From fashion to food, what’s not to love about Milano? As the fashion capital of Italy and home to everything from 12th-century Gothic cathedrals to modern skyscrapers – Milan should be on everyone’s bucket list.
You might be wondering what to pack for a town that combines metropolitan flair with ancient history. That’s why I’ve put together this guide that covers what to pack, what to wear in Milan, what NOT to bring, and more tips to ensure a smooth trip.
Like any metropolitan city, Milan has its fair share of petty crime. When the metro is crowded, it’s hard to tell if someone is bumping into you because of the lack of space or to get to what’s in your pockets. Make sure that your valuables are protected by using a neck wallet. The Hero Neck wallet is my go-to because it fits not only your phone and credit cards but also is wide enough for your passport.
Navigating Milan is no easy feat. The metros, buses, and trams can get you almost anywhere in the city— but the key is knowing which ones to take. To make sure your phone never dies, leaving you without Google Maps to help, keep a portable charger in your daypack for when your phone is low on juice.
When you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, like the ones you’ll find in your Hotel or Airbnb in Milan, anyone connected to that server can access your data pretty easily. That means that can get ahold of sensitive information like your credit card numbers. I learned this the hard way when my credit card number was stolen while traveilng in Europe. A VPN also allows you to visit popular websites that may be censored in that country, and even find flight details sometimes since you can hop locations via server.
Don’t make the same mistake that I made my first time in Milan. I bought a cheap plug adapter from a street vendor, and by day two of the trip, my curling iron was completely fired. Make sure you buy high-quality adapters like these with a built-in fuse protector.
Milan is a big city. It’s not always easy to get from one neighborhood to the next in a timely fashion. Rather than making multiple stops at your hotel throughout the day, bring a daypack with all the items you’ll need for the day— but remember this is Milan, so make it a stylish one.
Sometimes things don’t go as planned when traveling. Even in the land of the Dolce Vita, your luggage can get lost, flights canceled, or an unexpected trip to the emergency room from having one too many gelatos. Make sure that you’re covered for the unexpected with travel insurance for Italy.
We use Faye Travel Insurance because everything is handled through their app – from payments to reimbursements to 24/7 support. Claims are completely painless and we’ve been so impressed with their unique coverage for areas like medical, rentals, pet care, and the ability to cancel your trip “for any reason!” For around 5% of your total trip cost, it’s worth it.
Milan is the ultimate style hub, so obviously you’ll want to dress to impress. Streamline your outfit changes and stay organized with packing cubes. Rather than digging around in your luggage for the shoes that you packed to wear with your leather pants, you can simply just grab your luggage cube for the day, and viola, you’re ready for the runway… I mean streets.
In Milan, as well as the rest of Italy, you will be charged for water when dining out. Depending on how fancy (or touristy) the restaurant that you’re dining at is, the price of a bottle of water can get quite steep. To avoid having to pay for water, bring your filtered water bottle— there are even public drinking fountains all over the city to refill it and you can mitigate the slightly chlorinated taste of local tap.
All four seasons get their fair share of rain in Milan. While summer is less than the others, when it rains during the warm months it can come down. You’re going to want to make sure that you have a sturdy and reliable umbrella with you so you don’t get caught in the thick of it.
While there's no beach in Milan, you're only a short train trip from Lago Di Como, or Lake Como. It's well worth hopping on the local train to spend an afternoon swimming with a breathtaking view. Bring your quick-dry towel with you so that you aren't stuck with a wet towel on the train back to Milano.
Italy has a way of making you consume 10x the amount of coffee you normally would. “Voi Cafe?” or “Do you want a coffee?” is something you’ll be asked at all hours of the day. If you plan to indulge in the Italian way, you’ll want to bring some melatonin, so you’re not up all night staring at the ceiling of your hotel room.
Fair warning: Italy doesn’t have the best reputation for airport baggage handling. Yes, everywhere they toss our bags with reckless abandon. But in Italy, they’re a little more susceptible to losing an item (usually only for a day or two!) I had a bag go missing in Rome and it took about 48 hours to be sent to me. Use these luggage straps to reinforce your baggage against the rough journey ahead while aldso attaching your contact information, which is built into the strap.
These are awesome for peace of mind that your belongings won’t fly open or get sprawled out on the baggage carasoul. And the bright colors and prints are great for spotting your bags a mile away in a sea of Italian leather!
