What makes Milan so special for shopping? Milan is so great for shopping because it is one of the fashion capitals of the world. When it comes to fashion, Milan is the Italian cousin of Paris, London and New York. It is here that world famous designers choose to set up a base. But, here you can buy fabulous fashion and style for all levels of budget. So perhaps the answer is – Milan is so special for shopping because it is the fashion capital that has something for everyone!

I am Guido, together with our partner, Ciao Italy, we make Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours. We have been helping people to experience all that Italy has to offer for 90 years. I am no ‘fashionista’, as they say! But like all Italians, I am proud of our stylish reputation and I do know Milan very well and it is a great stop to include in your Italian holiday itinerary. Let me share a little more of what makes Milan so special for shopping:

Quadrilatero d’Oro or Quadrilatero della Moda

When it comes to shopping in Milan Italy, one of the most important addresses is Quadrilatero d’Oro or Quadrilatero della Moda. The golden rectangle or the Quadrilateral of fashion is the area of Milan where you will find all the flagship stores of the major labels. Versace, Armani, Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Dolce e Gabbana, Bulgari and the list goes on. They are all situated on Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Via Sant’Andrea. . And in addition to the Italian designers, you will also find the other fashion brand leaders like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry, Paul Smith Miu, Miu, and Louis Vuitton etc. It’s even fun to go and window shop and see their displays.

Gallerie Vittorio Emmanuele II

This is a beautiful and traditional spot for shopping in Milan Italy. It’s situated near Milan’s wonderful Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world – it opened in 1867. It is also known as il salotto di Milano – Milan’s living room as all elements of Milan will walk through. The centre is a beautifully ornate building to look at so it’s one of the main sights to see when you visit Milan. It connects the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala – the squares outside the opera house of Milan and the Duomo. The Gallerie has stunning decor – you will find beautiful mosaics adorning the ceiling. These represent Africa, Asia, America and Europe. On the floor are more mosaics – the coat of arms of the family the Gallerie bears the name of, as well as those of Rome, Florence and Turin. Turin’s coat of arms is a bull – and legend has it that visitors to Milan need to spin on their heel on the genitals of the bull three times to attract good luck. You’ll find some of fashion’s leading flagship stores here – but you will also find some beautiful art and antique shops and it’s a great spot to have a coffee and watch the world go by.

La Rinascente

The Piazza Duomo, this is also an important location if you plan to go shopping in Milan Italy. Here you will find Milan’s largest department store. It showcases Italian brands but also sells everything from clothing to soft furnishings, books and gadgets. And if you need a break, you can rest on the seventh floor in the bar or licenced restaurants that are based here.

The Brera District

Shopping in Milan Italy isn’t all about labels. It is also about quality and craftsmanship – something that applies to the Brera District as much as it does to the famous high-end labels. In the Brera District – just north of Milan’s Duomo, you’ll find beautiful boutiques set amongst cobbled streets, selling everything from shoes and accessories to books and art. It is also a quieter and more laid back area so it’s good to pop over here when you need a break from the centre.

Bargains in Milan

Given it’s the home of fashion and shopping, it may not be surprising that you can also find a bargain when shopping in Milan Italy. Make your way to Milan’s Outlet Malls if you want to find a designer bargain. Some items will find their way here if they didn’t sell during the season. For tourists, this can be a great find because Milan is usually a year or so ahead of other fashion capitals. Pick up a bargain here and it will still be ‘in fashion’ for long after you return home. (And bargains become even greater bargains in January and June when the end of season sales take place). Il Salvagente is a great outlet as well as Dmagazine Outlet.

The rule that Milan does a great bargain is also true of Milan’s second hand clothes – which will be a class above second hand clothes you can find anywhere else in the world. To find a pre loved classic, make your way to the Fiera di Sinigaglia – a market that runs every Saturday.

So you see, Milan is a very special place for shopping. It’s a great, fun stop on any Italian vacation. You will have fun doing some Milan shopping and also exploring its many other charms – from Leonardo Da Vinci’s last supper, the Duomo – its striking gothic cathedral and La Scala Opera House. Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours can help you explore:

– Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II as well as the Last Supper, La Scala and Sforza Castle in our Gran Tour of Milan sightseeing tour.

– Or you can focus on Milan style and Milan shopping with our trip to the Seravalle Designer Outlet.

From sightseeing tours to Italian vacation packages, Ciao Italy & Carrani Tours will help you make the most of your Italian holidays.

If you would like more information like this guide to shopping in Milan – like other travel tips for Italy and information about tours in Italy or Italian vacations please do visit us at ciaoitalytours.com We always say that with us, your Italian tour or Italian vacations will be one you’ll never forget.

Ciao,

Guido.