New in Milan or planning your adventure? Get started with these Frequently Asked Questions about Milan and the answers to kick off your experience!
What you will find in this post
General Questions
What country is Milan in?
Italy
What religion is widely practiced in Italy?
Christianity (Catholic)
Do locals speak English in Milan?
Largely yes, compared to other Italian cities.
How do you say “I do not speak Italian” in Italian?
Io non parlo Italiano
What is Milan best-known for?
Fashion – it’s called the fashion capital.
What currency is spent in Milan?
Euro (€)
Paperworks
Do I need to get a Visa to visit Milan?
It depends on your nationality, check with your local embassy to find out if you need a visa. However, if you hold a Schengen Visa, you are allowed to visit Milan without a Visa.
How do I get the Permesso di Soggiorno?
You will need to obtain it 8 days within your arrival in Milan. See my step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Permesso di Soggiorno.
How long does it take to get the Permesso di Soggiorno?
Usually between 30 to 90 days after thumb printing.
Where can I get the Marca da Bollo stamp?
At a Tabaccheria also known as Tabacchi.
Exploring Milan and Environs
When is the best time to visit Milan?
During summer excluding August – it’s too hot. April to May and September to October are also good times. Note that practically everywhere is also closed in August – due to Ferragosto. Find out more about the best time to visit Milan in my other post.
What’s the weather like in Milan?
Milan has four seasons: Summer is from June through to August. Autumn is during the months of September, October, and November and winter is from December to February.
What are the nearest tourist towns to Milan?
Como, Garda, Maggiore, Turin, Florence, Brescia, Bergamo, Bologna, Pisa, Monza, Verona, Mantova and Venice.
What are the famous tourist points in Milan?
Duomo Cathedral at Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittori Emmanuele, Corso Sempione, Corso Como, Brera, Porta Garibaldi, and Navigli.
Where can I shop in Milan?
Corso Buenos Aires, La Rinascente, Via Torino, Piaza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and Via Montenapleone. See my guide on shopping designer brands.
Is Milan a safe city?
Largely yes, you can read my post on Safety in Milan.
What are the best countries to visit on a budget from Milan?
They are many countries you can visit on a budget like Paris. See all the budget countries near Milan.
What are the taxi services available in Milan?
RadioTaxi Milano 02-6969, MyTaxi, Taxicab 02-8585, Easy Taxi, Taxiblu 02-4040 and Uber
How can I get to Milan from Malpensa Airport?
By train, bus, or taxi. Read my guide on how to get to the city centre from Milan Malpensa Airport.
How can I get to Milan city centre from Linate Airport?
By bus 73 from Linate Airport going towards Duomo MM or a taxi.
How can I get to Milan from Bergamo Airport?
By train, bus or taxi.
How can I send items outside or within Milan?
Through Poste Italiane (Italian Post office), or DHL and UPS for speedy shipping.
Can I see Milan in one day?
Yes, you can. See my One Day in Milan Guide.
Can I visit Museums for free in Milan?
Yes, many museums in Milan are free on the first Sunday of the month. See the free museums in Milan.
Where can I eat cheaply in Milan?
At Trattorias, they serve homemade meals at very pocket-friendly prices.
Where are the best aperitivo spots in Milan?
Navigli and Corso Sempione.
What are the best things to do in Milan?
Sightseeing, aperitivo, and shopping.
What food is Milan known for?
Risotto alla Milanese, Panettone, and Osso buco are three of the famous dishes. Read my post on Local Milanese Food.
What can I eat in Milan?
Traditional meals like Risotto or international dishes are available all around the city. See my guide on local dishes to eat in Milan.
What are the best ways to travel from Milan to other European countries?
By air, train, or bus.
Is there a beach in Milan?
Milan doesn’t have a beach. However, you can visit nearby towns in Liguria region that have beaches. Look here for Beaches near Milan.
Where can I swim in Milan?
There are many public and private swimming pools you can enjoy a cool bath during the hot summer months. See a list of Lakes you can swim and sunbathe near Milan.
How Far is Luguria from Milan?
It’s a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Milan by car; about three to four hours by regional train; and one hour 30 minutes by fast train.
Living in Milan
How much is the cost of living in Milan?
On an extremely tight budget, €700 should cover accommodation in a shared room, feeding costs, and transportation monthly. For a studio, you should budget around €1200 monthly on a low budget.
Where can I watch Football in English?
There are places like the English Football Pub near Duomo.
Where can I watch movies in English?
The Space Cinema, UCI Cinema, Anteo Palazzo del Cinema, and Arcobaleno Film Center.
Where can I buy fresh food in Milan?
At the open markets. They usually open in the mornings and close around 2 pm. There is usually one for each area on different days of the week.
Where can I get Asian, African, and Intercontinental recipes in Milan?
At Intercontinental stores you can find in your neighbourhood, China Town at Via Paolo Sarpi, open markets, and sometimes in the supermarkets.
What can I do at night in Milan?
Aperitivo, movies, clubbing, game night at Biccoca Village. Read my post on nightlife in Milan.
Where are the best places to stay in Milan?
The city centre axis. Read my post on Best Places to Live in Milan
Is Milan expensive to live in?
Yes, it is ranked among one of the most expensive cities to live in – even more expensive than its capital – Rome.
Can you rent a car in Milan?
Yes. Services like DriveNow and Enjoy are available.
Can you rent a bicycle in Milan?
Yes, check the City of Milan’s bicycle service called BikeMi.
Are there second-hand or vintage stores in Milan?
Yes, there are places like Wait and See, Cavalli e Nastri, Share located near Loreto Metro Station, and Humana nel Mondo near Duomo.
What days are the open or flea market in Milan?
They open different days, by location.
What public transportation systems are available in Milan?
Metro, Train, Tram, Bus, and Bicycle Service.
How is the Nightlife in Milan?
Great, if you know the right places to go. Read my guide on Nightlife in Milan
What is the Italian Way of life?
Italians have certain attributes peculiar to their culture. Read about the Italian Way of life.
When is the Milan Fashion Week?
Fashion week generally refers to the womenswear shows that happen twice per year in February and September. Read about my Milan Fashion Week experience.
When is the Milan Design Week: Fuorisalone?
Usually in April
When is Expo in Milan?
The date varies yearly.
I hope you found these questions about Milan and the answers helpful. If you have more questions about Milan, drop them in the comment box and I will answer as soon as possible. Do enjoy your time in Milan. A presto!
