We started our day later than usual and had breakfast at the hotel. Day six of our visit to Italy is about shopping itineraries in Milan: Central Train Station, Via della Spiga, Corso Venezia, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and also Piazza Duomo, Chinatown, historic Milan tram experience and then dinner at a restaurant in Navigli.
Milan Visit – Shopping Itinerary and City Exploration
For our third day in Milan we had in mind an itinerary through the shopping areas of the city, at a slower pace than our usual one.
Corso Como and Milano Centrale – Beginning Our Milan Visit
So, first we headed towards Corso Como, the same walking itinerary as our previous evening. We browsed a few shops and then we took the subway no. 2 for 2 stops from Garibaldi FS to Milano centrale, direction Gessate.
Within the train station there are various stores, designer clothes stores and also others. It was too crowded so we didn’t spend much time in there. Moreover, the train station building is an architectural marvel with a monumental piazza in front, so we also took some pictures.
Historic Tram Experience During Our Milan Visit
Then from Piazza Duca d’Aosta we went left on Via Vitruvio and at the 2nd intersection we turned left and then finally arrived at tram no. 1 stop on Via Settembrini. Therefore, we took the iconic old yellow tram no. 1 from Via Settembrini 28 prima di Via Vitruvio to P.za Cavour for 6 stops.
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Outlets and Via della Spiga – Milan Visit Shopping Highlights
From the tram stop in Piazza Cavour across the intersection, after passing through the Arches of Ancient Porta Nuova, on the left we found DMAG outlet. So we entered and spent some time on the two floors of the outlet store. The interior was very nice, especially the ground floor where there were mainly women clothes. The ground floor looked glamorous with all the nice colorful and glittery dresses and accessories piled up on shelves. Although thy were selling famous brands at half price, the price remained high.
Foldable Shopping Tote
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Afterwards, as exiting the store we turned back a little and then took the first alley to the right. We strolled on the narrow Via della Spiga – notable pedestrian shopping street. We encountered many luxury and designer brands.
Corso Venezia and Piazza San Babila – Upscale Milan Visit Stops
Before the street ended, at the intersection with Corso Venezia, we also had a look at the colorful Dolce&Gabbana store. The interior was amazing.
Corso Venezia is also a notable shopping street where we could also find some famous stores. We went towards south and we eventually arrived in Piazza S. Babila. Then we exited the piazza to the left and got to Largo Arturo Toscanini and then we finally found the Brian&Barry Building. We visited the Brian&Barry Building upscale department store. There were fashion designer clothes, jewelry, also home decor, etc.
Milan Hotels
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Afterwards we had a tasty lunch at Rossopomodoro restaurant located on the 4th floor of Milan Brian&Barry Building. The prices were very reasonable.
Milan Food Tours
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Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Duomo – Iconic Milan Visit Landmarks
Back to Largo Arturo Toscanini, we crossed the intersection and passed through Galleria Pasarella and so we got to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, another shopping street. We saw Basilica of San Carlo al Corso on the right and we continued down the street, yhen entered some clothes stores, also outlets. The street ended in the back of the Duomo, so we spent some more time in Piazza Duomo.
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We also couldn’t resist to visit once again Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Then we directed towards Piazza Cordusio and started browsing the stores on Via Dante, a busy shopping street we already knew from our first afternoon in Milan. It was very hot outside and so we needed a break from shopping. We stopped for an aperol spritz and also some snacks at a terrace on Via Dante, called La Voglia Ice Cream.
What to Pack for Your Trip: Anti Theft Crossbody Bag
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We liked Gutteridge men’s clothing store, both their clothes and the classy interior of the store.
Chinatown and Local Shops
Back in our neighborhood, China town, we entered a few stores on Via Paolo Sarpi, begining with a nice and interesting gift shop: Oriente Store – Wang sas di Lin Lichan, situated just across the street from the tram stop. We also bought a few little souvenirs from there.
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Back in our hotel room, we took a nap and then got out for dinner.
Evening in Milan – Dinner and Night Out in Navigli
Afterwards, we took our usual tram to Piazza Duomo, and from there we took another one – tram no. 3 from Via Torino and then got off after three stops, at Carrobbio. The tram station Duomo M1 M3 is across Piazza Duomo, on Via Torino, after the Zara store. To get to Carrobbio we could take any of the following trams: no. 2, 3 or 14.
From Carrobbio tram stop we went South on Corso di Porta Ticinese – another street full of shops, especially outlets. So, we browsed a few shops but in a hurry because it was almost closing time and we also had to get in time for our dinner reservation in Navigli at 8:30 pm.
We kept forward along the tram line and we got by the Columns of St. Lawrence with the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore behind the columns. The columns are an archaeological site made up of Roman marble columns, next to the remains of an amphitheater and baths. It’s one of the few ancient places in Milan. The area is popular with students in the evening. Personally, I didn’t like the area, and neither the whole Navigli area. But they say that a night in Navigli is a must when in Milan, so we had to check out these touristic sights too.
