City Guide: Milan, Italy
Where to stay, eat, shop, & what to know before you go
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Milan is one of those cities that people seem to love or hate. I personally loved since the first time I visited. The blend of new and old architecture, the “big city” vibe and the little hidden alleyways that feel nostalgic of simpler times—the well-blended contrast really struck a chord.
The city is mostly know for its fashion scene and schools but I think as a traveller and remote-worker it’s definitely a city worth visiting. And who knows, you just might fall in love it with as much as I did—enough to want to move there.
My what I wore + what I did in Milan post is coming next! In that next post, you’ll find my curated Google Maps for everything I mention below and more. If you want to see my personal itinerary for my last Milan trip, stay tuned for that one!
What to know before you go
There’s a stereotype that northern Italy is snobby and southern Italy is passionate and friendly. Personally I’ve had great experiences all across Italy whether I’m in Bari or Milan. Italians are definitely passionate people and are very proud of their culture and way of life. So don’t be surprised if you get a couple chuckles or looks if you’re ordering cappuccinos after lunch or asking for cheese for your seafood pasta. That being said, Milan is a really international city so no matter what you’re looking for, most places will be happy to cater to your preferences.
Unlike some other European countries, Italians seem to love when you try to speak their language. So if you’ve been learning some Italian, don’t be afraid to practice here!
Some other customs that Italians live by:
Never order cappuccino after 11am - it's considered strictly a breakfast drink
Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) is sacred, usually between 6-8pm
Dinner is eaten late, usually starting around 8:30-9pm
Don't rush through meals - dining is a social experience meant to be savored
Never order a latte unless you want plain milk - ask for "caffè latte" for coffee with milk (aka an American latte)
Dress well - Italians take pride in their appearance, especially in Milan
Standing at the bar for coffee is cheaper than sitting at a table
How to get around
Uber is not a great way to get around Milan because they only offer the Uber Black option making it very expensive. The most affordable option to get from the airport to the city is by metro.
From Malpensa Airport (MXP): Take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale station (50 minutes, runs every 30 minutes) or the Malpensa Shuttle bus (60 minutes).
From Linate Airport (LIN): Take bus line 73 to San Babila metro station, or the new M4 metro line directly to the city center (15-25 minutes).
From Bergamo Airport (BGY): Take the Orio Shuttle or Terravision bus to Milano Centrale station (50 minutes).
Tickets for airport transportation can be purchased at machines in the airports, online, or through the ATM app!
If you have a lot of luggage and prefer a car, taxis are also available but be prepared to pay a premium!
Once you’re in the city, the metro is still the easiest and most affordable way to get around. Each station has ticket machines you can purchase tickets from or just tap with your credit card or e-wallet!
There are ATM (metro) stations in all the major neighbourhoods so there’s really no where you can’t take the metro to. Trams and buses are also readily available and can take you from the ATM station to exactly where you need to go.
Taxis are also available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi stands.
Despite being one of Italy’s most modern cities, most attractions in the city are within walking distance. Especially if you’re just planning on staying within central Milan. There’s also the option of bike-sharing! Although do remember that there are tram-tracks throughout the city and if your wheel gets caught in the track, you will fall. (Yes, this happened to me and ruined my first trip to Milan!)
Pro tip: Download the ATM Milano app for real-time public transportation updates and route planning!
Where to stay
I personally prefer Airbnbs to hotels so that I can experience the architecture, design, and “local-living” feeling of a city. Airbnbs can be a bit pricey, depending on what area you’re staying in (averaging $150 per night at the low end) but there are a lot of great options and different neighbourhoods has it’s own charm as far as architecture and design goes.
Airbnbs that I’ve stayed in
Minimal space close to Centrale station - Perfect for a single person or a couple! The space is minimal and honestly really homey. Also there’s an orange blossom tree on the big patio and it smells amazing.
Bright courtyard facing space in Brera - The layout of the space is a little interesting—you have to go through one of the bedrooms to enter the kitchen/living space but it’s still a great space for friends. It’s in an ideal location, right in the heart of Brera.
Well-designed 4 bedroom space in Navigli - The most gorgeous space. Also by far the largest apartment I’ve stayed in. This place is perfect for a group of friends (there’s 4 bedrooms!) and it’s right across the street from Porta Genova station. As far as Navigli goes, I think there is the perfect location because it’s a block away from the action but nestled away in a quieter corner.
Modern loft close to Navigli - Design-wise, this was the coolest apartment I stayed in. It’s located in a quieter neighbourhood but still walking distance to the Storico Centro (historic center).
Hotels
Although I haven’t personally stayed in a hotel in Milan, here are some that come highly recommended:
Hotel NH Collection Milano CityLife
Where to eat & drink
Milan is a great destination for food, whether you’re looking for traditional Italian fare or another cuisine you love. It’s a pretty multicultural city as far as the food scene goes and I’ve found amazing Asian cuisines both times I was there.
Casual eats
Le Striatelle di Nonna Mafalda Milano in Navigli - good for carbonara and amatriciana
Sabatini - great pasta
Ristorante di Pesce Milano - LOVED the seafood pasta here
FONZO’S NYC - if you’re craving burger and fries
Osteria da Fortunata - the TikTok famous pasta place that’s actually worth waiting for
Ristorante Risoelatte - a restaurant that looks like a house!
Pan Milano - the most beautiful brunch spot
Hygge - cute little brunch spot
Fancier restaurants
Il Riccio Di Mare - good for seafood
Gloria Osteria - beautiful venue
Stendhal Milano - Milanese food
Roppongi - if you’re craving Japanese
Langosteria Bistrot - amazing seafood and pasta dishes
Cocktail & wine bars
The Dome Milano - roof top bar of my dreams
Bar Basso - famous traditional bar
Ultramarino - chic wine bar
O|NEST - adorable outdoor seating
Officina Milano - gorgeous lounge
Shopping
Being one of the fashion capitals of the world, there’s no question Milan is a hotspot for shopping. Whether you’re looking for luxury, high-street, or vintage—there’s something in the city for everyone.
Shopping
Mazzolari - best place for perfume shopping
BallereTTe Milano - beautiful ballet flats
Pettinaroli - for the stationary lovers
ViBi VENEZiA - the infamous flats
Bonvini 1909 - stationary heaven
Antonia - sneaker, designer, and streetwear
DMAG - my favorite designer outlet that’s IN the city
Corso Como 10 - the most amazing concept store with designer, niche perfume, and more
Rinascente - The biggest department store—you can find pretty much any designer here
Vintage shopping
My Vintage Attire - My favorite one on the list!! Perfectly curated vintage designer
Humana Vintage - You’ll find these across Europe but a great one for cheap finds
Vintage Delirium - Archival designer dream
BIVIO - Lots of amazing vintage designer clothes and the men’s store is even better
Best coffee spots
Bar Luce - 1950s-style space designed by Wes Anderson.
NOWHERE - also great for brunch!
Attractions worth seeing
QC Termemilano - the most GORGEOUS spa with the infamous storm room
Giardino della Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte
Parco Sempione
Villa Invernizzi - there are flamingos at this garden!
Fondazione Prada - my favorite museum that I visited
I love creating City Guides and I’ll continue to update this one as I explore Milan more so make sure to bookmark it for your next trip!
My next post will be my “what I did + what I wore in Milan” post where I’ll include my exact itinerary from my last trip, what I packed and wore, and links to my Google Maps for Milan. Stay tuned!