Italy is one of the most stylish countries on the planet, but Milan is the country's unofficial fashion capital – the epicentre for clothing, homeware, and more. Although the city is dominated by its fashion heavyweights (think Prada, Valentino, and Giogio Armani), there are unique and independent stores that make Milan a hotspot for those with a discerning taste for the latest trends. From the big names that line the Quadrilatero della Moda to artisan ateliers, small boutiques, and design-forward concept stores, here are 17 of the best places to shop in Milan, Lombardi's beloved city.
Is shopping in Milan expensive?
Like in any major city, there are neighbourhoods that sell high-end, expensive luxury goods at the same prices found anywhere else. But there are others where you can haggle for a very good deal. Always remember that price, in most cases, reflects quality. Having said that, Italy is also a country that loves sales so if you visit during January and July, you’ll probably find a bargain.
Is Milan good for shopping?
The city is a shopper's paradise and is considered to be the best in the country. It’s home to world-renowned fashion houses, designer boutiques, and high-end department stores, as well as smaller concept stores, boutiques and weekly markets. If you venture towards Via Montenapoleone or Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, you will stumble upon the most dreamy of designer stores. Head down towards Brera and Corso Como, and you will encounter smaller, niche boutiques, whereas Navigli and Porta Ticinese have a number of thrift and vintage shops to discover.
Is it cheaper to buy designer goods in Milan?
Generally, prices remain the same – especially when designer goods are concerned. However, when living outside the EU, you have access to VAT refunds for clothing, footwear, leather goods and accessories).
These are the best shops in Milan
Bitossi
Best for: contemporary tableware and gifts
Since it opened in 2022, Bitossi has become a keystone in the celebrated design quarter Cinque Vie. This pastel-coloured space reflects the colourful and whimsical spirit of the brand, inspired by the joy of Italian conviviality around the dinner table. In this wonderland store, a beautifully laid table with fresh blooms sets the scene and, behind it, a bright mint-green cabinet presents a collection of mix-and-match pieces from plates and glassware, candles and candleholders, cutlery, cups, mugs and many more creative objects that make the perfect gift or souvenir. Bitossi is best known for fun graphics and symbols in collaboration with Pangea, which takes centre stage on each porcelain dish.
Address: Via Santa Marta, 19, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: bitossihome.it
Tea Rose Boutique
Best for: flowers and niche fashion finds
Just opposite the Armani Hotel in the heart of Milan’s fashion district lies the Tea Rose boutique, a florist and lifestyle store with an edit of clothing from Blaze Milano to Emilio Pucci. It was founded by Alessandra Rovati Vitali, an artist and designer specialising in event and wedding planning – so it comes as no surprise that this shop is a reflection of her innate creativity. Alongside the tasteful display of accessories, beauty, homeware and clothing, its Flower Lab has the most beautiful compositions of colourful, seasonal blooms.
Address: Via Croce Rossa, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: tearose.it
MV Ceramics
Best for: quirky ceramics
In the southwest of the city, MV Ceramics' story begins when Maria Vera Chiari was 12 years old and would stroll through museums and gaze at the archaeological finds, wanting to replicate the smooth terracotta vases. She began a series of ceramics courses, which she continued as a hobby throughout her career as an architect, but in 2002, she decided to open her very own atelier on Alzaia Naviglio Grande. Here, she creates colourful homeware engraved with words of positivity such as “today, I’m happy” or “peace and love”, looking to bring a smile to people’s faces as they open the hamburger-style, plastic-free packaging that carefully encloses each piece.
Address: Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 156, 20144 Milano MI, Italy
Website: mv-ceramicsdesign.it
Casa Amar
Best for: Moroccan Carpets
Casa Amar is one of the newest shops on the scene, situated on Via Pestalozzi in the Navigli quarter. Italian Matteo and Moroccan Jihane met in Paris during their studies. During their trips to Morocco, they would visit various artisans and eventually decided to bring this African craft to Milan. In November 2022, they opened Casa Amar, where the scent of orange blossom and rosewater infused around the store transports you to their special place, and the carpets are the perfect mix of old and new, with contemporary patterns made in traditional methods. There is also a focus on sustainable methods. Soon Casa Amar will launch a line of boucherouite wares – carpets made from scraps and recycled denim.
