to the rooftop to see unparalleled views of the city . Don't miss out!

Leonardo3 Museum Ticket Discover the world of Leonardo da Vinci , one of history's most influential artists and inventors . See unpublished reconstructions of his machines and paintings!

Secret Milan Bike Tour Join us on this bike tour through the lesser-known parts of Milan ! We'll cycle through areas rarely visited and to get a glimpse of the real Milanese life.

Milan Sightseeing Bus The open-top Milan sightseeing bus is the perfect way to discover all the main landmarks around the magnificent Italian city .

With your ticket to the  Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci , you'll visit the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the famous polymath .

Milan: Walking Tour + The Last Supper Ticket Do you want to see the best of Milan in one day? On this tour, we'll see Leonardo da Vinci's  "The Last Supper"   and explore the city's most iconic monuments !

Last Supper Tour The Last Supper. Leonardo's masterpiece is so ingrained in our culture that a guided tour taking in the original is an essential visit in Milan.

Cinque Terre Day Trip Perched between mountains and the  Ligurian Mediterranean coast , you'll fall in love with the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites that make up  Cinque Terre !

Milan Guided City Tour Discover the charms of the capital of Lombardy on this complete guided tour of Milan. Admire the La Scala Theatre, the Duomo and da Vinci's Last Supper!

Segway Tour by Night Milan has a different charm by night. Discover the city by Segway as you drink in the financial centre and the skyscrapers of the world capital of fashion .

On this excursion from Milan, we'll visit Lake Como , one of the most amazing landscapes of northern Italy, and cross the border with Switzerland to Lugano .

Milan Ghost Tour When the sun sets and nightfall takes over the city, the  ghosts  come out to play. Discover the dark, haunted stories on this nighttime tour of Milan. 

Guided Tour of Sforza Castle Visit Sforza Castle , one of the most iconic monuments in Milan . On the tour you will discover the history of the building, and the various museums inside.

Shopping Trip to Serravalle Versace, Dolce & Gabanna and Prada are just some of the brands you will find at discounts of up to 70%. Save and stay stylish in Europe's biggest mall.

Lake Garda and Verona Day Trip Live the passion of Romeo and Juliet in Verona with this Lake Garda and Verona Day Trip. During the tour, visit charmingly romantic spots such as Sirmione.

Segway Tour Want to see Milan in a different way? If you've never ridden a Segway before, this is your opportunity to discover the main attractions of Lombardy's capital

Milan Pass The Milan Pass offers you free entrance into many a variety of museums around the city and even includes unlimited public transport .

Cruise on Navigli Canals with Aperitif On this boat ride along the Navigli canals , you'll sail through one of the most authentic areas of the city while having some delicious aperitifs !

Monaco + Nice Day Trip Join us for a day trip to Monaco and Nice from Milan to uncover two of the Blue Coast's most exclusive destinations full of opulence and unparalleled beauty !

Florence and Pisa Day Trip On this day trip to Florence and Pisa from Milan , we'll embark on a journey to the heart of Tuscany . You'll fall in love with its art, history, and culture!

Looking for plans in Lombardy? This electric bike tour of Milan will take you to explore the main charms of the city, combining sport and tourism. Let's roll!

On this excursion to Monza and the Royal Gardens , we'll tour this city in Lombardy and visit the exterior of the important neoclassical palace.

Bergamo Tour The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Piazza Vecchia and many more monuments await us on this half-day tour to Bergamo from Milan .

Brera Guided Tour & Pinacoteca di Brera Ticket Works by Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tintoretto and other extraordinary artists await you in the Pinacoteca di Brera. Afterwards, you'll go on a guided tour of this

Milan Guided Tour This Milan Guided Tour is ideal for exploring the historical centre , getting to know its main monuments and most important shopping streets

Guitars, American food , music , and a unique setting await at the Hard Rock Cafe Milan . You can have a drink, eat and enjoy some rock in the capital of fashion.

Fidenza Village Outlet Shopping Tour Huge discounts on internationally famous brands await you on this shopping tour of the Fidenza Village outlets from Milan – don't miss out!

Train Trip to Venice & Verona This t rip to Venice and Verona from Milan is the perfect plan for visiting Piazza San Marco and discovering the beauty of Romeo and Juliet's city !

Bellagio & Bellano Day Trip from Milan On this day trip to Bellagio and Bellano from Milan , we'll enjoy a lake cruise, explore historic villages and admire the landscape of the Pearl of Lake Como .

Cremona Excursion On this excursion to Cremona , we'll discover the city where the best violins in the world are made, its monuments, and its luthiers' workshops!

5-day Northern Italy Lakes Tour + Bernina Express Discover the lakes of Northern Italy on this 5-day circuit through the landscapes of Lombardy and Piedmont. Plus, we'll ride the Bernina Express !

Lake Maggiore Day Trip Napoleon, Hemingway, Lady Dianna ... Why has Lake Maggiore captivated so many? Discover it on this day trip that includes a cruise of the Borromean islands .

Astronomical Museum of Brera Ticket On this guided visit to the Astronomical Museum of Brera , you'll discover many interesting details about outer space . Discover the importance of this building!

Duomo Cathedral Guided Tour Planning a trip to Milan? If so, join this guided tour of Milan's Duomo Cathedral . A must-see spot in one of Italy's most stylish cities!

Let yourself be captivated by the beautiful alpine scenery of Switzerland with this tour to Interlaken from Milan on the Green Train of the Alps .

Monte Bianco & Courmayeur Tour Discover two of the gems of northern Italy with this full-day trip from Milan: Monte Bianco, the Italian side of Mont Blanc, and the village of Courmayeur .

Bergamo and Lake Iseo Excursion On this excursion to Bergamo and Lake Iseo , we'll visit the largest lake island in Europe, explore the most beautiful villages, and see medieval monuments!

Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Guided Visit Discover one of the most iconic museums in Lombardy and learn about the brilliant mind of Leonardo da Vinci on our  Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Guided Visit in Milan .

Navigli Walking Tour Explore one of Milan's most beautiful districts with this Navigli Walking Tour. Discover the area's hidden charm as you walk past the unique Naviglio Grande.

Lake Como Excursion On this excursion from Milan , we'll enter the Lake District , at the foot of the Italian Alps. You can visit Bellagio or Brunate .

Why read our Milan guide?

Introducing Milan is a guide created for travelers by travelers  trying to help you plan your trip in the best way possible . It'll help you to get to know the most interesting places in the city , which are the most famous dishes  and the best places to stay , or even the tricks you can use to save the most money while still enjoying your trip .

All the information in this guide has been updated in October 2022 , if you find anything which you think should be changed, please be sure to contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

Milan   Travel Guide

Why Go To Milan

If easygoing Italy is what you're looking for, book a vacation in Tuscany or Sicily . Milan, like New York City or London , is go-go-go. Home to Italy's stock exchange and fashion week, plus a hot nightlife, Milan is very much like many other major international cities. Still, there are subtle differences: For one, calcio (soccer) – the city goes crazy for it, especially at San Siro stadium. Milan also contains some awe-inspiring examples of Italian art and architecture – from "The Last Supper" mural to the magnificent Duomo . And it has creative genius, from its inventive furniture makers to its fashion design. So, if you want to shop and party till you drop, enjoy some cultural masterworks and nosh on Italian treats from cappuccino and biscotti to sparkling wines and risottos, Milano is the place for you.

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• # 5 in Best Day Trips from Florence
• # 6 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
• # 8 in Best Places to Visit in Italy

Best of Milan

Best hotels in milan.

• # 1 in Park Hyatt Milano
• # 3 in Four Seasons Hotel Milano
• # 4 in Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Best Things to Do in Milan

• # 1 in Milan Cathedral (Duomo)
• # 2 in The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo)
• # 3 in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Popular Tours

Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan

(1088 reviews)

from $ 125.09

Historic Milan Tour with Skip-the-Line Last Supper Ticket

(1362 reviews)

from $ 91.08

Lake Como and Bellagio Day Trip from Milan

(2165 reviews)

from $ 110.40

Milan Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best times to visit Milan are April to May or September to October. These spring and fall months straddle the city's manic peak tourism season, and they also escape the summer's sweltering temperatures. The months between November and March constitute the offseason and are characterized by high average temps in the 40s and 50s, fog and fewer holiday tourists.

Weather in Milan

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Beware of pushy vendors Groups of aggressive salespeople – congregated around popular landmarks or metro stops – will try and badger you into buying their souvenirs. Say a loud, firm "no," and walk on quickly.

Milan shuts down on Mondays If you're only planning a short trip, don't visit on Monday, when many museums and top attractions are closed.

Skip fashion week Unless fashion is your passion, avoid these weeks in February and September – and opt for a less crowded (and inexpensive) time to visit.

How to Save Money in Milan

Walk when you can Milan is pretty big, but some of its biggest attractions , including the Duomo , Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II , Ambrosiana Library & Picture Gallery are less than a half-mile from one another. " The Last Supper " is a mile away from the Duomo.

Indulge in aperitivo   Aperitivos are happy hours for Milanese. Order signature Milanese cocktails for less, including negronis or spritz, which is a blend of prosecco, soda water and a fruity aperitif.

Don't stay by the Duomo The Duomo is undoubtedly the city center for both locals and tourists. Accommodations here will always be more expensive, so consider bedding down in other neighborhoods to save some money.

Culture & Customs

Milan is the antithesis of what many imagine an Italian city to be. Despite their notoriously large crowds, Florence and Venice are the kind of destinations teeming with so much beauty, it would be a crime not to slow down and revel in their unmatched scenery. Rome 's good looks afford it the same status, but due to its large size, adds a hearty dose of hustle and bustle into its intoxicating mix. But despite being Italy's cultural capital, and biggest city, Rome is not an industry center the same way that Milan is. Milan acts as the country's finance and fashion capital. Here, business takes center stage in a way that it doesn't in other Italian cities. Thus, you can expect a much faster pace of life here.

Aside from its business savvy, Milan brims with cafes selling espressos, tucked away trattorias serving delectable pastas, gelaterias and plenty of cultural landmarks, such as the beautiful Duomo, "The Last Supper" and the Teatro Alla Scala, considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world. The city also has one of the most successful soccer teams in the world, A.C. Milan. Like the rest of Italy, the spoken language is Italian and the currency here is the euro. Check the exchange rate before you go, as it can fluctuate. Italians don't tip, as a service charge is usually added to a restaurant bill. However, if you are at a fine dining restaurant or really enjoyed your meal, 10% is sufficient.

What to Eat

While in Milan, you'll no doubt find plenty of pasta, espresso, gelato and pizza, but you'll also want to sample Milanese cuisine. Similar to other regions in Italy, including the Amalfi Coast and Naples , Milan has its own culinary identity that features specialty dishes native to the region. The most important dish is Milanese risotto or risotto alla Milanese. It's unique primarily for one ingredient: saffron. It is said that the artist, not chef, who created it wanted to make his risotto more appealing to his guests, so he added the saffron to turn it yellow. 

Another must-try dish in Milan, which is often accompanied by saffron risotto, is the ossobuco, a flavorful veal shank. After being fried in onions and butter, the veal shank is left to marinate for hours in a simmering tomato broth accompanied by vegetables and white wine. Another popular veal dish to try is cotoletta. It may look a lot like Wiener schnitzel and that's because it might actually be. The history on whether it was invented by the Milanese or the Austrians isn't completely clear. Regardless, you can dig into this pan-fried, buttery- and bread crumbed-goodness most places in Milan. 

Whether you're an omnivore or carnivore, don't skimp on the bread or cheese here. The Lombardy region, for which Milan calls home, is known for its cheeses, specifically gorgonzola, mascarpone and Grana Padano, similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano. For breads, there is michetta, a star-shaped white bread often referred to by the Italians as the bread of the Milanese. There's also the panettone, a dessert bread made with candied fruits typically consumed during the holidays. And while here, don't forget to order a Negroni cocktail. This famous gin-, Campari- and –vermouth cocktail, garnished with an orange peel, was invented in Milan, particularly at the Bar Basso. 

Getting Around Milan

The best way to get around Milan is by the efficient (and inexpensive) public transportation system called the ATM. This system of subways, buses and trams is extensive and affordable. Metered taxis are another good option, though they can get expensive if you use them as your sole form of transportation. If your hotel is near the Duomo, which is considered the city's center, you might just want to walk, as lots of other attractions and amenities can be found blocks away. Driving in Milan, as in other major European cities, is not recommended because of traffic and parking that is both expensive and limited. 

Two airports serve Milan: The Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is a little more than 30 miles northeast, and it welcomes in most international flights; the Milan Linate Airport (LIN) is only about 5 miles from the city center, but it handles fewer flights (some European, but mostly domestic). To get to the city center from Milan Malpensa, you can take the Malpensa Express for 20 euros, or about $ 22 (for a round-trip ticket). From Linate, there isn't a train that goes into the city. Instead, take the No. 73 bus to get into the city. Taxis are another option, but an expensive one. Expect to pay between 40 to 80 euros (about $47.85 to $95.70) from Linate (depending on your destination) and 110 euros (about $121) from Malpensa to get to the city center.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Milan’s trams, some of which are nearly a century old, are a must-see. Catch tram No. 1 in front of Sforza Castle and you’ll ride along one of Milan’s most beautiful streets to see La Scala, the Arco della Pace and more. – Nneya Richards

Entry & Exit Requirements

A passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required for United States citizens traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. U.S. citizens do not need a visa unless they plan on staying longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's  website  for the latest information on foreign exit and entry requirements.

Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting " The Last Supper " sits in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. 

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Things To Do

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Home » Europe » Italy » Milan

Milan Travel Guide – Budgets, Tips, Itineraries + More (2024)

Look no further my friends: we have put together the best  Milan travel guide  for your budget needs! Join us as we explore this magnificent city and, in the process, save a Euro or two.

Milan is the current darling of Italy. It has surpassed its rival Rome in both economic and tourism numbers and is about to become the most desirable destination in the country. With clean streets, breathtaking monuments, and some of the best shopping in all of Europe, who could complain?

Milan ain’t getting any cheaper though. Lodging prices are surging, dining out is (and always has been) a luxury, and the shopping is likewise some of the most expensive in Europe.

If you thought you could travel to Milan on the cheap without any planning, boy, you are going to be in for a treat.

But that’s why you have us, your good ol’ Broke Backpacker pals. We’ve written this Milan travel guide to help you see the best of Milan while saving a buck.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

In this guide, we’ll talk about day trips from Milan , culture , food , landmarks , and budget hacks ; everything and then some.

We’ll also provide itineraries for Milan to help you plan where to go, when. So pack your bags and get ready to visit one of the finest cities in Italy!

How Much does Travel to Milan Cost?

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Milan has been one of the fastest-growing economies in Italy for several years now and has become one of the most important financial centers in Europe.

Milan’s culture is definitely more decadent than the rest of the country too and people are enjoying the extra wealth. The cost to travel to Milan has been steadily rising over the years though, and it is no longer a cheap place to visit.

So while Milan can be quite expensive , We are here to help you save money and to visit Milan on a budget. Milan can be cheap but you must listen to us, young grasshoppers.

A comfortable daily budget for Milan will be around $60-$70 . This includes groceries, a dorm bed, public transport, and some extra spending money.

As is the case when visiting Italy, lodging will be your greatest expense. Hostels will be the best deals and we’re going to cover some really good ones later in this Milan travel guide. The best hostels in Milan  – the really fun ones – will end up costing around $25/night.

Also, like the rest of Italy, dining out is expensive in Milan, but groceries are not. You can buy fresh produce for as low a 1 euro/kilo at some shops; plus, pasta is always cheap.

Buying tickets for Milan’s attractions can add up quickly if you don’t work the system. There are lots of free museums in Milan and even more free public spaces. If you don’t want to bother with schedules or the crowds, then consider investing in a Milan City Pass.

Below is a breakdown of a daily budget in Milan including the average costs of each expense.

Guide to Milan Travel Costs

Hostel Dormitory:  $20-$35

Basic room for two:  $130

AirBnB/temp apartment:  $90

Average cost of public transport:  $1.50-$4.50

City-Airport transfer:  $2-$10

Sandwich:  $6-$8

Beer at a bar:  $4-6

Coffee:  $1-$2

Bottle of wine from the market:  $6-$10

Dinner for two:  $30-$60

Milan Budget Travel Tips

It’s easy to spend without thinking, and even easier to go broke in Milan. Backpacking Milan on the cheap is possible so long as you have the proper habits and proper guidance.

For your benefit, we’ve created a list of tips for visiting Milan on a budget. Follow these words of advice and you’ll find that your dollar goes much further.

