How to Shop For Designer Bargains in Milan - Designer discount outlets (2024)

Written by Jaillan Yehia

Post Categories: Europe | Italy | Savoir Escape | Savoir Shopping

How to Shop For Designer Bargains in Milan - Designer discount outlets (1)

Milan Shopping Arcade

Canyou shop ‘til you drop in the Italian fashion capital, and still come home feeling virtuous? It turns out you can thanks to the city’s amazing outlet shopping. So here’s how to shop for amazing designer bargains in Milan on a high street budget…

Think of Milan and let’s face it, high fashion is what springs to mind. With high prices to match. But it is possible to enjoy a shopping weekend in the Italian style mecca and still have change leftover to check out the sites and soak up the atmosphere that the Lombardy capital has to offer.

The secret is to hit Milan’s plethora of designer outlet stores, where you can stock up on home grown names such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace at up to 70% off – then use the savings to treat yourself to aperitivos and legendary Milanese stuzzichini (mini appetizers), at the canalside bars come sun-down.

Milan is home to a major concentration of outlet shopping, much of it from local design houses and nearby factories, bringing the prices down to very affordable levels – combine this with the fact that Milan takes fashion super seriously and the Milanese fash pack have zero interest in previous collections, and the result is unparalleled spoils waiting for you to snap up.

You should of coursemake a nod to art and culture by popping into a couple of classic tourist sites in between retail therapy appointments. The third largest church in the world, the Duomo, is almost as breath-taking as half price Prada (though you’ll need covered arms and legs to get past the modesty police guarding the entrance), while Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper requires booking a month in advance and therefore some real forward-planning.

The main shopping street to head for in Centro is Corso Buenos Aires; this and the streets around it make up an unofficial outlet zone. Make sure you hit DMagazine, a well-regarded and smart factory outlet where you’ll find cutting edge labels along with traditional high-end designers, and if this doesn’t leave you with full bags and an empty wallet continue on to Il Salvagente a two-storey bargain palace just a short hop away.

Even the most serious retail addict will be impressed by the outlet complexes within driving distance of Milan – choose between Serravalle and Foxtown; each have hundreds of stores in a laid back faux-village setting and will do their damnedest to have you come home singing the praises of Italian fashion.

Making the most of Milan

Stay

Hotel Wattredici

This is the hotel equivalent to all those designer bargains you’ll be snapping up: a modern, stylish hotel in a great location in the trendy Navigli (canal) district, just a short tram ride from the sites and shopping.

You can park out front at no extra charge, and breakfast is included, ideal to set you up for a hard day of conspicuous consumption. Book in advance online and rates start from a bargainous €59.

Get Around

You’ll need a car to get to either of the two major out of town shopping outlets, but driving and parking (see above) in Milan is easier than you might imagine, so don’t be put off.

Milan also has its own public bike rental scheme called Bike Mi which starts from just €2.50 per day, although you might struggle to get all your shopping on the back of a bike, so maybe save this for sightseeing! See www.bikemi.com for details.

Drink

The area around the hotel is home to Milan’s canal bars, each vying for trade by offering a better all you can eat stuzzichini buffet than the last, making the concept of eating dinner practically redundant. The area is also home to an antiques market on the last Sunday of the month.

Shop

In the city:

DMAG has 3 locations in central Milan.

Il Salvagente is a no frills two-storey outlet store in an unprepossessing building in the centre of Milan.

Outside the city:

Serravalle Outlet – Impressive outlet village, an easy and straightforward 100km drive outside Milan, en route to Genoa.

Foxtown is a 160-store outlet located just over the border into Switzerland, 50km from Milan. The complex also offers cafés and restaurants.

For more information about Italian outlet shopping visit the website outletadvisor– it’s not much to look at but provides an exhaustive online list of outlets in Italy.

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How to Shop For Designer Bargains in Milan - Designer discount outlets (2024)

FAQs

What is the closest designer outlet to Milan? ›

The shopping outlet that is the nearest to the city center of Milan, is called Scalo Milano outlet & more. It is only about 16 km (9 mi) from the city center and getting there will take about 20 minutes by car. And it is the only shopping outlet in Italy that you can reach by subway and through its train station.

