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Milan Travel Tips & Suggestions

Comment by Anonymous

Milan is a city, not a big tourist trap/fairytale. It's no Rome and no Florence (luckily), and as such it'll just collect the same kind of comments that cities like Berlin would also receive. There are many reasons for which Milan can't really be classified as an Italian city, and it's by no means a Latin city. Nor is it more dangerous than any big city would be. There are so many downsides there too, but it really depends on your cup of tea.

Comment by Anonymous

The San Siro is impressive. As for the shops, they're wicked, and the women are sexy. I love Milan!

Comment by Anonymous

I have been in Milan from 27 to 31 of December 2006. Milano is the worst town I have ever been, wouldn't recommend anybody to go there. I didn't have the feeling that I was in Italy at all. San Siro is a total disaster. Skip Milano in every way that you can.

Comment by Milanese

Milano has 2,000 years of history -- it has been the capital of the Roman Empire for more than one century. Milano is a treasure of art and architecture -- you will find roman ruins (original), paleochristian mosaics (original), romanic churches (original), gothic churches (original), renaissance churches (original), baroque churches (original), neoclassic palaces (original). All Italian history from 1700 until now passed through Milano. If you don't know Milano you absolutely don't know contemporary Italy. Milano has been the origin of futurism and fascism, two international movements. Milano is one of the world capitals of soccer, thanks to A.C. Milan and INTER, and one of the capital of fashion. Every Italian stylist found success here, from Armani to Dolce&Gabbana to Versace. Alessandro Manzoni, for example, the most important Italian writer, the one who everyone Italian had to study at school, lived in Milano and was from Milano. You can visit his house. Milano has been dominated by Austrians, French, and Spanish, you will find their influence everywhere. Napoleon became Napoleon when he entered in Milano. Go beyond the surface -- Milano is a Calvinist town, all the jewels are hidden, secret.

Comment by Alex

I really wonder what you're coming to Milan for. I live here (and maybe I know the city much better) but it has so much to offer even for tourism. The cathedral is awesome and the city hosts a lot of other magnificent churches to visit. It has the second most important Pinacotheque in Italy (Brera), the castle is very beautiful to visit, San Lorenzo area is just that cool especially in the early evening for a happy hour. You will never find another Italian city with so many cultural events and art exhibitions in the country. Not to mention the thrilling nightlife (I suggest Brera or the Navigli canals area especially in the summer). And if you have the chance try to visit the famous ancient "Abbazie" in the surroundings (Abbeys). And if you're a fashion lover, well, you can go nuts. The problem I think is that most visitors imagine that all Italian cities are like Venice or Florence or Rome. Cities must be discovered. Before planning your itinerary, invest ten minutes of your time in reading something about the cities you're going to. Of course you won't need a week, but if you want to take the most out of the city three days are hardly enough.

Comment by Anonymous

I lived in Milan from one year, and I think many people have seen only a small part of my city and do not know Milan at all. The Dome, la Scala and the Castle, are wonderful of course. But also go to the Pinacoteca di Brera, to the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio, to San Lorenzo with its "Colonne," to the Navigli with the coolest nightlife in Italy! Milan is not only fashion, also art and history, but our government chose to make it the "city of business" more than a city for tourists.

Comment by Anonymous

I lived in Milano for about six months. It is a hard city to find your way around unless you know someone who lives there. If you are just travelling around Europe seeing sights, I would not give it more than a day or two at most. I must say I had no problems with crime at all during my time there.

Comment by Anonymous

Milan is a very industrial town. It is dirty, and the people there can be snotty. I do recommend going to Piazza Duomo, and taking in that whole scene. And going and seeing the Last Supper. You can see and experience Milan in one day. Save the rest of your trip for some other part of Italy.

Comment by Anonymous

I have been in Milan for only two weeks and I think that its a really ugly city. I cannot wait to get back to South Africa!

Comment by norma

Milan's an ugly city but has beautiful shops around the Cathedrale Piazza Duomo -- a beautiful place to shop to eat and nothing else.

Comment by Ava

I went to Milan twice to do some shopping and found out that you can shop at the market, it's like an outlet. I found some great bargains, suits and shoes for a very low price. It's open on Sarurdays. Just ask anyone for directions to it. Plan on coming back just to shop for that one day.

Comment by Frank

I am from London, but have lived in Milan for more than a year now. If you explore Milan you will find more depth and history than most of Italy combined. It is also very safe even in the middle of the night in the dodgy areas. I have never heard of someone being pickpocketed nor seen any gang, women violated, or elderly robbed. If you listen to what they say about tourists in orderly nice places, Milan is a friendly place!

Comment by Mic

When you talk about Milan, you are just referring to the small area around the Duomo. Here are a few tips. Go to the Villa Reale, Pinacoteca di Brera, Spazio Forma, and Triennale if you like art. Go to "Ticinese" area -- faboulous and extravagant shops. Have a cocktail in the Colonne di San Lorenzo when the sun is setting. Visit as many clubs or bars you can.

