A Digital Nomad Guide to Milan

Milan Visa

If you’re planning on staying in Milan for more than 90 days you need to apply for a residence permit (permission di soggiorno) within 8 days of your arrival. The process is divided into two parts: the post office and the Questura. 

How to get an Italian residence permit application kit: You can pick up the application kit at any local post office with a Sportello Amico counter. The forms are in Italian and so it is best to have a translator or a friend who speaks Italian to help you out in filling them. 

After you’ve completed the form, you should head to any tabachheria and buy a March da Bollo (duty stamp) worth €16. 

Once your application form is ready, you should head back to the post office you received the kit form and submit your documents including any copies of documents showing your reasons for long stay. 

Do not sign the application beforehand as you’ll need to sign it only after the officer reviews your application and give you an appointment at the Questura as well as a receipt that works as a temporary residence permit. 

Questura: Bring the originals of the following documents with you on the day of your appointment: 

• Four passport-size photos
• Your passport
• Documents to show your long term stay in Italy 
• Any documents you submitted when you applied for a visa in your home country. 
• Health insurance

If your documents are in order, you could receive a residency between 6-12 months which ends to be renewed a month in advance. 

Culture and Food in Milan

Italian cuisine is one that is hard not to fall in love with. While in Milan, you have to visit one of the restaurants that make pasta from scratch right in front of your eyes. One option is Miscusi near Cadorna metro station. As they have an open kitchen, you get to see the chefs rolling out the dough and turning it into heavenly pasta with a variety of flavors that will make your taste buds come alive. 

Italians are also very high on wine, especially with dinner. Not only does their wine taste good, but it also goes really well with the flavors of Italian food. 

It’s commonly known that Italians are the masters of Pizza, but instead of the thin crust pizza that is commonly identified around the world as Italian pizza, the Napolian pizza will blow your mind away. The dough is a lot thicker around the crust, freshly prepared and will definitely keep your tummy happy. 

While all this is known, there are a few things you need to understand when it comes to Italian cuisine. Italians take food very seriously. Most universities, offices and homes have exact timings for food. Lunch break is usually around 12-1 pm and that’s when you’ll find all the bars, cafes and restaurants offering meals. Dinner is usually at 7 pm when everyone gets back and where the whole family dines together. If you’re dining in a traditional Italian home, then be prepared to eat a 3-course meal as Italians do not put different foods on the same plate, but distribute them into courses. For example, many Italians tend to start with a soup or pasta, risotto, lasagna or casserole and is referred to as a ‘primo’ or first course. 

After that comes the secondo (second-dish) also known as the main dish which consists of meat or seafood served together with a contorno (side dish) of vegetable or a salad. Italians make exceptional seafood, especially in the areas close to the sea. Bread is usually served along these dishes to be used to scrape up any remaining sauce on the plate, too. 

Finally, the last course of the meal includes dessert and coffee. Coffee is considered to be the cherry on top for Italians and what they need to end a meal. Some of the finest Italian desserts and an absolute must-try in Italy are trimasu and pina cotta. 

Italians love to eat, love to cook and will invite you into their homes to meet their entire family over dinner if you find your way into their hearts. If you’re a favourite amongst Italians, you will be fed some of the most delicious home-made food you’ve ever tasted. 

If you’re planning to live in Milan or any part of Italy for that matter, you need to get familiar with the Italian culture when it comes to holidays. Most companies do not allow their employees to take holidays during the year, but instead, the entire country is given a 3-week holiday during Christmas and almost a month holiday in August. In Milan especially, during the summer the city turns into a ghost town with very few places even open for groceries. Keep this in mind when planning your holidays, as it can get quite difficult during these times. 

Milan Nightlife

Milan isn’t just a cosmopolitan city known for its fashion and design hubs, but it is also one of the most famous Italian cities when it comes to nightlife and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a drink, dance the night away or grab a bite with some friends, you’ll find events organized by clubs and bars all over the city. 

Once you step foot in Italy, you’ll hear the word ‘apperitivo’ being tossed around when it comes to nightlife. This is a tradition that Italians created where many bars and clubs offer finger food along with a drink for usually around 10 euros or so. These events open their doors at 7- 9 pm. However, you are charged for every other drink you add. This makes it a great hangout with friends and something you can easily do even on weeknights in Milan. 

If you’re looking to try some of the best spots in Milan that offer apperitivo, be sure to head to Corso Como, Corso Sempione and Navigli. There, you’ll find streets filled with bars and cafes offering different cuisines, music and styles according to your liking. Because Italians love their nightlife, even during the week you’ll find them quite busy. Be sure to try one of the Milanese classical drinks ‘Negroni’ which is a combination of Campari, Gin and vermouth Rosso. 