• Always pre-fade before going out – Buying full-priced drinks at the bar is a great way to waste your money. Instead, buy booze or wine at the store and drink with your friends at the hostel/their house/the park/anywhere besides the actual bar.
• Buy local food and drinks – On the subject of drinks, the local stuff is always cheaper and a great way to immerse in the culture. Imported beers, wine, and liquor, as well as food, will always be more expensive.
• Cook for yourself  – Buy your own groceries and cook at your accommodation to save a ton of money. Save your eating out expenses for special Italian food.
• Plan ahead for food – Pack snacks and eat a big meal before heading out to the tourist sites so you don’t end up at an overpriced tourist trap, starving.
• Buy a special pass – If you’re planning to see a lot of the city and go inside Milan’s must-see sites and museums, then you may want to invest a City Pass . This card will allow free entry into many of Milan’s attractions and will even give you special rates for public transport.
• Grab an aperitivo – Italians like to grab a pre-dinner snack/drink called an aperitivo . Oftentimes, you’ll find a buffet+drink offer for 10 euro, which is a pretty damn good deal in Milan.
• Check for other deals – A lot of restaurants offer special discounts to those who book a table through certain apps like TripAdvisor. Shop around a little and try to work the system.
• Use a water bottle – Save money by investing in a good water bottle and then drink from the tap. Milan’s water is delicious and totally fine to drink.
• Walk everywhere – Milan is not a big city and walking is a great way to take it all in. Seasoned walkers could probably walk to the best places in Milan on their own two feet.

Why You Should Travel to Milan with a Water Bottle

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Being the world-class destination that it is, Milan has all sorts of accommodations that will appeal to every type of traveler. Those visiting Milan can stay in a funky hostel, classy hotel, charming Airbnb, or even an urban campground! You name it; Milan’s got it.

Italy has a pretty big guesthouse culture and Italians love host to people. For this reason, Airbnbs in Milan are numerous and usually of very high quality. Few experiences can top having your own beautiful apartment in a city like Milan and staying at one is sure to be an awesome time.

Hotels are obviously available in Milan but I don’t recommend them. Most are bland and uninspiring, not to mention overpriced. Unless you really have a good reference or you are willing to spend the cash for something more luxurious, I’d stick to other forms of lodging.

There are a couple of urban campgrounds in Milan for those who want to save cash and stay outdoors. Most are located outside of town so you’ll either need your own transport or a bus pass. Don’t forget to bring own tent either!

At the end of the day, the cheapest and most convenient lodging for backpackers and solo travellers will be hostels . Milan has some of the coolest backpacker lodges in all of Italy and staying at one of these is a great way to meet and hang out with fellow travelers.

The Best Places to Stay in Milan

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Milan to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

Centro Storico

Located in the very heart of Milan is Centro Storico, the best place to stay in Milan for fist-timers. Here you will find Milan’s most famous historical and cultural attractions, including the Duomo di Milano, La Scala Opera House, and the city’s main piazza.

Citta Studi

Citta Studi is Milan’s student quarter and one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in the city. This is hands down the best place to stay in Milan for those on a budget.

Navigli is one of the oldest and best place to stay in Milan to party. It dates all the way back to 1179 and used to be home to a network of canals used to transport goods throughout the city.

Located north of Centro Storico, Brera is one of Milan’s coolest and most luxurious districts. What was once the city’s artsy and bohemian district, Brera today attracts Milan’s most famous and fashionable residents.

Northwest of the city centre is Fiera/San Siro. These two neighbouring districts are the ideal place to stay if you’re travelling with a family or want to feel like you’re staying in the suburbs. This is our recommendation for where to stay in Milan for families.

With a Milan City Pass , you can experience the best of Milan at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

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1. Catch the sunset at the Duomo

Walk along the upper terraces of the Duomo and watch the play of light on the ethereal statues. The views of the city from the Duomo are pretty breathtaking too.

2. Then grab a drink at a terrace bar

There are lots of terrace bars all over Milan and several notable ones right next to the Duomo. Head to Terrazza Aperol , Bar Duomo or any of the rooftop restaurants on top of the Rinascente Milano.

3. Tour the impressive Sforzesco Castle

This an absolutely enormous complex that guards some of the largest and most significant Renaissance art in Italy. Walk around the immense grounds and then visit the cavernous museum.

4. Experience “modern Italy” at Porta Nuova

In a country where the ancient and medieval sites are usually more idolized than the new, Milan is a shining example of the future. Its Porta Nuova district is home to the tallest and most modern buildings in the country. Visiting this part of Milan is a great way to mix things up.

5. Gawk at the ironwork of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

Though it’s just a glorified mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is still really fucking cool. It is hands down one of the best attractions in Milan.

6. Attend an exhibition, fashion or otherwise

Milan is where most of Italy’s economic exhibitions are held. These occur on a near-weekly basis. Fashion shows are obviously very popular in Milan but trade shows and industry fairs are held regularly too.

7. See some of the finest art in the Western world

Milan has a boatload of art from nearly every era of Western Civilization. Most of it is exemplary, but no piece is as significant as Da Vinci’s Last Supper found at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie.

8. Discover “Hidden Milan”

Most people who travel to Milan just visit the most popular places like the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala, but Milan has some real hidden gems! Dig deeper into this eclectic city and try to unearth as many secrets as possible.

9. Get lost in Navigli

Whether you’re just wandering around by day or trying to find your way drunkenly at night, the canals of the Navigli district are awesome places to explore. Come here to see Italy’s version of Amsterdam and be sure to visit the many bars.

10. Visit Lake Como and/or Bergamo

Milan benefits from an amazing location that is very close to several gorgeous towns. Lake Como and Bergamo are two of the finest villages in Italy and also among the most beautiful places to visit near Milan.

Best Free Things to do in Milan

If you’re looking to save some extra cash, then try doing one of these free things in Milan while visiting!

• Churches – By Italian Holy Law, no place of worship may charge entry. This means that almost all of Milan’s churches are free to enter! Granted this only applies to the literal place of worship aka the cathedral. Any attached museum or religious site will almost always cost money to visit.
• Sforzesco Castle Museums, GAM, Museo del Risorgimento
• Pirelli Hanger, Casa Museo Boschi di Stefano
• Museo Civico di Storia Naturale
• Civic Aquarium of Milan – A decent aquarium that is more notable for its Art Nouveau architecture. Has a small passageway featuring 180-degree views of aquatic life. Free every Tuesday after 2 pm and every day a half-hour before closing.
• Parks – Of course, the parks are free! Milan has some pretty good ones too that make for a lovely afternoon. The best are Montanelli, Sempione, and Lambro. Grab a bottle of wine and picnic basket and just watch the world go by.

Off the Beaten Path in Milan

Want to explore a bit? Try visiting some of Italy’s hidden gems and remote points of interest around Milan for a chance to see something new.

• Discover Hidden Milan – Many people only visit the top attractions in Milan like the Duomo or Galleria; few actually dig deeper into the city’s more secret corners. Milan has tons of little treasures and most are hiding in plain sight! Try finding lesser-known but just-as-worthy locations like the Santa Maria presso San Satiro, Palazzo Berri-Meregalli, and Portinari Chapel. You’ll be surprised at how cool they are.
• Spooky Milan – Are you the morbid type who likes to explore old crypts and tombs? Milan has a couple of really cool cemeteries but the best is definitely Cimitero Monumentale, which is located near Porta Nuova. While you’re at it be sure to visit San Bernardino Alle Ossa aka the Church of Bones.
• Explore Northern Milan – Northern Milan is the old industrial part of the city that hosts some very gritty landmarks. Here you’ll find remnants from a different time, including bomb shelters, old hangers, and odd concrete cones. Most of these places have been converted (e.g. the Pirelli Hangar) or preserved for historical purposes.
• Visit Monza and the Villa Reale – Further north in the town of Monza is the Villa Reale, which is one of the most opulent residences in Northern Italy. Though this enormous estate is often closed for renovations, the facade is still glorious and worth seeing. The nearby Parco di Monza is also very bucolic. One of the best places to see near Milan.
• Visit Lake Como and Bergamo – Como and Bergamo are two excellent day trips from Milan, though maybe not as off the beaten track anymore. Both can be combined into a single day or visited individually. Bergamo is a gorgeous town at the base of the Alps that is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Italy. Lake Como is just out-of-this-world beautiful, the magnitude of which has attracted celebrities from all over the world.

The following is a sample 3-day itinerary for visiting Milan. Most of Milan’s top destinations are covered in this section. If you’d like to see something more in-depth, then be sure to check out our separate Milan itinerary post .

Day 1: The Top Attractions in Milan

On day 1 of our travel guide for Milan, we’re going to visit the most popular places to visit in the city!

Today, we’ll be hanging around the Centro Storico district and seeing most of Milan’s must see landmarks like the Duomo , Teatro alla Scala , and Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio .

We’ll start our day in the San Vittore neighborhood on the edge of Centro, where there are a number of very famous churches, including the gorgeous Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and Chiesa Santa Maria delle Grazie .

The latter is most famous for hosting Da Vinci’s Last Supper and tickets to see it are usually limited and very expensive, so plan ahead. Be sure to drop by La Vigna di Leonardo – located across from Santa Maria – to see Da Vinci’s old home.

Moving east, roughly around Via Meravigli, we’re going to pass by the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore , which has some impressive frescoes.

More importantly, we’re going to arrive at one of my favorite art installations, the Middle Finger of Piazza Affari . This statue is located right in front of the Milan Stock Exchange and is literally flipping it off. Well done statue, well done.

No more than 10 minutes away is the Duomo . The Duomo is hard to miss because a) it’s huge and b) the crowds are also huge.

Upon arriving you’ll be shocked at how ornate it is and soon realize why it’s one of the most well-known buildings in Europe. Enter the Duomo and walk along the elegant terraces for awesome views. The Duomo also hosts a Christmas market and shopping area, which is one of the best things to do in Milan in the winter.

Very close to the Duomo are the rest of central Milan’s best places. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is literally next to the cathedral and the Teatro alla Scala is less than 5 minutes away.

Consider dropping by the Casa del Manzoni – this small residence was once the home to one of Italy’s greatest writers and we mentioned him in our Milan reading list.

Day 2: Porta Nuova and Northern Milan

On day 2 of this Milan travel guide, we’re going to travel through the city’s past, present, and future, and see some of its most dynamic attractions.

Today’s highlights include touring the Sforzesco Castle, visiting the ultra-happening Brera district, and checking out the glittering Porta Nuova. We’re going to be covering a lot of distance today but, thankfully, the metro and trams are all very close to these attractions.

Let’s start off by visiting Sforzesco Castle . From the outside, the castle is already imposing but the inside is even more daunting and labyrinthian. The Sforzesco Castle hosts a series of very impressive museums and galleries, and visiting them (on certain days) are among the best free things to do in Milan.

At the rear of Sforzesco Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Milan, Parco Sempione . In the summer, this park can get quite busy with pedestrians. At the end of the green space is the picturesque Arco della Pace .

As we leave to the park, we travel to new Milan. Beyond the Arco is Milan’s newest skyscraper, the Generali Tower . There’s not much to do at the tower beside admiring it from the outside, but it’s still a cool part of Milan worth seeing. Grab the metro and head to Porta Nuova when you’re ready.

Porta Nuova is where most of Milan, Italy’s most modern buildings are found. It’s a very elegant and eye-catching part of the city that has become a poster child of sorts for futuristic Italy. Like the Generali Tower, Porta Nuova is best viewed from the outside.

Nearby are the bustling Porta Garibaldi and Corso Como , both of which host some of Milan’s best nightlife. Further south is the Brera neighborhood, which is one of the trendiest areas in the city.

There are lots of chic cafes and bars here; visiting Brera is one of the best things to do in Milan at night .

Day 3: Navigli and Southern Milan

Today we’re going to explore a slightly more relaxed part of Milan where we don’t have to worry about showing off, like in Porta Nuova, Brera, or the Duomo.

The south of Milan is much more laidback than the rest of the city and also hosts some really interesting attractions. On the third day of this Milan travel guide, start the morning with a walk around the much-loved Navigli district that features museums along the way.

Start on the southern edge of the Centro Storico district at the Colonne di San Lorenzo . This central landmark is a popular hangout for all kinds of people both benevolent and malicious. Lots of tourists like to come here for photos but be wary at night – the area quickly becomes a theater for shady characters.

From the Colonne, walk directly south to Porto Tincese , which is where the canals and the Navigli district begin. Navigli is one of the quaintest and hippest neighborhoods in Milan and sometimes resembles the Netherlands more than Italy.

Rustic cafes and eccentric bars are magnets for hipsters and, at night, these establishments are packed full of people, regardless of their social standing.

Navigli has two canals: Grande and Pavese. Naviglio Grande is the main waterway where most of the action happens. Pavese is the more laidback and residential canal. Both are equally gorgeous and contain some crystal-clear Alpine water.

Naviglio Grande hosts a couple of interesting museums committed to the arts and design. The MUDEC is one of the most important contemporary galleries in the city. Nearby is the Armani Silos , which is dedicated to Giorgio Armani and his work.

If you can manage the walk, try to visit the districts east of Navigli. The hyper-modern Fondazione Prada and Universita Bocconi are here. Though you may not be able to enter them, their exteriors are still cool to look at.

Best Time of Year to Visit Milan

Milan is distinctly cooler than the rest of Italy, due in part to its northern position, and relatively temperate. Summers are warm and reasonably humid while winters are often cold but not too rainy.

Depending on what you want to do in Milan, the city can be visited at any time of year , although some seasons are definitely better than others.

Milan is subject to the usual four seasons. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year and temperatures rarely become extreme outside of summer’s peak.

Italian summers can be oppressively hot, even in the more northern cities. For this reason, most Italians go away to the beach or mountains for entire months – usually August – thus leaving the cities abandoned. This means that there will be fewer shops and fewer locals in Italian cities during the summer.

At the same time, summer is usually the most popular time for tourists, which means prices are at their highest and lodges are less available. All things considered, the summer may arguably be the worst time to visit Milan.

Spring and autumn are hands-down the best time to visit Milan. Temperatures are pleasant, the streets are full of students and residents, and tourist hordes remain reasonable.

Autumn can remain warm until October, although November is almost always chilly. Spring is our favorite time to visit Italy because the countryside is lush and the flowers are blooming.

Thankfully, there are lots of things to do in Milan in the winter , aside from listening to Italians grumble about the “cold.” The Alps are right in Milan’s backyard and are rife with winter activities. Christmas time also means lights and winter markets, which can be quite extravagant in Milan.

Getting in and out of Milan

Milan is one of the most important transportation hubs in all of Europe . As such, there are countless ways to get in and out of the city. Travelers should have no problem finding a flight, train, bus, car share, etc. when they visit Milan.

Milan is served by two airports: Malpensa and Linate.

Malpensa International Airport  is the main airport and receives the majority of the city’s inbound flights. It is located quite far away from Milan, near Gallarate , so taking a taxi to the city can be really expensive.

There are several trains and buses that will take you from Malpensa to Milan Centrale in around an hour.

Linate Airport is mostly used for domestic and budget flights into Milan. It’s much closer to the city/takes far less time to reach.

Bergamo Airport is sometimes used to travel to Milan because it’s relatively close by and also offers some budget flights. Getting to Bergamo Airport can be a nightmare on public transport though.

The largest train station in Milan is Milano Centrale . Centrale is one of the busiest trains stations in all of Europe as it is one of the main arteries connecting France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. It receives a ridiculous 120 million passengers per year and is constantly buzzing with people.

Milano Centrale is an enormous station but is somewhat easy to understand. Be sure to arrive at the station early as you might have to walk a ways, and often through crowds. You may catch yourself gawking at the monolithic Fascist architecture as well.

The main bus station is at Lampugnano . Lampunango is a bit outside of the city but can be reached via the metro (30 mins from the Duomo). Intercity buses pick up passengers right outside the station and are often late to arrive.

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How to get around Milan

Milano has a comprehensive public transit system that can get you just about anywhere you want to go. Most of the top points of interest in Milan are connected via public transit, which makes exploring the city a breeze.

There are three crucial types of public transport in Milan: metro , bus , and tram . Trams and buses function in a similar manner, although the former is generally more reliable. The metro is often the best way to travel in Milano as they are quite fast and almost always on time.

All of Milan’s public transport uses the same type of ticket, which can be purchased at a ticket office, tabacaria (tobacco shop), or vending machine.

Tickets cost $1.50 each and are good for one metro ride or 90 minutes of bus/tram travel. You can also purchase single-day or multi-day passes, a good idea if you think you’ll use public transport a lot.

Note that 99% of the time there are no ticket offices or vending machines near the bus or tram stops. You’ll need to buy a stack of tickets ahead of time or visit the nearest tobacco shop.

One of the best things to do in Milan is to ride the historic trams! These are among the most iconic machines in Italy that are much loved by the citizens. Some trams have even been converted into mobile discos and restaurants.

Taxis are ubiquitous in Milan and are overly expensive, as usual. Uber is in Milan but it doesn’t offer much as prices are often even higher than taxis.

There are several bike and scooter sharing services in Milan that can be really fun to use. You can check out a bicycle with BikeMI upon registering with the company. Scooter company eCooltra is also available in Milan. Note that foreigners will need an international driver’s permit to use eCooltra.

Safety in Milan

All-in-all, Milan is a very safe city to visit. Tourists are rarely if ever the recipients of violence and most people visit Milan without drama.

That being said, Milan isn’t perfect and there are still safety concerns in this city. These issues range from irritation due to endless peddlers or pickpocket scams. If you want to leave Milan with all of your belongings (and your sanity), then there are a few precautions can take.

