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A Budget Traveler's Guide to Milan, Italy

Updated: Jun 28

Overview

Milan is the perfect layover city. Yes, it’s probably not the most interesting, historic or beautiful city you’ll find in Italy, but certainly one that shouldn’t be missed. There’s truly a charm about it that simply makes you smile and its much more than just fashion week. If you have one or two days between trips to southern Italy, France or eastern Europe, you have to make a stop in this European hub.


What we love about Milan is that its wildly modern, yet it retains that Italian-ness that you are searching for on any trip to Italy. The city is characterized by a youthful vibe and an international atmosphere created by those who call Italy’s wealthiest city home. You get a little bit of everything here, which is certainly atypical for Italy. Whether its exploring renaissance churches and castles,  or getting lost in one of Europe’s largest Chinatowns, Milan definitely has something for everyone.


What makes it even more attractive is its proximity to other European cities and its status as one of Europe’s largest airport hubs, boasting three international airports within an hour of the city center.





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Panzerotti at Luini


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Pizza at Assaje


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Queen Hostel


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Navigli Grande


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Castello Sforzesco


What To Do

While Milan is an old city, inhabited by people for centuries, we think what makes Milan special is its recent developments. It’s status the financial hub of Italy has brought both architectural innovation and an international spirit that you simply can’t find anywhere else in Italy. Dotted with endless shopping streets, high quality cuisine and endless museum exhibitions, your weekend trip here will be anything but boring.


Imbibe in Navigli

The Navigli district in the southwestern corner of Milan’s inner ring is more or less the place to be in Milan when the sun sets. Characterized by its interweaving network of narrow canals, Navigli is the perfect place to try a taste of Milan and meet friends to start a night. Start your evening off the Italian way with an aperitivo, a classic Milanese treat which features a cocktail or drink of your choice and a buffet/ smalls bites for a fixed price (normally around 10 euros).


For just the price of a drink, essentially you get dinner and possibly a dessert as well, depending on the spread of course. The aperitivo is a staple of Milan nightlife and something that both locals and tourist love. There’s simply no better way to spend an evening than with a spritz (A drink made of an Italian bitter liqueur and prosecco), a plate of focaccia and friends. Navigli is also home to tons of trendy bars, clubs and shops, the perfect thing after an aperitivo to help you walk off all that food!


Get Royal at Castello Sforzesco

Sitting in the heart of the city center is the glorious Castello Sforzesco. It is majestic, magical and transports you to days long gone. The good news is entering is still free, although if you want to get into the museum, it’s going to cost you. It is truly a gem of medieval Italian architecture and is the perfect backdrop for any instagramable moment in Milan. It’s the perfect spot to grab a picnic lunch of meats and cheeses, relax and chill. It’s also a short walk from the Duomo, Milan’s giant white cathedral, which makes it a must see item on your list.


Get of Taste of the East in Chinatown

Often not explored by tourist but one of the best parts of Milan is its Chinatown, hosting more than 80,000 Chinese for over the last hundred years. The main artery of Chinatown is Via Paolo Sarpi, a kilometer long drag in which you will find delicious Chinese restaurants, street food, clothing vendors, Chinese food stores and more. It’s wildly authentic for being in a city obsessed with pizza and you can find traditional fare from all the regions of China. We would recommend trying a “Mo”, a rich and filling stewed pork bun from Ravioleria Sarpi or a hand pulled noodle dish from Maoji.


Shop Til’ You Drop

If you do have some money to spend on your trip to Milan, do as the “locals and international tourists” do and hit the streets to find whatever you need in life! Behind the Duomo is a long shopping street featuring both luxury and affordable stores for clothing and accessories. Because it is a challenge to stay relevant in an extremely competitive environment, all the stores along this street are both hip and interesting, taking the retail experience to the next level.


It would be a shame to talk about Milan and not mention the Brera district, arguably the most beautiful architectural area of Milan. Adorned by blue, yellow and green Italian style buildings, you can easily fall in love with this quaint corner of an otherwise industrial city.


