Milan

If you ask Italians from other parts of Italy, Milan is always gray, wet, and above all foggy.

That’s only partly true. It can rain in Milan pretty much year-round, but the months with the most rainy days are October, November, and April.

From November through March, fog is a recurring phenomenon — and it can get so thick you can barely see to the other side of the street. Not exactly ideal for sightseeing.

In summer, things swing the other way: it gets seriously muggy. July and August are the worst, with temperatures regularly pushing past 95°F (35°C).

Our pick for the best time to visit Milan is spring and fall. May through June and a trip in September or October all hit a sweet spot — relatively few rainy days and genuinely pleasant temperatures.

Plan for at least three days. Milan is a large city and its attractions are spread out across several neighborhoods. And honestly, you’ll want to leave time for shopping too.

Milan is super well connected — you can reach the city easily by plane, train, or car.

Getting to Milan by Plane

The fastest option is flying. Milan has three international airports: Linate, Malpensa, and Orio al Serio.

All three are at different distances from the city, but you’re looking at roughly 45–50 minutes to get downtown from any of them.

The best way to compare flights is on Skyscanner — it’s our go-to flight search engine.

Malpensa Airport

Malpensa is Milan’s largest airport and handles flights from major cities across Europe. It’s also well connected to the center: take the Terravision shuttle bus or the Malpensa Express train straight to the main station. The ride takes about 50 minutes.

Orio al Serio Airport

The cheapest flights — usually on budget carriers — land at Orio al Serio, which technically belongs to the neighboring city of Bergamo. It’s the farthest from Milan, but the Orioshuttle bus runs every 30 minutes to Milan’s main train station in about 50 minutes.

Linate Airport

Linate is the closest to the city center, just about five miles out. From there, city bus Line 73 takes you to the Cathedral Square in around 50 minutes.

Getting There by Car: Where to Park in Milan?

Driving into Milan is doable, but be warned: hotel parking gets expensive fast. The most central hotels charge up to around 50 euros per day. If that sounds steep, park in a dedicated garage and use public transit or walk from there.

These garages are well located, video-monitored, and open 24 hours:

• International Parking: Near the main train station. 48 hours costs 50 euros
• Car Central Parking: Near the cathedral. 48 hours costs 50 euros
• Garage Ardenza: Just outside the center. 48 hours costs 30 euros

Honestly though, if you don’t absolutely need a car, take the train or fly instead. Milan’s traffic is no fun, and hunting for parking will eat into your time.

Milan is the fashion capital of the world — so yes, some shopping should absolutely be on your agenda.

And you don’t have to blow your entire travel budget on designer labels. Milan has boutiques for every budget.

These streets and neighborhoods are perfect for a shopping day:

Corso Ticinese — Secondhand boutiques and record stores. This is Milan’s go-to strip for alternative shopping: vintage jewelry, independent fashion labels, and great places to eat.

Via Monte Napoleone — Haute couture. Lined exclusively with luxury boutiques, this street is part of the Quadrilatero della Moda — the so-called Fashion Rectangle.

Corso Buenos Aires — Major fashion chains. One of the longest shopping streets in Europe, with over 350 stores including H&M, Zara, Mango, and more.

Fiera di Sinigaglia — Flea market with over 100 stalls. One of Milan’s oldest markets, held every Saturday along the Naviglio Grande canal.

Via Brera — Artists’ studios and literary cafés. The Brera neighborhood has long been Milan’s hotspot for refined craftsmanship and independent shops.

No, not really — not more so than Berlin, London, or Paris. Just don’t leave valuables in your car, and keep a close eye on your bag — especially on a crowded Metro.

Milan is the most expensive city in Italy. Hotels in the historic center start at around 200 euros per night, and a meal at a basic restaurant runs about 30–40 euros per person.

That said, you can save a lot by booking a hotel outside the old town — just make sure it’s near a metro station and you’ll still have easy access to everything.

If you’re short on time, start with the streets around the cathedral. You’ll find several highlights packed into one area: the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the Teatro alla Scala, the Quadrilatero della Moda, and the Brera district.