10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Milan

Milan’s got quite a name due to its lush restaurants, aesthetically pleasing buildings, and a dreamy shopping experience, but is Milan worth visiting? Milan sure is the dream spot for fashionistas and thrill seekers but little mistakes in preparation can lead to your journey becoming a nightmare. Better safe than sorry, so buckle up as we take you down the road of the 10 mistakes people make when visiting Milan, take notes and have a seamless magical venture!

Visiting Milan’s enchanting sights is a must for a first-timer but most of them require advance booking. Whether it be the remarkable Duomo (Milan Cathedral) or the stunning Teatro alla Scala, booking your tickets in advance is always better than the hassle. One of the most popular spots for tourists is taking a trip to Leonardo Da Vinci's well-known mural, The Last Supper, at the Santa Maria Delle Grazie church. The slots for this 15-minute sightseeing spot are quite tight so it's always better to book your ticket in advance. Bookings are open 2 to 3 months prior online to save people from the stress of getting tickets on the spot and missing the magical encounter.

What's better than hassle-free transportation so that you can reach your destination easily, 'Milano Card city pass' does the job. This single card, available as 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes allows you access to the entire transport system of the city, ultimately making your experience delightful. Not only does it allow the feasibility of travel, but an extra touch of special rates makes it a whole lot better. The 'Milano Card city pass' has complimentary audio guides and exceptional discounts on Milan's sought-after attractions and tourist spots. You can also get a free drink at specific cafes and various bars, all via the magical card. Using the MilanoCard is as easy as pie, one swipe at ticket machines and you’re free to use the transportation network. Getting the MilanoCard is simple too, just apply online and receive yours at the allocated app on your device.

This may come off as weird, but quite literally you're likely to find signs around fresh markets with the sayings: “per favore non toccare,” meaning please do not touch. Abide by that and let the vendors do the picking. Digging up in a stash of goods and searching for the best, can come off as rude to the people around, as Italians hold a great sense of pride in their goods, and doing so could express distrust in their produce. For obvious hygienic reasons too, the shoppers tend to only point at their desired product, choose their desired variety, and allow the vendors to deal with the packaging, weighing, and the rest.

Not all buzzing tourist spots are safe from trivial crimes, and pickpocketing falls under that category. Even in a thriving country like Italy, pickpockets are scattered everywhere, so always be aware and hawk-eyed when in a crowded area, or even at an isolated one. Be on the lookout for crammed and packed areas like the train station and the Milano Centrale Station as pickpockets launch their attack at vulnerable places as such. One moment you're distracted, the other moment your pocket will feel light, and boom there goes your dream Milan vacation. These delinquents either work in teamed-up gangs or go solo, either way, they're pretty skilled at being a shadow pickpocket so make sure to have alternatives to easily accessible valuables and back pockets.

Milan's opening hours will surely leave you shocked, but they are quite the norm here. Lunch is last served at 2.30 pm, head over to restaurants after that and you'll be starving until dinner. This is the eccentric tradition there as many restaurants and eating spots close their doors from 3 pm to 8 pm. Since this enchanting city thrives on the vibrant nightlife the restaurants are open from 8 pm onwards all the way up to 11 pm or more.

Sure, you can go out for a sumptuous late dinner but don't make the blunder of having a late lunch outdoors. However, not all hope is lost as many hotel restaurants are generous enough to open for 24 hours, warmly welcoming locals and tourists to have an entertaining experience. If you want to have the first-hand venture of the aperitivo encounter, then head over to lush bars and clubs awaiting your presence from 6 pm to 8 pm. Some luxurious and deluxe rooftop bars open up a little before 6 pm or 8 pm but otherwise, provide you the ultimate negroni or spritz-drinking venture.

If you've got a tight budget but are a huge foodie, then visiting popular restaurants and fancy bars might just not be your cup of tea. Wander off away from the city center or the Duomo and head over to the exciting Milan metropolitan area (Grande Milano). Porta Romana is an exhilarating option situated southeast of the hub. The streets are lined with chic bars and attractive restaurants with varying yet affordable prices. Go over the usual dishes of Milanese veal and risotto, ossobuco (braised veal shanks), or piadina (flatbread sandwiches), as there are more varieties for you to choose from. Venture out for a chicer nightlife encounter to some of the more vibrant local places in attractive neighborhoods such as Isola, Porta Venezia, and Navigli.

Tipping even though is widely considered a generous, kind act, may not be well dealt with here in Milan. You're not expected to give away tips as the residents and citizens are quite satisfied with the pay rates. Instead, spend your tips on yourself and on refreshing Negroni ahead. The tipping culture is not widely common amongst many restaurants, so do keep that in mind when visiting Milan. However, if you've had a splendid dining occurrence and you feel generous with the first-class services of the staff then at most 10% tip is always appreciated.

Be very particular when choosing the right place to stay in Milan. You might end up at a cheap hotel at the other end of the city but spend more on transportation than on accommodation. If you’re high on budget and want to go all in, then staying around Milan's renowned and iconic landmarks might just be what you’re seeking out. Look out for Centro Storico as a possible option, so you can be close to the prominent Duomo and the swanky Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. If you're looking for a bustling vibrant nightlife venture, then head over to the chic neighborhood of Navigli.

One of the biggest mistakes visitors make in Milan is overlooking its vibrant fashion scene. Sure enough, Milan is known as the fashionista hub for a reason as it ranges from thrift stores to luxurious goodies. Take a stroll down to the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan's hip and premier fashion spot. Step out to the north of Duomo all the way to the gorgeous Brera district where you'll come face to face with fun seamlessly blending with adventure. Lined there are luxurious boutiques, enthralling galleries, and various designer stores, all bent on capturing your attention.

Calling all sweet lovers! Immerse yourself in Milan's vibrant gelato scene by exploring the many gelaterias scattered throughout the city. Start your sweet journey in popular tourist areas where you can savor gelato artigianale—artisan gelato made fresh right before your eyes. Choose from classic flavors like stracciatella (vanilla with chocolate bits), fior di latte (milk cream), or cioccolato gianduja (chocolate hazelnut) for a heavenly treat. Missing out on the incredible gelatos is an unforgivable mistake for your taste buds! Treat yourself to Milan’s finest frozen delights!

You may wonder if Milan is worth visiting. But with all its flaws, Milan holds a specialty in transitioning a bland journey into a smooth thrilling adventure. Not only does it leave a long-lasting imprint on you but also beckons you to come back once more.