Shopping
Shopping in Milan: the Quadrilatero della Moda, Brera and Navigli
Milan is Italy’s fashion capital and the city where the windows change first. Here is our guide to shopping in Milan, from Via Montenapoleone and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Brera and the Navigli antiques market, with hotels in the fashion district.
It is Friday afternoon on Via Montenapoleone. Milanese in perfectly tailored coats stroll past with small dogs and big bags, and the windows show next season’s collections long before they appear anywhere else. Milan is a city for anyone who loves fashion, design and good food, and who thinks an aperitivo is a natural part of a shopping trip.
The city is compact, and the main shopping areas sit close together around the Duomo. Stay in the fashion district and you can walk between the boutiques, the Galleria and Brera without taking the metro. Here are the areas and hotels we recommend.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose the right shopping area in Milan
Luxury: the Quadrilatero della Moda with Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea.
The classics: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Rinascente by the Duomo.
High street: Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Buenos Aires.
Design and small boutiques: Brera and Corso Como.
Vintage and antiques: Navigli.
The Quadrilatero della Moda
The fashion district is the square between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia. The Italian fashion houses are packed in here, often in old palazzi with courtyards you can peek into. Even if you are not buying, the window shopping is an experience.
Armani Hotel Milano: in the fashion district
Armani Hotel is on Via Manzoni, at the edge of the Quadrilatero, in a building designed in Giorgio Armani’s calm, earthy style. From the top floors you look across the rooftops towards the Duomo.
The hotel for anyone who wants to stay as close to the fashion houses as possible, with a spa for tired feet.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Armani Hotel Milano
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
The convent on Via Gesù
Four Seasons Hotel Milano: a convent in the Quadrilatero
The Four Seasons occupies a former convent on Via Gesù, right between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga. Its courtyard is a green oasis in the middle of the city’s busiest fashion streets.
Perfect if you want the luxury boutiques literally on your doorstep.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades, with a glass roof, mosaic floors and classic shops and cafés. Tradition says you should spin on your heel on the bull in the mosaic to make sure you return. Rinascente on Piazza del Duomo has fashion, design and a food floor with views of the cathedral spires.
Park Hyatt Milano
Next to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Park Hyatt Milano: next to the Galleria
The Park Hyatt is right next to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with the Duomo a few steps away. The Galleria, Rinascente and the Quadrilatero are all within walking distance.
A modern luxury hotel with calm rooms in the busiest part of the city.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Park Hyatt Milano
Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Between La Scala and Montenapoleone
Mandarin Oriental, Milan: near La Scala
The Mandarin Oriental is on Via Andegari, between La Scala and Via Montenapoleone. It has a popular bar and restaurant and a spa with a pool.
A good choice for combining shopping with opera and fine dinners.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Brera and Corso Como
Brera is Milan’s artists’ quarter, with cobbled streets, galleries, small design shops and perfumers. During design week in April the district fills with exhibitions. A little further north is Corso Como, known for the concept store 10 Corso Como, and the modern Porta Nuova district.
Bvlgari Hotel Milano
A garden between Brera and the Quadrilatero
Bvlgari Hotel Milano: the garden in Brera
The Bvlgari sits on a private street between Brera and the Quadrilatero, with a large garden bordering the botanical garden. It is quiet, green and elegant, minutes from the shops.
For anyone who wants peace after a day on the fashion streets, and one of the city’s favourite bars for aperitivo.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Bvlgari Hotel Milano
Navigli: vintage and the antiques market
The canals of Navigli are best known for aperitivo and nightlife, but they also have vintage shops, booksellers and small workshops. On the last Sunday of the month a large antiques market lines the Naviglio Grande, with dealers set up along the canal.
Outlets, tax free and sales in Milan
For designer brands at lower prices, there are large designer outlets in Lombardy and Piedmont, about an hour away by coach or car. Visitors who live outside the EU, including UK residents, can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a tax free form and validate it at the airport.
The sales, saldi, start in January and July. During the fashion weeks in February and September and design week in April the city is full and hotels are expensive.
When should you book your hotel?
Fashion weeks and design week: book months in advance.
August: many Milanese are on holiday and some shops close.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you book early.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Milan
Where is the best shopping in Milan?
The Quadrilatero della Moda around Via Montenapoleone is best for luxury, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Rinascente by the Duomo are the classics, Corso Vittorio Emanuele has the high street brands, Brera has design and small boutiques, and Navigli has vintage.
What is the Quadrilatero della Moda?
The Quadrilatero della Moda is Milan’s fashion district, the area between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Corso Venezia. Most of the big Italian and international fashion houses are here.
Are there outlets near Milan?
Yes, there are large designer outlets in northern Italy, about an hour from Milan. Several run their own coaches from the city centre. Check departures and opening hours before you go.
Can UK visitors shop tax free in Milan?
Yes. UK residents live outside the EU and can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop on the same day. Ask for the form and validate it at the airport before check-in.
Where should I stay for shopping in Milan?
The Four Seasons and Armani Hotel are in the Quadrilatero della Moda, the Park Hyatt is next to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Mandarin Oriental is by La Scala and the Bvlgari is between Brera and the fashion streets.