City in Lombardy, Italy
Milan
Italy's business and design capital, with the best trains, coworking and international scene in the country. It is pricier and less romantic than Rome or Florence; winter air and fog are weaker points.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,150–4,500Comfortable, one person · €2,800–4,000Details
- Value for money8/100Better value than 7% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Air quality20 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · PollutedDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and good; the city's 'casette dell'acqua' dispense chilled still or sparkling water for free or pennies.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$113–203Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFREENOWWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Milan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Navigli | Nightlife, canals, aperitivo and a social crowd |
| Porta Venezia | Restaurants, LGBTQ+ scene and a diverse feel |
| Isola–Porta Nuova | Nomads: modern, cafés, coworking, quick metro |
| Brera | Central, upscale and quiet, galleries |
| Città Studi | Students, cheaper rents and local eateries |
Apps that work in Milan
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: Only use licensed white taxis with a meter. Order via app or phone; street hailing is rare.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Carry a few euros for small bars and markets.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
Going to Milan solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Milan meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.