Beggars – They almost always hang in the metros and ask for money while you’re buying a ticket or riding the train. Some offer to “help” you buy a ticket or find your way and then expect payment in return. Just ignore them.

Pickpockets – Thieves in Italy have gotten pretty good at swiping valuables from unsuspecting travelers. These people thrive in crowds and hectic situations. Packed trains and nightclubs are the most common places that people get robbed. Watch your stuff, especially in crowds.

Hawkers – These people are not so much dangerous as they are just really fucking annoying. They’ll pester you and will often invade your private space, aggressively. Just ignore them and don’t engage. Getting mad at one of them is inviting trouble as hawkers usually have friends nearby.

On a special note, be more careful than usual when out at dark. There are tons of things to do at night in Milan and so people are usually carrying cash with them. Robbers tend to be more active during this time and many Italians consider Milan to be even more dangerous than Rome at night, so be vigilant.

Travel Insurance for Milan

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Milan Accommodation Travel Hacks

Hostels and Airbnb’s will most likely be your main forms of lodging when you travel to Milan and these are, honestly, great options. Hostels can be a helluva lot of fun, especially the ones in this Milan travel guide. Having your own apartment in a foreign city can also epic, especially if you are traveling with other people

Truth is: conventional lodging can be really expensive, especially in Milan. Definitely have fun and stay in a hostel or apartment if you like, but if you need to save money, try one of these options:

Couchsurf! – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on cash when it comes to accommodation since most of the time you’re crashing for free. Staying with a local host is also a great chance to experience a more authentic side of the city and to visit hidden Milan.

Problem is couchsurfing is really popular (duh, it’s free) and demand often outstrips supply. Hosts are picky as well so you’ll need to impress them with an eye-catching message. Definitely, try Couchsurfing but be ready to be rejected.

Tap into your backpacker network – You never know when you have a friend in a foreign city! If you’ve traveled a lot, you may have met someone from Milan or know someone who knows someone.

Reach out to people! Ask to stay with people for a night or two in exchange for cooking dinner or a bottle of wine. If you don’t know anyone in the city, ask your friends if they do – travelers understand the struggle and are usually more helpful than you think.

Camping – Urban camping is a growing trend in many cities. These campsites are comfortable, sociable, safe, and cheap. They are often located on the outskirts of town, which means they are quieter too.

Eating and Drinking in Milan

This wouldn’t be a proper Milan travel guide without covering the city’s food! Milan is very proud of its Lombardian cuisine and culinary history. Some of the most well-known Italian dishes including risotto , milanese , and polenta  come from this region. Locals love it, fight for it, and will shove it down your throats if given the opportunity. We say: let them!

The food of Milan is fantastic with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Dishes are often filling, sometimes deceptively so, and will leave you in a euphoric coma. When eating out, you will probably need a digestif or perhaps a negroni to help settle your stomach.

Milanese cooking is distinct from the more delicate culinary styles of Central and Southern Italy. This is partly due to the increased use of dairy in the local diet, which may or not be a result of German and French influence.

The colder climate also plays a part as nothing beats a hearty meal on a frigid day.

Like most places, the best food in Milan is hidden, either in the outskirts of the city or in the hole-in-the-wall establishments. In these places, the food is often more authentic, better priced, and the product of passion as opposed to profit.

One of my favorite restaurants in Milan is the totally unassuming Fiore , tucked away near the Naviglio Grande. It’s a simple establishment with a pretty stereotypical Italian owner but the food is divine.

Aside from a few exceptions, I really don’t advise eating anywhere in near the Centro Storico. Most restaurants between Centrale and the Duomo will be way too expensive and underwhelming.

If you must eat around a tourist attraction, go to the food stands, which are far and away better and cheaper. A good example is the Napolitano transplant Zia Esterina Sorbillo . This place serves some of the best pizza frita in Northern Italy and for a great price.

Nightlife in Milan

Northern Italians often get shit from Southerners, specifically Romans, for being stuffy and buzzkills, which I don’t really buy into. People here simply party differently than Romans or Sicilians do.

Contrary to the more loose parties that Southern and Central Italians like to have, Northern Italians tend to be more regimented with their parties. You could blame it on the culture of Milan, which is decidedly more reserved and arguably more opulent than the rest of Italy, or you could take it for what it is.

Most of the top things to do in Milan at night include a trip to a nightclub or fancy bar. Ritzy clubs are strewn all over the city, though Corso Como and Brera are the most popular places to visit. There are lots of good clubs near the Duomo as well.

I will warn you now that going to a club in Milan will not be a casual affair – you will have to dress very well and be prepared to spend a lot of cash.

In the “fashion capital of Europe,” people in Milan care a fuckton about how they look, especially at the clubs. To get into a good one, you will need to be dressed to the nines and look like a million bucks.

There are areas in Milan that are more laidback. The Navigli Quarter and the Colonne di San Lorenzo area are both very famous for their nightlife and tend to be a bit more socially relaxed than Milan’s clubbing scene.

Here, people tend to drink beers outside in good weather and shoot the shit. Make no mistake though – both of these areas are still very rowdy.

If you wanted to score some party favors, San Lorenzo is a well-known hangout for dealers.

Books to Read on Milan

Check out this Milan reading list to learn more about the city! Each novel takes place in and around Milan.

• Numero Zero – The final novel from one of Italy’s most respected modern philosophers. A washed-up journalist joins a new firm in Milan and becomes exposed to all sorts of conspiracies.
• The Betrothed – One of the most important Italian historical novels, ever. Takes place in 17th-Century Lombardia when the Spanish were in control. Tells the tale of two lovers and their arduous quest to be reunited after being cruelly separated by malicious forces. Written by the Italian hero Alessandro Manzoni.
• Traitors to All – A hallmark Noir-crime novel written by the master, Giorgio Scerbanenco. Concerns a string of deaths in a canal outside of Milan, and the players involved in the “accidents.”
• The Botticelli Secret – A model/prostitute gets caught up in a conspiracy involving Botticelli’s triumphant painting, La Primavera . In the process, she and several other characters are flung to every corner of Italy, including Milan. Similar to The Da Vinci Code .

Volunteering in Milan

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in  Milan  whilst making a real impact on local communities, look no further than  World Packers . World Packers is an excellent platform  connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here.

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Make Money Online While Traveling Milan

Traveling in Milan long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Being a Responsible Traveler in Milan

Reduce your plastic footprint:  Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a  tough travel water bottle .

Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.

Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.

Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.

Need more guidance? – Check out our post on  how to be a responsible backpacker.

Visiting Milan will bring you ample opportunities to participate in debauchery, and it is very important to have fun, let loose, and get a bit wild at times, but there are some things that will put you in the category of a straight up jackass if you do them.

Being super loud and obnoxious in a tiny hostel at 3 AM is a classic rookie mistake. Show your fellow travelers respect whilst traveling in Milan and anywhere else for that matter!

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Thank you for sharing this insightful information! It’s really helpful. Have you been to Turin? It’s such a lovely city, I am also planning to visit it. It looks so amazing.

I love that city! I think for sure that I will write my next backpacking guide on Turin 🙂

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Carlo DeSando

Wonderful Time in Italy We were covered from the moment we landed in Rome. The drivers were great, the connections were flawless, and it was well-planned a...

The dynamo behind the country’s “economic miracle” in the 1950s, Milan is an Italian city like no other. It’s a historic city, with a spectacular cathedral and enough ancient churches and galleries to keep you busy for a week, but there are also bars and cafés to relax in, and the contemporary aspects of the place represent the cutting edge of Italy’s fashion and design industry.

The best travel tips for visiting Milan

The best things to do in milan, brief history of milan, best areas to stay in milan, best restaurants and bars in milan, how to get around milan, how many days do you need in milan, best time to visit milan, how to get to milan, tailor-made travel itineraries for italy, created by local experts.

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Experience the hit TV show 'The White Lotus' in Sicily

Stay in beautiful Taormina with gorgeous views of Mount Etna and discover Sicily, including famous filming locations. Go on exclusive wine tastings, discover the Greek theater in Taormina with a private guide, visit other Sicilian towns and enjoy the crystal clear water on this week-long trip.

8 days  / from 3289 USD

Enchanting Italian Lakes

Experience the picturesque lakes of Northern Italy, including Lake Garda, Como, Lugano and Maggiore; explore the charming Borromean Islands – former favourites of Ernest Hemingway – and stroll the romantic streets of Verona and Milan. All of this, and much more, with this self-drive trip!

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From Venice to Florence: A Grand Tour of Northern Italy

From the atmospheric canals of Venice and the picturesque coastline of Cinque Terre, to the trendy designer boutiques of Milan and the Renaissance-infused streets of Florence, Northern Italy has plenty to offer. Experience it all with this comprehensive trip.

Welcome to Milan, a city where history seamlessly intersects with modernity. It’s foggy in winter, muggy and mosquito-ridden in summer, and is closer in outlook, as well as distance, to London than to Palermo .

Set your footsteps on a path that winds through centuries of culture and innovation. The iconic Duomo graces the skyline, a testament to Milan's rich heritage, while the Brera district exudes an artistic charm that beckons you to explore its hidden gems

Yet Milan isn't confined to its storied past. Navigli's vibrant canals and buzzing atmosphere immerse you in the city's contemporary pulse. The Quadrilatero della Moda offers a glimpse into Milan's fashion-forward soul, with renowned boutiques shaping global trends. Modernity thrives in the Porta Nuova district, where futuristic skyscrapers redefine the cityscape.

As daylight fades, Milan's allure endures. Nights here are alive with possibilities, from chic cocktail lounges to electric underground clubs. Every corner holds a promise of excitement, making each evening as enticing as the last. Whether you seek historical marvels, artistic treasures, or cutting-edge architecture, Milan invites exploration.

Planning a trip to Milan ? Check our Italy itineraries !

Piazza dei Mercanti, Milan © fldlcc/Shutterstock

From seeing the City from the roof of the world's largest Gothic cathedral, to viewing the mural of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, here are the best things to do in Milan .

#1 Wander around the roof of Milan’s Duomo, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral

Milan’s vast Duomo was begun in 1386 under the Viscontis, but not completed until the finishing touches to the facade were added in 1938. It is characterised by a hotchpotch of styles that range from Gothic to Neoclassical. From the outside at least it’s incredible, notable as much for its strange confection of Baroque and Gothic decoration as its sheer size.

The marble, chosen by the Viscontis in preference to the usual material of brick, was brought on specially built canals from the quarries of Candoglia, near Lake Maggiore , and continues to be used in renovation today.

Outside, from the northeast end of the cathedral you can access the cathedral roof and its terraces, where you can stroll around the forest of tracery, pinnacles and statues while enjoying fine views of the city and, on clear days, even the Alps.

Milan Duomo cathedral roof, Italy © Shutterstock

#2 Gawp at The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci’s mural for the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the world’s most resonant images. Due west from the Duomo, on Corso Magenta, stands the attraction that brings most visitors to Milan – the beautiful terracotta-and-brick church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, famous for its mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

More ancient exhibits are on display at the city’s Museo Archeologico, while the nearby Sant’Ambrogio is one of the city’s loveliest churches.

#3 Explore Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

A visit to the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan is a captivating step into the city's early Christian heritage. This ancient church, named after its patron saint, Saint Ambrose, boasts a rich history dating back to the 4th century.

As you approach, the intricate Romanesque architecture and ornate façade immediately command attention. Inside, the solemn atmosphere is adorned with graceful arches, detailed mosaics, and historic relics that encapsulate the essence of Milan's religious past.

The church's significance as a spiritual and cultural landmark is felt profoundly, offering visitors a glimpse into the roots of the city's faith and architecture, and making it a must-see destination for those eager to explore Milan's historical tapestry.

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan © Shutterstock

#4 Visit Certosa di Pavia, a fantastic Carthusian monastery

Among the rice fields around 40 km south of Milan, one of the most extravagant monasteries in Europe, the Certosa di Pavia (Charterhouse of Pavia), was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo II Visconti in 1396 as the family mausoleum.

Visconti intended the church here to resemble Milan’s late-Gothic cathedral and the same architects and craftsmen worked on the construction. It took a century to build; by the time it was finished, tastes had changed (and the Viscontis had been replaced by the Sforzas).

As a work of art the monastery is one of the most important testimonies to the transformation from late-Gothic to Renaissance and Mannerist styles, but it also affords a wonderful insight into the lives and beliefs of the Carthusian monks.

You can see the church unaccompanied, but to visit the rest of the monastery you need to join a guided tour of just under an hour (free but contributions welcomed), led by one of the monks released from the strict vow of silence. Tours run regularly – basically when enough people have gathered. They’re in Italian, but well worth doing – even if you don’t understand a word – as they allow you to visit the best parts of the monastery complex.

Aerial view of Certosa di Pavia © Shutterstock

#5 Go shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Milan is synonymous with shopping. If your pockets are not deep enough to tackle the big-name designer boutiques you could always rummage through last season’s leftovers at the many factory outlets around town, or check out the city’s wide range of medium- and budget-range clothes shops.

If you realy like shopping, there is no better place than Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This iconic 19th-century shopping arcade, often referred to as the "living room of Milan," is a masterpiece of iron and glass design that connects Piazza del Duomo with Piazza della Scala. As you step beneath its soaring glass dome, you're surrounded by an exquisite blend of high-end boutiques, elegant cafes, and opulent mosaics that adorn the floor.

It's a space that encapsulates Milan's reputation as a global fashion and design capital. The galleria's rich history resonates through its ornate details, while the vibrant atmosphere reflects modern Milanese flair.

Entrance of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II © Shutterstock

#6 Cruise and cycle around Mantua

Rent a bike and explore elegant Mantua and the surrounding waterways. Several companies offer cruises on Mantua’s lakes – bulges in the course of the River Mincio – and on the river itself down to its confluence with the Po, ranging from 1hr jaunts up to full-day voyages as far as Ferrara and Venice.

All run daily but must be booked in advance: usually a day ahead, but sometimes an hour or so will do. The leading company is Motonavi Andes Negrini, whose ticket office is at Via San Giorgio 2, three minutes’ walk from its jetty on Lago Inferiore, or try Navi Andes, based at its jetty on Lago di Mezzo.

Many of the boats accept bikes, so you can make a great day-trip – a morning on the boat, a picnic lunch at, say, Rivalta, then a gentle cycle ride back in the afternoon. The tourist office has a good map (also on its website) detailing cycle routes, plus information on bus, boat and train combinations.

Ferry boat in the lake of Mantova (Mantua), Mincio River © Shutterstock

#7 Beautiful Lake Como is an unmissable stop for unrepentant romantics

Of all the Italian Lakes, it’s the forked Lake Como (Lago di Como) that comes most heavily praised: Wordsworth thought it “a treasure which the earth keeps to itself”.

Today, despite huge visitor numbers, the lake is still surrounded by abundant vegetation: zigzagging slowly between shores by boat can seem impossibly romantic. As well as lakeside villas to visit, there is also some great walking to be done in the mountainous hinterland hereabouts.

The principal towns are Como and Lecco but three small towns stand out as the highlight of the lakes: Varenna and Bellagio for unrepentant romantics, and Menaggio if you want a pleasant, affordable base for walking, swimming or cycling.

To the north, the Alto Lago is much more sedate, with the towns of Gravedona ed Uniti and Domaso making for good bases for sports enthusiasts, with hiking, mountain biking, windsufing and sailing aplenty.

Lake Como, Italy © Shutterstock

#8 Wander Bergamo’s medieval upper town

With its steep, narrow streets, flanked by high facades and encircled by sixteenthcentury walls, Bergamo Alta – the upper town – remains in appearance largely as it was in the Middle Ages. The main public spaces – Piazza Vecchia and adjacent Piazza del Duomo – combine medieval austerity with the grace of later, Renaissance design.

The funicular railway from the lower town arrives at the tiny station on Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe from where the main street, beginning as Via Gombito and continuing as Via Colleoni after Piazza Vecchia, follows the line of the Roman decumanus maximus, topped and tailed by evidence of Bergamo’s military past – the Rocca to the east, the Cittadella to the west.

Just beyond the Cittadella, through Porta Sant Alessandro, another funicular ride whisks you up to the highest point of town, San Vigilio.

Bergamo, Italy © Shutterstock

#9 Catch the classic vintage car race, Mille Miglia, from the centre of Brescia

This historic race sees hundreds of classic and vintage cars set off from the centre of Brescia . Housed in an eleventh-century monastery complex, the Museo Mille Miglia showcases dozens of classic vehicles with photos, vintage posters, old-style petrol pumps and memorabilia from past Mille Miglia car races.

The museum consists of nine sections covering the period from 1927 to the present day. The pathway displays cars belonging to private collectors that are still used during the annual Mille Miglia race

RoughGuides tip: Planning a trip to Italy? Check our tailor-made Italy itineraries and perhaps our local experts in Italy can help you!

The city of Brescia © Shutterstock

#10 Visit the mesmerizing Sforzesco Castle

Visiting Sforzesco Castle in Milan is a journey back in time that encapsulates the city's rich history and architectural marvels. As you approach the castle, the imposing façade and majestic towers create a sense of grandeur and intrigue.

