Don’t Do This in Milan!

Are you planning a trip to Italy and want to visit Milan? Here are some very important tips on what not to do when you visit Milan. We live in Italy and visit Milan very often, so we know the city quite well. These tips will help you experience this amazing and cosmopolitan city more like a local.

Don’t Go Just for the Day

Milan is an incredible city with a lot to offer. It has a wonderful restaurant scene, and at night, the city really comes alive. Some of the attractions in Milan are also quite far apart, so it would be a challenge to see them all in one day.

For this reason, we strongly recommend visiting for at least one night, or even better, two nights. More on that later.

If you spend the night in Milan, you have to consider that hotels right in the historic city center can be quite pricey. For this reason, we recommend booking hotels near the Milano Centrale train station or in the Porta Venezia area. Hotels in these two areas are more affordable, and they’re conveniently located near the metro.

In fact, from the Centrale train station to the Duomo, it takes only 8 minutes on the M3 metro line. From Porta Venezia, the M1 red line takes only 4 minutes to reach the Duomo.

Another fun area to consider when booking hotels in Milan is Porta Garibaldi. This is a very modern and interesting area of the city. Near Porta Garibaldi, there are many great restaurants and shops. From Porta Garibaldi to the Duomo by metro takes about 20 minutes with a change, but it’s still quite worth checking out.

Don’t Go in the Summer

Milan in the summer can be really hot and humid. In July and August, the temperature can reach 37° to 38° C (98° F), making it very uncomfortable to walk around and enjoy the city. Also, in August, many shops might be closed for holidays, though that’s changing.

In our opinion, the best seasons to visit Milan are early spring and late fall. In May, temperatures range from 14° C to 23° C (52° F to 73° F). In October, temperatures range from 11° C to 19° C (51° F to 66° F).

One thing to consider when planning a trip to Milan is that two major events happen in the city in the spring and fall. In the spring, usually in late April, Milan hosts the Salone del Mobile, the world’s largest furniture trade show. In late September, Milan hosts the Settimana della Moda, or Fashion Week.

These two events are huge and attract visitors from all over the world. Because of this, it’s very difficult to find available hotels during those events, and room prices are way higher than usual. On top of that, the city is packed with people and really busy everywhere. Unless you’re really into designer furniture or fashion, maybe avoid those two events.

Lastly, in December, just before Christmas, Milan is absolutely amazing, with beautiful decorations all over the city and stores.

Don’t Drive in the City Center

Driving in Milan can be quite challenging for a few reasons. First, there is quite a bit of traffic on the roads, especially during rush hour. Second, most areas of the city center are limited traffic zones, or ZTL. In those areas, only cars with a permit can circulate, and if you enter one of these areas by mistake, you’ll get a very big fine.

Lastly, parking in Milan is limited and very expensive. For all these reasons, we strongly recommend not driving in Milan. The best way to get to Milan is by train or, if you’re coming from abroad, by flying.

What if you’re doing a road trip in Italy and one of your stops is Milan? How do you deal with the car? Our suggestion is to drive to your hotel, make sure it has parking when you book, leave the car there, and then move around the city on public transit.

But what if the hotel is inside the ZTL? In that case, you have to make sure the hotel applies for a ZTL permit on your behalf by registering the car’s license plate at the local police station. Hotels located in ZTL areas usually do this for you at check-in.

Don’t Think You’ll Get a Good Deal on Clothes or Shoes

Everyone knows that Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals. Walking through the Milan fashion district around Via Montenapoleone can be an overwhelming experience.

However, don’t assume that because the designer houses are located in Milan, you can buy those items cheaper than you can in your own country. Unfortunately, the prices for designer clothes, shoes, and bags are exactly the same all over the world, and you won’t be able to score any deals just by shopping in Milan.

However, you might have a better selection and the bragging rights to say, “I bought these in Milan!”

Around Milan, there are a couple of designer factory outlets that often have great deals on designer clothes and shoes.

Don’t Forget to Eat the Local Food

Like any other Italian city, Milan has a great food tradition, and you won’t have a full immersion in the city without trying the typical food of Milan.

The two most typical dishes of Milan are Cotoletta alla Milanese and Ossobuco with risotto. Cotoletta is basically a veal schnitzel, breaded and fried until extra crispy. It’s usually served with roasted or fried potatoes. When visiting Milan, you should definitely try it.

Ossobuco with risotto is a veal shank that’s braised for hours until super tender. It’s usually served on top of risotto alla Milanese, a creamy, fragrant saffron risotto. This dish is better suited to the colder months, but it’s absolutely delicious.

If you go to Milan around Christmas time, you have to try the traditional panettone, a soft, pillowy cake with raisins, candied fruit, and almonds. Today, practically every bakery in Milan makes its own version of artisanal panettone, and it’s really worth trying.

Lastly, Milan is a very cosmopolitan city, and here you’ll find excellent food from all over the world, from authentic Chinese food in Milan’s Chinatown to regional Italian dishes from all over Italy. So please check it out.

Don’t Skip Aperitivo in Milan

When you’re in Milan, you should absolutely go for aperitivo in some of the city’s best spots. In fact, in Milan, they take aperitivo to the next level.

For example, we had a fantastic experience having an aperitivo while sailing down the Naviglio canal in Milan. Right by the Galleria, you’ll find the Campari Bar, a historic place where you can try a Campari drink while enjoying some people-watching.

Lastly, another wonderful spot for aperitivo in Milan is on the top floor of the Rinascente department store. Here, you can have an Aperol spritz while admiring one of the best views of the Duomo.

Don’t Go Without Booking the Last Supper

If you’re visiting Milan, you should go and see Leonardo’s Last Supper. This is probably one of the most famous frescoes in the world, and it’s located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

However, if you want to see this masterpiece, you must get your tickets way in advance because they sell out very quickly. Only a very small number of visitors are allowed in the room at one time, so tickets are in very high demand.

On the same note, we strongly recommend buying all your attraction tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket office.

Don’t Skip a Side Trip to Lake Como

If you visit Milan for two days or more, you should absolutely take a side trip to the stunning Lake Como, which is very close to the city.

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy, and on its shores, you can admire charming little villages, wonderful villas, and incredible mountains.

Final Thoughts

Milan has so much more to offer than many people expect, from incredible food and aperitivo spots to historic sights, shopping, nightlife, and easy side trips. With a little planning, it’s a city that can easily become one of the highlights of your trip to Italy.

Ciao!