Things To Do
in Milan
Milan is Italy's design and fashion capital, where centuries-old landmarks sit alongside cutting-edge architecture. The city pulses with art, cuisine, and an unapologetically stylish energy, from gilded cathedrals to sleek modern districts. Its timeless piazzas and canals blend with vibrant neighborhoods like Brera and Navigli, creating a city that moves fast but rewards slow exploration.
Expect efficient transit, top-tier museums, and a culinary scene that ranges from traditional trattorie to inventive dining experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Malpensa Airport and take a sleek train into the city center. Sample a freshly brewed cappuccino at a local café near your hotel. Bask in the early sunshine as you settle in and get your first glimpse of Milan’s elegant streets.
Unpack and head out for an orientation walk through Piazza del Duomo, admiring its Gothic spires. Pause to people-watch from an outdoor table while tasting a creamy gelato. Feel the city’s vibrant pulse as you stroll along Via Torino’s lively shops.
Discover Milan’s celebrated aperitivo scene in the Navigli district alongside historic canals. Sip a spritz while nibbling on artfully crafted cicchetti. Let the gentle canal reflections and soft conversation set the tone for your Italian adventure.
Climb to the rooftop terraces of the Duomo at sunrise for a breathtaking panorama of city rooftops and the Alps beyond. Hear echoing footsteps on ancient marble as you explore flying buttresses up close. Feel the cool air and marvel at the cathedral’s intricate details.
Descend into the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for a sumptuous lunch amid mosaic floors and glass-vaulted ceilings. Browse luxury boutiques and admire historic cafés where Milanese elites have gathered for centuries. Delight in a secret courtyard tucked behind high fashion façades.
Attend an opera or ballet performance at the legendary Teatro alla Scala. Savor the hushed anticipation and the rustle of evening gowns as the curtain rises. End the night with a moonlit stroll through the twinkling Neruda arches.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍝Three-course meal for two | $40-90 |
| 🚌One-way local transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-210 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class art and fashion scenes
- Excellent dining and aperitivo culture
- Efficient public transport and walkable city center
- Crowded in peak seasons
- Higher prices in tourist areas
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Buonasera" - Good evening
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Mi scusi" - Excuse me
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Il conto, per favore" - The bill, please
- "Dov'è la stazione?" - Where is the station?
Places to Visit in Milan
Visit one of these nice places.
Gothic cathedral facade and square views; rooftop access provides sweeping city panoramas.
Glass-and-iron arcade with dramatic skylights and marble floors—perfect for architectural photography.
Medieval fortress and surrounding parklands offer strong contrast between history and green space.
Picturesque waterways, bridges, and reflected lights ideal for moody, golden-hour shots.
Iconic post-war tower with a distinctive silhouette against Milan's modern skyline.
Food in Milan
Milan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Creamy saffron-infused rice (often served as a base for risotto alla Milanese) with a rich, savory depth.
Must-Try!
Braised veal shanks served with a saffron risotto, a classic Milanese-Romagnol collaboration.
Breaded and fried veal cutlet cooked in butter, typically served with a simple accompaniment.
Traditional Milanese Christmas bread, light and fragrant, enjoyed year-round in cafes and pastry shops.
Milanese croquettes or meatballs flavored with garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modern food hall near Milano Centrale offering fresh pasta, pizza, pastries, and chef-driven bites.
Vibrant market street with fresh produce, seafood, and a variety of Asian-inspired snacks and ingredients.
One of Milan's largest daily markets featuring produce, clothing, and street food stalls; best on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera.' Handshakes are common in formal settings; expect a lighter, friendly greeting in casual encounters.
Safety
Tipping in Milan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Italy, a service charge is sometimes included in the bill. If not, leaving a small tip (about 5-10%) for good service is common but not obligatory.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas; cash is always handy for smaller shops and markets. Carry some euros for taxis and casual eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; great for outdoor cafes and walking tours. Expect a mix of sunny days and short showers.
Hot and often humid with occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated and seek shade or air-conditioned venues. Evenings are pleasant for strolls in central districts.
Comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage; fashion events and harvest foods in markets are common.
Cold with occasional rain or light snow; festive markets in December and plenty of indoor activities like museums and cafes.
Milan at Night
Hiking in Milan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Alpine-style trails in the Grigne range near Lecco, with scenic ridges and craggy viewpoints suitable for day hikes.
Gentle to moderate trails with panoramic lake views, located north of Milan near Lecco.
Accessible from Milan for longer hikes around Como and Maggiore regions, offering lake-front trails and alpine scenery.
Airports
How to reach Milan by plane.
Main international gateway, about 50–60 km from the city. Accessible by Malpensa Express train and highway.
Close to the city center, primarily serving domestic and European flights; well-connected by public transport and taxi.
Northeast of Milan; a popular low-cost option with bus/rail connections to the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A diverse urban population including a strong local Italian community and sizable international residents and students from across Europe and beyond.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Two major clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, with fixtures at San Siro (Meazza) and a central place in the city’s sports culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Milan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Milanese cooking is meat-forward, but you can find excellent vegetarian options in Brera and Navigli. Look for risotti, pasta with vegetables, and vegetarian-friendly trattorie. In Italian, ask for 'senza carne' (without meat) or 'vegetariano/a'.