10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Milan
What Not to Do in Milan on Your 1st Visit
Common mistakes people make when visiting Milan can range from innocent miscalculations related to travel planning to simply not being vigilant when out and about. Slip-ups can happen in any part of the world you travel to, though some are specific to this great Italian city. Most are not especially critical, but some can be.
It’s always best to be prepared with some knowledge about what to do and what not to do in Milan. A certain level of self-awareness and common sense is always helpful when you’re in the city, too. This guide presents a few points to help keep your experience of Milan smooth and blunder-free.
10 mistakes people make when visiting Milan
- Forgetting advance booking
- Skipping the Milan Metro’s MilanoCard city pass
- Selecting unsuitable attire
- Touching fresh goods at the market
- Letting your guard down
- Going for late lunch
- Dining only around tourist sites
- Choosing fancier gelati over artisanal ones
- Tipping
- Choosing the wrong area to stay
1. Forgetting advance booking
It’s a must, especially if you want to see The Last Supper
Categorías: Historia, Fotos
Most of Milan’s top sights, be it the Duomo (Milan Cathedral) or Teatro alla Scala, require advance booking for tickets. And that’s especially true for seeing Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous mural, The Last Supper, at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church.
If the late 15th-century High Renaissance artwork is on your wish list, you need to secure your 15-minute viewing timeslot for the convent’s refectory. Advance sales are open two to three months in advance, and bookings are done online. Slots are limited, so make sure you do this long before your actual visit.
Forgetting advance booking
2. Skipping the Milan Metro’s MilanoCard city pass
It offers convenient access to Milan’s transportation network and more
Categorías: Asequible, Parejas, Familias
The MilanoCard city pass provides you with ease of access to Milan Metro’s whole public transportation network. Available as 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes, the MilanoCard also grants you special rates on city tours plus free audio guides, discounts on access to some of Milan’s top attractions, and even a complimentary drink at select cafes or bars.
You can activate your MilanoCard at the ticket machines on your first trip when you travel by underground, city train, streetcar, or bus. Select and apply for your pass online, then receive your MilanoCard via the dedicated app on your iPhone or Android device. Leer más
Skipping the Milan Metro’s MilanoCard city pass
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3. Selecting unsuitable attire
Balancing style and function is essential, even in a fashion capital
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Fotos
Fashionistas aiming for Insta-worthy shots against major landmarks may want to rock a fancy outfit, yet selecting unsuitable attire can be uncomfortable and clash with local norms. You should also consider function and comfort, appropriate attire for certain landmarks, and the time of year you visit.
If you’re planning on a lot of sightseeing on foot, consider comfier shoes instead of high heels. Though no formal dress code applies, you’re expected to dress well when dining out; wear decent shoes and a dress or a jacket. For church visits, no shorts or tank tops. Pack light and breathable fabrics for summer, some layering options for spring, and warmer clothes, coats, and a scarf for Milan in wintertime.
Selecting unsuitable attire
4. Touching fresh goods at the market
Browsing and pointing are all you need; the storekeeper will do the rest
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Comida
When shopping at fresh markets in Italy, you’ll likely see signs with a hand crossed and/or bearing the words “per favore non toccare” (please do not touch). Italians prefer shoppers not to handle their fruits and vegetables, not only for logical hygienic purposes but also simply because they take pride in their goods. Picking through a pile of plump plums can be seen as rude and a sign of distrust in their quality.
Simply have a look at what’s on offer and narrow them down to the variety or ripeness you’d prefer. Point and gesture how many you’d like to buy, then ask the stall keeper to weigh, wrap, and pack them for you.
Touching fresh goods at the market
5. Letting your guard down
Pickpockets are in all major cities, even in Milan
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Pickpocketing is one of those petty crimes that occurs in just about any major destination around the globe, so do not let your guard down. You’ll need to be vigilant about your billfold and belongings even in the haute couture capital of Milan.
