The wealthiest city in Italy, one of the “Big Four” fashion capital of the world, and home to the oldest shopping mall in the world, this is Milan. Our guide takes you through what you can do when you only have 2 days in Milan. With Milan being home to some of the major Italian fashion brands, shopping in this city is a must.
The highlights of our 2 days in Milan are:
- Piazza del Duomo
- Galleria Vittorio
- Santa Maria Delle Grazie
- Navigli District
- Bosco Verticale
If you are looking to spend an amazing 2 days in Milan, you have landed on the right page as we answer your questions:
- Where is Milan?
- How can I spend 2 days in Milan?
- Where should I stay when visiting Milan?
- Is Milan English-friendly?
- What is the best time of the year to visit Milan?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Milan
Cominciamo, that means let’s begin!
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Where is Milan?
This metropolitan city is the capital of Lombardy in northern Italy and is known for its strengths in the arts, commerce, fashion, sports, and tourism. Milan has the third-largest wealthiest economy after Paris and Madrid.
Milan is also home to two of the most successful football teams in the world, AC Milan and Inter Milan. The city is at the foothills of the Alps and is close to three of the great lakes of the Alps which are Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Lugano.
The city is on flatlands and has a four-season subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cold, foggy winters. The two business districts that dominate the city’s skyline are Porta Nuovo and CityLife.
The Colonne di San Lorenzo is one of the few remnants of the ancient Roman colony that lived here.
History
The Celtic Insubres were the earliest known tribe to have settled in northern Italy in 400 BC. However, the Romans conquered the settlement and renamed it Mediolanum in 222 BC. By 569 BC, the Lombards brought an end to Roman rule.
With the Iron Crown of Lombardy, Milan became a city where many emperors were crowned. It began with Otto I of Germany and ended with Napoleon in Milan. By the 12th century, Milan was already extremely wealthy and home to thousands of workers.
Milan’s territory expanded under the reign of the first Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti with the annexation of Verona, Padua, Pisa, Persua, and Bologna. Milan became part of the Ambrosia Republic when Francesco Sforza conquered the city.
In the early 20th century, with the international success of Armani, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, Milan became a fashion powerhouse and also saw a marked increase in tourist arrivals.
How do you get around Milan?
Milan has an efficient public transportation system that is cheap and runs late into the night. While Milan is walkable, to an extent, you will need to rely on public transport to get you to other places.
Metro
The first and most reliable public transport is Milan Metro. There are four lines with 111 stations and cover a total length of 58.7 miles. The four lines are M1 (red), M2 (green), M3 (yellow), and M5 (purple). The fifth line, M4 (blue) is under construction.
All lines open from 6 am until 12.30 am with the frequency of 2-4 minutes for travels within the city and about 30 minutes for stops outside the city.
Tram
Milan’s trams have been around since 1876, at a time when horse-drawn carriages were common. Eighteen lines run from 4.30 am to 2.30 am. Look out for the tram series 1500 which has been running since the 1930s.
Bus
To further complement Milan’s Metro and tram networks, buses are another way to get around the city. There are over 80 local bus lines with 15 routes traveling from midnight to 6 am.
Taxis
While taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, they are not cheap. Although the tariffs are not as high as London, Florence, and Amsterdam, we prefer them as a last option. Taxis run from 6 am to 9 pm and the official tariffs are:
Minimum fare on weekdays: €3.30 ($3.60)
Minimum fare on weekends: €5.40 ($5.90)
The minimum fare at night: €6.50 ($7.10)
Tariff per kilometer: €1.09 ($1.20)
Tariff for waiting for an hour: €28.32 ($30.90)
Be aware of extra charges that may differ from the rates above. Also, if you book a taxi via phone, you could be charged doubled as the meters start as soon as your call is received.
Tickets and Travel Cards
The tickets and travel cards are valid on all metro, trams, and buses in Milan. The most useful tickets for tourists are the single ticket that is valid for 90 minutes and cost €2 ($2.20). You can change metro lines during this period.