Which is the best luxury outlet in Milan? ›

Fidenza Village is a stunning shoppers' paradise filled with over 130 luxury boutiques, dining opportunities and services. Not only will you find huge Italian luxury brands like Prada, Versace, Armani, Missoni and Dolce & Gabbana, but you'll see international haute couture like Lacoste, Diesel and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Are the Milan Outlets worth it? ›

This one is a fantastic outlet and worth taking a day trip. It is the largest outlet in Europe. We paid for round trip bus ticket (20 euro per person) which left downtown Milan at 10am. Got there at 1130am and had to be back on the bus for 5pm.

Are designer shops cheaper in Milan? ›

Milan is known for being home to high-end luxury labels (hello, Versace and Armani), plus you're likely to find some designer shops cheaper there due to VAT refunds and transport costs.

What is the biggest outlet near Milan? ›

The largest Designer Outlet in Europe, McArthurGlen Serravalle is located just 50 minutes away from Milan's city center.

What is the main designer shopping street Milan? ›

Via Montenapoleone

Often considered to be the key shopping street in Milan, it is home to the biggest design brands, from Gucci to Prada to Valentino.

What is the best luxury shopping street in Milan? ›

The most renowned high-end streets in Milan are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Between these two streets are other shopping streets that make up the famous quadrilateral, although none are as prestigious as the two previously mentioned.

Which city in Italy has the best luxury shopping? ›

Milan is one of the world's important fashion capitals regarding shopping. The Via Monte Napoleone Street in Milan offers the best designer clothes and shoes from the top designers in the world. Milan is the most luxurious city in Italy in every respect and a dream come true for shopping in Italy.

What is the most expensive and popular shopping street of Milan Italy? ›

Via Monte Napoleone and the more intimate Via della Spiga in particular are known as Milan's quintessential high-end shopping streets.

How far are the outlets from Milan? ›

Visit the Serravalle Outlets on a full-day shopping trip. Europe's largest shopping mall is located just 60 minutes away from Milan.

Which luxury brand is cheapest in Milan? ›

The best luxury brands that are cheaper in Italy are:
  • Gucci.
  • Prada.
  • Bottega Veneta.
  • Versace.
  • Fendi.
  • Valentino.
  • Louis Vuitton.
  • Chanel.
Jun 20, 2022

How to get around Milan cheap? ›

The best way to get around Milan is by the efficient (and inexpensive) public transportation system called the ATM. This system of subway, buses and trams is far-reaching and very cheap. Metered taxis are another good option, though they can get expensive if you use them as your sole form of transportation.

What time of year is best to shop in Milan? ›

The summer sales in Milan shops start on the first Saturday of July, and the winter sales begin after the end of the festive season, which is marked by the holiday of the Epiphany on the 6th of January. Both sales last for several weeks, until all the stock has been sold.

What is the biggest premium outlet in the world? ›

Woodbury Common Premium Outlets NY area, New York

Woodbury has the largest collection of designer outlets in the world. Among the 220 outlets stores you will find bargains in Armani, Burberry, Gucci and Prada.

What is the biggest designer outlet in Europe? ›

Serravalle Designer Outlet | the biggest Designer Outlet in Europe.

What is the famous Milan shopping mall? ›

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Italian: [ɡalleˈriːa vitˈtɔːrjo emanuˈɛːle seˈkondo]) is Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy.

Who are the best designers to shop in Milan? ›

Shopping in Milan is a unique experience and a must for all. Milan is considered the fashion capital of the world in addition to cities like New York, Rome, London, and Paris. The city is known for world-renowned fashion designers including Miuccia Prada, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Domenico Dolce amongst others.

What brands are famous in Milan? ›

The 10 Most Famous Milan Fashion Brands
  • Attico is a Milan fashion clothing line and it was founded in 2016 by Naples-born street-style icon, Gilda Ambrosio and designer Giorgia Tordini. ...
  • Dolce & Gabbana's design always tells a story.
Apr 10, 2023

Who is Milan most famous designer? ›

Pages in category "Fashion designers from Milan"
  • Claudio Antonioli.
  • Giorgio Armani.

