Travel tips · Milan · Italy
Milan travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Jiuguang Wang, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Milan is Italy's most international and fast-paced city, driven by finance, fashion and design. The Milanese are stylish, punctual and hard-working, with a strong sense of civic pride and a love of rituals such as the morning espresso at the counter and the evening aperitivo.
Key facts
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C, F and L sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and public fountains (vedovelle) dispense drinking…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Say 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' when entering shops and restaurants.
- Dress neatly; sportswear and beachwear stand out in the city centre.
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter the Duomo and other churches; staff check at the entrance.
- Pay for coffee at the till first in busy bars, then show the receipt at the counter.
- Validate tickets or tap your card at metro gates both entering and, on some lines, exiting.
- Book Duomo di Milano and its rooftop terraces ahead: Buy combined cathedral and rooftop tickets online to skip the ticket queue, especially at weekends.
- Book The Last Supper ahead: Tickets are released in batches and sell out weeks or months ahead; book on the official site as early as possible or join a guided tour.
- Book Teatro alla Scala ahead: Opera and ballet seats sell out early; book on the official site when the season goes on sale.
- Aperitivo with a generous buffet can replace dinner at a fraction of the cost.
Tipping
A cover charge is often included, so tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno | Good morning / hello |
| Un caffè, per favore | An espresso, please |
| Il conto, per favore | The bill, please |
| Grazie mille | Thank you very much |
| Permesso | Excuse me (to pass) |
What to wear
Milan is one of the world's fashion capitals, and locals dress smartly even for errands. Smart-casual clothes and good shoes will help you blend in; cover shoulders and knees for the Duomo.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C, F and L sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and public fountains (vedovelle) dispense drinking water across the city.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Good mobile coverage, including in the metro; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and free municipal Wi-Fi is available in some public areas.
- Time zone
- Europe/Rome
Milan is generally safe, but pickpockets work the metro, trams, the Duomo square and Stazione Centrale. Watch for people pressing bracelets or pigeon feed on tourists near the cathedral, and keep phones out of reach on terraces.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Italy's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Milan?
A cover charge is often included, so tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Milan?
Tap water is safe to drink, and public fountains (vedovelle) dispense drinking water across the city.
+What plugs are used in Milan?
Type C, F and L sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Milan?
Italian.