Emma Harper

Great museums, solid restaurants, and a serious fashion and design scene: Milan sure knows how to keep visitors busy. Add to that the slew of events the northern Italian city runs year-round – from a month-long jazz festival in autumn to what’s arguably the world’s most important design fair, Salone del Mobile, in April – and it’s easy to see why you wouldn't think to plan a day trip during your stay. But hey, Milan’s only one-two hours from some pretty great Italian cities, so why not extend your stay? Should I choose Lake Como or Lake Garda? First things first: There’s more to day tripping from Milan than just going to Lake Como. Sure, the lake is beautiful and has long been synonymous with glamour and grandeur, with its gorgeous villas, celebs sightings and dramatic views. But explore a little further and you’ll be rewarded with an equally impressive destination: Lake Garda. Found between Brescia and Verona, Garda has a milder climate than Como, lots of family-friendly activities, and an overall more laidback vibe – with still awesome scenery to boot. In a sentence, go to Como if you’re after a fancier atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes, choose Garda if you prefer a more relaxed (and cheaper) day out. But before you do anything, check out our full list of day trips below.  RECOMMENDED:🇮🇹 The best places to visit in Italy📍 The best things to do in Milan🍝 The best restaurants in Milan🛍️ Where to go shopping in Milan🏛️ Must-see attractions in Milan Marianna Cerini 

New for 2025: Milan is keeping busy, with a new museum, Palazzo Citterio; an eclectic new cultural space, the NAMA; shiny urban spa complex Terme Milano set to open in April opposite the San Siro Stadium, and the unveiling of a restored Roman archaeological park in June.  After two years living in Milan, I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else. Milan might not be as visually stunning as other Italian cities, but it has a quiet, elegant allure. You’ll see it in the hidden courtyards of its early 20th century buildings; the stylish shops that dot the city; the sophisticated architecture of its prettiest neighbourhoods; the slow pace of its old-fashioned streetcars. Italy’s most European city, Milan is a little secretive, very cool, and a joy to discover. Trust me on that one. Here are its best things to do.  How expensive is Milan?  The short answer? Pretty expensive. Over the last few years prices have increased everywhere in the city (and not just food, the real estate market has skyrocketed too), almost reaching London or Paris levels – but not quite. In short, a glass of wine might set you back €10, and a meal for two in a good restaurant can easily cost €40-50 per person with drinks. Entrances to museums aren’t cheap either: expect to spend around €20 for most tickets. Luckily, there are still plenty of places charging €5-7 for a wine or a Spritz, and you’ll always have the humble espresso, which remains cheap across Milan.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Milan?

If you didn’t know, Milan is where to be. It’s where art, style, and history all seem to blend seamlessly into one fabulous couture gown. From luxury fashion to runway-ready locals to the laid-back broad street walks and canals, grand old cathedrals and forward-thinking gallery spaces and free summer concerts at Piazza Duomo, there’s really only one word for this place: stupendo.  Along with loading up on Cabonara and splashing out on a new clutch, there's is plenty to see and do here if you scratch below the surface, but ticking off the bucket list sites should be the first thing on the to-do list. We've picked the best of the best - including the Italian staples of excellent food and passionate football fans - to get you started. RECOMMENDED: 🇮🇹See the best tours in Milan Time Out tip: In case you want to visit Milan on a budget, you can find cheap airfare during March and November. 

The Milanese look pretty darn good, so it stands to reason that they all happen to be eating pretty well, right? Right. Few cities do good food like this stylish spot in the north of Italy, and gastronomic greatness is found across the city, from neighbourhood trattorias to high-end Michelin magic. Eating a good meal is an integral part of the perfect day in Milan, every bit as important as checking out the famous attractions and indulging in some world-beating shopping. The city kitchens are Milan’s great equalizer, where the celebrity chefs rub shoulders with homely history, and the results are delicious. Here are the best restaurants in Milan. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Milan🚂 The best day trips from Milan🏡 The best Airbnbs in Milan🛏 The best hotels in Milan This guide was last updated by Michelle Schoenung, a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

