Shopping in Milan

Milan is the shopping city of Italy. With such a huge range of shopping areas and streets, it can be difficult to choose. We'll help you with a few suggestions, but remember that Milan has a lot more to offer to shoppers than what we describe here. For those who want to see more than just the famous sights in Milan, a day of shopping in Milan is ideal.

The main square Piazza del Duomo borders the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th century shopping arcade with glass domes. The architect of the building, Giuseppe Mengoni, saw his work just completed, but he did not experience the opening. Just before the official opening in 1878 he fell off the roof and died instantly. In the Galleria you will find chic shops, cafes and restaurants. In addition to the branches of fashion brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, you will find some excellent bookshops. Most visitors marvel at the glass domes, but also look at the mosaics on the floor. In the north wing a bull is depicted in mosaic and it is tradition to step on his noble parts. That brings luck, according to the Milanese.

To the north of Piazza del Duomo is the city's fashion centre, Quadrilatero, bordered by Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea and Via della Spiga. There are shops of great fashion designers like Prada, Armani, Versace, Gianfranco Ferré and Dolce & Gabbana. For up-and-coming talent, go to the Corsa di Porta Ticinese or to the area around the Porta Genova metro station.

Brera is a district where small boutiques and antique shops can be found. This is still called Milan's artists' neighbourhood, but many artists and creatives have now sought refuge elsewhere. Yet it is a nice neighborhood, where you can discover surprisingly nice shops. Take a stroll through the narrow streets around the Corriere della Sera.

The Via Torino used to be Milan's main shopping street, but now it's a paradise for shoe lovers. Prices and qualities vary widely, so there is something for everyone to find.

Finally, the 'Chinatown' of Milan, around the Paolo Sarpi, is a must for people who are after leather items. There are also some glass sharpeners.