Michelle Schoenung

As a Roman, I was a little sceptical that I’d fall for Milan when I moved here two years ago. Sure, the city is way more international than my hometown, more efficient, and definitely more diverse (especially in terms of food), but I felt like it didn’t have the jaw-dropping charm or inspiring history of my hometown Rome.  Yet, two years on, I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else. Milan might not be as stunning as other Italian cities, but it has a quiet, elegant allure that tends to sneak up on you and never let go. You’ll notice 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.  RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Milan🛏 The best hotels in Milan 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan🍕 The best pizza in Milan This introduction was written 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Once seen as an understated business city or merely a strategic place for a layover on the way to other Italian destinations, Milan is having a moment of its own. Not only is it an international fashion and shopping mecca, it is the centre of media and commerce in Italy, and is incredibly rich in history even if it its treasures are less in-your-face compared to, say, Rome or Florence. The city has been undergoing quite the transformation in recent years and with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon (to be hosted in tandem with Cortina d’Ampezzo), it is certainly worth a visit. Thankfully, there are accommodations to suit all budgets and tastes in Milan.   September 2024 update: We've added two new hotels to this list, with reviews for each: the Excelsior Gallia and B&B Sant’Ambrogio.  RECOMMENDED:🍝 How to eat like a local in Milan🛍️ Milan's best shopping locations🏠 The best Airbnbs in Milan💰 The best cheap hotels in Milan  This guide was recently updated by Milan-based writer Michelle Schoenung. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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. 

You could spend a week or more soaking up the natural beauty of Lake Como, but contrary to popular demand, it’s perfectly doable in a single day from nearby Milan. The third largest lake in Italy, the town of Como itself is perfectly pretty, but it’s well worth exploring the smaller towns along the 29-mile lake for more cobblestoned streets, dramatic promenades and some very nice views.  Just 30 miles from Lake Como, getting there from Milan couldn’t be easier. Just note that summer is an especially busy time, so spring and autumn can be a better choice for seeing the lake without the crowds, while the trains and ferries are still running quite regularly. But whenever you make the trip, planning ahead is essential. From how to get there to what to eat (and where to stay if you don’t want to leave), here’s our essential guide to a Lake Como day trip, written by a local. RECOMMENDED:🏞️ The best lake trips in Europe⛵ A local’s guide to Lake Garda📍 The best things to do in Milan🌎 The most beautiful lakes in the world Michelle Schoenung 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. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Over the last decade, Milan has done a lot to shake off its image as a landlocked business centre in Italy’s foggy north. These days, the sun is shining in Milan, shedding light on a city in the midst of a great transformation. You could even call it a bit of a Renaissance, given the increasing number of cultural attractions – art, opera, theatre, festivals, world-class architecture, restored landmarks ­– on tap. Of course, Milan has fashion, and while visitors will find everything from high-end designer boutiques on chic Via Montenapoleone to vintage stalls along the funky Navigli canals, this metropolis has so much more to offer tourists than a generic Prada-bag souvenir. From a wide array of restaurants (that go beyond just Italian) to historical attractions, there are so many things to do. Staying in a self-catering apartment is the perfect way to live like a true Milanese, getting to know a city with a beauty that is not as in-your-face as in Florence or Rome, revealing itself little by little as you spend more time exploring. We’ve included a list of AirBnBs below that offer the opportunity to live like a local. This guide was written by Milan-based writer, Michelle Schoenung. 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. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate g

Milan might be home to some beautiful buildings, Instagram-worthy sights and mind-bending attractions, but we can bet you any money that you’re (at least partly) here for the shopping. This is Italy’s shopping capital for a reason, and it doesn’t disappoint.  Here you’ll find plenty of luxury labels and world-renowned designers, but there’s plenty of boutiques and vintage shops alongside for more reasonable prices. Plus due to VAT refunds and transport costs, you’re likely to find some designer shops cheaper there. Ready? Us too. Here are the best shops in Milan.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Milan🍽️ The best restaurants in Milan🍕 The best pizza in Milan🏘️ Where to stay in Milan🏨 The best hotels in Milan This guide was recently 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. 

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.  

The city break continues to rule in 2024. According to ABTA, city breaks overtook beach holidays as the UK’s favourite type of trip last year – and travel booking site Opodo has reported that nearly half of all trips taken in 2023 were between two to four days. Long live the long weekend, eh? When it comes to cramming in the best food, nightlife and culture in one whistlestop weekend, Europe really does spoil you for choice. Of course, there are the classics – Rome, Amsterdam, Paris – but the continent is packed with lesser-known second cities and more obscure cultural capitals that make for the ideal affordable city break in 2024.  From gastronomic delights and cultural cubby holes to all-hours party hotspots, Europe’s best city breaks tick all the boxes. But with so many options, where should you head? Well, we’ve narrowed it down for you: in our list of Europe’s best city breaks, everywhere from France to Bosnia and Herzegovina is covered. See you out there! RECOMMENDED: 📍 The absolute best things to do in Europe🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🛤 The ultimate Europe Interrailing itinerary

