There are also some great flea markets on the outskirts of the citythat you can get to by either a bus (Corsico) or the metro (San Donato) They are organized by the association Pulci … e non solo and held in:
Corsico – Via Togliatti (find on map) every first and third Sundays of every month 6 am-2 pm.
San Donato – The Snam parking area in Via Emilia (find on map) second and fourth Sundays of every month 6 am-2 pm.
It’s a good idea to be polite but cheeky when haggling. Italians love negotiating!
You’ll find everything you find at a normal flea market: Jewellery, toys, hats, chandeliers, vases, lamps, mirrors, cupboards, furniture, vintage – at all price levels.
“East Market” (find on map) is Milan’s most popular flea market with vintage objects and clothes and a big vinyl record section, it is held approximately once a month and you can find future events on their website.
“Wunder Mrkt“ is an artisanal market with lots of vintage clothes, shoes, jewellery and bags, it takes place approximately once a month, check out their website for upcoming events here. Wunder Mrkt don’t have their own location but are ofted housed at Spirit de Milan (find on map), which is a music venue with its own restaurant at a disused glass factory – the place is, on its own, worth a visit.
Al Mercatino “tra noi e voiopen all days except Tuesdays, Wednesday-Saturday 10.30 am-12.30 pm and 3.30-7.30 pm, Sundays 10.30 am-7.30 pm at 8, Via Marcora (find on map).
“Mercatino di Brera“ (find on map) the third Sunday of every month from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.this market is located in one of the most beautiful areas in Milan and you should expect pricy objects.
“Artigianato e Collezionismo” every second, third and fourth Tuesday + every first Sunday of every month from 8 am to 7 pm in front of Pinacoteca di Brera in Via Brera (find on map).
“Mercatino del antiquariato“ in the Navigli area, one of the city’s most interesting markets. the last Sunday of every month 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (find on map)
“Mostra mercato di antiquariato” in Piazza Diaz (find on map) on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Thursdays + 3rd Sunday of every month from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. – just behind Piazza Duomo.
“Little Market” products of craftmanship and collectors’ items, in Piazza Sant’Eustorgio (find on map) every 1st and 2nd Saturday of every month.
“Mercatino” vintage and collectors’ items every 2nd and 4th Friday and the last Saturday of every month close to Porta Venzia/Corso Buenos Aires in Via Spallanzari (find on map).
“Fiera di Sinigaglia“: in the Navigli area, every Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in Ripa di Porta Ticinese (find on map) along the wharf. Here you find everything from crafts, new, vintage and second-hand clothes to vinyl records.
“Festivalpark“: Every Sunday at. 7 a.m.-3 p.m., here you find clothes, shoes, watches, toys, kitchenware, bicycles etc. This market is in Via Sacile (find on map) near Milan’s wholesale vegetable market.
When you think Milan, we bet you automatically think fashion and beauty. Treat yourself to a manicure, a pedicure, a massage or a day at the Spa – there are many options in the city.
There are countless nail salons all over the city and many of them also offer massages, facials and hair removal – generally you can walk right in without previous appointments. Here are a couple of suggestions: WOW Nail, 5, Via Cuneo (find on map) Chicchi Nails, 7, Via Pontaccio (find on map) Pixie Klub Bauty Salon, 1, Via Circo (find on map)
Hairdressers and Barber Shops
Italians are incredibly skilled at styling hair but haircuts? Not-so-much. It is actually hard to find hairdressers that can cut other than thick, beautiful Italian hair.
If you absolutely want a haircut, try either Toni&Guy, they’ve got 3 salons in Milan (remember to book an appointment) or Lepri hair spa, 18 Viale Vittorio Veneto (find on map) who only use organic products.They’ve also got a mini Spa, where you can get facial treatments, massages etc. It’s also a good idea to book appointments here.
And if you crave a great traditional shave check out John Barber Milano in either Porta Venezia at 12, Via Nino Bixio (find on map) or in Brera at 104, Corso Garibaldi (find on map).
