Milan Holidays & City Breaks

Milan Holidays & City Breaks

Deals from £150 per person

Holidays to Milan whisk you away to one of Northern Italy’s most captivating cities. Synonymous with elegance and sophistication, Milan is among the most fashionable places across the globe, home to iconic brands such as Prada, Gucci and Versace. Here, the streets are lined with trendy boutiques filled with everything from designer clothing to vintage jewellery – every shopaholic’s dream.

Aside from being the style capital of Italy, this trendy city is also renowned for its impressive art, fascinating architecture and luxury dining scene. Stroll around the Pinacoteca di Brera and marvel at the works in the Museo Novecento. Or explore the city’s extraordinary Gothic cathedral before heading over to the Navigli district to enjoy a delicious meal. While Milan holidays are ideal for avid fashionistas, there’s something to delight everyone in this Italian powerhouse.

Fashion capital

Milan is one of the most important fashion capitals in the world, along with Paris, London and New York. It’s particularly famous for its role within the prêt-à-porter clothing category (clothes that are sold ready to wear instead of made to measure). Milanese style denotes charm and glamour, and the city is the birthplace of many of the world’s most influential brands.

Milan hosts its famous Fashion Week twice a year, where fashion lovers come to witness catwalk shows and presentations of the latest trends. The city also showcases other important fashion events, such as the Milano Unica Event. This takes place annually and allows up-and-coming designers the opportunity to showcase their work.

Naturally, there are plenty of places to shop in this vibrant city. The Quadrilatero della Moda is one of Milan’s most popular shopping streets, dotted with high-end shops and local and international brands. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is home to other fashion stores, such as Zara and H&M.

Cultural landmarks

Milan city breaks are an opportunity to visit fascinating landmarks. This cultural haven is full of awe-inspiring buildings and monuments that tell the tale of Milan’s rich history.

Its most famous structure is the Duomo di Milano, the third-largest cathedral in the world. Complete with 135 spires and 3,400 statues, this Gothic building stands proudly in the Piazza del Duomo, the main city square of Milan. The Duomo di Milano took nearly 500 years to complete and required thousands of artists and sculptors for its construction. Here, visitors can climb up to the roof terrace to enjoy stunning panoramic views across the city.

Another of Milan’s must-visit landmarks is Santa Maria delle Grazie, a unique church and symbol of the city’s Catholic tradition. It's at this outstanding building that you can see Leonardo da Vinci’s unrivalled masterpiece, The Last Supper, displayed across the north wall.

Dazzling city

If you’re looking for places to relax after the sun sets, Milan has it all. Its Navigli district is one of the most-loved places to enjoy an evening of merriment, home to a plethora of restaurants, nightclubs and cocktail bars.

As well as a range of picture-perfect eateries and delightful waterside bars boasting a lively atmosphere, you'll find a choice of high-end restaurants, including Al Pont de Ferr and Carlo e Camilla.

To soak up the party atmosphere, head to Apollo Club, a popular venue that offers a combination of a disco space, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. Or for something truly unique, spend an evening at Nidaba Theatre, where you can enjoy live music performances. Whether you’re after a refreshing tipple or want to dance the night away, look no further than this fabulous canal district for an unforgettable night out.

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Map of Milan

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4°C - 35°C

Hot in summer and cold in winter, the ultimate time to explore Milan is spring or autumn.

2 hours
Fly to Malpensa Airport (MXP) – it’s the region's largest airport with links into Milan by train and shuttle.

Milan is best for...

Shoppers: It’s one of the world’s fashion capitals, so it should be no surprise that Milan is a shoppers’ paradise. Explore boutiques, high-fashion flagships and independent designers on the city’s two iconic shopping streets, Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga, and the surrounding area. Don’t have the budget for Versace? Plenty of vintage stores offer Italian designer clothes, accessories and homeware for less.

Architecture fans: The Lombardy capital is a treasure trove of breathtaking architecture. Don’t miss the striking Gothic Duomo di Milano, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest and most luxurious shopping centres, covered by an ornate glass roof. The city’s buildings are a beautiful backdrop that even the most novice architecture fan can enjoy.

Foodies: Whether you seek out local flavours or want to explore the city’s modern restaurant scene, if you love food, you’ll love Milan. Switzerland, Germany and Austria influence many of the region’s famous dishes, using butter, potatoes and rice. Why not book one of Milan’s 15 Michelin-starred restaurants? These award-winning spots cover Milanese, Italian and Asian cuisine.

Art lovers: There are few better ways to spend your time in Milan than exploring its world-renowned galleries. The city’s institutions are home to priceless Renaissance paintings, while ancient frescoes adorn its buildings. Not to mention contemporary galleries showcasing the best of the 21st century. Unmissable art galleries in Milan include Pinacoteca di Brera, Fondazione Prada, Mudec and Museo del Novecento.

Fast facts for Milan

Language: Italian is the official language spoken in Milan.

Currency: The official currency used in Milan is the Euro (EUR).

Local time: Milan is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: The closest airport to Milan is Malpensa Airport (MXP), about 50 km northwest of Milan City Centre.

Flight time from UK: It takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to fly from London to Milan.

Tourist information: You can find more information about visiting the city on the official Milan tourism website.

Visa / health: Check the latest advice on the UK Government’s travel information site before you travel.

Holiday destinations related to Milan:

Getting around Milan

By metro: The city’s metro system is the most extensive in Italy, made up of four lines and over 100 stations, making this one of the easiest ways to get around. To use the Milan Metro, tap your contactless card on the gate at any station and tap again when you reach your destination.

By tram: Milan has 18 tram lines running every day and night. Buy a ticket at a tram or metro stop for just €1.50, then use it to get around for 90 minutes. You can also purchase 24-hour and three-day travel passes, convenient for seeing more of the city.

On foot: Want to see more of Milan? This walkable city is a perfect place to explore on foot. Experience the bustle of locals and discover lesser-known restaurants, bars, shops and galleries when you wander between landmarks and attractions.

Events in Milan

Milan Fashion Week: The city’s most stylish event? Milan Fashion Week happens twice a year, with autumn / winter collections showing in February and March and spring / summer designs displayed in September and October. During this popular week, the streets are abuzz with fashionable attendees flitting between shows.

Ambrosian Carnival: The Ambrosian Carnival, or Carnevale Ambrosiano di Milano, is a special occasion for locals. The main celebration occurs in Piazza Duomo and the surrounding areas after the Ambrosian Rite ceremony inside the cathedral. See parades, street performers, music and dances. The Ambrosian Carnival happens a week after the Venice Carnival, which always ends on Shrove Tuesday.

Milan safety and security

For the latest info about staying safe when you travel to Milan, please check the FCDO travel advice for Italy.

Milan weather

Temperature: Milan has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and milder winters. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 25˚C. The coldest month is January, when temperatures are an average of 3˚C. 

Best time to visit: Like many Mediterranean destinations, the best times to visit Milan are spring and autumn. Summers can be hot and sticky, while cold winters make exploring the city more challenging. Spring and autumn are also outside of the peak summer season, so you can enjoy the city with blue skies, fresh air and plenty of space on the streets.

Best hotels in Milan