Overview
You can easily spend 3 or 4 days in Milan, Italy. You will need more time if you want to venture out on day trips to visit the Lake Como area or the city of Turin. There are lots of possibilities, depending on what you want to do and how much time you have. In our opinion, Milan is a great getaway location. We hope the following information can serve as a travel guide for planning your getaway to Milan, Italy.
Milan is in the northern part of Italy in the Lombardy region. It is the second largest city in Italy (behind Rome), with a population of about 1.3 million people. Geographically, Milan is located on the banks of the river Poe and is surrounded by the Alps and Apennine Mountain ranges.
If you have never visited Milan, you will find it to be a gorgeous city, filled with culture and beautiful architecture. There is a vibrant nightlife scene and excellent restaurants. And of course, Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world.
Getting There
We have only arrived in Milan by train. Milan Central Station is the city’s main train station and provides direct connections to many other cities in Italy and throughout Europe. However, Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the main international airport serving Milan and is located about 25 miles from the city center.
MXP is known as the busiest airport in Italy. It serves as the main hub for Alitalia and other European airlines. There are a host of domestic and international flights to and from destinations around the world, including London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, and New York. Because airlines consistently change routing options, it is a good idea to always check for other direct flights out of the United States, especially Dallas and Los Angeles.
Getting Around
If you are staying in Milan and are not planning an extended driving tour through Italy, we recommend using local transportation, taxis, and rideshares. Traffic in Milan can be difficult to navigate and make an unpleasant experience for people in the car, including the driver!
When we have options, we always try for the least stressful experience. It may take a bit to learn how to navigate Milan’s public transportation system, but in our opinion, it will be worth your time. And, if you get on the wrong train, get off and get on the right one! We’ve done this plenty of times in our travels. Getting lost is not the end of the world.
Accommodations
| $$$$ | Mandarin Oriental – Luxury hotel located steps from La Scala Theater. |
| $$$$ | Park Hyatt Milan – Luxury hotel located close to the La Scala Theater. |
| $$$$ | Excelsior Hotel Gallia – Luxury hotel, located across from the Milano Centrale Station. We have stayed at this beautiful hotel and highly recommend it if it fits your budget. It’s also worth spending some of your Marriott Bonvoy points if you have them. |
| $$$ | Hotel Magna Pars – Elegant, modern suites; 2-minute walk to the Porta Genova Train Station. |
| $$$ | Palazzo Parigi – Located in the fashion district; 1000 feet from Montenapoleone Metro Station. |
| $$$ | Hotel Manzoni – Located in the shopping area of Via Montenapoleone. |
| $-$$ | Hotel Milano Scala – Comfortable hotel, located steps from the La Scala Theater. |
| $-$$ | Hotel Glam – Excellent location, steps to the train and subway station, Milano Centrale Metro. |
| $-$$ | Hotel dei Cavalieri – Steps from the Duomo and across from the Missori Metro Station. |
Activities
You will not lack activities to keep busy while visiting Milan. Whether you want to shop till you drop, visit the cathedrals, eat till your heart is content, or just sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by. All of this and more is possible in your getaway to Milan, Italy.
Historical Sites
- Duomo di Milano: 16th-Century Cathedral; amazing architecture. Get there early if you want photos without tourists.
- Museo Archeologico: Dedicated to preserving and displaying Roman artifacts.
- Sforzesco Castle: Explore the history of Milan at Sforzesco Castle, a 15th-century fortification and former residence of the Dukes of Milan.
- La Scala Theatre: Watch a performance at the legendary La Scala Theatre, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
- Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio: Visit the 11th-century Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of Milan’s oldest churches.
Shopping
Your Milan, Italy getaway would not be complete without a little shopping! Milan is home to some of the most famous shopping streets in the world, including the Quadrilatero della Moda and Corso Buenos Aires.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This stunning 19th-century shopping continue mall is a must-see for visitors and features designer stores, cafes, and exquisite architecture.
Insider Shopping Tip: When we stayed at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, they had on display several beautiful leather handbags made by MyChoice. We located the showroom in Milan, on the 2nd floor of a small building. You need to ring the bell to let them know you are there. Customer service was personalized and lowkey. The price of these beautiful bags was amazing. I purchased two Italian-made handbags for less than $500. Highly recommend a visit to this showroom. Contact information: Via Montenapoleone, 6 – Milano; e-mail: showroom@mychoicebags.it; PH: +39.02.22471066.
What to Pack
- Comfortable, versatile clothes. Milan is known for its fashion, so you’ll want to make sure you have clothes that are stylish but also comfortable for walking around the city.
- Dress in layers. Milan’s weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you pack clothes that you can layer for different temperatures.
- Bring a good pair of shoes. You will walk a lot in Milan, so you need a comfortable pair of shoes you can wear all day.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Never hurts to include a small umbrella and a rain jacket, just in case.
- Travel adapter to work with the European two-pronged plug. If you forget it, the hotel is likely to have an adapter.
- When thinking about packing, check out our article on the pros and cons of carrying on or checking a suitcase. If you are making this trip it Milan, Italy a getaway, and you plan to return home after several days, you may not need to take as many clothes.
Tips for Traveling to Milan
- Milan is known for its fashion. Don’t forget to bring your best outfit for exploring the city.
- If you love Italian food, you will want to try some of the delicious Italian cuisines while you’re in town.
- Milan is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, so visit some of the city’s bars and clubs.
- Don’t forget to take a day trip to one of the nearby cities, such as Turin or the Lake Como area.
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