Is Dior cheaper in Milan? ›

Numerous luxury fashion houses are based in Italy, where their merchandise is cheaper due to VAT refunds, lower transportation costs, and the absence of import and export fees. On average, there is at least a 10% difference between the price of luxury brands in Italy and America.

What is the trendy area of Milan? ›

Milan neighborhood: Brera

Brera is where art, fashion, and design merge, creating a unique atmosphere. The glamorous district boasts cozy, cobblestone streets, teeming with art galleries and trendy boutiques.

Where do celebrities stay during Milan Fashion Week? ›

Busy fashionistas who are heading to Milan for Fashion Week will adore the Palazzo Parigi, as not only is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, but it's also one of the most conveniently located for all the shows, as it's situated right by the fashion district.

What are the top 3 fashion cities in Italy? ›

Although Milan, Rome and Florence are commonly regarded as the leading cities in Italian fashion, other cities, such as Venice, Vicenza, Prato, Turin, Naples and Bologna, are also important centres for Italian clothing design and industry.

Where do millionaires go in Italy? ›

Foreign investors are particularly attracted to the so-called 'golden triangle' of Florence, Siena and Volterra, where, as is well known, the most expensive properties in Italy are located. The most prestigious places on the Tuscan coast are the resorts in the Versilia Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi area.

What shopping is cheaper in Italy? ›

Compared to the US and the rest of Europe, several items are cheaper in Italy. These items include alcohol, tobacco, coffee, leather goods, bottled water, certain clothing items, and local wines. Many Italian food items are cheaper, including cheese, olive oil, bread, pasta, and pizza.

Is it cheaper to buy LV in Milan? ›

The prices of the French designer bag company are the same across Europe. So all the prices in France are also valid for Italy. The only thing that might be different is VAT refund amount. It differs slightly across all EU countries, however, both France and Italy have a VAT of 20% so no difference here.

What is the biggest shopping street in Milan? ›

Corso Buenos Aires: the Longest Shopping Street in Europe

Since opening in 1782, Corso Buenos Aires has been one of the most important commercial districts in Milan.

What is the Golden Triangle in Milan? ›

The Golden Triangle is the world's fashion Mecca. 3 streets in central Milan, Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, and Via Sant' Andrea, are lined with the planet's most prestigious designer fashion stores, like Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani, and many, many more.

Where is Milan fashion capital of the world? ›

A true Italian city, Milan is rife with beautiful architecture, sculpted gardens, and historic piazzas. Standing in the middle of the bustling city, you wouldn't be surprised that it's the fashion capital of Italy.

Is Milan or Florence better for shopping? ›

What is this? While Milan houses an impressive collection of Italian art, including Leonardo da Vinci's world-famous The Last Supper, Florence is truly the mecca for lovers of Renaissance art and history. Milan has more to offer visitors in way of musical culture, shopping, and nightlife.

What is the shopping district in Milan called? ›

Milan has high end shopping district called the Quadrilatero della moda, which is Italian for the fashion square.

Does Chanel have an outlet? ›

Chanel boutiques are all over the world and I visit them whenever I can. I love the service and the décor. But there's actually a Chanel outlet located in Woodbury commons center in NY. The prices of the Chanel bags are well below the original price, but there are not much to choose.

Why are luxury outlets cheaper? ›

While outlet stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.

What outlet is safest? ›

There are two ways to keep your outlets safe: tamper-resistant (TR) outlets and ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Outlets with a TR and GFCI rating are the safest outlets that you can install in your home, as they protect against potential electric shock.

Which outlet to go to Milan? ›

A shopping trip to the Serravalle Outlet in Milan

The Serravalle Designer Outlet is located on Via della Moda, number 1, in Serravalle Scrivia.

How do I get Serravalle Designer Outlet? ›

Visit the Trenitalia website or app (www.trenitalia.com) and find «SERRAVALLE OUTLET» among the stations of arrival or departure. You will then be shown the best result for your journey with a combination of train + bus to get to the Centre, and a one way or return ticket available.