If you painted all Italian food with the same brush, you’d be doing Milan a massive disservice. The local food here isn’t quite so well known across the world as the pastas of Rome and Bologna, but trust us, you’ll never forget the food here.  Mark our words, Milan is a foodie city in its own right, as well known for its hearty, meaty dishes like cassoeula and ossobucco as it is for its sweet treats and sandwiches. Our only tip is to escape the tourist traps as much as you possibly can. And that’s where we come in. Our local writers have drawn up this ultimate list of Milan’s best food, and where to eat it too. Happy eating! RECOMMENDED:🍝 The best restaurants in Milan📍 The best things to do in Milan🏨 The best hotels in Milan🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Milan Emma Harper is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

After a long day of shopping, sightseeing and soaking up Milan’s culture, there’s only one thing you need. Milan’s incredible restaurants serve up all the Italian delights you can imagine, but sometimes nothing will hit but a fresh-out-the-oven pizza.  Luckily, Milan has got some of the best pizza around. Fresh tomato sauce, buttery mozzarella, chewy, blistered dough wood-fired in the oven. Pizza here is an art, perfected over centuries and still delivering as the absolute best in the business. Here are our favourite pizzas in Milan.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Milan🍸 The best bars in Milan🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan🏨 The best hotels in Milan🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Milan This guide was recently updated by Marianna Cerini, a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  

Spent your days strolling through art galleries, snapping fabulously aesthetic photos and shopping till you (hopefully not literally) drop? Sounds like you need a drink. Well, luckily for you, the drinking opportunities in Milan are pretty endless.  Milan’s bar scene has all of the swanky cocktail bars you’re most likely picturing, but it’s no one trip pony; alongside them are basement wine bars, beer haunts and aperitivo counters full of tantalising snacks. On our list we’ve got everything from terraces for an afternoon tipple to late-night spots for a boogie (and then some). Ready? Here are the best bars in Milan.  RECOMMENDED:🛍️ Where to go shopping in Milan🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🍕 The best pizza in Milan🏘️ Where to stay in Milan🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan Emma Hughes and Angelica Frey are writers from Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Milan is a great city break, but it’s definitely not the easiest city to get around in. And there’s so many things to do, you’re sort of bound to lose your way a bit at some point. Luckily, its transport system is simple to get on board with (with a few tips).  Italy’s shopping capital has an easy-to-use, well-integrated public transportation system covering four metro lines (M1, M2, M3 and M5, logically), trams and buses, with affordable tickets and passes available. Our local writers have used it many, many times, so they’re well qualified to give you advice. Here’s how to do transport in Milan.  RECOMMENDED:⏱ How to spend the perfect weekend in Milan🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🛏 The best hotels in Milan 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan Emma Harper is a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Travelling is about experiencing new cultures, sampling new foods and getting out of your own bubble. But for the world’s most beautiful cities, a really big part of visiting is just taking in your surroundings and admiring the architecture (and, you know, potentially snapping a photo or two for the ol’ gram).  And if you’re a sucker for travel aesthetics, you’ll know that Milan is one of the top hitters. Its main selling point? The many, many incredible buildings, from the famous Duomo di Milano to the rather insane looking Bosco Verticale. Here is a complete guide to Milan’s architecture. Happy snapping.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Milan🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🛏 The best hotels in Milan 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan This guide was written by Emma Harper, a writer based in Milan. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Conhecida como a capital da moda, Milão tem sofrido uma grande transformação na última década. À medida que a cidade tem vindo a crescer, têm aumentado também os restaurantes de qualidade. Dos mais tradicionais e familiares aos mais modernos e inventivos. Em Milão, encontram-se alguns dos melhores ingredientes e também algumas técnicas muito particulares na cozinha. Eis os melhores restaurantes de Milão. Recomendado: 48 horas em Milão

