The homeland of Gucci, Versace, Prada and Armani, Milan exceeds every expectation. But where to get the most of your shopping experience? There are few better places than the Quadrilatero della Moda (The Fashion Quadrilateral) – the four streets that cram some of the best designer stores in the world.
Another port of call is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an architectural wonder in its own right. Found between La Scala and the Duomo, the gallery houses prestigious stores like Borsalino and Luis Vuitton and elegant cafés and lavish restaurants.
If you’re looking for upscale fashion buys and jewellery boutiques, via Brera and Corso Buenos Aires are your go-to. And if you want to try your luck at bargaining, via Torino is the one.
The best places to shop in Milan
Milan has it all, whether you love fashion, homeware, jewellery or designer vintage.
If you feel overwhelmed by all these opportunities, let us help you get started with the best fashion destinations in Milan.
- Duomo, Galleria and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
- Quadrilatero della Moda
- Brera
- Corso Vercelli
- Sempione Area
- Porta Nuova
- 5 Vie: via Torino and more
- Porta Romana
- Corso Buenos Aires
- Navigli and Colonne
1. Duomo, Galleria and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Found in the beating heart of Milan, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II houses both upmarket and mid-range brands to cater for all budgets.
From Zara and Mango to Michael Kors and Falconeri, there’s plenty to discover here. Grab a gelato on the go and stroll along this busy street, where you’re bound to stumble upon the magnificent Duomo and its Madunina – Milan's most iconic monument.
The area around the Duomo is one of the main shopping hotspots. It’s a stone’s throw from the Rinascente – a ten-floor department store boasting luxury women’s and men’s clothing, home accessories, haute couture and more.
Next to the Rinascente is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the so-called Salotto di Milano (Milan’s drawing-room). But the Galleria is not just an ordinary drawing-room. Architecturally sophisticated and elegant in every detail, il Salotto is home to some of the biggest names in the fashion industry.
Admire the glorious glass dome, but don’t forget to look down at the beautiful floor mosaics. Place your heels between the Bull of Turin’s hind legs, close your eyes and turn around three times. It’ll bring you luck!
Opening times: the Duomo is open from 09:00 to 19:00. The opening times of the shops along Corso Vittorio Emanuele vary, with many opening between 10:00 and 19:00 or 20:00. The Galleria is open 24 hours a day, while the Rinascente until 21:00 on weekdays and 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays
Nearest train station: 1-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo metro stop (M1 line)
2. Quadrilatero della Moda
The Quadrilatero della Moda (The Fashion Quadrilateral) is Milan’s fashion soul, named after the four upmarket streets that define its boundaries.
Think about a famous designer. They will most likely have an atelier here. Maybe even two! Milan’s Fashion District is one of the main shopping streets in the world, along with Paris’ Champs Élysées and New York’s Fifth Avenue. And it’s no wonder.
From international fashion giants like Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein to Italian icons such as Armani, Gucci and Borbonese – the Quadrilatero is a haven for shoppers with generous budgets.
But walking along these bustling streets isn’t only about shopping. It’s also about sightseeing. As you walk past the luxury brands, you’ll bump into some of Milan’s most famous landmarks, including Palazzo Morando and Poldi Pezzoli Museum.
Opening times: Most between 10:00 and 19:00 or 20:00
Nearest train station: 4-minute walk from Montenapoleone metro stop (M3 line)
3. Brera
The Brera district is Milan's artistic pulse, a stone’s throw from Sempione Park, midway between the Pinacoteca di Brera area and La Scala. Shopping is also a form of art, with quaint workshops and quirky boutiques tucked away down the cobbled alleys.
If you love a bargain, make sure to save some time for the Mercatino dell’ antiquariato (antique market), held on the third Sunday of each month. A stroll around this charming neighbourhood means coming across some of Milan’s most prestigious stores. Discover Daniela de Marchi’s stunning jewellery collections, Diego della Palma’s iconic makeup studio or luxurious leather accessories designed by Giòsa Milano.
Opening times: Most of the shops in the Brera District are open between 10:00 and 20:00
Nearest train station: 7-minute walk from Lanza metro stop (M2 line) or 8-minute walk from Montenapoleone metro stop (M3 line)
4. Corso Vercelli
If you’re wondering where Milanese go shopping, it’s Corso Vercelli. Known as Milan’s niche shopping street, the Corso is close to Fiera Milano, not too far from Sempione Park and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The retail roots of this exciting avenue date back to the late 19th century, when it was particularly favoured by tax and duty laws. Today, it offers exciting shopping opportunities with smaller crowds. The historic tram crossing the area gives this part of Milan a unique atmosphere, complemented by the trendy boutiques and elegant ateliers.
Every taste is catered for here, from mainstream retailers like Zara and H&M to brands like Zadig & Voltaire and Montblanc.
Opening times: Most shops open between 10:00 and 19:30 or 20:00
Nearest train station: 4-minute walk from Pagano metro stop, or a 6-minute walk from Conciliazione metro stop
5. Sempione Area
The area around Sempione Park is one of the most picturesque. It offers endless shopping opportunities – both high-end and budget-friendly.
Thanks to the wide range of restaurants, bars and clubs, it’s trendy among students and young professionals, making it the perfect place to grab a bargain. There are plenty of choices, from the Italian institution for streetwear Slam Jam to clothing brands like Massimo Dutti and Matia’s Fashion Outlet.
If you head east from the park, you’ll bound to stumble upon Milan’s Chinatown – the largest and oldest in Italy. Have a stroll around the narrow alleys dotted with red lanterns, where you’ll find plenty of affordable shopping opportunities, including colourful knick-knacks and furniture.