Once you leave a station, you would need to purchase a new single ticket as you can’t reuse the old ticket.
Another useful travel card is the 24-hour travel card that is valid for 24 hours from the time it is entered into the machine. The card costs €4.50 ($4.90) and covers metro lines M1, M2, and M3.
The 48-hour travel card works the same as the 24-hour card with the difference being in cost. The 48-hour card costs €8.25 ($9).
Milan is particular about the size of luggage in its public transportation system. Take note that you may not be allowed entry if you have more than one piece of luggage. Smaller luggage that is about 50 cm is allowed for free.
However, suitcases that are 50 cm by 90 cm have to have their ticket. A luggage ticket costs €1.50 ($1.08) while suitcases over 90 cm are not allowed on Milan’s public transportation systems.
How can I spend 2 days in Milan?
Day 1: Old Town Milano
On Day 1 of our 2 days in Milan, we explore the must-visit sites in Milan. We begin at the world-famous church, the Duomo, and end our day at a cemetery, the Cimitero Monumentale where each tomb and family mausoleum is an art piece in its own right.
Piazza del Duomo
The first in our 2 days in Milan is the Piazza del Duomo or Cathedral Square is the heart of Milan, geographically. The plaza is home to the Milan Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and marks one of the entrances to Galleria Vittorio.
The plaza was the vision of Azzone Visconti, the founder of Milan who created a market square in the present site and named it “Piazza dell’Arengo”. “Arengo” refers to the government buildings that once stood here. Unfortunately, none of these buildings survived.
The major landmark to look out for is the Duomo di Milano or the Milan Cathedral. This cathedral is the second-largest in Europe, and possibly the third-largest in the world.
Mark Twain visited the cathedral in 1867 and dedicated Chapter 18 of Innocents Abroad to Milan Cathedral. He describes the physical and historical aspects of the cathedral and his visit to the roof of the cathedral.
Is it free to enter Milan Cathedral?
No, there is an entry fee to enter the cathedral and museum, the archaeological area, and the elevator to get to the terrace. The rates for the cathedral and museum are €2 ($2.20) for adults while children below the age of 6 years enter for free.
The rate for the archeological area is €4 ($4.40) for adults, €2 ($2.20) for those below 26 years of age. To get to the terrace using the elevator, the rates are €13 ($14.20) for adults, €7 ($7.70) for children between 6 to 12 years old.
However, you would need to climb 251 stairs and the rates are €8 ($8.70) for adults and €4 ($4.40) for children between 6 to 12 years old. Children below the age of 6 years, can use the stairs for free.
How many statues are in Duomo, Milan?
There are a total of 3,400 statues, 135 gargoyles, and 700 figures that decorate the Duomo. However, the most revered figure is that of the Little Madonna which is 4 meters in height and is completely covered in gold and stands at the highest point of the Duomo.
Some notable sights to look out for are the statue of liberty or Le Legge Nuova translates to “The New Law”. This sculpture was the source of inspiration for New York’s Statue of Liberty.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The second of our 2 days in Milan is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is the oldest shopping mall in Milan. This major landmark is 160-meters or a short 2-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo.
Galleria Vittorio is named after Victor Emmanuel II who was the first king of the Kingdom of Italy and consists of two glass arcades intersecting in an octagon that meets at the junction of the streets to Piazza del Duomo to Piazza Della Scala.
Is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II free?
Yes, there is free entry to Galleria Vittorio as it is a shopping gallery. While the street is open all day, the individual shops have their opening hours. As this is a high-end glorified shopping mall, you can expect to pay a bomb, even for coffee.
Why is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II important?
Galleria Vittorio is important because it is home to some of the oldest cafes and retail shops in Milan. The Biffi Cafe was founded in 1887 while the Borsalino hat-shop was founded in 1883.
