Summer temperatures tend to rise very high, so unless you thrive in smouldering heat, aim for late spring (April–May) or early fall, when temperatures are still comfortable. Of course, Milan's cuisine and cafes can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Another factor to keep in mind for your trip to Milan are the sales. The summer sales start on the first Saturday of July and last until the end of August. The winter sales begin after the end of the festive season — the Epiphany on the 6th of January — and last until the end of February.

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Best Time to Visit

Malpensa lies approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) from downtown Milan and can be reached by bus, train and taxi.

The Malpensa Express trains stop at terminals 1 and 2, depart frequently and run until late. Multiple buses and shuttles run between the airport and city centre, too. These might be a slightly cheaper option, and the only one if your time of arrival falls between after midnight and before 5am.

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Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Orio al Serio Airport lies 50 kilometres (about 30 miles) northeast of Milan, just outside of Bergamo. Buses depart from here for Milan city centre, and the journey takes one hour. The airport has a single, busy terminal and no direct train access to Milan. Bergamo Airport is a great choice if you're flying a low-cost or planning a ski trip in the Trentino Dolomites region.

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Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)

Linate Airport is situated a mere eight kilometres from Milan city centre. Buses and taxis are available to transport you to and from the airport. A taxi to Milan's main train station should take about 20 minutes and will cost you 40 euro. This airport is mainly used for domestic and short-haul international flights. 

The bus line 73 from Piazza del Duomo to Linate takes you there. in about an hour and costs 1.50 euro. The Linate Shuttle service runs buses from Milano Centrale every half hour and takes about 25 minutes. Tickets are 5 euro.

decoration at the Chapel of Milan Linate Airport

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Milan Linate Airport (LIN)

Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.

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Passport/Visa

– What does Milano mean?
The etymology of the name Milan (Milano in Italian) is still uncertain. One theory holds that the Latin name Mediolanum comes from the Latin words medio (in the middle) and planus (plain).

– Is it safe Milan?
Milan is a very safe city, although some heavily trafficked areas attract pickpockets. Some scams are possible at the center of the Duomo where people will ask you for some money. During New Year celebrations the square in front of the Duomo becomes a joyful battlefield, where small fireworks explode everywhere. Lots of fun, but not the safest.

– What does AC in AC Milan stand for?
AC Milan, in full Associazione Calcio Milan, also called Rossoneri (Italian: “Red and Blacks”) is an Italian professional football.

–  How expensive is Milan?
Prices in Milan are in like with other major European cities. Be prepared pay around €100 per night at a good hotel. You can get a decent dinner for €15 and a coffee will be somewhere between €1–2.

– What can you not wear in Milan?
Milan is a fashion capital, but there is no fashion police patrolling the streets. Just remember that it can get extremely hot in the summer — wear light fabrics. For going to restaurants and to churches, shorts (especially very short ones) might not be the best idea.

– Is Milan a walkable city?
Absolutely! There is nothing better than getting lost in the winding network of small cobbled streets and strolling down gorgeous avenues, admiring neoclassical facades, Gothic churches and modern airy constructions. Grab a seat on one of the many cafe terraces or stop for a quick espresso when you need to give your feet a little rest.

– How much do I tip in Milan?
Hourly wages for servers are higher than in the US, so are not expected to leave a massive tip for your meals. Leave 10–15% for outstanding service and you’re good to go. In cafes, you can round up your bill. Fancy restaurants call for more generosity, of course.

– How to order coffee in Milan?
You can ask for a quick espresso any time of the day. Locals call it “un caffé”. Ordering a cappuccino after 11am will mark you as a tourist — the Italians believe that drinking milk after the morning will mess with your digestion. Ask for cappuccino, caffé latte, caffé macchiato or a latte macchiato. Be warned that if you ask for “latte” — you’ll only get a glass of milk.

– When are museums free in Milan?
Milan’s state-run museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. You can visit Villa Reale, Gallerie d'Italia, Casa museo Boschi-di Stefano, Museo archeologico di Milano, Museo del Risorgimento and many more institutions for free and save your money for aperitivo.

– When does Milan have sales?
The winter sales generally run from early January through early March, and the summer sales from early July through early September – though check online for the exact dates, which vary slightly each year and are announced about one month before. Sale prices can be up to 70 percent off the original, making it well worth a trip.

hand holding a phone with a question mark

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Milan’s local transport is called ATM and includes underground, buses, trams and trains. Single fare tickets and day passes can be purchased from ATM ticket offices, newsstands and ticket machines. All tickets have to be stamped on board at the beginning of every journey. You can also buy tickets and plan your trip through ATM's official app.