Don’t stumble over the cobblestones or try to lug everything by hand. A rolling duffle will be a much-welcomed reprieve on your journey to Italy so you can effortlessly glide through the streets. This bag is the perfect size for fitting in tight train compartments too and is super durable.
Obviously you’ll want to visit the Milan Duomo, a 600-year old beauty that will actually take your breath away. We just don’t build ‘em like that anymore. I’d also recommend checking out the Leonardo da Vinci Museum and seeing his famous Last Supper painting. If you’re a Football fan (Football to Italians, Soccer to Americans), the San Siro Stadium is a blast. And there are great day-trips to Lake Como and St. Mortiz.
Get Your Guide has the best tours for authentic experiences with flexible cancelation and skip-the-line options! I highly recommend booking in advance so you don’t have to deal with this in the moment, things can sell out and day-trips will require some planning.
There’s a reason Italians take such long vacations in August— it’s too hot to work. If you’re going to be galavanting around Milan during the summer months, make sure to pack a cooling towel. All you have to do is dip it in water and you’ll have a nice refreshing towel to cool yourself down with.
I don’t know how they do it but their hair always looks great— both men and women. When you’re visiting Milan, chances are you’re not going to have hours to get ready in the morning or for dinner each night. Throw a bottle of dry shampoo in your suitcase to make sure that even when you’re short on time, your hair looks fabulous.
If I had a euro for every time that I knocked something off the bathroom counter and broke it in an Italian hotel room, let’s just say I’d be able to stay at the Ritz. The bathrooms in Italian hotels are always smaller than expected. To avoid breaking your expensive serum or having blush powder everywhere, use a hanging toiletry bag to keep the counter space clutter-free.
Italian hotel rooms are tiny and the bathrooms tend to be smaller than expected. To save some much-needed space, pack your toiletries and cosmetics in a hanging bag. This way the counter won’t get cluttered and you won’t knock something over accidentally making a mess.
You’ll be indulging in some delicious flavors, no doubt! But come prepared with activated charcoal, which will act as an instant detoxifier in case something doesn’t agree with your tummy or you get a case of traveler’s diarrhea. We never travel without these.
As someone who has personally struggled with staying connected while abroad – I can vouch for the revolutionary impact of eSIM. Instead of hunting around for a physical SIM card, which can just break or get lost, eSIM is a 100% digital service that you can activate at your leisure. Since you only pay for the amount of data you need, it’s actually cheaper, faster, and mitigates the risk of hackers. Saily operates in 200+ destinations, so you can also hop between the best networks in Europe and never miss a beat!
Bonus: use our link for a 5% discount on your upcoming trip – code “ASHER5” applies at checkout.
Airport security in Milan is maybe the least glamorous part of the entire country. Secure your belongings as you move through busy airports like Milan Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), Bergamo (BGY), or nearby Fiumicino in Rome (FCO). Nothing ruins a good time like a bag being tampered with and I’ve lost a bag at FCO, so I can’t speak for the rest of Italy! These TSA-approved luggage locks are a must since the only person rummaging through your stuff will be TSA with a universal key.
You already know Milan is fashion-forward, so you’ll likely pack multiple pairs of shoes and some higher-end clothes. Don’t let your scuffy shoes with street grime touch your fine fabrics or favorite pieces! These shoe bags keep the perfect barrier between your clothes and footwear, and it really helps to stay organized (or carry a new pair of Italian kicks!)
The wine in Italy is top-notch, so you’ll want to bring some home with you! Use these bottle protector seals to protect any glass items – from Chianti to perfume to olive oil! You don’t want those spilling all over your suitcase and these are leakproof with a triple seal.
As your personal item bag, this is the perfect addition to your packing artillery! It allows you to swiftly skip the carry-on baggage fees (you’re welcome), and stow away any souvenirs you pick up along the way. It fits perfectly under your seat or in the overhead compartment and can be stored inside larger bags since it’s made of a duffle material.
It’s an 8+ hour trip to Milan from NYC and 13+ hours from the West Coast – so you’ll definitely want to come stocked on jet lag relief pills. These make all the difference in the early adjustment period of your trip as you transition to the Central European Timezone, which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern time. I know all this time-talk sounds like the Twilight Zone, but just trust us – you’ll want some gentle relief to fight exhaustion on long travel days.
