Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, combines modern retail centers with historic shopping arcades and luxury districts. It stands out from other European cities like Paris or London due to its focus on Italian designer brands alongside international chains, with easy access via public transport. Shopping tourists can find everything from high-street stores to discounted outlets, making it a key destination for retail-focused trips.
| Places to go Shopping in Milan | |
|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, IL Centro, CityLife Shopping District, Bicocca Village, Carosello, Fiordaliso |
| Shopping Streets | Corso Vitorio Emanuele II, Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga |
| Outlets | Serravalle Designer Outlet, Vicolungo The Style Outlets |
| Luxury | Quadrilatero della Moda, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II |
| Vintage | Brera District, Navigli Area |
Shopping Malls
Milan’s malls provide indoor retail spaces with international brands, often near public transport links.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Transport Access: Metro lines 1 and 3 (Duomo stop); various buses and trams to Duomo.
- Key Brands: Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Zara, Versace.
- Opening Times: 9:00-21:00 daily (varies by store).
More About Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Located in central Milan near the Duomo, this mall covers about 10,000 square meters with over 50 stores. It opened in 1877 and features glass-vaulted arcades. The structure includes mosaics and historic architecture.
The mall offers dining options like cafes and restaurants. It connects to nearby landmarks for easy walking. Recent events include fashion shows and seasonal displays.
IL Centro
- Transport Access: Bus lines from Milan central station; car via A8 highway (parking available).
- Key Brands: Primark, Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Mango, Calvin Klein.
- Opening Times: 9:00-21:00 Monday to Sunday.
More About IL Centro
Located in Arese, 15 km northwest of Milan, Il Centro spans 93,000 square meters with over 200 stores.
It is one of Italy’s largest malls. The layout includes open spaces and multiple levels.
Unique features include over 30 restaurants and entertainment zones. Shopping tourists report good variety and less crowding than city centers.
CityLife Shopping District
- Transport Access: Metro line 5 (Tre Torri stop); bus lines 48, 68.
- Key Brands: Zara, H&M, Apple, Sephora, Nike, Urban Outfitters.
- Opening Times: 9:00-22:00 daily.
More About CityLife Shopping District
Located in the modern CityLife district, this open-air mall covers 32,000 square meters with about 80 stores.
It includes dining areas with international chains. Proximity to parks enhances the experience.
Bicocca Village
- Transport Access: Metro line 5 (Bicocca stop); tram line 7.
- Key Brands: MediaWorld, Decathlon, H&M, Zara, Nike.
- Opening Times: 9:00-22:00 Monday to Saturday; 10:00-20:00 Sunday.
More About Bicocca Village
In northern Milan’s Bicocca area, the mall spans 30,000 square meters with around 50 stores. It focuses on retail and leisure.
Carosello
- Transport Access: Bus from Milan to Carugate; car via A4 highway (parking available).
- Key Brands: Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas.
- Opening Times: 9:00-21:00 daily.
More About Carosello
Located in Carugate, east of Milan, Carosello covers 50,000 square meters with over 100 stores.
Fiordaliso
- Transport Access: Bus lines from Milan; car via A50 (parking available).
- Key Brands: Primark, Zara, H&M, MediaWorld, Nike, Mango.
- Opening Times: 9:00-21:00 Monday to Saturday; 10:00-20:00 Sunday.
More About Fiordaliso
In Rozzano, south of Milan, Fiordaliso spans 40,000 square meters with about 130 stores.
Shopping Streets
| Street Name | Shopping Highlights |
|---|---|
| Corso Vittorio Emanuele II | High-street brands like Zara, H&M, Mango; mix of fashion and accessories; pedestrian-friendly with street performers. |
| Via Monte Napoleone | Luxury boutiques including Gucci, Prada, Versace; upscale jewelry and watches; exclusive window displays. |
| Via della Spiga | High-end stores like Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Tiffany & Co.; elegant fashion and bags; quiet, stylish vibe. |
More About Milan’s Shopping Streets
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II runs from Duomo to San Babila, a 500-meter pedestrian zone. It has a lively atmosphere with crowds. Shops include the La Rinascente department store.
Nearby cafes offer quick breaks. Cultural sites like the Duomo are steps away.
Via Monte Napoleone is in the Quadrilatero della Moda, known for its Victorian buildings. It
hosts flagship stores of major brands. The street is upscale and clean. Restaurants and galleries line the area.
It’s ideal for people-watching.
Via della Spiga features pedestrian access and boutique fronts. Brands focus on Italian design.
Cafes and art spots are nearby. It’s less crowded than main streets.
Outlets
Serravalle Designer Outlet
- Description: Covers 50,000 square meters with over 300 stores; key brands include Nike, Adidas, Puma, Gucci, Prada.
- Discounts: 30-70% off; events like Black Friday add extra savings.
- Features: Dining areas with 20+ restaurants; family play zones; village-style design.
- Location and Access: 100 km southwest of Milan; shuttle bus from city center or car via A7 (free parking).
- Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 daily.
Vicolungo The Style Outlets
- Description: Spans 30,000 square meters with 150 stores; brands like Nike, Adidas, Levi’s, Calvin Klein.
- Discounts: 30-70%; seasonal sales and VIP days.
- Features: Food courts; kids’ areas; open-air layout.
- Location and Access: 50 km west of Milan; bus or car via A4 (parking available).
- Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 daily.
Luxury Shopping
| Shopping Area | Luxury Brands |
|---|---|
| Quadrilatero della Moda | Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, Valentino. |
| Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Rolex. |
More About Milan’s Luxury Shopping Areas
Quadrilatero della Moda encompasses Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia. The area has a sophisticated ambiance with clean streets.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II offers an enclosed, historic setting. The vaulted glass roof creates elegance. Stores focus on high-end fashion.
Vintage Stores
| Shopping Area | Designers/Brands |
|---|---|
| Brera District | Gucci, Prada (vintage), Chanel, local Italian designers. |
| Navigli Area | Zara, Mango (secondhand), Versace, Armani vintage pieces. |
More About Milan’s Vintage Clothing Shopping Areas
Brera features narrow streets with a bohemian vibe. Stores like Cavalli e Nastri offer curated designer items. The area is artistic. Cafes and galleries surround it.
Navigli has canal-side charm with markets. Shops like Humana Vintage stock affordable pieces.
Tips for Shopping in Milan
- Shop weekdays mornings (9:00-12:00) to avoid crowds; weekends are busier in malls and streets.
- Prices are higher than in other European cities like Berlin, but comparable to Paris; expect 10-20% premium on brands.
- Non-EU tourists qualify for tax-free shopping (VAT refund up to 22%); get forms at stores and claim at airports.
- Seasonal sales hit in January and July (up to 50% off); Black Friday in November; Christmas markets for gifts.
What to Buy in Milan
- High-street fashion like Zara dresses or H&M basics from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Designer bags from Gucci or Prada in Quadrilatero della Moda for an iconic Italian craftsmanship.
- AC Milan or Inter Milan football merch at official stores in Galleria or San Siro.
- Vintage clothing like secondhand Mango or Gucci from Brera shops.