Pickpockets in Milan operate in tight and crowded places like on the train and at the Milano Centrale station. They either work alone or in tandem, anywhere you’d easily be distracted. Money belts are a good idea, and avoid carrying loose valuables or keeping your billfold in your back pocket.
Letting your guard down
6. Going for late lunch
Last orders are at 2.30 pm
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Comida
If you go for a late lunch in Milan, chances are you’ll find yourself in front of closed doors. Many restaurants in Milan stick to their traditional restaurant hours. Lunch is served from 1 pm to 3 pm, with the last orders taken at 2.30 pm. They open again for dinner at around 7.30 pm, start serving from 8 pm, and stay open until 11 pm or later.
Some hotel restaurants are open the entire day, both for their in-house and outside guests, but most generally aren’t. Want to sip a drink during aperitivo hour? That’ll be between 6 pm and 8 pm. Some fancy rooftops and bars open just before that, so arrive early to snag a good spot.
Going for late lunch
7. Dining only around tourist sites
Culinary adventures in Milan should be… adventurous
Categorías: Asequible, Comida
Dining only around tourist sites can quickly drain your wallet, as Milan’s city center and Duomo area can be rather pricey. Foodies on a budget should explore outside the Milan metropolitan area for a bit of discovery. Porta Romana, southeast of the hub, offers trendy bars and stylish restaurants at competitive prices. Try Italian classics like Milanese veal and risotto, ossobuco (braised veal shanks), or piadina (flatbread sandwiches), or explore the variety in Milan’s Chinatown.
One faux pas is asking for non-Italian “Italian” dishes. Many US-origin versions, like the controversial Hawaiian pizza, are absent from menus in Milan. Embrace the local flavors and focus on enjoying authentic Italian cuisine instead.
Dining only around tourist sites
8. Choosing fancier gelati over artisanal ones
Milano is a gelato haven
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Comida
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll soon find yourself exploring the dozens of gelaterias scattered throughout Milan. It’s okay to slurp your way through the city for different tastes of this classic frozen Italian treat. But don’t just start your adventure at the nearest gelateria you happen to stumble upon.
Around the tourist hub, you’ll find many gelaterias tempting you with colorful and fancy selections of gelati. Instead, seek out gelato artigianale spots, where artisanal gelato is made onsite, offering classic flavors such as stracciatella (vanilla and choco-bits), fior di latte (milk cream), and cioccolato gianduja (choco-hazelnut).
Choosing fancier gelati over artisanal ones
9. Tipping
It’s appreciated but not expected
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Comida
Tipping isn’t a requirement in Milan or anywhere in Italy, as service charges are typically included in the bill at most establishments. However, if you find yourself enjoying an unforgettable fine-dining experience and feel that your waiting staff has provided exceptional service, leaving a 10% tip or some leftover change as a gesture of appreciation is always welcomed.
While it’s not obligatory, rewarding outstanding service can enhance your dining experience and show gratitude. Consider offering a tip when service truly stands out.
Tipping
10. Choosing the wrong area to stay
Stays near iconic landmarks, vibrant nightlife, or family-friendly areas
Categorías: Asequible, Historia, Ambiente nocturno
When choosing the area to stay, cheaper hotels far from the center can be a false economy as you end up spending more on transportation than you saved on accommodations. To be near iconic landmarks like the Duomo, opt for Centro Storico, though rates are naturally higher. For vibrant nightlife, the trendy neighborhood of Navigli is ideal, just southwest of the city center.
North of Centro Storico, Porta Venezia offers budget-friendly options and is great for families, with the lush and leafy Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli featuring historical gardens, museums, and a planetarium. Choose wisely to maximize your Milan experience. Leer más
Choosing the wrong area to stay
En este artículo se incluyen las opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Los autores de este tipo de artículos reciben una compensación por parte de Hoteles.com, que puede abarcar desde viajes hasta cualquier otro tipo de costes.