Travel to Milan

About Milan

Milan is the home of Armani, Prada and Dolce&Gabbana design houses- making it a must visit for all fashionistas traveling in Italy. Those who aren't interested in haute couture will be glad to know that the city has a lot more to offer. Milan is chalked full of beautiful architecture, delicious Italian cuisine, historical museums, and artistic experiences. From the Castello Sforzesco art gallery to the Piazza Duomo, Milan is full of breathtaking sights that will delight the senses. Be sure to live like a local and sample an espresso in the Piazza after a long day of exploring the city!

Quick Guide to Milan

• Must Know: The most popular way to travel around Milan is by using the excellent public transport system.
• Must See: You shouldn’t leave Milan without going to visit the Gothic styled Duomo di Milano cathedral.
• Must Do: Visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

Eating in Milan

There's so much to love about Milan, and its culinary scene is definitely at the top of the list! Check out Pescaria, in Polignano a Mare, for the freshest seafood offerings. With a menu ranging from fisherman's baskets of shrimp to their signature octopus sandwich, Pescaria is always in demand - a testament to its quality. If you're looking for more traditional Milanese offerings (i.e. pasta), head on over to family-run Dongiò, where signature dishes include simple but authentic Italian meals like spaghettoni alla tamarro, or check out the 1960s inspired Riseolatte, where you'll find one-of-a-kind risotto. You can also try the pasta at De Pasajo Dal Marchigiano near the Navigli region - known for its fresh handmade pasta and Paco.  If you're looking for something off the beaten path, Gastronomia Yamamoto has authentic Japanese home cooking, offering dishes like stewed Hijiki and miso eggplant. Pizza options are abundant, of course, with the pizza at Spontini topping most "best pizzas" lists. For dessert, find Q.B. Gelato close to the Sant'Ambrogio Church, which offers handcrafted gelato made with local ingredients. There is so much food and variety on offer in Milan, you'll have no trouble finding a great meal.

Coffee Shops in Milan

Milan is as famous for its fashion as it is for its coffee. With a longstanding coffee culture and tradition, Bottega del caffé (coffee shops) are regular everywhere you look. If there is anywhere in the world to expect unforgettable coffee, this is it. Besides, Milan made the espresso machine popular. Boasting a thriving specialty coffee scene, the choice of coffee shops in Milan is endless. Orsonero is the new wave type featuring a sophisticated and modern design that is common in any major city. However, their ever-changing list of roasts keeps things exciting, as there is always a new flavor to try. Following the old Milanese tradition of combining a coffee shop and library is Moleskine Café in Brera. This coffee shop is a favorite among artists, writers, and designers and blends its beans from countries including Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Rwanda. The unconventional Out of the Box coffee shop cum gelaterie is the place to be to sample two of Milan's signature foods. Order their filter coffee and a side of gelato and experience Milan like never before. For a unique espresso blend, creamy dark cocoa, and soft caramel, head over to Taglio near Porta Geneva Station and prepare for the ultimate coffee treat.

Walking Around in Milan

Milan is a historic city with a number of stunning old buildings to explore when walking around the city center. The best place to start a walking tour is in front of the Il Duomo subway station. Step outside of the subway station and you will be standing in front of one of the largest places of worship in Europe, Il Duomo itself. This huge cathedral is a truly beautiful building and you will need to take the time to explore the interior to fully appreciate the scale and design of the church. Nearby, you will find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is the oldest shopping mall in Italy. Spend time window shopping and stop for an espresso at one of the cafes under the glass dome. A short stroll away you will find the Via Dante which is a pedestrian-only street and home to some of the best gelato shops in Italy. Grab a gelato or two to enjoy while you explore the shops and restaurants along the Via Dante. Then, head to the Santa Maria della Grazzie to view Leonardo Da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper, which is among the most popular attractions in Milan.

Best Time to Visit Milan

Milan is a historic city and is one of the world's fashion, design, and art capitals. For fashion and festival lovers, spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are the best months to visit Milan. In September, travelers have the Fall Fashion Week and the Milano Film Festival to look forward to, while November is the perfect time for music lovers, as the Milan Jazz Festival gets underway. For a burst of colors and culture, visit Milan in spring and the costume parties, parades, and merriment of Carnevale Ambrosiano - on the Sunday after Ash Wednesday - will leave you with lasting memories. Lined with beautiful boutiques, high-end fashion outlets, and famous luxury stores, Milan is every shopper's dream destination. While summer is always a good time to vacation with family, hot temperatures and large crowds are the norm, which is why April and May are the best times for traveling families. With summer winding down, there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are more bearable for kids. November through March have the least crowds, although these months tend to be colder than most. Aside from fashion events and festivals, with its collection of museums and art galleries, Milan is never short of attractions.