Milan for First-Time Visitors: Essential Guide

Getting to Milan

Milan has three airports:

• Malpensa (MXP): the main international airport, 50 km northwest. Malpensa Express train to Cadorna (43 min, €13) or bus to Centrale (50 min, €10)
• Linate (LIN): the city airport, 7 km east. Bus 73 or M4 metro direct to centre (20 min, €2.20)
• Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY): budget airline hub, 50 km east. Bus to Milano Centrale (60 min, €7)

Getting Around the City

Milan has an excellent public transport network run by ATM:

• Metro: 4 lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow, M5 purple) + M4 blue (new)
• Trams: historic and atmospheric — lines 1 and 15 are scenic routes
• Tickets: €2.20 single (90 min), €7.60 day pass, €13.80 two-day pass
• Buy tickets: metro stations, tabacchi shops, or the ATM app
• Validate: always stamp your ticket when boarding — inspectors issue €50+ fines

Money & Payments

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Cards: widely accepted — Visa, Mastercard, contactless everywhere
• Cash: still useful for markets, small bars and some taxis
• ATMs (Bancomat): plentiful — use bank ATMs to avoid fees
• Tipping: not obligatory. Rounding up (€1–2) is appreciated at restaurants. No tipping at bars/cafés.

Safety

Milan is generally very safe for tourists. Standard precautions:

• Watch for pickpockets on crowded metro and around the Duomo
• Be wary of people trying to put bracelets on your wrist or offering "free" items — it's a scam
• Avoid buying from illegal street sellers (fines apply to buyers too)
• The San Siro neighbourhood is safe and residential
• Emergency number: 112 (works for police, ambulance, fire)

Language

Italian is the official language. In tourist areas and hotels, English is widely spoken. In local neighbourhoods (like San Siro), basic Italian phrases are appreciated:

• Buongiorno — Good morning/day
• Grazie — Thank you
• Per favore — Please
• Il conto, per favore — The bill, please
• Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?

Cultural Tips

• Coffee culture: espresso (not "expresso") at the bar (standing) costs €1–1.50. Sitting at a table often costs more.
• Cappuccino: only before 11:00 — ordering one after lunch marks you as a tourist
• Dress code: Milanese dress well. Smart casual is the minimum for restaurants
• Church visits: cover shoulders and knees (applies to the Duomo too)
• Meals: don't expect to eat dinner before 19:30
• Tourist tax: charged per person per night — included in your accommodation bill

Best Time to Visit

Milan is wonderful year-round, but spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best combination of weather, events and manageable crowds. See our detailed weather guide for more.

What NOT to Do

• Don't eat in restaurants directly facing the Duomo — tourist traps with bad food at high prices
• Don't take unlicensed taxis — use only white cars with "Taxi" signs and meters
• Don't feed pigeons in Piazza Duomo — it's illegal (fines up to €500)
• Don't sit on church steps to eat — it's disrespectful and sometimes fined
• Don't forget to validate your transport ticket — inspectors are common