What stores are in the Galleria in Milan?
The high-end stores at the Galleria are Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Luisa Spagnoli, Tod’s, and Twinset.
Read the Best Shopping in Milan, Rick Steves: Must-see Treasures of Milan, and How to Holiday in House of Gucci’s Glamorous Filming Locations to know more.
Brera District
The third of our 2 days in Milan is Brera District. This Artist’s Quarter is about 750 meters or a quick 9-minute walk from Galleria Vittorio. This district is the artistic heart of Milan and has a cool bohemian atmosphere.
The Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the Brera Art Gallery is in Palazzo Brera which also houses Italy’s largest and most beautiful national library, the Biblioteca Braidense. Milan’s botanical garden and the astronomical observatory are within this district.
Another notable must-visit is the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine is a pilgrimage for those who love classical music. Mozart lived in the monastery for three months and it was here that Verdi’s Requiem was performed for the first time.
What does Brera mean in Italian?
In Italian, “brera” means a land expanse either cleared of trees or lacks trees altogether. The term is derived from the Old Lombardic word “brayda”. Historically, this area was outside Milan’s city walls and the lands were cleared for military purposes.
Where is Brera district in Milan?
Brera district is located in the historical core of the city or Zone I and is centered Via Brera which is north of the Duomo. Read the Top Things To Do In Brera to know more.
Castello Sforzesco
The fourth of our 2 days in Milan is Castello Sforzesco. This castle is about 450 meters or an easy 6-minute walk from Brera District. The castle was built in the 15th century, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification.
The castle is now home to several museums like the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Milan. Michelangelo’s last unfinished work, the Rondanini Pietà is also here.
Is Castello Sforzesco free?
Yes, the entrance to Castello Sforzesco is free. However, there is an entrance fee of €10 ($11) for adults and €8 ($8.80) for students and seniors above 65 years of age. A reduced fee of €5 ($5.50) applies to everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
There is free entry every first and third Tuesday after 2 pm. However, reservations are recommended.
Who lived in Sforza castle?
The Visconti family was the first to construct and live in the castle during the 14th century. By the end of the 14th century, the castle became the residence of Francesco Sforza. Under Spanish rule, the castle was turned into a citadel, and fortifications were added to it.
Porta Sempione (Arco Della Pace)
The fifth of our 2 days in Milan is Porta Sempione with its iconic Arco Della Pace, the Arch of Peace. The arch is an easy 10-minute walk and is just 800 meters from Sforzesco Castle.
While most of the structure is in the 19th century, the origins of the gate can be traced to a gate of Roman walls in Milan. This arch is believed to be aligned to the Arch de Triomphe in Paris as this road is the main road that connects Milan to Paris via Sempione.
The colossal bronze sculptural group you see at the top of the gate is Sestiga Della Pace. The sculpture is that of Eirene, the Goddess of Peace, standing on her chariot as she holds an olive branch in her right hand.
Her left-hand holds a small pole with a small figure of Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, art, war, schools, and commerce.
Did you know?
That the journey to deliver the sculpture from the Manfredini workshop to the arch took 46 hours with a distance of 2 miles. It took 304 men, out of which 120 were soldiers to raise the sculpture to the top of the arch.
Read the History of Arco Della Pace In 60 Seconds to know more.
Cimitero Monumentale
The sixth of our 2 days in Milan is Cimitero Monumentale or Monumental Cemetery is about 2 miles or a 10-minute drive from the Duomo. Or, you can walk a 35-minute walk along Corso Garibaldi.
As you walk along Corso Garibaldi, look out for the other landmarks such as the Pinacoteca de Brera and Basilica di San Simpliciano.
The Cimitero is one of the two largest cemeteries in Italy and is known for its abundant artistic tombs and monuments. The main entrance is through the Famedio or the Hall of Fame where the tomb of Alessandro Manzoni is placed.