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Public Transport

Taxis are usually white and can be hailed in the street or at taxi stands. These are often located outside train and underground stations. The final fare depends on the number of suitcases you have, the day of the week, and the time of day.

Uber ridesharing in not very popular in Italy. Only Uber Black is available, meaning higher prices and nicer vehicles.

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Taxi

Stamps can be bought at tobacconists that carry either the blue and white 'Tabacchi' sign or are simply marked with a 'T'.

A big post office is conveniently located at the Milano Centrale Railway Station.

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Post

Pharmacists are the Italian's go-to source for primary health information. You can obtain informal medical advice for common ailments or get directed to a local doctor and laboratories. The pharmacies are marked with a green cross.

Pharmacies are usually open 8:30am–12:30pm and 3:30pm–7:30pm Monday through Saturday. You can use one of the websites like Farmacia-Aperta to find pharmacies open after regular hours. A map tool will help you pick the closest one.

red medical cross on a portable first aid kit

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Pharmacy

Country code: +39

Area code: 02 (also dialled in Milan). If you call Italy from abroad, you must always dial zero in the area code (do not omit it, as it is the general practice when making international telephone calls), e.g. +39 02 + the number.

Man Sitting on the Ground Talking on the Telephone

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Telephone

Italy uses the Type F electrical plug with two round pins, same as in many countries in Continental Europe. The standard voltage is 230 volts, but some hotels have special plugs for 110 or 120-volt shavers.

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Electricity

Milan is famous as one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals, so make some room in your wardrobe and get ready for a makeover. Milan is a major cultural centre in Italy, with world class museums and galleries, the Duomo cathedral and ancient churches, impressive architecture of opulent Italian villas. After viewing da Vinci’s Last Supper, try Lombardi specials like ossobuco and risotto alla Milanese in one of the neighbourhood restaurants. Milan is the perfect starting point for exploring the prettiest landscapes of northern Italy.

The cathedral is the symbol of Milan. Construction began in 1386 and was not completed until 500 years later. Duomo di Milano is a late Gothic masterpiece, made even more interesting by the fact that this style can’t be seen anywhere else in Italy. Towering over the Piazza del Duomo, the marble building is marked by 135 spires and countless statues.

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Il Duomo

Right next to the Duomo di Milano (the Milan Cathedral), you will find Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an upscale shopping arcade housing luxury brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton as well as restaurants, bars, cafes and even a hotel. 

The Galleria's central glass dome has a stunning mosaic representing the continents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe, while its floor is decorated with mosaics portraying the coat of arms of Rome, Florence, Milan, and Turin. Representing Turin is a bull, and according to the legend, if you spin around three times with your heel on the bull's genitals, it will bring you good fortune.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Milan, Italy

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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Cenacolo Vinciano is the home of one of the world’s most legendary and beloved works of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It’s rarely possible to simply walk in and take a look though, so definitely book your visit in advance.

Cenacolo Vinciano, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, Milan, Italy

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Cenacolo Vinciano — The Last Supper

Milan doesn’t have as many artistic treasures as Venice and Florence, but it does not fall too far behind. The city’s foremost art museum, the Pinacoteca di Brera, showcases works by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Bramante, and Caravaggio, among others.

Milan, Italy. Entrance of the famous Brera University of Arts

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Pinacoteca di Brera

Teatro alla Scala, opened in 1778, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. A visit to the museum grants you a sneak peek inside the theatre itself and the glamour that goes along with it. You’ll be able to visit one of its spectacular theatre boxes overlooking the stage.

interior of the La Scala theatre in Milan, Italy

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Teatro alla Scala Museum

There's nothing quite like being shown around by a local, who is passionate and knowledgeable about their city. Only a local could take you around their favourite street art spots and point out all the hidden gems you would have missed otherwise. While some parts of Milan can be snooty and luxurious, giving you world class art institutions, others are filled with life by alternative contemporary artists. Get a more intimate look at Milan's art scene with a 90-minute tour — you'll be begging for more!

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Discover Milan's Art Scene

The Castello Sforzesco was built in the 15th by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Until the beginning of the 20th century it was a symbol of power and the nobility used it as their residence. Today the castle houses a wide selection of cultural sights, such as museums and exhibitions.

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Castello Sforzesco

Even if canals aren't the first thing you think about when you visit Milan, you shouldn't miss The Navigli. These canals were constructed by Leonardo da Vinci to make the building of Il Duomo and the transportation of heavy materials easier. The neighbourhood around the Navigli is today one of the most popular, filled with cafes, bars and small shops.

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The Navigli

Cimitero Monumentale opened in 1866 and is one of the two largest in Milan. To be buried here, the deceased had to be from higher echelons of society, and one can pay homage to the memory of a few celebrated artists and political figures here. A guided tour will not only draw your attention to the wide array of contemporary and classical Italian works of art, but will also give you information about the rich and famous Italians who found their resting place here.

