Shopping in Milan

If you love fashion, Milan is the city for you. This is the epicenter of Italian fashion, which is of course known for being the best in the world. Almost all of Italy’s fashion powerhouses have a flagship store in Milan, from Gucci to Armani. But Milan has a lot more to offer than just designer goods and luxury shopping. It’s a city that loves outdoor (and indoor) markets where you can find everything from vintage clothing to excellent food and wine. Milan is full of exceptional design, and its shopping streets are no exception. All you need to do is book a hotel and head to the world’s fashion capital. Here’s our guide to the best shopping in Milan.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

You can’t have a Milan shopping guide without mentioning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This is the oldest shopping mall in Milan Italy, housed in ornate, glass-vaulted arcades. The Galleria is packed full of Italy’s designer shops and premium outlets, making it the ultimate spot for luxury shopping in Milan. You can also eat and drink in the arcade. It’s home to one of Milan’s oldest cafes – Biffi Caffe – whose original owner was the pastry chef to the Monarch. Whilst you’re at the arcade, be sure to visit the bull mural on the ground floor. Legend has it spinning on its groin three times, counter-clockwise will bring you luck. So many people have indulged in this tradition there is now a dent in the floor, and often a queue of people!

Quadrilatero D’Oro

The Quadrilatero D’Oro – or golden quadrangle – is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. It offers some of the best shopping in Milan. Four adjoining streets are home to the flagship stores of some of the most impressive designers in the world including Armani, Versace, and Gucci. The streets are also home to some fashion museums, perfect for learning more about Milan’s fashion powerhouses. The quadrangle is largely pedestrianized and is a great place to people-watch from one of its cafes or bars.

La Rinascente

La Rinascente is a large department store spread over eight floors, in the heart of Milan. It houses pretty much all of Italy’s major brands and most international ones too. The building is a marvel in design and elegance, as much as the clothing and accessories housed within its walls. There is an over-street bridge to its annex, newly opened, to extend the department store’s offering. There is also a gourmet food store and you can take an aperitivo on the top level, complete with spectacular Duomo views. If you take our Milan Full Day Walking Tour this would be a perfect place to have a post-tour drink.

East Market

East Market is a hot tip for anyone who loves vintage, bargains, food, and wine. It’s an indoor market, housed in an old warehouse in the residential area of Taliedo. For affordable shopping in Milan, check out the 300 stalls selling everything from second-hand designer goods to art. There are also stalls selling furniture, handbags, sunglasses, and vinyl. There’s a designated area for food trucks so you can snack while you shop. The market closes late – around 20.30-21.00 so expect plenty of young Milanese professionals hanging out there for their aperitivo.

Valvassori Peroni Market

Milan isn’t just about fashion shopping; there’s always food too. The Valvassori Peroni market will give you a real Milanese living experience. Based in the Citta Studi – or student district – of Milan, this is a weekly food market of the highest order. You can find everything here, from excellent quality pasta, sausages, and cured meats to seasonal vegetables and local cheeses. It’s open on Saturdays, 8 am – 2 pm. And if you love food, be sure to take a look at our Milan food tasting experience where you can sample some of the best culinary delights this city has to offer.

Fiera di Sinigaglia

The Fiera di Sinigaglia must be Milan’s most famous flea market and perfect if you love to bargain hunt. You can find everything in this Milan shopping area, second-hand clothes, vintage books and vinyl, bric-a-brac, and antique furniture. It operates every Saturday close to the Porta Genova subway station and is a great place to while away an hour or two. This market is a great addition to our Milan shopping guide.

Shopping in Milan

Shopping in Milan Italy should be on every design aficionado’s bucket list. Its iconic stores, opulent shopping malls, and quirky markets are like nowhere else in the world. For the full experience, join our Fashion Streets in Milan tour. This guided tour will escort you through all the most popular shopping districts and is, without a doubt, one of the best tours of Milan. For those who prefer to shop independently, these malls and stalls are a great way to relax after joining one or two of our more traditional Milan tours. If you’re visiting Milan for Milan Fashion Week, shopping is the perfect way to complement your fashion week experience. Our informative map of Milan will help you find your way to and between all the shopping hotspots.

If you’re short on time in the city, be sure to check out our 2 days in Milan itinerary, which will ensure you tick off all the best things to do in Milan in under 48 hours. For those who have more time to spend in the region, we recommend joining one of our Milan Package Tours. With all your tours and accommodations included, you’ll effortlessly explore the best of Milan and the surrounding areas. Or if you prefer to venture out on your own, we’ve prepared handy guides to help you get from Milan to other iconic Italian cities like Venice and Florence. Milan is well connected to other parts of Northern Italy such as Venice, so it’s a perfect place to base yourself on your northern Italy vacation.