Milan travel guide

With the population of 1.372.000 Milan is the second biggest city in Italy just after Rome. One of the first things I realize after arriving in Milan city center was people’s clothes. I had the impression that there is a certain pressure on the people that everybody has to be fashionable. It seems like ‘’ the capital of fashion’’ is a well-deserved title for Milan in which consequently makes this city more expensive than other Italian cities. I would say two days is enough for Milan for a regular tourist. In this Milan travel guide, you will find major tourist attractions that you must see, money-saving travel tips that can help you save few bucks, eating suggestions, and more. Here we go.

Special tips for Milan

If you want to see ‘the last supper’, there is a trick. You need to be quick and get tickets online (12€) because sneaky tour companies buy almost all the tickets online. So you have to check 2-3 weeks in advance. May the luck be with you.
Stay away from Euronet ATM’s as they have a very bad rate and hıgher process fee. Instead, use the local banks for money withdrawal
To reduce the eating cost, try to catch ‘aperitivo’ hours. Most of bars offer discount (like happy hour) between 6PM-9PM.
Avoid taxis: They are expensive.
Make sure to check these common travel scams before going to Milan.

Milan travel guide: Major attractions in Milan

Visit Duomo

It is the 5th largest cathedral in the world that took nearly 600 years to complete. It is the symbol of Milan that every tourist must take a picture in front of it (!).

For more info

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This is one of the oldest shopping centers in the world. Loads of famous brands are here. You can pass by this shopping hall and impress with the structure while your jaw is dropped by the prices. It is on the right side of the cathedral. You won’t miss it.

See 'the last supper'

When you search ’ the last supper’ on Google, you can find hundreds of theories about it. In this mural work, Da Vinci used a special dye mixture and a different technique which makes this work delicate. I was surprised to see it on the wall because until I go there, I always thought that it is painted on a canvas.

Visit the monumental cemetary

You have a chance to visit the grave of the father of Einstein and Carlo Mozart. It is very easy to access by public transport. Get off at the monumentale station on the metro line 5.

Explore the Sforza castle

It was built in the 15th century. Architectural-wise it’s a nice castle. There are few museums within the castle.

Milan travel guide: Typical costs

As mentioned above, Milan is a relatively expensive city. Although I found it a bit expensive, if you are an art lover you might consider getting a MilanPass for 69€. It covers the top 8 tourist attractions (also reduced fee for many) including Duomo cathedral, San Siro stadium and free public transport for 48h. For more info click here.

Average costs are shown below:

With a low budget, you can stay in a mixed dorm and eat a slice of pizza or lasagna and see a few attractions.

Mid-range budget will get you a room in a 3star hotel. You can eat a nice pasta with wine.

With a luxury budget, you can stay in a nice 4-star hotel. Eat at a decent restaurant. Not much to say when you have that amount. The sky is the limit.

Milan travel guide: Weather in Milan

When you think of Italy, you tend to imagine somewhere warm right ? well, maybe human-wise yes, but city-wise it is not a typical Italian city. It is located just behind the Alps that make a natural barrier for major circulations. Long story short, spring and fall are the best times to visit while winters can be cold and foggy.

Milan travel guide: Transport

Milan has 3 airports. In general, bus services are convenient from airport to city center.

From Malpensa airport:

You can take the train to the city center. It will cost you 13€(one -way). If you want to save a few bucks you can take the express bus which costs 14€ (return). If you want to use a taxi, expect a 95€ fixed price. The taxi driver shouldn’t add any extra cost. The journey takes about an hour.

From Linate airport:

Bus lines X73 and 73 are the cheapest way to the city center and vice versa. While other bus services cost 5€ one way and 9€ for the return ticket. The journey takes around half an hour. Taxis do not have a fixed fare but expect around 40€.

From Bergamo Airport:

Bergamo airport is not connected by train. However, bus services cost 7€one way and 13€ return with 20-30 min interval. The journey takes around one hour.

Getting around in Milan

Once you get the central stations, you can buy public transport tickets from tabacchis (small market like places) and in the stations. Milan has a zone system but almost all the tourist attractions are within the Mi1-3 zone. Your ticket will cover it. A single fare costs 1.5€ and lasts 90 min. I would recommend getting a daily ticket for 4.5€ (48h costs 8.25€). However, be careful with the ‘S’ train lines (suburban) because they need separate tickets so your daily ticket won’t be vaild.

Milan travel guide: More things to see and do

Bosco Verticale

Bosco Verticale literally means vertical forest. It is the modern face of Milan. Worth to visit. Close to monumentale cemetery.

Pinacoteca di Brera

One of the biggest exhibition centers in Europe. You can find a nice collection of Michelangelo, Raphael, Giovanni Bellini. The ticket price is 12€ as of 2019. For more info click here.

San Siro Stadium

San Siro can be interesting for football lovers. To get into the stadium, you need to pay 17€. I think it is high for a stadium but if you purchased MilanoPass, it is covered. If you visit the store there is a little window in the back where yo ucan see inside of the stadium 🙂

Navigli district

Navigli is a nice district split by a canal. On both sides, there are lots of cafes, restaurants clubs, and bars. In general, the atmosphere is nice. You can chill out here.

Piazza Mercanti

It was the trade center of medieval times. Square and streets are still interesting to feel old times and it is very close to Duomo.

La scala

It’s an active opera house since 1778. I loved the architecture. Sometimes there are different events but tickets are pricey and sold out fast.

Isola district

This hipster district is not discovered by tourists yet. You can enjoy hanging out like a local. You will find mural works there.

Milan travel guide: Eating and drinking

Cafès :

Ca’ppucino: If you are tired and need a quick boost, you can try their sandwiches.It is not far from Duomo.

Mag Cafè: Coffee shop/ cocktail bar. It is located in Navigli district near canal. They have themed menus. Relatively cheaper cocktails.

Restaurants:

Risoalette: 60s theme restaurant that takes you back in time. Food is decent. (9-15€ per dish).

Maruzzella: You can try their saffron risotto -the culinary symbol of Milan –

Papa Francesco: A bit more expensive than the others, but they have gluten-free options.

Spontini: For those looking for cheap but delicious alternatives. Best sliced pizza I have ever had. It makes me g oto Milan again.

Drinking:

Monkey bar : Their cocktails are cheaper than others. (~10€)

Terezza Aperol: Not the best cocktails (~12€), here you pay for the Duomo view.

Milan travel guide: Map of the main attractions

In this Milan travel guide, I showed top locations you must see, things to try, typical costs and some money saving tips. If you have specific questions feel free to ask me below. You can also share it on:

Updated Milan travel guide