Alessandro was a poet, novelist, and the founder of the modern Italian language. Among the other notable monuments to look out for are the mausoleum of Antonio Bernocchi, the Morgnani family monument, and the Last Supper at the Campari family tomb.
Day 2: Football, Canal, Churches, and a Green Building
On Day 2 of our 2 days in Milan, we explore the San Siro Stadium, the canals of Navigli, Santa Maria Delle Grazie to see the Last Supper, the Basilica of Saint Ambrose, and we end our day viewing Bosco Verticale.
San Siro Stadium
The seventh of our 2 days in Milan is San Siro Stadium. San Siro is about 5 miles or a 15-minute drive from the Duomo and with a seating capacity of 80,018 people, it is one of the largest stadiums in Europe, and the largest in Italy.
The stadium is located northwest of Milan and is linked by three metro stations which are San Siro Stadio, San Siro Ippodromo, and the Lotto Stations.
It was the former President of AC Milan, Piero Pirelli who urged the construction of the stadium in the same district as a horse racing stadium. The stadium was completed within 13 months for 5 million Italian Lire ($2,848).
The stadium hosted its first inauguration friendly match was between Inter and AC on 19th September 1926 where Inter defeated Milan with a score of 6-3.
Why do AC Milan and Inter Milan share the same stadium?
Although San Siro stadium was originally owned by AC Milan, they began sharing a stadium after their positive experience as shared tenants of San Siro.
Is AC Milan building a new stadium?
Yes, AC Milan and Inter Milan will be sharing a new stadium that will be built at the present site of San Siro. The new stadium is known as the Cathedral as its structure was inspired by the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio.
How much is it to enter San Siro?
If you want to walk in the footsteps of champions, take the San Siro Museum Tour where you have access to the locker rooms and the players’ tunnel towards the field. Private tours are priced at €30 ($33) for adults and a reduced rate of €23 ($25) per person.
Read the Five Bitter Rivals Who Share Their Stadiums and the Plans Unveiled For Grounds That Will Replace San Siro, and Progress is Being Made on the ‘New’ San Siro, Albeit Slowly to know more.
Navigli District
The eighth of our 2 days in Milan is Navigli District. This district is about 4 miles from San Siro Stadium. While Venice is the place to be for boating along the canals, Milan has five canals of its own where its first canal was navigable by the 12th century.
There are five canals with Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese and their convergent point, Darsena being popular with tourists as the streets are filled with bars, restaurants, and some hidden spots.
You can thank Leonardo Da Vinci for inventing a system of locks that was implemented by master engineers in the 15th century, at a time when these canals were used to transport people, cargo, and used mainly for irrigation purposes.
How far is Navigli from Duomo?
Navigli is about 5 miles or a 15-minute drive from Duomo. If you prefer to walk, the distance is about 1.8 miles.
Read the Top Things To Do In Navigli, Milan: Italy’s Lost City of Canals, and Milan After Dark: Where to Eat, Drink, and Party in Navigli to know more.
Santa Maria Delle Grazie
The ninth in our 2 days in Milan is Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is about 3-miles or a 10-minute drive from Navigli District. The church was built to serve the Sforza family burial site.
However, it is one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s most famous artwork in the world, other than the Mona Lisa that draws the crowd. The painting is the Last Supper. This painting was a popular choice for refectory walls in monasteries during the 15th century.
Is Santa Maria Delle Grazie open?
Santa Maria Delle Grazie is open for sightseeing. The visiting hours are 9 am to 12.20 pm and 3.30 pm to 5.50 pm from Mondays to Saturdays. The hours for Public Holidays and Sundays are 4 pm to 5.50 pm.
Do you need tickets for Santa Maria Delle Grazie?
While you can enter the church grounds for free, you will need to pay an entrance fee to view the Last Supper. You can purchase the tickets online from the Cenacolo Vinciano Museum website.
