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Plan your next trip to Milan
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Milan holidays: Visit the Italian city of fashion
As one of Italy's largest cities, Milan has a whole lot going for it, making it a popular choice with UK holidaymakers. While it's often seen as an ideal place for a city break, there is so much to see in Milan - and so many great day trip opportunities - that you could easily spend a week or more here.
There's the obvious appeal to shoppers, since Milan is considered to be a fashion capital, but the sights are equally mesmerising, from the iconic Duomo di Milano to the grandeur of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly adventure, we've got all the best Milan holiday deals for you.
Milan holiday tips and advice
Whether it's your very first time in Milan or your seventh trip to the city, it feels like there's always something new to discover. In this section, you'll find all the information you need before you head off on your Milan holiday.
From the best time to go to how to get around Milan once you're there, here are all our top Milan holiday tips.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
With a full calendar of events all year round and generally milder weather compared to the UK, it truly feels there's no bad time to visit Milan. Here's what you can expect during each season in Milan.
🌸 Spring: With the temperatures starting to warm up, this is a popular time to come to Milan - plus it's cheaper than the summer months. Keep in mind that the long Easter weekend is an exception to this rule, though!
☀️ Summer: Undoubtedly the most popular time to be in Milan, summer holidays and Italy go hand in hand. You can expect July and August to be the hottest - and the busiest - months in Milan.
🍁 Autumn: Autumn is a great time to be in Milan. Prices are cheaper, the crowds smaller and you feel like you get to see a more authentic side to the city. In addition, the weather is still pretty mild, especially in September and October.
❄️ Winter: December and January are the coldest months in Milan, with highs of about 7°C. But even if it's cold, there's a lot going on, from Christmas markets to New Year's Eve celebrations.
Milan at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 1 hour 55 minutes
Main airports: Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Linate Airport and Milan Bergamo Airport
Population: 1.4 million
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro (€)
Socket type: Type type F and L (adapter required)
Time zone: Central European Time (CET); 1 hour ahead of the UK
Getting to Milan
The vast majority of UK holidaymakers fly to Milan. With a flight time of under two hours, it's relatively quick to get to this city, but it's important to take note of which of Milan's three airports you're flying into. Some of these airports are a bit further afield, so it'll take a longer time to commute to Milan once you land.
Numerous UK airports fly to Milan; you can catch direct flights from London, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle and Edinburgh. British Airways and ITA Airways operate direct flights, as do low-cost airlines like easyJet and Ryanair.
Getting around Milan
While you can rely on taxis or hire your own car to get around Milan, there are more affordable options available. For those who love exploring a new city on foot, many of Milan's main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making this a fully possible choice.
If you'd like to explore more extensively, Milan's public transport system is your answer. A ticket is valid for 90 minutes on Milan's metro, trams and buses, meaning that you can transfer as many times as you like within that time frame. You can also buy a 24- or 48-hour ticket, as well as a carnet of 10 tickets to save even more money.
Find cheap flights to Milan
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The best areas to stay in Milan
With a population of over a million people, Milan is a big city - which can make it a bit tricky to know where to stay when you go there for a holiday. We can help you with that; whether you're a Milan first-timer or are looking for a neighbourhood that has a more authentic feel, we've got a recommendation for you.
Milan for first-time visitors
If it's your very first time in Milan - or if you're only there for a weekend - it's a good idea to base yourself as centrally as possible. This is why many first-time holidaymakers choose accommodation in the Duomo or Centro Storico (Old Town) area.
Many of the city's biggest attractions will be within walking distance here, including Milan Cathedral (also known as Duomo di Milano), Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Palazzo Reale di Milano and World of Leonardo da Vinci. There's also a huge range of cafes, bars and restaurants here that will suit all budgets; keep in mind that some of these will feel pretty touristy given the location!
Plus, if you're planning on exploring more widely, there are loads of metro stops in this area. And, while you couldn't be more central, you can expect that this neighbourhood feels a bit more crowded and expensive than other parts of Milan.
Milan for families
If you're travelling with your kids and want to be central, you can still stay in the Centro Storico area, but keep in mind that it will be crowded. For something a little quieter, greener and well connected with the rest of Milan, you could give Porta Venezia a try.
Even though it's still so close to the city centre, this area feels much more spacious and is home to family-friendly spots like Indro Montanelli Gardens and the Milan Natural History Museum.
For something different
If you want to stay somewhere really beautiful - and have access to the city's best nightlife - base yourself in canal-laced Navigli.
Or, if you're after something artsy, Brera is a great choice that's still central, and while Isola may be farther out, it will feel authentic and be much more budget friendly.
Check out accommodation in Milan
The best things to do in Milan
While other Italian cities are usually given a lot more attention, like Rome and Venice, you'll be pleasantly surprised to know that there's a lot to do in Milan too. There are great cultural hotspots, green spaces and, for the more fashion-forward holidaymaker, Milan is considered to be one of the best places to do clothes shopping in Europe.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Milan.
Check out the view from the top of Duomo di Milano
Sip an Aperol spritz alongside the Naviglio Grande canal
Go window shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
View The Last Supper painting
Marvel at the opulence of Castello Sforzesco
Catch a performance at Teatro alla Scala
Enjoy a picnic in Sempione Park
Take a day trip to Lake Como
Grab lunch at a Wes Anderson-designed cafe, Bar Luce
Discover more things to do in Milan
Milan holiday FAQs
Q: How many days should I spend in Milan?
A: While many holidaymakers choose to visit Milan for a weekend or long weekend, we'd recommend a minimum of 2-3 days here. If you're planning any day trips, like to Lake Como, you should add an extra day or two.
Q: Is Milan a safe holiday destination?
A: Milan is generally safe for most travellers. However, as Milan is a large city, it's good to remain vigilant in busy areas and at nightlife venues, as pickpocketing can happen here.
Q: Do I need to tip in Milan?
A: A service charge is often added to restaurant/cafe bills. If it hasn't been, it's polite to round up the bill or to leave a small tip.
Q: Do you need a visa to visit Milan?
A: No. You can visit Italy for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa; always stay up to date with the latest entry requirements.
Q: Which local dishes should I try in Milan?
A: Gelato, Risotto alla Milanese, Cotoletta alla Milanese and Ossobuco are all very popular dishes in Milanese restaurants.
Q: What are the best day trips to take from Milan?
A: While Lake Como is perhaps the most popular day trip from Milan, holidaymakers also use Milan as a base to explore Bergamo, Verona and Turin.
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