What To Eat

While Milan might not be the most notable Italian food destination, it is awesome for cheap bites you can find all over the city.


Panzerotti: Essentially, it is a fried or baked mini calzone, something traditional of northern Italy and many places do it justice around the city. The most touristy spot to eat a panzerotti is at Luini near Duomo, but there are many other local spots that do it just as well. Classic fillings are mozzarella with salami or a sweet version with ricotta cheese.

Pizza: A trip to Milan without eating pizza would be a shame! We recommend you head to the Isola district, an up and coming hipster area of Milan for a taste of new Italy at Assaje Segrino. Their Napoli style pies are to die for and for less than 10 euros per pizza, it’s a steal of a deal.


Granita, a taste of Sicily: Sitting in the trendy bar area of Moscova is Ammu Cafe, a location notorious for offering generous scoops of Granita, a Sicilian shaved ice dessert that is absolutely to die for. If you are ever tired of gelato, we recommend coming here for pistachio, almond or tangerine granita served with a warm and sweet brioche bun. Simply magical.


Where To Stay

Milan has plenty of great hostels, although prices can be high. We recommend checking out our partner Queen Hostel in Porta Romana.


Transportation

Milan has an effective and easy to understand public transportation system. Whether its buses, trams or the underground, getting around should be simple. Tickets cost 3 euro and a day pass for only 10 euros.


Clubbing and Nightlife


During the school year, clubbing in Milan is packed and the bar streets are seriously the place to be. Whether its an aperitivo in navigli or drinks in Moscova, you will definitely find a bar that suits you. We recommend a bar named ChinaBox in Moscova. They have cheap drinks and a lively atmosphere if the weather is good.


Clubbing in Milan is a bit all over the place, a bit for everyone. You could go to Tunnel Club and Dude Club for house music, Hollywood, The Club and Alcatraz for that young student/Erasmus feel or one of the various other small music venues around the city. If you are interested in a unique experience, party in Gattopardo, a club located in a restored theater or go for drinks at La Chiesetta, a bar set in an old neighborhood church.


Since Milan is a city of money, shopping and excess, it’s not surprising that the most expensive club in Milan would be owned by Cavalli, the vendor of high quality clothing. Just Cavalli is certainly the most expensive night out in Milan with an entrance being around 30 euros. The others range in between 15-20, many of which give you coupons for drinks upon entrance.


My Travel Essentials For A European Backpacking Trip

Below you'll find a list of my must bring backpacking items. I have gotten this list down to my essentials through trial and error over 4 years of living in a backpack. I hope you'll find these items helpful on your journey!


►Main Backpacking Backpack: https://amzn.to/3vUHdik [Amazon]

►Great Front Facing Duffle-bag : https://amzn.to/3SjK6Ra [Amazon]

►Quick Dry Towel : https://amzn.to/3uarxH8 [Amazon]

►Multi Country Charger Adapter : https://amzn.to/3Ul37p0 [Amazon]

►Refillable Water Bottle : https://amzn.to/48SnG0n [Amazon]

►Padlock : https://amzn.to/3SdyYp7 [Amazon]

►Earplugs : https://amzn.to/498xTpl [Amazon]

►Power Bank : https://amzn.to/3SyXP8e [Amazon]


Travel Photography & Video Favorites

If you're interested in creating your own video content on your trip, these are some of my favorite items I've had. They work, they're effective and besides the Sony Aa7C, they aren't going to break the bank either!


►On the Go Video | Go Pro Hero 12 : https://amzn.to/3u38oHh [Amazon]

►Photography | Sony A7C : https://amzn.to/3u1Y6ap [Amazon]

►Portable Tripod | https://amzn.to/42ojHqc [Amazon]

►Lavalier Microphone | https://amzn.to/3SbL41U [Amazon]

►Drone | https://amzn.to/47TCwSY [Amazon]

►Portable Monitor | https://amzn.to/3Hzv2dg [Amazon]


All links are affiliate links with amazon which I may generate revenue from. These are products I actually have used for years and would feel comfortable recommending to first time and experienced travelers alike.



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