Address: Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi, 4, 20143 Milano MI, Italy
Website: casaamar.it
Il Segno Del Tempo
Best for: Antiques
Il Segno Del Tempo is an intriguing store situated on Via Fiori Chiari in the Brera neighbourhood, an eye-catching space displaying miscellaneous antiques, skulls, bronze sculptures, crystals and clocks. As you set foot inside, the store is a hypnotic wunderkammer with a cluster of historical items dating from the 17th century to the early 20th century. Everything has been collected around the world by founders Piero Luigi Carboni and Pierangelo Marengo, whose idea was to open a gallery for their most treasured items; today, these are up for sale with prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand.
Address: Via Fiori Chiari, 20, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: ilsegnodeltempo.com
Moscova District Market
Best for: Discounted designer goods
The first private-members club for shopping brands at discounted prices (from 50 per cent to 90 per cent) in Italy; any prospective visitors must sign up on the website to receive an invitation to the next private sale. Brands such as Zimmermann, Off-White, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Givenchy all feature regularly, so keep an eye open for the next drop, and after a shopping spree, take a well-deserved spritz downstairs in the pretty bistro Cortile Flora.
Address: Via Alessandro Volta, 7A, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: moscovadistrictmarket.com
Beas Bongiasca
Good for: Jewellery
After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2019, Bea Bongiasca returned to her home town with a fully formed project in mind, presenting her first collection at 10 Corso Como during Milan Fashion Week. After a series of shows, prizes and recognitions, she finally opened her debut flagship store on Via Solferino 25, selling her collection of hand-enamelled pieces in a spectrum of pop colours. The store itself is a reflection of the brand, designed by Italian studio Locatelli Partners: flowers and neon enhanced with bright pink coloured hues reminiscent of Beatrice’s bedroom when she was in her teens.
Address: Via Solferino 25, 20121 Milan, Italy
Website: beabongiasca.com
Officine Universelle Buly 1803
Best for: Beauty products and fun gifts
Since first opening in Paris back in 1803, this outpost on Via Brera 2 is the first Italian outlet of Officine Universelle Bully 1803, which was acquired by LVMH in 2021. The atmosphere within the fresh, floral-scented store exudes early 19th-century French charm with original travertine-tiled flooring, traditional wooden fans and floor-to-ceiling lacquered wooden cabinets, within which is an exhibit of its collection of water-based fragrances, scented body oils, toothpaste, and hand lotions with the most pretty packaging. If picking up a gift for a loved one back home there is an onsite calligrapher who can create a personalised label.
Address: Via Brera, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: buly1803.com
Laboratorio Paravicini
Best for: Ceramic tableware
Taking over the entire courtyard of Via Nerino 8 is Laboratorio Paravicini, the excellence of high Italian ceramic craftsmanship revisited in a young, modern key. Sisters Costanza and Benedetta graduated from art school in Milan. Before they knew it, with the help of locally sourced artisans, they were selling their first pieces of home-made ceramics. Today, Costanza is supported by her three daughters, Benedetta, Margherita and Bona, applying their visions and savoir-faire to different aspects of their business. From personalised decorations to a series of collections ready to purchase in-store, each piece is lovingly shaped and hand-decorated to the utmost quality.
Address: Via Nerino, 8, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: paravicini.it
La Rinascente
Best for: luxury goods
With eight outlets across Italy, La Rinascente is the most renowned luxury department store in Italy, similar to Harrods in the UK. Naturally, it's a must-see when shopping in Milan. Located under the porticoes of Piazza del Duomo, facing the eponymous landmark, the store is an icon of the city in itself. There is clothing, accessories, beauty and homeware from the leading national and international brands, and the top floor is dedicated to the ultimate selection of food and drinks and a food hall with over 10 outlets catering for all tastes. Top tip: head to the bar for a sunset aperitif and watch how the cream-coloured Duomo turns all the shades of Gold.