Spas and wellness centres
In Milan there is also a great and very beautiful Spa near Porta Romana QC Terme Milano where you can spend the whole day relaxing and swimming in the Thermal Water and get a massage – you can put together your visit as you wish and choose between a full day with buffet and aperitivo, just half a day or an evening visit. You’ The spa is located on Piazza Medaglie D’Oro 2 (find on map).
De Montel Spa a huge spa resort with both indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and many other facilities in the San Siro neighbourhood of Milan at 6, Via Achille (find on map). It is the only Milanese thermal bath with state certified thermal waters. You can book your visit here.
The Elvy Wellness Center in the centre of Milan at 2, Via Giovanni Morelli (find on map) offers a wide range of treatments that include massages and facials, you can book an appointment by calling +393755977225
If you love natural beauty products, you should definitely visit one of the city’s many Erboristerie (herbalist’s), they sell great herbal medicine and beauty products and normally the personnel is very skilled and knowledgeable.
A chain we can recommend is L’erbolario, here are some of the locations.: 18, Via Dell’Orso (find on map) in Brera 1, Piazza Lima (find on map) by Corso Buenos Aires 9, Corso Vercelli (find on map) very close to Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo’s Last Supper
Milan’s open air markets don’t only sell fresh produce but also offers good bargains in shoes and clothes, there are several every day except on Sundays. There’s life, commotion, genuine Italian atmosphere and competitive prices. We have chosen the most central ones for you.
In the photo you see Milan’s brand new neighbourhood Porta Nuova, you also find the famous “Bosco Verticale” (vertical forest) behind Piazza Gae Aulenti. You should visit HighTech, a great store with home and lifestyle objects even if this once big store has become much smaller since they lost a big part of their lease. In the rest of this area you find the quaint, trendy boutiques with the up-and-coming young designers where you can find cool, unique stuff.
Shops:
In Via Solferino is the world’s (perhaps) best men’s shoes shop – Iliprandi(find on map). Thursdays there’s a characteristic open air market here with fruit, vegetables and clothes. Via Solferino is a treasure trove of amazing, original boutiques (find on map) check out the unique clothes store Goodsat 2, Via Castelfidardo (find on map) the concept is exclusivity, they sell their own range of silk shirts but also have other brands from France and Spain they also have bags and shoes they have have frequent discount days and the jewellery is also unique. Also check out the luxury fashion outlet Outlet Matia’s in 4, Piazza Carlo Mirabello (find on map) and very close by is the fashion outlet with designer clothes for children aged 0-16 Matia’s Baby at 2, Via Eugenio Balzan (find on map). Nearby is the great workshop and shop Arzigogolo, that makes very beautiful and original necklaces, earrings and textile bags at surprisingly affordable prices, it’s in the courtyard at 4, Via Varese (find on map). On Piazza XXV Aprile you have foodie paradise Eataly, which is housed in the converted Teatro Smeraldo. Here you can get specialties from small Italains foodproducers, it is also a fantastic place to eat or just have coffee with pastries. If you want delicacies to take home with you should also vist the Esselunga supermaket situated beneath Piazza Gae Aulenti From here you continue down super chic Corso Como – with the shop 10 Corso Como, which also houses the art gallery Galleria Carla Sozzani and leads you into Milan’s brand new area Porta Nuova. And a couple of steps further down, at 6 Corso Como In the courtyard, as mentioned is the life style and home decor shop HighTech
Lunch:
Here is the very original Tramè, Piazza San Sempliciano 7 (find on map), where they prepare classical Venetian sandwiches, the place is cosy and the choice is great There is also the truly delicious sandwiches at All’Antico Vinaio, 18, Via Statuto (find on map). We also recommend Fioraio Bianchi Caffè a florist and café at 7, Via Montebello. Then there is Via Palermo a road with many interesting eateries (find on map) You can get delicious to-go sandwiches and ready meals at Rossi e Grassi in 4, Via Ponte Vetero (find on map) and Via Solferino (find on map). 10 Corso Como Cozy courtyard, with good lunch. Pizzeria di Porta Garibaldi, 6, Corso Como (find on map). Temakinho 53, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) Pattini, 5, Via Solferino (find on map) although is technically “just” a bakery, they have lots of delicious dishes and pasta that you can eat either inside at the tables or outside on the comfortable benches. Of course they also have great pizza and foccaccia. El Tombon de San Marc, regular Milanese food, 20, Via San Marco (find on map). Café Gorille, near Piazza Gae Aulenti at 20, Via Gaetano de Castillia (find on map) a really cosy and beautiful café which is rich on atmosphere Panini Durini, 24, Via Mercato (find on map), delicious sandwiches, cakes and coffee to go.Pandenus, 24, Via Mercato (find on map), great lunch and aperitivo, breakfast every day from 7 am.
