Shopping in Milan
What to Buy
- Fashion & Leather Goods: Designer clothing, handbags, shoes from flagship boutiques or outlet stores
- Design Objects: Furniture, lighting, kitchenware from design district showrooms
- Gourmet Food: Panettone, risotto rice, truffle products, balsamic vinegar, Italian wines
- Beauty Products: Italian pharmacy skincare (Marvis toothpaste, Santa Maria Novella)
- Vintage Fashion: Pre-loved designer pieces from Brera/Navigli boutiques
Shopping Areas
Quadrilatero d'Oro (Golden Rectangle): Luxury fashion houses Prada, Gucci, Versace, Armani. Via Monte Napoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni, Via Sant'Andrea. Window shopping is free entertainment.
Corso Buenos Aires: 350+ mid-range shops for everyday fashion, electronics, home goods. Better prices than tourist areas.
Navigli/Brera: Vintage boutiques, antique shops, artisan workshops. Monthly antique markets (last Sunday in Navigli, third Saturday in Brera).
Department Stores:
- La Rinascente (Piazza Duomo): High-end department store with rooftop restaurant and Duomo views
- Coin: Mid-range department store with good selection
Outlets & Markets
Serravalle Designer Outlet (1 hour from Milan): 300+ designer stores with 30-70% discounts. Shuttle buses from city center.
Markets:
- Mercato di Viale Papiniano (Tuesday/Saturday mornings): clothing, accessories, household goods
- Fiera di Sinigaglia (Saturday mornings, Navigli): flea market for vintage finds
- Mercato Comunale (various locations): fresh produce, cheese, meats
Shopping Tips
- Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT (22%) on purchases over €154.94. Get forms stamped at airport before departure.
- Sales periods: Saldi Invernali (January-February), Saldi Estivi (July-August)
- Shops typically open 10am-7:30pm, closed Sunday mornings (some all day Sunday)
- Bargaining not customary except at flea markets
- Bring passport for tax-free forms