Trip to Milan , Attractions, what to see , flights

A trip to Italy, especially to Milan, is always interesting and special!

Milan is the ideal city for a short getaway. 2 to 3 days are enough to discover all the beauty and attractions of Milan!

The city of Milan, unlike Rome, is recommended for both shopping and excursions to areas and cities around it, such as a trip to Lake Como, a trip to Bergamo, as well as train excursions like Milan-Florence by train, Milan-Verona, and other destinations!

 

Milan or Rome

If this is your first trip to Italy and you're wondering whether to choose Rome or Milan, then it's good to know that they are two entirely different cities. In Rome, there are dozens of places and attractions to discover, and it's also a city you'll love to walk around.

On the other hand, in Milan you'll love the shopping, and you'll certainly be impressed by some imposing attractions such as the Duomo, La Scala Theatre, the Galleria, etc.

We would suggest, if you have the opportunity, to take two trips. One trip for Rome and Florence, and another trip for Milan and Lake Como. This way, you'll get to know more cities and manage your time much better!

 

Milan – What to see and do

 

In Milan, you'll love its market and shopping! There are shops for all budgets, and with dozens of malls, you'll certainly find affordable stores not available in Greece, such as Primark and Piazza Italia.

 

Cheap shopping in Milan

For cheap shopping in Milan, you should visit one of the shopping centres that feature Primark and/or Piazza Italia stores. One such shopping centre is Il Centro, located just outside the city centre of Milan. To visit Il Centro, simply go to Centrale train station – opposite the station, there's a special bus stop where mall buses will take you there and back for just 5€.

At Il Centro you'll find all the famous brands as well as affordable brands for all types of shopping – from clothes and shoes to electronics and supermarkets!

 

Shops in Milan

 

In the centre of Milan, you'll find all the well-known and expensive brands like Gucci, Armani, LV, etc. The glittering shop windows will catch your eye, but if you don't have a... hefty wallet, unfortunately, you'll be limited to just looking! Prices in famous stores are particularly high, and often new collections launch first in Milan and its boutiques.

 

Milan outlet shopping

 

In Milan, there are several outlet shopping centres, offering excellent prices on stock items and previous season products. The largest outlet shopping centre in Milan is McArthurGlen Serravalle, located approximately 50 minutes away from the centre of Milan.

It features over 300 brand stores such as Gucci, D&G, Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers, etc., offering their products at very low prices, with discounts from 30 to 70% off the original price, all year round!

 

The exact address to find the shopping centre is Via della Moda, 1, 15069 Serravalle Scrivia.

 

Apart from this shopping centre, in Milan, there are other outlets – discount villages. The next most popular is VICOLUNGO THE STYLE OUTLETS, located approximately 30 minutes from the city centre. It features 150 well-known brand stores with discounts of up to 70%!

 

As you can see, if you're planning a trip to Milan, you should definitely combine it with shopping at an outlet mall!

 

Clothes in Milan

In all the aforementioned shopping centres and beyond, clothes constitute the lion's share of products. Milan is the fashion capital, and it couldn't be any other way!

In Milan, you'll find dozens of clothes – both from well-known companies and smaller shops. Don't just look in the main shops and on the famous streets, as there you'll only find expensive clothes aimed at those with deep pockets!

 

Shops in Milan on Sunday

 

Please note that most central shops in Milan, as well as most shopping centres, are open on Sundays, so you can plan your shopping more comfortably if you have a tight schedule!

 

Attractions in Milan

 

There are quite a few attractions in Milan, but they certainly fit into a two-day or three-day trip! Of course, a trip to Milan without visiting the Duomo is unthinkable! The Cathedral, which can accommodate over 20,000 visitors, majestically dominates Duomo Square and awaits you for a photo. Around the square, there are dozens of shops where you can enjoy your Aperol, with a view of the Duomo!

The height of the Duomo is 157 metres. If you want to go up to the highest point by lift, you'll need to book a ticket either online or at the entrance to the cathedral.

Please note that during peak seasons, the wait will be long!

Next to the Duomo Cathedral is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It essentially serves as a connecting link between the La Scala Theatre and the Duomo.

This famous arcade is one of the most distinctive attractions in Milan, and inside it features shops for shopping as well as dining.

 

Milan Castle

 

Another important attraction in Milan is the Castello Sforzesco. It was built in the 15th century and today functions as a museum. Inside, there are galleries with paintings and exhibitions.