Coffee:
Panarello, 52, Via della Moscova, great pastry!! (find on map), at the same address you also find Pattini and and 50 meters from there in the direction of Corso Como there is Radetzky (find on map).
Italian ice cream:
Grom, Piazza Gae Aulenti (find on map) good concept and excellent icecream. Rivareno, 20, Via Mercato (find on map) – absolutely fabulous ice cream made with only fresh, natural ingredients and sweetened with cane sugar. Vero Gelateria, 60, Corso Garibaldi (find on map) absolutely delicious Sicilian ice cream.
The famous fashion quadrangle Quadrilatero della moda has its name after the four streets it is enclosed by: Via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia. This area is a celebration of luxury and beauty and is genuine old Milan and it is definitely worth a visit. Many of the boutiques are entire fashion shows in themselves.
Shops:
Here you’ll find them all; Armani, D&G, Dior, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Valentino, Prada, Versace, Cavalli, Missoni, Hermès, Burberry, Kartell, Alessi, Comptoir des Cottoniers, Trussardi , Paul Smith, (the last 5 are in Via Manzoni). Also check out the luxury fashion outlet Outlet Matia’s in 37, Corso Venezia (find on map).
Lunch:
GB Bar, 2, Via Agnello (find on map) Another exclusive and very cosy restaurant in this area is Il Salumaio di Via Montenapoleone at 10, Via Santo Spirito (find on map) – this is also a great place to have a coffee break. Princi Bakery, Corso Venezia 21 (find on map) in principle this is a bakery but they prepare delicious lunch dishes: pasta, risotto and salads. Go early (before 12.30) because the place is normally packed!! Panini Durini, 26, Via Durini (find on map), small place but they make absolutely delicious sandwiches, soups, salads AND they’ve got incredible coffee (also to go) and cakes.
Coffee:
Do you want the historic coffee experience? try out the charming Pastry shop Cova, 8, Via Montenapoleone with its own courtyard or Pastry shop Marchesi (find on map) one of Milan’s oldest pastry shops has opened a new shop here in 9, Via Montenapoleone.
From Piazza Duomo you turn down Via Torino with lots of sports shops and street wear. Around the corner are via San Maurilio and Via Santa Marta with little boutiques. (find on map), and Via Giacomo Mora (find on map) where there are vintage shops and Cavalli e Nastri one of Milan’s oldest vintage boutiques. In this street you also find Groupies Vintage. Corso di Porta Ticinese – streetwear (great for teenagers), alternative design, vintage boutiques, this is a place where the Milanese themselves go browsing. Via Cesare Correnti an exciting part of the Milanese Design bigs Cinque Vie, with various shops e.g. Joost. (find on map) great design for both him and her. Suede ar 21, Via Cesare Correnti (find on map). This tour ends in Viale Papiniano,where there is a great open air market on Tuesdays 7.30 am-2 pm.and Saturdays 7.30 am-6 pm.
Lunch:
Visit foodie temple Peck, (find on map) Milan’s no. 1 delicatessen and get an amazing lunch. All’antico vinaio the most delicous Florentine sandwiches you can imagine at 12, via Lupetta (find on map) Panino Giusto, 8, Via Francesco Cherubini – quality sandwiches. (Find on map) Delicious Southern Italian street food at Slow Sud, 4, Via delle Asole (find on map) In Via Giacomo Mora (find on map) there are also a couple of cosy places for lunch. For tasty vegetarian food check out La Vecchia Latteria, 6, Via dell’Unione (find on map).
