Milan is buzzing with Winter Olympic Games fever right now. Here are 6 tips for travelers who want to discover the authentic character of the capital of northern Italy.
The fashion capital and economic hub of Italy, Milan, is a destination with a charm all its own. All eyes are on this captivating Italian city thanks to the Winter Olympic Games «Milan-Cortina 2026», which will run from 6 to 22 February.
The Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games is hosted today (6/2) at Milan’s famous «San Siro» stadium and the city is brimming with thousands of athletes and visitors. If you find yourself in Milan during this period or any other time, it helps to know what to avoid so your stay in the city comes with no unwelcome surprises.
Forget the freddo espresso
Coffee culture in Italy is a true ritual and differs quite a bit from Greek customs. How you order your coffee plays a key role in your overall experience. When Italians say Caffe they mean a single espresso, no milk, nothing else. You’ll see them drink it standing at the bar counter in less than five minutes, not linger for hours seated at a table.
What’s more, cappuccino in Italy is considered a morning drink, and if you order it after 11:00 you may get puzzled looks. Also, you won’t find freddo espresso in Italy. If you ask for iced coffee, you might be served a glass of hot, unshaken espresso with ice cubes. If you want iced coffee you can order their shakerato, espresso shaken with ice and a little sugar, or in more contemporary cafés and well-known chains you may also find cold brew and iced latte.
Don’t underestimate the city’s pace
Milan is different from other Italian cities - it isn’t a romantic postcard like Florence, nor a tourist destination like Rome. It’s a city where the tempo is fast, with major companies and many workers who commute daily for their jobs. Especially during major events such as Fashion Week, large trade fairs, or in this case the Olympic Games, crowds are higher, as is traffic on the roads. To adapt more quickly, don’t stand in the middle of the sidewalk, as everyone walks fast, and don’t dawdle at metro entrances, because residents won’t adapt to your pace.
Don’t forget that attire matters
In Milan, a love of fashion is a way of life and what you wear plays a key role in residents’ daily routines. If you want to blend in and go unnoticed, dress a little smarter and avoid flip-flops and shorts. In many cases a simple, polished look will open doors, as many restaurants and venues have a dress code and may not let you in.
Clothing also matters for entry to sights such as the Milan Cathedral, one of Europe’s most impressive monuments. It is, after all, a place of worship, so don’t ignore the dress code there either (shoulders and knees covered).
Don’t skip the neighborhoods beyond the historic center
Even if you’re there only for a few days don’t stick solely to the historic center, the Duomo – Brera – Sforza Castle triangle. It’s worth exploring other areas such as Navigli, with its canal and nightlife, Isola, Moscova and Porta Romana, which will reveal contemporary, vibrant Milan, with fewer tourist crowds and a more authentic atmosphere.
The same goes for food. The most touristy parts of the city hide mediocre restaurants - tourist traps, with higher prices. Look for restaurants a few blocks beyond the Duomo and you’ll find more and better options. If you’re there during a major event, you’ll see that prices in the center are even higher, both in restaurants and in hotels.
Don’t ignore restaurant hours
In Milan, as in other Italian cities, restaurants don’t operate like they do in Greece. If you don’t pay attention to restaurant hours you may end up hungry or searching for the nearest street food option, which may also have a long line. Unlike Greek hours where restaurants are open from morning until night, here they take a midday break and are closed for a few hours.
Also, don’t expect to find breakfast until noon or lunch late into the afternoon. Lunch is usually served until around 14:30–15:00 and when restaurants reopen in the evening the menu may be different for dinner. The best thing you can do is make a reservation, especially during busy periods or on weekends, so you’re sure you won’t wait at all.
Don’t underestimate public transport
Milan boasts Italy’s best transport network, serving thousands of residents daily. The metro is advanced and has been further extended with a new line that covers different parts of the city. The tram goes almost everywhere and there are buses too. Especially during the Olympic Games road traffic will be heavier, so you’ll find it hard to get around by car or by taxi, which will also cost you a lot.
You’ll save time and money if you move around the center on foot and by using the organized transport network. Depending on how many days you’ll stay, it’s worth getting either a day pass or a three-day pass, rather than single tickets, which will cost you more overall.
