Milan – Italy’s Fashion Capital

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MILAN

Milan is a beautiful city in northern Italy, known as one of the fashion capitals of the world. Milan is the second largest city in Italy and home to A.C. Milan! You will be in awe of the architecture and the vibe of the city just wandering around. Everywhere you walk feels like a magical Italian scene.

Need to Know:

Currency: Euro

Language: Italian

Airports:

Milan (2) – LIN and MXP

Electrical Outlets: 230V supply voltage and 50Hz, plug type C

Planning Your Trip

Accommodation – There are tons of hotels in Milan that are fairly affordable. I decided to stay near the Central Station since I was taking the train to the airport and on day trips. I enjoyed staying at Just Hotel Milan. If you are planning to stay in Milan longer, I recommend staying near Dumo di Milano.

Food – I went to the same restaurant two nights in a row because I found a fully gluten-free cafe with amazing Italian food called Bistró. This place was a food allergy person’s dream! One of the dishes you should try in Milan is Costoletta alla Milanese, which Bistró made gluten-free. Also be sure to try Risotto alla Milanese, and of course get a traditional Spritz Aperol.

Getting Around – Milan is extremely walkable if you’re downtown. I was only in Milan for about a day so I didn’t bother learning the metro system. The few times I couldn’t walk, I took a taxi. Uber isn’t a thing in Italy, but there are tons of taxis around the city. I always grabbed a taxi in front of Dumo di Milano where there is a taxi station.

I flew in and out of MXP, which is a ways outside the city. From MXP to Milano Centrale, I took a bus for €10. You can buy tickets at a stand at the airport and grab the bus. In my opinion, it is easier to figure out than the train right when you land. I took the train from Milan to the airport as I was leaving. This was also a pretty convenient option that I would recommend.

Things to See and Do in Milan

Duomo di Milano: Also known as Milan Cathedral or Basilica cattedrale metropolitana di Santa Maria Nascente, this is the most iconic sight in Milan. Make sure to come see the biggest church in Italy, located in front of a massive plaza. If you want to go inside, I recommend buying tickets ahead of time online. Also beware if you don’t like pigeons, the plaza in front of the cathedral is FULL of pigeons who are way too friendly. Many people will take pictures with pigeons landing all over them (that was a hard pass for me).

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This massive and luxurious gallery is Italy’s oldest shopping center. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, I highly recommend walking through, just to check out the architecture and the ornate features. This is also an especially beautiful spot at Christmas as a massive tree is put up in the center of the gallery.

Castello Sforzesco: This medieval fort is now home to many of Milan’s art and history collections. You can admire the beautiful fountains out front and wander inside the castle free of charge. You can enter the museum for € 10 and see arguably Milan’s most famous work of art, Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pieta. The museum is even named after this exhibition, the Museo Pieta Rondanini Michelangelo.

Parco Sempione: This beautiful park is nestled between the Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace. Take some time to stroll through the park, relax on a bench, or lay out and read. Then be sure to go see the massive Arch of Peace up close.

Santa Maria delle Grazie: This church and Dominican convent is famously known as the home to the iconic Last Supper. You can enter the church free of charge and see the beautiful art and architecture inside. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to show respect. In order to see the Last Supper, you have to buy a seperate ticket for € 15 to secure a 15 minute time slot to see the famous work. Definitely book this ticket in advance because they will sell out.

Teatro Alla Scala: A famous performance destination for the world’s best opera singers and ballet dancers, this theater is a centerpiece of Milan’s culture. The outside is nice, but the real experience is if you are able to go inside the theater. Check the schedule for a performance during your visit.

Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio: One of the oldest churches in Milan, this was built by St. Ambrose in 379–38. You can wander into the church free of charge, but of course remember to be quiet and dress respectfully.