Grom, 4, Largo Carobbio (find on map) good concept and excellent ice cream. Vero Gelateria, 51b, Corso di Porta Ticinese (find on map) absolutely delicious Sicilian ice cream.
The regular High Street shops i.e. Brian & Barry – department store with a very chic rooftop bar (open until 7.30 pm) Boggi (great outfits for him), Diesel, Max & Co, Max Mara, Liu Jo, Sephora, Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Yamamay, Kiko,La Rinascente – department store, Urban Outfitters, Guess, Swatch, Footlocker, Benetton, H&M, COS, … & Other Stories and Zara. #roundTheCorner the outlet Intrend Diffusione Tessile (if you’re into Max Mara ,Max & Co), very cheap compared with their official shops, it is in Largo Corsia dei Servi) (find on map) and don’t miss out on luxury outlet Matia’s Fashion outlet at 10, Via San Pietro all’Orto (find on map). The beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele with shops Prada, Borsellini, Gucci, Louis Vuitton
Lunch:
Luini – note that it is closed in August – (they make Panzerotti – a kind of mini calzone either fried or baked, there’s normally a very long queue, but it’s very well organized and fast and more importantly; it’s worth the wait, you can eat it picnic style on Piazza San Fedele (right behind – (find on map) where you can enjoy coffee afterwards in the very hip Lavazza Store. Mercato del Duomo (food market, Old Wild West, bistrot and restaurant with an incredible view over Piazza Duomo). If you want to see and be seen there are lots of outdoor places on Corso Vittorio Emanuele itself, but note Italians don’t go here, they are typical tourist traps. Also worth mentioning is Fratelli La Bufala, 8, Galleria San Carlo (find on map). On the same square you have Gino Sorbillo Neapolitan pizza in Milan. Inside the Museo del Novecento right at Piazza Duomo you find the exclusive Giacomo Arengario with a view on the Duomo and the city. All’Antico Vinaio the most delicous Florentine sandwiches you can imagine at 12, via Lupetta (find on map) On the top floor of department store La Rinascente there are several restaurants, a food market and the most amazing view over Piazza del Duomo. Ai Chiostri Milano, 48, Via San Barnaba (find on map), this beautiful place is housed in a former convent, located just behind Milan’s court house, from the 1400s offers everything from breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and after dinner drinks.
Coffee:
Try out the delicious coffee with whipped cream at San Carlo al Corso, on Piazza San Carlo (find on map) or sip it at the exclusive Gucci Café halfway in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele (find on map) where you also find Prada’s in-store coffeshop/pastry shop Marchesi on the first floor with an amazing view of the Galleria. Hidden behind the scaffolding In Piazza San Babila for the new metro line is a real gem Pascucci at 22, Corso Europa (find on map). They import their own blend of organic South American coffee, you can also get lunch here. Then there is the Flagship Store Lavazza, the slow coffee center in Piazza San Fedele (find on map).
H&M, Zara, Conbipel, Benetton, Pepe Jeans, Kiko (affordable makeup), Guess kids, Vergelio sko, Bata shoes, Levi’s, Antony Morato, Geox , Elena Miro, Freddy, Furla, IntimissimiLingeri, Liu-Jo, Camicissima (shirts for him & her), Celio (for him), Havaianas, Tezenis Lingeri, bassetti (home innovation), Du Pareil Au Meme (kids’ clothes) OVS(Italian low-cost clothing) have opened their so far biggest store in 21, Corso Buenos Aires The first shop in the Japanese chain Muji, to have opened in Milan. 2, Via Lecco (find on map) you’ll find Lisa Corti who sells colourfull tablecloths, bedspreads, plaids, ceramics and clothes Viale Tunisia Carpe diemstore. OVS(Italian low-cost clothes) have opened their, to date, biggest store at 21 Corso Buenos Aires 21.
