Plan Your Milan Holiday: Best of Milan
Explore Milan
Essential Milan
Food & drink
Toasting Milan’s aperitivo culture
Bar Basso497Bar Basso claims to be the first place to serve aperitivo in Milan. It’s also famous as the birthplace of the Negroni Sbagliato, or “mistaken” negroni, created when the owner accidentally made the iconic cocktail with prosecco instead of gin. Wood-paneled and unabashedly old fashioned, Bar Basso is loved by locals, but it can get a little too popular during the city’s Fashion and Design weeks. Plan accordingly.
Escobrillo60Off the beaten path, this neighbourhood enoteca (wine bar) specialises in lesser-known wines from small producers, and has a knowledgeable staff that always points me to a new favourite. You won’t find cocktails here, but if you’re wine-lover looking for a local spot with generous outdoor seating, complimentary charcuterie plates with classic Italian salamis and cheese, and wine varietals you may not have tried before, this is a solid choice.
Living Liqueurs & Delights690A good place to see upper class Milanese in action, this sleek, marble-lined restaurant near Parco Sempione offers something for everyone. The bar’s well stocked with wines and the bartenders are quick to mix up aperol spritzes (a classic aperitivo option) and negronis. The food menu includes reliable club sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Plus Living’s hours are unusually generous for Milan: 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.
The Botanical Club290Gin aficionados, follow me to the Botanical Club, which has locations in two gentrifying neighbourhoods of the city: Via Pastrengo in Isola and Via Tortona in Porta Genova. The bars offer fun snacks like edamame and fish burgers, but are best known for their tweaks of classic cocktails. The “Stranger Mule” uses the club’s own brand of gin and purple bitters; their “Jackson Five”, a reimagined negroni, gets a kick from kaffir lime leaves.
Ceresio 7 Pools & Restaurant2,273This is the bar for when you want a view of the city, and, on a warm day, a swim. Located in a landmarked 1930s building, the bar offers poolside seating, immensely Instagrammable views, and a long list of wine, cocktails, and a few mocktails. The bar snacks aren’t particularly compelling, but if you’re hungry after the aperitivo, the building also has a restaurant with great views.
10_11253Owned by the famed Ferragamo fashion family, this bar in the Portrait Hotel has become a magnet for Milan’s most glamourous residents. The people watching is first rate, as are the drinks, elevated with aromatic ingredients like juniper sprigs and caper flowers. Appealing to the ladies who lunch (known locally as sciure), the bar also has a good selection of alcohol-free options.
BackDoor43113This miniscule bar–just four tables–is worth the squeeze for a singular, bespoke cocktail experience. Bookings are required and include exclusive use of the space for one hour, during which the bartender will ask about your taste preferences and create cocktails to suit them. Protip: If you can’t get a booking, or are claustrophobic, knock on the bar window and get a cocktail to go.
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More Italian cities to see
Milan Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Milan
Erica F
Remember that saying "grazie," "per favore," and "prego" will get you far more than any amount of euros.
Stef S
Italy's famed gelato is a big hit with kids of all ages. Make a game of tasting throughout the city (there's no shame in several gelati a day)!
SoniaX
Many parks, especially the bigger ones, have cafeterias and kiosks that are ideal for a quick meal, a drink or an ice cream stop.
SoniaX
Welcome to Milan, the Italian capital of fashion! This beautiful city has so much to offer — from history to shopping to gorgeous architecture — but you can still catch its top highlights in a single day.
Stef S
Although Milan is a big city for (would-be) important people like businessmen, designers and fashionistas, it also offers some "divertimento" for the smaller set of humans. Family fun!
SoniaX
Milan may be best known for its splashy runways, but this fashionable city is also full of cozy trattorias and hidden corners that just scream "amore."
What is the best way to get there?
flying
There are three international airports in Milan: Malpensa Airport (MXP), Linate Airport (LIN), Orio al Serio Airport (BGY). MXP is Italy’s second-busiest airport, and so has the most international flights. LIN mostly offers domestic service, while BGY, in nearby Bergamo, is a European hub.
train
There are several major train stations in Milan, and RailEurope offers rail service to/from many European destinations.
bus
Flixbus has routes to/from many European cities.
Do I need a visa?
Italy is a Schengen Country, so visit Schengen Visa Info page to know if you need a visa to visit Milan.
When is the best time to visit?
End of summer. The semi-annual Milan Fashion Week, held at the tail end of both summer and winter, is the most popular time to visit Milan. During the sweltering month of August, Milanese flock to the Italian lakes and the city all but shuts down. You can expect average daily temperatures to hit highs of 30°C/85°F and lows of 19°C/75°F.
Get around
public transit
ATM operates Milan’s extensive public transportation network. Download its app here for tickets, fares, schedules and more. Get its Travel Card for unlimited service.
Additionally, the MilanoCard provides free ATM transit service and discounts or free entry at hundreds of attractions in Milan. More info here.
metro
There are four subway lines in Milan and an underground service to the suburbs. They do not run overnight.
tram
There are more than a dozen tram lines in Milan.
buses
Buses run overnight after the metro closes.
bikes
scooters
There are a few scooter-sharing companies in Milan, and they work via an app. More info here.
taxis
Taxis are available in Milan, and while you sometimes may be able to hail one on the street, your best bet is getting one outside a hotel, train station or landmark. You can also book via the Milan Taxi app.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Central European
What are the voltage/plug types?
Plugs and sockets are type F and L with standard voltage 230V and frequency 50 Hz.
What is the currency?
Euro
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping in Milan is at your discretion as most places automatically add a service charge to your bill. As always, if service went above and beyond, extra is often appreciated.
Restaurants
Leave 10-15% if service isn’t already added.
Bars
Most locals round up to the nearest euro.
Hotels
At least two euros per bag for bellhops helping with your luggage and at least two euros per each day of your stay for the housekeeping staff.
Taxis
Tipping taxis in Milan is not standard, but most locals add up to the nearest euro.
Tour guides
Tipping tour guides is one of the only tipping customs in Italy, and how much depends on the size and length of your tour. Per person, five euros is standard for a half-day excursion or 10 euros for full-day. It’s customary to give at least 10 percent of the total cost of a private tour.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The legal drinking age in Italy is 18.
Drugs
Cannabis is legal for medical use in Italy.
Greetings
“Ciao” is an informal way to say hello and goodbye. For more formal greetings in Milan, say “buongiorno” (good day) and “buonasera” (good evening). And be sure to say “per favore” (please) and “grazie” (thank you).
Museums
Milan’s museums are free on the first Sunday of every month, but do know they can be more crowded those days.
Frugal fashion
Twice a year, fashion-forward Milan has two saldi, aka sales periods: generally between January to March (fall/winter collections) and July to September (spring/summer collections). Discounts can be as much as 70% off!
Dress to impress
As Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, think “smart casual” and accessories when packing.