Comment by Robert

What a craphole, and this coming from someone who thought that Miami (not the pretty South Beach that everyone thinks is Miami but the Hialeah and Little Havana) was a craphole. My wife and I were pickpocketed on the metro, the gangs in the city are openly attacking and fighting back the police, the elderly are being attacked and robbed at will, violence against women is through the roof, and other than the Duomo it is dirty, dingy, and chaotic. Be smart and skip right over it to someplace orderly, clean, friendly (oh yeah, I speak Italian and you should hear what they have to say about the tourists).

Comment by Anna

I am Milanese and reading all those negative comments made me sad, but I must agree that you won't have a good impression if you're coming to see Milan expecting Rome. You can't compare them, but not because Rome's nicer; they're just different. Milan's beautiful, but you need time and a Milanese to show you. Also, I've never had anything stolen, you have just to pay attention, like in any other big city!

Comment by senida

Wonderful. I was there for Christmas. Shopping there was marvelous.

Comment by bobface

I went to Milan. I found it possibly the most boring, uncharming, disgusting, ugly place I have ever witnessed. I would never recommend to visit as the people are hostile and unwelcoming. Sorry for being harsh, but it's the truth

Comment by Rocio

Milan was the first Italian city I've visited, it is great and the atmosphere is amazing. Il duomo is one of the most beautiful churches, Castello Sforzcesco and La Galeria are impressive.

Comment by Anonymous

Well... I live in Milan too and I must agree with most comments: it's a boring city to visit if you are not totally obsessed with fashion.

Comment by Ossito

If you want to learn Spanish, go to Milan... there are more people from Peru and Ecuador there than in most American cities of similar size. Milan is cool for people who are willing to take the time to learn something. For example, the architecturally eclectic Stazione Centrale is herculean in part because of Mussolini's influence, and is considered one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. It is amazing. If you want to see the Milanese cops kicking some young punk thief gang member's ass, just hang around the stazione for a while one a weekend night, right out front there. Also, Milan has some of the best gelato in Italy. Tres Gazelle near the Duomo is among the best in town. Check www.arounder.com for 360 degree views of some architecturally significant buildings there.

Comment by Denise - Philadelphia, PA

I have a good friend who lives in Milan. I went there to visit him last week. Milan is very much a city with tons of traffic. I would suggest if you are in the area of Milan to go visit the tiny village of Bergamo (just a little ways up the highway). It is less touristy, less trafficky, and very charming. The view from the top of Bergamo is incredible! Breathtaking. Bergamo is a must see stop if you are near Milan. Ciao!

Comment by Tourist

This is my second day in Milano and I have to agree that a couple of days is enough here if you are stretched for time. The Duomo is a must see, including going to the top for the view. It is a less hectic city than Rome.

Comment by Temporary Expat

I've been here for 3 months. Milan won't push you away, but nor does it pull you in. It's really up to you to make the most of it and discover it's charms. They're there, just not as well positioned as say, Rome, which you really can't compare to Milan. Milan is Latin first and foremost, and despite the emphasis on fashion and syle, I would say it's a pretty conservatve place. The fact that people come here from all over Italy to look for opportunity is probably why it has this strange, vaguely "displaced" feeling. It doesn't feel like any other Italian city, nor the few other European cities I've been to. It's strange: it has this overwhelming downtrodden feel, but yet is flashy and dynamic and busy and ornate at the same time. It's a place that needs time, and if you don't have the patience, or interest to meet the people and uncover the secrets of a low-key, but interesting city, don't bother. One plus, most people speak English, even if it's "un po". Not the place to learn Italian if that's your aim, but people are well educated and open.

Comment by Alessandra

Milan is great, if you love shopping! (I'm one of those people.) It is very expensive, but worth it to look at. Personally, I loved it!

Comment by Ed

A lot of bars in Milan have 'happy hour' which allows you to buy a drink for a reasonable price and then eat all you want from a buffet. At a lot of the bars the buffets were really tasty and extravagent and can easily be a dinner. Great for travelers on a budget :)

Comment by Christy

Milan is not a city to stay in for more than a couple of days. It is a great city for shopping! If you are looking for affordable, stylish clothes, visit ZARA. Its very close to the Duomo and well worth the visit. The first time I was in there, I spend four and a half hours! And now there are two Zara stores in Milan. They each carry women's, men's, and children's clothes. Also Niadine is a great place to shop for women's clothes and accessories. Visit the Duomo and the castle and maybe go watch a musical or opera if you have the money. Great food can be found away from the tourist areas. Guard your personals... people will steal from you right under your nose!

Comment by Anonymous

I went for the footie (soccer to you Yanks) it was great, but Milan is certainly not a cheap city at all. Other cities in Italy are better, especially Rome and Naples.

Comment by Giovanni

Basically it's been said, see the Duomo, it's fantastic, and easy to get to from the metro. Personally I think the Last Supper is wayyy overrated (just like the Mona Lisa). If you want to see art there are soo many other places that are much better to go to (Firenze, Roma, most major capital cities all around the world). Milan does have some great clubs and hang-outs, it's just tough to know where to go if you aren't a local. Overall, I wouldn't recommend staying here for more than a couple days unless you're trying to do some hardcore shopping or you befriend some Milanese - if you have the chance to see the city with some locals, it can be REALLY awesome... but in August the city is practically empty, so definitely avoid that month to visit!

