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Italy

Milan travel guide

Italy's capital of fashion and design - the Duomo, the Galleria and the best shopping in Europe.

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Photo: Jiuguang Wang · CC BY-SA 3.0
Best time to visit
April-June and September-October; sales in January and July
Flight from the Gulf
About 6.5 h direct from Dubai, Doha and Riyadh
Airport
Milan Malpensa (MXP), 50 min to the centre; Linate (LIN) for flights within Europe
Time difference
2 h behind Riyadh in winter, 1 h in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Italian
Visa
Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)

Milan is Italy’s most modern city: the capital of fashion, design and business, with a magnificent Gothic cathedral at its heart. For Gulf visitors it is above all a shopping destination – the Quadrilatero della Moda has every great Italian brand within a few streets – but it also has world-class art and food.

Two or three days are perfect. See the Duomo and its rooftop terraces, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, book Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper months ahead, and keep time for Via Montenapoleone and the Serravalle designer outlet. In the evening, the canals of the Navigli are lively and colourful.

Milan is also the gateway to Lake Como (1 hour), Lake Maggiore and the Swiss Alps. Combine the city with a few nights by the lake for the perfect northern Italy holiday.

Things to do in Milan

The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.

One of the largest cathedrals in the world, built over six centuries. Walk among the marble spires on the rooftop terraces for views over the city…

1.5-2 hours

The elegant 19th-century glass-roofed arcade between the Duomo and La Scala, with Prada, Louis Vuitton and historic cafés. Spin on the bull mosaic for good luck.

1 hour

Leonardo da Vinci's famous wall painting, seen in small groups for 15 minutes. One of the most wanted tickets in Italy - plan ahead or ask…

15 minutes inside

The great red-brick castle of the Dukes of Milan, with museums including Michelangelo's last sculpture, and the large Sempione Park behind it - a nice break…

1-2 hours

Four streets - Montenapoleone, Della Spiga, Sant'Andrea and Manzoni - with the flagship stores of every great fashion and jewellery house.

As long as you like

Milan's old canals, lined with colourful houses, cafés and restaurants. Lovely at sunset; a small antiques market is held on the last Sunday of the month.

Evening

Hotels in Milan

Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.

Summary

Milan ★★★★★

Via Manzoni, fashion district

Top-floor spa · In the fashion district

Best priceon request
Summary

Milan ★★★★★

Via Gesù, fashion district

Garden cloister · Spa

Best priceon request
Summary

Milan ★★★★★

Next to the Galleria

Next to the Duomo · Spacious suites

Best priceon request
Summary

Milan ★★★★★

Piazza della Repubblica

Rooftop pool · Very large suites

Best priceon request

All hotels in Milan

Tours, packages and transfers in Milan

Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.

Where to stay in Milan

Quadrilatero della ModaThe fashion district around Via Montenapoleone. The most exclusive hotels, steps from every boutique.
Duomo and GalleriaThe historic heart of Milan. Walk to the cathedral, La Scala and the shops.
Piazza della Repubblica and Porta NuovaModern skyscrapers, gardens and large luxury hotels, close to the Central Station.
BreraCharming artistic quarter with cobbled streets, galleries and cafés.

Halal food and prayer

Nun – Taste of Middle East Halal Lebanese · Porta Venezia Fresh Lebanese platters, falafel and shawarma wraps - quick, tasty and good value near Corso Buenos Aires.
Spice Village Halal certified Pakistani and North Indian · Via Padova Halal-certified meat, rich karahi, biryani and tandoori dishes.
Aladino Halal Shawarma and grills · Porta Venezia Shawarma plates and grilled meats for a simple halal meal near the city centre.

Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.

Tips for your trip to Milan

  1. Book the Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) as soon as tickets open - they sell out months ahead.
  2. The Duomo rooftop is the highlight. Take the lift and go early or at sunset.
  3. Ask for the tax-free form in every shop. Non-EU visitors get back part of the VAT at the airport - keep receipts and goods unused.
  4. Most boutiques in the fashion district are open daily, but small shops may close on Sunday or Monday morning.
  5. Serravalle Designer Outlet is about 1 hour by car - go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
  6. In August many Milanese go on holiday and some restaurants close, but the big shops stay open.

Questions

How many days do we need in Milan?

Two days for the city and shopping, plus one day for the outlet or Lake Como.

When are the sales in Milan?

The official sales start in early January and early July and last several weeks.

Can we visit Switzerland from Milan?

Yes. Lugano is about 1 hour away, and the Bernina Express train from Tirano is a beautiful full-day trip.

Do you arrange a shopping driver?

Yes - a car with driver for the day, waiting outside the boutiques and taking your bags back to the hotel.

Read before you go to Milan

Plan your trip to Milan with us

Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.

  • Reply within a few hours
  • Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
  • Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Travel dates
Travellers

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.