Should You Skip Milan on Your Italy Trip?

Italy is one of my all-time favorite countries to explore. You could easily spend two weeks here hopping from Rome to Florence and Tuscany, Venice, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast… and still have a dozen gelato flavors left untasted. So naturally, many travelers start asking themselves: “Do I really need to stop in Milan?”

My advice? If you’re already zig-zagging across Italy, fly into Rome, and make Milan your grand finale. Think of it as the stylish mic-drop to your Italian holiday.

Why Milan Deserves a Spot on Your Itinerary

Let’s get one thing straight: Milan isn’t just about expensive handbags and impossibly chic locals who look like they were born on a runway. It’s the second-largest city in Italy, home to 1.4 million residents (3+ million if you count the greater metro area), and it’s buzzing with a mix of history, art, and cappuccino-fueled energy.

Here’s why Milan deserves more than just a fashion week cameo:

• Fashion Capital of the World – Armani, Versace, Prada, Gucci. Basically, the Avengers of fashion live here. Even if you’re not into couture, window-shopping in Milan makes you feel like you should have worn something better than your comfy travel sneakers.
• Art & Culture – Want to see Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian… or maybe The Last Supper? Milan is where you casually bump into masterpieces like it’s no big deal.
• Architecture – The Duomo will stop you in your tracks (and your Instagram followers in theirs). Then there’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the OG shopping mall, where people spin on a bull mosaic for good luck… on its, uh, delicate parts. (Yes, really.)
• Food Glorious Food – Milan = risotto alla Milanese + panettone. If you leave without trying both, did you even Milan?
• Business & Buzz – Milan is also Italy’s financial hub. Translation: fancy suits, fancier cars, and espresso breaks that cost more than my rent.

Getting to Milan Without Losing Your Sanity

By Plane: Two airports. Malpensa (farther, more international) and Linate (closer, more convenient). Pro tip: Malpensa has luxury stores inside the airport. Yes, Milan wants you shopping until the last second.

By Train: Milano Centrale is a work of art in itself and connects you everywhere: Rome, Venice, Paris, even Switzerland. It’s basically Europe’s stylish train concierge.

By Car: Do it if you enjoy Italian traffic, ZTL fines, and yelling at GPS in three languages. Otherwise… just don’t.

By Bus: Budget-friendly, but remember: a “3-hour bus” in Italy may secretly be “3 hours plus a surprise pasta stop.”

Getting Around Milan Like a Local

Public transport is your best friend. One ticket works for metro, trams, and buses (all run by ATM – no, not your cash machine, but the Milanese transit overlords).

• Metro: Fast, efficient, you’ll feel like a pro.
• Tram: Slower but more scenic – and the vintage trams are pure Instagram gold.
• Buses: Fill in the gaps.
• Bike-sharing: Great if you want to look sporty… until you remember Milan traffic exists.
• Tickets: €2.20 for a single ride, €7.60 for a day pass, €13 for three days. Or just tap your contactless card/phone and pray you didn’t double-tap wrong.

Top Things to Do in Milan (Besides Shopping Your Life Savings Away)

Visit Duomo di Milano

A visit to Milan has to start from this stunning cathedral which is one of the most famous landmarks in Milan, with its Gothic architecture and ornate interior. Visitors can climb to the roof for panoramic views of the city. You can admire Duomo exterior anytime of the day; it looks stunning on daylight and at night. You can also enter inside the cathedral and explore its interior, which includes beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and impressive works of art. There is option to climb to the roof of the cathedral, which offers stunning views of the city. Book your ticket online so you don’t waste time queuing here.

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a famous shopping arcade located in the heart of Milan, Italy and located just few steps from Duomo Cathedral. It was named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, and was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in the late 19th century. It is often referred to as the “living room of Milan” and is a popular tourist attraction, and one of the oldest shopping mall in the world.

The arcade is covered by a glass and iron roof and has four floors, with a central octagonal space intersected by two arcades lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The central space is topped by a dome and features mosaics on the floor representing the coat of arms of the three Italian capitals: Turin, Florence, and Rome, as well as the emblem of the House of Savoy.

One of the most iconic features of the Galleria is the bull mosaic on the floor, which is said to bring good luck if you spin around three times on the bull’s testicles with your right heel. This tradition has become a popular tourist ritual and has worn down the mosaic in that particular spot.

See Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper

This iconic painting is housed in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and is one of the most famous works of art in the world. If you want to see it, you need to book your tickets in advance, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed to see the painting each day. Book through the official website of the Last Supper Museum here.

When you book your tickets, you will be asked to choose your entry time. You must arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. The museum is open from monday to Sunday from 8.15 to 7pm. On your allocated time you will have 15 minutes to admire the painting while a guide explains its history and significance. Photos are not allowed inside the Refectory, so make sure to take in the painting with your own eyes.

Visit the Pinacoteca di Brera

Pinacoteca di Brera is one of the most important art museums in Italy and is located in the historic district of Brera in Milan. It houses a vast collection of art from the 14th century to the 20th century, including masterpieces by Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. The museum also has an impressive collection of religious art, as well as works by international artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Dyck.

The building itself is also beautiful, with its neoclassical architecture and spacious galleries providing an elegant setting for the artwork on display. The museum also offers guided tours and audio guides to help visitors better understand the history and significance of the art on display.

