Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Milan, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Milan has 3 airports: Malpensa (MXP, 50km), Linate (LIN, 7km), Bergamo/Orio al Serio (BGY, 50km, used by Ryanair)
- Malpensa Express to Cadorna (€13, 52 min). Linate bus to Centrale (€5, 25 min). Bergamo bus to Centrale (€6, 60 min)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is safe. Milan has public drinking fountains (vedovelle) throughout the city
- Milan is safe overall. Standard pickpocket precautions around Duomo, Centrale station, and on crowded metro lines
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (farmacie) are common: look for green crosses. Fatebenefratelli hospital for non-emergencies
Getting Around
- ATM Milan: 5 metro lines, trams, and buses. Single ticket €2.20 (90 min). Daily pass €7.60. Buy at machines or tabacchi
- The historic tram line 1E (orange vintage trams) is a scenic way to cross the city, and uses the same ticket as the regular metro
- BikeMi bike share: €4.50/day standard, €6/day electric. Milan is flat and bikeable. Uber works but taxis are more reliable
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes and the ATM metro network. Open WiFi Milano covers some public areas
- EU roaming works at home rates. For non-EU SIMs: TIM, Vodafone, or Iliad from €8 for 50GB at tabacchi shops
- Download ATM Milano app for real-time metro/tram info, and Google Maps offline for the city
Money
- Cards accepted widely including contactless. Some smaller bars and market stalls still prefer cash, so carry €20
- ATMs (Bancomat) everywhere. Use bank machines (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) to avoid fees from Euronet-style machines
- Coperto (cover charge) of €2–3 per person is standard at restaurants. Tipping is not expected but rounding up is nice
Packing Tips
- Milan is a fashion city, so smart-casual is the norm. You will feel underdressed in hiking boots and cargo shorts
- Summers are hot and humid (30–35°C). Winters are cold and foggy (0–5°C). Pack layers and an umbrella year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes that are also stylish: Milan's cobblestones and fashion standards demand both
Cultural tips
Dress the Part
Milanese dress well even for casual outings. Smart-casual is the minimum. Dark colours, clean lines, good shoes. You do not need to be fashionable, but looking presentable opens doors and earns respect.
Coffee at the Bar
Stand at the bar (al banco) for your espresso and it costs €1–1.50. Sitting at a table can triple the price. Order "un caffè" for espresso, "un caffè macchiato" for a shot with milk. Cappuccino is strictly a morning drink.
Milanese Cuisine
Milan has its own culinary identity: risotto alla Milanese (saffron risotto), cotoletta alla Milanese (breaded veal cutlet), ossobuco, and panettone. Ask for these at traditional trattorias, not pizza places.
Aperitivo Culture
Aperitivo is sacred, the ritual pre-dinner drink with food that turns into dinner itself. It runs 6–9pm and is the social highlight of the Milanese day. Do not eat dinner before aperitivo.
Be Direct
Milanese are efficient and direct, not unfriendly, but busy. Service in restaurants is professional, not performative. A "Buongiorno" and "Grazie" are expected. Friendly but not overly chatty.
Metro Etiquette
Validate your ticket before boarding. Inspectors issue €55 fines. Stand right, walk left on escalators. Bags off seats. Eating and drinking on public transport is frowned upon.