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Cimitero Monumentale

Enjoy some time out in one of the city's greenest and lushest parks. You can find something for everyone in Parco Sempione: play areas and train rides for the children, football fields and a roller skating rink, and green lawns with free Wi-Fi to relax after a busy day.

Escape from the heat in the Civic Aquarium, whose building was constructed for the International Exposition back in 1906. Get a bird's eye view of Milan by taking a lift up Torre Branca. At 108.6 meters high, it is one of the tallest structure in the city. Have a romantic moment on the Ponte delle Sirenette — a little bridge dedicated to all lovers.

Porta Sempione from Sempione Park, Milan, Italy

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Parco Sempione

The Brera area is a must if you visit Milan. Young professionals and students tend to gather in this bohemian quarter, which boasts countless small boutiques and restaurants. It is a perfect place to eat a memorable lunch or to have an aperitivo towards the evening.

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Brera

Milan's architecture is not only neoclassical promenades, Gothic cathedrals and posh villas — Porta Nuova district is the new and modern revitalization project that has drastically changed the city.   Take a walk around the Diamond Tower, the Unicredit Tower and many other glass and steel construction. The stars of the show here are the two skyscrapers known as Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest). Featured in all major architecture outlets, these residential towers have actual live trees growing on its facade. They look marvellously lush in the spring and summer and totally enchanting covered in snow and frost.

Bosco Verticale towers in the winter in Porta Nuova District, Milan, Italy

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Bosco Verticale towers in the summer in Porta Nuova District, Milan, Italy

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Bosco Verticale — Porta Nuova District

When you want to escape from the busy city streets and enjoy some natural beauty of Lombardy, consider hopping on the scenic Bernina Express train. Stroll along Lake Como, make a stop in the historic lakeshore village of Varenna and ascend the Alps on the UNESCO-listed train — it'll make a stop on top so you can take short walk enjoying summit views. 

The train journey itself takes about 4 hours start to finish and runs through 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and viaducts.

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Take a Day Trip: Bernina Scenic Train & Lake Como

Villa Necchi Campiglio is an architect-designed villa that functions as a museum with decorative arts, paintings and period furniture. This architectural gem with a gorgeous private garden and a swimming pool was completed by Piero Portaluppi in 1935 for the Necchi Campiglio family — part of the flourishing middle class of Milan in the 30s. After WWII, the villa underwent some changes: the linear modern architecture was softened with design elements from the 18th century and those in the style of Louis the 15th of France.

Villa Necchi Campiglio gained popular fame after appearing as Tilda Swinton's character's opulent home in Luca Guadagnino's 2009 hit film I Am Love.

interior of Villa Necchi Campiglio, Milan, Italy

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Villa Necchi Campiglio

Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli is the largest and oldest planetarium in Italy, offering a space where people can learn about astronomy and science. Inside the 20-metre wide dome you can watch projections of the night sky. Experts are always on hand to explain about the stars and planets. The planetarium offers a host of events and shows some of which are thematically tied to current events and pop culture such as spooky Halloween shows and lectures about the science in sci-fi films.

Woman with telescope looking at the Milky Way, Milan, Italy

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The Milan Planetarium

Italian cuisine needs no introduction — you've tasted it and loved it countless times. Milan is the perfect place to take one of the many cooking classes with a trained chef or an average (if there is such a thing) nonna. Most classes can teach you how to make your own pasta, pizza and dessert, but you can ask for something that speaks to you personally. Of course, you get to taste your own masterpiece afterwards.

two people enjoying a cooking class in Milan, Italy

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Steaming food in the frying pan. Cooking concept

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Milan Cooking Lessons

The city’s two top Series A football teams, Inter and Milan, draw dedicated crowds to their shared home ground. San Siro also hosts fan events and is home to Italy’s only football museum, so make sure to visit it even if football isn't really your thing, just to make your Milan experience more complete.

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San Siro Stadium

Fondazione Sozzani not only showcases contemporary art, but also shares the space with a spectacular clothing shop, a cosy restaurant, a cool book shop, the trendy hotel 3Rooms and a designer outlet store at Corso Como 10. The Corso Como 10 store is legendary in its own right — definitely worth a visit.

father and daughter exploring an exhibition, Milan, Italy

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Fondazione Sozzani

After a lot of walking and sightseeing, the Thermal baths of QC Termemilano is the place to recover and recharge. At this relaxing spa you will find various pools, saunas, showers, relaxing areas and bookable treatments. Complimentary snacks and drinks are provided throughout your visit.

Young woman relaxing in the water at QC Termemilano, Milan, Italy

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Best things to do in milano

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