If I’m completely honest, I didn’t know what to expect from Milan. Before visiting, I heard mixed things, but I always keep an open mind when heading somewhere new. I’m happy that I did, as I ended up loving my time visiting Milan. It’s a very vibrant city with an incredible mix of history and fascinating architecture, along with a modern twist. It’s also one of the fashion capitals of the world, one of the largest cities in Italy, and has an unbelievably rich history dating back to 600 BC
If you’re contemplating if Milan is somewhere you’d like to add to your Italy itinerary, I’d highly recommend it. And in this guide I will give you all of the information you will need for visiting Milan for the first time. By the end of this blog post I feel confident that you’ll be convinced to see this remarkable and memorable city for yourself.
Keep These Other European Travel Guides in Mind:
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How Long to Stay
Milan is the second biggest city in Italy after Rome. There’s lots of things to see, plenty of museums and cathedrals to visit, and so many amazing places to eat. I’m sure you could spend months there and still not cover it all. But for a first time visitor with intentions of seeing the basics, give yourself a minimum of two days. In two days you’ll be able to experience the must-visit places and enjoy a couple of amazing meals. If you have some additional time to work with, give yourself between 3-4 days. Especially if you’re someone who likes to move a bit slower and immerse yourself in a place a bit more.
Best Time to Visit Milan
Have you heard the term shoulder season? This refers to the period of time between a region’s peak season and offseason. For Italy in general, I’d recommend visiting during shoulder season. For Milan specifically, that falls between April-May and September-October. During these months the temperatures are a comfortable 65-75 degrees F. And the crowds are generally much less overwhelming compared to what you’d experience when visiting during peak season.
How to Get Around
When visiting Milan there are a couple of very widely used methods of transportation. I suggest using a combination of all of them.
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Walk Everywhere
I truly believe there is no better way to experience a place than to walk. Get your steps in, wander around, and maybe even get lost a little. Milan is a perfect city for walking as it’s quite dense and you’ll be able to see a lot without having to walk a far distance. For example, down almost any street you turn you’ll find a cute cafe, somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine, buildings with beautiful architecture, and amazing restaurants. I suggest walking as much as you can and really taking in the vibrant energy of the city.
Take an Uber
If you’re making your way somewhere that isn’t walking distance, Uber will come in handy while visiting Milan. It’s widely used and very easy to connect to drivers. As always, check the license plate of your uber before getting in to ensure the safety of yourself and whomever you’re traveling with.
By Train
If you’re taking a day trip or carrying on somewhere else after departing Milan, the train is the most convenient and affordable option. The train system in Europe in general is the best way to go! Download the app Omio to plan ahead with buying tickets and looking at train time schedules. With Omio you will also have the option of keeping all of your tickets right on your phone, which is very helpful. However, if you’re not planning too far in advance, trains come often enough that you can head to the station and book your tickets the day of.
Where to Stay When Visiting Milan
Matilde Boutique Hotel is a beautiful 4-star property in the heart of Milan. This is where we chose to stay during our time in Milan and I honestly couldn’t imagine having stayed anywhere else. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Our room was pristine- with chic decor, warm, comforting vibes, and a huge, gorgeous balcony overlooking the city. Just steps outside of Matilde will bring you right to some of the most famous landmarks in Milan, such as the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. You’ll also be walking distance to the cutest cafes and the most wonderful restaurants. Interested in staying at Matilde Boutique Hotel? Click here to book.
Where to Eat
Milan is filled with some of the most incredible restaurants, wine bars, and cafes. You can almost be certain that you won’t have a bad meal! But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the millions of choices, I can promise that you can’t go wrong with any of the following places:
Salsamenteria di Parma
Looking for a casual dining experience? Cozy atmosphere? Amazing food? This is your spot! At Salsamenteria they specialize in freshly made pasta, Italian cured meats, and a burrata to die for! They also offer wine the traditional way, which is actually in a bowl instead of a glass! This experience alone is worth having while visiting Milan.
Obicà
This is the perfect place to stop for a pre-dinner cocktail or snack. Also worth mentioning, everywhere you go in Italy (and most of Europe) when you order a drink, it automatically comes with amazing little snacks, usually olives and chips. It was such a lovely surprise every time and never got old! Anyways, Obicà was no different. We enjoyed a couple of Aperol Spritz with our complimentary snacks and enjoyed the elegant ambiance of this beautiful restaurant. Definitely a place worth popping in to.
