After you have spent some time exploring the city’s iconic Duomo and visiting some of the best museums in Milan, it’s time to treat yourself to some retail therapy.v
From the sprawling designer boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda to the hidden gems in the city’s many back alleys, Milan offers endless opportunities for the savvy shopper to find the perfect clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Whether you’re looking for the hottest new trends, stylish designer labels, or even some vintage finds, Milan has something for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best shopping spots in Milan, from the tried and true classics to some of the city’s lesser-known locations.
So come explore the world’s fashion capital, and find that perfect item you’ve been searching for!
Navigating the World’s Most Fashionable City: A Shopping Guide to Milan
Shopping streets in Milan
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
The best shopping street in Milan for both affordable and designer deals
Corso Vittorio Emanuele is one of the most iconic spots for shopping in Milan. Located in the historic centre, the street is lined with an array of chic boutiques and shopping districts. Here, you’ll find everything you’re looking for, from high-end designer clothing to one-of-a-kind souvenirs and trinkets.
Some of the stores you can find in Corso Vittorio Emanuele:
Budget shopping in Milan, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
If you’re looking for trendy items at lower prices, there are several shops you can check out on this street. For instance Urban Outfitters, Zara, & Other Stories, as well as sportswear such as Nike, Adidas, Foot Locker and much more.
High-end stores in Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Even though you can find all high-end stores in the quadrilatero della moda destrict (more below), some designer and luxury stores also have locations here, to name a few Tiffany, Max Mara, Loro Piana, Michael Kors.
Rinascente
Rinascente is one of the most popular shopping attractions in Milan. This department store has ten floors and is the perfect place to find the latest fashion trends, almost exclusively designer.
The store offers a wide range of products, including cosmetics and make up, home goods, clothes, shoes and accessories of the most prominent italian and nternational designers.
La Rinascente is a one-stop shop, with everything you could possibly need under one roof. In addition to its extensive selection of high-quality designer brands, the store also offers a great variety of restaurants on the top floor in the gourmet grocery section.
There’s even outdoor dining on the rooftop terrace with amazing views of the Duomo.
La Rinascente offers a discount card for visitors and provides a tax refund service for tourists from outside the EU.
Via Torino and Colonne di San Lorenzo
For Vintage, Trendy, and Affordable Shopping in Milan
Via Torino is the greatest location to be if you’re looking for the best deals in Milan.
This Promenade is lined with a variety of shops, for accessories, shoes, handbags and quality clothing that won’t break the bank.
From Duomo, this street leads all the way down to Navigli.
The most well-known and well-liked stores, including Zara, Intimissimi, Oysho, and Foot Locker, are located in the upper section.
Making your way down to Navigli, you’ll then find several independent shops and smaller chains where you can shop for less common items.
Finally, once you have reached the end of Via Torino, continue walking towards Corso di Porta ticinese. The hottest new stores in Milan are all located here, just near to the Colonne di San Lorenzo.
Due to the area’s proximity to the vibrant Navigli district, which draws many young people, new hipster businesses and quirky vintage shops are continuously opening up.
In the Colonne area you can find some of the best vintage shops in Milan we mentioned in this article, and if you enjoy one-of-a-kind second hand you’re sure to find some gems there.
Getting there:
To start your journey on this street, get on the yellow line and get off the “Duomo” stop.
Leave the station following the “Via Torino” sign. For more info about how to navigate Milan’s public transportation system, read our guide.
Corso Buenos Aires
The “outdoor shopping mall” of Milan
Corso Buenos Aires is the longest shopping street in Milan,often referred to as a massive outdoor shopping mall, boasting more than a kilometer of stores, mainly budget-friendly. Here you can shop for shoes (Aldo, Primadonna, Geox, Bata) sports apparel (Nike, Foot Locker, Snipes), casual wear (Calvin Klein, H&M, Zara, Mango) lingerie (Yamamay, Intimissimi), jewelry (Pandora, Stroili, Swarovski) home accessories (Muji, Kasanova), and much more in the many other local boutiques.
