Milan is perhaps the most underrated city in Italy. It’s worth a visit if you are a person who enjoys stepping off the beaten tourist track. Milan is full of wonders, from the stunning Cathedral and Pinacoteca di Brera museum to the top-rated bars and restaurants. You can visit our Milan tour webpage.
Milan shopping is a must-see for anyone who loves cothes. Many tourists don’t know that there are many shopping options available for every price range. Milan is one of the most important capitals of global fashion. It is home to a number of high-end designer boutiques, outlets, and stores. Prices range from very expensive to very affordable, while maintaining the elegance and quality that Italian fashion is known for.
It is crucial to plan your visit to Milan’s shopping district in the right timing. The large stores are usually open every day, while the smaller shops might be closed on Sundays or Mondays. If you are looking for great deals on the latest trends, be sure to visit Milan in January or July to enjoy the saldi (seasonal sales).
You want to know where you can shop in Milan? For our top-rated shopping spots, read on!
Quadrilatero d’Oro, Milan’s golden shopping rectangle
This quarter’s name means “Golden Rectangle “…” and it could not be more true! The Quadrilatero d’Oro, which is made up four streets of pure fashion and shopping, is every shopaholic’s dream. For haute couture at its best, visit the Via Montenapoleone or Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant’Andrea, and you will find famous designers like Versace, Armani, Prada, Versace, and Roberto Cavalli.
Can’t splurge? You don’t have to spend a lot. Whimsically-decorated windows give you a sense of the season’s top trends–the perfect inspiration for finding the looks on your own budget.
Galleria Vittorio Emilia, the oldest shopping center in the world
Milan’s major department stores are located in the shadow of DuomoEnjoy the arcaded Art Nouveau gallery’s historic boutiques and designer shops. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which was built between 1865 and 1877, is the oldest mall in the world. It’s both a historical sight and an architectural treasure that everyone will enjoy. You’ll be energized by the coffee (espresso), as you take a break from shopping and admire the architecture and mosaic marble floors. Note that some shops in the gallery are currently under construction. They will open in the coming months.
The Duomo area is a great place to shop for as many items as you can in a few stops. Rinascente as well as Excelsior have a variety of clothing and beauty products. They also offer coveted design and tech objects, jewelry, amazing restaurants, and gourmet shops. The Duomo is also worth a visit. Is this just another church? Hardly. This is why Milan’s Cathedral is a must-see.
Milan’s most prestigious boutiques are located in the Brera district
Brera is known for its art galleries, bohemian vibe and boutiques that sell the finest “Made in Italy” fashions in Milan.
Brera’s open air markets are a great place to find unique pieces! We love the Via San Marco market on Mondays and Thursdays. Via Fauche’s market is also nearby and open Tuesday through Saturday.
Take the MM2 line from Lanzo or Moscova to get to Brera. Take a look at our Milan in the Day Tour if you’d like to tour the area with an expert guide.
Navigli is where Milan’s finest shopping can be paired with the best nightlife
Milan’s canals are a popular spot for aperitivos. You can also shop in the area. There are many unique boutiques all over the area, but they are concentrated around Porta Genova (the MM2 line takes you to Porta Genova).
Porta Ticinese, Via Torino, and Via Tortona are two of the most popular shopping areas.
Corso Buenos Aires is Milan’s main “high-street”
Corso Buenos Aires is believed to have the highest concentration of shops on one street in Europe. But don’t expect high-fashion flagships or independent boutiques here. It’s a series of High Street stores with over 350 international ready-to wear brands and sporting goods shops!
We would prefer you to visit Milan’s independent boutiques. After all, H&M can be found almost anywhere. If you need to get your chain-fashion fix however, take the MM1 to Porta Venezia, or the MM1/MM2 to Loreto.
The best shopping malls in
You don’t have to pay a lot for labels. You can find smaller outlets in the city centre, such as the Corso Como 10 Outlet (take MM2 to Porta Garibaldi), HTML Magazine (MM3 at Montenapoleone), and Il Salvagente (in the Corso XXII Marzo; take the 92 bus stop at Piceno).
The secondhand and vintage shops like Michela are also very popular. They have off-the-runway pieces and pieces by designers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, with discounts up to 75%! Ask about their vintage collection of tailor-made suits and Mila Schon gowns from different decades. For vintage lovers, we also recommend Memory Lane and Lipstick Retro.
You want a bigger selection? You can find a larger selection at our blog about Milan’s top-class outlet malls. It is located approximately one hour away.