Whether you’re looking for discos and clubs, or apperitivo, here are a few districts to head to, although you’ll find something to do in pretty much every district in Milan: 

Isola

Starting at 7 pm, you’ll find Isola packed with youth looking to have a good time. While most of the bars and pubs offer apperitivo, the most common destinations would be Frida, Isola della Birra and Soho Cafe. But what makes Isola a nightlife area is that it is home to one of Milan’s most famous clubs: Alcatraz. Here, you’ll find live concerts and music events happening regularly. Another club to check out would definitely be Blue Note which is famous for its jazz musicians. 

Garibaldi and Corso Como

This area is filled with trendy bars and is a popular destination to find a decent apperitivo. You’ll almost always find the street packed with youngsters looking to have a good time, expats and even older Italians having a drink with their friends. Among the best places to try in this area would be Pitbull Cafe and 10 Corso Como.  

You’ll also find some of the most famous and elegant nightclubs in Milan such as Hollywood, Tocqueville 13, Loolapaloosa and The Club.  

Corso Sempione

As soon as you exit Parco Sempione onto Corso Sempione, you’ll find these cute little bars with outdoor seating where you can start the night away with the infamous apperitivo. 

Navigli

One of the busiest areas at night is no other than Navigli. Many youngsters head to this area because of the beauty of the canal and the numerous bars overlooking it that offer apperitivos. Here, you’ll also find a few discos, taverns and bars to ensure that you have a night to remember. 

San Lorenzo and Porta Tcinese columns

Instead of heading to a pub, bar or nightclub, many youngsters flock to the popular meeting point at the Columns of San Lorenzo. This informal meeting point will be filled with hundreds of youngsters grabbing their own beer and just chitchatting while sitting on the floor. It is definitely a nightlife you have to experience in Milan to get the vibe of the people. 

Things to do in Milan

Milan is a city with endless attractions, historical architecture, an incredible fashion and design scene making it full of things to do for all kinds of tourists. For a digital nomad planning on staying in the city for a while, Milan will be absolutely perfect as there is always something new happening. However, there are a must-see and top attractions in Milan that everyone needs to cross off their list. 

• Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

  In most Italian cities, you’ll find a cathedral in the heart of the city that is one of the top attractions to see. Milan is no different in this sense but its cathedral is truly magnificent in terms of architecture. Having taken over 600 years to be built, the monumental building is an attraction that cannot be missed when in Milan. The gothic style architecture with towers and statues used for decoration is a picturesque scene that you can gaze at for quite a while in awe, or be used as a background for your travel photos. You could also take a tour of the interior as well as the rooftop and see the magnificence in architecture, artwork and interior. However, even if you decide against it, there’s something about the Duomo that attracts people to it making it truly the heart of the city. On the weekend, it is a popular destination for Italians and tourists to grab a coffee and a bite and just sit on the surrounding steps to enjoy the view. Here, many street performers play music making the entire ambience extraordinary and an experience you don’t want to miss.

• Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II

  Just a few steps away from the Milan cathedral lies the entrance to one of the oldest and most extravagant shopping malls in the world. When you set foot inside the Galleria, you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a theatre or palace because of its mesmerizing details. The mall is designed as a crossed shape with several entrances leading into it. The ceiling is made of glass panels that allow the sunlight to beam through it filling it with warmth to add to its beauty. Because of the incredible architecture of the high-end shopping stores and the ceiling, it is a commonplace for tourists to visit making it one of the top attractions in Milan.

• Pinacoteca di Brera

  Because Italians are known for their masterpieces when it comes to art, it is no surprise that Milan holds one of the finest art galleries with a large collection of Italian art. While it used to be a convent and a national library, it was transformed into a museum in the 19th century. The art gallery holds some of the most prominent Italian artworks such as The Last Supper by Rubens, Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael and Pieta by Bellini.

• Leanardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology

  Da Vinci was more than just an artist, but his works show how much of a genius he was in terms of science and innovation, too. In this museum, you can find a large collection of his work displayed as well as drawings to model cars, reconstructions of flying machines as well as blueprints and sketches that make you realize what an incredible scholar this historical figure was.

• La Scala Opera

  La Scala isn’t just an opera that holds some of the finest performances from artists all over the world but it is also a monument in itself. Guided tours are arranged to see the magnificent architecture and interior of the auditorium and the grandeur of the seating and stage. Whether you choose to purchase a ticket to see an incredible show or take a guided tour inside the building, La Scala will not disappoint.

• Take a stroll down the Naviglio Grande

  There’s something about a water bed that makes any place feel breathtaking. This holds true to taking a stroll down the Naviglio Grande, especially with many small bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques surrounding it. At night, all these places light up making it seem quite magical. This area comes alive offering quite the nightlife making it essential for any nomad to visit.

• Parco Sempione

  This park is one of the biggest in Milan and holds a trail path for biking, walking and any other sports you’d like to do. Here, many people meet to do group fitness activities, picnics or just hang out with a drink or two. The landscape is relaxing, breathtaking and perfect for a Sunday picnic or just an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• AC Milan San Siro Stadium

  If you’re into football, you absolutely must watch a match at the San Siro stadium. Not only will you get to see AC Milan or Inter Milan play live, but you’ll also be visiting one of the most well-known stadiums in the world. With its iconic circular towers that hold the colossal tiers, it is an incredible architecture sight. You’ll also find a museum that shows the history of both Italian teams on the ground.

• Brera District

  One of the most prominent districts in Milan is the Brera district. With its cobbled stoned streets, small bars and restaurants, art galleries and academies, this district is absolutely charming. Whether you decide to go for a walk and take in some of its charm, visit the art galleries or just dine or have a drink at one of its restaurants, it’s a place you should check off your list when in Milan.

• Castello Sforzesco

  This 15th-century castle is located in central Milan and is surrounded by gardens and fountains. Not only will the size of the castle amaze you, but there’s also a brick wall lined with battlement and frame that acts as a guard tower to give it even more elegance. You’ll also find small museums that contain numerous artifacts and interesting historical data about the castle.

• Markets

  Milan is known for its street markets. Once or twice a week, you’ll find most areas transforming into a pedestrian area with booths set up selling all kinds of things. From food markets that offer some of the finest fresh produce you can find antiques and craft markets where you can find some of the coolest arts that Milan has to offer. Check the markets in your area and be sure to visit different ones around the city. The most popular is Navigli’s antique market that happens on the last Sunday of every month. 

Best Time to Visit Milan

Milan’s weather offers hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. 

Summer in Milan: During the summer, most people living in Milan escape the humid levels to other parts of Italy that are a bit more bearable. The temperature reaches highs of 30 degrees Celsius and lows of 20 degrees Celsius across July and August making it quite suffocating.  

Winter in Milan: However, from December-February, Milan becomes quite cold with many rainy days. The average temperature is highs of 7 degrees Celsius and lows of 2 degrees Celsius. While it doesn’t snow frequently in Milan, it can snow on occasion. Unlike other European cities, Milan’s cold weather is quite bearable due to the low wind speed which makes the temperature feel less than normal. 

Spring in Milan: The spring is usually the best time to visit Milan in terms of weather as the sun comes out, but is not too hot. In spring, the flowers start to bloom and the greenery looks refreshing, to say the least. During March-May, Milan’s temperature varies from highs of 14-23 degrees Celsius to lows of 7-14 degrees Celsius. 

Autumn in Milan: As the leaves start to go orange, yellow and red before they fall, Autumn in Milan becomes such a pretty sight. You can expect highs of 18-24 degrees Celsius and lows of 11-16 degrees Celsius during September-November making it a great time to visit Milan. 

Milan for Families

Milan offers some of the best schools in the world when it comes to universities making it quite a popular destination to get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. These include Politecnico di Milano, Bocconi University, University Of Milan, Domus academy, IED Istituto Europe Di Design and Marangoni Institute Milan. 

While public schools in Italy offer a good education, they teach in Italian making it essential for digital nomads and their families to consider international private schools. 

British schools

Coming from an English speaking country or wanting your children to follow a certain curriculum isn’t that difficult in Milan. You’ll find quite a few British schools across the city. These include the following: 

The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson: €12,675 – €19,975 per year.

ICS Milan International School: €10,500 – €16,250 

Andersen International School: €10,000 – €15,550 

Vidura College Milan: €2750 

St. Joseph International College: €2850 – €4750 

IB system

The British School of Milan – Sir James Henderson: €12,675 – €19,975 per year 

Bilingual European School: €9950 – €12300 

St. Louis School: €13170 – €23010 

International School of Monza: €9070 – €20480 

Canadian School of Milan: €10600 – €16400 

You’ll also find a few German and French schools available in Milan. 

Living in Milan

Milan Transportation

Transportation in Milan is actually very convenient as their public transportation system are well-connected, efficient and reasonably quick. In Milan, the central station offers multiple high-speed trains to other cities at a relatively low price. There are two main Italian trains: Italo (privately owned) and Trenitalia (governmentally owned). Both trains offer multiple destinations and timings and are quite easy to book for relatively low prices. However, keep in mind that booking tickets in advance can save you a great deal when it comes to prices. 

As for transportation within Milan, the metro is the most common and most connected to various areas within the city. It is also reasonably priced with a single ticket which is valid for 90 minutes costs €2 whereas a 24-hour ticket costs €7. You can also buy a 10-pass carnet for €18 and use it on the metro, bus or tram. 

