The city of Milan is sometimes referred to as “second city” in Italy. During other times, however, it served as the seat of power for the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia (286–402), the Duchy of Milan (1395–1796), and the Western Roman Empire (28–402). (1815–1859). Several devastating invasions have taken place there, including Attila the Hun’s in 452, the Goths’ recovery of the city in 539 after a lengthy siege, and the Allied bombs during World War II. In the decades that followed, the city recovered and flourished again.
Milan is the economic, commercial, and industrial hub of contemporary Italy, even if Rome is still the country’s official capital. And, by the way, it’s also one of the fashion centres of the globe.
Maybe it’s because of this that Milan seems so different. It’s the sort of place where the good life seems attainable. Yet, this is not always the situation. Milan has a fairly modern vibe, in contrast to the other Italian cities which emphasise their historic districts, crumbling architecture, and antique treasures. Even though there are many historical landmarks here, the overall vibe is quite contemporary. Milan, like other global cities and economic centres, is a thriving city with a population of over 8.2 million (including the surrounding municipalities).
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Milan serves as the regional capital of Lombardy in Italy. 45°28′01′′N 09°11′24′′E is the location. UTC+One Hour (Central European Time). Italy’s capital lies 8 hours behind Japan and 7 hours behind the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia. UTC+2; just 6 hours behind PH, SG, and MY during daylight saving time, which is in force from the last Sunday in March through the last Sunday in October. They speak Italian Several of the signage also provide English translations. European Union currency (EUR, €).
Venue Options in Milann
There are nine boroughs in Milan, and within each borough are various districts (quartiere). Prices in the heart of a city, like those of other popular tourist sites, tend to be higher. The following are the neighbourhoods my Milanese friends recommended to me, along with their respective prices, when I asked them where I should stay while I was in their city on holiday.
Hotels in these areas tend to be more pricey because of their proximity to popular landmarks. The city’s historic centre, or Centro Storico. The Milan Cathedral and the neighbouring areas included. The number of tourists expected to be quite high. Introducing the brand new Milan neighbourhood of Porta Nuova. There are several trendy restaurants and stores in this hip and trendy neighbourhood.
Brera has called the “artists’ neighbourhood” for good reason. Not far from either the Centro Storico or the Porta Nuova. Located in close proximity to both Sforza Castle and Sempione Park.
Anyone with an agenda that includes travel to other cities in Italy should stay in the Central Station Area, which includes the blocks fronting Milano Centrale. Conversely, the following neighbourhoods are likely unlikely to be in a prime location, yet they are convenient nonetheless. These are other inexpensive options:
The Chinatown is located close to Garibaldi Station, Sempione Park, and Porta Nuova. Fast food, Asian eateries, and other dining options abound. Porta Venezia is well-known for its 19th-century gateway, the extensive Corso Buenos Aires retail district, and the city’s many different cultural communities. City of the Students (Citta Studi). Because it primarily serves students, this district offers some of the city’s best deals. Location: somewhat far from the historic core yet convenient to the major station. Several notable outliers are possible.
Have a look at these alternatives!
Recommended Hostels in Milan
- Hello Big and Beautiful.
- “Hello, beautiful people” in Italian.
- Hotel & Restaurant Babila.
- Backpacker Style Colors.
- Milan’s Combo (Navigli).
We scored the final available bed at the New Generation Hostel Brera, conveniently located between two metro stops in the neighbourhood that spans Brera and Porta Nuova. Our starting point allowed us convenient access by foot and underground to the majority of our planned stops.
Fine Apartment & Hotels
- The Bronzino Residence.
- Bed and breakfast in Teodora.
- Italicized Milanese Monotype.
- Motel room.
- There’s a hotel in Ai Suma.
- Apartments at Serendipity
The Best Way to Go to Milan
Flying into Milan? Choose between two major airports: Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN) (LIN). Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the biggest in the area and the second busiest in Italy (after Rome’s Fiumicino Airport). It takes anything from 60 to 90 minutes from the city centre, depending on how you get there.
This article is about the smaller airport in the Milan region known as Linate Airport (LIN), which is mostly used by European airlines. It’s about a 45-minute bus trip east of the downtown area. Nevertheless, Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY) in Bergamo and Parma Airport are both close by and can be utilised as convenient alternatives to go to Milan.
