Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and it’s bursting with history and culture in addition to being very much of the now. Being home to some of the most architecturally impressive buildings, the best shopping centres and indulging gourmet foods Milan is well-deserving to be visited by global tourists. To make it easier for you to get the utmost out of your Italian experience, we’ve compiled this Milan travel guide with practical and useful tips and tricks.
1. Timing Is Everything
One of the things you need to bear in mind before you start your Milanese adventure is the timing. Since the weather in Milan is favourable, more tourists are likely to visit the town in spring and early autumn but this is also the peak time hence higher charges and congestion. For a cheaper trip and avoiding large crowds, it is better to plan the trip in the winter season. Just be prepared for it to be colder, at least that’s what my experience has been.
2. Master the Milanese Public Transportation System
Milan is well served by a modern and well-connected public transport system that includes trams, buses and the metro. Sign up for an “Io Viaggio” card to have free access to public transport in Bologna for the entire time you will spend there. With this card, you will also be able to save your money while being able to move around in the city conveniently.
3. Walking Tours Are a Must
Having said that, Milan is quite a safe city best explored on foot – this way you can find many interesting corners and details of the buildings’ facades. A free walking tour is also another option, but instead, you can hire a map to be able to tour the city on your own.
4. Dress to Impress
Fashion is almost synonymous with Milan, although the people of Milan are very picky regarding clothes. Include in by carrying some smart casuals. Certainly don’t forget comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot due to the fact that it is a walking tour of the city. In addition, I should mention that Milan’s streets are pedestrian-friendly.
5. Enjoy Aperitivo Hour
Aperitivo is one of the traditions of Milan that should not be overlooked. Go out for a cocktail in the early evening and then make your way to a local tavern for a fancy all-you-can-eat appetiser bar. Not only can it offer a way to taste some ground local spices, but it’s also perfect for saving on dinner.
6. Explore the Neighborhoods
Milan is a city of many districts, each of which has its own distinctive personality and features. Attend theatre performances in the theatres of the city, walk through the Brera – the artists’ district, or enjoy the night delicacies in the Navigliадки district with the canals. It would also be useful to visit the modern and marvellous area of Porta Nuova, stuffed with design and luxury shops.
7. Museum Magic
It is important to note that Milan is provided with a number of museums and art galleries. Advance ticket purchase helps to avoid spending excessive time in queues and get the maximum out of the tour. Some of those are – The Pinacoteca di Brera and The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci – which may need prior booking.
8. Savor Milanese Cuisine
Italian food is famous all around the world, and every city in Italy has its speciality. Think about Milan osso buca, the veal shank prepared with a large slice taken out of the top, exposing the bone or Risotto alla Milanese, a saffron rice dish. For a sweet treat, try Panettone, a fruitcake associated with Milanese Christmas, although, in supermarkets, it can be bought at any time of the year.
9. Language Matters
Most Milanese people know English, but it is a plus if you learn at least some essential Italian phrases. People do value when visitors at least try to speak the local language, no matter if they only say “Buongiorno”, meaning good morning or “Grazie”, meaning thank you.
10. Shop Smartly
Visit Milan and act like a star with famous fashion shops and designers’ outlets. For inexpensive but lovely souvenirs of the Italian works of art fashion, you should go to the outlet stores located just beyond the city’s edge. One was spot-branded products at throwaway prices.
11. Experience the Opera
Opera is something that is associated with Milan, and if you ever want to go for a sight that has the beauty of an opera show itself, then this is the place to be, in particular, Teatro alla Scala. Having gone through the literature, look at the calendar and buy your tickets early to be part of the audience at one of the most celebrated opera theatres in the world.
12. Venture Beyond Milan
However, Milan is not the only one that offers several interesting points; do not confine yourself to one city only. Maybe it is advisable to go for day excursions to the other places within the region, including Lake Como, Bergamo or even Verona, to appreciate the Italian flair.
13. Safety First
Most of the time, Milan is considered safe for tourists, but it’s important to be more careful with your belongings, especially in popular areas. There are bedbugs that you need to avoid losing your pocket, and thus, one should be very careful with pickpockets, they should use a money belt or a secure bag for their pockets.
14. Currency Exchange and Payment
Keep some amount in euros ready for petty expenses as people there accept very little amount in cash, but most places accept credit/debit cards. In case you are travelling to another country, it’s wise to inform your bank, as not all cards can be used when abroad.
15. Embrace the Espresso Culture
Coffee plays an important role in the lives of individuals in Italy. They should also avoid indulging in massive American legends but rather take a cup of small, powerful espresso. It is fast food in a way and a unique way to enjoy the Italian coffee speciality.
16. Visit Milan's Parks
If you ever get bored with the traffic jam or need to take a break from the bitter cold, then just visit any park in Milan. One of the favourite parks of Milan citizens and visitors is Parco Sempione, which opened near the Castello Sforzesco. Have an informal recreation through a walk or a meal in the park.
17. Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Some cafes and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi, but it’s better to have a Wi-Fi transmitter or buy a SIM-or like this card to use Internet in motion. Especially applications like Google Maps and translation apps will do very nicely.
18. Learn About Milanese Art and Architecture
It, therefore, goes against this stereotype by offering more than fashion and food; it is also an art city or, rather, a city of art in every sense of the word. Study the landmarks and historical sites in the city so that you can understand their meaning when you get there.
19. Take Advantage of City Passes
If you plan to visit many attractions and museums, then you might want to think about buying a Milan City Pass, which can save you money and offer you free use of public transport with a free pass. And often, the museums will have a fast-track pass as well. It is an efficient method which will freeze both time and money.
20. Respect Local Customs
Finally, don’t forget about the etiquette of the country that you are visiting. Italians are very friendly and will welcome you with open arms, so be polite and say thank you. In places of worship, adhere to the dress codes that prevail, and get ready to pay the tips as in Restaurants.
Milan is one of those cities which impresses with their gestalt and fascinating location, combining rich traditions with tendencies of the modern world. With these strategies for the best ways to travel to Milan and some travel tricks up your sleeve, you will feel prepared for your Milanese outing. Milan is a great place for fashion, art, and food lovers because it has something to meet everyone’s needs. Therefore, take some luggage, get ready for a cultural experience in Milan, and an amazing trip through the centre of Italy.
I visited Milan is hub of fashion
Italy is a historical country.
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