Milan holidays

Italy’s fashion capital has all the zip and polish of Paris and New York minus the harsh edges. It’s home to institutions like Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, as well as Renaissance masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci. Style your holidays to Milan like the models do and treat the city like your own personal catwalk, taking in the chic galleries, must-see museums and iconic aperitivo bars.

Milan holiday highlights

Fashion and design

It’s no secret that Milan takes fashion seriously. After all, houses such as Armani, Versace and Prada were born here. As well as being the first in fashion, the city has also been at the forefront of interior design trends since the 1900s. Plan your holidays to Milan for April to be part of Design Week, the largest event of its kind in the world.

Northern Italian cuisine

Milanese cuisine is a tapestry of flavours, thanks to the mountains, coast and lush farmland of the Lombardy region. Expect rich and hearty meals starring meat, pasta and rice. Don't miss classics like ‘cotoletta alla Milanese’ (Milanese cutlet) and ‘cassoeula’ (a tasty pork and cabbage dish). And no city break in Milan is complete without savouring aperitivo, a pre-dinner ritual blending drinks and light bites.

A powerhouse of art

Milan is an epic canvas for some of Europe’s most important artistic movements. From 14th-century Gothic marvels under the Visconti dynasty to the avant-garde futurism of the 20th century, the city is a symphony of creative legacy. A holiday to Milan is the perfect opportunity to discover collections of Italian modernism and to see Leonardo da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper’ up close.

Milan: Know before you go

Language

Italian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

High season

May – September

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Milan

Weather in Milan

April – May: Comfortable daytime temperatures and chilly evenings call for layers in spring. It’s a great time to explore the city with fewer crowds.

June – August: Temps climb upwards of 29°C in the busy tourist season, but the summer humidity can make it feel hotter. Loose-fitting, linen clothes are the way to go.

September – October: Autumn weather stays warm for sightseeing and enjoying Milan’s outdoor attractions. Late autumn can be rainy, though. Be prepared to head into a museum if the weather turns.

November – March: Pack a warm coat for Milan’s cold and foggy winters when temperatures can dip below freezing. November is the wettest month, so get that umbrella ready.

Events in Milan

Carnevale Ambrosiano (February): Milan’s pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations are known for their parades, costumes and music. Snack on traditional Carnival ‘chiacchiere’ — fried strips of dough dusted in powdered sugar.

Fiori e Sapori (April): Translated as ‘flowers and flavours’, this colourful festival celebrates the arrival of spring with hundreds of florists and local food vendors along the Naviglio Grande canal. Shop for your favourite flowers, as well as local wine and artisan treats.

Festa del Naviglio (June): Milan’s Navigli neighbourhood takes centre stage for this festival celebrating the city’s iconic canal district. Look forward to theatre and dance performances, traditional music and vendors selling handicrafts. A torch-lit parade rounds off the festivities.

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The best neighbourhoods in Milan

Navigli

Picture-perfect canals meet sunset cocktails in Navigli. This is the best area to stay in Milan for those who love exploring during the day and heading out on the town at night. While the sun is up, wander along the canals, take photos of iconic architecture, and explore antique stores. As night falls, the Naviglio Grande canal transforms into a sparkling runway of stylish bars.

Good for: Canals, bars, vintage stores

Brera

Brera is Milan’s artsy sweetheart with streets that burst with charm, creativity and cafes. Wander its pedestrian-only lanes adorned with elegant buildings, antique stores and galleries. Staying here may even spark inspiration. This neighbourhood has been home to many of Italy’s most influential writers, painters and intellectuals.

Good for: Art, cafes, antiquing

Duomo

At the heart of the city, Duomo is like Milan’s living room. It’s also the best neighbourhood to stay in Milan for iconic views, high-end shopping and the convenience of being in the centre of the action. And, of course, the city’s most iconic attraction, Duomo di Milano, is right on your doorstep. It’s one of the largest cathedrals in the world and took more than 600 years to build.

Good for: Iconic attractions, designer shopping, convenient location

Things to do in Milan

Family friendly things to do

Travelling with kids? There’s no shortage of things to do with family in Milan. Ignite young minds at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, or transport your kids into a fairytale at the 15th-century Sforza Castle. Beat the summer heat with splash battles at Acquatica Park, or get an adrenaline rush at Leolandia Park’s thrilling rides.

