Ah, Milan! The city where timeless fashion meets ancient history, where you can sip an espresso in a sunlit piazza one minute, and admire Leonardoโs The Last Supper the next. Itโs a dream destination! Whether youโre visiting for the art, the shopping, or just a slice of authentic pizza, these tips for visiting Milan will keep your trip as seamless as a well-tailored Italian suit.
Getting from the Airport to the City Center
Arriving in Milan should be exciting, not stressful. The city has three main airports โ Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo โ and luckily, each has easy, affordable connections to the city center.
- Malpensa travelers: Skip the taxis (which can cost upwards of โฌ100) and hop on the Malpensa Express train. For just โฌ13, it gets you to Milano Centrale in about 50 minutes.
- From Linate: Bus 73 is your wallet-friendly savior, costing just โฌ2 to whisk you downtown.
- From Bergamo: Take the Terravision or Orio Shuttle buses for about โฌ10 โ perfect if youโre flying low-cost.
Our tip: If youโre flying with a budget airline to Bergamo, aim for flights arriving during the day โ the bus schedules are less frequent late at night.
Getting Around Milan
Milanโs public transport system is a lifesaver: clean, reliable, and ridiculously easy to navigate. Forget expensive taxis; the metro, buses, and trams have you covered.
Before you board, grab a 24-hour or 48-hour transport pass (โฌ7.60 and โฌ13 respectively) for unlimited travel across the city.
Our tip: The ATM Milano app is also a game-changer for finding the quickest routes and purchasing digital tickets.
Eating Well (Without Overspending)
You donโt have to splurge on a Michelin-starred meal to eat like royalty in Milan. The city has plenty of affordable foodie options, and honestly, some of the best experiences are at casual spots.
Ditch the tourist traps around Duomo and head to a neighborhood trattoria for authentic pasta dishes at a fraction of the cost. And donโt miss aperitivo hour; buy a drink, and youโll often get access to a buffet of small plates (for free)!
Our tip: Save dessert for gelato. It’s creamy, rich, and oh-so-Italian. Look for โartigianaleโ signs for the good stuff.
Affordable Accommodation Options
Finding a place to stay in Milan doesnโt have to drain your budget. The trick? Stay slightly outside the city center in well-connected neighborhoods like Porta Romana or Lambrate. Youโll find lower rates and still be just a quick metro ride away from the action.
Off-peak months and platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com can also snag you deals, but book early โ Milan is always in demand!
Our tip: Check if your hotel or Airbnb includes breakfast. Itโs a great way to fuel up for the day without spending extra.
The Most Affordable Time to Visit Milan
Milan is stunning year-round, but visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to October) lets you enjoy the cityโs charms with smaller crowds and better prices. Hotels, flights, and even attractions are more affordable. And the weather? Absolute perfection.
Our tip: If youโre visiting during fashion week or major trade fairs, book everything months in advance โ Milan gets packed!
Experiencing the Nightlife on a Budget
When the sun sets, Milan comes alive. But experiencing the nightlife doesnโt have to mean splurging on overpriced cocktails. Navigliโs canal-side bars offer a buzzing atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks. And an eye out for happy hour deals. Your wallet will thank you.
For something different, check out free performances at Piazza Gae Aulenti, or explore Milanโs underground jazz scene, where entry fees are often minimal.
Our tip: Start your night early to make the most of happy hours. Many run from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Affordable Family Trips
Traveling with kids? Milan has plenty to keep little ones entertained. Free-entry days at museums like Museo del Novecento are plentiful, and the expansive grounds of Sforza Castle offer space for them to get some energy out. Donโt forget to treat them to gelato โ itโs a rite of passage in Italy!
Our tip: Head to Parco Sempione for a picnic. Itโs a beautiful, family-friendly escape in the heart of the city.
What You Should Know About the Weather
Milanโs weather varies with the seasons, so knowing what to expect can save you both time and stress. Summers (June to August) can be hot and sticky, often reaching over 30ยฐC (86ยฐF), while winters (December to February) are chilly but rarely freezing, hovering around 0 โ 5ยฐC (32 – 41ยฐF). Spring and autumn are mild and perfect for exploring.
Rain is possible year-round, so donโt forget an umbrella or waterproof layer. If youโre visiting in winter, some days can feel damp and grey, so warm layers are a must.
Our tip: Check the forecast before heading out and plan indoor activities like museum visits for rainy days.
Packing Tips
Packing smartly for Milan means balancing comfort and style. The cityโs fashionable reputation is no joke, so aim for outfits that are practical but chic. Comfortable shoes are essential for navigating cobblestone streets and standing in museum lines.
For summer, think breathable fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Winter calls for cozy layers, a stylish coat, and gloves.
And no matter the season, pack a reusable water bottle โ itโs eco-friendly and helps you save on bottled water.
Our tip: Donโt forget a small, portable charger for your phone. Youโll want to keep your battery topped up between using apps and snapping pictures!
Exploring Religious Sites
From the majestic Milan Cathedral to the serene Santa Maria delle Grazie, religious sites here are everywhere. Entry to most is free, but if you want to experience the Duomo rooftop, book tickets online to avoid long queues. The panoramic views are worth every euro!
Our tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Picture-Perfect Spots
Milan is an Instagrammerโs dream. Duomo Square at sunrise offers magical, crowd-free photos, while the Vertical Forestโs futuristic vibe is a hit for architectural shots. Bring a camera (or just your phone) and capture the beauty of this timeless city.
Our tip: Explore Breraโs cobbled streets for a romantic, old-world backdrop to your photos.
Sightseeing & Landmarks
Milan has something for everyone, from art buffs to history lovers. The MilanoCard is your key to discounted entry at major attractions and unlimited public transport. Planning to see The Last Supper? Book tickets months ahead to secure your spot โ itโs a popular one!
Our tip: Many attractions offer discounted tickets for EU students or travelers under 25. Bring your ID!
Staying Safe (and Healthy)
Milan is definitely safe. But like any big city, itโs wise to stay alert in crowded areas. For health hiccups, Air Doctor connects you with local doctors who speak your language nearby.
Our tip: Keep a small first-aid kit in your bag. Band-aids and painkillers can be lifesavers on busy sightseeing days.
About the Air Doctor App
With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can easily access medical care anywhere else you travel.
Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:
- A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
- Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
- Active in 78 countries
- 24/7 multi-lingual support
- Transparent pricing and reviews
- Most common medical specialties, including pediatricians
If youโre looking for reliable, accessible, and global medical assistance, Air Doctor is the perfect choice for you. Download the app before your next trip to ensure peace of mind and access to quality healthcare, wherever your travels take you.