How to get from Milano to Serravalle Outlet? ›

There are few options to travel to Serravalle, the easiest one will be by taking shuttle bus departing from Central Milan operates by Zani Viaggi (with 4 scheduled departures at 9am/ 9:30am/ 10:30am/ 13:00am from Central Station and Piazza Cairoli) and Autostradale (with 5 scheduled departures from Central Station, ...

Is designer cheaper in Milan or Paris? ›

The short answer is yes, luxury brands are cheaper in Paris. If you are looking for a designer handbag, belt, accessory, clothing, etc then Paris is the place to go!

Is YSL cheap in Milan? ›

However, every fashion lover knows Yves Saint Laurent is actually manufactured in Italy, which means fabric prices. Go to Milan, then drive to Serravalle. The cheapest Saint Laurent handbags are sold in a mall in this city. You can end up getting a handbag at 30% of the market price.

Is Chanel cheaper in Paris or Milan? ›

As another French brand, Chanel is cheaper in Paris – thanks to lower prices, as well as the VAT refund you would be entitled to receive as a non-Eu resident.

How to save money in Milan? ›

That's why it's better to be cautious and take a look at the best tips for spending less on food while living in Milan.
  1. Save on food with apps. ...
  2. Save money by shopping at cheaper supermarkets. ...
  3. Cook more in the evening to bring lunch to university. ...
  4. Choose cheaper foods such as legumes and pasta. ...
  5. Don't shop when you're hungry.
Feb 20, 2022

Do they Uber in Milan? ›

Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Milan

Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Milan. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.

What day are things closed in Milan? ›

Shops are generally open 0930-1230 and 1530-1930 from Tuesday to Sunday, although bigger stores stay open all day. Some shops close on Sunday and reopen on Monday afternoon from about 1530-1930.

Which month is cheapest in Milan? ›

Best Time for Budget Travellers: The winter months of November-February and August are some of the seasons that see a relatively less tourist influx in Milan.

Does Milan have shopping outlets? ›

Milan's Most Popular Outlet Shops

From smaller casual clothing shops to full multi-level centres, Milan is the place for outlet shopping. Check out some of the best, most popular outlet shops in this world-fashion capital.

Does Milan have an outlet mall? ›

The Serravalle Outlet, on the outskirts of the city, is one of the most famous ones. It's one of the largest shopping complexes of its kind in Europe and has over 200 shops. Visiting it is like entering a microcosm, a true shopping city within the big city.

Where is the designer street in Milan? ›

The quadrilatero della moda (fashion quadrilateral) is formed by Milan's most elegant shopping streets. This part of the city is packed with high-end boutiques and brands like Prada, Gucci, Moschino, Versace, and Bulgari. The most renowned high-end streets in Milan are Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.

Is shopping in Milan tax free? ›

If you're shopping in Milan, it's easy to get a VAT tax refund, but you have to spend at least Euro 155 at any one shop. Going to a department store such as Rinascente Duomo is good because you can easily add up the Euros.

What is the best shopping street in the world Milan Italy? ›

Via Monte Napoleone and the more intimate Via della Spiga in particular are known as Milan's quintessential high-end shopping streets.

Why is the outlet shop cheap? ›

While outlet stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.

What is the largest outlet mall in the country? ›

Sawgrass Mills, Florida

With a massive 350 stores to explore, Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet, retail and entertainment destination in the United States. Stores include Coach, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Prada. One of the highlights of Sawgrass Mills is the life-size Barbie House.

What outlet is between Milan and Switzerland? ›

Serravalle Scrivia Designer Outlet, 240 stores, 11 restaurants and only 90 minutes fare from Milan dowtown. The link to the web site of Serravalle Outlet. FoxTown Factory Stores Outlet Mendrisio in Switzerland, 160 stores and only 60 minutes fare from Milan.

What is the most expensive shopping street in Milan? ›

Via Monte Napoleone, also spelled Via Montenapoleone, is an upscale shopping street in Milan, Italy, Europe's most expensive street (2022) and the third most expensive street in the world.

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