Follow the lead of Milan’s trendsetters and visit the city in the spring or fall, which is when Milan Design Week and Milan Fashion Week, respectively, are held. Unlike summer, when the air becomes soupy and the mosquitoes come out to play, spring and fall offer bright sunny days without the excessive heat and humidity–perfect for exploring the city's attractions on foot and enjoying sidewalk seating at the city's top restaurants. There’s always the chance of rain, but like London, Milan has a charm of its own on wet days. Winters are usually foggy and gray, but not overly cold, making it a good time to get lost in the city’s many art museums, galleries and cozy bars. RECOMMENDED: Your essential Milan travel guide

What is it? Milan’s Teatro alla Scala is one of the most celebrated opera houses in Europe and has been since its founding in the late 18th century by Archduchess Maria Theresa, the Hapsburg ruler responsible for a number of the city’s cultural institutions. Is it worth visiting? While the sumptuous crimson- and gold-coloured interior can be glimpsed on a visit to the theatre’s museum, nothing beats joining the vociferous crowd (celebrated tenor Roberto Alagna famously walked off stage in 2006 after he was booed in a performance of Franco Zeffirelli’s “Aida”) for a night of music. If opera isn’t your bag, check out the theatre’s other offerings, which range from symphony concerts and recitals to ballets and talks. Ticketing info Tickets for performances at the famous opera house can only be bought from the official website or the box office. Ticket prices vary wildly, with kids shows coming in under €20 while special events can be over €200. The average hovers between €75 and €110. Time Out tip If you’re an opera lover but can’t find tickets to the often sold-out opera productions, book a seat for a recital, which features an accomplished opera singer performing solo with a piano accompaniment. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Milan

What is it? Nina Yashar is one of Milan’s top design dealers, having made a name for herself collecting and selling 20th-century Italian furniture. She has operated her gallery on Via della Spiga since 1979, but it was only recently, in 2015, that she opened her depot, a massive warehouse showcasing her collection of vintage and contemporary design pieces that she has assembled over the years. Is it worth visiting? It’s a veritable treasure trove, one whose configuration was inspired by Milan's famous Teatro alla Scala: three stories of black metal balconies surround a central atrium, each with its own distinct units or room sets. Even if you’re not looking to buy, Yashar’s impeccable collection is sure to inspire.  Time Out tip If you happen to visit during Milan Design Week (Salone del Mobile Milano), which takes place every April, be sure to schedule a visit to the depot, which will be buzzing and ripe for people-watching. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best spots for shopping in Milan

What is it? This sprawling 18th-century farmhouse is a little strip of countryside in the big city. Restored in 2002, the Cascina Cuccagna property now houses a restaurant, Un Posto a Milano, with a seasonal menu–all produce is supplied by local farms. There is also a garden, farmers’ market, guest house, communal spaces and a bar, which has become a favourite spot among young creatives and families for aperitivo. Is it worth visiting? The schedule is so rich in cultural initiatives, such as classes in subjects ranging from yoga to carpentry to workshops on environmental and sustainability issues, that it can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the staff at the information desk are incredibly friendly and will help you find something that’s right for you. Ticketing info Tickets for events at the farmhouse can be purchased on-site on the day of the show unless the performance is particularly anticipated. Time Out tip Coordinate your visit with the Wednesday and Saturday morning Campagna Amica Market, a local farmer’s market, on Via Giuseppe Ripamonti, 35. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best things to do in Milan

What’s the vibe? Bar Luce, a café designed by Wes Anderson for Fondazione Prada, is the stuff of Instagram dreams. The vintage pinball machines and jukebox, the veneered wood wall panels and the bubblegum pink and powder blue Formica furniture are just begging to be photographed. They are also reminiscent of Italian popular aesthetics from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as many of Wes Anderson’s sets, particularly for his film The Grand Budapest Hotel. What should I order? Order a brioche and coffee at the bar so that you can chat with the moustachioed servers operating the old Faema coffee machine. Time Out tip The Fondazione Prada is one of Milan’s premier contemporary arts venues. There are usually at least two or three temporary exhibitions on view, while the space itself, designed by Rem Koolhaas’ Rotterdam-based OMA practice, functions as a type of permanent exhibition. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Milan

