Milan is a dynamic and progressive city. Although not as much of a tourist attraction as Rome or Florence, Milan is home to expats from across the globe, thanks to its bustling commercial centres. The lifestyle in Milan is a major draw, and the city has a distinctly multicultural and fashion-conscious character. This luxurious way of life comes at a price, though, as Milan is among the world’s most expensive cities and has the highest cost of living in Italy.
Shopping in Milan
Shoppers will revel in the sheer variety of stores in Milan. Remember to diarise the end-of-season sales, when the city becomes a bargain hunter’s dream for a few weeks each January and July.
You can stroll along the boutique-lined streets of the famed Quadrilatero della Moda (fashion district), popping into high-end designer shops such as Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and Versace – or just admire the gorgeous window displays.
For those on a budget, the Navigli District boasts a selection of boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants at more affordable prices. If you're looking for big-name labels at a reasonable price, try the outlet stores around the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and look out for shops selling end-of-season returns, catwalk cast-offs and secondhand outfits.
A shopping spree can be combined with a historical excursion at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a glass-roofed arcade near the Duomo that opened in 1877. It’s one of the world’s oldest shopping malls and home to Louis Vuitton and Gucci stores, as well as Prada’s flagship store.
Entertainment and nightlife in Milan
Milan’s vibrant restaurant scene will have the taste buds watering, and there is plenty of variety to suit any foodie’s appetite.
Milan’s historic centre is home to most of the city's fine-dining options, including many excellent Italian restaurants that offer local specialities such as risotto Milanese (saffron risotto). Other foodie areas include Brera and the Navigli District. Milan is also renowned for its heritage coffee houses, some of which have been operating since the early 19th century. Famous coffee spots can be found throughout the city.
Of course, along with the trendy restaurants and high-end fashion, expats will find an animated nightlife in the city. Milan is overall rather safe, and expats can enjoy carefree nights out on the town in this vibey, cosmopolitan city. There is something for everyone, ranging from a relaxed, social atmosphere in Colonne di San Lorenzo to the glitz and glamour of clubs in Corso Como.
Art and theatre lovers won't be left wanting in Milan. Leonardo da Vinci's famous The Last Supper can be viewed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, while Teatro alla Scala hosts various operas, ballets, and concerts.
Outdoor activities and sports in Milan
Even though it isn’t known for its abundance of green spaces, Milan still offers plenty of outdoor activities.
Apart from swimming pools, walking trails through parks, and picnic spots within the city limits, there are some thrilling mountain biking routes and a few good golf courses just outside of town. The Le Rovedine Golf Club, for instance, has excellent facilities, good restaurants and a gorgeous view.
As with many European cities, Milan is football crazy. AC Milan and Inter Milan are its biggest and most popular clubs, both of which play at San Siro Stadium. Their rivalry is among football’s most famous, and a must-see match between the two, known locally as the Derby della Madonnina, takes place at least twice a year.
Milan is also ideally located for expats to take advantage of northern Italy’s beaches and fantastic skiing in the Alps. The Courmayeur ski resort is a popular weekend getaway for well-heeled Italians. It’s just two hours from Milan by car, while the Swiss resort of St Moritz is a three-hour drive away.
Kids and family in Milan
Although Milan is a major fashion and business capital with bustling city life, parents with children of varying ages will have no problem finding things to do outside of school. Many child-friendly activities in the city can be equally entertaining for parents, too.
Families are well catered for in Milan, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep youngsters entertained. From scenic parks to historic landmarks and educational museums, here are just a few of the highlights.
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
The gardens and waterfalls of Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli offer an array of natural pleasures, and the garden’s Natural History Museum has colourful exhibits that showcase animals from all over the world – it’s especially fun for little ones.
Sempione Park
In Milan’s historic centre, expats will find Sempione Park. It’s one of the city’s biggest green spaces, and people of all ages walk along its paths, picnic under its shady trees and visit its numerous monuments.
Civic Aquarium of Milan
On the edge of Sempione Park, the Civic Aquarium of Milan is housed in a beautiful building that dates back to 1905. The aquarium holds more than 100 species of marine and freshwater fish. It’s pretty compact but is, nonetheless, an interesting indoor destination to keep kids entertained for an hour or two.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Also aiming to provide an educational experience is the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology. Housed in a 16th-century monastery, the museum seeks to teach children about science through various interactive exhibits.
Idroscalo
Nicknamed ‘the Milan Sea’, Idroscalo is a water park and sports venue that’s almost always bustling with activity. The artificial lake was built in 1930 as a landing area for seaplanes, but today, it hosts various water activities, such as canoeing, skiing, and swimming. Close by is Europark Idroscalo, an amusement park that promises fun for the whole family.
Il Nano Gigante
Il Nano Gigante is a large indoor play centre with jumping castles, climbing frames, and other activities for very young children. It also functions as a daycare centre and function venue for kids’ parties.
See and do in Milan
As the world’s capital of fashion and design, there is plenty to see and do in Milan. Whether taking in the architecture of the centuries-old buildings in the city centre or shopping up a storm amid the upmarket clothes and jewellery on sale in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you'll never be low on entertainment options.
Duomo di Milano
A stay in Milan of any duration would be incomplete without seeing the Duomo di Milano. Milan’s cathedral is a spectacular sight. Those who pass by frequently still marvel at its architectural aesthetic and its religious significance as the seat of the Archbishop of Milan, dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. Its Gothic beauty is the result of almost 600 years of construction, and today, it is Italy’s largest and Europe’s second-largest church.
Piazza del Duomo
Of course, if you visit the Duomo di Milano, you'll find yourself in the Piazza del Duomo, the main square of Milan. Right in Milan’s centre, the square is a focal point for the city’s art, culture and social scene, surrounded by significant buildings, the Royal Palace, and commercial activities. This piazza is one of the city's main tourist attractions.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Moving along from the piazza, you can check out the country’s oldest shopping mall, designed in 1861 by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. From the mosaic floors and the large glass dome overhead to the paintings at its base, there is much to learn from its architectural and artistic offerings. The mall houses upmarket stores such as Gucci, Prada, and Versace, as well as premium bars and restaurants.
Teatro alla Scala
The other side of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II leads out to La Scala, one of the leading opera houses and ballet theatres, not only in Italy but in the world. As such, expats interested in opera and ballet can watch world-renowned artists perform right in the heart of Milan. Here, you can also explore an art museum, a theatrical library, and an associate school of La Scala.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Italy is known for its churches and its art history. Not far from Sempione Park, expats can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent and get a glimpse of the famed mural of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
Meeting people and making friends in Milan
Milan is a dynamic city where meeting new people and making friends is easy. The city’s café, dining and shopping culture creates a strong sense of community, and it doesn't take much to become a part of it. Joining a language exchange group or signing up for cooking classes are great ways to meet people while immersing yourself in Italian culture. Outdoor activities are also popular – you can join a running club or a local football club. Online platforms like Meetup are great for finding people with similar interests, while volunteering opportunities provide a meaningful way to contribute to the local community and make friends at the same time.