Address: P.za del Duomo, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: rinascente.it
La Double J
Best for: Clothing, accessories and homeware
This is not your typical luxury fashion store; the maximalist label La Double J is something special. It’s fun and quirky, and simply spending ten minutes in this store is a whole experience in itself. In addition to browsing through the excellent Made in Italy assortments. The shop on Via Sant’Andrea in Milan’s quadrilatero was designed by the Milan-based interior design studio Paolo Badesco, whose outcome is a representation of the brand: inclusive and out-of-the-ordinary. An emerald-coloured floor is housed under a ceiling of stone-paper lotus leaves, handmade by the talented Milan-based artist Joann Tan who also created the explosion of print and florals in the windows. The flooring is hand-painted by Italian artisans recreating a retro La DoubleJ print. Alongside its own lines of clothing, accessories and tableware, the store treasures Italian tour books from the 1930s, a curated selection of founder J.J. Martin’s favourite vintage clothes and jewels, and macaroons from Ladurée in La DoubleJ printed boxes.
Address: Via Sant'Andrea, 10/A, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: ladoublej.com
Luisa Beccaria
Best for: Clothing for special events
As you would expect from Luisa Beccaria, the store is as extravagant, charming and graceful as her clothing. Upon entering the store you’ll notice grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, mirrors and chalky white interiors which provide the blank canvas for displaying her collections; these romantic, intricately detailed gowns and embellished accessories are arranged by colour throughout the space, leading to the dreamiest room for wedding dresses. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a dress or not, they’re worth trying on for that brief, fairytale moment.
Address: Via Marco Formentini, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: luisabeccaria.it
10 Corso Como
Best for: Gifts and souvenirs
One of the coolest concept stores in the city is Corso Como, a brand that seamlessly blends fashion, art, design and lifestyle in a former garage. Since its opening, the brand has into a cultural hub, creating a curated shopping experience amidst art installations and a plant-filled courtyard home to its cafe and restaurant. Within its walls, 10 Corso Como showcases a unique edit of high-end fashion, cutting-edge design pieces, niche fragrances and contemporary artworks symbolising Milan, Made in Italy and international creativity. Beyond its shopping allure, you can take a seat for a bite to eat, drink, or sleep in one of the three rooms available to rent on a nightly basis.
Address: Corso Como, 10, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
Website: 10corsocomo.com
La Nena
Best for: Homeware
Hailing from Galicia, La Nena brings its Hispanic savoir-faire to Milan. It was born as a retail outlet of A Vida Group, a business that provides personalised design and construction projects. The store is tucked away on Via Santa Marta, treasuring hand-crafted pieces of homeware from its factory in Lugo, Spain. A neutral palette fills its naturally-lit interiors that showcase a collection of harmonious, suave natural cement-based designs from larger furniture to decorative objects such as lighting, candle holders and vases.
Address: Via Santa Marta, 3, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
Website: lanena-home.com
Clori Home
Best for: Plants, flowers and homeware
Enter Clori Home and discover a precious little world of fresh blooms, exotic plants and homeware neatly arranged by Francesca Assanti, the proud owner. Her little oasis, set facing the Sant’Eustorgio basilica in Porta Ticinese showcases an eclectic combination of colours and materials inspired by and acquired from various craft markets and fairs across Europe, including embroidered linens, cushions, tablecloths, natural soaps, candles and glass vases.
Address: Via Santa Croce, 21, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Website: myrtiworld.com
Laboratorio Niko Romito
Best for: Foodie finds
Chef Niko Romito opened his first flagship store in Milan last November, a fabulous foodie emporium for those wanting a taste of Milan to bring home; especially if there's not enough time in the schedule to visit his Michelin-starred restaurant in the Bulgari Hotel. The idea was to dedicate a space for his iconic creations made back at the laboratory in Abruzzo, where he thoroughly researches and develops new and innovative recipes. Crispy sourdough, festive panettone, gluten and lactose-free cakes, vegan biscuits and low-calorie spreads are a few of the ingenious tasty treats to discover.
Address: Via Solferino, 12, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: laboratorionikoromito.it
Alessandra Camilla Milano
Best for: Jewellery and gifts
This store is the story of Alessandra C. Mustacchi, an example of the ‘newer’ generation of artisans who embody the art of hand labour in a contemporary, elevated way. After specialising at the Gemological Institute of America and obtaining her diploma in Jewellery Design at the age of 26, she gave life to her beautiful, feminine jewels that she sells on Via Solferino in Brera. Each piece is handmade in Milan in 9k and 18k gold and enriched with precious, coloured gemstones. Pendants, rings and earrings are a few of the items available in store but you can also custom create your unique, exclusive piece for a symbolic token of your holiday in Milan.
Address: Via Solferino, 3, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Website: alessandracamillamilano.com