The street is also within easy walking distance from the Central Station, just a 10-minute walk away.
Corso Buenos Aires runs through the thriving Porta Venezia neighborhood, one of the busiest and most lively throughout the day. Once you’ve finished your shopping, if you’re hungry, you can find meals to satisfy every taste.
If you continue south on the avenue past Porta Venezia, it becomes Corso Venezia, which leads directly to Duomo.
Getting there:
Located in the heart of the city, it is easily accessible via public transportation with three metro stops: the Lima stop (on the red line 1), located halfway along the street, and the Porta Venezia and Loreto stops (both on line 1) at either end.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is the most picture-perfect location for luxury shopping. In this charming gallery, which is situated just in front of the cathedral, you can find a broad selection of luxury goods and high-end clothing, as well as posh cafés and several top-notch restaurants.
Well-known retailers including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Armani, and Gucci can be found in the Galleria.
In the center of the gallery, you’ll find a mosaic of the Savoy family’s heraldic symbol emblazoned with a famous bull. It’s said that if you step on the bull with your right foot and close your eyes, you’ll be rewarded with good luck. But if you really want to up your fortune game, try stepping on the bull at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s a tradition that promises a whole year of blessings.
Getting there:
As mentioned, you’ll find it in the iconic Piazza Duomo, right in the heart of the city’s historic center. The best way to get there is by taking advantage of Milan’s reliable public transportation system – simply hop on the M1 (Red) or M3 (Yellow) subway lines and get off at the “Duomo” stop for the quickest route to this stunning destination.
Quadrilatero della moda – (Monte Napoleone)
Milan’s Fashion District
The Quadrilatero della Moda is arguably the most luxurious place to go shopping in Milan.
It’s an area that was named after its shape, delimited by four main streets: Via Monte Napoleone, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga, and Corso Venezia. These four streets are known for their high-end shopping and are considered some of the most prestigious and expensive in the world.
The area is also referred to by the main street, via Montenapoleone, the most famous and prestigious in Milan, starting at the very central Piazza San Babila.
The Quadrilatero also includes several smaller but equally charming streets within its borders, such as Via Borgospesso, Via Santo Spirito, Via Gesù, Via Sant’Andrea, Via Bagutta, and Via Verri
The Quadrilatero della Moda is home to the highest-end fashion boutiques from almost all the world’s premier designer labels. You can find clothing, shoes, bags, jewellery, watches and other luxury items from the likes of Gucci, Prada, Versace, Bottega Veneta, and many, many more. The boutiques on the streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda are truly second to none.
The district is one of the most beautiful in Milan and showcases the true sophisticated and timeless essence of the city. This shopping district also has a few upscale restaurants and cafés.
With many of the shops displaying their goods in elaborate window displays, this area is one that should not be missed, at least for a stroll.
Getting there:
Via Monte Napoleone can be easily reached by using public transportation, specifically the yellow line, getting off at the “Montenapoleone” stop, or the red line, getting off at “San Babila.”
Shopping Malls in Milan
There are a few major shopping malls located in Milan. Here, you’ll find not only boutiques from all price ranges, but also many other services, such as snack bars, food courts, leisure areas and cinemas.
However, the biggest and most renowned shopping mall in Milan that is worth visiting is located just out of the city.
It will take a bit of planning to get there, but the convenience of having all the main stores at your disposal in one spot might make the journey worth it.
Il Centro
Via Giuseppe Eugenio Luraghi, 11, Arese
Il Centro is one of the biggest shopping center in Italy, and it’s located in Arese, just 25km away from Milan.
More than 200 stores, including the massive Iper grocery store, as well as a large media and tech store and more than 30 restaurants, can be found in this shopping center.
You can see the full list of all the stores in Il Centro on their website.
To get to il Centro, you can either drive (it takes around 30 minutes from Milan, and the mall offers more than 10.000 parking places), or alternatively, take the shuttle bus from Milan Central train station.
With just a few euros, the bus will take you to the mall in half hour. For more info, visit the website.
Featured photo by Andrea Ferrario
