Trips to Milan
What to know about Milan
Few cities in the world can claim to have the vibrant mix of influences that Milan does. One of Italy's biggest industrial hubs, the city has embraced its prosperity and heritage to create something fresh and alive. Classic and modern architecture house a cultural scene that extends to art, music and its most famous exponent: High fashion. With exceptional food at every turn, you can indulge in everything from street food to Michelin-starred dining. If the city gets too hot in summer, take a trip a stone's throw from the city's districts and you can soon be out exploring the stunning Italian countryside.
Many who take a trip to Milan are surprised by how much history this modern city has. The Milan Cathedral is one of the most magnificent Gothic structures in the world. Building started in 1386 and was only finished in 1965. This embodies the ethos of the region; unrushed beauty is present in Milan, down to the stones that pave the city. Even the remains of the Colonne di San Lorenzo, huge towering marble columns from the 4th century, welcome the current landscape that surrounds them.
Milan is also a perfectly situated city in the North of Italy. A fantastic location for a weekend break, it's also great as a starting point to travel down through the rest of the country, or even as a springboard into the rest of Europe.
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in Milan to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to do in Milan in 3 days
A long weekend or three days in Milan is a packed excursion. Yet this is just enough time to let the city get under your skin and provide the full experience of this life-affirming city. Below, we provide a three-day itinerary for your travels.
Day 1: Visit the Duomo di Milano
Upon arrival, the best place to start is in the centre of the city. Take a look at the most beautiful architectural sights on the first day, to get a feel of the city and find your bearings.
The Duomo di Milano is a huge Gothic cathedral, the second biggest in the country after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The Piazza is just outside a meeting point with its cobbled square. Filled with coffee shops and bars, so you can take in cafe culture while appreciating the vista before you.
Walk to the west and you'll find the Last Supper, a famous artwork by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Tickets are as rare as hen's teeth so make sure you book in advance. You can then take a short detour to Castello Sforzesco, a 15th-century citadel that's free to roam around at your leisure.
Day 2: Experience the Italian nightlife
On the second day, relax and recharge for an evening in the city. A morning stroll around the grounds of Sempione Park will start your day right; see the city's landmarks in every direction, take a spot of light breakfast and picnic on the way.
In the evening, the Navigli district is surrounded by the main canal, where you can wander around streets designed by Da Vinci himself trying everything from cocktails to cheeses and salami.
Once refreshed, the real nightlife begins at Porta Genova. Find uber-cool cocktail bars like UGO or hit trendy clubs like Superlove.
Day 3: Sort out some souvenirs
The final day is shopping day, and you should head back to the Piazza Del Duomo, which is next to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest active shopping gallery in Italy. Built in 1877, it's not only a sight to behold but a great place for high-end items. Expect stores like Prada and Massimo Dutti to clear out your final day's budget.
If you want to take in what the city is famous for, namely high fashion, then head northeast. You'll find signs for the fashion district, but be warned. Upmarket clothing means upmarket prices and this couture area could see you blow what's left of your holiday budget. All in style, of course.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Milan and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Milan
What are the names of the airports in Milan?
Milan has three major commercial airports. The largest of these is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), followed by Milan Linate Airport (LIN). A little further outside of the city is Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY). All have several transport options to get you to the city and further afield.
Which airlines offer direct flights to Milan?
Several airlines offer direct flights from London and other UK airports to Milan. British Airways, Wizz Air and Ryanair all have direct flights from London airports to Milan Malpensa. British Airways, Italia Airways and easyJet also operate services to Milan Linate. Ryanair and easyJet operate flights to Bergamo.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
You should check with the airline providing carriage at the time of booking if you want to request assistance for children travelling alone. Some airlines will have rules and age restrictions about who can and can't fly alone. Some airlines may not allow this at all. Others may provide a chaperone service for an additional fee.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
The Civil Aviation Authority states that all airlines must allow assistance dogs on flights at no additional cost. You should notify the airline when booking so that they can make arrangements for this. The dog will sit in the footwell in front of the passenger. Make sure you take your Guide Dogs ID and assistance dog card when you check in.