Stepping through its gates, you're greeted by a captivating blend of Renaissance splendor and medieval strength. The castle's courtyards and gardens invite you to explore their serene beauty, offering a serene escape from the bustling city beyond its walls.

Within the castle's walls, the museums housed within its chambers reveal a treasure trove of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide insight into Milan's past and the legacy of the Sforza family.

Aerial view of Sforzesco Castle in Milan © Shutterstock

#11 Take a day trip

Milan serves as an ideal gateway to a plethora of enchanting day trips that unveil the diverse beauty of northern Italy. A short train ride away, the charming town of Como offers a serene escape with its stunning lakeside setting and picturesque streets.

Venturing to the historical city of Bergamo grants you the chance to explore its medieval upper town and enjoy panoramic views from its ancient walls.

The artistic allure of Florence beckons with its Renaissance treasures and iconic landmarks reachable by high-speed train. For a taste of luxury, the quaint village of Sirmione on Lake Garda boasts Roman ruins and thermal baths, while the Cinque Terre's colorful coastal villages, accessible by train, offer breathtaking hikes and coastal vistas.

Additionally, the lakeside town of Lecco presents a tranquil atmosphere and scenic landscapes, perfect for a leisurely day trip from Milan.

Rough Guides tip : make sure to check all the day trips from Milan

Lecco colorful square view, Como Lake, Lombardy region of Italy © Shutterstock

Milan's historical significance began in 313 AD with the Edict of Milan granting religious freedom to Christians across the Roman Empire. Led by Bishop Ambrogio (Ambrose), the city emerged as a Christian hub, with current churches often standing on fourth-century foundations.

The Visconti dynasty's influence during medieval times led to the iconic late-Gothic Duomo and the initial structure of Castello. The Sforza dynasty expanded the castle, creating a lavish Renaissance court.

Lodovico Sforza's patronage of Leonardo da Vinci resulted in "The Last Supper." Centuries of foreign rule followed, including French, Spanish, Napoleon's, and Austrian Habsburgs' dominion. Mussolini's imprint introduced the monumental Stazione Centrale and Piazzale Loreto's historic significance.

Milan thrived postwar, economically and politically, symbolizing Italy's trajectory. The tragic Piazza Fontana bombing in 1969 marked the Anni di piombo, and Milan's corruption scandals led to Tangentopoli in the 1980s. Native Silvio Berlusconi, a media tycoon and former prime minister, left an enduring impact.

Hosting Expo Milano 2015 attracted millions and spurred urban renewal, bringing new cultural and culinary delights.

There are loads of great places to stay in Milan , from boutique hotels to heritage stays. Here are the best areas to stay in Milan.

Brera and Parco Sempione

Experience the vibrant art and student scenes in this area, where you'll find a wide selection of historic and design hotels. Plus, it's conveniently located near museums and the picturesque Parco Sempione.

Corso Magenta and Sant’Ambrogio

Escape the tourist crowds and indulge in an upmarket residential area with excellent options for value B&Bs and charming boutique hotels. Enjoy the proximity to the city centre and its attractions.

Duomo and San Babila

Stay at historic and stylish hotels right in the heart of the city, ideal for sightseeing and shopping enthusiasts alike.

Navigli and Zona Tortona

Immerse yourself in the lively student scene and vibrant nightlife along the canals in this exciting hot spot. Explore the local dining scene with a plethora of trendy eateries.

Porta Garibaldi and Isola

Discover a perfect blend of high-end and midrange accommodation options with excellent transportation links. The area boasts great shopping and a variety of dining choices in Isola.

Porta Romana and Porta Vittoria

Find tranquillity in this quiet residential area adorned with charming Liberty-style apartment blocks. Enjoy exploring independent shops and restaurants while benefiting from well-priced accommodations .

Naviglio canal in Milan © Shutterstock

Whether you’re looking for a neighbourhood trattoria, want to watch models pick at their salads or crave a bit of well-priced ethnic food, Milan has it all – usually within easy reach of wherever you’re staying.

Corso Como and Via Brera

Milan’s nightlife traditionally centres around the designer-label streets of Corso Como and Via Brera. If you don’t fancy a sit-down meal, make the most of the Milanese custom of aperitivo to curb your hunger.

Canal-side Navigli and the adjacent Ticinese quarter, south of the city, have a more mixed clientele who enjoys the lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs, some of which host regular live bands.

Porta Venezia, Corso Sempione and Porta Romana

Trendy bars and restaurants have started to spring up in these once-forgotten areas.

Milan’s street plan resembles a spider’s web, with roads radiating out from the central Piazza del Duomo. The bulk of the city is encircled by two concentric ring roads following the mediaeval and Spanish walls of the city, while the suburbs and industrial estates spill out towards a third ring, the Tangenziale, which links the main motorways.

The city centre is just about compact enough to explore on foot, though the public transport system is easy to master if you’re flagging or going a long way.

The metro has four lines: the red M1, green M2, yellow M3 and lilac M5, as well as the blue suburban railway line passante ferroviario.

The main intersections are Stazione Centrale, Duomo, Cadorna (Milano Nord) and Loreto. The front of each metro train shows the station at the end of the line. Services run from around 6am to midnight.

By bus and tram

Most bus and tram stops display the route and direction of travel. Services run from around 4am to 2am, after which night buses take over, following the metro routes throughout the night.

Duomo from metro stairs - Milan - Lombardy © Shutterstock

If you have limited time, you can still get a taste of Milan's highlights in just 1-2 days. This could include visiting the magnificent Duomo, exploring the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and admiring Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece, The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

With 3-4 days in Milan, you'll have more time to delve deeper into the city. You can explore its numerous museums and art galleries, such as the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera and the historical Sforza Castle.

Taking a leisurely stroll in the beautiful Parco Sempione or visiting some of the city's churches and historic landmarks can also be added to your itinerary. Moreover, having extra days allows you to make the most of Milan's vibrant nightlife and discover more unique places to shop and dine.

If you have the luxury of 5 or more days in Milan, you can take advantage of the opportunity to go on day trips to nearby attractions. The region around Milan offers picturesque destinations like Lake Como, the charming town of Bergamo, or the romantic city of Verona.

Milan's high season falls between April and June. This is when the city blooms with vibrant colour and has pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor sightseeing and strolling the city's streets.

Milan Fashion Week can spike prices. It takes place twice a year: February/March and September/October. Fashion enthusiasts and celebrities flock to the city during these periods, making it a thrilling time to witness the latest trends and haute couture events. Tourist attractions also get crowded around these times, so booking in advance is advisable.

To avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy milder weather, consider planning your visit in the shoulder seasons of October and late March to April. During these months, the city still boasts pleasant temperatures and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to explore its historical sites, world-class museums, and stunning architecture.

On the other hand, if you prefer to steer clear of cold weather and potential closures, it's best to avoid Milan during the winter months from November to February. Although the city's charm remains, colder temperatures and occasional rain might limit some outdoor activities.

Find out more about the best time to visit Italy .

View of the Sforza Castle from Sempione Park, Milan © Shutterstock

Navigating your way to Milan is an exciting journey that offers various transportation options to this vibrant Italian city.

Milan has two airports:

• Malpensa is the city’s main airport, 50km northwest of the city near Lake Maggiore, with domestic and long haul flights arriving here.
• Linate, located only 7km east of Milan, serves domestic and short-haul European flights. It’s particularly convenient to reach the city centre from there.

Bergamo-Orio al Serio, sometimes also touted as Milan, is a comfortable 45min away.

Most international and domestic trains pull in at the monumental Stazione Centrale, northeast of the city centre on Piazza Duca d’Aosta, at the hub of the metro network on lines M2 and M3.

Other services, especially those from stations in the Milan region – Bergamo, Pavia, Como and the other western lakes – terminate at smaller stations around the city, Porta Garibaldi, Lambrate, Porta Genova and Milano Nord, all on M2 (the metro stop for Milano Nord is “Cadorna”), although these often also stop at Stazione Centrale.

International and long-distance buses, and many regional buses, arrive at and depart from Lampugnano bus station on Via Giulio Latta (MLampugnano). Regular buses run from Malpensa airport to several regional towns around the lakes.

If you’re driving, try to avoid arriving during the morning and evening rush hours (approximately 7.30–10am & 4.30– 7pm) when Milan’s ring road, the infamous Tangenziale, is often gridlocked.

Plan your trip to Milan with book guide to Italy .

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Milan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 23, 2023

Milan is recognized worldwide as one of the four design and fashion capitals of the world. It’s also a business hub, as the location of Italy’s stock exchange and third wealthiest EU city (after Paris and Madrid ).

As the second-largest city in Italy (and home to the second-largest airport in the country), it’s a popular destination for travelers as it’s easy to get to.

But Milan has a lot for travelers to see and do beyond fashion. The city used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire and was an influential city during the Italian Renaissance. There’s the beautiful Milan Cathedral and Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century castle that houses Michelangelo’s last sculpture. Then there’s Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper , located inside Santa Maria delle Grazie church. In short, Milan has no shortage of history and culture to bask in.

While it’s no Rome or Florence , Milan is still worth a few nights (maybe longer if you’re looking to enjoy the glitzy, fashionista side of the city).

This travel guide Milan travel guide to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this fashion-forward metropolis.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Milan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Milan

1. Visit the Duomo

With over 3,500 statues, 135 spires, and five bronze doors, Milan’s cathedral is the largest church in Italy and the third-largest in the world. It’s not surprising that it took over 500 years to complete, with construction starting in 1386 and finishing in 1965. Be sure to admire the view from the top; it’s one of the best in the city. Access to the cathedral and museum is 7 EUR while adding access to the archaeological site and rooftop costs 15 EUR if you take the stairs and 20 EUR via elevator. Skip the line tickets with access to the terrace at 33 EUR.

2. Relax in Parco Sempione

Parco Sempione is Milan’s most famous city park, a vast oasis of green space spanning over 38 hectares (95 acres). Designed in the 19th century emulating English romantic gardens, the park is home to the Sforzesco Castle, an aquarium, an amphitheater, Triennale di Milano (a design and art museum), Branca Tower, and a handful of bars and cafes. This is a tranquil place to wander for hours or to sit and have a picnic in the grass. The entire park also has free Wi-Fi if you need to get connected.

3. Explore Sforzesco Castle

Built in the 15th century, this castle was one of the largest citadels in Europe during the 16th-17th centuries. It houses 12 museums and a vast archive of artifacts. Two noteworthy museums include the Museum of Ancient Art, with its armory and tapestry collection, and the Museum Pietà Rondanini, which includes Michelangelo’s last completed sculpture (Rondanini Pietà, completed in 1564). The castle entrance is free, but admission to all of the museums costs 5 EUR. A three-day museum pass for all the museums is 12 EUR.

4. Admire the Last Supper

This 15th-century Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece resides in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is often just referred to as The Last Supper Museum. The Last Supper , completed around 1498, is remarkably well preserved and historians still haven’t solved all its mysteries. You must book a reserved 15-minute time slot, with tickets going on sale 2-3 months in advance. As one of the most famous paintings in the world, tickets sell out almost as soon as they go on sale, so this is definitely one to plan ahead for. Tickets cost 15 EUR while guided tours with Get Your Guide cost 56 EUR

5. Watch some football

If you’re a football (soccer) fan, book yourself tickets to a match at San Siro stadium. Milan is home to two of the world’s best football teams: AC Milan and Inter Milan. Games are super lively and a great way to connect with locals. With a capacity of 80,000 spectators, this is the largest stadium in Italy and where the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony will take place. Tickets start at 20-30 EUR. When matches aren’t taking place, you can take a guided tour of the stadium and visit the museum for 30 EUR.

Other Things to See and Do in Milan

1. take a walking tour.

One of the best ways to get to know Milan is to walk around it with a local. You’ll get your bearings, a history lesson, and see the main highlights as you explore. For free walking tours, check out Citywalkers. Their tours cover the main sights and are perfect for budget travelers. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.

If you’re looking for more in-depth tour of the Last Supper and Duomo, check out Take Walks . They run the best paid tours in the city.

2. See Leonardo’s Horse

Located in the Piazella Dello Sporto, Leonardo’s Horse is one of the world’s largest bronze equine statues. Created by Nina Akamu in the 1990s, the design is based entirely on Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches from when he was commissioned by the Duke of Milan Ludovico il Moro in 1482. da Vinci was meant to create the world’s largest bronze horse statue dedicated to the Duke’s father, Francesco, but it was never completed. The horse stands over 24-feet tall and weighs 15 tons.

3. Roam the flea markets

While Milan is renowned for its high-end fashion and designer labels, it is also home to its fair share of flea markets. Fiera di Senigallia, the city’s most popular and retro flea market, sells disco gear and comic books, among many other treasures while Papiniano (near Fiera di Senigallia) is known for shoes and houseware. If you time your visit for the end of the month, Antiquariato sul Naviglio is a good place to go antique hunting (it happens on the last Sunday of the month).

4. Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Opened in 1809 by Napoleon Bonaparte, Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the main art galleries in Milan. It contains works from Raphael, Mantegna, Rembrandt, and other masters from the 13th-20th centuries. Its most famous artwork is Mantegna’s Lamentation of Christ (painted 1305), a dramatic painting that shows Jesus lying in rigor mortis on a mortuary slab. Admission is 15 EUR, which gives you unlimited access to the museum for three months.

5. Wander Idroscalo Park

Idroscalo Park is centered on Idroscalo Lake, a man-made lake that was originally created in the 1920s as a seaplane airport. Today, the lake and surrounding park offer a green escape from Milan’s concrete jungle. There are plenty of places for kayaking, rowing, sailing, cycling, hiking, and having a picnic. During the summer, there are evening performances in the park featuring everything from modern dance to live orchestras. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and lounge away the afternoon.

6. Walk along Corso Magenta

In the northwestern part of Milan, this street is home to elegant cafes, shops, and Baroque palaces. It’s a beautiful street to wander and gives you an awesome sense of “being in Italy.” The Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent, which houses The Last Supper , are here.

7. Tour the canals

Surprised to hear that there are canals in Milan? Well, there are — two to be exact. Based in the Navigli district, these canals offer a unique perspective of the city and are best enjoyed during the summer months when you can take a lazy boat trip (or even a Venetian gondola). Be sure to check out Boffalora sopra Ticino village or the stately villas of the Robecco sul Naviglio area. The Navigli district is a quiet neighborhood and makes for a restful break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

8. Wander the Giardini della Guastalla

Known as the Gardens of the Guastalla, these are some of the oldest gardens in Milan. The gardens date back to the 16th century and have been open to the public since the early 1900s. Amongst the tall stemmed plants and blooming flowers, you’ll find a fish bath filled with carp and redfish, marble statues, and an area to play bocce. Giardini della Guastalla is located near the Duomo. Admission is free.

9. Go shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

If you are looking to do some serious shopping or even just window shop, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Named after the first king of Italy, it was built in the 19th century and is the oldest shopping center in the city. The gallery connects the Duomo and the Teatro Alla Scala and has a four-story arcade and iron-and-glass roof that took 12 years to construct. It’s home to fashion giants such as Prada and Gucci, as well as some of the oldest cafes and restaurants in Milan. Buy yourself a 12 EUR coffee and watch as the Milanese high society passes through.

10. See a performance at Teatro alla Scala

Opened in the late 18th century, this is one of the most influential opera and ballet theaters in the entire world. Many famous operas have debuted here, including Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Tickets to a performance range from 10-260 EUR (though be forewarned that you can’t see much from the cheapest seats). You can also take a one-hour guided tour of the gorgeous historic building for 25 EUR while a visit to the museum is 9 EUR.

11. Learn something new at Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

This interactive museum is the largest science museum in Italy and you could easily spend hours here. It’s located in an old convent and has everything from exhibits on Da Vinci’s inventions to space exploration, transportation innovations, and more. It’s especially fun for anyone traveling with kids. Admission is 10 EUR.

12. See contemporary art at Pirelli HangarBicocca

This industrial plant on the outskirts of Milan has been turned into an impressive contemporary art space. Covering over 15,000 square meters (161,458 sq ft), there are a couple of permanent exhibitions, but most are temporary exhibitions by upcoming and leading contemporary artists. There’s also a cool bistro on site, serving dishes made with seasonal produce and fantastic cocktails. Admission to the art space is free, though booking a time slot online in advance is recommended.

For more information on other cities in Italy, check out these guides:

• Cinque Terre Travel Guide
• Florence Travel Guide
• Naples Travel Guide
• Pisa Travel Guide
• Rome Travel Guide
• Sorrento Travel Guide
• Venice Travel Guide

Milan Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels in Milan are not cheap. A bed in a dorm ranges from from 28-50 EUR per night, regardless of number of beds. Private rooms start at 80-100 EUR. Prices don’t fluctuate much with the seasons. Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels include breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – There aren’t many two-star budget hotels in Milan. For a three-star budget hotel, prices range from 70-95 EUR per night. Expect basic amenities like TV, Wi-Fi, AC, and a coffee/tea maker. Some also include free breakfast.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms ranging from 30-50 EUR per night if you book early (double that price if you don’t). Entire homes (usually studio apartments) start around 75-100 EUR per night.

