Exploring Milan City, Italy – Fashion Capital and Shopping Paradise
Milan, fashion capital of Italy and top shopping destination, invites you to stroll the famous shopping streets in the city: start by Milano Centrale and head to the famous Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) — including Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Torino and many other locations. Also you have to browse some of Milan shopping centers and fashion designer outlets for deals. And finally finish the day with dinner along the charming canals of Navigli.
Find the Perfect Hotel
If you’re planning a few days in Milan, staying near the city centre or a metro station makes it much easier to explore the city’s shopping districts and attractions. Compare hotels, apartments and villas to find the best accommodation for your trip.
Morning Walk Through Milan – From Chinatown to Porta Garibaldi
From the hotel stroll through China Town. Exit the hotel to the left on Via Aristotile Fiovara. Turn right at the second intersection. Pass by Hekfanchai. Then go left on Via Paolo Sarpi. Continue east and at the second intersection, cross the street, turn left and then right after the Microsoft building.
Arrive at Porta Garibaldi, turn left towards north and stroll Corso Como shopping street. Then at the next intersection, turn right on Via Vincenzo Capelli. At the end of the street, you will get to a shopping center. In its middle is Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Modern Milan City, Italy – Piazza Gae Aulenti and Bosco Verticale
Exit the piazza towards north-east and get to Parco Biblioteca degli Alberi. See Bosco Verticale on the left. It is formed of two residential towers covered in trees and ground. There are around 900 trees per building. Then back in Piazza Gae Aulenti exit to the right, towards west and get to the subway station Garibaldi FS.
Take the subway no. 2 for 2 stops from Garibaldi FS to Milano centrale, direction Gessate.
Milano Centrale – Heart of Transportation and Shopping in Milan Fashion City, Italy
Shopping Streets of Milan City, Italy – Quadrilatero della Moda
There is Milano Centrale shopping mall you can visit, but is not much to see, although the building is imposing. Then, out of Milano centrale subway in Piazza Duca d’Aosta, go left. Walk towards south-east on Via Vitruvio. At the 2nd intersection to the left, turn left and finnaly reach Via Settembrini 28 prima di Via Vitruvio tram no. 1 stop. Thus take the iconic old yellow tram no. 1 from Via Settembrini 28 prima di Via Vitruvio to P.za Cavour for 6 stops, in the direction south-west. Across the intersection, after passing through the Arches of Ancient Porta Nuova you will find DMAG outlet on the left, an outlet store on 2 floors with a nice interior, selling famous brands at half price, around 300 euros a bag or a jacket.
Afterwards, go back a little, then turn right and stroll on Via della Spiga – shopping street, full of many luxury and designer brands. It is forming the north-east boundary of the luxurious Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral), along with Via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea and Corso Venezia.
At the 5th intersection, just after passing by the Dolce&Gabbana store, get in Corso Venezia. The Dolce&Gabbana store has an amazing interior, with custom designed furniture. On Corso Venezia are also some famous stores. Then go south, arrive in Piazza S. Babila and continue forward and exit the piazza to the left and eventually you will arrive in Largo Arturo Toscanini. Turn left, towards east, on Via Borgogna. Have lunch at Rossopomodoro – restaurant listed on The Fork, 20% discount, 5 – 15 euros a course. It is located within the Brian&Barry Building department store.
Milan Shopping & Fashion Tours
Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals. If you’d like to discover the best boutiques and local shopping streets, consider joining a guided shopping experience.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – Central Fashion Shopping Street of Milan City, Italy
Then back to Largo Arturo Toscanini go left. In front of the McDonalds cross the street and pass throught Galleria Pasarella and get to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, another famous shopping street. Go left and find Basilica of San Carlo al Corso on the right and on the left, down the street, you will find the Highline Outlet.
Afterwards, continue left, towards west, on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, see more fashion stores, average ones, like Zara, Bershka, etc. The street ends in the back of the Milan Duomo. After the H&M there is the entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, enter and then exit it to reach Piazza della Scala. Turn right before the Marino Palace, at the first intersection turn left and get to Piazza San Fedele. Exit the piazza to the left of the San Fedele Church and turn right in the back of the church. See Palazzo della Banca Commerciale Italiana and Casa degli Omenoni on the left.
Turn left at the corner, see the Manzoni House on the left, continue forward, towards north on Via Gerolamo Morone, then turn right on Via Alessandro Manzoni and find the Poldi Pezzoli Museum on the right. Visit the museum. It is an elegant museum containing an extensive collection of Italian art, paintings, armory, clocks, furniture and statues. Dante’s room is especially beautiful. The museum provides a free locker. It is closed on Tuesday, open Wednesday – Monday from 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6 pm. Entry ticket is 14 euros, free with Abbonamento Musei Milano.
Via Monte Napoleone – Luxury Heart of Milan City, Italy
At the second intersection, in front of the Montenapoleone subway stop, go right on Via Monte Napoleone, an upscale shopping street in Milan, Italy, and Europe’s most expensive street. Before the forth intersection with a street to the left, there is Quadrilatero d’Oro shopping mall, and after the next intersection there is Cova Montenapoleone cake shop. Quadrilatero d’Oro has luxury brands and an amazing architecture. Here you can buy the best fashion brands of Made in Italy and meet VIPs and glamorous international tourists that shop here when in Milan. Cova Montenapoleone is Italy’s oldest pasticceria, has fascinating interiors. Serves great coffee and fine pastries in this old-style decorated coffee shop. Continue further on Via Monte Napoleone and at the second intersection, the big one, you will finally arrive in Piazza S. Babila.