What’s the vibe? Panettone, the sweet, pillowy, fruit-studded Italian Christmas cake, is making a comeback. Bakers in Italy and even as far away as the U.S. are drawn to the challenge of getting this finicky fruitcake right. Pasticceria Cucchi in Porta Genova has been baking panettone in its humble kitchen for over 70 years, and the results have been consistently excellent. What should I order? Stop in their elegant, old-world shop to purchase a full cake, which, unlike most other pastry shops, Cucchi sells year-round. Or, if you can, grab a curbside table–hot property on weekend mornings–and order a slice of their fluffy masterpiece to go with your morning cappuccino. What are the prices like? Main dishes run between €16 and €23, the delicious pastries are in the €10 to €12 region, and those beautiful brioches hover around €8. Time Out tip On a warm summer night, skip the plain panettone slice and order pangelà, a panettone-gelato sandwich, for dessert. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍 Discover the best restaurants in Milan

What’s the vibe? Bocce clubs used to be considered démodé, a place where retirees gathered to play cards, drink, socialise and play bocce. Recently, though, they have been embraced by younger generations, many of whom are attracted to their throwback appeal. Housed in a former railway station, La Balera dell’Ortica offers plenty of space for games and dancing, and you’re bound to see people of all ages letting their hair down. What should I order? Avoid the uninspiring restaurant at the bocce club and come instead for a night of games and dancing, particularly in the summer when the clubs hosts an outdoor disco. What are the prices like? If you do choose to eat, the menu comes in at €35. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2025. 📍Discover the best things to do in Milan

What’s the vibe? Train travel is romanticised, but rightly so. There’s something about watching the world go by from a train window. The transportation authority in Milan has capitalised on this idea, turning two of the city’s historic trams into restaurants on wheels that offer lunch (only on Sundays) and dinner runs. What should I order? The food is nothing to write home about, but crisscrossing the city gives you a glimpse of all of Milan’s greatest hits and where they’re located. Plus, the tram’s historic interiors, like its glass lanterns and upholstered benches, transport you back in time. What are the prices like? Dinner on the tram costs €90, while the Sunday lunch is a little less expensive at €75. Ultimately, you are paying for the experience as opposed to the food, and whether or not this is too pricey will depend on how much you want to eat on a historic tram. That’s all this comes down to. Time Out tip Since you won’t be able to stretch your legs during dinner, take a walk around Castello Sforzesco and Park Siempre for a bit of exercise and to watch the sun go down before boarding the tram. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍Discover the best restaurants in Milan

What’s the vibe? Walking in, you could think you’d just stepped into an English pub. Not only are there plenty of beers on tap, but beer also features as a key ingredient in their meat-heavy menu. It’s a beer lover’s paradise. What should I order? When Birrificio Lambrate first began in 1996, they had a capacity of 150 litres per batch and had two types of beer on tap at their pub, which was only open a few days a week. Today, they have increased their capacity to 2,000 litres per batch and operate both a pub and a pub-restaurant. The beer selection covers everything from pilsners to stouts, so it all comes down to what you’re feeling at the time. What are the prices like? A medium beer at the bar or table will set you back €6.50, while food is very reasonably priced, with plates priced between €10 and €18. A panini costs €7. Time Out tip  If you’re meeting up with friends at the pub, be sure to specify which one you’ll be heading to (the original pub or the restaurant), as they aren’t particularly close to one another. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024. 📍Discover the best bars in Milan

