Milan travel advice & useful information

Milan is a beautiful and prosperous city in the north of Italy. The city is steeped in a rich history and enjoys worldwide fame for its fashion and art scene, as well as its love for football.

Milan is a very popular and trendy city where something is always happening. Walk down the streets, and you will see a vibrant mix of people indulging in everything Milan has to offer. Bustling bars, restaurants, and cafes on almost every corner make Milan a hotspot for food lovers. Fashionistas, designers, and models flock to the city, as do those looking to enjoy shopping. There is also plenty to see and do for sports fans, thanks to a very popular football scene, with two world-renowned teams, Inter Milan and A.C. Milan, sharing the historic San Siro stadium.

It's not all about modern culture in Milan, though, as a quick walk past the many churches and palaces will tell you. The breathtaking Duomo is right at the center of the city, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in the world. Milan is also home to the world-famous Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper painting, which thousands of people queue to see every year.

Whilst being Italian, Milan has a distinctly unique identity that even continues to its food. Many compare Milan to cities like London and Paris, which shows how vibrant and prosperous the city truly is. In short, Milan is a hip and happening city with something for everyone. From operas to catwalks to football stadiums, there is sure to be something you'll enjoy.

When to Go

The best time to visit Milan is between April and May or September and October. Visiting during these months means that you miss the busiest periods of the year and also avoid the high summer temperatures. During the spring and autumn months, you can expect temperatures of around 20°C, which can rise to over 35°C during the summer.

What to Do

The Milan Fashion Week takes place semi-annually and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. The spring/summer festival is held between September and October, and the autumn/winter festival is generally between February and March. Visiting the city during the festival is a great opportunity to see the latest styles and clothing designs before anyone else. The festival is known as one of "the big four fashion weeks," which also includes the prestigious London, Paris, and New York fashion festivals. Various venues throughout the city host events, shows, and catwalks during the fashion weeks. It is a great time to see some of the most glamorous models and clothes in the world, and even if you aren't a big fashion buff, it is a great time to see the city at its bustling best.

Where to Stay

Milan can be expensive for tourists, but there are plenty of options for those looking to save money on accommodation. Milan is famous for its fashion scene, and because of this, it hosts some of the trendiest hotels around. These are usually quite expensive, but if you can spare the money or are looking to brush shoulders with some of the stars in the fashion scene, this can be a great place to do it. One of the most famous examples is the Straf hotel, which is in the central city and regularly hosts models, designers, and fashionistas.

If you are looking for accommodation on a lower budget, there are still plenty of options available to you. Milan's guesthouses and converted townhouses can offer plenty of character and comfort for those traveling to the city. Antica Locanda Leonardo is located in Milan's old district and its traditional design and intimate nature should be a great fit for anyone looking to integrate themselves with Milan's more historic side.

Milan's great public transport system means that you shouldn't have to worry about searching for hotels a little distance away from the city center. Some of the city's surrounding districts, like Stazione Centrale, can offer cheaper accommodation and easy access to the city's main station, making it a great spot for budget savers.

Not to be Missed

1. Duomo: At the epicenter of Milan lays one of the biggest cathedrals in the world. 600 years in the making, this is worth seeing for its breathtaking architecture, but it's even better if you climb the stairs and view the city from the cathedral's roof.
2. Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper: In a small building adjoining the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, you will find the legendary painting of Jesus' imminent betrayal at the last supper. Booking in advance is essential but worth it.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: One of the world's oldest shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. is a beautiful building and provides a great way to spend some money in the many jewelry, clothing, and boutique stores housed within it.
4. San Siro Stadium: This is the largest football stadium in Italy and home to the FC Internazionale and AC Milano football teams. Take the chance to see a match if you can, but a tour around the stadium can also be a great experience.
5. Teatro alla Scala: A great place to soak in the culture, and one of the most famous opera houses in the world, head to the Teatro alla Scala and see one of a superb program of operas and ballets that are on offer throughout the year.

Fast facts

Getting to Milan: Direct flights from the UK to Milan take approximately 1hr 55m.

Visa requirements: If you have a passport as a British Citizen or a British Subject with Right of Abode in the United Kingdom, you don't need a visa to enter Italy.

Time zone: Milan is in Central European Time, which is 1 hour ahead of GMT.

Language: Italian

*Content correct at time of writing and subject to change.