Average cost of food – Italian cuisine is beloved around the world, though every region in Italy has its own distinct flavor. Tomatoes, pasta, olives, and olive oil form the backbone of most meals, with meat and fish and various cheeses rounding out the menu. In Milan, risotto alla Milanese , veal cutlets, meat ravioli, and cassoeula (a meat and cabbage stew) are all popular dishes.

Main dishes at a typical restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine start at 15-18 EUR, while pizza at in the same type of restaurant costs 9-12 EUR. Dinner costs anywhere from 35-40 EUR for a three-course meal with drinks. If you want to splash out, expect to pay around 75 EUR for dinner and drinks.

Quick eats like street pizza, paninis, and light snacks cost 3-8 EUR. Luini (close to the Duomo and the Galleria) is great for panzerotti (small calzones). Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 9 EUR for a combo meal.

Chinese takeout is 6-10 EUR for a dish while main dishes at an Indian restaurant are 10-15 EUR.

Beer is around 5 EUR while a latte or cappuccino is under 2 EUR. Bottled water is around 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 40-60 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Milan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 65 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all of your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly free activities like enjoying the parks and visiting the castle. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a paid walking tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 255 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need per day. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, who knows!). We just want to give you a general idea of how to budget your money. Prices are in EUR.

Milan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

This is one of the most expensive cities in Italy so it’s not the easiest place to save money. However, its not impossible either. Here are some ways to save money in Milan so you don’t break the bank:

• Don’t eat in Station Square – The restaurants around here are tourist traps and are vastly overpriced. Head a few blocks outside of this area for authentic and less expensive food.
• Avoid the taxis – Taxis are expensive here (the base fare is 6 EUR and then it’s 1.35 EUR for each additional kilometer). Stick to public transportation if you’re on a budget.
• Take the Radiobus – Radiobus is an on-request (via app or the atm.it website) minibus network that runs from 10pm-2am to provide safe and reliable night transportation. Tickets are 3 EUR or less, making this an affordable way to get around at night instead of taxis.
• Do some cheap shopping – If you don’t want to miss out on the fashion experience, head to the Brera District for some less expensive but trendy boutique stores.
• Get a city pass – If you are going to do lots of sightseeing, the Milan City Pass can give you discounts/free entry to the top museums, tours, and attractions. A one-day pass costs 12.50 EUR, a two-day pass costs 17.50 EUR, and a three-day pass is 19.50 EUR.
• Skip the bread – Some restaurants charge you extra for the bread or breadsticks on the table but won’t tell you about it until the bill comes. If you’re on a tight budget, decline the bread.
• Take a free walking tour – A free walking tour is the best way to get familiar with a new city while learning lots of interesting history in the process. Citywalkers is a great, budget-friendly option. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – Make a local friend and get a free place to stay by using Couchsurfing ! This is the best way to save money and connect with a local who can share their insider tips. Just remember to send your requests early.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Milan

Milan has lots of great hostels. My recommended places to stay in Milan are:

• Ostello Bello Grande
• Madama Hostel and Bistrot
• Babila Hostel

How to Get Around Milan

Public transportation – Milan’s public transportation is run by the Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) and uses the same ticketing system across all modes of transportation (bus, tram, subway). The network works on a fare zone system, with zones 1-3 covering virtually all the places that travelers will want to go. A 90-minute ticket for zones 1-3 costs 2 EUR, on which you can use any method of transportation.

For zones 1-3, the 24-hour pass is 7 EUR while a 72-hour pass is 12 EUR. You can also purchase a 10-ride pass for 18 EUR. There’s also a week-long pass for 17 EUR.

Radiobus tickets (a night bus service) cost around 3 EUR and runs from Milan to neighboring towns.

You can use the ATM app to purchase tickets or buy them at the metro station.

Milan’s subway system is the fastest and easiest way to get around town. There are four lines, and they cover most of the main attractions.

If you’re going to or from the airport, the Malpensa Express train is a great way to zip in and out of town to catch your flight. A one-way ticket costs 13 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive, with a base fare of 6 EUR. Skip the taxis here as they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available here, but it isn’t cheap. Stick to the bus and subway if you can.

Bike rental – Milan is the most bike-friendly city in Italy, home to over 220 kilometers (137 miles) of bike lanes. You can find bike rentals starting at 15 EUR per day.

When to Go to Milan

The summer months (June to August) are sunny and hot, with daily averages hovering around 29°C (84°F). This is the most popular time to visit, so the city is lively but it’s also busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance.

The shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Milan, from April-May and then September-October. You’ll avoid peak tourism season and the weather is still warm. The average temperature in May is 22°C (71°F) while in October it’s 18°C (62°F).

Temperatures cool off considerably from November to March, with lots of fog. It’s much quieter in Milan during these months. Expect daily highs around 7°C (44°F).

If your biggest reason for visiting Milan is for its shopping and fashion, Fashion Week takes place twice a year (autumn/winter and spring/summer) and is a big deal. I have never been, as it’s not really my thing, but the celebrations are legendary. You need to book accommodations far in advance as the city fills up during this time and everything becomes a lot more expensive.

How to Stay Safe in Milan

Milan is a very safe place to backpack and travel as violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime you’ll face, so you should be vigilant around Central Station and the area around the Piazza Duca D’Aosta.

Avoid Parco Sempione at night, especially if you’re alone. The same goes for the Arc of Peace.

Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight just to be safe (especially on public transportation).

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Milan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Walks of Italy – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Italy.
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Milan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Italy and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

Where to Stay in Florence: The Best Neighborhoods For Your Visit

Where to Stay in Milan: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Milan

The Best Walking Tours in Florence

The 8 Best Hotels in Rome

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Italy , Milan

MILAN BUCKET LIST & TRAVEL GUIDE

Milan is elegance mixed with a pinch of the chaos and messiness that characterize Italy. It’s one of the richest cities in the European Union, the banking capital of Italy and one of the world’s fashion capitals. Don’t be surprised if you run into a photoshoot on the street in Milan! I found it to be quite unique when compared to other cities in Europe, and even very different from it’s national neighbor, Rome.

Milan may not be in the typical Italian itinerary, but even if just for a day, it should be. There indeed are less attractions than in Rome, Venice or Florence, but some very interesting. It’s majestic Duomo attracts millions of visitors every year, as does Da Vinci’s Last Supper, also in Milan. Learn what to do, see and where to stay in my Milan travel guide!

Table of Contents

WONDERFUL THINGS TO DO IN MILAN

Admire the duomo di milano.

This marvelous Gothic cathedral is undoubtedly the main attraction in Milan. And I bet you’ll agree! Its intrinsic design is one of a kind. It’s also the third largest cathedral in the world. Get your ticket to the Duomo, museum and more plus an audio guide here .

Window Shop in Galeria Vittorio Emmanuele

One of the world’s oldest shopping malls , this beautiful gallery in Milan which is now home for the most luxurious brands, is a few meters away from the Duomo. It’s seriously so beautiful! The windows of the luxury stores here are also a spectacle themselves. Another of Milan’s favourite attractions.

See Da Vinci’s Last Supper or Cenacolo Vinciano

One of the most well known painting of all times is in Milan! However it’s not that straightforward to see it. The official website sells tickets but they get sold really in advance, so it’s just easier to book this guided tour instead, also below:

Hit up the Brera District

The Brera District is the artistic heart of Milan. Its ancient streets are beautiful to walk through, eat, shop and photograph. The Pinacoteca di Brera is also here (see next point).

Culture yourself at the Pinacoteca di Brera

The main gallery in Milan, containing a wonderful collection of Italian paintings that will fascinate any art lover. Book your ticket in advance here .

Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace

The beautiful Parco Sempione, is the main park in Milan and has lots to offer . It’s layout is beautiful and if you are lucky to go in summer as I am, you’ll enjoy seeing ducklings running around, turtles bathing in the sun, and musicians playing some tunes in the open air. Moreover on one side of the park you’ll find the beautiful Arco della Pace (or Peace Arch) and on the other extreme the Castello Sforzesco .

Get inside Castello Sforzesco

A 15 century castle now home to various art and history museums , including the Rondanini Pietà Museum, which contains Michelangelo’s last sculpture. One of the must visit castles in Milan! Buy tickets here.

Spot the Bosco Verticale

This won’t likely be present in any Milan travel guides , but in my opinion is totally worth looking at. It’s a building complex literally covered in trees. I saw it by chance, but I’m so glad I did. It’s not only super environmentally friendly but also very photogenic!

Roam the Navigli District

Milan also has canals! The main one is the Naviglio Grande which gives the name to this district. Sip on an aperitivo while you enjoy the sundown and take pictures of the canal. There is also great authentic Milanese cuisine here for a post aperitivo dinner. A must do when in Milan!

Have some of Milan’s best food

Milan’s signature dish is the risotto alla milanese . It’s best version can be found at Ratana or at the   Trattoria Masuelli San Marco.

For your Milan  pizza fix, try Maruzella ,  Piccola Ischia  or Pizza AM for the Neapolitan version. For a thin crust version try S.P.I.B Pizza . You must also try panzerotto, a deep fried calzone, which you can do at Luini .

Last but not least, ice cream ! Try La Gelateria della Musica and Gelato Giusto for the best ice cream in Milan. For chocolate filled ice cream cones, try Cioccolatti Italiani.  For organic and vegan flavors, try Ciacco .  The vegan pistachio was a dream come true!

WHERE TO STAY IN MILAN

Staying in the centre of Milan is recommended but not at all essential in my opinion. For instance, I stayed here , which is a bit north as I needed to be close to a concert venue and it worked out more than perfectly for me. It was cheaper, and getting to the centre of Milan using the metro was super quick and easy. You can search for other highly rated cheap hotels in Milan here .

Milan’s metro is cheap and easy to get around. I found taxis (and also Uber) to be super expensive, so try to avoid them.

HOW TO GET TO MILAN

If you are traveling to Milan within Europe, low cost flights will take you to Milan cheaply. If you are traveling to Milan within Italy, it might make a lot more sense to take a train in terms of time and money. You can book trains using  RailEurope .  If you are on a budget and don’t have time constraints, then use  Omio as it will search for flights, trains and also buses.

MILAN’S BEST TOURS

Visiting Italy? Check all my posts here.

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Amazing city. The food is incredible and so is the shopping!! Really great review!!

Thanks Andy! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

Really great post, fantastic photos! Keep them coming!

What an elegant sexy post! Love how clean and beautiful it is. Great job and lovely write up.

Oooo I am visiting Italy again shortly (it’s one of my favorite places to go) and I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Milan yet. I may just add it to the list now 🙂

Milan is my great regret! I’ve been to Italy twice now and haven’t gotten to it! So many places to go, so little time to get there!

I had been to Italy twice also before going to Milan! Just wait, the chance to go will arise 🙂

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Visit Milan Italy - Milano City Guide

Milan travel guide: tips, sightseeing and milano city trip.

Visiting Milan city in Italy? The MilanTips.com travel guide provides the best tips for hotels, activities and places of interest during your holiday or Milano city trip.

Travel tips for your Milan city trip

Milan ( Milano in Italian) is located in the province of Milano, in the west of the Lombardy region . Milan is a popular destination for a city trip and which you would like to get to know for its special architecture, trendy fashion and many restaurants, but you can also go there for business purposes. Together with Rome , Florence , Venice and Naples it is one of the five most visited cities in Italy. We are happy to help you with our Milan travel guide !

History of Milan Italy

If you've always been interested in history, it's good to know that Milan city has been in French, Spanish and Austrian hands over the years. After various plunders, battles and conquests by the Romans, Ostrogoths, Lombards and Franks, Milan was only incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.

Another important event in Milan was the outbreak of the plague in the sixteenth century. Charles Borromeo – the Archbishop of Milan – remained in Milan and took effective measures (such as a quarantine), while other high-ranking figures fled the city. Borromeo ensured that sufficient medical knowledge was available and applied strict rules when establishing an infection. With this he prevented that there were not as many deaths as in other major Italian cities. During the Second World War, the Italian city was heavily bombed and Milano city was even occupied by the Germans, but – miraculously – no allies were needed to Milan again, because that's what the Italians did themselves. Today, Milan Italy is also known for its multicultural society, partly because of the immigrants who are looking for a better life.

The city of Milan (Milano)

The name of this city comes from Medionalum and that refers to the fact that you can find Milan in the middle of the Po Valley. The city of Milan has more than one million inhabitants, but if you add the inhabitants of the suburbs, there are four million inhabitants. During a Milan city trip you will find the perfect combination of authentic Italian architecture, modern buildings and many other Milan attractions . Do you like to visit the historic buildings? Then you need to visit the Milan Duomo , the Castello Sforzesco or the Arco della Pace. But also other top attractions such as the San Siro stadium , the Teatro alla Scala and Da Vinci's painting of ' The Last Supper ' are sights that you should not miss. If you prefer the modern part of the city, look for the commercial properties in the innovative financial district Porta Nuova , where you can also be charmed by the Bosco Verticale. These are two residential towers, where the residents together can enjoy almost 9,000 square meters of terrace, on which almost 1,000 trees have been planted.

Top 25 Milan Sightseeing

Events and football

For sure you know the Italian city because of the two football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan . Attending a football match at the San Siro Stadium can be high on your bucket list when you visit Milan city. Other sporting events are the marathon and Milan Italy as the start or finish point of cycling races. In 2026, Milan (togeteher with Cortina d'Ampezzo) will host the Winter Olympics and Formula 1 enthusiasts will travel from Milaan to nearby Monza to attend the race at the Autodrome Nazionale Monza .

In addition to the sporty side of Milan Italy, you will also find various business events here in the exhibition and congress center Fiera Milano . The Technology Fair SMAU and the Salone del Mobile (the living and design fair) in particular are known all over the world as a trend-setting happening. A large group of designers and companies will also be present at the design fair.

There are enough musical events in Milan city. The Mediolanum Forum is the ultimate venue for attending a major concert. But don't forget the theaters and all the extra activities that are organized in the summer. Other, often smaller, events are the religious celebrations and markets. The Carnival in Milan and the Film Festival of Milan.

Shopping in the fashion capital

You already know that this fashion city is the place to go for extensive shopping. If budget is not an issue, visit the Quadrilatero d'Oro (the Golden Quadrangle) with top designers and brands. In the Brera district you can find vintage items and the more special boutiques. For normal prices, the big chains in the streets around the Duomo are a great place to shop. Also the fashion outlets just outside Milan are worth a visit. There are several to choose from and you can reach them with your own transport or with a bus that shuttles between the center and the outlet.

Popular activities Milan travel guide

Duomo (Cathedreal)

In Piazza del Duomo you will find the famous Milan Cathedral . The architecture of the Duomo, the baroque facade, the mosaic and the paintings will enchant you. The highlight of your visit is the ascent to the roof terrace of the cathedral.

25x Things to do in Milan Italy?

You won't be bored during a city trip in Milan. Milan Italy offers an ideal mix of architecture, culture, fashion and design. In this article you can read more about visiting the 25 most beautiful places to visit.

• Top 25 Milan

Santa Maria delle Grazie

In the Monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie you can see the mural “The Last Supper”. This top attraction was painted by Da Vinci and tickets are sold out quickly.

• The Last Supper

Castello Sforzesco

Milan Castle is one of the city's most striking monuments. The castle houses several museums and the adjacent park offers ideal relaxation.

• Sforzesco Castle

Milan Activities& Tours

In Milan city you will find a wide range of activities, tours and excursions with a guide. In the article you can read more about these fun or original activities, such as a bike ride.

• Tours & Activities

Transport & Airport Transfers

Although many places of interest are within walking distance of each other, the metro lines or the historic trams can provide a solution to easily move around the city.

• Transport & Airport

Best time to visit Milan Italy

In July and August it is less pleasant for a Milan city break in terms of temperature and crowds. The Italians often take a holiday throughout August and they like to spend it in their own country, making Milan a popular destination. It is therefore preferable to go to Milan in the months before or after. The best time to travel to Milan Italy are the months of May, June and September. Then the climate in Milan is pleasant and the amount of people less than in summer.

Travel to Italy

Milan has several airports . If you are traveling via the international airport, it will probably be Milano-Malpensa (about 50 km from the city). Just outside the city is Milan-Linate and at Bergamo (about 40 km) is Il Caravaggio Orio al Serio, better known as Milano-Bergamo Airport. You will probably arrive at the latter airport if you fly with a low-cost airline. From the airports you can take various types of transport to the city, such as the train, bus or taxi. In this article you can read all about the transport between the airports and the center of Milan . Would you like to visit another city from Milan? Then simply take the high-speed line from the station towards cities like Florence , Venice or the Italian capital of Rome .

More about airport transfers

Transport within Milan city

In Milan city you can do a lot by foot to enjoy the atmosphere. If you want to bridge greater distances within the city, have little time or have limited mobility, you can use the efficient bus, tram, steps or especially the metro. The metro has four lines (a yellow, green, blue and red) that criss-cross the entire city, with a fifth line being added soon. Taking the trams can also be a special experience, because in addition to modern trams, the city has many old trams from the beginning of the twentieth century.

More transport in Milan

Video: Impression city trip Milan

Where is milan in italy.

