Milan travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
Milan is one of Italy's safest major cities. Violent crime affecting tourists is rare. The primary concerns are non-violent petty theft — particularly pickpocketing around Stazione Centrale, Piazza del Duomo and on crowded metro lines M1/M2/M3. Standard big-city precautions are sufficient for a safe visit.
Current safety advisory
Generally Safe
Milan is a safe European city. UK FCDO, US State Department and Australian DFAT all rate Italy at their lowest advisory level (standard precautions). Petty crime is the main tourist concern.
Last updated: 2026-06-29
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Items
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Concern
- Tap water
- Detail
- Tap water in Milan is safe to drink throughout the city. Fontanelle (public drinking fountains) are available in parks and streets.
- Concern
- Pharmacies
- Detail
- Farmacia (pharmacy) signs are a green cross. Duty pharmacies open 24 hours: Farmacia Bracco (Via Galileo Galilei 19, Centrale area), Farmacia Stazione Centrale (inside the main station).
- Concern
- Medical care
- Detail
- European visitors with an EHIC card receive free emergency treatment at state hospitals. Ospedale Policlinico (Via Francesco Sforza 35, +39 02 55031) is the main central hospital. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors.
- Concern
- Heat
- Detail
- Milan summers (Jul-Aug) are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). Stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned spaces during midday.
- Concern
- Air Quality
- Detail
- Milan has high air pollution (especially October-March). Those with respiratory issues should monitor AQI forecasts via IQAir app.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Milan is a welcoming city for solo travellers of all genders. The main risk is petty theft — solo women should be aware of unwanted attention in bar areas of Navigli late at night, though incidents are uncommon. Walking and public transport are safe throughout the day; take a taxi or Uber late at night from isolated areas.
Female travellers
Milan is generally safe for female solo travellers. The fashion and design culture makes it one of Italy's most cosmopolitan and gender-aware cities. Standard precautions apply: don't leave drinks unattended at bars, use taxis rather than walking alone after midnight in poorly lit areas near Centrale station.
Families
Milan is very family-safe. Major attractions are well-managed with clear paths and safety barriers. The main risk for families is traffic when crossing busy roads — always use designated pedestrian crossings. Public spaces and parks (Parco Sempione, Indro Montanelli Gardens) are safe during daylight hours.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Milan is Italy's most LGBTQ-friendly city. Same-sex couples are generally accepted without issue in bars, restaurants, and hotels. The Gay Pride parade (Pride Milano, June) is one of Italy's largest. The Via Lecco/Porta Venezia area is the main LGBTQ neighbourhood.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items