Why visit Milan? Often considered a "grey" city and not very attractive, in fact the capital of Lombardy is a dynamic, lively place, full of entertainment and attractions. Milan is a city that is constantly on the move, an ideal place for art and culture lovers who can admire the landscape with the wonderful Duomo in the background, while lovers of shopping can find the best brand shops by walking through the streets of the city centre. Below you will find some useful information to plan your trip to Milan; useful tips, interesting facts about the city, average cost of living, climate and transport.
Traveling in an informed manner is always important, although for EU citizens it is not necessary to present many documents. In fact, to visit Milan all they need is a valid identity card. You will be asked to show it to the authorities when you arrive at one of the city's airports, and at the entrance to some of the city's museums in order to have the benefit of special tickets (under 25 or over 60). Our advice is to keep your documents at hand until you arrive to your accommodation, and to keep them there so that you only need to take a copy with you. This tip will allow you to avoid unforeseen events in case of loss or theft of your personal belongings, and at the same time you will always have a valid document with you.
Milan is a relatively safe city, with a strong police presence especially in the central area and at the entrance to the metro. This does not mean you can let your guard down, on the contrary! Tourists who are distracted when admiring the city's architecture are the most sought-after prey for pickpockets and swindlers, so you should pay attention to your personal items. As in any other European capital, when travelling on public transport, you need to pay much more attention to bags, rucksacks, and especially wallets and telephones in your pockets. In the central area between the Duomo and Navigli, you may be attacked by people who want to sell you bracelets, lighters, technological devices or even custom-made cards. They will often tell you that it is charity for the lives of those in need, but you should ignore them and move on. In any case, with a little attention, Milan is an excellent destination for those who choose to travel alone.
Obviously, the language that will be heard most often in Milan will be Italian, but do not be fooled: in recent years it has become even more cosmopolitan and multicultural, it will not be difficult to hear a mixture of other languages, including Spanish, Russian and Arabic.
In any case, English is spoken fluently in all the most important tourist and commercial services, so don't worry: you won't have any language or communication problems!
No doubt, having become one of the most avant-garde cities in Europe, Milan has higher costs than the rest of Italy. Here is a short list to give you an idea of the prices you can expect to find during your trip:
Due to its position between the Alps and the Po Valley, Milan is affected by a rather harsh climate in winter and stifling in summer. For this reason, a visit to the city is recommended during spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is less frequent.
However, visiting Milan during the winter and summer has a special charm: during December, the Christmas lights are the backdrop for the traditional markets of Sant Ambrogio, while during the month of August you can have the city to yourself. Milanese citizens leave for the summer holidays, and it will be much easier for you to move around the city in comfort.
Milan is a city that sleeps very little. The most important public transportation travels from around 5 am to around 1 am, with alternative replacement routes that guarantee service even during the night. Restaurants stay open late, and you can find kitchens open at any time of the day. Shops in the central area close at 9 pm, while in the suburbs at 8 pm. Many supermarkets stay open until 9 pm, while some Carrefour chain stores are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As in all Italian cities, holidays in Milan are very much alive: the shops are still open and many residents take advantage of them to go shopping or walk around. Above all, St. Ambrose Day (December 7th) is a special occasion: the proximity to the Immaculate Conception Day (December 8th) and the possibility of several days' holiday make the city a hive of activity, markets, events and the inevitable Christmas shopping.
Milan is a big city, but easy to visit. Most of the attractions are concentrated around the historic centre and Piazza del Duomo, including the Castel Sforzesco, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Palazzo Reale. Not far away are the Cenacolo and the churches of Santa Maria delle Grazie and Via Montenapoleone. Even if you are outside the city circle, reaching the San Siro stadium will be easy thanks to the efficient Milan transport system.
Based on our experience, these are must-see attractions if you want to visit Milan:
We offer you the opportunity to buy tickets for these attractions through our website, safely and 100% guaranteed. You will receive your ticket immediately, and you will have the possibility to avoid long queues at the entrance. To book: Tickets for the attractions in Milan. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Milan with one of our tour guides, who will take you on a tour of this incredible city that will certainly leave you fascinated. For more information: Tourist guide in Milan.