Milan

Milan isn't a city that instantly charms like Rome or Florence. It takes a moment to grasp its vibe. On the surface, it's a bit more serious and business-like, but peel back those layers and you'll find an incredibly dynamic, stylish, and deeply cultural hub in the heart of Lombardy, Italy. It's a city of powerful contrasts—hyper-modern skyscrapers stand next to centuries-old palaces, and a fast-paced work culture religiously stops for aperitivo.

Milan offers several compelling reasons to visit. The art, for instance, is breathtakingly intimate; seeing Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is a genuinely moving experience unattainable from a picture. Furthermore, the city is the undisputed capital of aperitivo culture. It's more than just a happy hour; it's a daily ritual where the price of a drink grants access to an incredible spread of food, often a highlight of the evenings. Finally, the blend of old and new is fascinating. Stand in the shadow of the magnificent Duomo, a cathedral nearly 600 years in the making, and minutes later explore the futuristic skyscrapers of Porta Nuova. This unique mix makes Milan so compelling.

The Milanese are often more reserved and business-oriented than those in southern Italy, which aligns with the city's role as the country's economic engine. They're efficient, stylish, and always seem to be heading somewhere important. While Italian is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants—more so than in smaller Italian towns. You'll get by just fine, but learning a few key phrases like "per favore" (please) and "grazie" (thank you) is always appreciated.

Lombardy's food is richer and heartier than the pasta-heavy cuisine found in the south. Risotto alla Milanese, a creamy, saffron-infused risotto, is a must-try, offering pure comfort in a bowl. Another essential is the Cotoletta alla Milanese, a bone-in veal cutlet, breaded and fried in butter to perfection. Dining options range from affordable street food like Panzerotti from Luini near the Duomo, to mid-range trattorias, and high-end restaurants. The real star, though, is the aperitivo—for about €10-20, you get a cocktail and access to a buffet that can often substitute for dinner.

Milan's infrastructure presents a tale of two cities. Public transport, especially the metro, is fantastic—it's clean, efficient, and an ideal way to get around. This is a huge plus for tourists. However, internet connectivity can be hit-or-miss depending on your location, and older buildings might lack modern amenities like widespread air conditioning, which can be a real factor during humid summer months. Power is stable, and the city is generally well-maintained, but don't expect the seamless, brand-new feel of some other global capitals.

Most international travelers fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the largest and busiest airport serving the city. From MXP, the Malpensa Express train is the best way to reach the city center. It's fast, reliable, and takes you directly to major stations like Milano Centrale and Cadorna in about 40-50 minutes. As of August 1, 2025, a one-way ticket costs €15. Buses offer a cheaper option (around €10 one-way) but can take longer due to traffic. Taxis are available but come with a hefty fixed rate of approximately €95-€110 to the city center, so they're only recommended if you're in a group or have significant luggage. Milan also has a smaller, closer airport, Linate Airport (LIN), which is excellent for domestic and some European flights. The M4 "Blue Line" metro connects Linate directly to the city center (San Babila) in just 12 minutes, making it a highly convenient option if your flight arrives there.

Getting around Milan is surprisingly easy. The metro (Metropolitana di Milano) has five lines (M1 Red, M2 Green, M3 Yellow, M4 Blue, M5 Purple) that efficiently cover all key tourist areas. A game-changer for tourists is the contactless payment system; you can tap your contactless credit/debit card directly on the purple readers at the metro turnstiles, and on all buses and trams. It automatically calculates the best fare for you over the day. If you prefer tickets, you can buy them at any station from machines or newsstands (Tabacchi). Remember to validate your paper ticket in the small machines before you get on the platform! Central areas, like around the Duomo and Brera, are very walkable. For other options, trams offer a scenic way to see the city. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available, though they often operate with licensed chauffeur services (like Uber Black) which can be pricier than regular taxis, so the metro often proves faster and cheaper for most journeys.

Milan is generally safe, even for solo travelers, and violent crime is very low. However, like any major European city, the primary concern is petty crime, especially pickpocketing. Crowds around the Duomo, on the metro, and at Central Station are prime spots for thieves. Vigilance is key in these areas; keep bags in front and be aware of your surroundings. Beyond pickpockets, be particularly wary of persistent and aggressive touts and scammers in high-traffic tourist areas like the Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (see Duomo neighborhood insights for details). Avoid walking alone in deserted areas late at night, particularly around the outskirts and some parts of the central station area.