11 Things To Know Before Going Shopping In Milan (2024)

Versace, Bottega Veneta, Armani... Milan is known as the fashion Mecca of Italy, attracting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide for an exquisite shopping experience.

You can find countless amazing things in Milan that don't involve shopping. But let's be honest, being in Milan and not buying yourself a Prada bag sounds like a missed opportunity, isn't it?

In fact, shopping in Milan doesn't necessarily require you to rob a bank before your trip. The city has plenty of affordable shops; you just need to know where to look for them. So, if you're planning to go shopping in Milan, here are ten things that will help you to get the best out of it.

11 Be Wary Of Pickpockets Between Luxury Stores

Milan Duomo cathedral at dawn Italy

• There are often people looking to steal surrounding fancy shopping centers in Milan.
• It's recommended to bring a cross-body purse or bag to store cash and credit cards.

Although Milan seems perfect in every way, it is worth mentioning that pickpocketing thrives in and around the luxury shopping in the city. One way to combat this as a tourist is to wear a bag or purse in front of your body, so thieves cannot access it. This will save a lot of headaches in the event a wallet, ID, passport, or other valuable item is stolen.

Higher-end stores may also ship items you buy to a home or hotel address, so that's worth considering too. The safer visitors are with their belongings, the better a trip to Milan will be.

Milan's Cathedral Square is another hot spot where tourists should check out between shopping.

10 Plan Your Trip At The Right Time

MILAN, ITALY: People visiting the Parco Sempione large central park

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• The best time to visit Milan, Italy, is during the sales period.
• Winter and summer tend to offer better sales for shoppers.

Rule number one, If you want to save some budget, you should visit Milan during the sales period. You can come either in the winter, from early January to February, or during the summer months, July and August.

That's when all the shops are selling their previous collections to prepare for presenting new ones. In both cases, sales last for several weeks. So, if you want to purchase a branded bag or fancy shoes with a 60% discount, that's when you can actually do it.

9 Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, The Heart Of Milan

The glass dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II in Milan, Italy

• The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is in the heart of the city.
• This is the oldest shopping center in Milan.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the heart of Milan. This magnificent 19th-century old Galleria screams fashion and luxury and is an excellent representation of the city.

Being the oldest shopping center in Milan, Galleria has an incredible mix of Neo-Renaissance design, golden mosaics, and glass rooftops with modern storefronts. It's an absolutely must-visit place in Milan where you can do high-quality shopping and take a coffee break in one of the luxurious cafés.

8 Quadrilatero D'oro For High Fashion Boutiques

Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral, Milan, Italy

• The Quadrilatero D'oro is where many big-brand stores are located.
• Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Versace, and any high-fashion brand is here.

The Quadrilatero D'oro district is your place to go if you're on the hunt for brands. The district consists of four streets and has many Italian fashion boutiques that opened more than a century ago, like the Prada in 1913.

Chanel, Versace, Hermès, Gucci - any high-fashion brand you can imagine is there. No wonder the Quadrilatero D'oro is a beloved place for celebrities and VIPs.

Related: 10 Chic Hotels In Italy's Fashion Capital Of Milan

7 Via Monte Napoleone - The Most Famous Fashion Street In The World

Milano, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy

• Via Monte Napoleone is one of the city's most famous fashion streets.
• This is also one of the most sought-after fashion hubs in the world.

And once you make it to the Quadrilatero D'oro, pay special attention to Via Monte Napoleone Street. It's the most famous fashion street not only in Milan but in the whole world, and every designer strives to open a boutique there.

Gorgeous clothing, elegant leather shoes, stylish bags, fabulous jewelry... in Via Monte Napoleone street, the luxury is in the air!

6 Brera District For Vintage Lovers

Alzaia Naviglio Grande, Milano, Italy

• The Brera District is where shoppers can find the most vintage fashion.
• Many independent stores are here, as well as local Italian fashion designers.

If you're looking for some Bohemian and vintage touch, head to the Brera district, which is famous for its independent stores. You can find branded clothes by Italian and foreign designers, like Valentino, Kenzo, and Manolo Blahnik, but also plenty of handcrafted goods, home decorations, and fragrances.

Besides, the Brera district is less crowded and is a wonderful place to escape the busy streets of the Duomo area. And it has incredible restaurants for your lunch break!

Rainy afternoon in Milan

• Corso Buenos Aires is great for budget-friendly shopping in Milan.
• There are over 350 stores here.

Here is good news! Shopping in Milan doesn't necessarily have to be expensive, and if you're traveling on a budget, you can still afford beautiful things. All you need to do is just know the right places.

Corso Buenos Aires Street is one of the most famous places in Milan and is perfect for budget-friendly shopping. It has over 350 stores and outlets, so you will surely find something for your budget!

Related: The Complete Travel Guide To Italy's Iconic Milan

4 Peck For Gourmet Shopping

The Duomo in Milan, Italy

• There are plenty of places to dine in and around fashion centers in the city.

Who said that shopping in Milan should focus only on clothes? One of the amazing things you can do in Milan is search for Italian delicacies!

Peck is a gastronomy store with an infinite amount of gourmet food, from truffles and a great wine selection to different cheeses and hams from every Italian region. So, if you're a foodie, this place can't be missed!

3 Find Fancy Shoes At Via Torino

Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli in Milan, Italy

• Those who want to buy shoes in Milan should head to Via Torino Street.

Are you collecting shoes and planning to purchase several new models? Then you should go to the famous Via Torino Street.

There, you'll find an abundance of shoe shops selling any kind of footwear, like boots, elegant heels, or stylish sneakers. Due to relatively affordable prices, the street is trendy among the younger generation.

Related: Headed To Milan? Consider These Chic Hotels First

2 Check Out Flea Markets

Navigli District, Milan, Italy

• Checking out the flea market in Milan is also very unique.
• The La Cordata, Porta Nuova, and Hobby Park are some of the notable markets.

If you're a fan of flea markets, you should definitely visit some in Milan. Frankly, the choice of flea markets in Milan is vast, but these are some of the best ones that you should check out: La Cordata, Porta Nuova, and Hobby Park.

There, you can find any kind of vintage clothes for a really great deal, as well as food stalls, household decorations, and even old toys and video games.

1 Book A Hotel In A Convenient Location

The Brera Botanical Garden in Milan, Italy

• Booking a hotel near shopping areas in Milan is a good idea.
• Milan is walkable, although some shopping hubs are a car drive or taxi away.

Make sure you book your accommodation in a convenient location to enjoy your shopping experience 100% and make it as comfortable as possible.

There are endless accommodation opportunities in Milan for any budget, really. You can consider chic hotels or opt for more budget-friendly options and book your stay in a hostel.