Milan, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Staying in the city center (Duomo or Brera districts) offers access to Milan’s main attractions, luxury shopping, and excellent dining options. For a quieter and more local experience, Navigli or Porta Venezia provide stylish boutique hotels with vibrant nightlife.

A 3 to 4-day stay is ideal for visiting the Duomo, Last Supper, and fashion districts. A 5-day stay allows for day trips to Lake Como, Bergamo, or Pavia.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Milan. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Milan, the vibrant capital of Lombardy in northern Italy, offers a rich blend of history, culture, fashion, and gastronomy. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Milan:

1. Spring (March to May): Spring is a fantastic time to visit Milan as the city awakens from winter and comes alive with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. This season is ideal for exploring Milan’s iconic landmarks, such as the magnificent Duomo di Milano and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Spring also brings cultural events and exhibitions to the city, including the internationally renowned Milan Design Week.
2. Summer (June to August): Summer is peak tourist season in Milan, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as strolling through the picturesque Sempione Park or enjoying an aperitivo in one of the city’s many outdoor cafes. Summer also brings a variety of events and festivals to Milan, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and fashion shows. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
3. Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Milan, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s cultural attractions, such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Fall also offers opportunities for culinary experiences, such as sampling seasonal dishes like risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto) and ossobuco (braised veal shanks) at traditional trattorias and restaurants.
4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Milan is relatively mild compared to other parts of Italy, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with fewer tourists and shorter lines at popular attractions. Winter is also a great time to explore Milan’s shopping scene, with the city’s famous fashion boutiques and designer outlets offering discounts during the winter sales season.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Milan depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, shopping for high-end fashion, or indulging in delicious cuisine, Milan has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.

Flying to Milan

Milan boasts several airports to choose from. If you're arriving via an international flight, you'll likely land at Milano-Malpensa, situated approximately 50 km away from the city centre. Just outside Milan, you'll find Milan-Linate, and around 40 km away is Il Caravaggio Orio al Serio, more commonly known as Milano-Bergamo Airport, which is a common choice for travellers flying with low-cost airlines. To reach the city centre from these airports, you have various transportation options available, including trains, buses, and taxis. For detailed information on how to get from the airports to Milan's city centre, you can refer to the article mentioned.

Travelling to Milan via Train

If you're interested in visiting other cities from Milan, you can easily do so by taking advantage of the high-speed train lines departing from the city's train station. These trains can transport you to cities like Florence, Venice, or the capital of Italy, Rome.

Getting Around Milan

Milan Subway

The subway stands out as one of the swiftest and most convenient modes of public transportation, not exclusive to Milan but widely applicable in very large cities. There are currently 5 metro lines in Milan which operate daily from 5:40 am to 00:30 am. Look for the illuminated red and white “M” lampposts, which signify where there’s a metro stop.

– M1 (red metro): connects the town of Sesto San Giovanni to Bisceglie and Rho;
– M2 (green metro): connects Gessate and Cologno Nord (northeast of Milan) to Abbiategrasso and Assago (southwest area);
– M3 (yellow line): connects San Donato to Comasina;
– M5 (lilla line): connects San Siro (west of Milan) to Bignami (north of Milan);
– M4 (under construction): will connect Milan Linate airport (east) to San Cristoforo (west).

Milan Bus Network

The bus network in Milan is more than 80 lines strong, and it covers ground that the Metro does not. The bus lines have both numbers and names, with the names indicating which direction the bus is traveling (akin to the Metro lines). Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus.