Make the most of Milan Fashion Week with this guide

Milan Fashion Week takes place twice a year for the autumn/winter (February/March) and spring/summer (September/October) seasons. It’s a chance for any fashion lover to see the latest work from top designers, whether you work in the industry or you just want to be part of the fashion world for a week. While some people might choose to stay away from Milan during these weeks, others flock to the city, hoping to be part of the action. If you’re planning a trip during Milan Fashion Week, there’s a lot you can do to make the most of the event and the city as a whole.

From how you choose to get there to which areas to explore and how to take some downtime, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip.

Getting to Milan

Any good trip plan starts with thinking about how to get to your destination. It’s essential for your budget, even if the exact dates might not be set in stone yet. If you’re planning to get to Milan from the UK, you could have a few options. You could fly (the fastest option), take trains, or possibly drive or take a coach (slower but potentially scenic). It’s also possible to combine these options, of course. You might choose to fly to Milan, then take a train into the city, or perhaps get a cheaper or more convenient flight to another airport and either catch a train or hire a car. Your options are endless.

Where to stay

Even if you’re just staying for a couple of days, you need somewhere to stay. Where you choose to stay in Milan can affect how you experience the city, so it’s worth thinking about how central you want to be and which neighbourhoods are suitable. Fashionable hotels like the Four Seasons, Galleria Vik Milano and the Palazzo Parigi offer luxury options, but more budget hotels are available too. While you’re waiting to check in, there are plenty of places for luggage storage in Milan. Leave your luggage and take the opportunity to explore the city, or even just get a coffee until your room is ready.

The best fashion hotspots

Of course, if you’re in Milan for Fashion Week, you’ll want to go where the fashion is. Start at the Fiero Milano, where there’s plenty going on during the event. You’ll find exhibitions and event halls packed with activity, including runway shows. Explore further afield by dropping by one of the city’s several fashion districts, including Via Montenapoleone (known as the fashion square), Via della Spiga, and Corso Como. You can discover boutiques and big names, whether your plan is to do some serious buying or just stick to window shopping.

Check out the nightlife

There’s plenty happening during the day at Milan Fashion Week, but you don’t want to miss out on the nightlife. Several areas of the city come alive, especially with Fashion Week afterparties taking place. The Navigli district is a great place for this, so plan for some drinking and dancing if you want to get the full experience. Other big areas for nightlife in Milan include Porta Garibaldi, Brera, and Corso Como. Different areas offer different experiences and scenes, so check out some different options to find your thing.

Enjoy the food and drink

Milan Fashion Week might be all about the designers, but it would be a shame to visit the city without checking out the food on offer. You’ll find cafes and restaurants aplenty, whether you’re a foodie looking for an upmarket place to eat or you prefer something more casual. Head to Langosteria if seafood is your desire, or try out Trippa if you’re an adventurous eater willing to see what the chef can do with all kinds of offal. Vegetarians can find happiness at Propaganda Alimentare, while Sidewalk Kitchens gives you a selection of options from four kitchens, a wine bar, and a coffee shop.

Take some time to chill

Milan Fashion Week can have you on your feet for a long time, but don’t forget to take some time to relax. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all, you can head to a park or sit down for a quiet coffee. Parco Sempione is a great choice if you’re looking for a park with a relaxing atmosphere. Another way to take a break is to visit a museum or gallery, some of which will have fashion exhibits during your visit.

Get more from Milan Fashion Week by planning a trip that hits the sweet spot for fashion lovers while also allowing you to explore the rest of the city.

The editorial unit