The metro operates from 6 am until 12.30 am each day making it essential that you look for alternatives when staying out late. There is usually the 90 and 91 bus that operates around most of the city. However, be wary of pickpockets as many incidents have been reported. 

The other alternative is to use a tram which takes longer, doesn’t arrive as frequently, but will still get you to your destination. 

Unfortunately, Uber does not operate in Milan, but only offers UberX which is a more luxurious super expensive service. 

Taxis in Milan are quite pricey, too and only to be used in emergencies. The basic fee of a taxi tariff is  €3.40 between 6 am -9 pm and €6.7 between 9 pm – 6 am. For every kilometer, the meter adds €1.12-1.68. 

Another option that can come in quite handy if you have an international driving license that permits you to drive in Milan is using car-sharing services. You can easily download an app from companies such as enjoy, share n go or car 2 go and check if there is a car parked near you that you can drive home. Fares start from €0.19 per minute making it a relatively cheap option to consider. And the best thing is that you can just leave it at your destination and not worry about having to give it back. 

Fitness and Health

Getting fit in Milan will vary greatly depending on your budget and whether you want to do something on your own or in a group. However, here are a few options to get you started. 

Cycling

There are quite a few bike sharing options in Milan that make cycling an excellent form of exercise that is relatively cheap. You can even use it as a form of transportation and incorporate exercise into your daily routine without even going out of your way. Download the Bike Mi, MoBike or Ofo apps and start bike-sharing at low costs. 

Gyms

 There are so many gyms with countless machines that can help strengthen your muscles or lose weight. But most of these gyms also offer classes such as Pilates, dance, interval training, functional training and fun workouts that make exercising a lot more exciting. The most popular gyms with numerous branches around Milan include Get Fit and Virgin Active while the most budget-friendly gym would be 20 Hours. 

Running

Many running groups in Milan help motivate you to get in shape. These can be a perfect opportunity to meet people while getting fit. Most of these offer free workouts or free group activities making it an excellent way to exercise while getting to know new people. These groups include Running Milano, Urban Runners and Women in Run. 

Milan People

Italians are loud, friendly, warm and hospitable people – once they get to know you. Unfortunately, most Italians do not speak English very well and their fear of embarrassing themselves by saying something incorrect makes them reserved and distant amongst English speakers. However, once they overcome their fears, Italians will welcome you into their homes, take pleasure in feeding you the most delicious home-cooked meals and adopting you as part of their families. 

Italians have a love for food and wine making them a focal point in their lives where families gather around the dinner table every day. You can tell a lot about a culture from their cuisine and the Italians show warmth and love through every meal. 

Another thing you’ll notice about Italians is that they are hot-tempered and easily provoked. They are very passionate beings who wear their hearts on their sleeves, making being in a relationship with them entertaining and somewhat of a roller-coaster ride. 

However, Italians value life and having a good time more than anything and take work-life balance seriously. Once they leave the office, they are ready to leave their worries behind and start their nightlife with food, wine and dancing if need be. 

Milan Insurance and Medical Care

Healthcare in Italy is of relatively good quality in both the public and private options. However, many expats living in Milan decide to choose private healthcare options to avoid language barriers and find an English-speaking doctor who would be able to communicate properly with them. 

To be able to stay in Milan as a resident, you need to provide proof of health insurance making it best to obtain health insurance coverage before your arrival in Milan. EU residents will be able to use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK residents will be able to use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for short-term stay but will be required to apply for an Italian health card once they get their residency. 

When living in a new city it’s always best to get familiar with hospitals within your area and emergency medical services available. The emergency telephone number in Milan is 118. Here are a few hospitals in Milan: 

• Casa Di Curator San Giovanni
• Humanitas San Pio X
• International Medical Center
• San Giuseppe Hospital
• San Raffaele Hospital

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Milan

Unless you speak Italian, finding a job in Milan will prove quite difficult. However, there are some English teaching jobs as well as babysitting or au pair jobs. Most schools will hire native English speakers to work as ESL teacher. While some schools will require a teaching license or degree, others will find a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA sufficient. 

You could find fashion and design jobs in Milan, even though the competition is quite high, but speaking Italian will be an essential requirement. 

Another option to make money on your own schedule and exercise both together is working for cycling delivery food companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat and Glovo. While it does require a basic conversational level of Italian, it is possible to get by on very little doing one of these jobs. The average rate is €4-€6/h and you get to choose the hours you’d like to work, making it a relatively flexible job. 

Because Milan is a popular destination for tourists, another job you can get as an English or native speaker would be working as a tour guide. There are a few companies that offer walking tours. However, this would require a thorough amount of history knowledge and Italian culture on your part. Keep in mind that most of these walking tours are based on a ‘tip’ fee which makes it difficult to get a fixed income.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.