You probably need a break from the crowds on Corso Buenos Aires, so drop into the park Indro Montanelli Public Gardens and have coffee at Bar Bianco (find on map); or visit Panarello, who are famous for their cakes (find on map)
This area is actually a shopping-route. Start at Via Marghera – via Belfiore – Corso Vercelli – Corso Magenta with a detour to Via Vincenzo Monti and a cultural break at “The Last Supper” (you have to book tickets phone number +390292800360) another must-see is art gallery/design store Spazio Rossana Orlandi at 14/16, Via Matteo Bandello (find on map) which is just a little out of the way but so worth visiing.
Shops:
Via Marghera – here you find several shoe shops and varied clothes shops, outlets. OVS clothes shop H&M style. Around the corner in Via Belfiore (find on map) fantastic hardware store, Lo Sfizio clothes. in Corso Vercelli you find department store Coin with medium prices, Boggi (stylish outfits for him), Max & Co, Gallo if you’re into quality and stripes, Furlahandbags and wallets, Intimissimi,Sephora makeup, ZARA Home, Zadiq & Voltaire plus Swarovski, Songes, Subdued and there is luxury outlet Matia’s Fashon outlet at 40, Corso Vercelli (find on map)
Biffi pastry shop: Have coffee or an aperitivo original Milan style or sip it in the small coffee shop at 87, Corso Magenta (find on map) , where you drink coffee while enjoying the smell of freshly ground coffee beans, and you can buy some for your espresso machine at home. Panarello, 10 Via Belfiore 10 (find on map) – great cakes.
Italian ice cream
Grom, 1a, Via Alberto da Giussano (find on map) Good concept and excellent ice cream. Fru Eaton Piazzale Baracca (find on map) also sells delicious artisinal ice cream. Chocolate Milano at 9 Via Boccaccio (find on map)., their chocolate ice cream is to die for.
Start on Piazza Gae Aulenti; Milan’s newest area, where you should see the internationally acclaimed buildings “Bosco verticale” (the vertical forest))
Located under the square is the supermarket Esselunga if you want to shop for gourmet specialties and wine.
From there continue down Corso Como and check out the famous design store and art gallery 10CorsoComo – good place for lunch.
at the end of Corso Como is the square (Piazza XXV Aprile) with the foodie temple Eataly incidentally also a good choice for lunch.
Continue into the Brera area (Via Solferino, Via San Marco and Corso Garibaldi) which is the old artistic neighbourhood of Milan with lots of quirky and chic stores and galleries.
If you’re here on either a Monday or a Thursday it is worth your while to visit the open air market in Via San Marco and Milan’s best high fashion outlet Matia’s is very close by at 4, Piazza Carlo Mirabello (find på kort) and their outlet for kids 0-16 år is located in the same area at 2, Via Eugenio Balzan (find på kort).
Continue down to Piazza della Scala with Milan’s famous Scala theater.
If you still have energy and time to spare you are now directly behind Piazza Duomo just walk thorugh the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele which links Piazza della Scala and Piazza Duomo and you have Milan’s cathedral right in front of you.
Now you are probably starving and you are close to several good restaurants e.g. Giacomo Arengario €€ on top of Museo del Novecento (find on map) with an amazing view of Piazza Duomo. and Piz, 34, Via Torino (find on map) genuine Neapolitan pizza €, For more eateries in the area check out our post about Milan’s restaurants here.
You probaly know the Italian men’s wear Boggi, here is their outlet store at 28, Viale Vincenzo Lancetti (find on map) lots of great deals in both casual and elegant clothe and accessories, the shop is located right across from railway link station Lancetti just one stop from Garibaldi station.
Great fashion items – clothes, shoes, bags – for both him and her right next to Boggi Factory Outlet (for direction see above) at 28, Viale Vincenzo Lancetti (find on map)
Visit this shopping center in Locate di Triulzi (find on map) just 30 minutes from Piazza Reppubblica in the city center bythe railroad link S13 (passante) and a 2-minute walk from the station. There are great brands like Cavalli, Liu-Jo, G-Star Raw, Twinset, Adidas, Nike, Boxeur des rues, Bomboogie, Kartell, Alessi and many others at outlet prices. You can also get there by shuttle service from Largo Ciroli three times a day. The centre is open Mondays-Wednesdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Thursday-Sundays 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Outlets outside Milan and where to get the bus to go