The opening hours to view the masterpiece is 8.15 am to 7 pm with the last entry being 6.45 pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays. On Sundays, the hours are 2 pm to 7 pm with the last entry at 6.45 pm.
The tickets are priced at €15 ($17) for adults and €2 ($2.20) for people aged between 18 to 25 years. Free entry is given to minors, both inside and outside the EU and for teachers of Italian schools.
When was the Last Supper painted?
The Last Supper was painted between 1495 to 1498 and its original size was 460 cm x 880 cm or 180 in x 350 inches. The actual date when he began painting is unknown as archives were destroyed during World War II although the painting survived the bombardment.
Basilica of Sant Ambrogio
The tenth of our 2 days in Milan is the Basilica of Sant Ambrogio. This basilica is a 10-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Santa Maria Delle Grazie. This basilica is one of the most ancient in Milan as it was built in 387AD.
As you walk beside the church, you will come across a column with two holes in it. According to local legends, the holes are from the horns of the Devil. The story goes that the Devil tried to seduce St Ambrose into temptation.
The Devil failed and in frustration, he hit the marble column with his head. Thus, piercing the marble with his horns. The column is known as the Devil’s Column.
Who is buried with Saint Ambrose?
Saint Ambrose is buried with his brother San Satiro. The remains of St Ambrose, St Gervasus, St Protasus, and the tomb of Emperor Louis II are also buried in the church. A chapel in honor of St Vittorio was also built and the structure was added to the church.
What is Saint Ambrose the patron saint of?
Saint Ambrose or Aurelius Ambrosius is the patron saint of Milan, beekeepers, and learning. He was the Bishop of Milan, a theologian, and a respected statesman whose preachings and literary works made him an influential figure of the 4th century.
There is no entrance fee to pay at the basilica and the closest metro station is the Sant Ambrogio Station. The basilica is open from 10 am to 2 pm and 2.30 pm to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday.
On Sunday, it is only open for 2 hours, from 3 pm until 5 pm. Some other nearby attractions are the Milan Archaeological Museum, the San Lorenzo Basilica, and the San Maurizio Church.
Bosco Verticale
The eleventh and last of our 2 days in Milan is Bosco Verticale. These residential towers are about 3.6 miles or a 15-minute drive from Basilica of Sant Ambrogio. Bosco Verticale or the Vertical Forest is home to more than 900 trees and 5,000 shrubs.
What is Bosco Verticale used for?
Bosco Verticale is used to increase biodiversity, build a micro-climate, and filters fine particles. It is built on the anti-crawl method which reduces urban expansion and is an ever-evolving landmark of the city.
What makes Bosco Verticale sustainable?
Bosco Verticale is sustainable in that the building is self-sufficient and uses renewable energy from solar panels and filtered wastewater to sustain the plants. The building’s green facade acts as a buffer against pollution and cools the building.
Do people live in the Bosco Verticale?
Yes, people do live in Bosco Verticale. The building is home to 400 apartments, an 11-story office complex, and 125 small apartments for low-income households.
Where should I stay when visiting Milan?
From stylish restaurants to cute Instagram-worthy cafes, choosing the best areas to stay in Milan can be difficult. After all, each neighborhood has something different to offer. With Duomo at its heart to the bustling Navigli in the south, these are our choices for an authentic Italian experience.
That is why deciding where to stay for 2 days in Milan can be tough when there are so many options available.
Piazza del Duomo for First-Timers
Cathedral Square or Piazza del Duomo is Milan’s main city square. The main tourist attractions in this square include Milan Cathedral, the Royal Palace of Milan, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.
Our choices for the best hotels to stay here are:
Just a few steps from Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and the Duomo, the Street Milano Duomo is a new concept of urban hospitality that offers eight private studios in contemporary style. With its excellent location, you can walk to the Fashion District and La Scala Theatre.
The stellar reviews of this hotel include helpful and amazing staff, clean rooms, and a central location. The staff would be more than happy to give you recommendations on the best places to eat.
