Milan

Navigli markets, aperitivo hours & design-district strolls

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Milan is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Mercato di via Fauche, Fiera di Sinigaglia and Colonne di San Lorenzo. Food lovers should not miss Mag Cafe and Luini. Below you will find 14 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Milan at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Mercato di via Fauche and Fiera di Sinigaglia
Where to stay: Navigli and Centro
Local picks: 14 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Milan

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsWhere to Eat and Drink in Milan Like a LocalEat and drink like a Milanese: canal-side aperitivo, the Colonne steps, local markets and a Duomo panzerotto.

Local tipsWhere to Stay in Milan: Best Neighborhoods for First-TimersWhere to stay in Milan? A local guide to the best neighbourhoods, from the central Duomo area and chic Brera…

Local tips2 Days in Milan: The Perfect ItineraryA local's perfect 2-day Milan itinerary: the Duomo and the Galleria, the Sforza Castle and La Scala, the Last Supper…

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Milan: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Milan, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Milan

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Ticinese

Colonne di San Lorenzo

A row of 16 ancient Roman columns facing the Basilica of San Lorenzo – among the few Roman remains in Milan, and by night one of the city’s liveliest free gathering spots, where students and locals spill out with drinks. History by day, party by night.

Centro

Duomo di Milano

The vast Gothic cathedral crowned by a rooftop forest of spires.

★ 4.8

Navigli

Fiera di Sinigaglia

Milan’s oldest flea market, dating back to the 1800s and set a step from the Navigli. You can find just about everything – vintage and alternative clothing, handicrafts, books, vinyl, rare plants and collectibles – plus food and drink stalls and a great taste of the city’s underground culture.

★ 4.4

Centro

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The glass-domed 19th-century shopping arcade beside the Duomo.

★ 4.7

Brera

Hotel Milano Scala

A charming carbon-neutral boutique hotel near La Scala.

★ 4.5

Centro

Luini

The legendary hole-in-the-wall near the Duomo for fried panzerotti.

★ 4.5

Navigli

Mag Cafe

A hip cafe-bar on the Naviglio Grande, packed morning to night with Milan’s creative crowd for coffee, vintage-styled cocktails and canal-side people-watching. A Navigli institution.

Via Fauche

Mercato di via Fauche

A slice of Milanese history, busiest on Saturdays, where food stalls sit beside outlet coats, shoes and bags. A bargain-hunter’s paradise for quality Italian leather and discounted labels – bring cash and a camera.

★ 4.4

Navigli

Milan Aperitivo Tour

A guided aperitivo crawl through the canal-side bars of Navigli.

★ 4.5

Navigli

The canal district that comes alive with aperitivo bars and nightlife.

★ 4.5

Centro

Room Mate Giulia

A stylish design hotel right beside the Galleria.

★ 4.5

Centro

Sforza Castle

The Renaissance fortress housing the citys art and history museums.

★ 4.6

Centro

Teatro alla Scala

The world-famous opera house, with a museum of its history.

★ 4.6

Centro

The Last Supper

Leonardo da Vincis fresco of The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie.

★ 4.8

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Milan travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Milan?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Milan at a relaxed pace. See our Milan itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Milan?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Milan guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Milan?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Milan guide.

What is the best time to visit Milan?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Milan is worth visiting year-round.