Airport of Malpensa to Central Milan
Make sure you know which of Malpensa Airport’s two terminals your flight will be departing from. Two major forms of public transit stand out from the taxi: Both terminals are accessible via train. A trip into the heart of Milan is possible via either the Malpensa Express or Trenitalia (Regionale Trenord). We calculated a travel time of 54 minutes. Fare: 13€.
From 6 a.m. until midnight or thereabouts, you may take an Autostradale bus straight into the heart of Milan. Around an hour and a half will be spent in transit. Tickets are €8 one way or €14 round trip. Linate Airport, in contrast to Malpensa Airport, does not include its own railway station. Taking the bus into the city is the most convenient option. Choose from the following!
Every half-hour between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m., there is a bus leaving for Milano Centrale (Piazza Luigi da Savoia). The trip should take no more than 25 minutes. Fare: 5€. Starfly: Departs every 20 minutes between 6:10 AM and 11:30 PM (Monday–Sunday) from Linate Airport to Milano Centrale (6:30am-10pm on weekends). Time spent in transit is around 25 minutes. Fare: 5€.
If you’re on a tight budget, take bus 73 or X73, which is the slowest but least expensive alternative. You may use these public urban buses (ATM) to go to the San Babila underground stop (close to the Duomo). Every ten minutes between 6:05 and 12:55, there is a bus. But, there isn’t a lot of room for bags. A bus ticket may be purchased on the bus. Around 50 minutes is the approximate travel time. Fare: 2€.
A Guide to Mobiling in Milan
Milan is mostly flat, making it simple to traverse the city on foot. We walked whenever possible because it was faster than driving. Even from Porta Nuova to the Duomo, we gave it a shot. It’s a fun way to explore the city and find new places to dine and shop.
Using Common Modes of Transportation
Traveling longer distances in Milan is convenient because to the city’s public transit system, which is managed by an organisation called ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi). It manages a transportation system that includes bus lines, trams, and a metro. Get the official ATM Milano app (Apple iOS | Google Play) for directions. The trip planner will then tell you the best way to get there and how much it will cost you.
One ticket may be used on all modes of public transit in Milan. The same ticket will allow you to switch between the bus and the tram, for instance. The total cost is calculated by multiplying the total number of zones crossed by the associated fee per zone. There are nine different price brackets in Milan’s geographical layout. Zone Mi1-Mi3 is where you’ll find the heart of the city.
Church of Milan
In Italy, the largest and most famous cathedral is the Duomo di Milano, which took centuries to complete. The Italian Gothic architecture is, quite simply, stunning. In 1386, with the oversight of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, construction began. You can see the many hands who worked on the cathedral over the ages, as well as their own styles and visions, all at once.
Visitors can explore a good deal of the cathedral. There are museums, archives, a crypt, and an archaeological site inside. There is a stairwell and a lift that may take you to the roof.
- We are open from Monday through Friday. 11am-5:30pm Monday through Friday; 1:30pm-3:30pm Saturday and Sunday
- FREE ADMISSION
The Cathedral of Saint, Gottardo and the Museum in Corte
- Open from Thursday to Tuesday, 10am to 6pm.
- Wednesdays are the day of the week when we are closed.
- You’ll need to pay 3€ to get in.
Landmark of Archaeological Interest (Baptistery of San Giovanni Alle Fonti)
- Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Passage of the Duomo Elevated Archaeologically Necessary Location (Baptistery of St. Stephen)
- Every day from 9am to 6pm.
- FREE Admission
Italian Food Tour in Milan
Italy is a cultural and culinary paradise, with stunning sights and sounds to be enjoyed at every turn. Similarly, Milan has its own problems. If you’re looking for the greatest food in town, a stroll around the Brera District is a great idea. In between bites, your guide will offer interesting morsels of information about the meal you’re enjoying. Risottos, cream rolls, and parmigiana are just few of the dishes you may try.
The Da Vinci Code Experience
Leonardo da Vinci had Milan while Bernini had Rome and Michelangelo had Florence. The famous Renaissance man was primarily active in Milan for 17 years. But, a guided tour will provide a deeper knowledge of Da Vinci’s time in Milan and his works. Klook guests also receive priority entry to the Last Supper, one of Da Vinci’s most well-known paintings.
Travel to Lake Como
You may also visit Lake Como while you’re in Lombardy. Yet, many tourists start their journeys from Milan because it is only 1.5 hours away. The travel to Lake Como from Milan is easily doable in a day.
