Flight to Milan (MIL)

Flying to Milan: tips and information for your trip

The bustling financial and fashion capital of Italy, Milan is a city that embraces the good life – at high speed.

From fashion to football, shopping and clubbing, there are plenty of life’s modern pleasures on offer in this fast-paced North Italian city. Milan is also rich in historical sites, from Gothic cathedrals to art galleries, to the world-famous Milan opera house, La Scala.

Fly to Milan with Brussels Airlines to discover this city and its wealth of culture, history, nightlife, restaurants, sports and chic shopping and fashion boutiques.

What to do in Milan?

1. Milan is home to several art museums including the famous Pinacoteca di Brera, which contains iconic paintings like Caravaggio’s ‘Supper at Emmaus’ and ‘The Kiss’ by Francesco Hayez, among other key works. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana holds several pieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio and also serves as a historical library. For modern art, the Museo del Novecento, located in Piazza del Duomo, is dedicated to 20th century art, while Hangar Bicocca features a constantly rotating collection of contemporary art. For archaeological treasures, visit the Civico Museo Archeologico, which features a collection spanning 26 centuries of history.
   
   
2. Milan is also known for its numerous churches, such as Milan’s Gothic cathedral, known as the Duomo, the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, which features Byzantine, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and the Certosa di Garegnano, including the church of Santa Maria Assunta and the 14th century monastery. At the Duomo, set in the city’s grandest square, you can climb up to the roof to take in the panoramic view of the city.
3. With its long tradition in textiles, it’s no surprise that Milan is often proclaimed the world capital of luxury fashion. The first stop for fashionistas is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, modelled after a 19th century palace, this glass-roofed mall contains many high-end boutiques and galleries. With its charming cobblestone street, Via della Spiga is another famous centre of luxury wear, boasting shops from famous high-end labels. The elegant Corso Vittorio Emanuele is a hugely popular shopping street near the Duomo, while some of fashion’s most exclusive brands can also be found on Via Montenapoleone and Via Dante.
   
   
4. At Christmastime, the intimate medieval Piazza Mercanti transforms into a must-visit, enchanting winter market, selling delicious panettone, sweets and bonbons, as well as other Italian delicacies, fresh produce, handicrafts and souvenirs.
   
   
5. To experience the legendary Milan nightlife, head down to the Navigli district for bars and clubs that stay open late into the next morning.
   
   
6. For football lovers, a visit to the San Siro Stadium is a must. The joint home stadium of two of Italy’s leading clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan, it hosts approximately 60 matches during the football season.
   
   
7. For a break from all the hustle and bustle, head to the Sempione park. An oasis of green space, behind the Sforza castle, Sempione is designed as a neoclassical landscaped garden. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines operates daily flights between Brussels Airport and the main airports in Milan: Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate.
  
  
• From Milan Malpensa: Malpensa Express trains offer a frequent railway link between the airport and the city centre – the Milano Cadorna route is the fastest. Buses by various companies run 24 hours a day to Milano Centrale railway station. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.
  
  
• From Milan Linate: Bus lines 73 and X73 are your cheapest option from the airport to the city centre. Do buy your ticket at the ticketing machines in the airport, as tickets bought on the bus will cost you more. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive.
    
  
• Currency: Euro
  
  
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The country dialling code is +39. Wi-Fi is widely available in Milan.
  
  
• Electric sockets: Type F, 230 V/50 Hz. Adaptors will be required for appliances from the UK and US.
  
  
• Travel information: Visitors to Italy should have a valid passport or travel document.

Dos and Don’ts in Milan

• Driving in Milan as a tourist is not recommended. The city’s streets can get crowded and cars entering the city centre must pay a traffic congestion fee, which quickly rises to a fine if not paid within the allotted time.
  
  
• Getting around Milan on the public transport network Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM) is recommended. If you plan to travel by public transport frequently, you can buy a book of 10 single trips or a 24-48 hour ticket.
  
  
• While large, Milan is a very walkable city as most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other and there are several pedestrian zones.
  
  
• If exploring the city on foot, be sure to get a map to avoid getting too confused by Milan’s unique street plan.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Most people who work with tourists in the city centre speak English. To break the ice with the locals, try these phrases.

• Good morning: Buongiorno
• Good evening: Buonasera
• Hello: Salve (formal) / ciao (informal)
• Bye: Arrivederci (formal) / ciao (informal)
• Please: Per favore
• Thank you: Grazie
• You’re welcome: Prego
• Sorry/excuse me: Mi scusi (formal) / scusami (informal)
• Excuse me (to get by a person or ask them to move): Permesso
• Yes: Si
• No: No
• How are you?: Come stai?
• My name is…: Mi chiamo…
• Nice to meet you: Piacere
• Do you speak English?: Parla inglese?
• Where is...?: Dov’è ...?

Cultural events

• Milan’s most famous event is certainly Milan Fashion Week, held in the spring and autumn.
  
  
• The Milan Film Festival, in September, is equally popular, with its strong focus on local cinematographers.
  
  
• In December, the Festival of Sant’Ambrogio brings the Milanesi together for a fair celebrated at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.
  
  
• On the first Saturday of Lent, the Carnival Ambrosiano takes place, with high-energy revelry to celebrate the start of the traditional Catholic festival of fasting and praying.
  
  
• On La Notte Bianca (White Night), the city doesn’t sleep and instead parties away with bars, restaurants, shops and museums staying open until six in the morning.

When to go to Milan?

Milan is stunning at Christmas, with the city beautifully lit up and decorated. However, winter weather in Milan can be very cold and rainy, with average temperatures of 4-7°C. It’s also great to visit during the Carnival and Easter holidays when both locals and tourists are likely to be on holiday. In summer, the city is hot and humid – temperatures in July and August can reach 30°C – and it’s worth noting that many shops and other businesses close down for holidays in August. Also, if you’re planning your Milan city break as a long weekend, at any time of the year, bear in mind that many popular tourist attractions are closed on Mondays.

What to eat in Milan?

There are several staple Milanese dishes to try while you’re in the city:

• Risotto alla Milanese comes suffused with saffron and drenched in butter, for a creamy, delicately seasoned flavour.
  
  
• Michetta is a traditional bread and salami snack.
  
  
• While pizza is a Neapolitan invention, Milan’s pizza has a solid reputation of its own.
  
  
• Try the city’s many bakeries for delicious focaccia
  
  
• In the summertime, treat yourself to a gelato artigianale – traditional Italian ice cream from gelaterias that make their own gelato.