Things To Do
in Milan
This Italian city is renowned for being a global capital of fashion and design, hosting major events such as Milan Fashion Week and the Milan Furniture Fair. It's home to world-class landmarks including the gothic Duomo Cathedral, the historic Sforza Castle, and the famous La Scala Opera House.
Additionally, this city is a hub of business and finance, and its historical and modern aspects blend seamlessly, offering a unique urban experience steeped in culture, art, and innovation.
- "Ciao" - Hello
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Scusa" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $2.00
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $90
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Duomo di Milano, where you can admire its stunning Gothic architecture. Head to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city.
Visit the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for some shopping and lunch at a local café. Don't miss the chance to see La Scala, the world-renowned opera house nearby.
Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll through Sforza Castle's grounds. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Italian trattoria in the Brera district.
Begin at the Pinacoteca di Brera, home to an impressive collection of Italian art. Immerse yourself in the works of masters like Caravaggio and Raphael.
Stroll through the nearby Brera district, exploring its charming streets and artisan shops. Stop for lunch at a local bistro and taste some regional dishes.
Enjoy an evening visit to the Santa Maria delle Grazie to see da Vinci's Last Supper. Dine at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city skyline.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with numerous museums, galleries, and historical sites.
- Major fashion capital known for high-end shopping and fashion events.
- Vibrant culinary scene with diverse dining options.
- Strong economy and employment opportunities, especially in finance and design.
- Excellent public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city.
- High cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and everyday expenses.
- Traffic congestion can be a significant issue, especially during rush hours.
- Pollution and air quality concerns due to industrialization.
- Fast-paced lifestyle may be overwhelming for some residents.
- Limited green spaces compared to other European cities.
Best Activities in Milan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or rent a bike for a ride in this beautiful city park located near the Sforza Castle.
Take a walk along the picturesque Navigli canals, lined with charming cafes, bars, and restaurants, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area.
Explore the city on a guided bike tour to see famous landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant neighborhoods while enjoying the fresh air and sunny weather.
Tours
Uncover the best of Milan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Milan
Visit one of these nice places.
One of the largest cathedrals in Italy, offering stunning panoramic views from its rooftop.
An impressive fortress with a large city park offering picturesque views of the city.
Two residential towers with over 900 trees and 5,000 shrubs, providing unique and green views.
A panoramic terrace located within the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, perfect for capturing the city's skyline.
Food in Milan
Milan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy saffron-infused risotto, often accompanied by a tender osso buco (braised veal shanks), is a classic Milanese dish. It's a must-try at local trattorias like Trattoria Masuelli San Marco.
Must-Try!
This is a breaded and fried veal cutlet, a Milanese specialty that can be savored at historic locales such as Casa Fontana.
A sweet bread filled with candied fruits and raisins, traditionally enjoyed during festive seasons. Pasticceria Marchesi is a renowned spot for tasting authentic Panettone.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Milan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where locals shop for fresh produce, cheese, meats, and other delectable products. It's a great place to experience Milan's food culture first-hand.
This 19th-century bakery serves up delicious panzerotti, a fried dough filled with various savory fillings, making it a popular spot for grabbing a quick and tasty street food snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Milan, it is important to dress well and elegantly, especially when visiting religious sites, dining out, or attending cultural events. Avoid wearing casual or sporty attire in these settings.
When greeting someone in Milan, it is customary to shake hands firmly, make direct eye contact, and use titles such as 'signore' (Mr.) or 'signora' (Mrs.) followed by the individual's last name, unless otherwise invited to use first names.
When dining in Milan, be aware that it is considered impolite to place your elbows on the table, and always wait for the host or hostess to start eating before you do. Additionally, it is common practice to keep your hands above the table and to use a fork and knife while eating, rather than just a fork.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Milan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Milan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Milan, Italy, it is customary to leave a small tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service. However, tipping is not as common or expected as it is in some other countries. Generally, leaving a 5-10% tip at restaurants is considered polite, but it is not obligatory.
In Milan, Italy, payment is commonly made in cash, especially for smaller transactions. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, but it's always good to have some cash on hand. Contactless payment methods are also becoming increasingly popular in Milan.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Milan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit due to milder temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists. Expect occasional rain showers.
Peak tourist season with hot and humid weather. Many outdoor events and festivals. Expect crowded tourist sites.
Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall foliage. Expect occasional rainfall.
Cool and sometimes foggy weather. Christmas festivities and fewer tourists. Expect occasional cold spells.
Milan at Night
Hiking in Milan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park in the heart of Milan, perfect for short hikes and nature walks. It features lakes, gardens, and art installations.
Located just outside of Milan, Monza Park offers extensive trails and beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking and cycling.
A mountain valley about 2 hours from Milan, Valmalenco offers various hiking trails with stunning views, especially popular in spring and summer.
Approximately an hour's drive from Milan, Lake Como features scenic trails that wind around the lake and up into the mountains, catering to various skill levels.
Though a bit farther away, this UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its dramatic coastal hikes between the five picturesque villages.
Located near Lake Como, the Orrido di Bellano offers easy hiking paths featuring beautiful gorges and waterfalls.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Milan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Milan by plane.
The largest international airport in Milan, located approximately 49 km northwest of the city center. It serves as a major hub for international travelers.
Located about 7 km east of Milan, Linate is closer to the city and primarily serves domestic and European flights.
Situated near Bergamo, about 45 km northeast of Milan, this airport mainly serves low-cost carriers and is a popular alternative for travelers.
Located about 160 km east of Milan, serving both international and domestic flights, it is a viable option for travelers in the northern Italy region.
Roughly 200 km southeast of Milan, this airport connects to several European destinations and is significant for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Milan, comprising native Italians and long-term residents who identify as Italian.
Includes individuals from various countries who have immigrated to Milan. Notable communities include those from Albania, Morocco, China, and the Philippines.
Children of foreign-born residents who are born and raised in Milan, often having dual cultural identities.
A significant number of students from both Italy and other countries attend universities and colleges in Milan, contributing to the demographic diversity.
An important demographic group, with many older adults residing in the city, reflecting the aging population trend.
The Soul of Milan
Discover the essence of Milan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Milan is home to two of Italy's most famous football clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, making football the most popular sport in the city.
Basketball has a strong following in Milan, with the city's team, Olimpia Milano, being one of the top teams in Italy.
Tennis is quite popular in Milan, with many clubs offering facilities and the city hosting various tournaments.
Milan promotes cycling as a mode of transport and recreation, and hosts events like the Giro d'Italia.
While not a local sport, the excitement around Formula 1 is significant, especially with the nearby Monza circuit hosting the Italian Grand Prix.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Milan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Milan caters well to vegetarians and vegans, with many restaurants offering dedicated vegetarian menus and innovative plant-based dishes. Notable establishments include Joia and Mantra Raw Vegan.
Visitors with gluten intolerances have a range of choices in Milan, with numerous eateries providing gluten-free pasta, pizza, and baked goods. Aris Bakery and Gli Orti di Brera are known for their gluten-free offerings.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Milan with these cultural adventures.
