Shopper's paradise!
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If you love stunning architecture, beautiful food and designer shopping, Milan has got to be your next European city break. If the pizza and pasta isn’t enough to attract you to Italy, Milan’s Duomo and beautiful surrounding streets might be the thing that makes you finally visit this amazing country.
Milan as a city feels very upmarket, so if you like the more luxury break, it definitely is the place for you. However, there are still lots of ways to experience Milan on a budget, as long as you’re satisfied with window shopping!
The obvious first point to visit in Milan is the Duomo. This building is absolutely incredible, and not to be missed. You can pay to go inside, on to the rooftop, or even take a guided tour if you want to learn as much as possible. But the exterior is breathtaking if you don’t want to pay the fees. However, don’t just visit the Duomo and think that you’re done with religious buildings for the rest of your trip. Milan has so many beautiful churches and chapels dotted around the city which are worth going into as you pass by.
One really unique church that isn’t to be missed is Santuario Bernardino Alle Ossa - which seems like your standard small Italian church on entry. But if you turn right as you enter, (you may be asked to leave a small cash donation to enter this part) and go down the narrow corridor to the “Ossario”, you’ll be extremely surprised at what you find. It's a small chapel that's completely full of human bones.....
It's definitely a bizarre experience, and one that might not be for you, but when else will you get to see something like this? In our opinion, it's worth visiting, unless you're extremely squeamish!
One thing you must try in Milan, which may be one of the unhealthiest but most delicious snacks ever, is panzerotti. It's essentially a deep fried calzone! When we were told about panzerotti, which is popular all across Italy but especially in Milan, we didn’t even think we’d like it, but we were most definitely proven wrong. They even sell mini panzerotti in McDonalds (although these don't quite compare to the real thing from a local bakery)!
If you’re on a budget, this can also be a brilliant (filling but very cheap) lunch. We headed to Panzerotti Luini, a famous, ancient bakery near the Duomo which sells panzerotti in many flavours as well as other baked goods for only a couple of euros. They’re delicious, and worth the wait if there’s a line.
If you just fancy a normal pizza and you’re on a budget trip, or trying to save some of your money for the shopping scene, head to Rosso Mattone, a pizzeria close to the central station that makes fresh, generous pizzas for only 8-12 euros! The restaurant is quiet and traditional, and the service is so friendly and welcoming.
In terms of shopping, if you’ve got the budget and love a bit of luxury, Milan is the place to be for designer fashion! Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a mouthful to ask for directions to, but the best place to start if you want to shop in this city.
It’s the oldest shopping centre in Milan, and worth a visit even if you’re not looking for anything, as the architecture and design of the space are breathtaking! Then you can move along and wander up and down the bustling streets of the city, full of some of the biggest brands and some that are pretty much unheard of!
Shopping is exhausting, so when you're ready for a pick-me-up, you could head to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to recharge. In no way are you going to get a traditional Italian coffee break there, but it’s an amazing place to see. The best way we can describe it is that it's like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory but for coffee. It's not cheap to get a drink in there, but we thought it was worth the money just to experience the incredible setting.
If you're missing nature on your trip, you could take the train to Como from Milan, which only takes around 20 minutes, and see the beautiful lake. You could even book a hotel stay in Como and truly experience the city, soaking in the views for a few days. We have an inspiration post about Como if you'd like to read more about it to decide.
Whether you’re budget travelling and have to just look longingly at the designer bags, or you’re heading for a well-needed break and are ready to splash out, Milan could be moving to the top of your bucket list. Don't forget that this trip to Italy doesn't just have to be a short city break, you could extend it by visiting some other Italian cities or take a day trip from Milan! Just make sure to take plenty of Euros if you want to live the luxury life!
Additional information:
How do I get to Milan?
Milan is easily accessible by air, as the closest airport is Milan Malpensa which has direct flights from many major cities around the UK. There's a regular shuttle bus from the airport to the city centre which only takes around 40 minutes.
Where should I stay in Milan?
We stayed in the Uptown Palace Hotel and had a really good experience. It's a beautiful hotel option with a great location, it's only a short walk into the city centre, and the rooms are big enough for a short stay. You have your own bathroom included and there is also an option to add breakfast, but we wanted to try some different restaurants so we didn't bother with this.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Milan. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget on booking.com.
Do I need a visa to visit Milan?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Italy for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
What's the currency in Milan?
The currency of Italy is the Euro. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency when you can. We had no issues paying by card in Milan.
What languages are spoken in Milan?
The official language of Italy is Italian, but English is widely spoken in Milan as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Milan?
Milan has a mild climate, and can have some rain throughout the year (but definitely nowhere near as much as the UK)! It's lovely and warm throughout the Summer, but cools off a lot in the Winter months.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Milan:
Spring: 18°C / 14°C
Summer: 29°C / 19°C
Autumn: 18°C / 10°C
Winter: 8°C / 3°C
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing. This is the current weather in Milan.
What's the time zone in Milan?
Italy is in the Central European Time Zone. The time is usually the same as most of mainland Europe, but an hour ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Milan?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts. If you're looking to fill your itinerary, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Milan on GetYourGuide here.
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