For some reason, the public bathrooms in Milan always seem to be out of toilet paper— even though they’ll cost you a euro to use. Throwing a couple of compressed wipe coins into your purse, pocket or daypack will make sure you’ll never have to make do without toilet paper.
It’s way more convenient to keep travel-sized bottles handy since these will fall under the TSA’s 3.4-ounce limit. Even if it’s your checked bag, these are leakproof and made of BPA-free silicon, so you can use them for anything from shampoo to sauces to baby food!
The mosquitos in Italy can be relentless. Since there are no screens on the windows at night, they come right into your hotel room. Rather than spending the night swatting at the annoying buzzing noise in your ear, bring these bracelets that can be kept around your ankles, wrists, or even bed posts or nearby decor to repel mosquitos.
After climbing the 250 stairs at the Iconic Duomo in Milano, you might need to freshen up a bit. You’ll be happy to have travel-size deodorant wipes in your daypack. That way after enjoying the view you’ve earned, you’ll be fresh and ready to take on the rest of the day of sightseeing. Each is individually packaged so it fits perfectly in your wallet, purse, or pocket.
The mosquitos in Italy can be relentless. Since there are no screens on the windows at night they come right into your hotel room. Rather than spending the night swatting at the annoying buzzing noise in your ear, bring a wall plug that repels mosquitos. All you have to do is plug it in and they won’t come anywhere near your room.
In Milan, fashion is a way of life the streets look like catwalks even in the height of the summer. You’re going to want to bring your A-Game when it comes to what you wear.
A mix-and-match capsule wardrobe with a few statement pieces is the best strategy when it comes to packing for Milan. In Italian Fashion, Black is always in, so build your looks around neutral colors and go from there depending on your activities.
The women in Milan dress to impress. You’ll want to wear something chic yet comfortable for walking around Italy’s largest city. Make sure you pack shoes that are comfortable because you’ll be racking up the steps in the winding cobblestone streets of Milan. Being a fashion capital, you’ll see women with both timeless and trendy styles. You can go timeless for the evening in a statement jumpsuit, and show your knowledge of trends with an oversized blazer, pleated shorts, and sneakers for day touring.
While they stick to a refined style with a neutral color palette, for the most part, men aren’t afraid to express themselves through fashion in Milan. You’ll want to bring some casual outfits for the day like pleated pants and breathable button-downs. For the evening bring something a little more dressy like tailored trousers and a sports coat.
Milan summer is a toasty one. The city gets pretty hot and since Italians aren’t big on air-conditioning, even being inside can get pretty warm. You’ll want to dress in cool breathable fabrics, like cotton tank tops with a flowy skirt. Guys will be comfortable in a linen button-down and shorts. Sandals are ideal for the summer, but make sure they’re comfortable because you’ll be getting a lot of steps in.
Temperatures in the Summer range on average between 68°F to 86°F (20°C-30°C)
The autumn in Milan is beautiful. The weather is perfect during this time of year, in the mornings and the evenings the air is crisp, but once the sun shines, you’ll be warm. During the day it’s warm enough to wear a chic jumpsuit with sandals. In the evening a pair of pleated pants with a light jacket or a pullover will keep you cozy.
Temperatures in the fall range on average between 50°F to 75°F (10°C-24°C)
When people think of Italy, they rarely think of cold winters, but since Milan is in the north of Italy it’s one of the cities that experiences a “real” winter. If you’re visiting during the colder months, don’t be surprised to see snow or if the temperature drops to single digits. You’ll want to wear something warm like a puffer jacket, scarf, jeans, boots, and a sweater.
Temperatures in the winter range on average between 35°F to 50°F (2°C-10°C)
The spring in Milan is similar to Autumn in weather, but the fashion changes. During the day the weather will be warm, so a midi-skirt and a crop top will look great, at night you can swap your sandals for a pair of boots and your short-sleeve top for a sweater to keep the spring vibe, but do it Milan-style.
Temperatures in the spring range on average between 45°F to 75°F (7°C-23°C)
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Directly next to the Duomo, there’s the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, a beautiful shopping arcade that is famous for its luxury brands and its incredible backdrop for photoshoots. You’re going to want to be in something gorgeous here— wear a statement piece like a jumpsuit with a killer purse.