What’s the vibe? When you’re in Milan, forget about pizza and pasta. Sure, both are available (and can be downright heavenly). But regional distinctions shape culinary traditions, as they do many other aspects of Italian culture, and in Lombardy the fare is heartier than down south, with more meat and rice dishes on offer. The best contemporary takes on traditional Milanese cuisine can be found at Ratanà, a restaurant in Isola owned by the imaginative chef Cesare Battisti. What should I order? His version of the Milan classic risotto alla Milanese con ossobuco (saffron risotto with braised veal shank) is silky smooth and vivid in both color and flavor. Battisti’s decision to use Lodigiano cheese, which is sweeter than Parmesean, gives the traditionally creamy dish an even richer taste.  What are the prices like? A five-course tasting menu comes in at €70, and a five-glass wine pairing on the side will cost you another €45. There’s also a good-value lunch deal that includes a main, glass of wine and a coffee for €24.  Time Out tip To help you digest what will likely be a heavy meal, take a walk through nearby Porta Nuova and marvel at the architectural wonders. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024.  📍 Discover the best restaurants in Milan

What is it? Housed in a former tram depot (hence the converted tram), QC Termemilano is a spa in Porta Romana that has several saunas and an elegant tea room on the ground floor.  Is QC Termemilano worth it? Well, it’s not every day that you can enjoy a nice steam in a tram (well, on purpose that is). But here, you can do just that. Downstairs is where the magic happens: in this underground lair there is a warren of stone rooms featuring warm baths, cold baths, geyser pools, a Jacuzzi waterfall and more. Outside, in addition to the tram sauna, there are three warm pools spread out through the garden. Luxuriating in the bubbles, surrounded by Roman ruins, you could easily forget that you’re in the middle of one of Milan’s busiest intersections.    Do you have to book QC Termemilano?  You must book at least 24 hours prior to your visit, but we’d recommend booking in advance. Sessions range from a few hours to a full day (ranging from around €40-70), or you can book day visits with a massage, starting at around €100. Please note that admission prices are subject to change and are dependent on the day and hours.  Time Out tip Don’t miss the face training room, where you can mimic a woman on screen as she pokes and prods her face, which is equal parts silly and invigorating. The fragrant lotions add a whiff of elegance to the whole affair. This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Milan

What’s the vibe? Gino Sorbillo, the Milan outpost of one of Naples’ best pizzerias, is a stone’s throw from the Duomo and one of the few places in the area where you’re guaranteed to get quality food at a good price. It has the feel of a family-run pizza parlor, albeit one that’s incredibly efficient and operates with all the latest technology. What should I order? There are around a dozen pizzas on the menu, and all of them are crafted with carefully chosen ingredients – some of which are even labeled as Slow Food ‘Ark of Taste,’ a designation given to heritage products that are unique to a region. If you’re a pesto lover, be sure to order the Pesto di Basilico, a pie slathered in the bright green sauce, or go for the Carretiera; pork sausage, friarielle (Italian broccoli rabe) and basil. What are the prices like? Aside from the absolute basics, pizzas range from €10-14. But if you’re strapped for cash (or just a purist), the Marinara is only €7.40. Just be prepared to wait; the line for a table often stretches out the door, particularly during the lunch hour rush. Time Out tip Pizzas are large, so you should share one if you don’t have a big appetite. This is especially true because the pizza, which is only in the oven for a short period of time, is best when eaten hot and fresh. This review was fact checked and updated in 2024.  🍝 Check out more of the best restaurants in Milan

This old fashioned trattoria in Porta Romana serves Calabrian dishes to a perennially packed dining room full of locals who come to chatter away with friends over plates of hearty food. Family-run, Dongiò is a vanishing breed, one of those typical trattorias that you can count on for good food at reasonable prices. The kitchen specializes in southern home cooking, like the restaurant’s signature dish, spaghettoni alla tamarro, a fresh pasta dish with tomato sauce and n’duja sausage, a spicy spreadable sausage paste commonly found down south made of pig shoulder and belly, as well as organ meat. If you’re vegetarian, order their parmigiana di melanzane, the Italian precursor to the popular Italian-American dish eggplant Parmesan—it’s a gooey reminder that the original is almost always better. Time Out tip: To reach peak relaxation before your meal, head to the nearby QC Termemilano, a spa in Porta Romana where you can float in hot pools and steam yourself in a converted tram.