Milan is a vibrant, beautiful city. Full of fashion, fantastic food, and amazing architecture, this unforgettable Italian destination is a must-stop for any vacation itinerary through Italy. Whether you're here for your honeymoon, a fashion lover looking for new finds and inspiration, or flying in for a stop before visiting Lake Como, everyone is sure to love this city. Here's our guide to the best things to do, see, and experience in Milan.

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Navigating the Italian Language in Milan

Italian is the national language. As a Latin language, some words can be interpreted without prior knowledge of the language. We found most younger people and those who worked in hospitality spoke very good English. The only times communication broke down were with older Italian citizens or people farther outside the main tourist areas.

However, you can quickly remedy any language barrier with Google Translate. While you definitely don’t need to know Italian to enjoy Milan, here are a few words that are helpful to know while exploring this city:

KEY ITALIAN PHRASES TO KNOW

Buongiorno - pronounced bwahn-joor-no - means Good day (said before sundown)
Buonasera - pronounced bweh-nah-seh-rah - means Good evening (said after sundown)
Arrivederci - pronounced ah-ree-vah-dehr-chee - means Goodbye
Ciao - pronounced chow - means Casual hello/goodbye (Say only after someone says it to you first; otherwise, use the more formal greetings and goodbyes of buongiorno, buonasera, and arrivederci)
Grazie - pronounced graht-seh - means thank you

The Best Parts About Visiting Milan

Seeing the grandeur of the Milan Duomo. There's a reason everyone's photos in Milan always highlight the Duomo - it's jaw-droppingly gorgeous! It's just as beautiful at night as it is during the day.
Spending time wandering through the city. Wandering doesn’t sound like a “thing to do,” but it’s one of the best ways to get inspired by the people, the fashion, and the buildings.
Milan is the perfect launching pad for nearby trips. While you need at least a day or two in the city, you can easily take side trips to Turin, Lake Como, Genoa, Florence, and Cinque Terre from here.

Is Milan Safe for Travelers?

We always feel safe when visiting Milan. While you should always use wisdom and caution in life and when traveling, we felt at ease in the city. You’ll find more panhandlers in the central plazas near the Galleria and the Duomo. Generally, people aren’t pushy. As always, in crowded areas where tourists are known to meander, watch your pockets and don’t keep valuables anywhere people can easily take them. We have never had any negative experiences with safety in Milan.

Money Matters in Milan

Italy uses the euro. If you're wondering if you should bring cash or a card, the answer is yes - both! Most nicer restaurants and larger stores accept cards. Still, you'll almost always need cash for local shops and smaller purchases under $30. I recommend using a currency converter to check the exchange rate when you go. This tool was also helpful when visiting smaller markets and asking the vendor, "How much?" (quanto? in Italian) They can type the number into the app like a calculator, and you can easily see the conversion rate there.

A helpful note about taking out foreign currency in cash:

The best practice (and cheapest) way to have cash on hand in a new country is to go to your bank 5-10 business days before your trip and ask for the local currency. Depending on your bank, this transaction will be either free or cost just a few dollars.

If you're like us and realize the airplane tires hit foreign soil that we forgot to do this, then find an ATM to take out euros in cash! Yes, you can do this even with an international debit card and even some credit cards. You will typically pay a small transaction fee in addition to the exchange rate. It's still cheaper to take out cash this way than to go to a money exchange or Western Union.

Attractions & Things to Do in Milan

As Milan is the fashion capital of Italy (and much of Europe!), there is plenty of shopping, art, and museums to discover. Here are a few of the can't-miss attractions and best things to do in the area:

Explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This stunning shopping arcade is one of the world's oldest and features luxury stores, cafes, and restaurants. You won't be able to miss it, but don't forget to look up and marvel at the impressive glass dome!
Climb the Duomo. This Gothic cathedral is Milan's symbol and one of the world's largest churches. The climb to the top is well worth the effort for the stunning views of the city.
Shop the street markets. While Milan has many luxury and popular brands, the street markets are a must. Happening most Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can find them scattered throughout the city. The markets offer anything from vintage jewelry to clothes and homewares.
See Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper. This iconic mural is in the refectory of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as it's a popular attraction.
Walk through the Brera Art Gallery. This museum houses an impressive collection of Italian art from the 14th to 20th centuries, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio. The beautiful courtyard is also worth a visit.
Take a stroll in Sforza Castle. This imposing fortress is now a museum complex, with collections ranging from ancient art to modern sculpture. The castle also features beautiful courtyards, gardens, and a lovely fountain.
Enjoy an opera at La Scala. This world-renowned opera house has been hosting performances since 1778 and is known for its stunning acoustics. Catch a show or simply take a guided tour to see the lavish interior.

Milan offers many wonderful side trips. While you can reach several nearby destinations for a day trip, we don't recommend any day trips from Milan, because the places you'd visit deserve more than a quick day trip. Instead, consider spending three nights in Lake Como, Florence, or Venice, and two nights in Genoa, Portofino, or Cinque Terre.

What & Where to Eat in Milan

While Milan's fashion gets all the attention, the city's food shouldn't be forgotten either! The city has a diverse and delicious culinary scene, from grab-and-go panini to high-end dining. For a quick bite, try a panzerotto from Luini, a Milanese institution serving deep-fried pizza pockets since 1949. To satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Pasticceria Marchesi, a historic pastry shop dating back to 1824, for delectable pastries and cakes. And no trip to Milan is complete without sampling the city's famous aperitivo culture; head to N'Ombra de Vin in the Brera district for an excellent selection of wine and nibbles.

DRINKS TO ORDER:

NEGRONI SBAGLIATO - This twist on the classic Negroni is made with Prosecco instead of gin, giving it a lighter, bubbly taste.
APEROL SPRITZ - The iconic cocktail of Italians during aperitivo (happy hour); we're pretty sure it's impossible to have a bad Aperol Spritz in Italy.
CAMPARI - This bright red liqueur is a staple in Milan and can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a variety of cocktails, including the Negroni, the Boulevardier, and the Garibaldi.
ESPRESSO - need a caffeinated pick-me-up? You won't see Italians sipping on large coffees. Instead, the typical way to order coffee in Milan is to walk into a bar (not like the bars in the States!) and order an espresso or doppio espresso (double espresso) to sip on quickly while standing at the counter.

FOOD TO ORDER:

RISOTTO ALLA MILANESE - This creamy risotto dish is made with saffron and often topped with grated parmesan cheese.
COTOLETTA ALLA MILANESE - Similar to a breaded and fried veal chop, this dish is a Milanese specialty and a must-try for meat lovers.
PANETTONE - This sweet bread is a Christmas staple in Milan, but you can find it year-round. Look for variations with added flavors like chocolate or dried fruit.
OSSOBUCO - This slow-cooked veal shank is often served with gremolata (a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley) and risotto.
GELATO - a no-brainer; nothing beats relaxing with a gelato in hand. Need it dairy-free? Order a sorbetto (sorbet).

Where to Stay in Milan

While there are plenty of vacation rentals and hotels to choose from, we know you want nothing but the best in this spectacular destination. We recommend staying 1-3 nights in Milan, Italy. Here are our top picks for the best hotels for your stay in Milan:

The Corner Duomo Hotel

BEST FOR: 4-star stylish boutique hotel featuring a rooftop with great views of the city
LOCATION: Walking distance from the most popular attractions in Milan

BB Hotels Smarthotel Duomo

BEST FOR: 4-star streamlined hotel with friendly staff and great amenities
LOCATION: Three blocks from the Duomo

Room Mate Giulia

BEST FOR: 4-star modern and trendy hotel with a relaxed vibe and wonderful breakfast
LOCATION: Steps away from the Duomo and Galleria

How to Get Around Milan

Get your walking shoes on! The only ideal way to navigate the city is on foot. In many historic areas, much of the city is blocked off to cars anyway. Alternatively, you can easily navigate much of the city by metro. Their underground subway system is very convenient and reminded us a lot of the metro system in Paris. The best way to get to Milan from other cities is by train or car. If you’d like to rent a car, remember you will only use it for a short time in the city. The central train station in Milan (Milano Centrale Train Station) is about a 5-15 minute rideshare (Uber or FreeNow work just fine!) from almost everywhere in the city.

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Milan