Opening times: Most shops are open between 10:00 and 19:30 or 20:00
Nearest train station: 14-minute walk from Milan Cadorna
6. Porta Nuova
Thanks to a significant redevelopment project, this once-industrial area has been given a whole new identity. Today, it represents Milan’s futuristic vision, emphasising height and length to redefine the city’s skyline. Many of Milan’s favourite modern buildings are here, including the Bosco Verticale (The Vertical Forest) and the Unicredit Tower.
Shops in Porta Nuova reflect the modern style of its architecture, where up-and-coming designers make a start in the industry. Head to via Solferino, a treasure trove of unique items, and stop by Iliprandi – men’s paradise for luxury shoes.
If you fancy a bit of extravagance, Goods on via Castelfidardo promises a wide variety of Italian, French and Spanish brands for original collections of women’s bags and clothing.
From via Solferino, keep walking north towards 10 Corso Como – often described as the first-ever concept shop. The brainchild of former fashion editor Carla Sozzani, this multi-level shop houses a boutique, art bookstore and gallery. You’ll also find Italian designer Chiara Ferragni’s upscale flagship store not far from here.
Opening times: Most shops around Porta Nuova are open between 10:00 and 20:00
Nearest train station: 2-minute from Turati metro stop (M3 line) or a 5-minute walk from Milano Repubblica train station
7. 5Vie
Named after the confluence of five star-shaped streets, this part of Milan has a chic vibe that makes it different from any other.
Nestled in the city's historical heart, this district is famous for its cultural landmarks, including the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the Archaeological Museum, and the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore. The 5Vie area is also a shopping haven, packed with boutiques, antique shops and contemporary stores.
A visit to the Wait and See boutique is a must for unique vintage clothes and accessories. This 18th-century convent may look old, but Italian designer Umberta Zambeletti’s forward-thinking collections are among the most sophisticated in the city.
Opening times: Most stops in 5Vie are open between 10:00 and 20:00
Nearest train station: 10-minute walk from Missori metro stop (M3 line)
8. Porta Romana
Once another one of Milan’s city gates, Porta Romana is a dynamic residential area today, home to a significant student population thanks to its proximity to Bocconi University. Its 19th and mid-20th-century buildings house some of the best shops in the city, including Boggi Milano, Merceria Guffanti and Boho.
If you go for a stroll in this area, you’ll also see some of Milan’s famous landmarks, including Teatro Oscar (Oscar Theatre), Fondazione Prada and Bagni Misteriosi (The Secret Baths).
Opening times: Most of the shops around Porta Romana are open between 10:00 and 20:00
Nearest train station: 5-minute walk from Porta Romana train station and metro stop (M3 line)
9. Corso Buenos Aires
Considered among Milan’s prime shopping areas, Corso Buenos Aires and Porta Venezia are home to some of the city’s top fashion destinations. Unlike the Quadrilatero della Moda, which specialises in luxury design, Corso Buenos Aires mainly focuses on high-street shopping.
Opposite via Torino and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the Corso is home to more than 360 department stores, designer shops and boutiques – the highest concentration of clothing stores in Europe. There are plenty of choices from prestigious brands such as Furla, Liu Jo and Guess to mainstream giants like OVS and Zara.
Running southwest from Piazza del Duomo, via Torino is also known for its mid-range retail vibe, featuring shops like Benetton, Pandora and H&M.
Opening times: Most of the shops are open from 10:00 to 20:00
Nearest train station: 4-minute walk from Palestro metro stop (M1 line)
10. Navigli and Colonne
Famous as the meeting point for Milanese’ timeless, almost sacred, aperitivo, the Navigli is also an excellent spot for shopping. The old network of canals gives the area a charming character, where small boutiques and ateliers are tucked away, hiding stylish gems.
Find unique vintage pieces and antiques here, like Pourquoi Moi – a hotspot for rare design items, handbags and jewellery. Naviglio Piu is also one of the Navigli’s secrets, selling cool military uniforms, among other unexpected finds.
If you’re lucky to be around on the last Sunday of the month, be sure to visit the Navigli Antique Market, with nearly 400 stalls selling every imaginable wonder.
Opening times: Most shops here are open between 10:00 and 19:00
Nearest train station: 10-minute walk from Milano Romolo
Getting around Milan
Milan is a lively, dynamic and always bustling city. Getting around it could be tricky, but Milan’s transport network is incredibly well-organised, efficient and cost-effective.
One of the quickest options to travel around Milan is by bus. Bus services are like clockwork, and a single ticket only costs €1.50. It’s valid for 90 minutes after validation, and can be used on trams, provided the connection is in the same timeframe. Buses run from 05:30 to 01:45 on weekdays, while a night service is available on Friday and Saturday.
Another way to get around the city is by metro, which offers four main lines. Look for ‘MM’ signs to spot metro stations scattered throughout the city, reaching every point of interest. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for 90 minutes after validation. Trams and metro trains run between 05:30 and 00:30, from 06:00 on Sundays.
You can also get a carnet (book of tickets) of ten tickets for €13.80. Alternatively, 24-hour (€4.50) and 48-hour passes (€8.50) are available. Both are valid on all Milan transportation, as long as the connection is made in the same timeframe.
Milan also has S-Trains, a suburban metro linking the metropolitan districts to the city centre.
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M1 (red) |
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M2 (yellow) |
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M3 (green) |
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M4 (blue) |
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Travelling by train to Milan?
If you're planning a trip to Italy's fashion capital, why not travel by train? Getting the train to Milan is easy due to the high-speed rail connections operated by Trenitalia and Italo. You can travel to Milan from some of the most popular cities in Italy, including Rome to Milan (2h 52m), Venice to Milan (2h) and Florence to Milan (1h 40m).
Need more information about travelling to Milan by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Milan.