Evening in Milan – From Via Torino to Navigli Canals
From Piazza S. Babila take the subway to Duomo subway stop and from there, from Via Torino (another shopping street), take tram no. 2, 3 or 14 for 3 stops and get off at Carrobbio. The tram station Duomo M1 M3 is across Piazza Duomo, on Via Torino, after the Zara store. From there go south on Corso di Porta Ticinese (another shopping street). Keep forward along the tram line. Here you can find vintage boutiques, such as: SCOUT, Frip Milano, VANS Store Milano – Ticinese, Stüssy Milano, Midinette.
Before the second intersection you will find the Columns of St. Lawrence on the left, and Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore behind the columns. The columns are an archaeological site made up of 16 Roman marble columns, next to the remains of an amphitheater and baths. This one of the few ancient places in Milan. The area is popular with students, nice illuminated at evening. Continue down the street, maybe take the tram for 2 stops to get to Arco di Porta Ticinese in Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio, 800 m distance.
Dinner by the Canals – Navigli District
Go right, towards west on Viale Gorizia and finally get to Naviglio Grande, historic canal in the Navigli vibrant neighborhood. The area is nice at sunset. Continue to the right on Alzaia Naviglio Grande, along the Navigli canal. Have dinner in one of the Navigli restaurants that are on both sides of the canal, there are some small bridges you can cross.
Milan Food & Aperitivo Tours
Navigli is one of the best places to experience Milan’s food scene. A guided food or aperitivo tour is a great way to sample local specialities.
Dinner in Navigli:
Finifondo – discount on The Fork 50%, prices 14 – 25 euros a course.
Officina del Riso Navigli – discount on The Fork 50%, prices 14 – 20 euros a course.
Prima Comfort Food&Bar – listed on the Fork but with no discount, prices 12- 15 euros a course.
Vetusta Insigna – discount on The Fork 20%, prices 10 – 20 euros a course.
When you get to a bigger bridge, Puente Via Valenza – Naviglio Grande go north on Via Valenza and arrive at P.TA Genova FS subway station and take no. 2 for 6 stops to Monumentale. Or take the tram back to Dumo and then change with another tram to get to the accommodation.
Where to Stay, Eat and Explore in Milan
Milan is the perfect base for exploring northern Italy, combining world-famous landmarks, stylish shopping streets, excellent restaurants, and easy connections to destinations like Lake Como, here are our favorite recommendations.
Find the Best Hotels in Milan
Milan offers stylish hotels, excellent dining, and easy access to the city’s top attractions and transport links. Compare accommodations and find the perfect stay for your Milan adventure.
Milan Duomo & The Last Supper Skip-the-Line Small Group Tour
See Milan’s main sights and landmarks and take advantage of your skip-the-line admission to Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ by booking this action-packed, small-group tour. Follow your knowledgeable guide through the streets of Milan, stopping at spots like La Scala opera house, the magnificent gothic Duomo and Sforza Castle. And then stroll right past the line to see the Da Vinci masterpiece depicting Jesus and his disciples eating their last supper.
Milan Highlights And Hidden Gems Private Walking Tour
Embark on a private and personalized tour of Milan, tailored for first-time visitors eager to explore the city’s rich culture, beautiful art, and vibrant local lifestyle. Experience the magic of Milan as you delve into its origins and visit its main landmarks, including the iconic Sforza Castle, the magnificent Duomo square, and the renowned fashion and artistic district beloved by locals.
Travel Essentials
These are some of our favorite travel products that make every trip more comfortable, organized and stress-free.
Walking Shoes
Comfortable shoes make exploring villages and lakeside promenades much easier.
More Budget Travel Finds
Looking for affordable travel accessories? Discover our favorite luggage organizers, travel gadgets, waterproof bags, packing cubes, phone holders, and other useful items that make every trip easier without stretching your budget.
Planning Your Lake Como Adventure?
Discover our detailed travel guides, day-by-day itineraries, ferry tips, driving advice, hidden villages, family-friendly recommendations, and budget travel ideas to help you plan an unforgettable trip around Lake Como.
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Best Restaurants in Milan
Discover our favorite restaurants in Milan, from authentic Italian trattorias and stylish cafés to fine dining experiences. Enjoy fresh pasta, traditional Milanese dishes, and delicious Italian cuisine in the heart of the city.
Read On
Make sure to explore Destination Italy: Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo – Day 7 for the next chapter of our Italian journey — from hidden corners to breathtaking views, there’s so much more to discover. You can find all our posts about Milan on this page. Also, for more inspiration and practical travel tips, don’t miss our maps and travel guides, and visit our Italy Travel Hub and Italy Bucket List — your go-to resources for exploring Italy in depth. Want to discover more? Don’t miss our posts on Venice!
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Table of contents
- Exploring Milan City, Italy – Fashion Capital and Shopping Paradise
- Morning Walk Through Milan – From Chinatown to Porta Garibaldi
- Modern Milan City, Italy – Piazza Gae Aulenti and Bosco Verticale
- Milano Centrale – Heart of Transportation and Shopping in Milan Fashion City, Italy
- Shopping Streets of Milan City, Italy – Quadrilatero della Moda
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II – Central Fashion Shopping Street of Milan City, Italy
- Via Monte Napoleone – Luxury Heart of Milan City, Italy
- Evening in Milan – From Via Torino to Navigli Canals
- Dinner by the Canals – Navigli District
- Read On
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