Milan
Navigating Airports and Exploring Milan’s Best Spots
Welcome to your all-in-one guide for arriving in Milan and enjoying everything the city has to offer! As soon as you land, you’ll discover a city filled with style, impressive history, and lively neighborhoods. Whether you’re coming into Malpensa, Linate, or Bergamo-Orio al Serio, this guide will help you get from the airport to the heart of Milan with confidence. Plus, learn the best places to stay, top sights to see, and practical travel tips for a smooth and exciting visit.
Guide to Traveling from Milan’s Airports to the City Center
Navigating from Malpensa Airport to Milan City Center
Malpensa Airport lies around 40 kilometers northwest of central Milan. It’s Milan’s main international gateway, and getting into the city is straightforward thanks to several transportation options.
Malpensa Express Train: The fastest and easiest route is the Malpensa Express train. Trains leave every 30 minutes from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 (no shuttle needed between terminals), connecting you to Milano Centrale and Milano Cadorna. Count on about 57 minutes to Centrale and about 43 minutes to Cadorna. Tickets cost €15 one way and can be bought online, via their app, or at machines in both terminals.
Buses: Several bus companies operate between Malpensa and Milano Centrale. Buses leave around every 20 minutes, with trips taking between 50 and 70 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks in the arrivals area or online via the operator’s official site.
Taxis: For a direct ride, taxis are available right outside both terminals. There is a fixed fare of €110 for rides to any address within Milan city (urban area). You can expect a clean, comfortable ride, especially nice if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
Terminal Shuttle: There is a free shuttle service between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It runs about every 15 minutes (every 30 minutes late at night).
Transport Options from Linate Airport to Downtown Milan
Linate Airport is the closest to Milan, just about 8 kilometers from the center, making your trip into the city both fast and easy.
M4 Metro Line: The newest and quickest way downtown is the M4 “Blue” metro line. Hop on at the “Linate Aeroporto” station, and you’ll reach San Babila in the city center in about 11 to 12 minutes. Trains run about every 5 minutes from early morning until after midnight.
Bus 73: If you prefer traveling by bus, take the 73, which also links the airport to the city (stopping at Piazza San Babila). However, the M4 Metro is generally faster and more convenient.
Taxis: You’ll find taxis outside arrivals. Fares to central Milan are metered rather than fixed, and typically range from €20 to €40+ depending on your destination and traffic.
Getting to Milan from Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport
Many budget airlines fly into Bergamo-Orio al Serio, which sits about 50 kilometers from Milan. Even though it’s further out, you have reliable options for reaching the city:
Airport Shuttle Buses: Direct buses run to Milano Centrale about every 20–30 minutes, with a journey time of 50–60 minutes. Tickets usually cost €8–€10 one way and are often cheapest online via the official Bergamo shuttle service. Booking online can also guarantee your seat and sometimes a lower price compared to buying at the airport.
Taxis: Taking a standard taxi from Bergamo Airport into Milan is expensive, with fares starting around €90 and possibly exceeding €120, depending on your final destination. There’s no fixed price, and trips are metered.
Whichever airport you land at, there’s an efficient and comfortable way to reach Milan’s center, so you can start your Italian adventure as soon as possible!
Discovering the Best Places to Stay in Milan: A Local’s Guide
Milan is the heart of fashion, culture, and Italian lifestyle. No matter your travel style or budget, the city offers a neighborhood and accommodation just for you. Here’s a quick look at Milan’s best districts for visitors, each with its own unique character.
Historic Heart: The Centro Storico
The Centro Storico puts you in the middle of Milan’s historic and architectural wonders, most notably the Duomo di Milano. Walkable streets, classic piazzas filled with locals, and a mix of historic palaces and modern boutique hotels make the historic center ideal for first-timers and anyone drawn to Milan’s grand past. Upscale shopping and excellent cafes are never far away, and you’ll wake to the city’s most iconic views.
Fashion Forward: Staying in Brera
Brera is the artistic, bohemian core of Milan. Known for its creative spirit and beautiful streets, Brera features top art collections (like the famous Pinacoteca di Brera), charming cafes, and excellent restaurants. The neighborhood feels chic yet homey, perfect for travelers who want to mix local life with Milanese style. You’ll find boutique hotels and elegant apartments that immerse you in Milan’s fashionable soul.
The Business Beat: Porta Nuova
Porta Nuova is Milan’s modern business district, filled with architectural marvels like the Bosco Verticale and gleaming skyscrapers. If you’re attending meetings or love the energy of a contemporary city, this area’s business hotels and high-rise apartments have all the modern comforts. After work, enjoy some of the city’s best bars and restaurants just steps away.
Living Like a Local: Navigli District
The Navigli area is famous for its scenic canals and laid-back energy. Once essential waterways for trade, these canals are now lined with inviting cafes, relaxed trattorias, and some of Milan’s most popular nightlife. Stay here to enjoy lively evenings, unique local shops, and charming bed and breakfasts. Navigli is also home to Milan’s beloved antique market, the Mercatone dell’Antiquariato, held on the last Sunday of every month, perfect for snagging a special souvenir and soaking up local flavor.
Family Friendly: Sempione Area
Families will love the Sempione neighborhood for its green spaces and kid-friendly sights. Next to the wide lawns of Parco Sempione, children have lots of room to play and explore. Sforza Castle and the Civic Aquarium are close by, as are playgrounds and relaxing picnic spots. The area is less crowded than the central zones, and family-sized accommodations are easy to find, plus, it’s an excellent base for exploring all of Milan.