What is it? Much more than a ‘multi-brand store’, which is how 10 Corso Como brands itself.  What can I buy there? This shop sells a curated fashion selection from some of the biggest brands in Italy (and beyond), as well as jewellery, fragrances, home décor, books and more. 10 Corso Como aims to be at the absolute cutting edge of what is happening in fashion and design.  What are prices like? Most of what is on offer is on the high-end, expensive side though there is a good selection of books (especially on design and some quirky children’s books), most of which are reasonably priced.  Where’s good to eat nearby? There is the 10 Corso Como café in the courtyard, which offers modern Italian dishes, traditional Milan aperitif and lots of people-watching opps. Further out on the cobblestoned, pedestrian-only Corso Como, you’ll find plenty more, from Eataly to Asian street food at Mu.  📍 Discover more of the best restaurants in Milan

What is it? A large luxury department store just a few steps from the Duomo.  What can I buy there? Here you’ll find everything you’d expect in a Milanese department store; clothes, cosmetics and accessories from the biggest names in fashion, but with a special focus on Italian designers. There’s also a large housewares department (perfect for picking up a souvenir for your favourite foodie) and a hair salon run by celebrity hairstylist Aldo Coppola. Clothing here is expensive, but other bits range in price a little more.   Where’s good to eat nearby? The food hall on the top floor has pretty good food, but it’s worth eating or drinking there just for the magnificent views of the spires of the Duomo. If you fancy the view on a budget, opt for a coffee on the food hall terrace. You’ll find a lot of tourist traps in the rest of this neighbourhood, but Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo around the corner offers real Neapolitan pizza right in the centre of Milan.  📍 Discover more of the best pizza in Milan

What is it? A bright and cheery concept store offering a playful and quirky assortment of trendy women’s fashion and accessories.  What can I buy there? You won’t necessarily find the biggest names in fashion here, but more a carefully chosen selection of pieces from up-and-coming or lesser known niche designers. This isn’t the place to come for an understated little black dress; the boutique sells colourful clothing, handbags, shoes and jewellery with personality.  How expensive is it? Small accessories are quite reasonably priced. Expect to pay around €300 for a maxi dress and in the same range for shoes, though some items are considerably more expensive.  Where’s good to eat nearby? This concept store is located in the heart of ‘ancient’ Milan. There’s a Tuscan restaurant (La Fettunta) across the street. Nearby there’s also Mediterranea, which says it focuses on ‘healthy food,’ a Piz pizzeria, which serves up modern Italian pizzas, and a very good trattoria called Nerino Dieci around the corner (call well in advance for reservations), for innovative Italian cuisine.  📍 Discover more of the best pizza in Milan

What’s the vibe?  Langosteria is found in Via Savona, a trendy neighbourhood in Milan with a number of great shops and restaurants. And the restaurant reflects its surroundings; Langosteria is high-end but not stuffy, held in a clean, modern and cosy space.  What are the prices like?  Most definitely special occasion prices, so save it up for your birthday trip. You can easily spend about €100 per person here for a couple of courses each and a bottle of wine (but trust us, it’s worth it).  What should I order? The clue is in the name, but at Langosteria, it’s all about the seafood. Raw fish and oysters are a must order (there’s actually an entire oyster menu), alongside intricate and inventive pasta dishes, like linguine with blue crab.  What's worth visiting nearby? This restaurant (and a couple of its offshoots) is right in the heart of the funky Navigli canal district, a couple of blocks over from Via Tortona, which is full of bars – perfect for grabbing an aperitif before dinner – and restaurants. Check out which exhibition is on at the very modern Mudec (Milan’s Museum of Cultures), which is just down the road.  📍 Discover more of the best things to do in Milan. 

What's the vibe? The ambience here is what the team call ‘sophisticated rustic’; cosy interiors with a chic little veranda. Sometimes you’ll catch live jazz here, and all the vegetables they use in the cooking are grown right around the corner.  What are the prices like? Tasting menus (with a couple of courses and dessert) run about 45 euros per person, not including drinks. First courses start at around 14 euros.  What should I order? The menu changes quite frequently here based on the season, but you can expect the ingredients to be incredibly fresh. Just note that options for vegetarians (and especially vegans) can be limited here despite the restaurant’s large garden, as there’s a focus on meat and fish. Desserts like the poppy seed cake are especially good.  What's worth visiting nearby?  This spot is a little further out than some of the other famous restaurants in Milan, but that’s exactly how to escape the tourist traps. Found along one of the canals heading out of the main city, we recommend renting a bike (perhaps from Milano Bike) to explore the canals on the way to the restaurant. 

What’s the vibe? A sort of modern take on an old-school restaurant, Trippa features deep orange walls, wildly patterned floor and wooden tables set with paper placemats.  What are the prices like? Appetizers start at around €8 and first courses around €12, but the menu changes quite frequently based on what’s in season and what the chefs find at local markets.  What should I order? Try the ‘dish of the day’ with seasonal vegetables, meat, fish, eggs, fruit, cheese served with sauces meant to highlight the flavors. There’s more on the menu here than just meat.  What’s worth visiting nearby? Found in Porta Romana, you’re in the middle of a vibrant neighbourhood full of bars, restaurants and shops. Check out nearby Cascina Cuccagna, an old farmhouse that now serves as a cultural center and a place where artisans perfect their craft and sell their wares. It also has a bar and restaurant, and holds special events and a Sunday farmer’s market. Check its website for weekly events.  The best things to do in Milan.