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City guide - Milan, Italy
As one of the world’s most important fashion and designer capitals, Milan offers an unbelievable
shopping experience. Ruled by the Caesars, Napoléon, the Austro-Hungarians and Mussolini, Milan has
an ancient and fascinating history, which can be discovered throughout its architecture and its many
museums.Although being a commercially important metropolitan city, it is comparably small and
therefore easy to explore by foot!
Tipping: It is not required to leave a tip in Italy, but nevertheless well
appreciated. Tipping in Italy is considered as a “bonus,” so the amount should reflect the level and
quality of service. A tip of up to 10% is common but sometimes a service charge is already included
in the check so make sure to adapt your tip to that. For smaller checks like a cappuccino in a café
it is common to round up to the next Euro. If you choose to leave a tip, plan to leave cash after
paying your check, rather than leaving the tip on a credit card.
Popular Accommodations
Transportation from Airports
Train
The Malpensa Express train departs about every 30 minutes. When exiting the
airport signs saying “Treni/Trains”will guide you to the station. There are
different trains that have different routes to Milan and stop at different
stations, so make sure to find out to which station your accommodation is
closest to beforehand. Tickets can be purchased online, at ATM’s or at
Ticket offices during operating hours.
Bus
The bus is the cheapest way to getting to and away from Malpensa Airport.
There are different companies offering transportation and they all depart
from both Terminal 1 and 2. Usually they stop at Milan Central Station and
additionally at some stops throughout the city depending on the bus company
and route.
| Cost |
Malpensa Shuttle: 10€; 5€ (Children);
Terravision: 8€; 5€
(Children);
Autostradale: 8€; 5€ (Children) |
| Trip Duration |
50 min |
| Hours |
Malpensa Shuttle: 5am to 3 am every 15 to 30
minutes
Terravision: 5am to 12 am every 30
minutes
Autostradale: 6am to 12am every 30 minutes |
Taxi
Taking a taxi from Malpensa Airport to Milan is very convenient but
expensive. Especially for families with children or travelers with large
luggage a taxi is recommended. Taxi stands can be found at both terminals
just outside of arrivals. There are several different taxi companies that
provide service at Malpensa Airport and most of them should offer a fixed
fare, so to ensure no hidden fees are added at the end of the ride, ask the
taxi driver beforehand.
| Cost |
95€ |
| Trip Duration |
50 minutes |
La Vigna di Leonardo - Leonardo’s Vineyard
While hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Milan to marvel at
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper only few people know that the Tuscan
artist left behind another treasure only footsteps away. Leonardo’s
Vineyard is where da Vinci once painted the famous Last Supper in the
late 15th century. The Vineyard lies within the gardens of the Casa
degli Atellani and invite for a short stroll that takes one back in
time. After the tour, sip on a glass of Leonardo’s white wine to
complement your visit.
Duomo di Milano rooftop terrace
The Duomo di Milano is probably the most famous site of Milan, but a
rather secret spot is the rooftop terrace on top of the dome that you
can enter for only a slightly higher ticket price. From the rooftop a
spectacular view unfurls and guarantees a truly exceptional experience.
Visit the terrace at sunset to get a beautiful lighting and
picture-perfect photos.
Brera District
Throughout its history, the historic Brera district has always been a
favorite area for artists who met, drank and philosophized in bars and
literary cafés. Today, the Brera district is a large pedestrian area
with restaurants in all price ranges from rustic pizzerias to Michelin
star restaurants, bars, boutiques and art shops, street vendors and
markets. Locals too, love spending mild summer evenings within the
lovely streets of Brera!
Antica Hostaria della Lanterna
Not too far from Milan’s center is the city’s oldest district Ticinese
and this traditional Osteria. The family-run business serves very
simple, but incredibly delicious Italian dishes where you can taste the
love that has been put into making them. You won’t find a menu but
rather la “Mamma” telling you what she has prepared freshly every day.
It is recommended to reserve a table in advance as locals love this
place and it is quickly booked out.
Backdoor 43
The smallest bar in the world is located in Milan! Backdoor 43 in Milan
seats exactly three people and serves high quality drinks to stay or to
go! Since seats are very limited, most customers purchase their drinks
through a tiny slot window, through which they can see the bartender’s
hands and not much else. For additional discreetness the bartender also
wears a mask. At about 6€ per drink, it is hard to not stop by and check
out this exceptional place!
Centro Storico and the Fashion District
Centro Storico hosts most of the popular sights in Milan and is a
most go. Visit the old Duomo, the Ducal Palace or stroll through the
historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade to find beautiful
boutiques and luxurious stores.
Tortona
Hosting both the Milan Design Week and the Milan Fashion Week Tortona
is home to fashionistas worldwide. Another all-year-round highlight
of the district are the artworks of Giorgio Armani that you can find
at the museum Armani Silos.
Porta Romana
Porta Romana is a welcoming, rustic neighborhood in Milan that still
is hidden from the mainstream tourism. Since Porta Romana used to be
a distillery complex, it accommodates many stylish cocktail bars and
is likewise great for budget travelers!
Porta Venezia
The gates of Porta Venezia are one of the historical favorites in the
city, but the neighborhood is also known for great shopping
opportunities including lovely second-hand boutiques.
Chinatown (Via Paolo Sarpi)
Though much smaller than its equivalents in New York or London,
Milan’s Chinatown consisting of only a few streets has a very unique
atmosphere with its Chinese red lanterns hanging between traditional
Milanese town houses. Here you can find everything between
hole-in-the-wall bun vendors, fast-paced noodle shops and fine
dining restaurants as well as jewelries, fashion boutiques and
traditional tea shops.
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