Budget Wise: Staying Outside the City Center
If you’re looking for value without sacrificing convenience, areas outside the center like Città Studi (home to the University of Milan) are great options. Città Studi buzzes with students, affordable eateries, and budget hotels, making it a fun and thrifty way to see Milan. Excellent public transport makes it easy to reach the center and major attractions quickly, while keeping more money in your pocket for shopping or dinner out.
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to Milan
Milan is both easy to explore and packed with memorable experiences. To help you get started, here are some simple, traveler-tested tips to make your first visit smooth and enjoyable:
- Book your Last Supper tickets well ahead of your trip. Spots can sell out weeks in advance due to high demand.
- Try to plan your days and include some time to relax in local parks or sidewalk cafes. Milanese life is as much about soaking up the atmosphere as ticking off sights.
- Keep comfortable shoes handy. Milan’s city center is walkable, and you’ll want to see its beauty on foot.
- Use contactless payment. Many places accept cards and mobile payments, but it’s still smart to carry some cash for small purchases or local markets.
- Learn a few Italian phrases! A simple “buongiorno” (good morning) or “grazie” (thank you) will go a long way with locals.
Getting Around Milan
Milan boasts an effective, easy-to-navigate public transport system that includes metro (subway), trams, buses, and even a handy bike-share network.
- ATM Travel Tickets: For unlimited rides throughout the city, purchase a day ticket (€7.60) or a 3-day ticket (€15.50) from automatic machines, newsstands, or online. These work on all metro, tram, and bus lines in Milan’s main travel zones.
- The Milan Pass: For travelers interested in city-wide discounts (including some tourist attractions and hop-on hop-off buses), check out The Milan Pass, a private product that also includes unlimited public transit and other extras.
- BikeMi: Explore with Milan’s official bike-share program BikeMi. You’ll find docking stations across town, making it easy to pedal to parks or quieter neighborhoods.
- Walking is highly recommended, especially in the historic center and pedestrian shopping areas.
Must-Visit Attractions
Milan is buzzing with world-famous sights, iconic buildings, and unique experiences. Make sure these are on your itinerary:
- Duomo di Milano: This stunning Gothic cathedral is the city’s centerpiece. Take time to admire its details and don’t miss the panoramic view from the rooftop.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Right next to the Duomo, Italy’s oldest shopping arcade (opened in 1877) features luxury stores and beautiful architecture. It’s as perfect for a coffee as for window-shopping.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie: The home of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Bookings are essential. Reserve your slot on the official website as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
- Pinacoteca di Brera: A must for art lovers, with a fantastic collection highlighting the best of Italian Renaissance painting.
- Sforza Castle and Parco Sempione: Enjoy art museums, lush gardens, and impressive ramparts in one outing.
- Navigli District: Besides being great for nightlife, the antique market (last Sunday of each month) is a special event for locals and travelers alike.
Food and Dining
Milan’s food scene is irresistible, offering classic regional dishes and international choices alike. Don’t leave without tasting these flavors:
- Risotto alla Milanese: Creamy, golden, and rich with saffron, it’s a true Milanese specialty.
- Cotoletta alla Milanese: A crispy breaded veal cutlet, usually served on the bone.
- Sample delicious pastries like panettone with an espresso, or enjoy gelato as you stroll the streets.
Milan is famous for its thriving café culture and evening aperitivo. Between 6 and 8 PM, head to any number of bars for a drink and complimentary snacks, a beloved Milan tradition.
Shopping in Milan
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and shopping here is a thrill for any style-lover. The best-known area is the Quadrilatero d’Oro (“Golden Rectangle”), lined with the most luxurious brands and designer boutiques. But you’ll also find treasures in:
- Brera and Navigli: Ideal for boutique browsing and discovering up-and-coming designers.
- Flea Markets: Milan’s Fiera di Sinigaglia and Mercatino di Brera are packed with vintage finds, crafts, and antiques. For a real local experience, visit the Navigli canal market on the last Sunday of the month.
Leisure and Nightlife
After a busy day sightseeing and shopping, Milan is ready for a night of fun or a peaceful outdoor escape.
- Relax in Parco Sempione or the historic Giardini Pubblici gardens for a picnic or gentle stroll.
- Explore Milan’s nightlife, from elegant cocktail bars in Brera or Porta Nuova to the lively clubs and music venues by the Navigli canals. There’s energy for every taste!
- Plenty of theaters and concert halls offer performances ranging from opera (at famed La Scala) to modern pop and jazz gigs.
Cultural Etiquette
Italians are known for their warmth but also for their sense of tradition and respect. Here’s how to fit right in:
- Greet with “buongiorno” or “buonasera”, it’s polite and always appreciated in shops, cafes, and elevators.
- Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Keep your voice down in restaurants and public spaces, Milanese locals take pride in a calm and classy city vibe.
- Always ask before taking photos of people or inside certain churches and museums.
Day Trips from Milan
If you have a few extra days, Milan makes the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the wonders of northern Italy. Top choices include:
- Lake Como: Just a quick train or car ride away, take in the stunning views, lakeside villages and romantic atmosphere.
- Bergamo: This town’s Medieval upper city is packed with history and charm and is easy to reach by train or shuttle bus.
- Other favorites: Pavia, Monza, and even the Italian Alps are all day-trip friendly from Milan.
Whatever your interests, art, design, food, shopping, or history, Milan brings you the best of Italy with a modern twist. Explore at your pace, plan ahead (especially for major attractions), and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. Have a fantastic trip!
Discover Milan on Foot
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