The Park Hyatt Milan is a luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Milan that has 106 elegant guest rooms and 25 suites that feature large marble bathrooms, terraces with a view of the city skyline, and the Duomo Metro just 2-minutes away.
The reviews include clean, spacious rooms, welcoming staff who go above and beyond their duty to give the best to their guests, and an excellent location.
The Spadari Al Duomo is a family home that has been beautifully converted into the first art and design hotel in Milan with each room decorated with paintings by young contemporary artists.
The reviews include a friendly receptionist, a pleasant 2-minute walk to the Duomo, and plenty of food and dining options nearby. The hotel also has a free minibar, unlimited free water bottles, and reasonably good breakfast options.
Brera District for Sightseeing
This district is within the historical core of the city and is northwest of the city center in a tangle of narrow streets, devoid of any traffic. The name “Brera” is from the Medieval Italian word, “brayda” which means “lands cleared of trees”.
This was because in 900AD, this district was outside of Milan’s city walls and these lands were kept clear for military purposes. This former Bohemian district is home to the city’s most famous art museum, Pinocotera di Brera.
Our choices for the best hotels to stay in this district are:
This is probably Milan’s most exclusive hotel, the Bulgari Hotel. With rooms that overlook the 4,000 square meter private gardens and near the Botanical Gardens, this hotel is a calm oasis amidst Milan’s busy pace.
The exceptional reviews include beautiful and clean well-kept rooms, staff who never miss any attention to details, and a convenient location. One thing is for sure, you can’t go wrong with Bulgari.
The Armani Hotel is where luxury meets sophistication. To make your stay memorable, guests have an opportunity to request one-of-a-kind services, signed by Giorgio Armani himself.
The hotel is set in a 1930s building and is within walking distance to the Montenapoleone Metro Station. The rave reviews include perfect hospitality, sophisticated interior design, and flawless service.
With 70 elegant rooms and 34 suites, guests at Mandarin Oriental can enjoy a charming mix of style and luxury. The hotel is set in a complex of 4 connecting 18th style buildings that overlook the courtyard, the street, and the Milan Cathedral.
Some reviews include the hotel having a central location that is close to the Duomo, museums, and shopping. The hotel also has excellent fine dining options within its premises and comfortable and spacious rooms.
Navigli District for Nightlife
All of us know that Venice is the place to be for picturesque canals. However, Milan has its canals. And, this district is just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. The area can be divided into two, the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese.
The city’s port, Darsena was once an important water junction while Naviglio Pavese was once a direct link between Pavia and Milan. The columns of St Lorenzo is the entry point for the Basilica of St Lorenzo that was built in the 4th century.
Now, with so much to see in this district, here are our top choices for the best places to stay in Navigli.
This 42-room hotel is designed in a typical Milanese retro style complemented with modern interior decorations. All rooms are spacious, bright, and unique as well as being wheelchair friendly.
The reviews include spotless clean rooms, good shower pressure, comfortable beds, an excellent location next to the best bars and restaurants as well as friendly staff who are attentive to the guests’ needs.
The Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum beautifully combines a perfume laboratory and a hotel. With wood cabinets, a small library with works on the art of making perfume, and literature on perfume.
Each room has a distinctive essence attached to it. For example, 9 suites are dedicated to aromatic woods such as sandalwood, vetiver, and rosewood while 19 suites are dedicated to floral shrubs such as Gardenia, Jasmine, and Magnolia.
The reviews include comfortable beds, amazing breakfast, helpful staff, and an immaculately clean hotel.
The Art Hotel Navigli has artworks from artists such as Dali, Arnaldo Pomodoro, and Man Ray displayed throughout the hotel. Guests can choose to relax on the 6th-floor terrace, sauna, or Turkish bath.
