Milan

🔥 Hotspots

Milan is famous for its trendy cafes and classic Italian eateries, with everything from pizza and pasta to international cuisine.

Pizzeria Spontini $$: Known for its thick, delicious pizza slices, Spontini is a Milanese classic. It’s affordable, quick, and there are several locations throughout the city.
Luini Panzerotti $: Near the Duomo, this spot is famous for its panzerotti, a deep-fried stuffed pastry similar to a calzone. It’s a popular local snack and very affordable.
Miscusi $$: A pasta-focused restaurant with homemade pasta and various sauces. It’s a great spot for a cozy meal with friends without breaking the bank.
Mercato Centrale Milano $$: Located inside the Milano Centrale train station, this food market offers various vendors with options from pizza and pasta to sushi and pastries.
Gelato Giusto $: A top-notch gelato spot in Milan, known for natural ingredients and flavors like hazelnut and ricotta.
Trattoria Milanese $$: Traditional Milanese dishes like risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto) and ossobuco. Great for a taste of classic Milanese cuisine.

Caffè Napoli: Known for its intense espresso, this is a local favorite with several locations. It’s often standing-room-only, Italian-style, so you can enjoy your coffee on the go.
Pavé: A trendy café and bakery that serves excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries. Known for its cozy ambiance, it’s a great place to meet friends or study.
Cafezal Specialty Coffee: If you’re looking for specialty coffee, Cafezal has a selection of beans from around the world. A bit pricier, but ideal for coffee lovers.
Marchesi 1824: A historic café in Milan, famous for its pastries and elegant interior. It’s more upscale, but worth it for the atmosphere and a special treat.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery: Located in a beautiful building near the Duomo, this Starbucks is more of an experience than your usual café, with special roasts and an Italian-inspired menu.

Milan is Italy’s fashion and nightlife capital, with a mix of clubs, bars, and aperitivo spots.

Navigli District: This canal-side area is full of bars, cafes, and restaurants and is particularly popular for aperitivo. Try places like Mag Cafè and Spritz Navigli.
TOM Club: Known for its unique underground vibe, TOM is a club with a mix of electronic and indie music. Check out their events, as the lineup varies.
Club Plastic: An iconic club known for its vibrant, eclectic vibe, where you’ll find a mix of fashion, art, and music lovers. Popular for electronic music and themed nights.
Alcatraz: This large venue hosts concerts, themed nights, and parties. It’s popular with students and is known for affordable drink prices and an energetic dance floor.
Armani Privé: For a fancier night out, this club inside the Armani Hotel is a hotspot for both locals and tourists. Dress up, as it’s one of the trendiest places in Milan.
Terrazza Aperol: Located near the Duomo, this rooftop bar offers beautiful views of the city and is famous for its Aperol Spritz. Perfect for a sunset drink.

Milan has a mix of art, fashion, and historical sites, plus some great day-trip options.

The Duomo di Milano: Milan’s stunning Gothic cathedral is a must-visit. Climb up to the rooftop for an incredible view of the city’s skyline.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: This elegant 19th-century shopping gallery is one of the world’s oldest malls. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth a visit for the architecture alone.
The Last Supper: See Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper in the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent. Tickets often sell out, so book well in advance.
Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera): This museum houses some of Italy’s most famous art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael. The surrounding Brera district is charming and full of cafes and boutiques.
Sforza Castle: This historic castle houses several museums and art collections, including works by Michelangelo. The surrounding Parco Sempione is perfect for a picnic or walk.
Fondazione Prada: A modern art museum in a unique architectural setting. Great for contemporary art lovers and located in a renovated gin distillery.

Milan’s location in Northern Italy makes it ideal for quick trips to stunning nearby destinations.

Lake Como: Just an hour by train, Lake Como offers picturesque towns like Bellagio and Varenna. You can swim, take a boat ride, or enjoy hiking trails with lake views.
Lake Maggiore: Another beautiful lake about an hour and a half from Milan. Stresa and the Borromean Islands are popular spots for a day of exploring gardens and palaces.
Bergamo: A charming medieval town with beautiful architecture. Take the funicular up to the Città Alta (Upper Town) for stunning views and historic sites.
Monza: Home to the Monza Formula 1 Grand Prix and a large park that’s perfect for a day of cycling or a leisurely walk.
Pavia: A small city with a beautiful medieval center, famous for its Certosa di Pavia, a stunning Renaissance monastery.

Rent:

Private rental: Milan is one of Italy’s more expensive cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €1,000 and €1,800 per month.
Student housing: Many universities offer student residences, and you can also find shared apartments. Prices are generally around €500–€900, depending on location and amenities.

Groceries:

Groceries can be affordable if you shop at local supermarkets like Esselunga or Carrefour. Outdoor markets such as Mercato di Via Fauche are great for fresh produce and are usually cheaper than supermarkets.

Transportation:

Public transport: Milan has a well-connected metro, tram, and bus system. A monthly student pass costs around €22. You can also get single tickets for €2, valid for 90 minutes.
Bike-sharing and scooters: Milan is bike-friendly, with a bike-sharing system (BikeMi) and various e-scooter rental options.
Trains: Milan’s Centrale Station offers quick access to other major cities like Florence, Venice, and Turin.