Most visited attractions

25x Things to do in Milan

Duomo di Milano & Tickets

Visit The Last Supper

Milan Travel Guide

SD › Italy › Milan Travel Guide Updated: April 27, 2022 By Santorini Dave

Milan’s Piazza del Duomo, with the Duomo di Milano in the center, flanked by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center to the left and the Royal Palace to the right.

Milan combines the old world charm of a traditional Italian town with the new-fashioned buzz of a modern industrial city. Compact and easily walkable, Milan is home to great works of art, award-winning cuisine, high-class fashion boutiques, a world-famous opera house, and two prominent football clubs. Da Vinci’s masterpiece Last Supper painting and Italy’s tallest skyscraper can both be found here. Well worth a visit in its own right, Milan also makes a great jumping-off point for trips to northern Italy’s beautiful Lake District. The Milan Travel Guide Skip to our Milan FAQ Milan Basics Where to Stay in Milan When to Visit Milan Getting Around Milan Milan Hotels Best Hotels in Milan Best Hotels in Milan for Families Milan Hotel Map Milan Activities Best Things to Do in Milan Best Restaurants in Milan Best Bars in Milan Best Desserts & Pasticcerias in Milan Best Shopping in Milan Best Museums in Milan Visiting Da Vinci’s Last Supper Milan Trip Planning Milan Airport Transportation Milano Centrale Train Station Guide Rome to Milan by Train Venice to Milan by Train Train Tickets in Italy Greece & Italy Itineraries Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter Travel Guides & Newsletter Frequently Asked Questions about Milan Where is Milan? Milan is Italy’s northernmost large city and the capital of the Lombardy region. It is located approximately 280 km west of Venice, 300 km northwest of Florence, and 570 km northwest of Rome, sitting closer to Switzerland (80 km away) than to the nearest major Italian city. The picturesque Lake District of Italy is about 50 km away, making day trips easy. With over 3 million living in its metropolitan area, Milan is Italy’s second-most populous city after Rome. Milan’s overall land area is a whopping 181 sq km, but central Milan is compact and easily navigable ; most major sights and attractions sit within a few walkable kilometers of the Piazza del Duomo. What is Milan famous for? Milan is perhaps best known for being a major European fashion capital. Most major Italian fashion houses (including Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, and Bottega Veneta) are headquartered in Milan, which hosts four annual world-class fashion weeks; some of the most exclusive luxury brands in the world can be found in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda shopping district (AKA the Quad). Milan is also famous for being home to Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper painting, the Gothic-spired Duomo di Milano cathedral, and the magnificent Teatro della Scala opera house. Milan’s two prominent football clubs, A.C. Milan and Inter Milan, both play in San Siro Stadium, one of the biggest in Europe. La Scala opera house is one of the world’s most famous. What cities have direct flights to Milan? Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the second largest in Italy, serving direct flights from 180 cities in 75 countries, including New York (JFK), New Jersey (EWR), Miami (MIA), in the United States. Within Europe, there are regular non-stop flights to Milan from most major cities, and Malpensa also serves direct flights from Singapore, Bangkok, New Delhi, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul. There are no direct flights to Milan’s Malpensa Airport from Australia or the western United States. Malpensa Airport in Milan serves non-stop flights from most major European cities. When are the best months to visit Milan? Although the peak of tourist season in Milan is in the summer months, the best times to visit are in late spring and early fall, when the weather is warm but not hot and the tourist crowds are a bit thinner – especially with kids , who can be especially sensitive to high heat and chaotic crowds. Shopping in Milan is great all year, but the best bargains can be found during Italy’s twice-annual sales season ( soldi ), which occur during winter and late summer. Milan’s famous fashion weeks regularly take place in January and June (Men’s), and February and September (Women’s); these are great times to visit for fashionistas, but less so for those seeking to avoid large crowds and high prices. The best months for museum visits are June and December, when the best and most impressive exhibits are installed. Avoid visiting in August, when many Milanese take vacation and local businesses will be closed. How long should I spend in Milan? Two to three full days is an ideal length of time to spend in Milan. This gives adequate time to see the highlights , like the Duomo, the Last Supper , and the Galleria, as well as some leeway for sightseeing that is more particular to your interests, like visiting a great museum , strolling through the beautiful Cimitero Monumentale, or checking out San Siro football stadium . However long you stay, taking a guided tour is an excellent way to maximize your time. It’s easy to see many of Milan’s best attractions within a few days. The Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center (seen here) are located on the same piazza. What is the best area to stay in Milan? The best area to stay for first-time visitors is around the Piazza del Duomo, the beating heart of Milan. This area features some of Milan’s best hotels , and is chock-full of historical treasures, incredible museums , great restaurants, and luxury shopping. Brera is another wonderful sightseeing neighborhood, boasting the world-class Brera Gallery and historic Sforza Castle. Visitors looking for nightlife should consider the canals of the hip Navigli district, and those hoping to stay in a centrally-located neighborhood with a local vibe would do well to check out posh San Babila.

What are the best day trips from Milan Milan sits only 50 km from the beautiful northern Italian Lake District, making it ideal for day trips. There are five beautiful Alpine lakes within the region: Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda – each has its own character, but all feature charming towns and breathtaking views. Traveling to the Lake Region from Milan takes about an hour by car. It’s easy to get there on your own, but there are also plenty of guided tours for those who would prefer to leave the driving to someone else. Charming Bellagio village on Lake Como is only 90 minutes from Milan by car. What currency is used in Milan? Italy is part of the European Union, so the currency used in Milan is the euro (€). ATMs in Milan are plentiful and easy to find. Most restaurants, museums, and attractions in Milan accept credit cards, although it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and short taxi trips. Most of Milan’s best restaurants , like Filippo La Mantia, accept credit cards. Is Milan Safe? Some parts of Milan used to be somewhat risky in terms of pickpockets and property theft, but the city has come a long way over the last several years the and city center is now very safe, with good lighting at night, many pedestrian-only areas, and plenty of people out and about. Still, it’s a always a good idea to be a little extra vigilant at Milano Centrale train station ; it’s been cleaned up quite a bit over the last decade, but it’s still a hotbed for pick-pocketers and scam artists looking to offer you “help” while buying train tickets, and unregulated “taxi drivers” who will fleece you on your ride to the hotel. Milan’s Navigli district. Most areas of Milan are well-lit at night, with plenty of people around.

About Santorini Dave

• 1 Districts
• 2.1 When to visit
• 3.1.1 Malpensa airport
• 3.1.2 Linate Airport
• 3.1.3 Orio al Serio Airport
• 3.2.1 Milano Centrale
• 3.2.2 Milano Porta Garibaldi
• 3.2.3 Other stations
• 3.3.1 Park and ride
• 4.1 By public transport
• 4.2 By metro
• 4.3 By tram
• 4.5 By taxi
• 4.6 By train
• 4.7.1 Traffic congestion fee
• 4.7.2 Car sharing
• 4.8 On foot
• 4.9 By bike
• 8.1 Shopping districts
• 9.1 Breakfast
• 9.2 Fast food
• 9.4 Aperitivo
• 10.1 Milan by night
• 10.2 LGBT travellers
• 12 Stay safe
• 14.1 Consulates

Milan ( Italian : Milano ; Milanese: Milan) is financially the most important city in Italy , and home to the Borsa Italiana stock exchange. It is the second most populous city proper in the country, but sits at the centre of Italy's largest urban and metropolitan area. While not considered as beautiful as some Italian cities, having been greatly destroyed by Second World War bomb raids, the city has rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan business capital. In essence, for a tourist, what makes Milan interesting compared to other places is that the city is truly more about the lifestyle of enjoying worldly pleasures: a paradise for shopping, football, opera, and nightlife. Milan remains the marketplace for Italian fashion – fashion aficionados, supermodels and international paparazzi descend upon the city twice a year for its spring and autumn fairs.

Milan is famous for its wealth of historical and modern sights - the Duomo, one of the biggest and grandest Gothic cathedrals in the world, La Scala, one of the best established opera houses in the world, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a glamorous 19th-century arcaded shopping gallery, the Brera art gallery, with some of the finest artistic works in Europe, the Pirelli tower, a majestic example of 1960s modernist Italian architecture, the San Siro, a huge and famed stadium, or the Castello Sforzesco, a grand medieval castle. So, you have your fair share of old and new monuments. Plus, it contains one of the world's most famous paintings - Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper .

Districts [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ]

Milan is often described as representing "modern" Italy. The differences between Rome and Milan are evident from several proverbs, such as an Italian saying about the differences between the two cities which roughly translates, "Rome is a voluptuous woman whose gifts are very apparent, while Milan is the shy, demure girl whose treasures are plentiful, but discovered in time." Milan is the most modern of all Italian cities, yet it still keeps most of its past history intact.

At first sight, Milan looks like a bustling and relatively stylish (with its shiny display windows and elegant shops) metropolis, with a good number of grand palaces and fine churches in the centre, but might seem like a slightly prosaic, soulless and business-oriented place. It can be quite rainy, grey and foggy, and some of the buildings, ancient or modern, have quite a severe appearance. Whilst there are a lot of parks, Milan looks as if it has very little greenery, and apart from the very well-kept historic part, many areas are indeed quite scruffy and dirty. However, Milan, unlike most usually historical European cities which throw the sights in your face, requires quite a lot of exploring - take it as it is, and you might enjoy its fashionable glitter and business-like modernity, but might find it not very "captivating". If you spend time, though, strolling through less well known areas such as the pretty Navigli, the chic Brera district, the lively University quarter, or some of the smaller churches and buildings, you'll find a forward thinking, diverse city filled in every corner with history, and with a plethora of hidden gems. Plus, with such an established history in theatre, music, literature, sport, art and fashion, there's really not much you can miss.

Milan, as many have noticed, doesn't fully feel like a part of Italy. Despite the similarities with iconic Italian cities such as Verona or Venice , the city does have a different atmosphere. Milan feels more like a bustling, busy, fashionable business capital - where in several cafes, lots of people only stop to have a quick espresso at the bar counter, and where tourists at times seem even more laid back than the locals. Milan, unlike the traditionally red-terracotta roofed Italian cities, is quite grey, as many buildings are constructed using limestone or dark stones. Older buildings mainly have a sort of Austrian/Germanic neoclassical look with some slight French influences. However, with some cycling around in old fashioned bicycles, restaurant chairs and tables outside at summer filled with locals and tourists alike, and people strolling down the pedestrian avenues, licking an ice cream or carrying some heavy shopping bags, Milan does boast some "Italian flair".

When to visit [ edit ]

Milan, depending on how you want to tour the city, is a great place to visit pretty much all year round. Keep in mind most places, including tourist destinations and museums, are closed on Mondays.

In autumn, the weather is warm or cool, and in later months can be quite rainy and foggy. All the major venues and shops are opened, since it is the working part of the year.

In winter, the city can become cold (often below or around freezing point), and the weather is usually foggy and rainy if not snowy. However, the city, in the few weeks before Christmas, becomes delightful to visit - the main sights are all illuminated by stunning lights, a huge Christmas tree is set up in front of the Duomo, vendors and markets can be found everywhere, many shop and display windows are decorated and the streets become bustling with locals and tourists alike. However, the only downside is that it can become extremely crowded, noisy and busy.

In spring, the temperatures are generally similar to those of autumn. The atmosphere becomes more serious from that of the festivities. Parks become nice to visit, as trees blossom. The city is also quite nice to visit at Carnival, where people dress up and celebrate, and during Easter, where there are special services held in churches and some special events.

In summer, Milan can become extremely hot and humid, with the odd powerful rainstorm here and there. Whilst in July, apart from the weather, most shops remain open, in August, as many locals go off to take their summer holidays, many businesses and venues shut down (with the notice Chiuso per ferie , or shut down for vacation). The city may become quite empty with some tourists strolling around, and with several of the main sights shut down. Although it is not the best time for shopping and the weather is not at all times very pleasant, it is good if you want to enjoy the city to yourself when it's hot and quiet, and maybe want to stroll around, sipping at some open bars or at an ice cream, or walking in a mostly silent park.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Milan's ( MIL  IATA ) two main international airports are Malpensa (the biggest, and 40 km away) MXP  IATA and Linate (7 km from the city center). Orio al Serio airport near Bergamo (45 km east) and Parma airport (100 km south), sometimes referred to as Milan's additional airports, mostly host budget airlines. To get to and from the airports and Milan, buses are a cheap and popular option.

Malpensa airport [ edit ]

The main international airport is 45.63 8.723056 1 Milano Malpensa Airport , about 40 km northwest of the city center. There are flights from many countries around the world. From Malpensa you can get into central Milano by train, shuttle bus or taxi.

Linate Airport [ edit ]

As the airport is close to the city, it is served by buses of the city public transport network: Bus no. 73 outside the terminal building goes to San Babila Square, in the city centre, which is served by metro line MM1 . (Metro Line MM4 goes to Dateo railway station, although it is expected it will reach San Babila by June 2023.) The bus runs every ten minutes, the metro every seven: each costs €2.20, like normal public transport. Tickets are available from the newsagent inside the airport terminal or by the ATM vending machines close to the bus stop. This bus is not a dedicated service: it is regular city transport with many stops en route, and may get crowded during peak hours. This also means that the same things apply as for any public transportation in the city (see #Get around for more detail).

There are also other buses from this airport. Autostradale [dead link] operates a shuttle bus just outside the Terminal Entrance 6 connecting Linate airport to Milan Central Railway Station (Milano Centrale) east side (Luigi di Savoia square) running every 30 minutes; tickets cost €5 per adult (ticket sold at local newsagent and on board). This bus also stops en route at Lambrate railway station. The journey takes approximately 27 minutes. Another bus service [dead link] , operated by Malpensa Shuttle, connects Malpensa airport to Linate airport with a few stops en route enabling you to connect to downtown by metro (timetables, fares and ticket booking available online). The journey takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis from Linate to the city centre cost around €12-20 depending on traffic conditions. The minimum charge is €12. If you are going to the centre, ignore all the guys standing at the exit to the terminal saying "taxi"... they are for destinations outside central Milan (i.e., outlying cities) and will charge a minimum of €70. Queues for regular taxis can get long during peak commuter hours (early evening) and are particularly bad during Fashion Week.

A new metro line, MM4, is being built to connect the Linate Airport terminal directly with San Babila in the city centre in June 2023.

Orio al Serio Airport [ edit ]

The Orio Shuttle , from Orio Airport to Milano Centrale station is probably the best choice. Departure times may vary, but buses generally run every half hour during the day, less often at night, and take about 1 hour or more. However, beware of cutting things too fine, because the highway to Milan is very crowded during weekdays. Adult one-way fare starts from €4. Tickets are sold in Orio Al Serio Airport in Bergamo and at the Central Train Station in Milan. Be at the Milan bus stop at least 15 minutes before the nominal departure time, or you may get left behind. Tickets can be purchased online, but sellers at the airport and train station will offer 3 tickets for price of 2. Zani Viaggi also run a bus service from Bergamo Airport to Milano Centrale station with a stop at the Cascina Gobba MM2 station on the North Eastern outskirts of Milan. Adult fare: €9ish one way. Tickets sold at an office in the airport or online.

There are several other bus shuttle companies that offer direct bus service from Bergamo airport to Milan central, Malpensa and Linate airport. It is advisable to not buy the bus tickets online beforehand, because then the passenger has no choice but to wait for the bus that he/she has booked. Once you get out of the customs area, there are a lot of kiosks and agents, who will offer bus tickets to city center at €9 return, or €5 one-way. This gives flexibility to choose the first departing bus, instead of waiting at the airport.

You can also take a shuttle bus, a regular bus or taxi to Bergamo railway station (about 15-25 minutes from the airport), and a train from there to Milan. Buses to Bergamo are run by the local transport agency ATB at a cost of €2.60 . Trains from Bergamo to Milan run every 30–60 minutes and take around 1 hour. Adult one-way fare is €5.80 (faster and more direct train, arrives in Milano Centrale) or €4.50 (arriving in Milano Porta Garibaldi) depending on the chosen route.

By train [ edit ]

Milan is served by two major national companies: Trenitalia and NTV (usually known by its commercial name Italo ), both of which are based at Milano Centrale. It is also served by other long-distance companies, such as SNCF. Finally, regional transport is managed by Trenord , which runs the entire regional train network.

Milano Centrale [ edit ]

(Trains from Paris normally take seven hours, but the route is blocked by a landslide at Modane in French Savoy. Workaround routes, eg via Annecy, take much longer. This is expected to continue to summer 2024.)

The station building itself is worth a visit being a masterpiece of rationalist architecture, and was extensively renovated in 2008. (Try as they might, they couldn't altogether erase the word "fascisti" from the imposing facade.) There are lots of small shops and cafes, both "landside" and "trainside" of the ticket barriers. There's a supermarket (Sapori & Dintori Conad) in the west side of the station in the basement, and internet points in the main square outside the station. The luggage store (daily 06:00-23:00) charges €6 for the first five hours, thereafter from 6 to 12 hours €0.90/hour, from 13 hours onwards €0.40/hour. You will need to show an ID card or passport.

