Ouael Ben Salah, Unsplash License, Source

Milan

Fashion, Art and Historic Splendor

Milan stands as Italy’s fashion and business center, known for its stylish streets and historic landmarks. The city features the iconic Duomo cathedral with its intricate spires and grand glass roof. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II connects major shopping areas under a beautiful glass dome. Art lovers find the Pinacoteca di Brera home to important Italian paintings. Milan’s urban life mixes modern cafés, traditional markets and green spaces like Parco Sempione. The city balances innovation with heritage, making it an active hub for culture, design and commerce.

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City in Italy

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 7.7

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	9
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and shops. Most younger locals and professionals in the service industry have a good command of English.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Milan Summary

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‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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World-class for fashion and design. Visit iconic cathedrals and museums, shop luxury boutiques, see famous artworks and enjoy stylish cafés.

Place score

8.3

Best at:

Luxury shopping

Local cuisine

Luxury

Walkable

Architecture

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

💻 9

Digital Nomads

Italy – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside.

Ferragosto (August)	Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas.
Christmas (December)	Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions.
La Befana (January)	Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi
Other:	Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Milan, Italy

☁️

Jan

☁️

Feb

🌥️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

☁️

Nov

☁️

Dec

High season:	April - June, Sep.
Shoulder season:	March, July, Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness:	10 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

August: many restaurants and shops close for two to three weeks as locals leave town

Milan Design Week in April fills hotels and raises prices

Don't miss

⛪ Admire the magnificent Duomo di Milano from its rooftop terrace
🖼️ See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper masterpiece
👜 Shop luxury fashion in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
🎭 Watch an opera performance at Teatro alla Scala
🌳 Relax in Sempione Park beside Sforza Castle
🍸 Enjoy aperitivo hour in the trendy Navigli district

You've been here?

Why travel to Milan?

Milan is perfect for art lovers, history buffs and fashion enthusiasts. From the breathtaking Duomo and Da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper' to the bustling streets of the fashion district, the city is a feast for the senses. Enjoy world-class dining, explore ancient neighborhoods and soak up the cosmopolitan vibe. However, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and expect higher prices for food and accommodation compared to other Italian cities.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Chiesa di San Giuseppe
A baroque church on Via Cavour, built in the early 1700s, features ornate stucco, a gilded altar and frescoes depicting Saint Joseph’s life, attracting visitors interested in religious art and local history.
2 Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral stands as a breathtaking Gothic masterpiece, its spires piercing the sky. Visitors marvel at intricate stone carvings and vast stained glass windows within this historic landmark that defines the city's architectural grandeur.
3 Teatro alla Scala
This historic theater in Milan's city center features an ornate interior and world-class performances. Its grand staircase leads to a stage renowned for opera, ballet and musical productions that captivate audiences globally.
4 Sforza Castle
A medieval fortress overlooking Milan’s cityscape, Sforza Castle houses museums and art collections spanning centuries. Its courtyard hosts events, while the surrounding park offers a quiet escape from urban bustle.
5 Santa Maria delle Grazie
6 Museo del Novecento

🎡Places for activities

1 The Last Supper
2 Pinacoteca di Brera

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Parco Sempione
This historic park in Milan offers green tranquility away from city bustle. Visitors stroll along its tree-lined paths, enjoy open lawns and relax near the lake, making it a perfect spot for picnics or quiet moments under the sky.
2 Giardini pubblici Indro Montanelli
3 Bosco Verticale
4 Monte Stella
5 Parco Nord Milano
6 Naviglio Grande
7 Lake como golf hotel
8 Parco delle Basiliche
9 Parco delle Cave

🛍️Shopping

1 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Secondo
This grand arcade in Milan's city center features a stunning glass dome and elegant marble floors. It houses luxury boutiques, historic cafes and serves as a vibrant meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
2 Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
3 La Rinascente
4 10 Corso Como
5 Corso Buenos Aires
6 CityLife Shopping District
7 Mappa del Quadrilatero della Moda
8 Via Torino

🎈Events

Milan Fashion Week (February/September)
Salone del Mobile (April)
Milan Design Week (April)
Oh Bej! Oh Bej! Christmas Market (December)
Fiera Milano Exhibitions (various times)
Milano Film Festival (September)
Settimana della Moda Uomo (Men’s Fashion Week)
Sant’Ambrogio Feast (December)
Piano City Milano (May)
La Scala Opening Night (December)

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Book major sights ahead; Duomo rooftops and Last Supper sell out.
Buy a 24–72 hour transit pass for unlimited metro, tram and bus rides, especially useful around Duomo, Brera and Navigli.
Dress smart-casual and avoid beachwear in churches and upscale areas; Milan is fashion-focused and locals notice clothing standards.
Plan evenings in the Navigli or Brera districts for classic Milanese aperitivo culture, combining sunset canal views with generous buffet-style bar snacks.

How to travel to Milan

Milan is well-connected internationally with two main airports: Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN). There's also Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) for budget flights. Trains from major European cities and Italian destinations arrive at Milano Centrale station.

Access summary

From Malpensa (MXP): Malpensa Express train to Centrale/Cadorna, about 35–50 minutes.
From Rome: Frequent high-speed Frecciarossa/Italo trains, usually around 3–3.5 hours.
From Venice: Direct high-speed trains to Milan, typically about 2–2.5 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Milan

Milan offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels in the city center to boutique stays in Brera and affordable options near Milano Centrale. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during major events.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels

Hotel Degli Arcimboldi

8.1

Spice Hotel Milano

8.3

UNA Hotels Century Milano

8.5

Hotel Da Vinci Milano

7.7

J24 Hotel Milano

8.1

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Milan

Milan has an efficient public transportation system, including metro, trams and buses. The metro is particularly useful and walking is great for exploring central areas. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also widely available.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+12 %

Daily expenses in Milan are around 12% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£75	£174	£480
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£34	£83	£210
🍝 Food per day	£33	£80	£230
🚕 Transportation per day	£9	£11	£40

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£34
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£1.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£24
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£9
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£80
🤧 Cold medication	£9.50
💇 Basic haircut	£20

Safety information overview

General safety

Milan is generally safe, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

Health & Medical

Milan has excellent healthcare facilities, with modern hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies ('Farmacia') are widely available and most staff speak some English.

Accessibility

Milan is fairly accessible, with many public spaces, museums and public transport facilities adapted for wheelchair users. However, some historic areas may have uneven pavements.

Tap water

Tap water in Milan is safe to drink and you’ll find public drinking fountains throughout the city. Bringing a reusable water bottle is a good idea to stay hydrated.