Milan City Guide

Milan is a city where historic grandeur meets contemporary elegance. At its heart stands the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece with a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views across the Lombardy plains to the Alps. Adjacent to the cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II serves as a glass-vaulted salon of luxury, housing world-renowned boutiques and historic cafes that reflect the city's status as a global fashion capital.

Beyond the high-end shops, delve into Milan's rich artistic heritage by visiting the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie to witness Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. For a taste of local charm, wander through the cobblestone streets of the Brera district, home to the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery. End the day in the Navigli district, where the canal-side bars come alive for the quintessential Milanese aperitivo ritual.

Beyond the marble spires of the Duomo lies a city of quiet courtyards and eccentric history. Begin a morning in the Quadrilatero del Silenzio, specifically outside Villa Invernizzi. Behind its Art Nouveau gates, a flock of pink flamingos wanders through the lush private gardens, offering a surreal contrast to the bustling city streets just blocks away.

For those intrigued by the macabre, the ossuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa is a profound hidden gem. This small chapel is meticulously decorated with human bones and skulls, arranged in intricate Rococo patterns that speak to Milan’s historical depth. It is a quiet place for reflection away from the crowds of the nearby cathedral.

As evening falls, venture to Bar Basso. While well-known among cocktail aficionados, it remains a quintessential neighborhood institution. This is the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, served in oversized glasses by bartenders in traditional white coats, providing a glimpse into the timeless Milanese ritual of the aperitivo.

Milan’s efficient public transportation system, managed by ATM, is the heartbeat of the city. The underground Metro is the fastest way to traverse the urban sprawl, complemented by a charming network of vintage and modern trams that offer a more scenic route. A standard single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across all buses, trams, and subways. For those staying within the historic center, Milan is remarkably walkable, with most major landmarks like the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II located just a short stroll from one another.

Official taxis are white and can be found at designated stands or called via apps; expect a minimum fare around €6 to €10 for short city hops. While Uber operates in Milan, it is primarily limited to the more expensive Uber Black service. For a local experience, the BikeMi bike-sharing program provides a healthy way to navigate the flat streets. Travelers should note that driving in the city center is discouraged due to strict ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) regulations and limited parking.

Navigating to and from the city’s airports is straightforward. From Malpensa (MXP), the Malpensa Express train reaches the city center for €13, while a fixed-rate taxi costs approximately €110. From Linate (LIN), the M4 Metro line offers a swift connection for just €2.20, though a taxi usually costs between €20 and €35. Those arriving at Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) can take a shuttle bus for about €10, landing passengers directly at Milano Centrale station.

Milan is a global fashion powerhouse offering everything from haute couture to high-street bargains. For the ultimate luxury experience, the Quadrilatero della Moda is home to flagship stores of legendary Italian designers like Prada and Armani. Even if you aren't buying, the window displays along Via Montenapoleone are a masterclass in style.

For more accessible options, head to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II or the massive Corso Buenos Aires, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets. Those seeking unique artisan finds and local boutiques should wander through the historic Brera District or the edgy shops along Corso di Porta Ticinese near the Navigli.

Milan is world-famous for its leather goods, bespoke tailoring, and luxury accessories. Don't leave without visiting the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s oldest active shopping mall, where you can admire the stunning architecture while browsing legendary shops in a historic setting.

In Milan, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. When dining out, you will often see a coperto, a standard cover charge for bread and table service listed on the menu. If the service is exceptional and a service charge is not already included, rounding up the bill or leaving an extra five to ten percent is a gracious way to thank the staff. For a quick espresso at a bar, leaving small change is a simple and common local practice.

For other services like hotel porters or taxi drivers, modest tips are well-received; rounding up the fare or offering one or two euros per bag is standard. All transactions are in Euros (€), with a rough exchange rate of 1 EUR to 1.08 USD. Keeping small coins or bills on hand makes these gestures seamless while navigating the city's stylish streets.

The optimal months to experience Milan are from April to May and September to October. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it the perfect time to explore the city's architectural wonders and outdoor terraces. While these periods offer the most comfortable climate, travelers should plan around major events like Milan Fashion Week and the Salone del Mobile, when hotel prices peak and the city buzzes with international crowds.

For those prioritizing budget and thinner crowds, the winter months—excluding the festive December period—provide the most competitive pricing, though the atmosphere is often cool and misty. Mid-summer brings high humidity and a quieter local scene as residents depart for August holidays, sometimes leading to temporary shop closures. Aiming for the spring or autumn ensures the city is at its most vibrant and accessible.