At night, parts of the Central Station become a sleeping area for vagrants. Usually around the station there are children aggressively targeting tourists for pickpocketing, so pay attention to your bag. The station area is not in a great part of town at night, though in the area there are a number of decent budget hotels (see Sleep below) and some business-oriented international brand hotels. In general, the area south of the station (characterised by a few skyscrapers) is a business and local government centre, pretty active during working hours but almost deserted at night.

Central Station is on Metro lines MM2 (for Castello) and MM3 (for Duomo). Taxis stops are on the side and ATM buses on the West side (IV November Square) and buses to Linate, Malpensa and Orio airports on the East side (Luigi di Savoia square).

Milano Porta Garibaldi [ edit ]

Porta Garibaldi station is on Metro lines MM2 and MM5 (see #Get_around ).

Other stations [ edit ]

Other main train stations are Lambrate (connected to MM2 metro line), Greco-Pirelli , Rogoredo (connected to MM3 metro line) and Porta Genova (connected to MM2 metro line) and Bovisa (connected to the Passante suburban commuter train link) and Domodossola (connected to MM5 metro line) . Domodossola station is very close to the city section of the Milan Exhibition Centre - fieramilanocity , also connected to the subway system by the MM1 metro line (Amendola stop).

By car [ edit ]

Milan is an important road traffic hub with motorways coming in from all directions, both from elsewhere in Italy and from nearby France and Switzerland . As elsewhere in Italy, they're toll roads operated by Società Autostrade per l'Italia . The road connections are thus excellent, but this also means a whole lot of traffic passing through (in addition to going to and from Milan itself) and road congestion is probably even more of a problem than usual around cities of this size. Going to Milan by car is not a good idea, see the #Get around section for more information.

Park and ride [ edit ]

Because of heavy traffic, it is strongly recommended not to drive in Milan during working days. Driving is much better during weekends. A recommendation is to leave your car in one of the well-marked, huge commuter car parks near several exits of Milan's motorway ringroad; they're managed by ATM and are easily connected with Milan's underground metro lines, but they close around midnight. They're near highway exits in Cascina Gobba (East), Lampugnano (North West), Molino Dorino (North West), Bonola (North West), Rho-Pero (North West), Bisceglie (South West) and San Donato (South East).

By bus [ edit ]

Milan's main bus terminal is 45.4893 9.1281 7 Lampugnano station , connected to the rest of the city by metro. The main national bus lines are operated by Autostradale . Flixbus serves domestic and international routes. Also some small companies [1] also offer international routes to / from Milan. Don't get scared by the filth of this place. Not much around. The stop for the airport bus is at 2,5 km away (Fiera Milano City)

Get around [ edit ]

By public transport [ edit ]

Azienda Trasporti Milanesi S.p.A. (ATM) operates a public transport network which is pretty efficient (especially the underground lines and the trams (streetcars)). There are three payment methods: traditional paper tickets, credit/debit cards, and app.

Tickets are available from news stands, tabaccherie (tobacconist - look for a large T sign), coffee bars, tourist information offices as well as automatic ticket machines in metro stations, and come in the following variations:

• Single ticket – €2.20
• 24h ticket – €7.60
• 3 day ticket – €13.00
• 7 day ticket – €19.50
• "Carnet" of 10 single trips – €19.50; beware that unlike in cities in neighbouring France or Switzerland, these 10 rides cannot be shared between two or more people, meaning most visitors will be much better off buying one of the other ticket types depending on the duration of their stay.

If your journey starts with the Metro, you can also use contactless credit/debit cards and in this case fees are limited so that you do not pay more than the 24 hr rate on any day. If you are staying for a few days it is cheaper to buy a paper 3 day or weekly ticket. Only certain turnstiles are equipped with card readers so look for the orange signage. Keep in mind that the M2 has stations outside the urban fare zone, for which the ticket price is higher depending on the fare you start, terminate or pass through your journey. These tickets works just the same way as the normal urban ticket and can be used on multiple means in a time interval from validation that depends on the ticket fare (the higher the price, the further you can ho outside the city and the longer the ticket will be valid). [2]

There is an ATM app for iOS and Android that you can use to buy single or daily tickets.

When boarding the bus or tram or entering the metro system through the turnstiles, you need to validate your ticket by pushing it into a ticket machine. For single tickets, the machine will print time and date on the ticket and from that time it's valid for 90 minutes. During that time the ticket allows unlimited travel on trams and buses, one entry to the metro (you may transfer between metro lines but not exit) and one ride on the urban part of the suburban train.

There are still three different types of ticket machines on trams and buses. To validate the new-style paper with magnetic strip tickets (these should be the only ones that you will ever be sold) you need to use the orange and yellow machines. If you have a new magnetic credit-card type ticket, you should validate it every time you board on a new bus or a streetcar as well.

By metro [ edit ]

The Metro (short for Metropolitana , the logo is a big white M on a red background) has four lines, each commonly identified by a color as shown below, and is the best way to get around Milan. The lines are:   M1   ( rossa );   M2   ( verde );   M3   ( gialla );   M4   ( blu );   M5   ( lilla ). The M4 is partially complete, with more sections to open mid-2024, and many other extensions of existing lines are under construction. The subway network is the most extensive in Italy (lines split into different sections and its 113 stations cover most areas of town). During peak hours trains run every 2 minutes on M1 and M2, every 4 minutes on M3 and on M5. Service starts around 6:00AM and the last trains run around midnight. From midnight to 6:00AM there is a substitute bus line (NM1, NM2, NM3 - M5 line doesn't have a bus line) running every 30 minutes. Take into account that the NM2 travels only inside Milan proper, between the station of Cascina Gobba and Abbiategrasso, while the NM1 travels between Molino Dorino and Sesto San Giovanni (excluding Rho and Rho Fieramilano) and between Bisceglie and Cadorna (where you can transfer for further stops along the M1 line).

By tram [ edit ]

Trams ( streetcars ) run above-ground on rail lines running through the streets.

Being above ground means you get a view of what you're passing, so if you don't need to go far, they're convenient and fun. Some tram lines are operated by the ultramodern 'jumbo' yellow tram, others are run by orange antique traditional carriages (older than many in museums in other cities) with wooden panelling inside and glass chandeliers. Most tram stops have electronic information panels with indications of how many minutes to wait before the next available service and a line scheme with all stops. Tickets are not available on board, but there are electronic dispensers in all metro stations, or buy them from newsagent kiosks in metro stations.

ATM also organizes dinners on a special restaurant tram (ATMosfera) , you can enjoy your dinner while strolling the city on the old streetcar.

Buses should probably be your third public transport option. Equally comfortable, rather punctual and clean with many routes to choose from. Lines usually stop between midnight and 2AM, however, some lines, especially in the suburbs, end their service earlier. There are 11 lines (N6, N15, N24, N27, N42, N50, N54, N57, N80, N90/91 and N94) that run every night with a frequency of 30 minutes, connecting the city center to suburbs and most major streets. In any case check your route and timetable in advance if you want to travel late at night.

From 8PM to 2AM a special shuttle service is operated by ATM, called Radiobus , an on-call bus accessible only by pre-booking. Radiobus is a good, cheap and efficient alternative to taxis. You may book them by phone at 02 4803 4803 at least 20 minutes in advance (a couple of hours is better). The bus will stop at a dedicated place (these have an hexagonal panel with blue writing RADIOBUS and telephone number on white) and will leave you virtually any place. Memorize the pick-up location. The driver will wait for ladies to enter the home door as a courtesy. Costs €2 per person. You may buy the tickets in advance, or pay on the bus.

Several buses connect suburban cities and towns surrounding Milan. Some are managed by ATM. You can travel on most of them with an inter-urban ticket (biglietto interurbano) which are sold in two forms: including travel in Milan or without. In the without form you can only go to the end of the line, while with the cumulative version you can transfer to any ATM line. There are several rules and distance limits which apply, so be aware of them when you purchase your ticket.

Most bus stops have electronic information panels with indications on how many minutes to wait before the next available service.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis can be expensive and drivers are allowed to pick passengers up from designated taxi ranks, through phone bookings and directly from the sidewalk of a street. The main taxi companies can be reached at 02.40.40, 02.69.69 or 02.80.80, or alternatively, from a land line dial 848.814.781 to be connected to the nearest taxi stand. If you book a taxi by phone you'll start paying from the moment the driver accepts the call and comes to pick you up.

Local law define some fixed fee trips: Milan to Malpensa Airport €70, Malpensa Airport-Rho Fair €55, Malpensa Airport-Linate Airport €85, Linate Airport-Milan Fair €40. All fees are intended for a one-way, non-stop trip; taxi waiting time and booking are extras. A surcharge will apply in the evenings so don't be surprised if the meter has €6+ on it when you enter, even if at a taxi-stand.

The Suburban Railway System or S-lines (the logo is a big green S on a blue background) includes a special line known as Passante ferroviario (railway link), considered Milan's fifth subway line (although trains run every 6 mins), and has eight more lines, each identified by a number (S1, S2, S5, S6, S12, S13 through Passante Ferroviario and S3, S4, S8, S9, S11 through other railways), connecting metro area towns with Milan. Suburban trains run less often than Metro trains (usually every 30 minutes or 1 hour) but, as some lines share tracks and stations, you can expect as many as 10 trains per hour in central Milan between Lancetti and Porta Vittoria stations. Suburban Railway 'S' Lines are usually marked in blue on subway maps. The Passante is not heavily used by the Milanese and in non-peak hours stations can be deserted so would not be recommended for lone (and particularly female) travellers.

Keep in mind that every Trenord ticket with destination Milan will allow you to use every railways inside the city up to 6 hours from validation

Driving is definitely not a good idea to get into the city centre. Like most major cities traffic is a considerable problem, not to mention the hassle of parking. During working hours traffic is often blocked, inside the city as well as on the highway ring surrounding it. It is much better at night, but you'll probably have problems finding a place to leave the car near enough to nightlife attractions.

If you must drive in Milan make sure you have an up-to-date map showing the many one-ways present in the city.

Traffic congestion fee [ edit ]

Since January 1, 2008, cars entering Milan's central area within the former walls of the city ( cerchia dei navigli ) must pay a fee (€2,€3, €5 or €10 depending on the engine and age of the car), the fee and the fee area are both known as Area C . There are no exemptions for foreign cars (cars with a foreign licence plate).

There are cameras in all entrances to this area and all registration plates are recorded. Payment can be made by purchasing entrance cards at newspaper stands, online or by SMS (call 020202 for information). Failure to pay within 48 hours from entering the area implies a fine of €75.

Car sharing [ edit ]

There are two car sharing services in the city, Car2Go and Enjoy . With a small rental, from 25 to 29 cents per minute, it's possible to rent a Smart car or a Fiat 500, respectively, in order to move freely within the city. There are no extra costs, and even the congestion charge is included in the rent.

On foot [ edit ]

Walking is definitely a possibility, and although Milan is a large city, many of the main tourist attractions are within an easy and pleasant walk from one another. Several tourist hot spots, such as the Corso Vittorio Emanuele or the Via Dante are pedestrian-only, so walking shouldn't be a problem. No matter how hot the day, you'll see elegantly dressed people of both sexes in timeless fashion without a drop of sweat. There are many places to sit, apart from the ubiquitous cafes, especially in the parks. Get a decent map of the city before setting out though, as the roads do not always maintain a straight line, and the various piazzas can be confusing to the newcomer. In the many parks, there are dog-only areas, but be careful when walking as the two things you will see on the ground in the streets are cigarette ends and dog faeces.

By bike [ edit ]

Bikes are available through the bike sharing service BikeMI . You can register for annual or temporary subscriptions at any BikeMi station. If you register for a temporary subscription (weekly or daily), a user code, along with your password, will be sent to the e-mail address, chosen during your registration. Your codes are active as soon as you receive them. BikeDistrict is a website that offers cycling directions to get around safely in the city. Entering the departure and destination addresses, BikeDistrict finds the best itinerary for bikes, avoiding as far as possible cobblestones, tram rails, busy streets and the routes which are potentially dangerous for cyclists. The suggested route is displayed on a map and colored according to the cycling level of every street, together with real-time information about bike sharing stations and with the location of cycling-related services, such as bike repair shops.

Talk [ edit ]

As you would expect of a city in Italy, the main language in Milan is Italian . However, the traditional language in Milan is the Milanese dialect of the Lombard language, which is not mutually intelligible with standard Italian. You may still hear Milanese being spoken by some of the elderly in the outskirts of the city, but in general it is moribund. That being said, there is a wealth of literature in the Milanese dialect, so those with a deep interest in Milanese culture may consider learning it. English is widely spoken.

See [ edit ]

There are many things to see in Milan - from fine churches, old palaces, excellent museums, world class theatres and opera houses, cultural gems, striking buildings, sleek modern architectural works and lovely streets and squares.

Milan has some of the oldest churches in Italy, older than the ones in Rome because Milan was the capital of the Northern part of the late Roman Empire. The cathedral, Duomo is the symbol and the heart of Milan. Santa Maria delle Grazie in the Western part of the city is the home for Leonardo da Vinci's painting The Last Supper and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those passionate about art Milan offers a large variety of art museums , mainly of Italian Renaissance and Baroque. Note, though, that most museums are closed on Mondays.

For long periods Milan has been surrounded by walls , built during the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the rule of the Habsburg. Many of the gates are still there and well worth a visit. During the centuries some of them have been completely annihilated and many are built on the same place as a former gate. There are seven gates standing dating from various ages. Clockwise from 12 o'clock they are: Porta Nuova, Porta Venezia (formerly called Porta Orientale and Porta Renza), Porta Romana, Porta Ticinese (two gates; one closer to Duomo and one further out), Porta Sempione and Porta Garibaldi (formerly Porta Comasina).

Despite not having as much greenery as some cities, Milan offers several parks and gardens , scattered all over the city. Maybe the most visited of them is Parco Sempione, also home to the Sforzesco Castle. Many smaller and less-famous parks can be found in the southern part of the city.

Not all points of interest are right in the absolute centre - some of the most wonderful gems can be found near the outskirts or even outside of Milan.

Do [ edit ]

• Exhibitions - Many exhibitions are held during the year, ranging from wines to computers, industrial equipment and chocolate. The fieramilanocity is the old exhibitions ground in central Milan a few km northwest of Duomo (MM1 Amendola Fiera or MM1 Lotto - Fiera 2 Stations), the new fairgrounds of fieramilano are in Rho (northwest of Milan, MM1 Rho Fiera Station, A4 highway Pero exit).
• La Scala , one of the world's most famous opera houses, is in Milan. It also hosts classical music concerts. Other places to enjoy classical music include Teatro dal Verme, Auditorium di Milano and the Giuseppe Verdi conservatory.
• If you like theater and preferably understand Italian, there are a couple of theater houses in Milan. Piccolo Teatro di Milano has three theaters, Teatridithalia - Elfo e Portaromana Associati has two.
• From Torre Branca and the roof of Duomo you have good views of the city - certainly worth taking a couple of photos of.
• Watch football: The city has two teams playing soccer in Serie A, Italy's top tier, AC Milan and Internazionale. They share the San Siro stadium, capacity 80,000, which is 3 km west of city centre with its own metro stop. Matches between the two teams are known as the Derby della Madonnina , which while lacking the intensity of its counterpart in Rome, is also a fairly heated one, with occasional crowd violence between the supporters.
• Watch basketball: If your prefer basketball, the city features Olimpia Milano, one of Italy's most storied teams. It plays in Lega Basket Serie A domestically, and is one of the clubs that plays every year in the continent-wide EuroLeague. However, the team's arena is outside the area covered by this page; for more details, see Grande Milano – Do .

Events [ edit ]

• If you're into Italian fashion , there are few if any better shopping destinations than Milan. All the usual suspects have their brand stores in the historical center. Moreover, Milan Fashion Week , one of the "big four" fashion industry events in the world are held twice yearly (Feb-Mar and Sep-Oct).
• If you're into Salone del Mobile , Considered the most important fair in the world of Design.
• Corteo dei Re Magi . Jan 6, yearly . A parade in Milan featuring the Biblical Three Wise Men who visited Jesus on Epiphany.  

Buy [ edit ]

Milan, being a worldwide trendsetter, is a fashion shoppers' paradise.

There is pretty much every form of shopping in this city that one can imagine: from the designer's prestigious emporia, retail giants' outlets, small entrepreneur's tiny and funky boutiques, to second-hand average shops.

The main shopping area is the so-called Fashion Quadrangle ( quadrilatero della moda ), a set of blocks roughly between Duomo Square (Piazza Duomo), Cavour Square (Piazza Cavour) and San Babila Square (Piazza San Babila). Here in Montenapoleone Street (with prime brand shops), Della Spiga Street, Vittorio Emanuele Street, Sant' Andrea Street, Porta Venezia avenue and Manzoni Street, it contains the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world. Everything reeks of ostentation and the splendor of a chic, fashionable lifestyle. Shop windows shine, exhibiting the trendiest shoes, coolest glasses, funkiest dresses, most glamorous clothes, and most luxurious crystal chandeliers.

Shopping districts [ edit ]

For people wanting to spend a bit less while still buying beautiful pieces, other areas are better. One of these is Corso Vercelli (MM1 Pagano , MM1 Conciliazione subway stations), another one is Corso Buenos Aires (MM1 Porta Venezia , MM1 Lima , MM1/MM2 Loreto subway stations), reputed as being the longest shopping street of Europe.