Ticket need to be booked online at €15 per person in the official website here. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am to 7.15pm

Visit the Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco is a historic castle in Milan, Italy that dates back to the 15th century. Today, it is a major cultural center and a popular tourist attraction. The castle has a free entrance and open from Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 7.30pm however for the museums you need to pay € 5,00 for full ticket and € 3,00 for (18-25 years and over 65). The museums open from 10am to 4.30am. Ticket can be purchased on site or online here.

Walk around the Navigli district

The Navigli district is a vibrant area of Milan known for its picturesque canals, trendy shops, and bustling nightlife. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or a party animal, there’s something for everyone in this lively Milanese district.

Visit the La Scala opera house

If you are interested in opera, classical music, or the performing arts, La Scala is one of the most famous and prestigious opera houses in the world, with a rich history dating back over 200 years. You can take a guided tour of the theater, which includes a visit to the museum, backstage areas, and the theater itself. The museum houses a collection of costumes, musical instruments, and other artifacts from the theater’s history, while the backstage areas give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.

La Scala also hosts regular opera and ballet performances throughout the year, featuring some of the world’s top performers and musicians. Attending a performance at La Scala is a truly unforgettable experience, and a must-do for anyone interested in classical music or the performing arts. You can check the schedule and book your ticket at its official website here.

Shop till you drop

Milan is known worldwide as a fashion and design capital, and there are many things to shop for in the city, from high-end designer fashion to unique local artisanal goods. Here are some suggestions for things to shop for in Milan:

• Fashion: Milan is home to some of the world’s top fashion designers and brands, so it’s a great place to shop for high-end designer items like clothing, shoes, and accessories. The famous “Quadrilatero della Moda” (Fashion District) is home to luxury boutiques and designer flagship stores, while the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II are popular shopping destinations for both high-end and more affordable fashion.
• Design: Milan is also known for its cutting-edge design scene, so it’s a great place to shop for furniture, home decor, and other design objects. The Brera Design District is a popular destination for design shopping, with many showrooms and boutiques showcasing the latest in design trends.
• Artisanal goods: Milan is home to many talented artisans and craftsmen who create unique, handmade goods like leather bags, shoes, and accessories, as well as ceramics, glassware, and jewelry. The Navigli area is a popular destination for artisanal shopping, with many boutiques and shops selling handmade goods.
• Souvenirs: If you’re looking for a souvenir to take home from Milan, there are many options, from postcards and magnets to more unique items like hand-painted ceramics or artisanal chocolates. The area around the Duomo is a popular destination for souvenir shopping, with many shops selling Milan-themed gifts and trinkets.

Visit Serravalle Designer Outlet

If you didn’t have a chance to visit The Mall Designer Outlet in Florence, you can visit Serravalle Designer Outlet which is a large shopping complex about an hour’s drive from Milan. It is the largest outlet mall in Europe and one of the most popular shopping destinations in Italy. It opens from Monday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.

The outlet features over 300 stores, with a wide range of fashion and lifestyle brands offering discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. Some of the well-known brands you can find there include Prada, Gucci, Armani, Versace, and many others. You can check what outlets they have here.

To get to Serravalle Designer Outlet from Milan, you can take a shuttle bus service that departs regularly from Milan’s city center. The journey takes about an hour, and it’s a convenient and affordable way to get to the outlet.

San Siro Stadium

San Siro Stadium is an iconic destination for football fans and sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Whether you are interested in watching a live football match, taking a guided tour, or simply exploring the history and culture of one of Italy’s most famous stadiums, San Siro Stadium is worth a visit.

officially known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, San Siro Stadium is a world-famous football stadium located in the San Siro district of Milan, Italy. It is the home stadium of both AC Milan and Inter Milan, two of the most successful football clubs in Italy and Europe. The stadium was built in 1925 and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to become one of the largest and most modern stadiums in the world, with a seating capacity of over 80,000 spectators. It has hosted numerous high-profile football matches, including UEFA Champions League finals, World Cup matches, and European Championship matches.

The stadium is named after Giuseppe Meazza, a legendary Italian footballer who played for both AC Milan and Inter Milan in the 1930s and 1940s. The stadium has also hosted many other sporting and cultural events over the years, including concerts by international music stars like Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, and U2.

VAT Refund (Because Shopping is a Sport Here)

If Milan is your last destination in EU and you are flying out from Malpensa airport you need to validate your VAT refund form at the Custom office inside the airport. You can find the counters near the airlines check-in counter.

Here’s how to do it:

If you made your purchases in Italy:
You can either use self service VAT Refund machine or queue at the counter where you can either get your refund right away in cash or credited to your credit card. There are 2 counters: Global blue and Planet. You need to show your boarding pass along with the custom form and be prepared if they ask you to show the goods.

For purchases within EU and outside Italy:
Go to Dogana Customs counter and show your Tax refund forms along with boarding pass. Be prepared if the officer ask you to show the goods. The officer will stamp your VAT refund form, then you drop the forms at the Refund Mailbox. There are 2 mailbox; Global Blue and Planet.

Final Thoughts

Milan isn’t just a layover city. It’s a two-day minimum commitment filled with style, history, and carbs worth every calorie. Skip it, and you’ll miss out on one of Italy’s coolest cities.

So go ahead—end your Italian trip with Milan. Think of it as Italy saying: “Ciao bella, until next time.”