Quick answer: Milan runs about EUR 140 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: April-June and September-October - mild and lively; many local spots close in mid-August when the city empties.
What things actually cost
| espresso at the bar | 1.30 EUR |
| metro single | 2.20 EUR |
| panzerotto at Luini | 3.50 EUR |
| aperitivo with snacks | 12 EUR |
| Duomo rooftop by stairs | 16 EUR |
| Malpensa Express | 13 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto) at a classic trattoria - about 15 EUR
- Cotoletta alla milaneseabout 20 EUR at a traditional spot
- Panzerotto at Luini behind the Duomoabout 3.50 EUR, the city's favorite snack queue
- Aperitivo on the Navigli10-14 EUR for a drink with generous snacks, effectively a light dinner
- Cappuccino and brioche at a historic pasticceria like Marchesi - about 6 EUR at the counter
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not booking the Last Supper in advancetickets are released months ahead in batches and sell out fast
- Accepting free bracelets or corn for the pigeons outside the Duomo - it is a scam that ends in aggressive demands for money
- Taking a taxi from Malpensa (fixed fare around 100 EUR)the Malpensa Express train does it for 13 EUR
- Judging Milan by the Duomo square alonethe city's charm lives in Brera, the Navigli and its aperitivo hour
Transport without the tourist tax
The Malpensa Express train runs to Cadorna or Centrale in about 50 minutes for 13 EUR (from Linate, metro line 4 goes straight to the center for a standard ticket). In town the metro is fast and clean - a single ride costs 2.20 EUR and the center is walkable between stops.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 3-day Milan itinerary.