Sforza Castle: While the Castle itself is an incredible site to see, it’s also home to several museums. You’re going to want to be dressed in something that you’ll feel comfortable walking in . Pleated pants and an oversized shirt with comfy sandals are perfect for looking refined while feeling cozy.
Teatro Alla Scala: Going to the Opera at Teatro all Scala is a must-do in Milan. The opera house is nothing short of magnificent with its iconic red and gold interiors with ornate molding— you’ll feel like you’re in a movie. When heading to the theatre it’s important to look the part, women should wear a nice dress or chic jumpsuit, and men should wear nice trousers and a button-down with a jacket.
Picnic at Sempione Park: The largest green space in Milan is Sempione Park and it’s a favorite for locals to wander around or picnic at. If you’re going to join in the dolce far niente (The sweetness of doing nothing) wear something casual yet trendy like pleated shorts and a tank top.
Aperitivo
Italy has this incredible thing that’s like a happy hour — but better because it has snacks. It’s a way of life in Milan, and people dress to impress for aperitivo. Wear a stunning dress with platforms to enjoy your spritz and nibbles with.
Wandering the Canals
Thought the only canals in Italy were in Venice? Milan’s Navigli neighborhood is filled with beautiful canals. The neighborhood is filled with cute boutiques and bars, so you’ll want to make sure you’re ready to go from day to night with a killer outfit like a dress or jumpsuit that can take you from shopping to sipping Aperol spritz at a chic Milanese bar.
If you wear a pair of shorts or a skirt that is too short you could very easily have a little old Italian lady yelling at you on the street. After all, the Vatican is located inside the country, so try to stay modest in your attire.
They don’t call Milan a Fashion capital for no reason, the city is packed with amazing shopping. Make sure you leave some room in your suitcase for the things you find during your trip.
Leave your diet at home because Milan is home to some of the best food in the world. The pizza, pasta, and of course the tiramisu, it’s all INCREDIBLE. Don’t hold yourself back while you’re in Milan, enjoy every bite without feeling guilty— after all you’ll be walking most of it off anyways.
Save room in your suitcase by leaving your hairdryer at home. Most hotels have them in the room for you anyways— if not just ask the front desk and they will surely have one on hand.
Milan is HUGE and while there is public transport to get you from A to B, even walking across the piazza in front of the duomo can be a trek if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes. Make sure whatever footwear you bring, you can walk in.
Milan, while a fairly international city, is still Italian. They use the Euro, so leave your dollars at home because you won’t need or be able to use them while you're in Milan.
Risotto alla Milanese, Ossobuco, and the holiday cake Panettone are all Milanese specialties. But of course, Italian classics like pizza, pasta, gelato, and wine are all worth indulging in when visiting Milan.
You’ll want to stay in one of the central neighborhoods:
For the most part yes, I wouldn’t expect older Italians to know perfect English though, so it’s good to have your phrase book on hand. It's also always courteous to make an effort and speak the local language whenever traveling to a new country. The locals appreciate the effort.
To navigate the city you can use the metro, trams, buses, car sharing apps, bike sharing apps, and taxis. Walking is my favorite way to get around. You get to experience many things in the city that you'd miss when in a car or on a bus. Milan is a very walkable city so I'd highly recommend walking to bars, restaurants, and museums whenever possible.
The official language is Italian. Street signs will be in Italian and menus likely will be too. Sometimes there are English translations, but be sure to download Google Translate or bring a pocket Italian dictionary with you for your trip to Milan.
The autumn, spring, and summer (aside from August— it’s too hot) are great times to visit Milan. The weather is warm and the sun will be shining. If you like colder weather, Milan is also great in the winter— especially after a snowfall. Some people visit Milan expecting it to be warm and sunny like the Mediterranean, but Milan can get quite cold since it's located closer to the center of Europe rather than on the coast in the peninsula.
Milan Fashion Week happens twice per year, in February and September.
Lyric is an accomplished poet, best-selling author, award-winning screenwriter (studied at NYU film school), amazing chef, singer/songwriter, and mommy of two amazing little kids! After growing up in Hollywood she decided to delve into a profound spiritual journey and became a yogi-monk for almost a decade. She enjoys helping Asher conduct research, writing for our blog, and loves traveling the world (Paris is her favorite city), and sharing her experiences with you!
