Things to do in Milan: activities and tours

Planning your Milan visit

When to go? Milan is always a good idea, regardless of the month or season. In spring the weather is sunny and mild, while the city buzzes with international events such as Salone del Mobile and Fashion Week. Summer is also popular although it tends to get hot and humid, and the mosquitoes come out in droves. Locals flee the city, especially on the weekends, so it can be nice because the city feels a little less packed. Keep in mind though that come August and shops and restaurants outside of the centre are likely to be closed or have summer trading hours. Autumn is ideal for the moderate weather and fewer tourists, while during the winter months you’ll get to enjoy the Christmas markets, opera season at La Scala and January sales.

How to get there?

The city is serviced by three airports. The Malpensa Airport is the main airport for international flights. From here to the city centre it's a 50-minute shuttle bus or train ride (via the Malpensa Express; €13 one way). By taxi it will cost €90 fixed fare. The Linate airport is more centrally located and serves mainly domestic flights and those from within the EU. Coaches or public buses (No. 73) are a 30-minute ride to the centre, while taxis cost around €20 to €30. The Bergamo airport (Orio al Serio) is used mostly by budget airlines and is a 1-hour bus ride (€8 one way) from central Milan.

How many days should you spend?

Milan is a city that can be explored over both a weekend, a week or even a month. In 48 hours you’ll be able to experience all its main sights, from Leonardo’s Last Supper to a night at La Scala, but keep in mind you’ll have to plan in advance for most tickets. Instead, if you want to really immerse yourself in the city, we recommend you taking a little more time. Not only will you be able to shop the world-famed Quadrilatero d’Oro and wander the picturesque Navigli (canals), but this will also give you time to get into the rhythm of the city and enjoy local delights, like a classic aperitivo.

How to move around the city?

The ATM runs the metro, bus and tram services. You’ll be able to get to most places via the metro, which has four underground lines (a fifth is projected for the near future): red M1, green M2, yellow M3, and lilac M5. There’s also the suburban rail network (the Passante Ferroviario), although it runs much less frequently. A single tickets costs €2; it’s valid either for one metro ride or 90 minutes of travel on buses and trams. Other ticket options include a 10-trip carnet (€18) or 3-day ticket (€12).

Where to shop?

Milan is renowned for shopping and there’s no shortage of high-end boutiques and classy consumer goods to swoon over. The Quadrilatero d’Oro is the city’s acclaimed shopping district. Framed by four streets - Via Monte Napoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, Via Senato and Via Manzoni - within is a back-to-back line-up of stores by fashion power brands, such as Gucci, Versace, Prada etc. You’ll find many of the same brands in the city’s main shopping centre, Rinascente, right next to the Duomo. Otherwise, if you’re looking for something a little less glam, Via Torino has more mainstream brands such as H&M and Zara. Those interested in vintage and alternative clothing need look no further than the hip Ticinese area.