Milan is the center of Italian fashion and the top shopping destination in Europe. Various shopping options include trendy boutiques with luxury brands and budget-friendly solutions.
You can go shopping in Milan spontaneously, relying on luck and just wandering along the fashionable streets, enjoying the architecture and modern design of these stunning places. Or you can prepare in advance by studying the key spots. Such an approach and insider tips will save you time and budget.
We’ve created an ultimate guide for your best Milan shopping experience:
Quadrilatero della Moda
The first thing that comes to mind about Milan is not architecture but fashion. The top area for fashion exploration is the Quadrilatero della Moda. This area is the central fashion district of Milan, with a concentration of upscale shopping and fashion.
The elegant streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda are an additional visual pleasure with flagship boutiques of famous designers. If you aim to get original designer’s top fashion clothes, visit the most upscale fashion houses in these locations:
- Main shopping street in Milan, Via Montenapoleone: It is a legendary landmark and a must-visit spot for all fashion enthusiasts with global luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
- Historical elegance of Via Santo Spirito: On the street you’ll find Vivienne Westwood, Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney;
- Antique Via Borgospesso: Besides antique boutiques, the street is a top destination to buy designer shoes and bags and visit iconic Christian Louboutin;
- Prestigious Via Manzoni and Sant’Andre: The street houses Chanel, Hermes, and Armani fashion stores.
- The pedestrian Via della Spiga: It features the boutiques of Dolce & Gabbana, Bottega Veneta, and Roberto Cavalli.
Location: Quadrilatero della Moda, 20121 Milan, Italy
Travel Tip: Avoid the most crowded period: Milan Fashion Week for calm shopping.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: The oldest mall in the world
Galleria is a spot for the best shopping in Milan and sightseeing at the same time as it’s next to the Duomo.
Visit it to buy the luxury goods of Versace, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. The arcade’s fantastic design with its clear glass dome and detailed mosaic floors will definitely amaze you. If you are not into luxury shopping, visit the Galleria to explore this architectural marvel.
The upscale department store La Rinascente with several floors is the highlight of the area. Take a break at the rooftop cafe, which has breathtaking views of the Duomo.
Travel Tip: Wanna bring good luck? Most tourists believe that if you spin your heel on the mosaic bull in the Galleria, you’ll attract happiness to your life.
Location: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milan, Italy
Corso Buenos Aires: Europe’s longest shopping street
The shopping street has a total length of 1.2 kilometers and more than 350 stores, making it the perfect choice for a full day of luxury shopping in Milan. For affordable shopping, there are independent Italian boutiques and mid-range brands like Guess and Benetton.
Fashionistas can find new pieces without high price tags and with great discounts.
Travel Tip: The sales periods with the best seasonal deals are in January or July.
Location: Corso Buenos Aires, 20124 Milan, Italy
Brera District: Unique Boutiques and Crafted Goods
The area is a worldwide bohemian shopping spot. The creative vibe, unique antique stores and boutique stores of independent designers create an unforgettable experience. Come here for handmade jewelry, unique home decor, and leather goods.
For a quick break, choose Brera Art Gallery for the traditional afternoon espresso.
Travel Tip: The best time to get artisanal craftsmanship is on weekends when street markets with local artists’ goods open up.
Location: Brera District, 20121 Milan, Italy
Navigli District and Corso di Porta Ticinese: Experience Alternative Shopping
Shopping in Milan is not only about high fashion – it can be variable. Corso di Porta Ticinese is an area with vintage shops and streetwear labels. The highlight of this area is the unusual staff.
One more spot to vary your shopping experience in Milan is the Navigli District, well-known for its exciting nightlife. But in the daytime, on its canal-lined streets, cheap shopping in Milan is available, offering everything from antique treasures to vinyl records to indie fashion.
Travel Tip: Relax in the bar along the canal after shopping, savoring the evening appetizer.
Location: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 20123 Milan, Italy
Major Outlets: Trendy but savvy
Shopping in Milan can be affordable, and fashion outlets are the proof. Find high-fashion clothes at reasonable prices in one of the outlets shopping in Milan below:
- Il Salvagente – (Via Fratelli Bronzetti, 16, 20129 Milan, Italy): Designer brands can get a 60-percent discount. Locals highly recommend the place.
- Fidenza Village – (Via San Michele Campagna, 43036 Fidenza, Italy): This luxury shopping mall in Milan is one hour’s drive from the city center. Even Italians come here to buy brands like Armani, Versace, and Michael Kors.
- Scalo Milano – Outlet & More (Via Milano, 5, 20085 Locate Triulzi, Italy): Italian fashion brands highlight this fashion spot 15 minutes from the city center.
Travel Tip: If you come to Fidenza Village or Scalo Milano, use shuttle services to travel conveniently and safely.
CityLife District: A modern shopping experience
The CityLife Shopping District offers a contemporary shopping experience. The mall is large and includes designer shops and international brands, suitable for a whole day of shopping as there are rest and dining areas with a variety of dining options.
The place is not super touristy compared to the major destinations of fashionistas around the World, but it’s a good choice for reasonable shopping.
Travel Tip: If you come for the whole day, visit CityLife Park to enjoy some green space.
Location: CityLife Shopping District, Piazza Tre Torri, 20145 Milan, Italy
Supermarkets: Great Spots for Souvenir Shopping
There are chain supermarkets in Milan, which are the best spots for local products. Here are a few notable options:
- Esselunga: A well-known Italian supermarket chain with fresh products, meat, and bakery items. The prices are reasonable.
- Carrefour: This global supermarket chain provides groceries, household items, and electronics. The products are fresh, and the prices are reasonable.
- Lidl: The discount supermarket offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and household products. Locals come here for weekly promotions.
- Conad: Conad provides local and regional products. The selection of organic and fresh items is the best here.
Travel Tip: Come here for small souvenirs like magnets for reasonable prices, same as logical products.
Location: There are multiple locations for the listed supermarkets on Google Maps.
Takeaways
Milan is a crucial shopping spot known worldwide for its fashion treasures. Luxury labels and handcrafted goods create an unforgettable experience for every visitor, a real fashionista.
The most well-known retail area is Quadrilatero della Moda, with famous avenues like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Buenos Aires are good for getting popular high-street fashion brands, such as Zara and H&M.
Milan provides distinctive artisanal shopping experiences in Brera, where independent boutiques and regional craftsmanship flourish. Besides luxurious shopping, the Navigli District is ideal for vintage clothing and alternative styles.
It’s the most savvy decision regarding designer goods for outlets such as Fidenza Village and Il Salvagente.
If you don’t know where to go shopping in Milan, rely on our experienced guide. Enhance your Milan shopping experience and take advantage of your chance to find hidden treasures throughout this chic city.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
