Milan

Milan Travel Guide

Welcome to Milan, the fashion capital of Italy! This vibrant city is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, design, food, and culture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat and sleep, transportation options, and insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.

Places to Visit

Landmarks

  • Duomo: The iconic cathedral is a must-see when visiting Milan. Its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate details will leave you in awe.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 7am to 9pm (summer) or 6pm (winter)
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This beautiful shopping arcade is one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Its stunning architecture, upscale shops, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 8pm

Museums

  • Pinacoteca di Brera: This beautiful art gallery houses an impressive collection of Italian and European paintings, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Hayez.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30am to 7pm (April to October) or 9am to 5:30pm (November to March)
  • Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia: This science and technology museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and a collection of historic scientific instruments.
    • Address: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 20121 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 7pm

Parks and Gardens

  • Parco Sempione: This beautiful park is situated in the heart of Milan and offers stunning views of the city. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic or a stroll.
    • Address: Via Follo, 20123 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk

Other Attractions

  • Castello Sforzesco: This medieval castle is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Milan. Its beautiful gardens and impressive architecture make it a must-visit destination.
    • Address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 20123 Milano MI
    • Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 7pm (April to October) or 10am to 5:30pm (November to March)
  • Navigli: These historic canals are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture. Take a stroll along the waterways and admire the beautiful buildings that line them.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Milan
    • Opening Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk

Activities

Shopping

  • Fashion District: This area is home to some of the world’s most famous fashion brands, including Gucci, Prada, and Versace. Take a stroll along the streets and admire the beautiful window displays.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Milan
  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: As mentioned earlier, this shopping arcade is one of the oldest and most famous in the world. Its stunning architecture, upscale shops, and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI

Food and Drink

  • Gelato: Try some of the world’s best gelato at one of Milan’s many shops. Our favorite is Gelateria della Passera.
    • Address: Via della Passera, 20121 Milano MI
  • Pizza: Enjoy a delicious pizza at one of Milan’s many pizzerias. Our favorite is Pizzeria Trattoria al Moro.
    • Address: Via Santa Radegonda, 20123 Milano MI

Nightlife

  • Brera District: This area is home to some of Milan’s most famous bars and clubs. Take a stroll along the streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
    • Address: Various locations throughout Milan
  • Duomo Area: The area around the Duomo is also known for its nightlife, with many bars and restaurants staying open late into the night.

Where to Eat

Restaurants

  • Trattoria al Moro: This restaurant serves delicious pizza and other Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Via Santa Radegonda, 20123 Milano MI
  • Ristorante della Passera: This restaurant offers upscale Italian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
    • Address: Via della Passera, 20121 Milano MI

Cafes and Bars

  • Caffè Greco: This historic cafe is one of the oldest in Milan and serves delicious coffee and pastries.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
  • Bar Trattoria al Moro: This bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and other drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Address: Via Santa Radegonda, 20123 Milano MI

Where to Stay

Hotels

  • Hotel duomo: This hotel is located in the heart of Milan and offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop bar.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI
  • Hotel Principe di Savoia: This luxurious hotel offers upscale accommodations and a wide range of amenities.
    • Address: Via Gallia, 20124 Milano MI

Hostels

  • Hostel Milan: This hostel is located in the heart of Milan and offers affordable accommodations and a social atmosphere.
    • Address: Via dei Servi, 20121 Milano MI
  • Hostel Duomo: This hostel offers comfortable accommodations and a convenient location near the famous cathedral.
    • Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano MI

Transportation

Metro

  • Linea 1 (Red Line): This line runs from Sesto San Giovanni to Rho in the north of Milan, passing through the city center.
    • Frequency: Trains run every 2-3 minutes
  • Linea 2 (Green Line): This line runs from Cologno Monzese to Assago in the south of Milan, passing through the city center.
    • Frequency: Trains run every 5-6 minutes

Bus

  • City Sightseeing: This hop-on, hop-off bus tour takes you to all the major attractions in Milan.
    • Frequency: Buses run every 20-30 minutes
  • ATM Bus: This public bus service connects various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs.
    • Frequency: Buses run every 5-10 minutes

Taxi

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available throughout Milan, but can be expensive.
    • Frequency: Taxis are available at taxi stands or by phone reservation

Tips

Language

  • Italian: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases to help you navigate the city.
    • Useful phrases include “grazie” (thank you), “per favore” (please), and “scusa” (excuse me)

Culture

  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Italy, but a 1-2 euro tip for good service is appreciated.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting churches or other places of worship.

Safety

  • Pickpocketing: Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Scams: Be cautious of scams targeting tourists, such as fake petitions or charity requests.

Other Things to Know

Weather

  • Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring a lovely time to visit Milan.
    • Average high temperature: 18°C (64°F)
  • Summer (June to August): Warm weather and long days make summer a great time to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces.
    • Average high temperature: 28°C (82°F)

Events

  • Milan Fashion Week: This bi-annual event takes place in February and September, showcasing the latest fashion trends from Milan’s top designers.
    • Dates: Varying dates throughout the year
  • Festa dell’Unità: This annual festival celebrates Italian unity and features live music, food, and cultural events.
    • Date: Late May

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Milan!