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Milan and Beyond: Shopping Guide & Day Trips

Milan is not only the fashion capital of the world, but also the gateway to some of the most beautiful destinations in Italy.

In fact, Milan serves as the ideal hub for your Italian adventure, thanks to its excellent transportation links.

And of course, you wouldn’t say no to a spot of shopping while you’re there.

So, we’ve put together a guide to help you shop wisely in the city. We’ve also listed the best day trips from Milan.

So, let’s dive right in!


Where to stay in Milan

When visiting Milan, you’ll want to choose accommodation that helps you soak up the city’s ambiance.

The Square Milano Duomo is a top choice for travelers looking to stay in the heart of the city. Located near Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), this hotel offers many amenities and the rooms are super clean and comfy.

best day trips from Milan
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Additionally, it offers easy access to the city’s top attractions, including the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and La Scala Theatre.

Other good options include Hotel Milano Castello, known for its exquisite decor, and Hotel Da Vinci, which is just a two-minute walk from the train station.


Shopping in Milan

Milan is a shopper’s paradise, especially for those with a taste for luxury.

The Quadrilatero della Moda is the city’s most famous shopping district, home to designer boutiques and high-class stores.

people inside galleria vittorio emanuele ii shopping mall in italy
Photo by Tuur Tisseghem on Pexels.com

If you’re looking for a more immersive shopping experience, head to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural marvel and also a famous tourist spot that houses some of the world’s most prestigious brands. 

For a blend of culture and shopping, the Brera District offers a charming mix of art galleries, cafes, and unique shops.

If you’re in the mood for a bargain, take a trip to the Serravalle Designer Outlet. Here, you can find discounted prices on designer goods.


Luggage transfer services in Milan

Travelling with suitcases can be a hassle, especially if it takes you about one hour to get from the Milan Malpensa Airport or Linate Airport to the city centre.

Many visitors choose Malpensa Express or the bus to get to their hotels, but luggage storage space is limited.

LuggAgent offers a convenient airport to hotel luggage transferring service from both Milan Malpensa Airport and Linate Airport. This service is perfect for travelers who want to start their trip without worrying about their bags.

Whether you’re arriving in Milan for fashion week or heading out on a day trip, LuggAgent ensures your luggage is delivered safely and on time.

Tip: Use the discount code GRUMPYCAMEL10 to get 10% off your booking.


Best day trips from Milan

One of the best things about Milan is its geographical location. It’s close to some of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

Here are a few stunning places you can visit on a day trip from Milan.

Lake Como

Lake Como is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning landscapes and charming towns like Bellagio. The lake is surrounded by mountains, offering a serene escape from the city.

To get there, you can take a train from Milan to Lake Como, which takes about an hour.

view of a town on the shore of lake como in italy
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Once you arrive, you can explore the lake by boat, visit historic villas, or simply enjoy the picturesque views.

Venice

No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice.

Known for its iconic canals, gondola rides, and historic sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice is a city like not other.

st mark s basilica in venice
Photo by Wolfgang on Pexels.com

From Milan, it’s a 2.5-hour train ride to Venice. Once you’re there, getting around is easy with the Vaporetto (water bus).

If you decide to spend a few days in Venice, it would be best to use a luggage transfer service provided by LuggAgent to avoid lugging bags through narrow streets and over bridges.

Portofino

For a taste of luxury and coastal beauty, head to Portofino. This picturesque harbour town is famous for its stunning views and upscale lifestyle.

the pastel colored buildings in portofino village in genoa italy
Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels.com

To reach Portofino, take a train from Milan to Santa Margherita Ligure, a journey of about two hours, followed by a short bus or ferry ride.

Whether you’re enjoying a meal overlooking the harbor or exploring the scenic hiking trails, Portofino offers a relaxing and luxurious escape.

Sardinia

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters and pollution-free beaches, Sardinia is the perfect place.

Known for its beautiful coastline, this island offers some of the best beaches in Italy.

cape caccia on sea shore in italy
Photo by Jakub Krystkiewicz on Pexels.com

A flight from Milan to either Cagliari or Olbia takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, you can explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to rugged mountains.


Frequently asked questions

Is Milan worth visiting?

Definitely!

Milan is a dynamic city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity.
It’s also the fashion capital of the world, with its famous Fashion Week drawing global attention.

Whether you’re here for the historic sights, shopping, or enjoying the vibrant culinary scene, Milan offers a unique and enriching experience.

What is Milan famous for?

Milan is renowned for its iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), its status as the global fashion capital, and its vibrant shopping districts like the Quadrilatero della Moda.

Need travel insurance?

SafetyWing provides global travel medical insurance that covers people from all over the world. You can purchase the insurance even if you’re already abroad!

Get your flight, bus & train tickets from one place!

Omio helps you find and compare flights, as well as bus, train, and ferry tickets.

You can manage your trips on the free app. You’ll also get live journey updates!

This post might contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a commission on any purchases made through the links in the post, at no extra cost to you.

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