Pasta d’Autore
Pasta d’Autore had a line out the door right after opening. Thankfully, it was absolutely worth the wait. The venue is very chic, yet cozy with aesthetic brick walls and an open kitchen concept. The menu allows you to create your own dishes by choosing a pasta along with your favorite sauce. You can also create your own pizza in a similar fashion. We did one of each, both of which were fantastic. Make sure you save room for dessert as the tiramisu was to die for.
Il Forno
This is the perfect place to stop for all of your pastry needs. They have everything from croissants and cannolis to plenty of other baked goods. They also offer incredible looking pizza which I regret not having tried.
Must-Do’s When Visiting Milan
Milan is the second biggest city in Italy after Rome. So you can only imagine how much there is to see and do! From the magnificent cathedrals to the world-renowned art galleries, visiting Milan will keep you busy. Here are a few things that you absolutely should not miss when visiting Milan for the first time.
Experience the Duomo di Milano
Being the crown jewel of the city, you obviously cannot visit Milan without witnessing this historic architectural marvel. The Duomo of Milan took nearly 600 years to complete and captivates a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It’s not only the largest church in Italy, but it also holds the record for the most statues on any building in the entire world! This structure is truly remarkable. After getting your iconic pictures in front of the Duomo, take a tour of the inside. You can do this either by yourself or through a more in depth, guided tour. One of my favorite parts was seeing the city of Milan from the incredible cathedral’s terraces. If you’d like to book a Viator tour of the Duomo, click here.
Marvel at “The Last Supper”
Housed in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, you’ll find one of the most iconic paintings in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” If you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, then this one is definitely for you! Gaining entry does however require advanced reservations and there is a strict viewing time frame. If this is high on your list of things to do when visiting Milan, you will need to plan a bit ahead for this one. But I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience. To book an epic Viator tour that will even let you skip the line, click here.
Go Shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This opulent arcade, built in the 19th century, offers a captivating glimpse into Milan’s blend of history, fashion, and magnificent taste. As you stroll beneath the incredible arches and stunning glass-and-steel roof, you’ll be mesmerized by the many high-end shops and chic restaurants inside of the Galleria. Even if you’re not big on shopping, the architecture alone makes it worth checking out.
Wander the Navigli Canals
This picturesque area of Milan has a much different vibe than some of the other neighborhoods. These canals were originally built in the 12th century to transport goods, but today they are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The Navigli canals are lined with bars, restaurants and shops creating a fun, lively environment. There’s often street performers, musicians, and artists. You can take a boat tour, which will allow you to see the canal from a different perspective. Or pick one of the many restaurants to enjoy a drink along the canal and take in the views.
Where to Go From Milan
There are so many incredible places that are accessible from Milan. Milan is actually a fantastic starting point for any Italy trip because of that reason. Here are some suggestions of where to continue your adventures after your time visiting Milan is over.
Florence
Florence is around 330 km south of Milan and takes just under 2 hours to get there by train if you choose an option with zero transfers. Florence is a remarkable city with a more old school charm, unbelievable food, and incredible architecture. It is definitely a city that is not to be missed!
Lake Como
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a literal fairytale, do yourself a favor and visit Lake Como. I can honestly say, it’s one of the most exquisite places I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. It’s not the most budget friendly destination, but it is worth every single euro that you’ll spend. It’s also only 50 km from Milan and is just about an hour train ride away.
Bologna
Want to experience one of the food capitals of Italy? From Milan, head to Bologna. This charming, vibrant city is a little bit more laid back than some of the others in Italy. They are known for their tortellini, which I recommend eating as much of as you can! It’s just about 230 km from Milan and will take you an hour to get there by train.
Enjoy Your First Time Visiting Milan!
Milan is a truly fascinating city in one of the most amazing countries in the world. I can’t help but be very excited for anyone who’s planning their first visit. I hope this guide gives you some helpful ideas of how to spend your time there and that you enjoy Milan just as much as I did. Please feel free to leave any questions or comments below and happy travels!
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