How do I find cheap flights to Milan that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
When looking for flexible change policies at Opodo, opt for our Flexflights. They scan for the best prices based on dates and departures. When you book, add the option for flexible insurance which allows you to change your selected dates and times according to the terms and conditions.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in Milan?
Opodo can be accessed anywhere you have a device and an internet connection. Head over to our hotel sections and input the date and number of nights you wish to stay. From here, we will check the best deals and rates to find you the best accommodation. This can work when booking in advance, or even as a last-minute option while at the destination city.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
This depends on the airline you are flying with and the baggage quota you have selected when booking. Most airlines will allow hand baggage that can be carried onto the flight with you. Any large cases and additional luggage must be checked into the hold before flying.
How can I check in with Opodo?
To check in with Opodo, all you need is your name and 6-digit flight booking number. Once you have completed the check-in on our website, you can then print your boarding pass or save it electronically. This helps you avoid any long queues at the airport.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from London to Milan?
Opodo offers a free cancellation policy within a specific timeframe. This is displayed when you book your flights with Opodo. If cancelled within the timeframe you'll get a full refund of the ticket price.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
If your flight has been cancelled, you may be eligible for compensation as long as it was cancelled less than 14 days before departure. You may also be entitled to compensation if a replacement flight delays your arrival by more than two hours. You should check the policies of the airline you fly with at the time of booking.
An essential guide to airports in Milan
Milan has three main airports. The biggest and most popular is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which handles the majority of international flights. This is followed by Milan Linate Airport (LIN) where most domestic flights depart. The third, Bergamo Airport (BGY) is quite far outside the city but is also a major hub for UK and European flights.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milan Malpensa Airport has direct flights from London Heathrow operated by British Airways. Wizz Air also operates budget flights from Gatwick. Ryanair has flights to the airport from Stansted.
Malpensa Airport has the quickest express train to take you to the other terminals and central Milan. This is the quickest way to get to and from the airport. Its bus service is more extensive, with coaches that can take you to Milan, Fiera Milano City, Milan Linate Airport (LIN), and further afield to other Italian cities. Malpensa is the cheapest way to get to and from the airport.
Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Milan Linate Airport has flights direct from London provided by Italia Airways and British Airways. easyJet also operates a budget airline service that runs less frequently.
The M4 metro line will take you between Dateo Station and the airport. Suburban train lines run to and from the airport and Milan Forlani Station. It's here you can get bus access to the airport. Bus connections at the airport itself also allow you access to the city in the cheapest way possible. You can also use them to go further afield to other cities in Italy.
Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Milan Bergamo Airport has flights direct from London Stansted operated by Ryanair and easyJet. Trains run from Bergamo to Milan Central Station regularly throughout the day. Direct buses to and from the city centre depart every 15 minutes, which is the cheapest way to transfer.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
The best times of the year to visit Milan are late spring and early autumn. Specifically, April and May are good choices earlier in the year, with September and October later.
This lets you get the best of the weather and is just before the main tourist season hits. Expect averages of around 18° and lows of 10°, rising by about four degrees the month after. Rainfall comes sporadically so you can use these months to visit outdoor attractions with only a slight chance that rain will spoil your excursion, such as indoor bars, or museums.
September and October months are perfect for outdoor activities. You don't get the spring blooms, but you do get the beauty of changing colours in the leaves and trees. September has average high temperatures of 24° and October remains warm. The Milan weather is quite dry all year round with little rainfall, so you won't get much in these months either.
One thing to keep in mind is that Milan fashion week arrives in September; a grand spectacle helps the city fill up fast and accommodation prices may cost more.
Summer months bring the best of the weather, but the crowds and sub-tropical climate can be fierce. Many locals go on holiday in August, so you may find some of the shops and businesses closed unless they are geared towards tourists. If you do visit at this time, sun cream, water and insect repellent are essential.
Milan is a very different city in the winter. If you're a fan of galleries and museums, you can get in without the hordes of tourists during these months. February brings another fashion week so it can pick up, though it's not as busy as the one later in the year.
