For many visitors from the Gulf, Milan means one thing: shopping. The city is the home of Italian fashion, and in a few streets you find the flagship stores of almost every great fashion and jewellery house. Here is how to make the most of it.
The Quadrilatero della Moda
The “fashion square” is formed by four streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’Andrea and Via Manzoni. Flagship stores here often have pieces and sizes you will not find elsewhere. Staff in the big houses are used to Gulf clients and many speak Arabic in season.
The Galleria and Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Next to the Duomo, the glass-roofed Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II has some of the oldest luxury shops in the city. From there, Corso Vittorio Emanuele has international high-street brands, and the department store La Rinascente has a rooftop food hall with a view of the cathedral’s spires.
Outlets
Serravalle Designer Outlet, about one hour south of Milan, is one of the largest outlet villages in Europe. Go on a weekday morning, and plan a full afternoon. A car with driver is the easiest option – you will not want to carry the bags on a train.
When to go
The official sales start in early January and early July and run for several weeks. Fashion Week (February and September) is exciting but hotels are full and expensive.
How to get the VAT back
- As a non-EU resident, you can reclaim part of the VAT on purchases above a minimum amount per shop.
- Ask for a tax-free form with your receipt and show your passport.
- At your last EU airport, go to customs before check-in with the goods (unused), receipts and passport to get the stamp or digital validation.
- Refunds are paid to your card or in cash at the refund desk, minus a service fee.
Our tip: keep the tax-free forms and receipts together in one envelope, and arrive at the airport early – the customs queues in July and August can be long.
See our Milan shopping day with private driver and the hotels we recommend in the fashion district in our Milan city guide.
Milan city guideThings to do, hotels we recommend, halal restaurants, tours and tips.