If you're an art fan, you can also visit the Pinacoteca di Brera. Inside, you'll find some of Italy's greatest works of art, specifically works from between the 16th and 21st centuries.

 

Sempione Park

 

An Italian city without a park? Of course, Milan couldn't be the exception! Sempione Park is an escape for local residents and a source of oxygen! It's definitely worth walking through!

 

Navigli Canal Milan

The Navigli is worth visiting once – either in the morning or at night! If you have the chance to visit it in the evening, choose that time as you'll see more life and activity.

Navigli is an area in Milan characterised by the eponymous canal that runs through it. Around the canal, there are all sorts of small shops, and in the mornings, there are many street vendors at the open-air market.

You can reach Navigli either on foot (about 30-35 minutes walk from the centre) or by Metro line 2 (get off at Porta Genova station).

If you fancy a stroll along the waters of Navigli, there are special riverboats that can take you on a romantic ride!

 

Da Vinci's Last Supper

 

You'll surely want to admire this masterpiece up close, but to do so, you'll need to have booked your entrance tickets well in advance – very well in advance! Otherwise, unfortunately, you won't be able to enter due to high demand and visitor numbers!

 

La Scala Theatre, Milan

 

La Scala Theatre in Milan is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and is known as the Temple of Opera! It is located in Piazza Della Scala, from which it takes its name.

Built in 1778, it has endured dozens of destructions and has been reborn from its ashes, such as during the bombing of World War II.

 

Excursions from Milan

 

Milan can be a great base for your excursions! It is connected to several Italian cities via railway lines and to hundreds of others through its three airports!

However, it also boasts enough fantastic areas of its own that are truly worth a visit!

Lake Como

 

Lake Como is located outside Milan, to the north of the city, and is approximately 40 km away (1 hour journey).

Lake Como near Milan has developed enormously in recent years, and it's no coincidence that dozens of well-known celebrities like Madonna, Clooney, etc., own homes around the lake.

Dozens of films have also been shot around Lake Como and the fantastic scenery that this area creates by itself!

The lake took its name from the village of Como to which it belongs. It's a picturesque village worth walking through and getting to know!

At Lake Como, you'll find plenty of activities, especially from spring to autumn.

 

Lake Como – Milan distance

 

The distance between Milan and Lake Como is 40 km. You can travel either by train or by car if you have one!

You can also do the Milan – Lake Como trip by train – it will take you around 40 minutes if you take the fast train or about 1 hour with the slower one!

A return ticket for the Como – Milan route costs 14€, and the train departs from Milan's Centrale station.

To reach the Lake, it's just a 10-minute walk from Como S. Giovanni station!

 

Other train excursions from Milan

Using Milan as your base, you can take several train excursions to other Italian cities, such as Genoa, Rome, and Florence. The Milan-Rome journey takes 3 hours, while Milan-Florence takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

All trains depart from the Centrale terminal station. It is preferable to purchase your tickets well in advance online and choose the fast train over the classic one!

Hotels and accommodation in Milan

For your accommodation in Milan, choose a central hotel or a property close to a metro station. Milan boasts an extensive metro network, making it very easy to get almost anywhere!

You can view recommended hotels in Milan here.

 

Flights to Milan

 

To get to Milan, you have many affordable options. Whether you're travelling from Athens or Thessaloniki, you'll find plenty of cheap flights to reach the fashion capital.

 

Thessaloniki to Milan flights

From Thessaloniki and Macedonia Airport, you'll only find direct flights to Milan via Ryanair. Ryanair flies to Milan, specifically to Bergamo Airport. From there, a bus will take you to Centrale station for 5€. The journey takes from 1 hour to 1:30 – 2 hours, depending on the time and traffic.

 

Search for cheap flights from Thessaloniki to Milan with Ryanair.

 

The only option if you're looking for a direct flight from Thessaloniki to Milan is flights via Ryanair!

The flight from Thessaloniki to Milan takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

 

Athens to Milan flights

 

If you're travelling from Athens and Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, you have more options for direct flights.

Ryanair, Aegean, and Alitalia offer direct flights almost daily.

Ryanair flies to Bergamo Airport, Alitalia to Linate, and Aegean to Malpensa Airport!

You'll find the cheapest flights to Milan with Ryanair – but do check all airlines and what services they offer regarding baggage, comfort, etc.

The flight duration from Athens to Milan is approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes!

Cheap flights to Milan with Ryanair

Here you can find cheap flights to Milan via Ryanair. They are usually significantly cheaper than other airlines. If you want a comparison between all airlines, then perform your search using the flight search form below.