The Brera district ( Lanza , or Montenapoleone metro stops) is also not to be missed for trendy and young, yet stylish, boutiques. The Brera district is great for other things, such as browsing through traditional rare art stores and galleries, sipping a hot drink at a refined-air cafe, attending a funky disco, or looking for exotic furniture. However, today, there are a lot of young designers who have up-and coming boutiques, which are slightly less expensive than their Montenapoleone counterparts, but are quite fashionable and of high quality. The Brera district is great because it combines chic, old-air shops, with zeitgeist, modernist and youthful ones. Jewelry stores include Papic oro e argento or Alcozer & J. Bijoux, fashion shops include Accessori or Laura Ashley, and furniture stores include Zohar or Lucitalia.

Also in the Centro Storico are the Piazza del Duomo, Via Dante, Piazza San Babila, and the Corso Giacomo Matteotti which are excellent shopping places. In the Galleria, you get brand fashion stores, two bookstores (Rizzoli and Libreria Bocca) and a silverware store called Bernasconi plus a Gucci cafe (and many, many more!). In the Corso Giacomo, you can find Abercrombie & Fitch, in Piazza del Duomo you have Grimoldi, Ruggeri, Donna and La Rinascente department store, in Piazza San Babila you can find Upim, Eddy Monetti, Guess and Valextra, and there are loads of shops in the Via Dante, so there are really heaps of shopping opportunities in this area.

For hipsters, there's the elongated Porta Ticinese area , especially on Saturday, when the flea market Fiera di Senigallia takes place near Porta Genova MM2 subway and train station. This is a great place to wander and browse, and save money if you've somehow survived Milan's high end boutiques. Sort through new and second-hand clothes, old furniture, fake art nouveau lamps, perfumed candles and every kind of essence, books, comics, records, videos and DVDs. In the Corso Ticense, several shops, such as Diesel, RVM Orologi, Dress, Energie, Colors & Beauty, Tintoria La Boutique, Blu Max, Le Jean Marie, Brazilian, Ethic, L'Uomo outlet, Les Tropezziennes, Atelier Cucine e ..., Panca's Show Room, or Cinius (and loads more) are present. There are also several banks and post offices, such as the Banca Popolare and Poste Italiane, and a CTS Viaggi travel agency. Thus, with so many shops, you can keep your shopping bags full, and browse even further.

The other market in Milan is the Mercatone del Naviglio Grande. This takes place along the Alzaia Naviglio Grande on the last Sunday of each month. Dedicated to antiques, the market has over 400 exhibitors, so you're certain to find something that catches your eye.

Eat [ edit ]

Although Milan is a city that changes its mind as quickly as fashion trends come and go, it remains one of the strongest bastions of traditional Italian cooking, where homemade elements are still very much praised and appreciated. There are trattorias, enoteche (wine bars) and restaurants (including luxury ones) everywhere that offer traditional Milanese and Italian dishes to eat. This city's traditional cooking is based on filling dishes like osso buco (braised veal shanks) and risotto alla milanese (chicken-broth risotto made with saffron).

Dining times tend to be a shade earlier than in Rome or Florence, with lunch generally served between 12:30 and 14:30 and dinner from 19:30 to 21:30. Dinner, and sometimes lunch, are usually preceded by that great Milanese institution, the aperitivo—a glass of sparkling wine or a Campari soda in a sophisticated hotel bar.

Avoid the restaurants around the Duomo: they tend to be tourist-only spots, with low-quality food at inflated prices. Be aware that most restaurants charge an extra "serving tax" or "table rent", called coperto , of about €2 per consumer. Also avoid restaurants or cafes around the central station, where it has been reported that hidden serving tax can be up to €5 per person with cheap quality food.

There is much confusion regarding tipping in Italy. Italians do not typically leave tips at restaurants. In touristy locations there will often be a line left blank for a tip to be added. Just draw a line through it and leave a couple of euros. Never leave tips at bar counters.

Breakfast [ edit ]

In bars you can enjoy great caffè espresso, cappuccino and a brioche for as little as €2. At bars in the Duomo and San Babila areas, breakfast can be very expensive if you sit down. If in doubt go to the bar and eat there, you'll pay what the Italians do- and they will admire your audacity too.

Fast food [ edit ]

Milan, as a big city, is filled with several different forms of fast-foods, from the foreign giants and national chains, to independently owned take-aways and sandwich bars. Most fast-food restaurants are found in the Duomo, Buenos Aires and central station areas, as these are the most crowded and busy ones in the city. In the Piazza Duomo and Galleria, one can find international fast-foods such as McDonald's and Burger King , but Italian chains of the Autogrill group such as Spizzico and Ciao and Autogrill can be found all over the city. There are several Ciao outlets in places such as no. 12 Corso Europa or no. 54 Via Montebianco, and for McDonald's, you get a restaurant in the Piazza del Duomo and Galleria, and also some in the Corso Buenos Aires, plus some others in places such as Corso Vercelli or Piazzale Lotto. Other fast-foods which can be found in Milan include Garbagnati ( Cordusio metro station) which is a self-service restaurant and bakery, which has several vegetarian courses, or the Luini ( Duomo metro station) which is a restaurant which is famous for making Southern Italian-style pieces of dough with mozzarella and tomatoes inside.

Pizza [ edit ]

Although Milan cannot claim to be the birthplace of pizza, (that claim belongs to Naples), you can still find good pizzas in Milan. The best areas for pizza are near Via Marghera , and on the Navigli . Also the northeastern outskirts of the city have some good and non-touristy pizza places.

Expect to pay €8-15 for a pizza and a beer. In Milan, pizza is often eaten with a knife and fork, but of course eating with one's hands is possible and welcome. Most people do both.

Watch out for frozen pizza in Milan (it usually states it on the menu). Always check the restaurant has a wood burning oven and that they are using it.

Aperitivo [ edit ]

Milan has established a local version of the Aperitivo or Happy Hour. Italians drink very moderately and "happy hour" is not a drinking, but a social event.

Roughly from 19:00 to 21:00, many bars offer drinks and cocktails at a fixed price (€5-8 each), accompanied by free all-you-can-eat buffets with snacks, pastas, and many other small appetizers. But be careful not to confuse "aperitivo" with "free dinner". It's a snack to be enjoyed with a drink. Italians will immediately see you as a buffoon- and it's seen as tacky to fill up on finger food for dinner, although it's common to spot them doing so.

A whole lot of these places can be found in Southern Milan. Another great area for aperitivo, not far from Duomo, is Corso Buenos Aires .

Snacks [ edit ]

In summer enjoy gelato , excellent Italian ice cream. The quality mark gelato artigianale ("artisanal ice cream") indicates gelaterias that produce their own ice creams, without industrial processing.

Bakeries are open every day, you can enjoy great and inexpensive bread-related food, such as pizza and focaccia. You can find a bakery almost everywhere in Milan, even in the Duomo area, and is a good alternative to bars for a fast lunch.

Drink [ edit ]

There are plenty of bars and cafés in Milan of all kinds - from fancy old-fashioned ones, where you can enjoy a formal hot drink, to avant-garde modern places, and youthful spots for a happy hour/late-night drink. Some also offer some food too.

Milan by night [ edit ]

Milan has a great variety of places where you can have fun. A great starting point is Corso Como , near Garibaldi Station, full of bars and glamorous clubs. In the summertime, this street is packed with young and attractive people.

Another place where you can go is the Navigli quarter , near Porta Ticinese Avenue and XXIV Maggio Square, where you can find a lot of small pubs, open air cafes and restaurants by the water canals ( navigli ). In many pubs and bars you can find a free booklet named Zero2 which is a guide to Milan Nightlife: if you don't know what to do or where to go, do grab one!

Other popular night spots with bars and people are Viale Monte Nero (on Wednesday it's packed with people in the piazza in front of a bar called "Momo"), and Piazzale Susa (and nearby Citta' Studi area). In the Centro Storico , nights are overwhelmingly crowded at the Colonne di San Lorenzo (not far from Navigli quarter), and in the cozy Latin-quarter of Brera. Another good spot is the pedestrian part of Corso Sempione near the Peace Arch ( Arco della Pace ).

There are bars and clubs open all week long but usually few people go out at night on Mondays or Tuesdays, the vast majority prefer to have fun on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. However, Wednesday night appears to be one of the coolest to go out in stylish VIP-frequented clubs.

Milan has an alternative club scene, with a few crews making electronic music parties outside clubs. Ultracheap, every time in a different location (lofts, warehouses, farms, pools, city parks) those kind of parties attract people aged 20–28. The biggest one is called RESET! [dead link] and attracts 1500-2000 people once a month.

LGBT travellers [ edit ]

Although Milan has a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants and venues for gay and lesbian travellers, many only operate one night a week. Choosing from one of the "mainstays" listed in the district articles and asking anyone where to go should lead you in the right direction. Also, venues are not concentrated in one area of town, but rather spread throughout the city.

Foreign travellers are often confused by the ARCI card regime that is required for entry into many clubs. It's a relic from the times of police raids that has now conferred tax benefits on these private club owners. No need to fear—just show up and purchase one at any of the clubs. You must bring some ID or you cannot purchase one.

Open air meeting places such as Parco Nord, the gardens behind Cadorna station or Ortomercato are not recommended (criminals and hustlers). The safest way to cruise is to take the late night metro and get into the second-last coach, which is usually occupied by the gays and lesbians.

• 45.438312 9.20607 1 Plastic , Via Gargano, 15, Milano . a very special club, where he spent a lot of time from Andy Warhol to Giorgio Armani and Dolce e Gabbana. It is located in the coolest area of ​​the city, Milano Sud. ( updated Jan 2021 )

Sleep [ edit ]

In the area just south of the Central railway station you can find a dense concentration of hotels. This is a rather shabby part of the city where you can run into dubious individuals especially at nighttime. On the other hand, the hotels are clean and safe, for the most part streets are lit and the metro station isn't far away. If you are arriving by car, save on accommodation expenses by staying at a hotel further away from the centre, preferably close to a metro station.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Unless you venture into the dangerous suburbs, Milan is a rather safe city. Certain areas near Loreto, the central railway station, and Porto di Mare (Southern end of the yellow metro line) can be unsafe at night . At the station, do not seek help from any random person offering to help with the booking machines or ATMs or under any other pretext. After they have helped, they will pursue you to get as much money as possible for their "help". Or they can pretend to be helpful, cheating instead. A possible scenario: they guide you through the interface of the ticket machine in a metro station, and advice you to pay using notes instead of coins (allegedly the ticket machine wouldn't accept coins). If you insert a €20 note, the machine would give it back after a few moments. However, before it happens, they will grab your attention saying that the ticket should appear in the bottom of the machine, and simultaneously an old beggar with body odor will appear begging for money. You wouldn't notice it but the beggar will collect the €20 note that the machine would give back to you. The "helper" would then show to you that the maximum amount of change given by the machine is less than €10. Pickpockets are active in busy places, incusing on metro trains.

Milan is home to two rival football (soccer) clubs; AC Milan and Internazionale . While not as heated as its counterpart in Rome , the Milan Derby ( Derby della Madonnina ) is still a rather intense one, and rioting has been known to occur between the supporters of the two rival clubs. Avoid wearing anything that identifies you as a supporter of either team whenever possible, and should you be supporting one of them on matchday, be careful not to wander into a groups of supporters of the other club. Also be sure to avoid wearing Juventus shirts, as they have a very heated rivalry with Internazionale, and doing so may result in you being targeted for violence by Inter fans, particularly on match days.

Beware of the migrant vendors in the streets: most of the merchandise they sell is imitation/fake luxury goods . Even at a fraction of the cost of the original merchandise, the quality is spotty, and the goods are not well maintained in storage. Remember that it's illegal to bring pirated goods into some countries and therefore such souvenirs might get even more expensive when trying to bring them home.

They may also try giving you "free" friendship bracelets (sometimes calling them 'a gift'). After you take the bracelet, a coloured piece of string, they will hit you up for money and relentlessly pursue you until they get as much as they can. They will be forceful, physically tying the bracelet to your wrist, or laying it on your shoulder as you try and walk away. This is especially true in the tourist areas around the Duomo and Castello Sforzesco . They usually first ask "Where are you from?" Just ignore them. In empty places, watch for strangers directly approaching you. Try to be with other people like in a bus station or a shopping mall.

Beware of people hanging around the square outside Duomo: they will walk up to you and forcefully give you corn on the hands to feed the pigeons on the pretence that they are free. All the pigeons in the surrounding area will then fly to you. The people will then relentlessly pursue you and ask you for money.

Be careful crossing the street: drivers don't usually respect pedestrian crossings unless there is a red light for them to stop.

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sept 2021, Milan has 4G from Iliad and 5G from the other Italian carriers.

The city has free Wifi through Open WiFi Milano [dead link] though you need to register.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Lake Como — A huge, impressive, beautiful lake in the foothills of the Alps. See the villages of Como , Lierna , Bellagio & Varenna . Como can be reached by regular trains (50 minutes from Cadorna station; 40 minutes from Milano Centrale) and buses.
• Monza — Medium-size town with a beautiful pedestrian-only centre (local museum housing the medieval crown of the Longobard kings) and a marvellous park, Parco di Monza , the largest enclosed park in Europe. Inside the park there is the Autodromo Nazionale where the Formula 1 GP, Superbike and other minor races take place. Accessible by regular trains (15 minutes from Centrale or Porta Garibaldi stations) and buses.
• Bergamo — Elegant walled hilltop Renaissance university town. Bergamo is serviced by regular trains (from Centrale, Porta Garibaldi and Lambrate stations, about 1 hour trip time) and buses.
• Crespi d'Adda — A planned industrial city between Bergamo and Milan. It has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List .

• Lake Garda — Beautiful lake with a lot of beautiful small cities, the best is Sirmione . Two big theme parks are nearby: Gardaland , the best in Italy, and Canevaworld Resort , home of Movieland (a movie theme park) and a water park. Accessible by way of regular trains (65–85 minutes from Centrale station) and buses. Very crowded during summer and weekends.
• Iseo — picture-perfect Italian town, sandwiched between the imposing Rhaetian Alps and crystal-blue waters of the eponymous lake, boasts an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval castle. From Iseo you can also take a ferry boat and reach Monte Isola , the highest European lake island and the largest Italian one.
• Oltrepò Pavese — Wine region of Lombardy, about 70 km to the south of Milan, worth a day or weekend trip to relax, walk or cycle and have the Italian Sunday brunch at one of the excellent local restaurants.
• Serravalle Scrivia , Via della Moda, no. 1 ( Serravalle Scrivia exit in the A7 Milan - Genoa autostrada. Reachable by A26/7 autostrada link or Arquata Scrivia railway station (Milan - Genoa) ), ☏ +39 01-4360-9000 . All days: 10AM - 8PM . One of the biggest shopping outlets in Europe, containing 180 stores, despite being 1 hours' drive from the city and in the Piedmont region, it is definitely worth a visit if you're a shopping fan. And it has a very pleasant feel because it is more like a mini-town than an actual outlet, with Italian-style piazzas and pretty alleyways, surrounded by rolling hills and a lovely local countryside, and absent of cars. With over 20 million visitors having come ever since its opening in 2000, you can find luxurious designer names, such as Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Diesel, Roberto Cavalli, Ferragamo, Timberland, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Geox, Swatch, Bulgari, Swarovski, and several more (at bargain prices)! Then, if you want to have a meal, you can stop for some fast-foods at Burger King or the Italian Spizzico, have an ice-cream or sip at a drink in a café. Despite the slightly long trip, it makes a truly great day out, and is heaven for any fashionista or passionate shopper! Tour company-operated buses, including one that leaves from near the Castle, will take you there and back (roughly €20 for the round-trip as of early 2008). Reputed to be the first designer outlet in Italy and the biggest in Europe. Over 180 stores stock clothing, footwear and accessories, and it has a parking with 3,000 parking lots, a children's playground, bars and restaurants.  
• Excursions without a car: You don't need a car to escape from the business, the traffic, the congestion, the fog in wintertime, and the afa (humid heat in summer), of the city of Milan to a wonderful world of lakes, mountains, castles and good food: just take the train and, sometimes, the boat.
• Biking Trips: Beginning at the 24th May Square (Piazza 24 Maggio) there is an excellent and very long bike road on the right (northern) bank of the canal. Be aware to take the Naviglio Grande (going west on the northern bank of the canal) and follow it as long as you want. After few kilometers you'll reach the nice Chiesetta di San Cristoforo, a popular spot for marriages. If you are well trained, proceed through the countryside. About 10 km to Gaggiano, a very nice and tiny village, and 20 km to Abbiategrasso. If you are still in the mood for riding, follow the canal on the right and reach Robecco sul Naviglio.
• Martesana bike road: near via De Marchi departs the Martesana cycle path. Martesana is an artificial channel and the bike road follows its path up to Cassano D'Adda (32 km one way). This itinerary offers great views on old villas and mills along the quiet canal. In Cassano D'Adda the bike path joins the Adda bike way, which runs up to Lecco (60 km) following the Adda river.

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