How much does it cost to travel to Milan (Italy)? Flights, accommodation, etc.

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital and a global hub for design, art, and business, offers an exciting range of experiences. Whether you're visiting for its world-renowned shopping districts, historic landmarks, or fine dining, understanding the costs associated with your trip will help you plan accordingly. Milan can be an expensive city, but there are plenty of options to suit every budget. This guide will break down the main costs involved in traveling to Milan, from flights and accommodation to food and activities.

Where to Stay

Milan has a wide range of accommodation options to suit travelers with different budgets. The city offers everything from budget hostels to luxurious hotels, with prices varying depending on the location and time of year.

Budget accommodations: Hostels and guesthouses in areas like Central Station or Porta Romana can offer affordable stays, with prices ranging from €25 to €80 per night for a shared dorm or basic room.
Mid-range accommodations: Hotels and boutique guesthouses in central areas like Brera or the Navigli district typically range from €90 to €200 per night. These areas offer easy access to top attractions.
Luxury accommodations: Milan’s luxury hotels, such as the Armani Hotel or the Hotel Principe di Savoia, provide 5-star experiences, with prices starting from €300 and reaching up to €800+ per night.

When to Go

The best times to visit Milan are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. While Milan can be visited year-round, there are certain periods when prices and crowds peak.

Low season: Winter (November to March) is the off-peak season in Milan, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs. However, December and January can still be expensive due to the holidays.
Peak season: Summer (June to August) is the high tourist season, with higher hotel rates, crowded attractions, and warm temperatures. The city comes alive with events, but be prepared for higher prices.

Airfare

The cost of flights to Milan varies depending on your departure city, the time of booking, and the season. Milan has two major airports: Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Linate Airport (LIN), both of which are well-connected to international and domestic flights.

From New York: Round-trip flights from New York to Milan typically range from €350 to €700, depending on the time of year and the airline.
From London: Flights from London to Milan are relatively affordable, with round-trip tickets ranging from €30 to €150, particularly with budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair.
From other cities: Flights from other European cities like Paris or Barcelona generally cost between €40 and €200 round-trip, especially if booked in advance.

Food

Milan is home to world-class dining, offering everything from casual street food to fine dining experiences. The cost of food can vary depending on where and what you choose to eat.

Street food: Milan has a thriving street food scene. A panino (sandwich) or a slice of pizza can cost between €3 and €8. Also, you can try a traditional pastry like a cannoli or a gelato for about €2 to €5.
Casual dining: Mid-range restaurants in Milan, serving pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties, will cost around €15 to €35 per person for a meal, including a drink.
Fine dining: Milan is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants. A fine-dining experience at a high-end restaurant can cost anywhere from €50 to €150 or more per person, depending on the restaurant and menu.

Attractions and Tourist Spots

Milan is packed with cultural, historical, and artistic landmarks. Many of the city’s attractions are either free or have a modest entry fee. However, certain attractions, such as museums and art galleries, require tickets.

The Duomo Cathedral: Visiting the Duomo Cathedral is free, but entry to the rooftop costs around €10 to €15 for general access and more for guided tours or faster access.
Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci: One of Milan’s most famous attractions, tickets to see "The Last Supper" at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie cost around €15. It’s essential to book tickets in advance due to limited availability.
Sforza Castle: The Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) offers free entry to the main courtyard, but tickets to visit the museums inside cost around €5 to €10.
Pinacoteca di Brera: This art gallery, home to works by artists like Caravaggio and Raphael, charges an entry fee of around €12 to €15.

Excursions and Tours

If you want to experience Milan beyond its major attractions, there are plenty of guided tours and excursions available. Prices can vary depending on the type of tour and its duration.

City tours: Guided walking or bus tours of Milan generally cost between €25 and €50 per person, depending on the duration and the number of attractions included.
Fashion tours: Given Milan’s reputation as the fashion capital, a guided tour of the fashion district can cost between €50 and €150, depending on the depth of the tour and whether it includes visits to exclusive fashion boutiques.
Day trips: Milan’s location makes it ideal for day trips to nearby destinations like Lake Como, Verona, or the Cinque Terre. These day trips typically cost between €50 and €120, including transportation and a guide.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for a trip to Milan. It covers medical emergencies, cancellations, lost baggage, and more, offering peace of mind during your travels.

Basic travel insurance: Typically costs between €20 and €60 for a short trip, covering health emergencies and trip cancellations.
Comprehensive insurance: More extensive coverage, including protection for high-risk activities or luggage loss, can cost between €60 and €150.

General Tips for Saving Money

While Milan can be an expensive city, there are many ways to save money and still experience all it has to offer.

Use public transportation: Milan’s metro, trams, and buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around. A single metro ticket costs €2, and a 10-ride pass costs around €18.
Visit free attractions: Milan offers several free attractions, such as the Duomo Cathedral’s main area and the Sforza Castle’s courtyards. You can also explore many beautiful parks and piazzas.
Get a Milan Pass: The Milan Pass gives you access to top attractions and public transportation for a discounted rate. Prices start at around €35 for a 24-hour pass.

Car Rental

While Milan has excellent public transportation, renting a car may be useful if you plan to explore the surrounding region. However, driving in Milan’s city center can be challenging due to limited parking and traffic zones.

Car rental prices: The average cost for renting a car in Milan is about €30 to €60 per day, depending on the car type and rental company.
Public transportation: Using the metro and trams is the most efficient and affordable way to navigate Milan, especially in busy areas.

Internet and Communication Chip

Staying connected while in Milan is easy with local SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi options. Here are some of the best choices.

SIM cards: A local SIM card with data can cost between €10 and €30 for a 30-day plan, depending on the provider and data allowance.
Portable Wi-Fi: Portable Wi-Fi rental devices are available for around €5 to €10 per day, offering reliable internet access throughout the city.

Best Hotels and Accommodation for Different Budgets

Here are some recommended hotels in Milan across various price ranges:

Budget options: Ostello Bello, located near Central Station, offers dormitory beds starting from €25 per night, offering a great balance of affordability and comfort.
Mid-range options: The Hotel Spadari al Duomo offers modern, well-located rooms starting at €120 per night, perfect for those who want comfort at a reasonable price.
Luxury options: The Four Seasons Hotel Milan is a luxurious option, with rooms starting at €500 per night, providing a 5-star experience with top-notch amenities.

Cities and Regions to Visit

If you have time, consider visiting nearby cities or regions while in Milan. Here are a few suggestions:

Lake Como: Just an hour away by train, Lake Como is known for its beautiful lakeside villages and scenic views. Day trips can cost around €40 to €70, including transportation and activities.
Verona: Known for its connection to Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a charming city about 1.5 hours from Milan by train. A day trip costs around €40 to €60.

Conclusion

Traveling to Milan offers an exciting blend of culture, fashion, and food. Whether you’re visiting on a budget or seeking luxury experiences, the city has something to offer every type of traveler. By planning carefully, considering various accommodation and dining options, and using public transportation, you can make the most of your time in Milan without breaking the bank.