Some reviews of this hotel mention spacious rooms with balconies, friendly staff, and a perfect location at the heart of Navigli and just walking distance to restaurants and bars. It is also within walking distance to the Porto Genova and Romolo Metro stations.
Is Milan English-friendly?
According to How Widely Spoken, Milan does have a reasonably high level of English speakers as it is an international business and fashion hub. With a foreign population of at least 20% from English-speaking countries, Milan is English-friendly.
“Good morning” is Buongiorno while Buono sera are “good evening” and to say “I don’t speak Italian” is non parlo Italiano. And, “do you speak English” is Parla Inglese?
Read the Basic Italian Words For Your Trip To Italy and Italian For Travelers To Italy to know more.
What is the best time of the year to visit Milan?
Milan has a four-season humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. For an ultimate 2 days in Milan, let’s check out the best times to visit this beautiful city.
The spring months of April and May, before the summer crowd comes are one of the best times of the year to visit Milan. While you may feel the remnants of the winter chill in April, the beginning of May sees warmer days.
Some key events during the spring months are Milano Design Week in April and Milano Marathon.
The summer months of June till August are not only peak season, the weather is also hot and extremely humid. August is also the start of the summer holidays, so you can expect more tourists than locals.
Key events that happen during the summer months are Milano Latin Festival, Naviglio Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, and the Men’s Milan Fashion Week in July. If you going in summer, think of overcrowded tourist sites, long queues, and fully booked accommodations.
The autumn months of September to October are another best time to visit Milan. Key events for autumn are the Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023 season and the Milan Film Festival.
Winter comes to Milan from November until March. If you come during winter, you can expect fog as temperatures hover around zero degrees. Bring a heavy-duty coat to keep you warm.
What month is the hottest in Milan?
July is the hottest month in Milan with an average high of 85°F (29°C) and a low of 66°F (18°C). Take extra precautions as heat cramps and heat exhaustion can happen. So, take a break and rest in your hotel room in the afternoon to avoid heatstroke.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Milan
So, do you still have questions about Milan? Fret not, we answer them for you in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Is Milan in Italy or Spain?
Milan is the capital city of Lombardy in northern Italy.
What is Milan known for?
Milan is known for its strength in arts, commerce, design, education, fashion, sport, healthcare, and tourism. Milan’s business district is home to Borsa Italiana, Italy’s stock exchange.
Milan is also Italy’s wealthiest city and third-largest in the European Union. The city is also one of the “Big Four” fashion capitals of the world with the others being Paris, London, and New York.
What time is dinner in Milan?
Dinner in Milan is between 7 pm or 8 pm to 10 pm. Most restaurants open for lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm. Most restaurants close after lunch between 2 pm or 3 pm until 6.30 pm for an afternoon siesta. Read The Best Restaurants In Milan and How To Eat Like A Local In Milan to know more.
Is Milan worth visiting?
Although 2 days in Milan may not seem enough and the fact that Milan is not as scenic as Rome or Venice, is 2 days in Milan even worth it? Here’s why:
- Less touristy. Milan is an off-the-beaten-path destination as many tourists prefer Florence, Venice, and Rome. This means less jostling among crowds and more time to view the sights. As it is a business city, it has a higher ratio of locals against tourists.
- Stunning landmarks. From Duomo to Bosco Verticale, Milan merges old structures among modern new buildings beautifully.
- Museums. Milan is home to the Poldi Pezzoli Museum that once started as a private collection and the Museum of the Twentieth Century which houses modern art inside a former palace.
- Cuisine. Milan is a foodie galore. The minestrone alla Milanese and risotto alla Milanese are both from Milan, so make sure you try them. Don’t forget barbajada which is a combination of whipped cream, coffee, and chocolate.
- Shopping. From Galleria Vittorio to Fashion District and Via Dante, make sure you have your card and cash ready. Shopaholics beware!
Milan is also the base for other cities nearby. Read the 10 Best Day Trips From Milan to know more.