Navigli District – The Vibrant Side of the City
We continued walking down the street and then arrived at Arco di Porta Ticinese in Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio.
We turned right on Viale Gorizia and saw Naviglio Grande, historic canal and also a vibrant neighborhood. Moreover, the area looks nice at sunset.
Then we continued to the right on Alzaia Naviglio Grande, along the canal. The many restaurants and bars along the famous canal in Milan on both sides were full of people at evening time.
I liked the small bridges across the canal. And yes, it was a vibrant atmosphere and there were lots of young people, but sincerely I didn’t like Navigli at all. I especially liked a few terraces that stood out as a spot of color among the gray dull surroundings.
Dinner in Navigli – Culinary End to Our Milan Visit
We had a pleasant dinner at Vetusta Insigna where we enjoyed a 20% discount with The Fork. There were no more free seats at the tables outside so we sat inside, which I honestly liked better. There was an cozy rustic atmosphere.
We had linguine with octopus and also Milanese cutlet with baked potatoes, rocket, cherry tomatoes and Parmesan flakes paired with some wine and the cost was very reasonable.
Navigli Food & Aperitivo Tour
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We left Navigli and took tram no. 3 from Arco di Porta Ticinese to Dumo and then another tram to the hotel.
While in Piazza Duomo it happened to see the ATMosfera Milan restaurant – the elegant Milan tram-restaurant – following its 2 and half hours itinerary.
Read On
Don’t miss Our Lake Como, City of Milan and Bergamo Italy Visit: 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 also find all our posts about Milan on this page. Moreover, for more inspiration and also 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
- Milan Visit – Shopping Itinerary and City Exploration
- Corso Como and Milano Centrale – Beginning Our Milan Visit
- Historic Tram Experience During Our Milan Visit
- Outlets and Via della Spiga – Milan Visit Shopping Highlights
- Corso Venezia and Piazza San Babila – Upscale Milan Visit Stops
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Duomo – Iconic Milan Visit Landmarks
- Chinatown and Local Shops
- Evening in Milan – Dinner and Night Out in Navigli
- Read On
- ? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day?6: Milan Shopping, Trams & Navigli
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? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Day?6: Milan Shopping, Trams & Navigli
? 1. What was the focus of Day?6 in Milan?
We dedicated Day ?6 to both relaxed shopping and city exploration in Milan — visiting famous shopping streets, historic tram routes, iconic squares like Piazza Duomo, Chinatown, and finishing with dinner in the Navigli district in the evening.
? 2. How did you start the day?
We began later than usual with breakfast at our hotel, then headed toward Corso Como to browse shops and enjoy the trendy atmosphere before taking the subway deeper into Milan’s shopping and also sightseeing zones.
? 3. What famous Milan shopping streets did you visit?
Our shopping route included:
- Via della Spiga — a narrow luxury shopping street with designer brands
- Corso Venezia — upscale boutiques and famous fashion stores
- Corso Vittorio Emanuele?II — street leading toward Piazza Duomo
- Via Dante & Piazza Duomo area — both shops and iconic Milan landmarks
? 4. Did you take any special transport in Milan?
Yes — we rode the iconic historic yellow tram no.?1 from Via Settembrini to Piazza Cavour, a fun way to experience Milan’s traditional public transport and also see more of the city.
? 5. Where did you have lunch during your shopping day?
We had lunch at Rossopomodoro in the Brian&Barry Building (4th floor) — a great spot also with reasonable prices amidst fashion and shopping.
? 6. What landmarks did you see near Piazza Duomo?
So, we wandered around Piazza Duomo, enjoyed views of the Duomo cathedral, and then couldn’t resist a visit to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele?II again — Milan’s iconic 19th?century shopping arcade with stunning architecture.
Tips:
?7. What did you do to relax in the afternoon?
It was hot, so after a long walk and some shopping, we stopped for an Aperol spritz and snacks on Via Dante at La Voglia Ice Cream terrace — a perfect break in between sightseeing and shopping.
? 8. Did you buy anything in Chinatown?
Yes — while exploring Via? Paolo Sarpi in Milan’s Chinatown, we visited shops such as Oriente Store – Wang sas di Lin Lichan and bought a few souvenirs and also some interesting items.
? 9. Where did you spend your evening?
In the evening, we headed to Navigli, Milan’s vibrant canal district, for dinner — walking along the Naviglio Grande, taking in the lively atmosphere and then enjoying a relaxed meal by the water at Vetusta Insigna.
?? 10. What did you eat for dinner in Navigli?
We enjoyed dinner with linguine with octopus and also a Milanese cutlet served with sides like baked potatoes and rocket, paired with wine — moreover, all at a reasonable price with a cozy atmosphere.
? 11. How did you get back to your hotel after dinner?
After dinner, we took tram no.?3 from Navigli back toward Duomo, and then connected to another tram back to our hotel — a smooth and classic Milan transit experience.
? 12. Any tips for this kind of Milan day?
- Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot between shops and sights.
- Try the historic trams for a unique city experience.
- Make restaurant reservations for dinner in Navigli — Milan popular district, especially on weekends.
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