When you take a cruise on Lake Como, you may admire the beautiful houses and gardens that dot the lakeside. While on your tour, check out the lavish lifestyles of the rich and famous. You may have seen these vistas in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones if they appear familiar to you. Bellagio, a picturesque lakeside town, awaits you after your cruise. The tour’s cobblestone lanes and historic architecture will transport you to another era.
You may get to Como using the bus system. Using the train is the most time-efficient and stress-free option for getting to the city. A train to Como S. Giovanni Station may be taken from Milano Centrale. Trains leave from Milano Cadorna, and you may get off in Como Nord Lago.
Museum of the La Scala Theatre
La Scala Theater, which first opened in 1778, is a major international destination for ballet and opera. To be able to perform here is the holy grail for opera singers. A museum dedicated to the theater’s finest performers and productions is also located there. You’ll also get to see some priceless relics.
Navigli
South of the city’s core lies a neighbourhood called Navigli, which gets its name from the extensive system of canals that runs through it. There are other churches there as well, notably the basilicas of San Lorenzo and Sant’Eustachio.
Modern visitors, however, come to enjoy the restaurants, bars, and clubs that line the canal at night. Joining a food and wine tour, where you’ll learn about the history of the area’s wines and delicacies, is a terrific way to get a feel for the neighborhood’s unique charm. An ideal way to spend an evening in Milan!
Further, Secrets of Milan
Where can I get information on whether or not a visa is required for entry to Milan?
The Schengen accord includes Italy. A Schengen Visa is required for citizens of the Philippines to enter Milan. You must get a visa from the Italian Embassy if Italy is your sole destination or if Italy is your primary destination during a multi-country trip.
Is it risky to travel to Milan?
Traveling about Milan should not pose any major safety concerns. Yet, like in every major metropolis, there are some locations where you should use heightened caution. Keep an eye on your possessions and don’t let your guard down; little crimes like pickpocketing and frauds do happen.
Tell me about some of the most typical frauds operating in Milan.
Milan is just as susceptible to cons as any other big European city. Some of the most common are as follows: Cons trick with string bracelets. A stranger will come up to you and wrap a bracelet around your wrist. They’ll act as though it’s a gift, but you’ll quickly learn that there’s a hefty catch. Avoid giving your money or personal belongings to strangers, especially in popular tourist areas.
Pickpocketing. Very frequent in busy public spaces and areas frequented by tourists. Always be on the lookout and hide your wallet somewhere that is difficult to get. Some eateries charge excessive prices. It is common practise in many Italian towns to be offered bread and pay for pane e coperto (bread and cover) after being seated. But, at certain restaurants and bars, you may be served complimentary appetisers or beverages even if you didn’t request them. For this reason, before deciding on a dining establishment, it is advisable to read some reviews online.
Targeting those who are kind to others, the helpful stranger scam. This typically occurs while purchasing tickets from the automated machines at a subway or railway station. The ticket vendo might be intimidating to first-time users since it takes some time to understand how it functions. A random good Samaritan might lend a hand now and again, but they’re typically just out to make a buck. If this occurs to you, just be careful with your belongings and respectfully decline. If they keep pushing, just leave.
When would you say is Milan’s ideal time to go?
Cool, agreeable weather, manageable crowds, and affordable pricing make April, May, and September the best times to visit Milan (at least compared to the summer months). While the months of April and September tend to be dry, there is a greater risk of precipitation in the months of October and November.
This graph is courtesy of the World Bank.
Its peak season coincides with the rest of Europe, spanning the months of June through August. As a result, both prices and crowd densities are at their peak. If you like a low-traffic experience, this is probably not the greatest time to go.
Can you tell me the price of the Milan city tax for visitors? Does it cost more at the hotel?
Tourists in Milan must pay a city fee ranging from €3 to €5 per night, with the exact amount determined on the hotel’s star grade. It is often NOT included in the cost of the reservation and must be paid in cash to the hotel upon arrival or departure.
How does Milan handle gratuities?
The city of Milan does not have a custom of tipping. That will be very much appreciated but is in no way expected. At most restaurants, the “tip” is already included into the bill in the shape of a service charge, bread, or some other hidden fee. In the absence of exceptional treatment, a standard 15% tip is appropriate. Taxi drivers are not expected to be tipped.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Milan?
You can safely consume it. It boils down to personal preference.