Comment by Hillary

I went to Milan for 4 days at the end of March 2004 with my best friend. We had a WONDERFUL time, and never had a single problem. Our first night there, we met two wonderful men who live in Milan and showed us the "flavor" of the city for our whole time there, and even took us for a day trip to Como. They wanted nothing in return. We just all got along really well and had a great time. I thought the city was beautiful, and it was nice having local tour guides.

Comment by Max from Milan

So, I'm from Milan. If you come here to see a big Florence or Rome you'll be disappointed. We are not a real tourist city, but you can spend 2 days here and enjoy our nightlife (the best in Italy), our football teams (the best in Europe), our fashion (the best in the world). Everything else is not so important and many other cities are better.

Comment by Berta

I found plenty to see in Milan. The Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, an array of museums, galleries, exhibitions. I stayed 2 weeks in Milan, and still didn't have time to see everything. I advise anyone planning to visit Milan to allow at least 5 days if they want to see the majority of the sights. Book Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper painting viewing well in advance (before your trip). Plenty of shops, fashion outlets, parks, gardens. I went to the Planetarium too. There's also the San Siro Football Stadium.

Comment by VarKat

Milan may not be as touristy as the rest of Italy, but it is an interesting place nevertheless. It seems like more of a 'real' city than pretty much the rest of Italy.... quicker paced, more multi-cultural... I say go for a comparison and a reality check after seeing Rome or Venice. Not everyone operates gondolas and sells umbrellas... people in Milan have REAL jobs! Well ciao.

Comment by Angel in a Devil's Disguise

I have a lot of good things about Milan, but mostly bad. I really like the fashion, come on a girl's GOTTA SHOP!!! It gives you a change from the ordinary, I live in Australia and it's cool but Milan is wonderful!! For people who do not enjoy the fashion there really isn't anything to see at all. Milan is a dangerous city although you need to take risks! But AUSTRALIA ROCKS!

Comment by Repetition

Milan is a really beautiful city. The people who say it isn't simply don't know Milan. The architecture is grand, the culture you can get is enormous, is the European capital of fashion, there is everything you want, is a real huge city, there is the world's greatest piece of art (Leonardo's Last Supper), the world's most famous opera theatre. I LOVE MILAN.

Comment by Tom

Milan is not the city that thease travellers are talking about. I think they really don't understand Milano because they don't live there. I travelled a lot and I can say for sure that Milano is a nice place to live. For example, I've never seen a city in wich you have so many prestigious art exibitions, photogalleries, events, and in the most part you enter for free! And if you have the money to go in, the restaurants. You'll discover a moltitudes of really good places.

Comment by Danny

I am in Milan right now. Last night I went to a bar and was talking to two guys for about 2 hours. They wanted to go to a different bar, so we drove in their car. I was held at knife point, taken to two ATMs and robbed of all my money and jewlery, then they took my shoes. As we sped down a street I jumped out of the car and ran down a street into a Chinese food restaurant -- who would not help me. The police finally came, took me to my hotel, and that's it. Milan is dirty and dangerous and the police are of no help. I miss NYC!

Comment by Traveller

I've been to Milan 3 times in my travels. After one visit you can say you've seen the major parts of Milan, but I keep going back hoping to somewhat understand the people, the Italians. I guess it depends on why you are travelling. For sights, sure a day, but for culture you must stay a lot longer.

Comment by Battle Tattle

Unfortunately I have to agree with most of the comments here. I live in Milano, but I perfectly understand the useless of this "European city". Anyway the best suggestion I can give to the travellers is to be a bit open minded. Otherwise it's better to stay in some McDonald'ed anywhere.

Comment by thematrixexpert@yahoo.com

One doesn't really have to stay in Milan more than one day. Once you've sorted the main monuments, the Duomo is glorious, there is very little else to see. Well, yes, the passeggiata near La Scala, great true; and great also are the various arcades with the luxurious shops and the clubs and pubs. Milanese folks are cool and like to party yeah!

Comment by Anonymous

Milan is good to visit for two or three days, just to say that you have been there, its the fashion capital of Europe!! I wouldn't stay for much more than 3 days. Use the Metro to get around, you can get a day ticket for about 3 Euros. There is only one hostel and I wouldn't bother with it, best to find a cheap hotel.

Comment by Shadow

Milan was the biggest dissapointment of my three month packpack of Europe. It is awful there is nothing to see. It is an industrial city. Why the press glamourises it I will never ever know. Please take my advise, do not go here. There is just something about the place that is very uneasy. It's understandable that in the summer more than half the town leaves to on holiday.

Comment by Anonymous

I wouldn't bother going to Milan unless you absolutely have to see Da Vinci's Last Supper or the Milan Cathedral, because those are the only things worth seeing in the whole city. Other than that it's not a pretty city and many backpackers feel they would have rather skipped it. Important tip: if you do want to see Da Vinci's Last Supper, visits must be booked by phone well in advance ([+39] 02 89421146), and it's not open Sundays.

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