Shopping

The shopping in Milan is so good that you’re guaranteed to leave with a lighter wallet, a heavier suitcase and some timeless treasures. Discover haute couture delights in the Quadrilatero della Moda (the fashion district) and luxury goods in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant glass-domed shopping arcade. For budget-conscious shoppers, Brera's artisanal stores offer unique treasures that don’t cost a fortune.

Take in the culture

To make the most of the best museums in Milan, set your clock for morning visits to beat the crowds. Admire Renaissance masterpieces at Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, or check out modern art at Museo del Novecento. Explore human anthropology at Museo delle Culture, and gaze at works by Raphael and Caravaggio among other Italian greats at Pinacoteca di Brera.

Nightlife

Night owls are spoiled for choice with the nightlife in Milan. Head to Navigli for canal-side charm, and explore the array of bars, breweries and discos serving cocktails, food and music year-round. In Brera, enjoy laid-back sophistication at cosy wine bars. Meanwhile Corso Sempione beckons with high-energy clubs and swanky lounges where expert bartenders craft tasty cocktails.

Places to eat

Start your culinary journey in Porta Nuova, where Milan’s top chefs dish out local classics. Some of the best restaurants in Milan can also be found in Corso Como, which offers eclectic cuisine, or the Portello District, where you’ll find international flavours. Remember, Milan’s dining scene kicks off with aperitivo — a pre-dinner soiree with drinks, snacks and sunset views.

Free things to do

Despite its reputation as Italy’s wealthiest city, there are plenty of free things to do in Milan. Several museums have free entry, including Palazzo Morando with its exhibits dedicated to fashion. It costs nothing to visit the artistically decorated tombs and gravestones of the Monumental Cemetery. And you won’t need your wallet to take photos of the ultra-modern skyline at Piazza Gae Aulenti.

Plan your holiday to Milan

Budget

Book in the off-season and make the most of the city’s free museums to help you plan a cheap holiday in Milan. When budgeting, expect to spend 20 euros (€) for a meal in a simple restaurant and less than €2 for a cup of coffee. Using Milan’s public transport will also save you a few euros. Need a taxi? A short ride is usually under €15.

Day trips from Milan

Bologna’s historic streets and world-class restaurants are just an hour away by train. In the same amount of time, you can also reach the city of Parma, famous for its dry-cured ham, hard cheese and stunning architecture. Need a break from city life? Spend a day soaking up Lake Como’s scenery, just over an hour’s train journey away.

Getting around Milan

Getting around during your holiday to Milan is easy and affordable thanks to the public transport network. Hop on a tram, bus or train to explore all the big attractions. If you’ve got a one- to two-day itinerary, opt for the 24- or 48-hour multi-journey pass, which includes unlimited trips. Not in a rush to get anywhere? The city also boasts many bike lanes and bike-sharing services.

FAQs about Milan holidays

You'll catch most conversations in Italian. Mastering a few local expressions can be a good way to spark conversations and connect with others during your city break in Milan.
The best time to visit Milan is during the low seasons of spring and autumn. During these months, you’ll enjoy gorgeous weather and better prices on airfare and accommodation.
January brings the coldest days of the year. Take your Milan holiday then and you can expect lows of -1ºC (30ºF).
Most of the major attractions can be ticked off during a long weekend break in Milan. With a three or four day itinerary, you can visit the top sites and indulge in some of the city’s best eats.
The airline you travel with, where you leave from, and the timing of your trip all impact the cost of a city break in Milan. Prices for Milan flights and hotels can differ widely, but booking in advance and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you score savings.
Milan is a safe city for tourists, but it’s important to stay savvy in crowded areas, where there can be opportunistic pickpockets.
Whether it's your first time or you're a regular visitor, this city has a way of making every trip unique. If taking in top sights is on your list of things to do in Milan, don't forget to include Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano and Milan Cathedral.
During your trip to Milan, you'll be using the euro (EUR) for all your spending. It's a good idea to carry a mix of cash and cards to avoid any hassles with payments.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 35ºC (95ºF), July is the warmest month in Milan.
With an average rainfall of 18 cm, November is the rainiest month to go on a Milan holiday. When the weather turns, venture indoors and make the most of the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.